Viking Invasion; A Closer Look at Denmark Exclusives
Michael Knak sent us these great pictures of the Copenhagen, Denmark Exclusive 9″ and 3″ Vinylmation figures.
Now here’s the 3″ figure. Copenhagen sure loves their Vikings!
Apricot Lane Opens at Downtown Disney
From the Disney Parks Blog:
Fashionistas of all ages will have a hot new shopping spot at Downtown Disney as Apricot Lane Boutique opens its doors today. The stylish store will offer one-of-a-kind gifts, trendy accessories and all the latest fashions for moms and daughters. My soon to be 13-year-old already has it on her radar for a birthday shopping spree. Good thing the collections are affordable.
Apricot Lane carries a nice mix of celebrity-inspired brands – the kind you would usually find at upscale department stores or fancy shops – including Miss Me, Lucky Brand, Vintage Havana and Chaser. It will be the go to place for fun and unusual trinkets and gifts, while also offering punk rock t-shirts, contemporary sportswear, chic dresses, plus handbags and jewelry for the perfect night out.
The boutique recently opened a location at Downtown Disney in Disneyland Resort in Anaheim with huge fanfare. It will be great for visitors to Orlando and for locals who want to avoid the mall.
Disney Shows Its Super-Powers with Marvel at the 2011 D23 Expo
MARVEL MAKES INAUGURAL APPEARANCE AT DISNEY’S D23 EXPO!
NEW YORK, NY –August 11, 2011 – Marvel is coming to Anaheim this year to make its historic debut at D23, the ultimate Disney fan event, and we’re pulling out all the stops!
On Sunday, August 21, at 10:15 a.m. in the Arena, join us for Marvel: The House of Ideas, an exclusive and unprecedented experience that will take you through the evolution of Marvel from its first comic book in 1939 to its current position as one of the most important creative forces in the world. During this presentation, which will include interactive Q&A segments, you will not only get an inside glimpse of the history of Marvel and its iconic Super Heroes but also discover why Marvel truly is the House of Ideas. This session will be hosted by Joe Quesada, Marvel’s Chief Creative Officer and one of the most respected and sought-after writers and artists in the entertainment industry.
“We’re thrilled to be a part of the one-of-a-kind show that is Disney’s D23,” said Quesada. “Whether attendees are new to the world of Marvel or longtime fans, they’re going to love what we’ve planned for them!”
Also, be sure not to miss Marvel’s own President of Production Kevin Feige as he joins some of the top names in film on Saturday, August 20 at 10:30 a.m. at the Walt Disney Studios panel to discuss Marvel Studios’ plans for 2012, including the hotly anticipated Marvel’s The Avengers!
Disney Shows Its Super-Powers with Marvel at the 2011 D23 Expo
MARVEL MAKES INAUGURAL APPEARANCE AT DISNEY’S D23 EXPO!
NEW YORK, NY –August 11, 2011 – Marvel is coming to Anaheim this year to make its historic debut at D23, the ultimate Disney fan event, and we’re pulling out all the stops!
On Sunday, August 21, at 10:15 a.m. in the Arena, join us for Marvel: The House of Ideas, an exclusive and unprecedented experience that will take you through the evolution of Marvel from its first comic book in 1939 to its current position as one of the most important creative forces in the world. During this presentation, which will include interactive Q&A segments, you will not only get an inside glimpse of the history of Marvel and its iconic Super Heroes but also discover why Marvel truly is the House of Ideas. This session will be hosted by Joe Quesada, Marvel’s Chief Creative Officer and one of the most respected and sought-after writers and artists in the entertainment industry.
“We’re thrilled to be a part of the one-of-a-kind show that is Disney’s D23,” said Quesada. “Whether attendees are new to the world of Marvel or longtime fans, they’re going to love what we’ve planned for them!”
Also, be sure not to miss Marvel’s own President of Production Kevin Feige as he joins some of the top names in film on Saturday, August 20 at 10:30 a.m. at the Walt Disney Studios panel to discuss Marvel Studios’ plans for 2012, including the hotly anticipated Marvel’s The Avengers!
Kermit will be back online soon
Disney informed us today that they have taken some of the D-Street stores stock of 9″ Muppets 2 3-D Kermits and are going to open them up for release on the online store. The online store had sold out of the Kermits on the day they were released. The new online release for the extra Kermits is August 19th, the same day as the Gonzo and Camilla 9″/3″ is released.
Spotlight On: Vinylmation Custom Artist Heather
Hope you are enjoying Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! At the last Walt Disney World trading event we meet Heather Kattelman from Fleming Island, Florida. She was displaying a couple very impressive custom 9″ Vinylmation she had created. One was Star Wars themed, the other a TRONorail. We caught up with her recently and asked her all about them.
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Destination Vinylmation: How long have you been creating custom vinylmation?
Heather: I’ve only been creating custom Vinylmations on and off for about 9 months. My kids got me interested in it last year during the Vinylmation trading event of Trade City.
DV: Do you do other artwork, or just Vinylmation?
Heather: Really just vinylmation. I sort of play around here and there with other types of painting but only when I need to for an interior design project or something like that.
DV: Tell us about the inspiration behind the Star Wars figure.
Heather: My entire family are Star Wars fans and I was thinking about starting a new custom and mentioned to my husband that I was thinking about doing a Star Wars themed piece. We both thought it would cool to do something that I could take with us and have signed by the celebrities at Star Wars Weekends! From attending previous years, I knew there was always a main SW Logo for the event and felt that would be awesome to include on the vinyl somewhere and of course having the SW Logo was only fitting!
DV: It is perfect, and lots of room left around it for autographs. Tell us about the process of making the custom?
Heather: First, I draw out the concept on paper to gauge the scale and placement.
DV: Then do you pencil it onto the vinyl?
Heather: Usually when I paint the artwork on the vinyl, I just go right to painting. Occasionally for extremely detailed areas, like parts of Darth Vadar & Mickey I lightly pencil portions of the design on first.
DV: What is your favorite part about your Star Wars custom?
Heather: Wow, this is a tough one! I love the way the front came out with Vadar and Mickey but the back with the X-Wing I especially like! This was a last minute decision to add the fighters – I originally planned to paint another character on the back but changed my mind at the last minute. I’m really glad I did, it’s my favorite part!
DV: It is incredibly detailed and very different from anything we have seen. Let’s talk about the TRONorail figure. How long did it take to design and complete this one?
Heather: The Tron Monorail took me about 30 hours.
DV: The paint job and colors look perfect, how much trial and error was there in picking the perfect paints and getting it to look right on the vinylmation?
Heather: THANKS! I have a lot of pictures of the monorail and let’s just say that I think I have every color of blue, green, teal paint that is made! I also had to do a fair amount of mixing to find the perfect shade on at least 3 of the colors – none of the “off-the-shelf” ones matched the way I wanted.
DV: What was the hardest part about either of these?
Heather: The hardest part of both vinylmations was the lettering of the logos – I hate “writing” letters! I’m such a perfectionist that this is a very tedious process.
DV: The hard work certainly paid off. Now are these customs for sale or for you own personal collection?
Heather: Yes – Any of my customs can be purchased. Currently I have the “TRONorail” available on eBay. I also can be contacted directly at HKattelman@gmail.com or through Facebook at facebook.com/HKattelman
DV: Do you take custom orders?
Heather: I sure do! I’m happy to do custom work for people that’s either something I’ve already completed that they’ve seen and would like one of their own or a unique figure that I create based on their requests.
DV: Where can people see your work?
Heather: You can find photos of some of my figures here.
DV: What customs are next for you?
Heather: I have a couple that are in the works: “Transformers”, “Iron Man” and possibly “Captain America” – Do you see a theme here? LOL 🙂 But first I am currently doing a Darth Maul – Phantom Menace 9″ that I’m really excited about!
DV: We can’t wait to see those. But before we go… What is your favorite figure from Disney’s Star Wars set?
Heather: Oh, that’s such a hard choice – they’re all awesome! If I had to pick one it would have to be Vadar!
DV: And how about Disney’s TRON set?
Heather: I love the way ZUSE came out!
Black and White Explained
Artist: Sarah Matthews
Release Date: August 12th D-Streets and Online
Sold As: Set of 6
Price: $99.95
LE: 2000
Release Date: August 12th D-Streets and Online
Sold As: Set of 6
Price: $99.95
LE: 2000
Update: 8/11/11 Disney announced the release date for this set. It will be tomorrow, August 12th at D-Streets and Online. Here’s a look at the box it comes in. It reminds me of chocolates.
Update: 8/10/11 Chris sent us this picture. Black and White is on display at D-Street. Now we have a good look at all 6.
Update: 8/5/11 We can see blurry and blocked pieces of some of the other figures in this set.
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| Copyright Disney |
Here’s what we know about this set so far. It’s a 6 piece set, that will go on sale for $99.95 (like Steam Park). There will only be 2000 of these made. The artist is Sarah Matthews.
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Black Flowers Looking like a two tonded spirlgraph picture, the Black Flowers are on a white background. |
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White Ivy
White Ivy is on a black background. I really think this one is cool. So far it’s the only one I’d get, except they come in a set. |
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Hearts of a String
Pretty. |
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Popcorn
Striped bag, lots of kernels flying. Ok, it’s not perfect, but that’s what it reminds me off. |
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Bird and Flower
This bird has been taking a bite of a flower. Do birds eat flowers?? |
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Birdhouse in your Soul
Lots of fun images here. I really like how the birds and this quote create the “eyes” on the head. |
The Technology Behind New Fantasyland
From Jennifer Fickley-Baker on the Disney Parks Blog:
Who’s up for another inside look at the construction of the New Fantasyland?
In the video below, Walt Disney Imagineering takes you onto the construction site to learn more about the innovative technology the Imagineers are using to build the new attractions, restaurants and other guest areas that will make up the expansion.
As you’ll see, this visualization technology allows the team to identify any potential challenges before construction begins. Tablet computers also allow Imagineers to take the program onsite to see how work is progressing.
If you look closely enough at the video, you’ll catch some pretty unique views inside Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid and the Be Our Guest Restaurant.
The Lion King Vinylmation Explained
Lion King
Release Date: August 21 at D23 Expo; August 29 at Disney Stores
Disney Store Exclusive
Retail: TBA
Released to theaters on June 15, 1994 by Walt Disney Pictures, The Lion King is the 32nd film in the Walt Disney Animated Classics. The Lion King will be released on Blu Ray on October 4th, 2011 and hit theaters once again for two weeks beginning September 16th… this time in 3D.
“First impression… this set is amazing. The detail on the figures blows me away. Rafiki stands out as my favorite. I’m a little disappointed in Zazu, but can’t place it. I will say I’m a bit disappointed in character selection, but only because I would have liked to see maybe some Lion King landscapes, or other (non main character) animals, or movie scenes. Lion King is a vibrant movie, and that is captured on the characters here, but I would have like the envelope pushed farther. Here is where I get controversial… two Hyenas here? either give us all three or none. Because as much as like New Mold, the Villains 1 Banzai doesn’t fit here. Now that you guys changed my mind this is Banzai here and not Ed, that means the chaser most likely is Ed. They wouldn’t give us 2 Hyenas, with one we already have in Villains 1, and not all 3… or would they? Just one more thing… lots of tails???” – Nick
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Mufasa
Voiced by James Earl Jones King of Pridelands and Simba’s father. Beautiful colors and great use of the entire mold to give Mufasa a strong presence. I do not agree with the angry roar version depicted here. I think of Mufasa more as a stoic and wise leader. I would have liked to see a friendlier looking version. |
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Young Nala
Voiced by Niketa Calame Simba’s best friend and later mate. A nice clean and simple look. |
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Young Simba
Voiced by Johnathan Taylor Thomas Zoe called this one! She calls him “I just can’t wait to be king Simba”. It’s young Simba with the leaves all around his head before he grows up and gets his mane. Great looking figure. I might be blasted for this, but this young Simba looks 20x better than the Animation 1 Combo Topper. |
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Baby Simba
Voiced by N/A Simply a brilliant choice. Didn’t expect this one. Thank Zoe for helping figure this one out. He looks perturbed at being shown off around the Pridelands and comes complete with the markings Rafiki put on his little head. |
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Timon
Voiced by Nathan Lane This guy and Pumba make this set great. The artist took the fun route with these guys, not just giving you the character, but designing a representation of classic movie scenes. Look at the animation in his mouth as it raises up and back. Perfect.Also, I like the small detail like the light brown color coming down onto the hand uneven, not a straight line at the cuff. |
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Pumbaa
Voiced by Ernie Sabella Awesome! Simply a great capture. Look how big his face is. Takes up the whole figure. That’s where the artists excel in this set… using the head for the upper part of the face and extending it down into the body. Then the colors and detail on the bug as well. |
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Zazu
Voiced by Rowan Atkinson Why does this one just miss for me? And no mold cracks please. They eyes and body color are captured well. I would argue that the feet need to be an orange as opposed to yellow. Maybe he needs a neck piece? Maybe, like Cruella, he needs to be painted inside the body and not fill out the body? Maybe a profile would have worked better. Big question… Sam the Eagle like tail on back? |
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Rafiki
Voiced by Robert Guillaume Best figure in set hands down. Wow! Good job Disney artists. The accessory really puts him over the top. Great facial expression, coloring and placement of art. |
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Scar
Voiced by Jeremy Irons Very similar to Mufasa in style, they are brothers, but Scar of course has the more menacing and dark look to him. Again, his features are perfectly captured on the mold. Pairing a roaring Scar with a roaring Mufasa does make sense. |
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Shenzi
Voiced by Whoopi Goldberg One of Scar’s three henchmen hyenas. This one looks good. The tuft of hair on the head. The menacing smile. Nicely done. |
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Ed Banzai
Voiced by Cheech Marin One of Scar’s three henchmen hyenas. Thanks for all you comments changing my mind. I thought this was a total miss as ED, because I couldn’t believe they would put another Banzai in a set after Villains 1… but they did. I’ll say, this one looks better. |
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Mystery Chaser
What are your guesses? Sarabi? Timon in hula skirt? Ed? |
Packaging photos (darn you Disney for making me keep more empty boxes!!!):
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| Copyright Disney |
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| Copyright Disney |
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| Copyright Disney |
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| Copyright Disney |
The California Zephyr Departs For Western Pacific Railroad Museum
From Betsy Sanchez on the Disney Parks Blog:
I’m excited to share with you a very special donation that we recently made to Western Pacific Railroad Museum in Portola, California.
As part of the expansion of Disney California Adventure park, the main entrance is changing and the cab of the California Zephyr train that most recently served as the location for Bur-r-Bank Ice Cream and Baker’s Field Bakery has been donated to the museum.
The train and related artifacts arrived at their new home August 6 and will become part of the museum’s Zephyr Project collection. Plans for a gallery dedicated to sharing the legacy of the California Zephyr are underway.
Visitors to the museum will learn about the history of the famous 1950s passenger train through the donated artifacts, while the recreated locomotive will offer the chance to experience what it was like for engineers to guide the stainless steel Zephyr trains through California’s Feather River canyon.
Fun Facts:
- The cab once operated as a real locomotive.
- It is an authentic rendition of the Western Pacific Railroad – one of the three railroads that operated the California Zephyr between Chicago and San Francisco from 1949 to 1970.
- It wears the same number as the last locomotive to lead a westbound California Zephyr into Oakland, Calif. on March 20, 1970.
- The California Zephyr is one of the most celebrated “name trains” of the 1950s and 60s.
Check out the video below to watch as the Zephyr begins to make its way to its new home.
