Park Starz Series 1 Will Not Be Reorded

It is funny at time what information Disney chooses to share and what they do not. Recently, they posted an update of sorts on Park Starz Series 1.

File this under the “going, going, gone” category.  We recently learned that Vinylmation Park Starz Series 1 is almost gone.  There is a few weeks’ supply remaining of these limited release mystery tins only at D Street in Downtown Disney West Side in Florida.  Once they are gone, there are no plans to reorder this series.

First of all, I like the fact that they will not reorder series 1 since series 2 has been released. Second, I like the update.

I wish they kept us more informed about the status of series for Vinylmation. I assume the post is meant to help move the product off the shelves and is less about informing the community… but I’ll take it.

Miss Mindy Gives a Peek at her Wonderland D23 Set

Here is a look at the previously released concept art and details:

Wonderland Chess Set
Miss Mindy
Retail: $12,500

With its mix of 32 customized 3″and Jr. Vinylmation figures, all hand-embellished, sculpted & painted, it’s an insane detail feast for your eyes! The Chess Board is laden with solid, extreme-attention-to-detail craftsmanship….. and surprise! There’s a tiny little sculpted Alice watching the game on the side lines, among the various flora, fauna, and crafted elements framing the playing field of these mini marvels… enjoy your trip to Wonderland!

I Bearly Believe This Price Tag!

Vinylmation Exchange has reported and Instagramed a photo of a price tag of $49.95 on the Park 12 Country Bears LE Combo.

The price was reportedly going to be $39.95 and the Disney Parks Merchandise Blog still shows that lower price point as shown in this screen shot:

Disney Officially Announces “Disney Springs”

Well, after we broke the story about Disney Springs a few weeks ago and the rumors aired on nearly every local news outlet in Central Florida, Disney finally officially announced Disney Springs to replace Downtown Disney today:

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., March 12, 2013 – Downtown Disney is undergoing a multi-year transformation, representing the largest expansion in its history. The renamed Disney Springs (as shown in this conceptual model) will double the number of shopping, dining and entertainment experiences, and feature an eclectic and contemporary mix from Disney and other noteworthy brands.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., March 14, 2013 – Walt Disney World Resort today announced the multi-year transformation of Downtown Disney into Disney Springs, a unique destination that will treat guests to significantly more shopping, dining and entertainment amid beautiful open-air promenades, meandering springs and waterfront charm.

Disney Springs will feature an eclectic and contemporary mix from Disney and other noteworthy brands. From boutique shops to unique flagship anchor stores, guests will be able to explore a variety of shopping, dining and entertainment experiences and discover options unlike any other currently available in Central Florida.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., March 12, 2013 – With a flowing spring as a centerpiece, Disney Springs will feature four outdoor neighborhoods including the two shown in an artist’s conceptual rendering. The Town Center (lower portion of the image) will offer one-of-a-kind shopping and dining experiences along a promenade while The Landing (upper portion of the image) will include inspired dining and beautiful waterfront views.

“Disney Springs will be a timeless, vibrant place where Walt Disney World guests and local residents can relax, shop, dine and be entertained in an imaginative setting where they’ll instantly feel at home,” said Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “Featuring distinctive brands, world-class restaurants and unforgettable entertainment, Disney Springs will be brought to life with the same focus on storytelling and attention to detail that goes into our theme parks, resorts and cruise ships, resulting in a welcoming space that only Disney could create.”

Disney Springs will double the number of shops, restaurants and other venues for guests to explore, resulting in more than 150 establishments. In addition, Staggs noted, Central Florida stands to benefit from the expansion with more jobs, tax revenues and business opportunities.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., March 12, 2013 – Along with an eclectic and contemporary mix from Disney and other noteworthy brands, Disney Springs (as shown in this conceptual rendering) will feature a new gateway with a signature water tower and grand entry.

Drawing inspiration from Florida’s waterfront towns and natural beauty, Disney Springs will include four outdoor neighborhoods interconnected by a flowing spring and vibrant lakefront. In addition to a new gateway with a signature water tower and grand entry, the destination will feature:

  • The Town Center, which offers a sophisticated mix of shopping and dining along with a promenade where guests can relax, refresh and reconnect.
  • A colorful and thriving commercial district called The Landing with inspired dining and beautiful waterfront views.
  • The family-friendly Marketplace that will continue to delight guests of all ages by combining new experiences, such as an over-the-water pedestrian causeway, along with classic Disney favorites, including an expanded World of Disney store.
  • A West Side that provides an exuberant atmosphere with lively entertainment, along with a series of new elevated spaces that provide both shade and an overlook to the activity below.

Collectively, these efforts will not only have an impact within Walt Disney World, but will also have an economic ripple effect on Central Florida. The project will create an estimated 1,200 construction jobs and nearly 4,000 operational roles.

Disney will share more details on specific experiences coming to Disney Springs in the future. Construction is slated to begin next month with new areas opening in phases. Disney Springs is expected to be complete in 2016.

Ep. 127 Sonny Eclipse

Ep. 127 Sonny Eclipse

This week we talk about another guest incident at D-Street. We discuss the upcoming Oswald poster art release, WDW trade night and the premier of “Blank: A Vinylmation Love Story.” We learned the Muppets 3 chaser and indulge in a Comic Con Vinylmation Rumor. Recent releases are reviewed and Vinylmation Exchange admins stop by to give you the Top 5 Online Trading Tips.

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Fossil Carnotaurus Park Starz Variant July 26

The fourth and final The Third Park Starz 2 Variant will in fact be a fossil version of the Carnotaurus as many people suspected.

Thanks to Vinylmation Kingdom for uncovering this photo. It will be released on July 26.

Billiards Series Photoshoot

This is an odd one. We decided to take the Billiards Series around to the resorts and place them next to a corresponding number. Don’t ask me why. We just did. too much success, plenty, comfort and ever-increasing leisure? Anyway, they were each taken at a different resort. Some are blatant, and some are more hidden. Can you name them all? If so, comment below. Everyone who makes a comment with at least 5 guesses (doesn’t have to be right) by Midnight EST on July 28, 2013 will be entered in a random drawing for a Vinylmation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tom Corless & Dirk Wallen’s 3/13 WDW Photo Report

Things have been so crazy around here at WDW News Today lately that we’ve had some minor news stories slip through the cracks. In an effort to get you up to speed on some of the stories we haven’t covered on the site lately, here are newsworthy photos from myself and Dirk Wallen taken earlier in March:

Some new “flat” snowglobes for sale

There are some new hot sandwiches in Liberty Square

Most of the arcades at Walt Disney World are replacing their prize counters with one of these

An automated prize machine is a pretty cool concept

The new purchase with purchase item for sale is an expandable duffle

Wriost gift cards are available for the Flower and Garden Festival

Work continues on expanding the Boardwalk Bakery

The arcade next door is gone

The sign is still up and the door still enters the small ESPN shop

The arcade section is covered by a curtain

A few weeks ago, Test Track introduced a new car type guests can choose

Triton’s Treasures behind the Mine Train now has shutters on it

An ADA compliant ramp was installed on the Yankee Trader

Some of the new Haunted Mansion merchandise is for sale in Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe

Picture frame

Hourglass

Coasters

Work continues on installing A Pirate’s Adventure in Adventureland

Work continues on the exterior of the Adventureland Veranda

Rumors indicate that this may finally become a Pirate restaurant in 2014 once the Disney Fairies move out

More tarps on the front of the building

St. Patrick’s Day shirt

Spring Break and graduation merchandise out

Two new Oswald shirts for sale

Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny are in town square

Awwwwww

More Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train construction

Some trees up on the mountain

We can finally see some rock work

In preparation for FastPAss+, a large section of the Pirates of the Caribbean queue has been re-routed

Work continues on the Villas at the Grand Floridian

Thanks for reading!

Episode 130 Wet Paint Donald

Ep. 130 Wet Paint Donald

This week we give a full D23 Expo Vinylmation and Artist Meet and Greet Preview. We also find out news about Popcorns 2, Food & Wine and an update on Reflections of Evil. Matt from Vinylmation Kingdom stops by to talk about customs, scrappers and Walt.

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Joe Hogarty’s 3/21/13 Magic Kingdom Photo Report

Today we welcome WDWNT Reporter Joe Hogarty to the team with his very first photo report! Joe visited the Magic Kingdom to catch Splash Mountain now that it has reopened from refurbishment, but he also got some pictures of progress on the Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train and A Pirate’s Adventure to share with us, so let’s take a look:

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The scariest opening photo of any report ever…

Don’t worry, it’s just a prop for “A Pirate’s Adventure”

Make sure to brush your teeth kids

Jack’s compass

Letter from Sparrow

We suspect this bird (similar to the one from World Showcase Adventure) will talk to guests… is it Cotton’s parrot?

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Something yet to be installed?

This large shell just recently appeared

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Splash Mountain just re-opened from refurbishment and it looks fantastic!

The clothes look brand new

Every animatronic is working flawlessly

Some shrubbery was added around Brer Fox

Oooooo, new lighting…

The store is pretty much unchanged

The blue shirt is new

Otherwise, a lot of the same merchandise

Work continues on Princess Fairytale Hall in Fantasyland

Work also continues on the Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train

The track is almost done!

This side hasn’t changed much

The other side has made some major progress

It looks like this side is finally going to be covered soon

Some new steel near Storybook Circus

The backside is starting to look like a mountain

Triton’s Treasures is also coming along nicely

Chimneys now up on the shop which may open before the Summer

I see a mountain…

It’s nice to finally see rock work

Thanks for your first report Joe!