Changes Coming to Disney Online Store; Vinylmation Purchase Limits & More

WDWNT on July 7, 2011

Disney today has posted some new, official Disney Store Online purchase limits for Limited Edition Vinylmation products. This announcement comes 1 week after Disney’s Presidential Customer Service department called me about an online survey I filled out about my online ordering experience. On the tails of Goof Troop and other debacles, I’m sure they have received many such negative survey results and have had to place many of these calls and emails. The customer service rep did seem genuinely interested in all I had to say about release times, fake sell outs and yes, purchase limits. When I asked what would be done, she told me that a HUGE change to the Disney Store Online will occur on July 18th. She said it will improve inventory control, the way we find items and the way we check out. 

As far as this announcement, here are the purchase limit details direct from the Disney Vinylmation Blog:

  • For limited edition, 9-inch Vinylmation figures – A purchase limit of two (2) figures per order will be applied.
  • For limited release or open edition, 3-inch or 1.5-inch Vinylmation figures – A purchase limit of two (2) trays per order. If ordering individual units, there is a purchase limit of eight (8) individual units per order.
  • For limited edition sets (such as the two-figure Disney Afternoon sets or 6 piece Steam Park set) – Order limits will apply in order to ensure more Guests get the opportunity to purchase the product and will vary by set. See individual product pages for details.
*Please note that we reserve the right to make modifications to these purchase policies. If a modification is made, we will communicate the change in advance of release.

“We want to ensure that you have an enjoyable shopping experience whether you are shopping on-line, at Disney Parks or in a Disney Store. Thank you for your patience and understanding, and we apologize for any frustrations you may have experienced.” -Disney

What are your thoughts on these changes?

Steam Park Arrives at D-Street Tomorrow

WDWNT on July 7, 2011

Disney Steampunk inspired Steam Park set will be available at both D-Streets Friday morning. The 6 figures set, designed by Mike Sullivan (Star Wars) will retail for $99.95 and be limited to 1000 sets. They will be up on the Online Store on July 22nd. Chris was at D-Street and sent us some pictures of the display.

Steam Park set on display at D-Street Orlando
Let’s take a closer look at some of the figures:
A Hidden Mickey!
What time is it? One thing I know about Disney… nothing is random.
Does anyone know the significance of 10:10am/pm?
The face of evil peeking out.
For more on Steam Park, including the amazing packaging, check out our Steam Park Explained page.

Pirates of the Caribbean Review

WDWNT on July 6, 2011

Pirates of the Caribbean was released on Friday, July 1. It’s the first in what seems to be a line of attraction based Vinylmation sets. Here is my take on this much anticipated set.

At first glance, this series is about head wear! 5 different hat styles in this set.

Looking good guys! But what’s under caps? A well detailed, designed and produced set of figures. They have a distinctness to them that really captures the character of the ride. The character selection is just a little off, but we will get to that later. One of my favorite figures is the hook pirate. His face is very animated. A lot of sharp facial features and a great looking beard. The hook hand is a nice touch, and for me, a welcomed addition to Vinylmation. Casey did a great job with colors in this series as a whole and they kept the colors true in the production phase.

Another treasure in this set is the pig. Nice job by artist Casey Jones to think outside the human characters and include this happy fellow into the set. The mud has a cool glossy effect. Sitting against the matte finish of the figure, it really stands out. Same with the dirt on the Dirty Foot Pirate.

The shipwrecks in this set? Three skeletons. Don’t get me wrong, they are all done well. They are more detailed than the Park 5 POTC Pirate. I especially enjoy the guy with the jewels around his neck, but I don’t need three skeletons in one set.

Can’t talk about this set without mentioning that it’s on the new mold. First impression is they look different, sure, but not bad. Many of you call me an advocate of the new mold. It’s not like that. But it’s what Disney is giving us and it’s not enough for me to be turned off from Vinylmation. So I said I want to give it a chance with a couple series. POTC is the third series designed on new mold. First was Sea Creatures. Hard to judge. They are odd designs in and of themselves. Next we had Cutesters Like You. Biggest problems I’ve heard with this set is poor production quality. And I would agree. They looked a little cheaper than previous Vinylmation. The paint jobs were also generally poor. Scuffs, smudges and and an unfinished look was common with these. But the Pirates series has turned the tide. The paint job and quality is much improved from the first two new mold efforts.

Disney said that one effect, and reason to change to new mold, would be to better apply the design onto the figure. Have more complicated designs. Tighter lines. Better wrapping. Not counting any shape issues with the new mold, I think they succeeded in giving us amazing looking designs. Now how about that shape?

Let’s go top down. I love the solid, stand up shape of the ears. I like the roundness of the top of the head. I’m with you guys on the “chipmunk” cheeks. It stands out on some characters, especially from the profile. That is the worse part about this mold. As for the body, sure I wouldn’t mind buttons, and the body is a little stocky, but overall, I don’t mind it. And I like the way the new feet are styled. Some people don’t like less definition between the feet, but i think it works and showcases better design features.

Overall, a great looking set that has a lot of character to it. The faces are drawn so well. Perfect color pallet chosen. And the hats really top it all off. I like the inclusion of Jack Sparrow, but only because he was added tot he attraction and Casey modeled him after one of his poses in the attraction. New mold, don’t care. These look fantastic in person

Star Wars Vinylmation: The Adventure Continues…

WDWNT on July 6, 2011

Very exciting news for Star Wars fans this week on Vinylnation.net. Star Wars 2, an Open Window Set, and possibly some new figures as early as this Fall. First off, when asked if Rex, the droid from Star Tours, will be included in Star Wars Series 2, Donald Ferro, Vinylmation Project Manager, said “We’ll be very pleased around the time of the Florida Project.”

Rex – Star Tours. Copyright StarWars.com

Will we see some Star Tours Vinylmation? Or, in my opinion, better yet a series of Disney Robots? I still think it’s a great idea to put out a Disney Robots set. There are plenty to fill in a set, Also, I would like to get an alternate version of Wall-E that’s at an accessible price point. Remember this EPCOT banner that we first saw on Vinylmation Kingdom?

Wall-E on new mold

I went and checked that out in person the other day. Had to see the Robots and Spaced themed vinyl for myself. On this banner are never before seen Vinylmation (Figment in Space Suit), as well as previously released Vinylmation on the new mold (C-3PO, Tron, Boba Fett).

Vincent from Disney’s “Black Hole”

Next, Star Wars Series 2. No word on characters, but they are planning a 2011 release for this 12 figure Mystery Box set. Will series 2 be focused on secondary characters? Or will some of the main characters make appearances with different clothing?

Now, how about the open window Star Wars Vinylmation? This is different from Series 2 and Donald Ferro said he is “confident” of a Summer 2011 release. Possibly before Celebration VI (the Star Wars fan fest held in Orlando August 23-26 2011). So what will be in these? I have two thoughts:

1. Clone Wars Vinylmation

I for one really enjoy this animated series. I just watched much of the Clone Wars marathon on Cartoon Network on the 4th of July. I’m a fan of the style of characters and the universe has great characters. Not to mention that Disney has been heavily pushing the Clone Wars series. At Star Wars Weekend the past two years, Clone Wars heavily influenced the characters, merchandise, guest appearances, and signage. Also, Series 5 of Disney’s line of toys that feature Disney Characters as Star Wars characters will be Clone Wars themed.

Display at Star Wars Weekends 2011

This set is due out this Fall. I really like these figures and have been collecting them since series 1 a few years back. And these characters lead me nicely into…

2. Disney Characters as Star Wars Characters Vinylmation

I would be a big fan of these too. As I said, I already collect the action figures they make in this series.

Small part of my collection

It’s a combo of two of my favorite things, and issuing these as open window makes a lot of sense. Remember, Open Window doesn’t have to be 12 figures. They can do 6 or 8. So, those are my ideas for the Open Window… what do you think?

One last thing… More Star Wars Series 1 will hit shelves this Summer or Fall. Donald said they planned for it to be around for a year or so like many of the series, but demand far outpaced production. They decided not to up the rate of production, hence the periods of no Star Wars cases in D-Street.

Vinylmation For a Cause

WDWNT on July 3, 2011

Update: The vinyl sold for $500.00!!! Congrats to Don, Evilos, and everyone who bid!

Christopher Avalos (aka Evilos) has donated a custom 9 inch Winnie the Pooh Vinylmation to help raise funds for Charlie Greenman, a little boy who will be 11 months old tomorrow. About 12 hours after Charlie was born he began having seizures and an MRI revealed that he had suffered an in-utero stroke affecting the right side of his brain. Charlie will be having surgery on August 1, 2011 and to help with the cost of the surgery, as well as future treatments, a few friends of Charlie’s parents have started an auction on facebook. Please go to the page Help Charlie Heal and bid on this item as well as other wonderful items donated by friends and family. The auction will end tonight, July 3rd, at 11:59pm CST. To read more about Charlie visit http://www.charliesfund.blogspot.com/

“I’m thankful I could use my artistic abilities to help Charlie in this time of need, It shows you that Vinylmation can be used to help others also, not just for collecting or turning a profit. Last year I donated some customs to the Vinylmation & Pin Expo in Florida which helped raise $1200 for a local childrens charity. I have two small children of my own, so I can understand how painful this must be to have a child that is sick or hurt. As an artist, I would like my own legacy to be how many positive things ive done for others using my talents, I think thats my true calling for being here and I thank everyone for the support”

Christopher Avalos

Pirates Vinylmation Invade the Magic Kingdom

WDWNT on July 3, 2011

It was a beautiful summer day at the Magic Kingdom… until the Pirates attacked! Luckily, I was there and armed with my camera. The first 12 are taken at the POTC attraction, but then, having been out to sea a very long time, they decided to check out the rest of the park. And these pictures here are just the start. As always, there are variant pictures and more on our Facebook Page.

For some reason, Jack Sparrow thought this a good place to hide

Pirates Release and Casey Jones Signing

WDWNT on July 1, 2011

Today was release day for Pirates of the Caribbean Vinylmation in Orlando and California. At D-Street in Florida, it was also a special release party with artist Casey Jones.

Casey signed POTC figures for fans
The weather was bad, but the line still long to see Casey Jones. This picture was taken just before 1pm. The line curled around posts and Disney had umbrellas up to keep out the rain.
Disney had a Pirate Band entertain the audience
When the weather turned nasty, we crowded inside D-Street
POTC cut outs decorated the store
Casey Jones inside signing
POTC artist Casey Jones
Jack looks on as Casey signs another
Noah’s Pirate. Wristbands were handed out earlier in the day for the Limited Editions.
Robert Lee designed one-of-a-kind Pirate
Disney said the one-of-a-kinds sold well. Only a few left standing at the 1pm signing.

Did you brave the weather to meet Casey or grab an LE Pirate? Let us hear your experience from today.

Next Wave of Villains to Invade Disney Stores in Fall

WDWNT on July 1, 2011

Photo from FanPop.com

According to reports by both the Playwright in NYC and Stitch’s Kingdom, Disney Villains Series 2 is on track to hit Disney Stores this Fall. Stitch’s Kingdom also reports 3 figures from the set:

Copyright Disney
Shere Kahn


The Jungle Book

He is one of my favorite Villains. With Kaa in Series 1, I’d be excited to have Shere Kahn in the follow up. Of course we need to have a tail, but will we see accessory whiskers soon?
Copyright Disney
Evil Queen


Snow White

Disney gave us the old women version in Series 1, this version could be an all time favorite if design well. One of Disney’s most iconic Villains needs to be handled with care. A crown accessory on top, would be magnificent.
Copyright Disney
Runaway Brain Mickey


Runaway Brain

Ya, this is the rumor. We are not sure why Disney would repeat a character like this. We will see if this holds true.

Those are what we hear is in the set… What do you want to see? Here are a couple of my wants for Series 2.

Copyright Disney
Hades


Hercules

Oh, they can design an amazing Hades. Lot of character in this bad guy. 
Copyright Disney
Charles Muntz


Up

Maybe I’m just clamoring for Up characters, but Charles was a mean baddie and deserves his due in this set. They can even do a young/old variant.
Copyright Disney
Bowler Hat Guy


Meet The Robinsons

Disney, if you don’t give me some Meet the Robinson characters soon I’m going to explode! Here is the perfect start… a Bowler Hat Guy in the Villains series. 

Vinylmation are working on their roar!

WDWNT on June 30, 2011

Today Disney announced that their will be a vinylmation Lion King set. In an unprecedented announcement, Disney told us not only that the Lion King set will be a 12 piece blind box set, but that it will be a Disney Store Exclusive and it will be released on August 29nd 2011! They also emphasized Mufasa!


There are plenty of characters, but they have already done a young Simba (he was the combo topper from Animation 1) and Banzai (from Villains 1). Who would you like to be in the set? Rafiki? ect….

Also, would you feel obligated to go out and find the Young Simba and Banzai to add to your Lion King set?? WOuld you want a second one of each to you could display them with the original sets and the Lion King set at the same time? (That’s what I do with the Little Green Men from Park 2!!)
Let us know…

The Lion King Logo pic is from vinylmation.com