Merchandise – Page 255 – WDWNT Archive

New Kidada 9/3 Combo Pictures Leaked

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

Vinylnation.net found this image as a hidden placeholder page on the UK DisneyStore.com website. It looks like this may be a UK exclusive.

It is called 9″ Ice Cream Sundae with 3″ Chocolate bar. Also, Bethan on the Vinylnation.net forums found some additional info and pictures. It is LE 1500 and retails for 50 pounds, or about $80.

It looks fantastic and continues Kidada’s sweets theme. What do you think? Now, this figure does not match up with the tease we saw at D23:

Win a Windy City Chicago Vinylmation from Disney Store

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

On the Buzz, The official Disney Store blog, they are holding a contest for a 3″ Windy City Chicago Vinylmation. It appears the post went up early as the contest starts at Midnight on September 19th… but you can check out the link to the blog here. You just have to answer a few simple questions, the answers to which can be found on our site… maybe under the “Released” tab… maybe under Villains. Good luck!

Check out Minnie Malice’s article on the Chicago release here.

Spotlight On: Customation Project Artist Celeste

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

Leading up the Cesar’s event in Santa Clarita, CA this weekend, Destination Vinylmation will feature each of the custom artists and talk to them about some of the figures they will be bringing to the event.

Today we will start with one of our personal favorites, Celeste. We have reviewed several of her pieces, the most noted of which is her 9″ Animal piece (still superior over the 9″ piece that was part of Muppets 2). She was a bit mysterious about the pieces she will be bringing to the event, but wanted to let this picture slip out.
I don’t know what she’s going for here, but it looks epic.

We asked Celeste some questions, and here is what she said.

Destination Vinylmation: As a reminder, can you tell our fans how long you’ve been making custom vinyl?
Celeste: I’ve been creating Vinylmation for about a year now and it’s still going on strong. Every new piece is a challenge and I love every minute of it. Having the opportunity to share my work is a great thing and I cherish the support and encouragement people have given me.

DV: We really love your pieces, which ones will you be bringing to the event?
Celeste: Well I don’t to give too much away, most of the pieces are never before seen customs that I created for the show so you have to come and check it out personally, of course I will have the pics of the customs posted after the show for those who couldn’t attend. So all I can show is a teaser of one. (See above pic) They actually are floating and are a small piece to the a big whole.

DV: Those both scare and intrigue me. Where can fans find more of your stuff?
Celeste: Of course you can check out my work at my site at celestecustomvinylmations.blogspot.com or Facebook at Celeste Custom Vinylmations.

DV: Well thanks for your time and I hope you enjoy this weekend’s show!

Well there ya go, a bit spooky, and very mysterious, Celeste. Go to the show this weekend and see what she (and all the artists) are all about.

What’s in Orlando’s Disney Store?

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

Our good friend Chris tweeted up this picture and also let us know how the Vinylmation was in Orlando's Disney Store.

First up, Pop Vinyl 2 is available there. Lots of new figures. But this begs the question, "How long is their contract, and will they stop now that Park Starz is coming?"

Chris also reports that vinyl trading now at the store! They also have plenty of Vinylmation series to buy, Animation, Muppets, Urban 7, Cutesters Like You, Cutesters 2, Cars 2, and Spooky 1.

Thanks or the update Chris!

UPDATED: Disney Store Online Seeks Solution to LEs

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

Update: 9/23/11 Looks like I was quick to hope for an actual solution to the problems associated with the sale of LE items. Here is the Disney Store’s response to the Designer Princes problem:

Dear Disney Store Guests:

As you may be aware, our new limited edition Disney Princess Designer Doll Collection has generated a good deal of excitement. While many of you love the new dolls, you have also expressed frustration in securing your favorite Princess, and brought to our attention ways we could make the process fair for all Guests. We want you to know that we read your comments on Facebook, saw your Tweets, and our wonderful Cast Members have told us what they heard from our Guests who visited our Stores.

Quantities of these dolls are very limited, and we realize that not everyone will be able to get the doll of their choice even with a new process in place. Our aim is to increase the possibility of our Guests to obtain the dolls that they are seeking. Therefore we have updated our release plans as follows:

• We will now release for sale all 5 remaining Disney Princess Designer Dolls: Tiana, Jasmine, Rapunzel, Sleeping Beauty and Pocahontas on one date in Stores on 10/17/11.

• We will then have a Disneystore.com release of all 5 remaining Disney Princess Designer Dolls (Tiana, Jasmine, Rapunzel, Sleeping Beauty and Pocahontas) the following day on 10/18/11, at a time to be determined.

• We will be limiting the purchase to one doll per Princess, per Purchasing Guest – both in-store and at Disneystore.com

• We will implement a line queue and ticketing procedure (first come, first served) in Stores on the release date and the dolls will be sold at store opening.

• Guests that are not successful in obtaining the Princess Doll of their choice at the Stores will be able to try again later at Disneystore.com

We thank you for your continued support and loyalty. We hope you have a Magical day.

(DV’s original article from 9/19)

Lets be honest for a minute. Each one of us may have ended up on the wrong side of a “Disney Store system malfunction” before. And it is not fun. But the true test of a customer satisfaction policy is, “what do you do to correct the problem?” Disney has always been better than most in that department. This is not to dismiss mistakes, but it needs to be pointed out. We are all familiar with the various Disney Afternoon and 9″ villains debacles. Well today, the Snow White LE designer princess doll was released at Disney Stores and at the Disney Store Online. And by all accounts, it was another mess. Sold out online in less than 10 minutes. Oversold to customers. Lines at Disney Stores with very little stock. And even the report from Tampa that mall employees were given the tickets reserving a doll early in the morning before guests had the chance to access them.

The Sold Out Designer Princess

The Disney Store issues are more difficult to solve. There is only so much product and lines cant be stopped. But procedures need to be policed to enforce purchase limits and fairness of distribution.

As far as online, Disney has acknowledged a problem after the Vinylmation issues, and a fix was supposed to be put in place. But after this morning, we see that the same issues are occurring. Namely, overselling a LE product.

The good news? Disney Store President Jim Fielding made a public apology on the Disney Store Blog. He said, ” We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience, and recognize that this did not meet the high quality guest service that our Guests have come to expect from Disney Store.” Jim also went onto say that they are going to delay the next LE doll release explaining they will, “reevaluate our process to ensure that all guests have a fair opportunity to purchase these highly coveted dolls.”

Check out the Buzz at blog.disneystore.com

I wish they took it this seriously after the first or second or third LE Vinylmation problem, but it is nice to see a public admission of a problem and a dedication to a solution. I would think its an overall look at how LE sales are computed online and would positively affect Vinylmation as well. Jim pledges an update by Friday, September 23.

2011 Benefit Sale at Downtown Disney, WDW

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

Update: 11/1/11 Link to purchase tickets for a $5 donation: www.benefitsale.com. If you are looking to go for Vinylmation, please note that all Vinylmation will ONLY be sold at World of Disney. It also looks as if there will only be 25% off Vinylmation. Here is a report from Claudia:
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“FYI—-I was at Downtown Disney in Orlando today, and spoke to the Manager at the Pin Trader Store regarding the United Way Benefit Sale this Saturday Nov 5. The Store Manager informed me that the sale for Vinylmations will only be at 25% off and you CANNOT use any other discount (no Annual Pass or Cast Member Discount). I asked the Mgr about specific Vinylmations that would be on sale, and his reply was as followed: “Most VInylmations will be discounted with a a ‘few’ exceptions.” The Mgr did state they would have lots of DOORBUSTER SALES, and a few surprises, but the maximum discount on Vinylmations would be 25% off.”

The second annual Benefit Sale returns to the Downtown Disney Walt Disney World on Saturday, November 5, 2011. The Benefit Sale is a one day shopping event benefits the Heart of Florida United Way and gives guests the chance to purchase items at incredible savings.

As of today, 9/23, the website isn’t revealing any of the deals, ~~but we do know, from a flyer given out at the AP sale over the summer, we can expect 75% off select Vinylmation.~~ They have catagories such as “Door Busters”, “Gifts With Purchase”, “Buy One Get One”, “Percent Off” and “Product Launches.”

This is a ticketed event. Last year it was a $5 donation. We will let you know when the link goes live to purchase your Benefit Sale Voucher online directly from the United Way.

NYC: The Junior Apple? Exclusive Jr Vinylmation

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

Update: 9/27/11 Disney says the surprise release of these Jr Keychains was very popular and that more shipments are on the way. We also updated some pictures below.

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The Playwright always has his finger on the pulse of the NYC Times Square Disney Store. They have just put an unannounced release on the shelves. Jr versions of some of their exclusive 3″ styles. They retail for $9.95 a piece and are limited to 5 per style per guest.

I Mickey Head NY and Statue of Minnie Keychain Jr Vinylmation

Statue of Minnie

Back of packaging

I think these look really good and will sell very, very well to tourists passing through the Times Square Store as little NYC themed Disney souvenirs. What a great product in terms of marketing.

London Exclusives Now Online in UK

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

We have a ton of international readers that will enjoy this news. Our friends over at Vinylmation World found out that the London Bus and London Taxi, both 9″ exclusives at the Oxford St. Disney Store, are now available at the Disney Store Online UK.

Link to London Bus

Link to London Taxi

For those state side collectors thinking they could now have access to these UK gems, think again. The Disney Store UK does not currently ship to the US… no matter how much you offer them for shipping. Collectors in the UK shouldn’t hesitate to pick up the double-decker bus. I have one and it is a spectacular figure. I did not get the taxi as I was a bit underwhelmed by the design.

Spotlight On: Custom Pumpkin Carver Gyophry

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

This Spotlight is a little out of the ordinary for us. Normally, we bring you custom Vinylmation artists from around the world. But recently, we were contacted by one of our listeners Gyophry showing us his unique Disney-themed works of art. So, with Halloween right around the corner, today we will feature Gyophry’s pumpkin carvings.

Destination Vinylmation: How long have you been carving these great designs into pumpkins?

Gyophry: I have been carving custom pumpkins for about 4 years now. I began with the typical real ones but realized after carving for 6 hours plus I should switch to fake carveable ones.

DV: Your work really appeals to our audience because of the use of Disney themes.

Gyophry: This year I decided to show my love for Disney and for Vinylmation. After visiting Disneyland earlier this year, I fell in love with the World of Color. I realized this would make a beautiful pumpkin.

I then did a version of the 2011″Happy Halloween” collectible pin. I have a “Nightmare” one as well. This was a request from my wife that turned out better than I expected.

But as I was doing these while listening to your podcast, I wanted to thank you guys for providing my family and myself hours of entertainment and information. So I have done a “Destination Vinylmation” pumpkin.

This is a dual sided one with a projectable “!” Vinylmation on one side and the DV banner on the other.

DV: Besides Disney, what else do you enjoy carving into pumpkins?

Gyophry: I have done many video game related ones including a Bioshock (big daddy),

a Sephiroth (final fantasy), Master chief (halo) and a dual sided Marcus phoenix/crimson omen (gears of war).

DV: We have all carved pumpkins before and it can be a long, tedious process. Your designs have a ton of detail, how long does the average pumpkin carve take you?

Gyophry: These designs can range from 3-20 hours for the entire process. I begin by creating a pattern, placing it on the pumpkin, then the carving. I do only use a very limited amount of tools, all are done by hand. I don’t use a dremmel like some carvers. I prefer a fine line carving, similar to tattoos.

DV: Like our custom Vinylmation artists, you do sell and ship your work, right?

Gyophry: I do custom commissions for people, they can range from $40-$100 depending on the size of the pumpkin. If anyone would like to find out more I am on Twitter @gyophry. I will be creating an etsy account soon to display all of these designs.

DV: Just remember everyone, they are the fake pumpkins. So they can last year after year. It’s a really great idea and we appreciate you sharing your work with everyone.

Gyophry: I am thankful to you both for giving me a chance to show my work.

The Customation Project Wrap Up

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

Congratulations to Cesar and all the artists involved in The Customation Project. It was an event held in California on September 24 showcasing the talents of custom Vinylmation artists. We would like to share some pictures and a video from the event. The full photo album, and believe me, you MUST see it, can be viewed here.