Two New Merchandise Locations Opening At Downtown Disney

WDWNT on March 7, 2011

From the Disney Parks Blog:

Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort

Do you enjoy shopping at the Downtown Disney District in Anaheim? Here are two more reasons to visit: Sanuk, a footwear store, and BLINK, a denim apparel shop. These retail locations are coming to Downtown Disney this spring.

Sanuk’s new flagship location will offer the largest selection of products available outside of the company’s online store, including flip flops, surf sandals and other innovative beach footwear, such as their signature yoga mat flip-flops.

Sanuk first joined Downtown Disney in 2010 – that pop-up was the company’s first retail store. Its success paved the way for the new, larger space.

Did you know the Sanuk name comes from the Thai word for fun?

Also coming to Downtown Disney this spring is BLINK, a denim-focused pop-up concept owned by Wet Seal. BLINK features the latest trends in denim, with an assortment of fashion tops and accessories.

At BLINK, “Denim Experts” will be available to offer service and product knowledge about dozens of styles from various fashion brands.

Sanuk will be replacing Basin which closed in January and BLINK will be replacing Anne Geddes which closed this past week.

Disney Junior: Live on Stage Debuts!

WDWNT on March 7, 2011

Disney Junior: Live on Stage recently debuted at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and WDWNT Reporter Banks Lee was on the scene to provide a video of the updated show:

Disney Junior: Live On Stage – 3/2/11 from WDWNTube on Vimeo.

If you’re wondering what changes were made between this show and Playhouse Disney: Live on Stage, they were few and far between. The inclusion of the new “Jake and the Neverland Pirates” portion replaces the “My Friends Tigger and Pooh” segment. The remainder of the show is identical.

Can You Smell What the Disney is Cooking?

WDWNT on March 7, 2011

Update: 3/7/11 11:30 PM A Pin collection that resembles this series (but isn’t called Bakery) surfaced. See farther down this post for analysis.
Update: 3/7/11 We enjoyed drawing up the mock versions of the two Mouse cupcakes, that we wanted to try another. This is the only other one we are positive about.

“Cheshire Cupcake”
Artistic Assumption
-M.C.

2/8/11 While searching around the videos on the Disney Vinylmation event page we ran across another interesting reveal (if you’ve been following us, you’ll know that this is not the first reveal from those videos found this week). Once again, thanks to @KevinVinyl24 for suggesting we take a second, closer look at them.

Announcing the:

“Mickey Cupcake”
Artistic Assumption
-M.C.		 “Minnie Cupcake”
Artistic Assumption
-M.C.

On the left is the poster we are basing everything on. It looks like the Bakery series will be a combination of styles from the Juniors 2 series and the Cupcake from Cutesters 1.
The design seems to represent an ice cream swirl or cupcake with a swirl of frosting on top.
The coloring is based on each character’s iconic clothing. So far it looks like we have Mickey, Minnie, Cheshire Cat, Tinkerbell, Daisy, and Genie… (remember these are all huge, huge, huge, assumptions.)

To the right is what these vinylmations might look like in real life. (The photo is from fancyfriendscakes.com.)

So far, we know nothing else about this series. No artist, no size, no number, no release date. Heck, we barely know what to put in this blog! So look for more info on these in the upcoming month? year?
Update: 3/7/11 We’d like to thank alert reader Purdy who left a comment that lead us to a picture of a new pin set that is coming out on 3/10/11. While not called “Bakery” (it’s called Character Cupcakes) the series shows us characters as cupcakes. There are slight design changes (like the placement of Mickey’s buttons) but it’s another good starting point for imagining what this vinylmation series might look like!

“I think it’s an interesting set, but I’m starting to get over the use of the main Disney characters to make sets. I have the Big Eyes, I don’t need them again, just looking like cupcakes this time.” -M.C.

“Yum! I’ll scoop these up right away. I always enjoy artistic representations of Disney characters and themes on Park merchandise. These are a bit Cutesterish to me… but I like the idea. I’d love to see a Jr.’s 2 series but on a more detailed and artistic 3″ scale. But in the mean time… I’ll save room (on my shelf) for these desserts” -Nick

Does this look like a set will want to add to your collection? Do you think the poster represents other characters? Let us know with a comment!

Video still from Vinylmation.com
Edible cupcake pic from fancyfriendscakes.com
Chacter Cupcake Pin pic from Disney Pin Trading

Occupations Vinylmation Price and Jrs Update

WDWNT on March 5, 2011

A couple of updates to the Occupations Series.

First, the price: $16.95

Second: The Jrs have keychains on them.

Third: We got a Red Light Jr, which means that the Red and Blue lights don’t come together, and thus either the Blue or the Red is a Jr. Variant (the first EVER Jr variant)

For more info check out Occupations Explained

Check Out The Pilot for “Taylor and the WhatNot”

WDWNT on March 5, 2011

As we said a long time ago, we were working on a few concepts for original programming for WDWNTube. Well, one new concept has finally gotten around to filming! Please watch this pilot episode of “Taylor and the WhatNot” and let us know what you think via Facebook, Twitter, or email. Enjoy the show:

On a complete side-note, the Hollywood Studios logo you see in the video is a new backdrop for characters across from the Sorcerer’s Hat. There, now this is newsworthy…

An Exclusive Look At Buena Vista Street

WDWNT on March 5, 2011

We were able to get our hands on several very detailed blueprints that overlook the Buena Vista Street expansion that is currently under construction at Disney California Adventure. Construction has already begun on the first half of Buena Vista Street (Carthay Circle) and is slated to be completed in 2012.

Starting off at the park entrance, the new turnstiles will be themed to the Pan-Pacific Theater similar to what is at Disney’s Hollywood Studios over in Orlando. The path on the left is a mystery to me as nothing was there before so my assumption is that it will be used by Cast Members. The esplanade is unchanged.

Read More about An Exclusive Look At Buena Vista Street

EPCOT Vinylmation Concept Art Released

WDWNT on March 4, 2011

Disney’s Vinylmation Facebook page hit another milestone, 8200 fans. And as predicted, 1982 being the year EPCOT opened, we saw the release of some special EPCOT Vinylmation Concept Art. No indication if these are 3″ or 9″. No release dates or edition sizes either. Just some fun teases to keep an eye out for. Maybe around Project Florida in September?

EPCOT 2000
Artist: Thomas Scott
Release Date: Unknown
LE: Unknown

Love it or hate it, the EPCOT ball had a wand attached to it for 8 years. This figure celebrates the occasion. In the picture, it says “EPCOT” above the ball, however, when the wand was originally put in place in 1999, it said “2000” as on the Vinylmation.

Kitchen Kabaret
Artist: Maria Clapsis
Release Date: Unknown
LE: Unknown

Kitchen Kabaret was a 13 minute show at the Land Pavilion in EPCOT featuring animatronic food. It was an opening day attraction and lasted until 1994. This broccoli character was in a Latin music band toward the end of the show and shook maracas while yelling “cha cha cha!” This Vinylmation even has him in his signature colorful sleeves.


Living with the Land
Artist: Caley Hicks
Release Date: Unknown
LE: Unknown

Living with the Land has been around since EPCOT opened it’s doors on October 1st, 1982. It celebrates how people can use the Earth’s resources in a responsible manner. It also informs guests on steps Disney takes to produce food for its guests. The colors of this Vinylmation match the mood and colors of the Land Pavilion. It’s also great to see another piece from up and coming Vinylmation artist Caley Hicks who designed the Flag series.

What do you think of these EPCOT Vinylmation?

Renamed “HP Field House” Opens at ESPN Wide World of Sports

WDWNT on March 3, 2011

Disney and HP executives were joined by sports celebrities and ESPN personalities March 3, 2011 at ESPN Wide World of Sports for the dedication ceremony for the newly named “HP Field House.” Joining in the ceremony: (L-R): Gary Elliott, vice president of Brand Marketing for HP, U.S. Women’s Soccer legend Mia Hamm, Mickey Mouse, Ken Potrock, senior vice president of Disney Sports Enterprises, and Jason Witten, NFL All-Pro tight end for the Dallas Cowboys. The HP Field House is a 165,000-square-foot, multi-sport venue, which debuted in 1997 when the Disney sports complex opened. With the new HP partnership, the facility is outfitted with HP technology including HP TouchSmart 9300 Elite Business PCs.

The computer systems are located at kiosks throughout the venue and allow coaches, athletes and spectators to access sporting event highlights, updates, current weather information, dining options, event information and more. Another cornerstone of the HP Field House is the HP Photo Creation Center, where athletes and fans can create and download event images and print them in a variety of customized ways, including large-scale posters, banners and photo cards. (Gene Duncan, photographer)