VIDEO: World Showcase Players Say Goodbye to Epcot After 32 Years

WDWNT on September 30, 2014

The World Showcase Players (under various titles) have existed in Epcot’s World Showcase since 1982, entertaining guests and amking them a part of the show. The group was referred to as the World Showcase Players as they performed in the U.K. and Italy for a number of years, before being reduced to shows only in United Kingdom a few years back. The entertainment group performed for the very last time on September 25th, 2014 and we have video of each show that they performed that day to share with you:

Disneyland Resort Review: Mickey’s Halloween Party 2014

WDWNT on September 30, 2014

Image © Disney

Most the time in life one wouldn’t rave about a “lightly attended” party., but when the party is at Disneyland, that is, like many elements of Mickey’s Halloween Party, worth mentioning. But the light crowd isn’t for lack of trying. In fact it is intentional. So that’s different. And so is the fact that Guests are encouraged to wear costumes to the event, a usually verboten practice.

Mickey’s Halloween Party, which over the years has gone by several different names, is a separately ticketed event where guests can enjoy (not so) scary Halloween fun. There is a “mix-in” period available for Guests who want to arrive a bit early. Once the Day Guests, who don’t have wristbands are… eliminated, you will be chillin’ like a villain.

The California party is a variant of “Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party” held in The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.

The party on Tuesday, September 30 was a sold out event, but it never felt like it. Sure, their were some long-ish lines for some of the photo opportunities and of course, at times for the Haunted Mansion in its Nightmare Before Christmas costume. But overall the capacity for the event I attended seemed set nice and low, making for a really enjoyable evening.

Special lighting and music bump the “creep factor.’

In Ghost Galaxy, no one can hear you scream. A chance to ride Space Mountain in nearly total darkness.

Trick or Treat stations are abundant at the

You can’t swing a cat without hitting a Trick or Treat station at the Mickey’s party.

All Bad-ies; All the time in Town Square. Villain photo opportunities are popular.

“She seems nice.”

Halloween can be a time for mentoring.

I think the first couple “phoned these costumes in.” I mean, what are they supposed to “be?”

Great expectation…

A box of raisins in your candy bag. Photo © Disney

The hit of the night was was the special nighttime show – Halloween Screams: A Villainous Surprise in the Skies – an unwieldily name for an excellent fireworks spectacular.

Your host: Jack Skelington. Seen here as a scary Jack-O-Lantern. Jack and other members of this terrifying troop are projected onto a large helium balloon.

The “globe” is a really effective trick and adds to the very different atmospheres that “Screams” evokes.

All in all, Mickey’s Halloween Party is an excellent experience. The best part being the slight number of Guests – roughly half the “population” of a normal day in the park.

These events are nearly sold out, so if you want to try a different Disneyland Park experience, act now.

Hurry back. Hurry back…

PHOTOS & VIDEO: Astro Orbiter Resumes Flights; New Color Scheme for Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom

WDWNT on September 30, 2014

Over the last few months, there had been some speculation that the new colors adorning Rocket Tower Plaza (home to the Astro Orbiter, Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover, and the Lunching Pad) would spread beyond the center of Tomorrowland and perhaps mean a new color scheme and look for the entire Magic Kingdom realm. Well, with the re-opening of the Astro Orbiter and the Disney Vacation Club booth nearby this past weekend, it seems Tomorrowland is about to get a fresh, bright new look…

Teal, orange, white, and lime-green make-up the new colors on the DVC booth

Astro Orbiter rockets are now predominantly blue, with beige, red, and green accents

These colors will likely extend to other buildings in Tomorrowland later, but are just in the center area for now.

The now-orange elevator shaft that lifts guests to the loading platform for Astro Orbiter

The Astro Orbiter re-opened with not only fresh paint on the rockets, but also a completely reconstructed centrifuge. With the new spinning structure, the rockets angle inward a bit more when you steer upwards, creating a sensation that you may spill out towards the center. The surrounding planets and such on the structure will no longer spin as it was decided the effect was just too unreliable over the years. Many a time, Disney would spend months working on fixing the planets, only for the effect to break a few weeks later. Regardless, we have a video of the updated attraction for you to enjoy:

So, what do you think of the new Astro Orbiter and the new Tomorrowland colors?

Upcoming Vinylmation Spotlight: 2015 Vinylmation Calendar & Eachez

WDWNT on September 30, 2014

from DestinationVinylmation.com

This is part of a series of articles spotlighting the Vinylmation that were previewed at this year’s annual Walt Disney World Pin and Vinylmation trading and merchandise event, “The Imagination Gala.” The event was held at Epcot’s World Showplace from September 5-9, 2014. Today we look at the upcoming 2015 Vinylmation Calendar.

In one of my favorite announcements at the Gala, Thomas Scott showed off a Vinylmation themed calendar. It is cut in the shape of the Mickey Mouse collectible and has some amazing concept artwork on each page drawn expertly by the talented Maria Clapsis. There are 10 new designs and 2 existing designs featured in the calendar. He only gave us a glimpse of a few designs, but it was enough to wet the appetite for more. The calendar is now available

Thomas Scott showing off the front of the 2015 Calendar

June

Front of Calendar

February

March

One other design revealed with no photo is a Star Wars Mickey. But wait, there is more! Some of the calendar designs will also be translated into Eachez Vinylmation released in the corresponding month. We were shown the Eachez that go along with the February and March calendar pages shown above. The big twist on these limited edition Eachez is the fact that Mickey will be the common while Minnie will be the rare figure.

In February 2015, there will be a Valentine’s Day Eachez. The edition size is 2500 overall with Mickey being seeded at 9 in 10 odds (LE 2250) and Minnie at 1 in 10 (LE 250).

In March 2015, there will be a St. Patrick’s Day Eachez. The edition size is 1500 overall with Mickey being seeded at 9 in 10 odds (LE 1350) and Minnie at 1 in 10 (LE 150).

Upcoming Vinylmation Spotlight: Mickey Mouse Cartoon Series

WDWNT on September 30, 2014

from DestinationVinylmation.com

In March 2015, Disney will release a Vinylmation blind box 8 figure series based on the new Mickey Mouse Cartoon shorts. It was designed by Billy Davis.

Mickey from “Croissant de Triomphe”

Mickey from “Yodelberg”

Minnie from “Yodelberg”

Goofy from “No Service”

Daisy from “No Service”

Zombie Goofy from “Ghoul Friend”

Panda from “Panda-monium”

Mystery Chaser

Upcoming Vinylmation Spotlight: Limited Edition Combo Sets

WDWNT on September 30, 2014

from DestinationVinylmation.com

I really enjoy getting vinyl releases that help extend a series, and to an extent, help further tell a story. I loved when we would get a ton of 9 inches and two packs for an Animation series, especially when they were obscure figures that would never see a set of their own, but fit in nicely under the Animation theme. Even the Park series used to get bombarded with releases. For a ton of reasons, these kinds of releases have been highly reduced, for better and for worse.

This is why I got really excited at the Imagination Gala when I saw that we were getting some new releases in already existing series. I think it is so cool when artists like to extend a series, either because they had too many figures that they wanted to make, or maybe they just wanted to revisit a set. Regardless, here are some new limited edition two-packs that you can add to your collection:

Animation 5 – Tarzan & Jane

January 2015
LE 1500
$29.95
Casey Jones

I absolutely love this two-pack. I was wondering if/when we would finally see some Tarzan vinyls. The wait was well worth it. Tarzan looks absolutely fantastic! We got a sneak peak at what could have been a Tarzan vinyl from Animation 1 last year, when a lucky fan pulled him from a trading box at Reflections of Evil. It looks like he was updated for the new platform, but fits perfectly on it. Jane looks amazing too. I love that she’s looking up at the trees, and she has a great use of the Minnie platform here. The matching ears are a great touch as well. This is a must have for me.

(A look at the original prototype Tarzan figure that surfaced last year)

Animation 5 – Lilo & Scrump

November 2014
LE 1500
$29.95
Ron Cohee (he was an animator on the film)

Another great release for this series. We have only gotten Lilo once, in a Hawaiian Disney Store exclusive two-pack. And like Nick said in the podcast, she fits on the platform so nicely, as the characters from this movie were drawn kind of “chubby”. She looks great. As for Scrump, people were saying he should have been a junior, but I think he looks great on the 3 inch platform. These two together make for a wonderful LE release.

Haunted Mansion – Blonde & Medusa

January 2015
LE 1000
$29.95
Casey Jones

Wow, talk about a blast from the past! This is a perfect example of what I mean, revisiting old sets to give them cool additions and make them even more exciting. Casey Jones did the entire original Haunted Mansion set, and here he adds two more figures to a stellar series. These figures are based on the one of the changing paintings that hang in the mansion. As your Doom Buggy passes by a portrait of a blonde women, she turns into Medusa before your eyes.

At LE 1000, I think these will be extremely popular. He was not on hand at the Imagination Gala, but I would love to know what drew him back to this set. I would love to see a series like The Lion King or Beauty and the Beast get a treatment like this.

Classic Collection – Mickey & Goofy

November 2014
LE 2500
$29.95
Natalie Kennedy

This is a very interesting release. Eric Caszatt designed the entire Classic Collection, but here we have Natalie Kennedy adding an extension to this series. This is pretty cool, maybe she liked the set so much she just had to add to it. Anyway, these two guys are from 1934’s Orphan’s Benifit and are a wonderful addition to this amazing series.

The Classic Collection is one of my favorite sets, and I am really looking forward to adding this two-pack to it. Although, I do think the LE is a little high here.

What do you guys think? Do you like this idea of extending series, especially ones that we haven’t heard from in a while? Are there any series in particular you would like to see get additional figures? And of course, will you be picking up any of these? Let us know!!

Vinylmation Spotlight: Mickey and Friends – Pirates of the Caribbean

WDWNT on September 30, 2014

from DestinationVinylmation.com

In my opinion, the Mickey & Friends Haunted Mansion series will go down as one of the top sets of 2014. So when the idea of a Pirates of the Caribbean version of this Reveal/Conceal concept was brought up, I was all in! After all, I am more of a fan of the wildest crew that ever sacked the Spanish Main than the 999 happy haunts. The mansion version was huge win for many reasons. Just increasing the revealed character to 2 instead of 1, made a huge difference in a 5 or 6 figure set. Having a mix Cast Member costumes and attraction characters was a great choice. And handing the Haunted Mansion set to the talented Ron Cohee assured the best looking characters we could possibly have. All that said, Mickey & Friends Pirates of the Caribbean takes a giant leap backward.

Let’s count the ways… First, there is only 1 revealed figure. That is a big mistake for a Vinylmation set. Second, the figures are NOT based on the attraction, but rather the movie franchise. You have a HUGE library of beloved attraction characters! And third, the artwork is really sub par. If this set was in Ron Cohee’s hands, we would have such a different outcome here. Instead, the design duties went to a different artist on the DDG team. They look like a simplified toy version and are probably based on the toys/action figures that have been in the stores for years (which I do love and collect by the way).

Here is a look at the set starting with the Mickey Mouse revealed character and then the 4 concealed characters:

Mickey Mouse as Jack Sparrow

Donald Duck as Will Turner

Minnie Mouse as Elizabeth Swann or Angelica?

Pluto as the Dog with Jail Keys

Stitch as Captain Barbossa

I’ll be honest, I can not definitively tell if Minnie is Elizabeth or Angelica. She seems more like Angelica, but the hair makes me lean toward Elizabeth. Although I think both characters wore a red coat and handled a sword in the movies. I am just very disappointed in this set because I love the concept and the attraction and I think the execution was fumbled. We will see this limited release series released in November at D-Streets for $24.95 per combo blind box. For those not familiar with Reveal/Conceal, each purchase will get you a Mickey that you see and then a blind box attached that contains either Stitch, Minnie, Donald or Pluto all seeded at the same odds.

Upcoming Vinylmation Spotlight: Villainous Duos

WDWNT on September 30, 2014

from DestinationVinylmation.com

Last year at Reflections of Evil, attendees were given the opportunity to vote for who they thought was the “Most Villainous Duo”. Our choices were Si & Am from The Lady and the Tramp, Pain & Panic from Hercules, and Flotsam & Jetsum from The Little Mermaid. After voting was over, we were told that the winner would be turned into a limited edition two-pack, which would be sold at the Imagination Gala the next year. The winner was revealed to be Si & Am, and Maria Clapsis went on to release this set, which was sold to us at the Gala:

At the Gala, it came to be revealed that Si & Am were in fact going to be the first in a brand new series. This new series turned out to be “Villainous Duos”, a line of limited edition two packs featuring famous evil duos throughout the history of Disney films. (It also turns out that it didn’t really matter who we voted for, because all of the characters ended up making the line). We got 4 new reveals from this line at the event, which will start rolling out in November 2014 (November will see the release of set #2, since Si & Am are being considered #1 in the series). Here are the reveals:

# 2 Pain & Panic (Hercules)

November 2014
Maria Clapsis

Here we have Pain & Panic, Hades little minions from Hercules. These guys are going to be the second release in the line. I think both of these figures are exponentially better than the release we got in Villains #4. Although that design did these characters justice, I just love how they look here.

Having them both stare up at the Fate’s eye that is drawn in Panic’s ear is a really cool design that tells a whole story. Pain also looks great on the platform, since he is drawn a little chubbier.

#3 Flotsam & Jetsum (The Little Mermaid)

December 2014
Maria Clapsis

Love Love LOVE how these two look here!! Although I was a big fan of how they looked as the chaser in The Little Mermaid series, I think Maria absolutely blew it out of the water (pun intended) here! The way they kind of wrap around the platform with the sand drawn in between looks great. And I love how the arms that were used for Dory in Pixar #2 are working well here. Finally, thanks so much to Crystal, who posted the following image, justifying while the silhouette of Ariel and Flounder is flipped in the ears here (and effectively proving Nick wrong):

#4 Anastasia and Drizzela (Cinderella)

January 2015
Maria Clapsis

A simple, but effective design for both of these characters. The Minnie platform is a fantastic touch here, since both of these characters love their dresses and bows. And the expressions are priceless here. If you’ve ever tried to have your picture taken with either of these characters at the parks, you know especially how funny they look here. I spoke in an earlier post about how I liked how limited edition releases were being used as extensions to series, and I’m looking at this as an extension to the Cinderella series coming out. We don’t get these characters in that set, but I like how you can kind of “add them in” by picking up this release.

#5 Jafar and Iago (Aladdin)

February 2015
Dave Perelo

I have to say, I think this is the weakest Jafar that we have gotten so far, which ultimately makes this the weakest of the five sets for me. The Villains #1 Jafar chaser, and even the Robots #4 Jafar, look significantly better than the Jafar here. Iago, on the other hand, I think looks great. I love the little touches of blue on the hands and feet that gives him a sense that he’s flying. And the feathers in the ear are perfect. I think this is a good set, just not as strong as the other four we got previewed.

So that’s it, all five “Villainous Duos” sets. Let us know in the comments which one’s are your favorites. And if you picked up Si & Am at the Gala, will you be continuing with this line?

Upcoming Vinylmation Spotlight: Disneyland 60th & D23 Expo 2015

WDWNT on September 30, 2014

from DestinationVinylmation.com

There are two exciting celebrations in Anaheim, CA in 2015. On July 17, Disneyland turns 60 years old. Besides the many exciting entertainment announcements on the horizon , Disney wouldn’t waste an anniversary that ends in 5 or 0 (or 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 or 9) without releasing all kinds of merchandise for us to buy. We have not seen much yet, other than some of the graphics…

But in our little corner of the Disney collectible market, we already have a taste of things to come. We can expect much more, but Thomas Scott showed off a couple special Park Starz Variants that will help celebrate Disneyland’s 60th.

The Disney Design Group has chosen the Haunted Mansion Bride and the Pirates of the Caribbean Skeleton and created them in a silver tone. They also added a diamond to each figure, which is the prominent theme in the merchandise (the previewed pins featured diamonds as well). The Bride will release in August 2015 and the Pirate the following month. I do like the look of these figures and they both represent important attractions in Disneyland history, but I would much rather see original content created for the 60th as opposed to reimagining of figures that have already been done in variant form. The saving news… Park 16 is all Disneyland based.

That said, Park 16 should be a celebration of Disneyland milestones and important events and attractions from throughout all 60 years… but the Disneyland 60th vinyls should be specific to 1955. Casey Jr. Circus Train, Autopia, Rocket to the Moon, Golden Horseshoe and the Stagecoaches should all receive treatment during the 60th. I fear however, we will get reimagined designs and characters dressed up to celebrate the occasion.

Also in 2015, is the D23 Expo. A huge convention held by Disney for Disney fans every other year. It will be held from August 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center. Tickets are on sale now. Each convention, a few Vinylmation are made to be sold at the event’s main merchandise shop. We now have a look at one of those designed for 2015. It is a gorgeous Chernabog Eachez celebrating the 75th anniversary of Fantasia.

I guess I am a hypocrite, because although this is also a reimagined figure (like the Park Starz), I am loving this colorful paint scheme. D23 is always a blast, and having some fun pins and Vinylmation to look forward to is always a great bonus.

It’s hard to predict D23 vinyls since they are normally based on classic Disney animation and not tied much into the event (besides the logo figure). But if we are looking at anniversaries, like Chernabog above, Toy Story (20 years), Cinderella (65 years) and Pinocchio (75 years) are celebrating next year. While Toy Story and Cinderella have had numerous designs over the years (including sets shown at the gala), Pinocchio is under-represented and a special combo pack or Eachez (can anyone say nose accessory?) could be created for the expo.

Upcoming Vinylmation Spotlight: Annual Passholder Mickey Waffle Eachez

WDWNT on September 30, 2014

from DestinationVinylmation.com

The Mickey Waffle is a rite of passage at the Disney Parks. I don’t know what it is, but a waffle just tastes better when it is shaped like Mickey. I assume it has a lot to do with where you are when you are eating one. Most likely you are at a Disney resort and are loading up before a full day of Disney magic. Go ahead, top them however you choose, just a whiff of the batter baking in the food court makes my mouth water. So when Disney unveiled the new Annual Passholder Exclusive Mickey Waffle Eachez, the community got very excited.

Both Walt Disney World and Disneyland will get the same base figure. The difference will be on the back where it will say the resort name. Overall, the figure is limited to 1000 at each park. The base figure will be seeded at 9 in 10 odds making an LE 900.

The design is absolutely brilliant. Think of it as a look straight down onto a Mickey Waffle sitting on a Disney Parks disposable plate. You can see the red rim of the plate and all the character and icon silhouettes that adorn the plate as well! What a great touch. The waffle is covered in syrup.

Mickey Waffle on the current Disney Parks plate

The variant version is seeded 1 in 10 making it a highly desired LE 100 at each park. And it is here, that the variants really diverge not only from the base figure, but from each other as well. The Walt Disney World variant gets covered in chocolate sauce, whipped cream and chocolate chips.

The Disneyland variant has powdered sugar and strawberry.

These wonderful figures were designed by Maria Clapsis and Thomas Scott. We should see these in October for $16.95. A valid Annual Pass must be shown when purchasing these figures at D-Street.

Month: September 2014

VIDEO: World Showcase Players Say Goodbye to Epcot After 32 Years

Disneyland Resort Review: Mickey’s Halloween Party 2014

PHOTOS & VIDEO: Astro Orbiter Resumes Flights; New Color Scheme for Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom

Upcoming Vinylmation Spotlight: 2015 Vinylmation Calendar & Eachez

Upcoming Vinylmation Spotlight: Mickey Mouse Cartoon Series

Upcoming Vinylmation Spotlight: Limited Edition Combo Sets

Animation 5 – Tarzan & Jane

Animation 5 – Lilo & Scrump

Haunted Mansion – Blonde & Medusa

Classic Collection – Mickey & Goofy

Vinylmation Spotlight: Mickey and Friends – Pirates of the Caribbean

Upcoming Vinylmation Spotlight: Villainous Duos

# 2 Pain & Panic (Hercules)

#3 Flotsam & Jetsum (The Little Mermaid)

#4 Anastasia and Drizzela (Cinderella)

#5 Jafar and Iago (Aladdin)

Upcoming Vinylmation Spotlight: Disneyland 60th & D23 Expo 2015

Upcoming Vinylmation Spotlight: Annual Passholder Mickey Waffle Eachez

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