Epcot’s 30th Pins Preview

WDWNT on July 16, 2012

Epcot turns the big three-oh later this fall and I can not wait to see how Disney plans to celebrate. Well, we all know how they plan to celebrate… MERCHANDISE! Maybe we will have a commemorative vinyl? What we do know is there will be pins. Over at Once Upon a Pin you can see the latest previews from last Friday’s WDW Trade Night. There was a ton of buzz surrounding the Epcot stuff.

First and foremost, this retro lanyard. There will also be a 10 pin mystery box series featuring Figment.

See the entire preview at OnceUponAPin.com and hear all about it later this week on the Once Upon a Pin podcast.

Vampire Goofy and Werewolf Pluto

WDWNT on July 16, 2012

Today the vinylmation blog posted the second set in the Spooky Series. Last year’s Frankenstein Mickey and Minnie are followed up this year by a Vampire Goofy and Werewolf Pluto. Because of the 1 we saw on the set last year, we knew there was more coming, and this set is amazing. First off the neck and the cape! Then, the artwork and designs are just perfect. This set will be in Disney Stores on August 20th and will cost $26.95.

What do you think of it? Will you get it?

Frankenweenie Vinyl(mation?) at Comic Con

WDWNT on July 16, 2012

Has Tim Burton changed the face of Vinylmation? At Comic Con, guests will be able to purchase an LE 1000 Disney vinyl collectible for $40 based on his upcoming movie Frankenweenie.

Represented is Sparky-Saurus, Victor’s dog in the movie. The interesting thing about this is by all accounts, they are calling this a “Vinylmation.” Most articles and press releases use the word Vinylmation either in the title of what this is or the article/description itself. Sure we have seen a ton of different molds by now, but this would be a complete departure… a figure that comes on a vinyl display stand and background. We contacted Disney and I guess time will tell (once we see the packaging) if this is a true Vinylmation and therefore a sign of things to come. I wouldn’t mind seeing “sets” packaged as Vinylmation. Such as a Park Starz 3 pack with a vinyl ride vehicle. How about Brer Bear, Fox and Rabbit with a model of Splash Mountain to place behind them?

Comic Con Boy & Girl Online Now

WDWNT on July 16, 2012

Purchase the Comic Con Boy and Girl combo no superpowers (or Comic Con ticket) needed. Just stop by the Disney Store where they unexpectedly popped up for purchase.

We were told non-attendees would have to wait at least a day, but that does not seem to be the case. Just a couple quick notes… The set is designed by Eric Caszatt. The LE on Disney Store says “LE 1000”, the VM Events page says “LE 2000”. Not sure which is correct or if this means only 1000 are available at Disney Store Online and 1000 via QR code at Comic Con. Also, you need to type in “Comic Con” into the search at the Disney Store website. A “Vinylmation” search did not show this set.

History of: Art of Animation, Disneyland

WDWNT on July 16, 2012

The Art of Animation opened at Disneyland on May 28, 1960 and lasted until September 5, 1966. It sat in the building to the right of the entrance into the Circarama theater. Before the Art of Animation moved in, this building was home to the Satellite View of America. But by the end of the ’50s, the novelty of looking at Earth from space had worn off and audiences had all but disappeared.

The Art of Animation, was a B-ticket exhibit promoting Disney’s own movies. Inside the room, the perimeter was lined with displays showing how animated movies were made. Adjacent to the exhibit were bins of cels… everything from “Alice In Wonderland” to “Peter Pan”, “Sleeping Beauty”, numerous TV programs and shorts, etc…. that guest could purchase for just a few dollars each.

The 9″ Park 9 Vinylmation has a replica of the poster that promoted this exhibit.

It’s a perfect representation with Mickey drawn on the center front, Thumper on the ear and Bongo on the back.

Overall it seems like a relatively simply (but spot on) nod to a seemingly forgetful Disneyland attraction. But maybe this place inspired future animators and designers? In that case we do owe it a bit of gratitude? Do you have a special memory of the this short lived attraction?

The 9″ Park 9 Art of Animation Poster figure will be released on July 13 as an LE 550 for $44.95.

Sources
http://disneygeeek.tumblr.com/
http://blackwingdiaries.blogspot.com

More Star Wars 2!!

WDWNT on July 16, 2012

The Star Wars 2 Set of 11! Thanks to Evilos for the pic.

Evilos tweeted this pictures he found on Facebook fromthe San Diego Comic Con. Check out the Star Wars 2 series! I see an X-Wing pilot. What can you see?

Oh, and then the specially boxed Help Me Obi-wan Hologram Leia. Awesome!!!

Under the Big Top Explained

WDWNT on July 16, 2012

Under the Big Top Explained
Release Date: July 21 at Costa Mesa Disney Store. July 23 Nationwide Disney Stores
Price: TBA
Details: 12 figure mystery box set based on circus figures. There is an artist signing with Gerald Mendez at the Costa Mesa Disney Store on July 21 from 10:30 – 1:30. There will also be special events and activities at the event. Some interesting fine print for the event. If you purchase a full tray of this set, then you get a gold ticket, good for up to 7 signatures. If you buy 3-8 boxes, then you get a silver ticket, which gets you up to 3 signatures. While supplies last.

 Bearded Lady

A cross between a nice lady and a werewolf, this lucky gal has a crazy cool face follicles.
Gymnast

Similar to the Philharmagic Donald, the vinyl is upside. The hair in the feet doesn’t work quite as well as similar designs in the past, but it’s still fun and creative.

Mime

Not much use of the ears, but a great expression on his face. Although I don’t think I’ve ever seen a pudgy one.

Scary Clown

If you follow the podcast you’ll know that lots of people are scared of clowns. This one is not going to help that. Perfect for those of us who might be getting a little too much sleep at night.
Snake Charmer

Not really a North America type, I do like the accessory flute! And I like that the feet are actually the basket the cobra is coming out of.
Strong Man

Check out that accessory. It’s gotta be the heaviest one yet! The sweat is a nice added touch.
Tattooed Man

At first I thought this was a Hairy Man, but that didn’t really seem all that special. On second look, he’s covered with tattoos. Let’s hope for some easter eggs.
Fire Eater

Love the accessory (I always do). Looks great.
Ring Master

Great mustache. And Hat.
Monkey

Reminds me of Abu. Another nice accessory!

Fortune Teller

Great us of artist technique to show the table and crystal ball in front of the vinyl.
Mystery Chaser

Click on image to reveal chaser.

Stranger Tides Figures Rise Up

WDWNT on July 16, 2012

Thanks to Vinylmation Kingdom and Vinylmation Exchange, we see those Pirates of the Caribbean On Stranger Tides vinyls we have been waiting for. These were on display at Comic Con.

Two words… Peg Leg! Jack looks great. Lots of pirate hats.
Several people have mentioned this is Pirates Series 2. As far as we know, this was the four piece set that we saw last year (before we saw the John Carter set) and was going to be released as a Open Box series. The artwork for this set looked like this…
We talked more about it in September in this post:
Pirates Movie Vinylmation On Deck

Possible Comic-Con Freebie Variant?

WDWNT on July 16, 2012

You might have seen this picture from a earlier post, but look below the Star Wars 2 set. What are those? They look like vinylmation! They are green and white and black. The colors sorta make them seem like Kermits wearing Mickey Ears.

We got the answer from Thomas Scott in a tweet today. He posted the above picture.
It looks like these will be a green variant of the Theme Park Favorite Classic Fan. Below is the Red version.

What do you think?