ZoMG: Urban 7 and Animal Ear Hats

WDWNT on April 18, 2011

My mom and I were in the park today doing some trading and we stopped by the Mad Hatter shop on Main Street at Disneyland. Looking into the window I found some new and exciting things, such as 2 brand new Vinylmation Urban #7 Ear Hats! As well as one Muppets #2 Ear Hat!! I had to get all three so I could show everyone whats inside!

Milk and Cookies Ear Hat – Urban #7


First off we have the Milk and Cookies set which is my favorite! The hat looks like a milk carton on the top with the words Milk on the front with a little Vinylmation shape, and has chocolate chip cookies as the ears and the right ear has a bite taken out of it. On the sides it says ‘Vinylmation Dairy Products’ (too cute!)

The 3 inch is a chocolate milk carton! I love the details on this figure!! It has Vinylmation Farms on the top as where the milk is from and also a little Vinylmation shaped cup of chocolate milk on the front!
If you look at the back of this figure, it has the nutrition information, my favorite part is where it says, 100% Vinylmation!

The Jr. for this set is a chocolate chip cookie with a bite taken out of the ear! (like the ear hat)

This set is so well done! This is one of my favorite ear hat sets made so far! This set is by Maria Clapsis and Caley Hicks.
Please Stand By Ear Hat – Urban #7

The ear hat looks like a test pattern, with TV antenna on top! The left ear says, Please Stand By and the right ear looks like static.

The 3″ that comes with this set looks like a remote pointed at a TV set. The backside of this Vinylmation is the TV remote batteries with the TV on top. I love the way that they made this figure! The arms and ears are clear where there is no design so you can really see the artwork.

The Jr. for this set is a little battery!
This set looks great all together and the 3 Inch is so well done! This set is by Thomas Scott and Maria Clapsis.
Animal Ear Hat – Muppets #2

I love this!! This set is definitely the most stand out! Anyone that loves Animal and the Electric Mayhem will definitely need this for their collection! My boyfriend is a drummer and loves Animal so he will be very excited to see this set!

The ear hat for this set is Animal! I love the way that Monty designed this set! Animal’s ears says Rock and Roll and the entire hat is animals face! I love the addition of the hair and the nose!

The 3″ for this set is perfect! It represents Animal’s drum set! And his ears are cymbals! The backside of this figure has a star as well as the band logo of a tooth with wings!
The Jr. for this set is all black with a red mouth!

This is such a fun ear hat set! One of the brightest and most stand out that I have seen!
This set was done by Monty Maldovan!

I was so excited to get these hats today and I hope everyone is excited to see these new upcoming designs! This makes me even more excited for upcoming 9″ Muppets 2’s as well as a sneak peek at what we can expect in Urban #7!!

-Zoe

ZoMG: Duck Tales at DLR

WDWNT on April 14, 2011


After finally catching up on my lack of sleep the day of the Duck Tales release, I would like to share with you my experience on Friday morning.

There have not been very many limited releases lately, so I went in to this not knowing what to expect. A lot of other releases that I woke up early for and waited for hours ended up being on the shelves for months! (Like Nightmare Before Christmas, DLR Attraction Posters, etc.) I stopped by D-Street the night before to ask if they were planning on opening at 8:00 or 10:00 the next morning. The cast member told me that the store was opening at 10:00 and they would distribute wristbands at 7:00. Uh oh. Wristbands? I knew that meant that there was only a limited amount and that sleeping in wouldn’t be an option.

My mom and I headed to Downtown Disney at 5:15 am, we got there around 5:30 am and there were already 40 people in front of us. We waited for an hour and half until we were given our wristbands. They let us know that we could come back until 1:00 that afternoon and pick up our figures. This was refreshing so now we could go grab something to eat and come back and get in line. We were gone an hour and came back around 9:00 and there were 75 people in line at D-Street already with their wristbands.


Finally at 10:45 we made our way into D-Street and picked up our figures. There were many more people behind us in line and we were so grateful to be in the store buying our Duck Tales!! By 1:00 in the afternoon D-Street made the announcement that they were completely sold out and there would be no more Duck Tales on the floor for the stand-by line!!

I love release days because it gives you a chance to stand in line and chat with other fellow Vinylmation loves and make friends as well as do some trading.

Can’t wait until the next release!

-Zoe

ZoMG: Cutesters Too Donut Ear Hat and Eclair

WDWNT on April 13, 2011




My mom and I went down to Disneyland in search of this hat! We went to every store we could think of and finally after an hour search, we found the hat! After doing some research, we learned that the hat was put on the floor by accident but we were lucky enough to buy one before they realized the error.

The Jr that comes with it is the clear one on the right, on the left is another Jr with a keychain I had from a Vinylmation Cutesters 1 handbag!
My boyfriend, Tyler, figured out that the figure was cream filled (Eclair) because of the pictures I added you can see there is filling on the bottom of the feet and the top of the head!! On the bottom we saw that the artist is Maria Clapsis, who designed all the figures in the Cutesters Too series.

Overall I love the set, it is adorable!!
Oh! And the price was $69.95 (a bit higher then usual I think.. Maybe because of the Jr?)

What do you think?

-Zoe

All pictures by DV Reporter Zoe

ZoMG: New Shape Drama

WDWNT on April 12, 2011

I am very torn about how to feel about reading this news on April 11th on the Disney’s Vinylmation Blog. I am so sad they are changing the original shape, that made us all fall in love with Vinylmation in the first place; but in the same breath, I also love the idea of making the actual Vinylmation canvas easier to apply designs to, because then we will get better quality Vinylmation! I completely understand the changes, but wish they had kept the buttons, or even just the nose shape (it seems a bit more flat now).
After looking at these changes, one of the first things I noticed was that the actual shape of the Vinylmation seems smoother and a bit fatter. I understand making it smoother because this way the application of paint on the figure is easier which can make the designs more accurate and with fewer flaws. The Vinylmation Blog showed us an example by giving us a sneak peek at a new Pirate Vinylmation. The figure looks brighter and you can see a lot more detail on this new smoother looking face! I don’t want to judge completely until I can see this new shape in person but so far I think that these figures are going to keep getting better and better!! (And I love the Pirates hat!! Great touch!)
Also changing are the hands. I love that the Sea Creature set is going to feature a lot of the new changes such as the claw hands and the fins on the Dolphin and Shark figure. I have been looking forward to this series because I am a huge Little Mermaid fan and anything ‘under the sea’ I have to have it. I am looking forward to seeing the new Vinylmation shape on April 22nd when the Sea Creatures are released!
Another new feature is that the feet are going to be detachable. I love this idea! Not only can Vinylmation artists get a ‘clean crisp look’ like they explained on the Blog, but the artists can now design around the bottom of the belly! For people who like to create their own customs this is going to add a whole another level! I can’t wait (Although they haven’t announced the change to CYO yet). I also got very excited when reading that these new feet will add to “future accessory opportunities”. I think accessories are such a fun touch to Vinylmation and now with the new hand design they will be able to hold accessories better and also with the new feet will be able to attach new things! The possibilities are endless.

-Zoe

ZoMG: Park 6 from Zoe

WDWNT on March 31, 2011


Hello everyone! Park 6 is coming out tomorrow and I’m sure that everyone is just as excited as I am! Since seeing photos of Park 6 figures, we noticed that Disney decided to go with a bit of a Disney World theme, as well as Paris and Disneyland. Being from California and also always making (at least) one trip a year to Disney World since I was 5 years old, gives me a little background on both the Disneyland side as well as the Disney World side to Park 6!
Norway Troll

Artist: Casey Jones

The Norway troll is located in Disney World’s Epcot World Showcase in Norway! I think it’s great that they made a 3” version of this figure that stands extremely tall in Norway in Epcot. Everyone always stops to take photos with the troll and it is definitely the landmark in Norway at Epcot. Sadly at Disneyland we don’t have any Trolls but, hopefully everyone will one day make a trip to Epcot and see him for themselves!

Hollywood Studios Clapboard

Artist: Caley Hicks

I love the Hollywood Studios Clapboard! Hollywood Studios is located in Disneyworld but here in California we do have California Adventure. In California Adventure we have, ‘Hollywood Pictures Backlot’ which is a little similar in the name to Hollywood Studios. The back shows different sayings like, Lights, Camera Action, which goes along with DCA’s Hollywood Pictures Backlot as well as Hollywood Studios.

Walt Disney World Road Sign

Artist: Thomas Scott

Here comes a variant! The Walt Disney World Road Sign is a great figure! Always making trips to Disney World, this reminds me of sitting on the buses and going from one park to another. I love this figures and think that the variants work perfectly! The original figure says, “Magic Kingdom and Epcot” the 2 variants say, “Animal Kingdom” and “Theme Parks and all other guest areas”. Here at Disneyland we do have signs that point guests in the right direction, but none as memorable as the ones from Disney World.
Wet Paint Donald

Artist: Mark Seppela

Another variant! Everyone loves when they place a classic Disney character into the set, and Wet Paint Donald is no exception. Wet Paint Donald was found all over Disney World and Disneyland Park when painting was being done. It is a fun and familiar sign to guests and everyone will love this Vinyl! Donald comes in 2 variant colors, purple and orange.

Monstro

Artist: Eric Caszatt

Monstro is from the Storybook Land Canals in Disneyland. This is a great figure because Storybook Canals is such a memorable ride, especially the entrance through Monstros mouth! This is a landmark in Fantasyland and everyone will know exactly where he is from within the park!
Space Mountain Paris

Artist: Lin Shih

Disneyland Paris is incredible! This figure really shows how intricate and fun Disneyland Paris’ Space Mountain attraction is! Disneyland’s Space Mountain is not as colorful and fun as this figure, but has a white outside and more of a blue color scheme inside. This figure is fun because it will go along with Park 4’s Tomorrow Land figure!
Orange Monorail

Artist: Dan Howard

Everyone loves the Monorail! This is the next figure to come out as a Monorail except this time in Orange. Monorails are found in Disneyland as well as Disney World and help guests get to and from certain areas.
DCL Lifeboat

Artist: Randy Nobel

This figure has nothing to do with Disneyland or Disney World but has to do with the cruise line. This figure is modeled after a raft that is used on board. This is a fun addition to Park 4’s Cruise Line figure!
Sonny Eclipse

Artist: Maria Clapsis

Going to Disney World as a little girl I always remember going to Cosmic Rays Starlight Café with my Mom and Grandparents. I love that they made this figure it looks exactly like him! Some people who have not visited Disney World may not understand who or what he is but once they eat at Cosmic Rays they will love him.

Adventureland Tiki

Artist: Casey Jones

This Tiki is a great Adventureland landmark! From any Disney Park, everyone will recognize this guy! In Disneyland we have these guys near the Dole Whip stand.
Primeval Whirl

Artist: Thomas Scott

This is such a wonderful take on the Animal Kingdom attraction! We don’t have a Primevil Whirl here at Disneyland but if you have visited Animal Kingdom you will recognize the design immediately.
Mystery Chaser

I don’t want to spoil the chaser but this guy has showed up in many Disney Parks and I’m sure his face is somewhere in your wallet!
Runaway Brain Mickey

Park 6 Combo Topper

Great addition to the Mickey combo toppers! A bit scary but, still Mickey!

Hope everyone enjoys Park 6 tomorrow!
-Zoe

Wedding Week: Wrap Up with New DV Reporter: Zoe

WDWNT on March 28, 2011


Hello everyone! My name is Zoe Dokas and I am from Orange County, CA. I am so excited to have been asked to become a part of the Destination Vinylmation family. I will be reporting all things Vinylmation from California. I can’t wait to start this and share my love of Vinylmation with all of you!

For my first post I would like to wrap up this week’s wedding features. We have seen several custom bride and groom Vinylmations, cake toppers, bridesmaid gifts as well as wedding guest books. These are all great ways to bring Vinylmation into your wedding day. These ideas are innovative and fun for any wedding.
First we saw Maria Clapsis’ customs, which take on the classic bride and groom look. I love the way she designed these, they are simple and have the perfecting finishing touches. (I love the tiara and the top hat!)
Next we saw Lisa and Trace Farry’s custom bride and groom guest book Vinylmation. I love this idea! It is such a cute and creative idea to use these 9 inch blank Vinylmation as guest books. They have an easy design, to leave enough room for many signatures from wedding guests. This is a great way to put a little Disney in your wedding and also have something to display and keep those memories. They are simple yet perfect! (P.S. I love the Mickey confetti scattered on the table!)
Then we saw the Storm Trooper of the week photo, which was themed according to our wedding week. This is such a clever and quirky idea. A great mix of Star Wars and weddings. These two were obviously meant for one another!!
Lastly, we saw a few more customs from Jenifer Marie including, a classic bride and groom set as well as a bridesmaid gift set. The bride and groom set are similar to Maria Clapsis’ set, which gives them a simple look, but again it’s all in the details. I love the accessories that were added to these figures. The small jeweled earrings on the bride and the jeweled buttons make these figures beautiful. Jenifer also created custom bridesmaid Vinylmation to give to each of her bridesmaids as a gift. I absolutely love this idea. They are adorable and make a perfect bridesmaid gift. I love the bouquet details, the bow on top and the little pearl necklaces. I also love that she was inspired by Park 5, Flowers and Fairies, it is one of my favorites.
This just makes me a little bit more excited for the actual Celebration Vinylmation series coming out later this year!

– Zoe Destination Vinylmation CA Reporter

New DV Reporter Ryan Got the Scoop on Some Release Dates

WDWNT on March 22, 2011

Destination Vinylmation is excited to announce the addition of a new contributor to our website. Ryan helped us out at the recent WDW trading event. Below, Ryan introduces himself and gives the scoop on some upcoming Vinylmation he uncovered at the event. Ryan, take it away…

Hey all, my name is Ryan, a photographer, writer and avid Vinylmation collector for the past few years. I’m the newest writer over here at Destination Vinylmation, and wanted to introduce myself. To get the big questions out of the way:
  1. How long have I been collecting? I’ve been collecting since about Urban 2’s release. I didn’t realize then how popular things would be and several times passed up on opportunities to purchase both “Ham and Eggs” and “Carnotaurus” 9 inch. I kick myself to this day.
  2. My favorite figure I own? Tough call, but I’d have to say Sulley and Boo!
  3. Favorite figure I don’t own? Mine Mine Mine is my current Holy Grail.
Anyway, enough about me! While the rest of the Destination Vinylmation crew was busy trading, I took it upon myself (as the newest member of the team) to head over to the trade box and upcoming release table and ask some questions about the imminent releases.
Park 6, as seen above, is set to be released on April 1. If you remember, Disney announced an April 1 release date, then retracted it because the product wasn’t at WDW yet. But according to the cast member behind-the-counter, that date is back on! Check out Park 6 Explained for more. This is a good time to point out the glaring lack of Steven Miller, Vinylmation’s tried and true “Ambassador of Trading”. According to the Disney cast members at the event, Steven has moved up to another position within Disney. Several pin traders took to calling the two women who were helping organize the event “Steven” as an homage to Mr. Miller. He will be missed.
Also being released with Park 6 is the Park 6 Combo Topper, which features Mickey Mouse from his highly popular animated short “Runaway Brain”. This 3 inch, as shown above, will go great with the recently released Villains 9” Julius + Minnie Jr. combo.
Other releases shown were TRON (March 25) and a couple already known Muppets 2 (April 15) figures. Also shown was the newly announced Celebration series which will be packaged and sold just like the Occupations released a couple weeks ago.
Also shown was the 9” + 3” Urban 6 combo of a Bubble Gum machine and boy blowing a bubble!
While no samples were on display, we also received confirmation that the Duck Tales 2-Figure set from the “Disney Afternoon” series will be released on April 8, although there were some discrepancies on whether or not the set would be online exclusive like the previously released “Talespin” set or in D-Street, as Disney previously announced it would be.

All in all it was a successful trade event. LOTS of Vinylmation traders peppered the sea of pin traders, and there finally seemed to be a healthy amount of trading happening. This is also likely because of the lack of a trade night in 2011 before March, and lots of new product has been released recently.

Thanks for reading, and until next time… make YOUR Destination, Vinylmation!