Vinylmation Spotlight: Mickey and Friends – Pirates of the Caribbean

from DestinationVinylmation.com

This is part of a series of articles spotlighting the Vinylmation that were previewed at this year’s annual Walt Disney World Pin and Vinylmation trading and merchandise event, “The Imagination Gala.” The event was held at Epcot’s World Showplace from September 5-9, 2014. Today we look at the upcoming Mickey and Friends Pirates of the Caribbean reveal/conceal set.

In my opinion, the Mickey & Friends Haunted Mansion series will go down as one of the top sets of 2014. So when the idea of a Pirates of the Caribbean version of this Reveal/Conceal concept was brought up, I was all in! After all, I am more of a fan of the wildest crew that ever sacked the Spanish Main than the 999 happy haunts. The mansion version was huge win for many reasons. Just increasing the revealed character to 2 instead of 1, made a huge difference in a 5 or 6 figure set. Having a mix Cast Member costumes and attraction characters was a great choice. And handing the Haunted Mansion set to the talented Ron Cohee assured the best looking characters we could possibly have. All that said, Mickey & Friends Pirates of the Caribbean takes a giant leap backward.

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Let’s count the ways… First, there is only 1 revealed figure. That is a big mistake for a Vinylmation set. Second, the figures are NOT based on the attraction, but rather the movie franchise. You have a HUGE library of beloved attraction characters! And third, the artwork is really sub par. If this set was in Ron Cohee’s hands, we would have such a different outcome here. Instead, the design duties went to a different artist on the DDG team. They look like a simplified toy version and are probably based on the toys/action figures that have been in the stores for years (which I do love and collect by the way).

Here is a look at the set starting with the Mickey Mouse revealed character and then the 4 concealed characters:

Mickey Mouse as Jack Sparrow

Mickey Mouse as Jack Sparrow

Donald Duck as Will Turner

Donald Duck as Will Turner

Minnie Mouse as Elizabeth Swann or Angelica?

Minnie Mouse as Elizabeth Swann or Angelica?

Pluto as the Dog with Jail Keys

Pluto as the Dog with Jail Keys

Stitch as Captain Barbossa

Stitch as Captain Barbossa

I’ll be honest, I can not definitively tell if Minnie is Elizabeth or Angelica. She seems more like Angelica, but the hair makes me lean toward Elizabeth. Although I think both characters wore a red coat and handled a sword in the movies. I am just very disappointed in this set because I love the concept and the attraction and I think the execution was fumbled. We will see this limited release series released in November at D-Streets for $24.95 per combo blind box. For those not familiar with Reveal/Conceal, each purchase will get you a Mickey that you see and then a blind box attached that contains either Stitch, Minnie, Donald or Pluto all seeded at the same odds.

Upcoming Vinylmation Spotlight: Limited Edition Combo Sets

from DestinationVinylmation.com

This is part of a series of articles spotlighting the Vinylmation that were previewed at this year’s annual Walt Disney World Pin and Vinylmation trading and merchandise event, “The Imagination Gala.” The event was held at Epcot’s World Showplace from September 5-9, 2014. Today we look at the limited edition combo packs DDG has designed to extend already existing series.

I really enjoy getting vinyl releases that help extend a series, and to an extent, help further tell a story.  I loved when we would get a ton of 9 inches and two packs for an Animation series, especially when they were obscure figures that would never see a set of their own, but fit in nicely under the Animation theme.  Even the Park series used to get bombarded with releases.  For a ton of reasons, these kinds of releases have been highly reduced, for better and for worse.

This is why I got really excited at the Imagination Gala when I saw that we were getting some new releases in already existing series.  I think it is so cool when artists like to extend a series, either because they had too many figures that they wanted to make, or maybe they just wanted to revisit a set.  Regardless, here are some new limited edition two-packs that you can add to your collection:

Animation 5 – Tarzan & Jane

January 2015
LE 1500
$29.95
Casey Jones

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I absolutely love this two-pack.  I was wondering if/when we would finally see some Tarzan vinyls.  The wait was well worth it.  Tarzan looks absolutely fantastic! We got a sneak peak at what could have been a Tarzan vinyl from Animation 1 last year, when a lucky fan pulled him from a trading box at Reflections of Evil.  It looks like he was updated for the new platform, but fits perfectly on it.  Jane looks amazing too.  I love that she’s looking up at the trees, and she has a great use of the Minnie platform here.  The matching ears are a great touch as well.  This is a must have for me.

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(A look at the original prototype Tarzan figure that surfaced last year)

Animation 5 – Lilo & Scrump

November 2014
LE 1500
$29.95
Ron Cohee (he was an animator on the film)

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Another great release for this series.  We have only gotten Lilo once, in a Hawaiian Disney Store exclusive two-pack.  And like Nick said in the podcast, she fits on the platform so nicely, as the characters from this movie were drawn kind of “chubby”.  She looks great.  As for Scrump, people were saying he should have been a junior, but I think he looks great on the 3 inch platform.  These two together make for a wonderful LE release.

Haunted Mansion – Blonde & Medusa

January 2015
LE 1000
$29.95
Casey Jones

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Wow, talk about a blast from the past! This is a perfect example of what I mean, revisiting old sets to give them cool additions and make them even more exciting. Casey Jones did the entire original Haunted Mansion set, and here he adds two more figures to a stellar series. These figures are based on the one of the changing paintings that hang in the mansion. As your Doom Buggy passes by a portrait of a blonde women, she turns into Medusa before your eyes.

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At LE 1000, I think these will be extremely popular.  He was not on hand at the Imagination Gala, but I would love to know what drew him back to this set. I would love to see a series like The Lion King or Beauty and the Beast get a treatment like this.

Classic Collection – Mickey & Goofy

November 2014
LE 2500
$29.95
Natalie Kennedy

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This is a very interesting release. Eric Caszatt designed the entire Classic Collection, but here we have Natalie Kennedy adding an extension to this series.  This is pretty cool, maybe she liked the set so much she just had to add to it.  Anyway, these two guys are from 1934’s Orphan’s Benifit and are a wonderful addition to this amazing series.

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The Classic Collection is one of my favorite sets, and I am really looking forward to adding this two-pack to it.  Although, I do think the LE is a little high here.

What do you guys think? Do you like this idea of extending series, especially ones that we haven’t heard from in a while?  Are there any series in particular you would like to see get additional figures? And of course, will you be picking up any of these? Let us know!!

Upcoming Vinylmation Spotlight: Mickey Mouse Cartoon Series

from DestinationVinylmation.com

This is part of a series of articles spotlighting the Vinylmation that were previewed at this year’s annual Walt Disney World Pin and Vinylmation trading and merchandise event, “The Imagination Gala.” The event was held at Epcot’s World Showplace from September 5-9, 2014. Today we look at the series based on the new Mickey Mouse Cartoon shorts.

In March 2015, Disney will release a Vinylmation blind box 8 figure series based on the new Mickey Mouse Cartoon shorts. It was designed by Billy Davis.

Mickey from

Mickey from “Croissant de Triomphe”

Mickey from

Mickey from “Yodelberg”

Minnie from

Minnie from “Yodelberg”

Goofy from

Goofy from “No Service”

Daisy from

Daisy from “No Service”

Zombie Goofy from

Zombie Goofy from “Ghoul Friend”

 

Panda from

Panda from “Panda-monium”

Mystery Chaser

Mystery Chaser

Upcoming Vinylmation Spotlight: 2015 Vinylmation Calendar & Eachez

from DestinationVinylmation.com

This is part of a series of articles spotlighting the Vinylmation that were previewed at this year’s annual Walt Disney World Pin and Vinylmation trading and merchandise event, “The Imagination Gala.” The event was held at Epcot’s World Showplace from September 5-9, 2014. Today we look at the upcoming 2015 Vinylmation Calendar.

In one of my favorite announcements at the Gala, Thomas Scott showed off a Vinylmation themed calendar. It is cut in the shape of the Mickey Mouse collectible and has some amazing concept artwork on each page drawn expertly by the talented Maria Clapsis. There are 10 new designs and 2 existing designs featured in the calendar. He only gave us a glimpse of a few designs, but it was enough to wet the appetite for more. The calendar is now available

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Thomas Scott showing off the front of the 2015 Calendar

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June

Front of Calendar

Front of Calendar

February

February

March

March

One other design revealed with no photo is a Star Wars Mickey. But wait, there is more! Some of the calendar designs will also be translated into Eachez Vinylmation released in the corresponding month. We were shown the Eachez that go along with the February and March calendar pages shown above. The big twist on these limited edition Eachez is the fact that Mickey will be the common while Minnie will be the rare figure.

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In February 2015, there will be a Valentine’s Day Eachez. The edition size is 2500 overall with Mickey being seeded at 9 in 10 odds (LE 2250) and Minnie at 1 in 10 (LE 250).

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In March 2015, there will be a St. Patrick’s Day Eachez. The edition size is 1500 overall with Mickey being seeded at 9 in 10 odds (LE 1350) and Minnie at 1 in 10 (LE 150).

PHOTOS & VIDEO: Astro Orbiter Resumes Flights; New Color Scheme for Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom

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Over the last few months, there had been some speculation that the new colors adorning Rocket Tower Plaza (home to the Astro Orbiter, Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover, and the Lunching Pad) would spread beyond the center of Tomorrowland and perhaps mean a new color scheme and look for the entire Magic Kingdom realm. Well, with the re-opening of the Astro Orbiter and the Disney Vacation Club booth nearby this past weekend, it seems Tomorrowland is about to get a fresh, bright new look…

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Teal, orange, white, and lime-green make-up the new colors on the DVC booth

Astro Orbiter rockets are now predominantly blue, with beige, red, and green accents

These colors will likely extend to other buildings in Tomorrowland later, but are just in the center area for now.

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The now-orange elevator shaft that lifts guests to the loading platform for Astro Orbiter

The Astro Orbiter re-opened with not only fresh paint on the rockets, but also a completely reconstructed centrifuge. With the new spinning structure, the rockets angle inward a bit more when you steer upwards, creating a sensation that you may spill out towards the center. The surrounding planets and such on the structure will no longer spin as it was decided the effect was just too unreliable over the years. Many a time, Disney would spend months working on fixing the planets, only for the effect to break a few weeks later. Regardless, we have a video of the updated attraction for you to enjoy:

So, what do you think of the new Astro Orbiter and the new Tomorrowland colors?

Disneyland Resort Review: Mickey’s Halloween Party 2014

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Image © Disney

Most the time in life one wouldn’t rave about a “lightly attended” party., but when the party is at Disneyland, that is, like many elements of Mickey’s Halloween Party, worth mentioning. But the light crowd isn’t for lack of trying. In fact it is intentional. So that’s different. And so is the fact that Guests are encouraged to wear costumes to the event, a usually verboten practice.

Mickey’s Halloween Party, which over the years has gone by several different names, is a separately ticketed event where guests can enjoy (not so) scary Halloween fun. There is a “mix-in” period available for Guests who want to arrive a bit early. Once the Day Guests, who don’t have wristbands are… eliminated, you will be chillin’ like a villain.

The California party is a variant of “Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party” held in The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.

The party on Tuesday, September 30 was a sold out event, but it never felt like it. Sure, their were some long-ish lines for some of the photo opportunities and of course, at times for the Haunted Mansion in its Nightmare Before Christmas costume. But overall the capacity for the event I attended seemed set nice and low, making for a really enjoyable evening.

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Special lighting and music bump the “creep factor.’

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In Ghost Galaxy, no one can hear you scream. A chance to ride Space Mountain in nearly total darkness.

Trick or Treat stations are abundant at the

You can’t swing a cat without hitting a Trick or Treat station at the Mickey’s party.

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All Bad-ies; All the time in Town Square. Villain photo opportunities are popular.

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“She seems nice.”

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Halloween can be a time for mentoring.

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I think the first couple “phoned these costumes in.” I mean, what are they supposed to “be?”

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Great expectation…

©Disney

A box of raisins in your candy bag. Photo © Disney

The hit of the night was was the special nighttime show – Halloween Screams: A Villainous Surprise in the Skies – an unwieldily name for an excellent fireworks spectacular. 

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Your host: Jack Skelington. Seen here as a scary Jack-O-Lantern. Jack and other members of this terrifying troop are projected onto a large helium balloon.

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The “globe” is a really effective trick and adds to the very different atmospheres that “Screams” evokes.

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All in all, Mickey’s Halloween Party is an excellent experience. The best part being the slight number of Guests – roughly half the “population” of a normal day in the park.

These events are nearly sold out, so if you want to try a different Disneyland Park experience, act now.

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Hurry back. Hurry back…

VIDEO: World Showcase Players Say Goodbye to Epcot After 32 Years

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The World Showcase Players (under various titles) have existed in Epcot’s World Showcase since 1982, entertaining guests and amking them a part of the show. The group was referred to as the World Showcase Players as they performed in the U.K. and Italy for a number of years, before being reduced to shows only in United Kingdom a few years back. The entertainment group performed for the very last time on September 25th, 2014 and we have video of each show that they performed that day to share with you:

“Guardians Of The Galaxy Awesome Mix Vol. 1” debuts at #3 on Billboard chart

Marvel Studio’s latest cinematic hit Guardians of the Galaxy is not only top of the box office, but is also climbing high at number three on the Billboard charts with its soundtrack album, Awesome Mix – Vol. 1.

The album, a joint project from Marvel and Hollywood Records, was released at the end of July and features classic soft rock and pop tunes from the 1970s include Blue Swede’s “Hooked on a Feeling” and The Runaways’ “Cherry Bomband is a major plot point for the film.  It is currently number 3 on the Billboard chart and has shifted over 60,000 albums based on data available from Nielsen. The album has also topped the iTunes Soundtrack charts in over 22 countries as well has gaining the top spot in the overall iTunes album chart.

Marvel and Hollywood Records are also teaming up with Spotify to launch “My Awesome Mixtape Vol. 1” which riffs on Star-Lord’s cassette from the film and allows Spotify users to create their own awesome collection of new and classic hits using Spotify’s 25 million strong catalogue as the ultimate pick list.  Budding Star-Lords or Groots can build their own tape at http://awesomemixtape.marvel.com/.

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Awesome Mix Vol. 1, is available now physically or digitally wherever music is sold.

My Awesome Mix, Vol. 1 connects you with Spotify to make your own classic mix tape.

My Awesome Mix, Vol. 1 connects you with Spotify to make your own classic mix tape.

 

Tonight (8/7/14) on WDW News Today: The Radio Show

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Tonight on WDWNT: The Radio Show we say “let it go” to extinct Walt Disney World attractions that we’re glad are history . We’ll be talking about the possibility of a Frozen attraction replacing the cult hit Maelstrom in the Norway pavilion at Epcot, discussing the pros and cons of the move as well as compile our “Not Top 10″of 10 attractions we are glad no longer exist at Walt Disney World. Tom and Nick will lead the discussion with a variety of WDWNT staff members weighing in on the topic as well. And as always, you are invited to tweet, call or live chat with your picks for the Not Top 10 and thoughts on the rumor of a Frozen attraction.

In addition, we’ll be playing the ever-popular WDWNT: The Price is Right for great prizes from Theme Park Connection.

Hosted by radio veterans and life-long Disney fans Tom Corless and Nick LoCicero, the live radio talk show on AM 1520 WBZW in Orlando focuses on the latest news and current trending topics at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. WDW News Today: The Radio Show can also be streamed live at www.1520wbzw.com. WDW News Today the Radio Show debuted in August of 2013 as a 1hour broadcast on Saturday evenings and has grown into a 2-hour program by popular demand.

To interact with the hosts during the show, listeners can call in at (407) 774-8255, tweet @WDWNT using #WDWNTRadio, or use the new LIVE chat that will be available at Radio.WDWNT.com.

The show begins at 8PM EDT tonight, don’t miss it!

Dirk Wallen’s 8/7/14 Magic Kingdom Photo Report (Hub Work, Halloween Merch, Mansion Store, ETC.)

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen returns with some fantastic, newsworthy photos from the Magic Kingdom to share with us, so let’s take a look at what’s new:

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The parking lot at the Vacation Club wing at the Polynesian is taking shape

Work continues on the Hub expansion at the Magic Kingdom

Halloween merchandise has arrived

This year’s shirt features Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion


Mad Hatter Mocha cake cup served at Cheshire Café

The Seven Dwarfs Mine store is closed for refurbishment, but it’s unclear if it will return as the same store or carry Seven Dwarfs merchandise currently on sale at Hundred Acre Goods

The Yankee Trader is now closed for conversion into The Haunted Mansion-themed store