Summer 2013 Tokyo Disneyland Mickey and Minnie

WDWNT on August 27, 2013

Japanese Vinylmation collector @Vinylmati0n shared some photos of a couple new Tokyo Disneyland that will be released on July 1st. They will retail for ¥ 1,200 (about $12.25 USD) each.  No word yet if these will be released in the US.

It looks like they are just based on guests at the park with the summer heat getting the best of them as they have what looks like sweat pouring from their ears while wearing sweat soaked shirts. The accessory sunglasses with the reflection of the castle in them are spectacular. Overall, I enjoy the designs, however I do not like the tee shirts with Mickey and Minnie on them. It is character overkill. I would rather just see a Tokyo Disneyland logo.

Animation 3 Series Photoshoot

WDWNT on August 27, 2013

The characters of the Animation 3 series have been bugging us for months to go to Walt Disney World… who are we to say no? So we gathered them up and took them around the parks for the day.

I think someone got confused about what’s a rose and what isn’t.

Toby, are you sure this is baker street?

Looks like my house is standing. Not like it’ll last long.

In a mine! In a mine! In a mine! In a mine! Where a million diamonds shine!

I need to consult my resources, but i believe that’s a monorail?

I think someone’s watching me.

…with three happy chappys with snappy serapies.

Nw you see me now you…. heeeey.

Why are dalmations fire dogs? Because 101 dogs can put out a fire really fast.

Robin Hood and Little John are running through the forest. Wait, where’s Little John? Disney Design Group, we need your help.

“Meega nala queesta.” Roughly translated “I want to destroy.”

Agent P Mission Marvel Revealed

WDWNT on August 27, 2013

Looks like a photo has leaked of the upcoming Agent P Mission Marvel figure that will be released at Disney Stores on June 24. That date is still rumor, as not confirmed by Disney, but is reported from many Disney Stores. Vinylmation Kingdom was sent and posted this photo:

I love it! Agent P is in his superhero costume and has a “P” on his belt. No hat for Agent P, but by the piece seen between the head and body, he does have a cape attached. The episode, a crossover between Phineas and Ferb and Marvel, is set to air this summer.

Screen shot from the upcoming episode. Photo courtesy Disney
Screen shot from the upcoming episode. Photo courtesy Disney

Also, here is the trailer for the episode… as if you were not excited enough!

New NYC Jobs with Character Jr. Key Chains

WDWNT on August 27, 2013

Disney Store artist Enrique Pita has been a bastion for DS Vinylmation release info since the flow of updates slowed from the company itself. Recently, he Instagramed three new junior key chains he created specifically for the NYC Times Square Disney Store.

The three figures are sold individually. There is NYC Cab Driver Goofy, NYC Policeman Mickey and NYC Fireman Donald! Wow, what amazing detail on these 1.5 inch canvases. They are getting better and better. To actually convey emotion on the faces of these is incredible to me. Here is a photo via Vinylmation Kingdom of each of the figures in the packaging.

Park Starz 2 Variants Update

WDWNT on August 27, 2013

Disney has released info about the first of the four variants for Park Starz 2. It will be a glow in the dark Tower of Terror Bellhop.

He will be released at D-Streets on June 28 for $24.95 and will have an edition size of 2,000. I understand what the artists are going for with the glow in the dark, but I personally think figures like this (and the Haunted Mansion variants) are overkill and bland. They look cool with the lights off, but don’t look appealing when viewing a collection. Don’t get me wrong, the common version of this figure is absolutely amazing, I’m just not a big fan of the all over the body glow in the dark. I like spot uses of it on a figure instead.

Also, Vinylmation Exchange posted a leak about what the other three variants will be. Remember, until Disney confirms it, the following is just rumor. Remember, Disney did give us general release windows, edition sizes and prices for all of these, but a member on VE has named them.

July
POTC Red Head and Skeleton Combo pack (rumor)
Edition Size: 2,000
Retail: $49.95

July
Gus Variant (rumor)
Edition Size: 1,000
Retail: $26.95

August
Carnotaurus Variant (rumor)
Edition Size: 2,000
Retail: $24.95

What could these be? The Red Head and Skeleton combo really stumps me. What is a valid variant of the Red Head? Pre or Post auction? Gus should be a clear version like the Park Starz 1 Bride. And as far as Carnotaurus, a comment made by a visitor to our site months ago may actually come true… a fossil version!

Spotlight On: Jared Flores’ New Customs

WDWNT on August 27, 2013

Today we got an email from Jared about several new customs he’s made. They are AMAZING. Check out all the new things he’s been able to do with Vinylmation.
 
Annemarie eat your heart out! How perfect does this look!
 
Jared has this to say about his new work.
“Lately, I have been trying to outdo myself with my Vinylmation work. These few pieces are an example of this learning process.The Hercules Hydra was sold as part of a private auction, and the rest are all commissioned pieces. All of these pieces are the product of pushing myself past what I have done with Vinylmation before. I am excited about overcoming design challenges to make some really unique versions of some very beloved characters.” – Jared
 

You can find more about Jared at:
jaredcircusbear.tumblr.com
flickr.com/photos/jaredflores/

Disney Artists Assemble a MARVELous Set

WDWNT on August 27, 2013

It seemed like we have been waiting to see this series forever. In truth, I am glad we had to wait. Over the past few years, while we have been enjoying the Disney and Marvel relationship with some eye candy up on the silver screen and various merchandise spread throughout the parks, the Disney Design Group Vinylmation artists have been perfecting their craft. They have been improving their skills and perfecting the production process giving us collectors an overall amazing end product. This is only a glimpse at the artwork for the upcoming Marvel Vinylmation series, but you can already see the love and care that went into it. The wait, at times excruciating, has seemingly paid off. Vinylmation World uncovered the following photos:

The first Marvel Vinylmation series will included:
  • Iron Man
  • Thor
  • Captain America
  • Hulk
  • Black Widow
  • Spider-Man
  • Vision
  • Black Panther
  • Doctor Strange
  • Spider-Woman
  • Nick Fury
  • and a Mystery Chaser

Two quick observations, first, this series seems to be based on the comic books rather than the movies. And second, they shoved all the popular characters from the current movies into this one set instead of spreading them out. Rest assured, we will have a lot to say about this set on the next podcast, and we want you to share your thoughts. Leave your comment here or call 209-28-MOUSE to leave a voicemail that we will play on the next show.

Collector’s Corner: Jay Valles

WDWNT on August 27, 2013

We saw Jay’s work on the internet and knew we had to show it off. Just look at the time and energy Jay put into making this a great display!


DV: How long have you been collecting?
Jay: I’ve been a collector since 2009, my first vinyl was the Little Green Man from Park 2

DV: What’s your favorite Disney Vinylmation in your collection?
Jay: That’s a tough question, if I had to pick just one it would probably have to be my Food & Wine Festival Figure “Tony.”  My best friend and I went together for the F&W Festival and he picked it up for me as a surprise to commemorate our trip.  It is such a great design and holds a lot of memories of the amazing time we had while there.

DV: Who is your favorite Disney Artist?
Jay: When I first started collection my favorite artist was Randy Noble, but I haven’t seen any figures designed by him lately.  Not sure what happened. Right now, it would definitely have to be Gerald Mendez and Ron Cohee.  Gerald puts some great detailing and shadows into all of his figures, and Ron’s use of the ears and the mold as a whole is just remarkable.  Both are truly talented artists.

DV: Nick loves Ron a lot these days. Speaking of artists, do you own any customs?
Jay: None at this time. I might buy one in the near future but right now I just like to look at them especially during the trade events. There are some truly talented designers out there and I often find myself asking how are you not on Disney’s design team?

DV: I agree, there’s great talent out there. What’s your favorite custom?
Jay: I don’t have a specific figure, but I will say that Mark Hoffman has done some incredible pieces! And he has a very unique style. You can just look at one of his figures and know that it’s a design by Mark Hoffman. I think that is an indicator of a great artist, someone who can take something familiar, like a Disney character, and make it their own while still staying true to the essence of what inspired their design.

DV: What is one Vinylmation that you don’t own that you want to own?
Jay: Right now I am really looking for the Killer Whale Disney Cruise Line vinylmation figure. It is a Little Mermaid inspired vinyl and that is my favorite film of all time. Plus it’s a great design with Ariel’s silhouette in the ear, what’s not to like?

DV: I’m sure Zoe is looking for that one too. Back to your work, what inspired your display?
Jay: My display sits over my desk and I wanted something clean looking that didn’t look too cluttered (or like I belong on an episode of Hoarders).  It took me a long time to settle on this specific set up.  I hated trashing the boxes because some of the art work on the boxes is awesome (some leave something to be desired *looking at Animation and Pixar*) and I wanted to keep figures within a set together so I took those two requirements and that is how my display was born.

DV: That’s brilliant, what did you do to make it?
Jay: The shelves and the frames are all from IKEA and the black stands are from The Container Store. I took the 3-tiered figurine shelves they sell there and tossed out the bases and just used the steps. I used Legos to prop up the back rows to the height I wanted.  The shelves are designed to hold up photo frames so they have a lip on the front of them. I used Legos on the front figures to raise them up so they are sitting flush with that lip. It’s a very complex process (not really) but it did take me a while to figure things out.


DV: I enjoy the use of lego! A perfect combo. Any other thing you’d like to say?
Jay: Well again thank you for allowing me to share my collection and I just want to remind everyone to Make Fun, Not War.  That is what hobbies are all about right?  Having fun!  So let’s have fun with it!

DV: Exactly, and everyone, Keep On Collecting!