Haunted Mansion Watch and Figure Review

WDWNT on June 22, 2012

The Haunted Mansion pocket watch and 3″ figure was released last Friday the 13th. Designed by Caley Hicks, this set has an LE of 750 and a retail price of $175.

The set includes a 3″ figure that features the tombstone of Trebor Llewe, a tribute to WED Imagineer Robert Sewell. This tomb can be found inside the graveyard scene.

That is a great photo I found on http://longforgottenhauntedmansion.blogspot.com of the actual tombstone. Bob Sewell joined WED after Disneyland opened in 1955. Sewell was in charge of show installations at the park, and he was head of the Model Shop at WED for most of his years at Disney until his retirement in 1981. (thanks to http://disneydispatch.com for the info)

The head of the Vinylmation portrays one of those pop-up ghost heads inside the graveyard scene that appear above some tombstones.

It is painted with a gritty, glow in the dark paint (same as used on various previous vinyls) that looks terrific in the dark. The ears are clear with some purple paint that match the arms, both of which compliment the figure well.

The back is a simple backside of tombstone and clear head. The clear head allowing light to enter and gives the face a nice bright, light up effect.

Caley Hicks did a wonderful job capturing a Haunted Mansion tombstone for the figure, but for the watch, she chose a different mansion icon to portray.

The face of the grandfather clock was used to make this amazing timepiece.

This clock face awaits guests in the hallway of the Haunted Mansion.

With a push of a button at the top of the watch, the door pops open for a closer look at the clock. Caley designed it with the same pattern found on the original… a 13 in place of the 12 and of course the creepy figures that swing around keeping the time. It is designed with precision and both the figure and watch seem produced with great care. They come securely bubble wrapped and packaged in Styrofoam. Once opened, they can be displayed inside a plastic case.

The watch as a stand it fits upon and the figure has an indentation it sits in. The background is a nicely drawn graveyard scene. A great little addition and a step up from the patters on the cases of the previous watches. I think this watch and figure set transcends the Vinylmation collecting hobby and would surely find a happy place on shelf of a Disney memorabilia or Haunted Mansion collector as well.

April 20th Releases and Signing

WDWNT on June 22, 2012

Much of this info is already known, some of it confirms dates we thought we knew and still more is new to us all.

The Maleficent and Prince Phillip set (LE 1200) will go on sale at D-Streets on April 20th for $74.95.

We also have been reminded about the Thomas Scott signing at D-Street Orlando tomorrow, April 20th, from 5p-7p. The poster seems to confirm the Alice Flowers and Walrus and Carpenter sets will be available to purchase and then for Thomas Scott to sign.

Light Up Chaser Revealed

WDWNT on June 22, 2012

Today, via the Vinylmation Exchange Facebook trading page, the Disney Store 25th Anniversary Light Up chaser was supposedly revealed. It was posted by Angela Vega. Although no official word by Disney about the chaser, we have seen the 11 known figures in this set, so it is safe to assume this is the real chaser. It is a very interesting character choice that in my opinion makes it a great chaser. The character, although off the beaten path a bit, has appeared on a previous Vinylmation design. Click the picture below to reveal the chaser.

Left to “Wonder” About Some Release Dates

WDWNT on June 22, 2012

Disney has just released some contradicting release date news. We were told at the March WDW trading night that the Alice in Wonderland Flowers LE set would be released on April 20th. Then, the official Disney Vinylmation blog posted an April 27th release date on their website (along with the Alice LE Walrus and Carpenter)

However, at D-Street Orlando this week, the display case featuring both Alice LE sets shows an April 20th release date.

So unfortunately, we have conflicting dates here. I tend to lean toward April 20th, and we are trying to find a solid answer for everyone.

Spoiler- Urban 9 Chaser Found

WDWNT on June 22, 2012

The guys over at vinylmationkingdom.com found a picture on the internet that seems to be of the Urban 9 chaser. (Click on the picture above to look at it). According to them Juan Chan found this picture.

We are not sure where this picture came from so it should technically be a “rumor”.

MC thinks it looks like someone took Mickey and squeezed him from the middle and then pulled up a little, The thing everyone is calling a spoon is actually just empty space, with his legs being long and skinny to either side of the gray.

What do you think of the design. Lots of interesting concepts (including a neck!) Does this bring back more artistic designs to Urban, or is it just too weird?

Mickey’s Circus Merchandise Preview

WDWNT on June 22, 2012

Please check out our Mickey’s Circus Explained page for detailed info on this event.

First off, as expected, Vinylmation event will be the last day of Mickey’s Circus… Sunday, September 9th from 9:30am-5:30pm. The event admission is $60 per guest and EPCOT admission is not included but required. Event registration begins on “World Circus Day”, May 19th at Noon EST. Admission to the first two days of the event, which is a pin event, is a separate admission price. No word yet on the FREE portion of the event, but that is usually 3pm and later on Sunday. Some of the highlights include: First opportunity to purchase new Vinylmation (Figures created especially for this event), Vinylmation Trading activities and Games, Silent auction featuring a variety Vinylmation items, Opportunity to trade for specially designed Vinyl for Mickey’s Circus – Vinylmation Showcase, One (1) $15 Gift Card redeemable at Epcot Food and Beverage locations, Artists Signings with Disney Design Group Artists, Limited edition commemorative gift, Plus extra special surprises throughout the event.

Now, here is a first look at the merchandise. (full catalog pdf)

Ring Master Mickey
LE 1500
Artist Ron Cohee
–
Circus Minnie and Goofy combo pack
LE 750
Artist Ron Cohee
So there you have it, only 3 Vinylmation announced for this event. I think that in and of itself is pretty disappointing. The designs however are generally fantastic. I really like the look of the Minnie and Goofy set. Minnie with her headgear and Goofy with his circus outfit. It all looks colorful and well detailed. Although the Mickey looks fantastic, it is just missing that Wow factor for an event vinyl. I do like the way Ron has styled the retro looking faces. I think the proportions on Minnie and Mickey are some of the best we have seen to date on the new mold. I also love the way Goofy’s snout and eyes are drawn. I think it is a big miss not to have other Disney characters in this set. I’ll be breaking the pins down soon and you will see the great variety there as opposed to the vinyl. Let us know your initial thoughts on the offering for Mickey’s Circus and don’t forget, there will be one more figure, most likely kept secret, that is given out at the event. Please, please, please be a Donald.

Unbelievable eBay Auction

WDWNT on June 22, 2012

I need to preface this article with the fact that I am in no way endorsing this listing, but I think it is so absurd, I need to share it with you. Also a thank you to Kevin for showing it to us. A seller from Hawaii has listed what he calls in the item description “The FIRST Disney Vinylmation Ever.” It is a 3″ blank white create your own sealed in a clear plastic bag.

As you can see, it has an official Walt Disney World price sticker and bar code. I did know CYOs were officially the first Vinylmation release but apparently, and I admit I did not know this, the first release of CYOs were not in boxes in the stores, but in clear bags at the November 2008 Festival of the Masters. (If a reader can verify this info, I’d appreciate it)

If that is true, this vinyl, in fact, is part of a first run of Vinylmation released to the public and therefore does hold a special place in Vinylmation history. In my opinion it would also hold a certain value to collectors. Especially if you consider that, most likely, very few guests kept these in the sealed bags. But I wouldn’t think the value is as high as this seller would like it to be.

Starting bid is $5,000! With a buy it now at 10 grand. A bit over zealous in my humble opinion… but I also thought $500+ for a variant was a bit high as well. Do you agree this may in fact be a part of Vinylmation history? What would you pay or trade to add this to your collection? I do not fault the seller for reaching for the stars here. I mean if someone bites, that’s a heck of a return on investment. You may as well give it a try, but I’d be more than shocked if it sells at this price. If you would like to take a look at this listing for yourself, check it out here.

Collector’s Corner: Phil

WDWNT on June 22, 2012

Have your collection featured by sending an email to: DestinationVinylmation@gmial.com

Name: Phil

Collection Count:
3″ = 224
9″ = 12
Jrs = 4
Park Starz = 2
Customs = 1 (3″ safari Mickey made by Josh Edwards)

How long have you been collecting?
I have been collecting officially since November of 2010 but I did not really get into collecting until January of 2011. I first noticed Vinylmation when I made a trip to Disney in July of 2010. I could not understand I started to warm up to the idea a little bit. In November when I went back down to Florida with my girlfriend to visit her parents we went to a Disney store and I saw that they had the Toy story Figures.

I bought a few bloxes and I was hooked. By the end of the year I had every Toy Story figure but Buzz, Woody, and the 9″ vinyls. When January came around I decided to buy my first case of Animation 1’s and I have never turned back. I have 243 total figures now not including any of my traders (close to 100).

What is your favorite figure that you own?
My favorite figure that I own is my Park 2 LGM (little green men). I have always been really big into toy story and especially the aliens.

I have aliens all over my room I could not go without having him. I got him from Ebay for $60 and was very excited. (this was the most I have ever spent on a single vinyl before)

What is your favorite figure that you don’t own?
This is a tough one. There are so many that I really like that I don’t have because I started when they had already been out for 2 years. My favorite 9″ figure is a tie between Sully and Boo and Safari Mickey from Park 1. My favorite 3″ is the watermelon from urban 3. I think it is just a really cool design and have been trying to trade for it for a while now… (If anybody has one please let me know)

Which of these is the best feeling: Pulling a figure you want… from a blind box you just purchased, from a great trade with another collector, from a mystery trading box at the park or from a clear trading box?
I prefer blind boxing by far. While all of the others are great as well, Blind boxing just has that special rush when you go to open the box. On my last trip to Florida I purchased a few Cutesters 2 from my local Disney store (that was all they had and I couldn’t leave without getting anything), and wound up getting the purple bubbles variant. Less than a week later when I was at the Animation 2 release I blind boxed a Park 7 Figment variant at D-street. My collection seems to grow exponentially every trip I take down to Florida. Without any Disney stores closer than 3 hours from where I live my only options for most of the year are trading through Facebook groups/Forums or Disneystore.com, so when I get the chance to go down to the parks or even just downtown Disney I tend to splurge.

Oh No! Villains 2 Invade EPCOT!

WDWNT on June 22, 2012

It all began as a beautiful day at EPCOT. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, the crowds were light. Then, as if out of no where, a dark cloud loomed over Spaceship Earth and an evil villainous laugh echoed over the lagoon. Everywhere I looked, a Disney bad guy was looking for a way to take over Walt Disney World…

Dr. Facilier tried to harness the power of energy to increase his voodoo magic.
The Big Bad Wolf huffed and puffed and began blowing down every house in sight.
Honest John looked for a way to take to the skies.
Captain Hook attempted to commandeer a vessel from The Living Seas.
Shere Khan prowled The Land… poisoning the food supply perhaps?
The Evil Queen checked out her reflection by the Imagination fountain.
Bowler Hat Guy devised an evil plan to take over the monorail…
Then Doris showed up and “improved” his plan.
Runaway Brain would be very dangerous at the controls of a spaceship.
Yzma knows there is power in the pyramids.
Hades learns about the routs of his power.
Mother Gothel thinks the wishing well may be her fountain of youth…
But only a good heart may drink from its waters.

Disney Store Rumors

WDWNT on June 22, 2012

The Playwright sent a few Disney Store Vinylmation related rumors our way today. Check it out, and remember, these are only rumors from one particular Disney Store.

1. Robots 2 will be released at Disney Stores on Friday with a special sale that includes Pop Vinyls. Something like buy a number of vinyls and get a Pop Vinyl for free.

2. Urbans will be back in Disney Stores this month with Urban 9.

3. The first Jrs set being sold at Disney Stores with the Snow White and Seven Dwarf Jrs.