Jared Flores Previews Upcoming Custom Bug’s Life Series

WDWNT on January 9, 2013

Here is a message from custom Vinylmation artist Jared Flores:

Hello all,
I am currently working a custom series I’d like to let you know about. The blind box series is to be a 13 figure series (containing 1 mystery Chaser) featuring beloved characters from Pixar’s A Bug’s Life. The series will include a range of villains and heroes from Pixar’s 2nd movie. All of the figures are painted to a higher standard than I have ever done before. The level of detail in both the painting and modeling (for some in the set) added many extra hours of work that my normal designs don’t require. I have always had a soft spot for A Bug’s Life and wanted to do it justice, so I made sure to get each character just right.

Currently the series is halfway complete,  but I consistently post updates on my page at jaredcirusbear.tumblr.com, as well as on http://www.facebook.com/groups/VECustoms/ More information about pricing as well as detailed photos will follow as soon as the series is complete in full. I’m having a lot of fun with these characters, and hope you will enjoy the final results.

Thanks- Jared Circusbear
jared_circusbear@yahoo.com

Artist Roman Rodriguez’s Custom Vinyl Giveaway!

WDWNT on January 9, 2013

FREE GIVE AWAY… ENTER NOW!!!!

(above image is NOT the giveaway piece)

For a chance to win a 3” Roman Rodriguez Art Custom One of a kind.

SO HOW DO I WIN???:

1. Visit the Roman Rodriguez Art Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/romanrodriguezart

2. “Like” the page by clicking the Like button at the top right.

3. Comment on this posting that is pinned at the top of the page and saying that you want to enter and win the giveaway. Leave a comment saying what character you would like to win.

4. If you share the post on your wall by clicking the share option below this picture, you will get one additional entry. Please mark the share as PUBLIC at the top of the share popup window so I could see it and count it.

5. People that have bought Vinylmation from me in the past or before March 8th will get one additional entry.

6. On Friday March 15, 2013 at 7PM Eastern Standard Time (EST) I will gather all the comments and shares and using a random number generator I will pick the winner. If I get to 300 likes I will give two Vinylmation away.

Good Luck!!!!!!

Urban Redux Secrets Reveled

WDWNT on January 9, 2013

The wait is over. Urban Redux has been mistakenly released at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Villains in Vogue store before the official March 22 release date. (part of the promotion or mistake?) Some photos and info have been posted on the Vinylmation Exchange Facebook page, posted by Andrew M. Pitts.

First of all, a case has 8 figures. The biggest reveal however, as shown by the packaging above, each figure has a seeding ratio attached to it. This is very common in the vinyl toy world, but the first time we are seeing this in Vinylmation. The Pig, Cowboy, Alien and Ant Farm are each in 1 out of every 6 blind boxes. The Ninja is seeded 5 in every 24 blind boxes. The single mystery chaser is seeded 1 in every 24 blind boxes. So you are not guaranteed a chaser in a sealed case, only one in every three cases will have a chaser.

The other reveal is the Lucky Cat, seen at Mickey’s Circus, is actually a combo topper with a twist. There are three different colors of the cat (Red, Black and White)

Urban Redux is $12.95 per blind box. No word yet on the price of the combo topper. No word yet on the chaser(s). Either the single ? or the triple ???. We discussed the idea of ratios in Vinylmation in an earlier episode of the Destination Vinylmation podcast. I think it is a great idea to shake things up in the Vinylmation world. However, although I think it is fun to see this method applied to an urban themed set, I don’t think I would be willing to see this applied to a park themed set that I would be interested in making sure I want the whole set. Collecting 4 Dapper Dans is one thing… trying to find various ratio figures through the set is another. I would not mind seeing this in a generic, fun Disney character set that is in the vain of that Funko Mini Mystery set that just released.

I’m sure we will be back to update this post as news comes out today.

Park Starz 2 Explained

WDWNT on January 9, 2013

I have said it on the podcast numerous times that Park Starz is the best part of Vinylmation. This second series cements that feeling. Wonderful character selection and wonderful designs. Park Starz 2 will release on May 10th, 2013 at both D-Streets and May 3rd online for $18.95 per blind tin. Here is the 12 figure lineup:
–
Wally Boag
Golden Horseshoe Revue
Disneyland (1955)
Wally Boag starred in the long running Disneyland show and is a perfect fit in this Park Starz set. I’ll be honest, I didn’t recognize him. I thought he may be from Big Thunder Mountain. But when a friend pointed it out, there was no mistaking it. What a nod to Disney Park history.

Carnotaurus

Dinosaur (Countdown to Extinction)

Animal Kingdom (1998)

I wanted a dinosaur in Park Starz, but thought it would look a little different. Wonder character in the face, but I would like to see what it looks like with a rounded head maybe? Great horns, tail and feet. This is one of the attractions that’s always fun, but most enjoyable the very first time you ride.

Tree Troll

Maelstrom

Norway Pavilion Epcot Center (1988)

I was giddy when I saw this little guy previewed at the Epcot 30th D23 event. AMAZING. One of the weirdest but one of my favorite rides at WDW. It’s just so Epcot.

Elephant

Jungle Cruise

Disneyland 1955

An adorable addition to the lineup. This is one of the characters I had on my personal Park Starz short list. Just an iconic animatronic. I love the use of the clear for the spouting water.

Gus

Haunted Mansion

Disneyland (1969)

There can be, and most likely will be, a Haunted Mansion character in the first 999 editions of this series. Can you say clear variant? Overall, I like it. But I will say I expected a better ball and chain from Park Starz.

Mark Twain

The American Adventure

Epcot Center 1982

I put together a list of characters that needed to be in Park Starz form, and this was right at the top. Call me a nerd, but I love the addition of the historical figures into Vinylmation. He is from one of my favorite shows at WDW and looks perfect here.

Orange Bird

Sunshine Tree Terrace

Magic Kingdom (1971)

This is one figure I wanted in Park Starz but didn’t know it. I don’t know why I didn’t think of him as a park character, but he a quintessential one. And how popular is Orange Bird merchandise these days? VERY!

Disc Man

Tapestry of Nations

Epcot (1999)

Unexpected, but awesome addition. These puppets were crazy and the parade is something not many remember or know of. It was only around for about 2 years, but it is wonderful that the DDG dug deep into the parks character archive to include it.

Dutch Girl and Hippo

It’s a Small World

World’s Fair (1964)

If an IASW character with animal combo is a trend that will be in every Park Starz series, I’d be very happy. The Hippo is one of my favorites, and this combo is beautifully done.

 

Red Head

Pirates of the Caribbean

Disneyland (1967)

We finally gots the Red Head… in Vinylmation form anyway. She is done beautifully with a wonderful hat and I bet the color really pops in person.

Rex

Star Tours

Disneyland (1987)

If you are looking to please every category of Disney fan, you might just succeed in this set. Fans have been craving a Rex… a much beloved Disney made Star Wars character. The HD upgrade to Star Tours was needed and is now makes Star Tours one of the most enjoyable experiences at the parks… but Rex was moved out of his starring role. But fear not, he can now be found among the droids in the queue areas at WDW and DLR. This figure is modeled wonderfully after the real droid.

Bellhop

Tower of Terror

MGM Studios (1994)

This was the first figure we got a glimpse of from PS2. There are three attractions where the Cast Members can make or break the experience… Jungle Cruise, Great Movie Ride and Tower of Terror. When you have a creepy Cast Member, the experience is next level. This figure is not based on a true character, but rather the bell hop Cast Members that load you into the elevator. Well done DDG.

 

Animation 3 Combos Release Dates

WDWNT on January 9, 2013

Today Disney revealed some information about two of the Animation 3 LE sets.

First, The Fox and The Hound will be at D-Streets and online on May 10, 2013. There will be a LE of 2,500 and each pack will go for $26.95.

I like the tail on the fox a lot. The side of Copper is great, showing long ears on the arms. Good job Monty Maldovan.

Next up are the Stabbington Brothers from Tangled. The will be released a fortnight later on May 24, 2013 at D-Streets and online. There will only be 1,000 of these bad boys, so catch them while you can.

The artist is Thomas Scott and they will cost you $26.95 for the set. These guys are some rough looking dudes and they come with knives, which is interesting for a Vinylmation.

So, what do you think Disney was thinking with these when they made the Brothers an LE of 1000 and the Fox and Hound an LE of 2500? Is it just that people probably know the Fox and the Hound better?

A Whale of a DCL Vinyl

WDWNT on January 9, 2013

The Disney Collections Blog posted a new Disney Cruise Line Vinylmation. It will be released on May 27, 2013 aboard the Disney Wonder on its Alaskan itinerary. The edition size is only 1,000, was designed by Maria Clapsis and retails for $14.95.

This cute little guy appears to be Spot the Whale from The Little Mermaid cartoon series. He was a killer whale calf whom Ariel adopted and secretly raised in the palace.

The little details like the silhouette of Ariel in the ear on the front and the Hidden Mickey bubble on the rear make this 3″ figure a real gem. Now that you are in the mood, click here to book a DCL Alaska cruise for MC and I and we will pick you up a few.

Park 12 Explained

WDWNT on January 9, 2013

Park 12 Explained
Release Date: June 7, 2013 (online), June 14, 2013 (Parks)
Retail Price: $12.95

Update 06/16/13 A Blue Monorail Variant has surfaced. This photo was posted by Doug Robertson on Vinylmation Exchange.

Update 05/03/13 Disney released turnaround photos of 11 of the figures. We can now assume the chaser is Darla from Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage since we saw 12 figures previewed at Disneyland a few months back and that was the one not previewed online.

Also, we now have a look at the Park 12 combo topper:

It is a Director Mickey. Not as cool as the Disney Studio Store version, but does have a megaphone. What do you think this represents? Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Buena Vista Street? Something else entirely?


Update 03/15/13 We received our first look at Park 12 from a preview at Disneyland’s Trade Night. Thank you to Trade Street USA for the original photos and info. There were 12 figures previewed, so one of the below may be the chaser or combo topper. Disneyland fans should be happy… except for the DCA themed Park 11, there may be more DLR themed figures in this set than any other. 5 that are specific to the west coast resort and 2 shared.

 Dynamite Goat
Big Thunder Mountain, Disneyland
Artist: Sarah Hall

A fan favorite and one of the Imagineer’s all-time classic gags. A wonderful and rendition and sure to be a popular figure. (We still need a Park Starz version)

photo from disboards.com

Darla
(Mystery Chaser?)
Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, Disneyland
Artist: Ron Cohee

Darla is found swimming in the water holding a plastic bag with a doomed fish in it.

photo from orbit tumblr blog

Dinosaur
Animal Kingdom
Artist: Billy Davis

This is a wonderful depiction of a great dark ride. The Carnotaurus roars in the head while the CTX Time Rover drives through on the body. Great detail. BTW, I wouldn’t mind seeing a Dr. Seeker vinyl someday.

photo from Disney

Disneyland Monorail
Disneyland Resort
Artist: Dan Howard

It’s about time right? We have 5 WDW Monorails. I think the monorails look very sleek on the newer Mickey platform.

Monkey
Festival of the Lion King, Animal Kingdom
Artist: Maria Clapsis

Widely regarded as one of the finest shows at WDW. It certainly is a beautiful show, and the trampoline bouncing performers in monkey costumes really steal the show. I like the decision to do a “monkey face” as opposed to human.

Goofy’s Gas
Toontown, Disneyland
Artist: Ron Cohee

A funny gag where fish swim in the tank of the retro gas pumps.

Mariachi Cobre
Mexico Pavilion, Epcot World Showcase
Artist: John Henselmeier

More than this figure alone, it’s the addition of John Henselmeier to the Vinylmation team that has me excited for what is to come. This is a great figure, but knowing John’s love of Epcot, I can’t wait to see what is on the horizon (pun intended).

photo from tucson sentinel

Pooh’s Hunny Hunt
Disneyland
Artist: Billy Davis

The body is the ride vehicle with a Heffalump from the attraction in the head.

Spitting Camel
Aladdin’s Magic Carpets, Magic Kingdom
Artist: Thomas Scott

The camels spit water at guests walking by and riding the Magic Carpets in Adventureland.

photo from DailyDisneyPhotos.com

Vulture
Splash Mountain, WDW/DLR
Artist: Casey Jones

Finally! A Splash figure. The Vutures are the last warning before you ascend the last part of the mountain. This figure represents them well, but to nitpick, I’d love an extension neck.

photo from allears.net

Santa
Winter Sumerland Mini Golf, Walt Disney World
Artist: Thomas Scott

Two 18 hole mini golf courses where you can choose the winter or summer path. Santa on a summer vacation is a focal point of the theme.

Teddi Barra
Country Bear Jamboree, Walt Disney World
Artist: Maria Clapsis

Teddi Barra descends from the ceiling on a giant swing to serenade the crowd.

photo from disney.wikia.com

Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Cards Checklist

WDWNT on January 3, 2013

Download PDF Checklist (full page) updated 3/15/13
Download PDF Checklist (quarter page) updated 3/15/13

Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom is the interactive game guests can play at the Magic Kingdom (details here). We are going to try to keep a comprehensive checklist of the cards available in the game. If you have pictures of cards we do not, or better pictures of ones we do, please send them into us. High quality scans are best, but photos will work too. Please also provide the card number from the bottom left corner in case I can not read it. And let us know exactly where the pictures came from (ie. you took them yourself) If you find it on the net, please note what site you found it at. Email pictures and info to: DestinationVinylmation@gmail.com. Thanks! And good luck out there.

Update: 10/25/13 Photos of the 2013 Halloween and Christmas Party cards were added.

Update: 03/14/13 Check out this home version of SoTMK designed by Adam. He runs the gaming website Eclectic Gamer and sent in a link to his article and rules for his home version called Wizards of the Mystic Fiefdom. It has a simple, easy to learn game play. As well as a style well suited to the SoTMK cards that make it an enjoyable play.

Update: 11/08/12 There is a special card released for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

Update: 09/27/12 There was a special card released for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. (picture in checklist below) Unlike the special Cast Member card, this is a normal sized card. It features Chip ‘n Dale’s Bag of Tricks and is numbered 01/P.


Update: 08/17/12 The Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Booster Packs were released today at the Emporium for $11.95. Check out detailed pictures and a review and explaination as to what you get, in this article here.

Update: 07/26/12 The Disney Parks Blog announced the rumored home version of Sorcerer’s of the Magic Kingdom along with the availability of the rare cards #61-70.

The trading card game will contain seven randomly selected spell cards (including at least one super rare spell card), one of four game boards, game rules, new tokens and a complete spell card checklist. Disney also announced a set of mystery pins that you can see over at Once Upon a Pin.

Update: 03/04/12 HQ picture of Cast Member card uploaded. It is confirmed this was only handed out to CMs and is an over-sized 5×7 card. We also added a picture of the Woody error card with Slinky Dog. Early versions of the Wood card (#22) had Slinky Dog, but it had to be removed because they did not have permission to use him. Downloadable Checklist also updated to reflect the Woody error card. We also made a smaller more pocket size version of the checklist available. We also would like to thank Non Sport Update Magazine for linking to us on their blog.


Update: 02/23/12 Vinylmation World tweeted a picture of a card I haven’t seen or heard about yet.

Photo from Vinylmation World

We are trying to find out how this card is obtained. The Cast Member card above was a 5×7 card issued to Cast Members on 2/22, the first official day of this new attraction. A few more things we have found out about game play are spells seem to get stronger as they used over and over again at more difficult levels. Also, most comb spells (2 cards played at once) seem to work, however certain match ups, such as a Princess and her Prince, seem to be most effective. An interesting find was playing two similar spells at the same time, such as the Fairy Godmother’s Pumpkin spell with the Headless Horseman’s Pumpkin spell gives a heavier barrage of pumpkins. And I forget to mention in an earlier update, a second starting location can be found behind the Christmas Shop in Liberty Square if you find the Firehouse too long of a wait. Also, many guests seem to be open to trading at the portals. I completed my deck of 1-60 yesterday by acquiring about 30 cards through trades.


Update: 02/22/12 Sorcerers of the MK official opened today! Downloadable PDF card checklist added at top of this post. Please help us complete the list with the missing rare (61-70) cards. Also, more details emerge. Guests can now officially play on both Medium and Hard settings, however all games on the previous level must be completed to move on. Cards 61-70 are more rare than the rest and were no longer handed out randomly to guests as of about a week ago. Rumors persist about Disney selling game cards, however guests will still receive 5 free cards per day. It is still unclear as to whether or not the rare cards will be randomly inserted into the free cards, or will only be for sale.


Update: 01/30/12 The Disney Parks Blog announced some info about collecting these cards. “The 70 cards are divided into nine different spell classes, such as Princess cards, Hero cards or Warrior cards. In addition, all cards are marked with one of three designations – a star symbol, which indicates a rare card; a moon symbol, which signifies an uncommon card; and a planet symbol, which indicates a common card.”

02/P

Photo from Disney Parks Blog

02/P

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Animation 3 Explained

WDWNT on January 3, 2013

Animation 3
 April 12, 2013
 $12.95
 12 figure blind box set

Updated 04/18/13 Disney officially released a photo of the one and only variant in Animation 3. The Yellow version DOES NOT exist.

Updated 04/02/13 Vinylmation Kingdom has posted concept art of the variants and chaser from Animation 3. The variants include a yellow Pascal and a red, mad Pascal.

Click below for the very obscure chaser and what it is:

Updated 03/14/13 Release dates for LE combo sets added.
Updated 02/27/13 Full set lineup is revealed.
Updated 02/26/13 April 12 release dated added. Thumper announced as combo topper.

 Eeyore
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)
Maria Clapsis

Wonderfully sad rainy day look. The only thing that could make this better is a detachable tail! No tail variant?

Basil of Baker Street
The Great Mouse Detective (1986)
Mike Sullivan

A great addition to the Animation lineup and a perfect facial expression.

Ludwig von Drake
An Adventure in Color (1961)
Thomas Scott

I’ve been waiting for this guy to show up! I am constantly amazed at how the artists can make different Vinylmation look like different periods of animation.

Stitch
Lilo and Stitch (2002)
Ron Cohee

This is why Ron Cohee is the best character artist Vinylmation has right now. He innovates. He is not afraid to put it all out there. Not only the best vinyl Stitch, but the only one that truly looks like him to date.

Ace of Clubs
Alice in Wonderland (1951)
Thomas Scott

Maybe a holdover from the Alice set? Wonderful artwork and the brush accessory works so very well. 
Pascal
 Tangled (2010)
Monty Maldovan

Rapunzel never went on any adventure without her chameleon friend. This would make a great variant!
Panchito Pistoles
 Three Caballeros (1944)
Casey Jones

Jose last time… Donald in A4?
Mowgli
 The Jungle Book (1967)
Casey Jones

I like the continuation of characters from the same movie. We got Baloo last time. King Louis would be a great one for A4. Love the art on the ears!
Grumpy
 Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
Ron Cohee

Dopey was in the last set… do we see trend here? What a great face!!!
Robin Hood
 Robin Hood (1973)
Adrianne Draude

Not much else to say but perfect representation.
Perdita
 101 Dalmatians (1961)
Caley Hicks

Now you can put this one next to your Park 2 Pongo Chaser.

Mystery Chaser
Stabbington Brothers
LE Combo
 Tangled (2010)
Release Date: May 24, 2013

I can’t enough Tangled and these faces are perfectly drawn on the canvas.
Tod and Copper
LE Combo
 The Fox and the Hound (1981)
Release Date: May 10, 2013

Nice art style with these. Love the leaves in the ears.