Mobil Mystery Box Trading Shirts

WDWNT on January 9, 2013

With the watering down and even disappearance of the trading boxes at the Disney parks, many collectors are taking action. Once such collector is Jared Plew. He and his family are Walt Disney World Annual Passholders from South Carolina. They enjoy weekend visits to WDW where they trade Vinylmation and would like to enhance the experience by connecting members of the community in a unique way.

Destination Vinylmation: How did you come up with the idea for these Mobil Mystery Box trading shirts?
Jared Plew: A couple of weeks ago my family and I were at the Magic Kingdom and I was hitting all the trading boxes. After a full day in the park I had only found clearance vinyls in the boxes. There had to be people like me in the park who were buying currently active series and trying to complete a set right? I was trying to complete a Classics set but was hesitant to trade them because I knew I wasn’t going to get the same quality vinyl back. I’m sure this has probably been a thought a lot of traders have had. So I tried to come up with a way to let everyone in the park know I was looking to trade. This shirt was my answer. Why not cut out the middle man and make the trades we all really want? Now that I’m learning the trading boxes are going to start to disappear the shirt seems like an even better idea. We need to evolve the way we trade if we are going to keep the in-park trading community strong.

Jared has started a kick starter page to fund the printing, packing and shipping of the shirts: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1195411827/vinylmation-mobile-mystery-box-shirt

A word from Jared off the Kickstarter website:

“Help me fund this project so we can keep Vinylmation trading alive at Disney parks. Wear one of these dapper shirts to let other traders know you’re looking to trade. For a small donation of $15 you can own one of these stylish shirts. I know what you’re thinking ONLY $15? That’s right, only $15. That $15 will go to help pay for printing, packing, and shipping fees. So don’t miss out!  Donate now….and I’ll see you in the parks.”

Jared needs your help to get these shirts made. According to the Kickstarter website, “This project will only be funded if at least $500 is pledged by Saturday Mar 9, 10:12pm EST.”

The minimum donation is $1. However, if you donate $15 you will get your choice of one S, M, L, XL, XXL or XXXL Mobil Mystery Box tee shirt when they get made. Please note, that the way Kickstarter works, is that you will not actually be charged until the project is fully funded.

2013 Easter Bunny Hops to New Release Date

WDWNT on January 9, 2013

The Disney Collections page has posted updated information about the 2013 Easter Bunny figure designed by Billy Davis. Originally set for February 22nd at D-Streets, the date has been changed to March 1st. However, the original February 22nd date should see the online release of the 3″ figure.

But that is not the only update… although the Vinylmation Events page still shows a $14.95 price tag, the Collections page now shows a $16.95 price tag.

New Disney Shorts Vinyl Figures

WDWNT on January 9, 2013

Recently, Vinylmation World uncovered some neat Disney vinyl figures that made their debut in Mexico. The series is called “Disney Shorts” and appears to be an open window Mickey shaped vinyl figure series.

They are limited to 1000 of each figures and are only available in Mexico as of now. You can find out more at the Disney Shorts Facebook page or go read the Vinylmation World article for details about the product.

A Look at Funko Disney Pop! Series 5

WDWNT on January 9, 2013

We can expect the 5th installment of Funko’s line of Disney Pop! vinyl figures in early 2013. The lineup was revealed late last year as follows:

  1. Rocketeer
  2. Baloo
  3. King Louie
  4. Carl
  5. Russell
  6. Jafar
  7. Genie
  8. Princess Jasmine
  9. Alice
  10. Dumbo
  11. Merida
  12. Mary Popins
  13. Mike from Monsters U
  14. Sulley from Monsters U
Vinylmation World has uncovered some photos from a website Gemini Collectibles who actually sells prototypes of the figures for about $125 each. So these are the unfinished prototypes of most of the figures in series 5.

Spotlight On: Aaralyn’s Weird Girl and Steamboat Willie Mickey

WDWNT on January 9, 2013

Two more pieces from custom artist Aaralyn showed up on the internet this week. We spoke to her about her first two gray scale projects. Plus, check out a contest she’s running for the next two days.

“I’ve always said that I love doing commissions because many push my boundaries and help me grow as an artist. My latest two commissions included aspects I have never done before, which was quite exciting.

The first custom is 3″ Weird Girl with a Junior Mr. Whiskers from the movie Frankenweenie, done in the style of Tim Burton. The two figures also include Mr. Whiskers’ psychic gift from the litter box.

Before this commission, I had never painted a custom in gray-scale, or used shading in a custom. This project was also the first time I’ve painted a junior, which was an interesting challenge on the small mold. While this project was very different from my normal style, I enjoyed it immensely and hope to continue to experiment with different styles in the future.

The second commission I have recently completed is a 3″ Steamboat Willie with a sculpted accessory hat also done in gray-scale. The hardest part of this custom was the sculpting of his hat. While I have done quite a few Mickey designs, it was fun to do an older design of the character.

I have also painted a vinylmation pin which features my Lovestruck Mickey design and am giving it away on my Facebook page! The giveaway end Monday, February 11, 2013 at 9 pm CST. Thanks for reading and good luck!

For more information my work:
“Like” my art page on Facebook for customs, giveaways and more at facebook.com/artworksbyaaralyn
Follow my on Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest: @ArtistAaralyn
Visit my website for customs, Disney photography and more at artworksbyaaralyn.com“

Thanks Aaralyn! We look forward to seeing more from your in the future.

Episode 108 Argyle

WDWNT on January 9, 2013

Ep. 108 Argyle

This week we talk about the upcoming Vinylmation High School series. We also discuss Funko Disney Pop! and other Disney vinyl collectibles. We tell you how you can get a Mobil Trading Box tee shirt. And of course have the up to date release and events calendar.

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Ron Cohee The Great and Powerful

WDWNT on January 9, 2013

On March 8th, the Oz: The Great and Powerful Vinylmation sets will be released at both D-Streets and online. What better way to celebrate then to have the artist of the series, Ron Cohee, sign them! He will be at D-Street Orlando from 5-7 on March 8th.

Artist signings are always a great chance to meet and briefly chat with your favorite artists. We have always enjoyed our time at these events, so you should check them out. Even if you aren’t getting a piece signed it is nice to wish the artist thanks for all the joy they bring to us.

See the Rocketeer (and more)

WDWNT on January 9, 2013

Over at funkofunatic.com’s forums we noticed a poster named Capt Hook who had the above picture on several of his posts. It looks like this is the full set of Series 5 (including a 3rd Monsters University figure). They also think these will be out by May 28th.

Which piece do you like the most? Brave looks great. And you can’t look at these without talking about the Rocketeer! What do you think?

Disney Magic at Amway Arena

WDWNT on January 9, 2013

We were sent a photo by our friend Chris of a life size Vinylmation figure inside the Amway Arena in Orlando.

The Amway is the home of the NBA’s Orlando Magic. The artist is unknown. It is hard to tell in this photo, but the figure is about 5 feet tall. It is the same size a the life size mystery chaser figure that is located inside the Art of Disney store at Downtown Disney in Orlando. Here is a photo of the DDT Vinylmation…

Holiday 2 Photoshoot

WDWNT on January 9, 2013

Groundhog Day was not too long ago. Today is Fat Tuesday, the final day of Mardi Gras. We are a few days away from Valentine’s Day. And I suppose St. Patrick’s Day and Easter are not too far away. Why do we care? Because all those holidays are represented in the second Holiday Vinylmation series. We of course took Holiday 2 around Walt Disney World for some photos. Can you tell where they were each taken? There are a coupe very tough ones here.