From D23: Marvel Checklist

WDWNT on August 27, 2013

There have been several rumors flying around about the upcoming Marvel set from Disney. At D23 instgrammer mymousecapades seems to have solved all the riddles. Here is the checklist for the Marvel set. It includesall 11 figures we were able to deduce from the side of the box, along with a Mystery Chaser, 2 variants, and a Combo Pack Hawkeye.

No idea what the combo pack means, but it’s cool they included Hawkeye, completing the movie roster.

I’m also interested in the variants. The obvious ones seem to be a greener Hulk and a more classic Spiderman (that Future Foundation outfit is an interesting choice for the first round).

What do you think the variants will be?

Also, we are doing a lot of coverage of D23 from our phones so be sure to follow us on twitter at vinylmationnews and Destination Vinylmation on instagram for updates this weekend.

Collector’s Corner: Matt Schlien

WDWNT on August 27, 2013

Today’s collection is a big one. Check it out.

Collection Stats:
Name: Matt Schlien   

Hometown:
Coconut Creek, FL

Collection Count:
426
3″ =410
9″ =6
Jrs =9
Park Starz =1
Customs =0

How long have you been collecting?
Since 2010

What is your favorite figure that you own?
Woody from Toy Story because he was the first one I purchased.

What is your favorite figure that you don’t own?
Park 2 Snow White because I miss that attraction and I feel that vinyl represents that ride.

Which of these is the best feeling about collecting vinyl?
Pulling a figure from a blind box with my 4 year old daughter and getting the one I want is the best feeling! However, one day I picked the Park 5 Haunted Mansion from a mystery box at Hollywood Studios and the artist was actually there that day so I was super stoked!

Thanks for your showing off your collection Matt!

If anyone else would like to show off their collection just contact us.

13 – Reflections of Evil Explained

WDWNT on August 27, 2013

13: Reflections of Evil Trading Event

Where: Walt Disney World, EPCOT World Showplace
When: September 13-15, 2013 (Vinylmation day is 9/15/12 from 9:30a-7p)
Important Links:

Schedule of Events

Merchandise Catalog
Itinerary (tba)
Silent auction catalog (tba)
Registration:Separate admission is required for each day of the event. Friday will have Vinylmation and Pins. Saturday is the Pin day. Sunday is the Vinylmation day. Event admission does not include EPCOT admission which is required.
Click here for VINYLMATION REGISTRATION.
Click here for PIN REGISTRATION.
What: A ticketed trading event for pins and Vinylmation. The year’s largest pin and Vinylmation event. The Vinylmation day will include trading
games, a guest trading area, even specific vinyls for purchase, and
event vinyl as a gift, artist signings, upcoming figures on display and a
presentation announcing upcoming Vinylmation. This year’s theme is Disney Villains. The Story Goes:

“In a far away land there lived a wicked and vain Queen who wanted more power. While pouring over ancient spell books, she discovered an incantation that, when performed on the darkest of days – Friday the 13th – could bring together thirteen of the most evil Disney villains known only as “The 13.” To cast this spell, the Queen must use a powerful, supernatural object – a magic mirror – to transport “The 13” from across time to the present day. As luck would have it, Friday the 13th will take place in September this year! The Queen decided this would be the perfect day to cast the spell.

Let’s fast forward to September. As the newly assembled Villains are hashing out their nefarious plans, the Villains intentionally break the mirror and hide the thirteen shards. Now the mirror can never be used against them, as it is the only object that can send them home. Lucky for us, an imaginative purple dragon named Figment overheard their plotting and asks Mickey Mouse for help. Along with five of their trusted friends known as the “Lucky 7,” Mickey Mouse and Figment devise a plan to stop “The 13.” They must reassemble the broken shards to send the villains back to their rightful places in time.”

Vinylmation Event
Sunday, May 15, 2013
Cost: $65


ADMISSION INCLUDES:

  • Opportunity to purchase select themed merchandise designed for the event (Catalog items #21 – 55 only)
  • Vinylmation Trading Activities and Games
  • Silent Auction featuring a variety Vinylmation items
  • Opportunity to trade for specially designed Vinylmation produced for 13 Reflections of Evil Vinylmation Showcase
  • Random Selection Process (RSP) for Custom Vinylmation
  • Meet Disney Vinylmation Merchandiser
  • Artists Signings with Disney Design Group Artist
  • One (1) $15 Gift Card
  • Limited Edition Commemorative Gift
Villainous Vinylmation Breakfast Package
Epcot – World ShowPlace
Sunday, September 15, 2013
8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Breakfast admission is $45 per Guest and includes the following:
  • Exclusive breakfast buffet with beverages
  • Exclusive trading time inside 13-Reflections of Evil venue from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
  • Exclusive 13- Reflections of Evil breakfast Vinylmation
In order to register for the Villainous Vinylmation Breakfast, Guests must also be registered for the Vinylmation Showcase. The Villainous Vinylmation Breakfast is not available to Guests who only register for the Pin Trading Showcase.


This year, there is also a Vinylmation/Pin day on Friday, May 13. Event services says this will be a special event date that is separate admission this year to allow both Pin and Vinylmation collectors to enjoy the festivities. It will also feature special Vinylmation only available this day.Club 13 – Event Package
Epcot – World ShowPlace
Friday, September 13,2013
9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Event admission for this limited package is $113 per Guest and includes the following:

  • Opportunity to pre-purchase themed merchandise designed for the event via Random Selection Process (RSP) – (All items in the catalog)*
  • Bewitched Bagged Lunch (stay tuned for menu items, which are still being brewed
  • Villains Meet and Scare
  • Trading activities and games
  • Triskaideka Phobia Silent Auction
  • First opportunity to trade for specially designed Disney pins and Vinylmation produced for 13 – Reflections of Evil
  • Meet Disney Merchandisers
  • Artists Signings with Disney Design Group Artists
  • Limited Edition Commemorative Gifts

 


EVENT VINYLMATION
I love the inclusion of the Beagle Brothers. They don’t get on much merchandise. I’m a little surprise they do not have hats. I’m also a stickler when ears are not used well. But they are designed beautifully and are a must have.

 

Great idea for a combo set. Wonderful artwork on Dr. Facilier and I would expect no less from Ron Cohee. The hat looks great and I love the splash of color on the ears. The juniors are a nice companions, fit in with the story and are expertly designed on the 1.5 inch canvas.

 

This is also a great idea for a combo. You get Mim in her normal form and in one of her transformations. Great artwork.

 

This is the least impressive piece of the Reflections event bunch. The face and horns look good, but I just don’t think Maleficent was the right choice for the Minnie platform. i do like how the bow gives the artist the chance to draw that straight line across, but it is an awful lot of yellow up there. For some reason the Minnie body comes across as a dress and not a robe and just looks odd.

 

An absolutely wonderful variant follow up to Sully’s original Popcorns figure. I wish this one was the original design released.

 

Then and Now: Celebrating 58 Years at the Disneyland Resort, Part 1, 2 & 3

WDWNT on August 7, 2013

Disney Parks Blog released images over the past few days in celebration of Disneyland’s 58th anniversary.  The images blend historical photo’s with current photo’s, and give a unique perspective of Disneyland.

The Disneyland Resort marks 58 years of history, change and growth on its anniversary next week, July 17. Through the years, one aspect of the Disneyland Resort that remains unchanged is the importance of our cast members to preserving Walt Disney’s vision.

To celebrate the anniversary on the Disney Parks Blog, this is the first of a three-part series blending historical images of our cast with photos of those who carry on Walt’s legacy today.

Then: Walt Disney poses for a photo with cast members at the Creole Café, now Café Orleans, in 1966.

Now: Café Orleans Lead Tammy Peterson poses in the same spot. She recalls, “As a kid, we would have to do chores to earn money to get to Disneyland. Now, I get to bring my grandkids.”

Continuing our three-part “Then & Now” series celebrating the 58th anniversary of the Disneyland Resort is this image of the Jungle Cruise.

Then: A Jungle Cruise skipper unloads a boat in 1965.

Now: Jungle Cruise Skipper Randy Grant carries out the same duty. “I’m enough of a dreamer that I understand the concept Walt had for the park,” Randy said. “I think he would be pleased that the Disneyland Resort is still growing. It proves his idea and his dream correct, that this is a place where people can be a kid no matter what age they are.”

Rounding out our three-part “Then & Now” series celebrating the 58th anniversary of the Disneyland Resort is this image of a Tom Sawyer Island River Raft journeying across the Rivers of America.

Then: Cast member Karen Marshall waves to guests in 1987.

Now: Karen Marshall, guest experience services, chats with Kevin Concepcion, Pirates Lair Rafts lead. Karen, who has worked at the Disneyland Resort since 1972, said, “I have many great memories from when I started working at Disneyland park so many years ago. Back then, I never could have imagined all of the changes that have taken place. It has been so much fun watching the Disneyland Resort grow and offer more amazing experiences for our guests to enjoy.”

Happy 58th birthday to the Happiest Place on Earth.  The orange grove that started it all.  Disneyland!

runDisney D2.3 Fun Run Through DCA to Lead D23 Expo 2013

WDWNT on August 7, 2013

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On Friday, August 9th, a runDisney D2.3 Fun Run will lead the way for the D23 Expo!

D23 members will have the opportunity to run through Disney’s California Adventure Park on a 2.3 mile fun run, preceding the opening of the D23 Expo. Runners taking part in this adventure will receive a shirt for participating, along with having the experience of running through a theme park, with Disney characters and other magical surprises along the way.

Says Faron Kelley, Director of Marketing for Disney Sports:

“runDisney is committed to helping people live a healthy and active lifestyle by providing races of various distances so the entire family can participate. It’s exciting to be part of the D23 Expo and to provide a memorable runDisney experience for some of the most passionate Disney fans in the world.”

This exciting opportunity will only be available to D23 members, participation will be limited, and you will need your D23 Membership number at time of registration. Starting the week of July 22nd, watch the Disney Parks Blog, runDisney on Facebook, and @runDisney & @DisneyD23 on Twitter, for details on how to register to be selected for the D2.3 Fun Run!

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For those of you who cannot make the D23 Expo, we’ve got you covered! WDW News Today will be there providing you with up-to-the-minute exclusive coverage of all the weekend’s events. So stay tuned to WDWNT.com.

Images courtesy of the Walt Disney Company

“Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives” Opening in Chicago October 16

WDWNT on August 7, 2013

Nearly 300 artifacts from 90 years of Disney history will appear in an exhibition at the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago beginning October 16, 2013 (the 90th anniversary of  The Walt Disney Company), and running through February 17, 2014.

TWDA-MSIChicago-Logo

Tickets will go on sale at msichicago.org on September 4, 2013.

Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives  highlights the creative accomplishments and innovations of Walt Disney, a Chicago native son, and the company that bears his name.

“The Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives showcases the creativity and innovation that has defined Disney for 90 years,” said Robert A. Iger, chairman and CEO, The Walt Disney Company. “We’re proud of this heritage, and we are very pleased to share this rare glimpse into our rich history with Chicago’s world-renowned Museum of Science and Industry.”

The exhibition will feature many rarely-seen artifacts such as drawings, props, costumes, artwork from classic Disney animation, theme park attractions, TV shows and live action films, as well as items from contemporary Disney milestones.

Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives promises to not be just another static, look and read, “don’t touch” museum exhibition. Hands-on, interactive stations will bring Disney technological breakthroughs in animation and motion pictures to life. Visitors to the exhibition will be able to try their luck at recording sound effects for a film, discover the workings of Disney’s innovative MultiPlane film camera and try their hand at drawing Disney characters in the Animation Academy.

 “Through this exhibit we’re pleased to showcase Walt Disney as both a master storyteller and an impressive innovator whose creative legacy continues to inspire people of all ages,” said David Mosena, president and CEO of the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago. “Guests will be immersed in Walt Disney’s ‘can do’ spirit, optimistic outlook and never-ending curiosity that propelled him through his impressive career. This spirit continues to be the creative inspiration behind many of the incredible experiences created by Disney today.”

This impressive collection of artifacts will include:

  • Clips from some of Walt Disney’s earliest animated works, before there was a Mickey.
  • The original script for the 1928 cartoon short Steamboat Willie, which introduced movie theater audiences to Mickey Mouse for the very first time, written by Walt Disney.
  • A partial recreation of Walt Disney’s formal office from the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, Calif., including original furnishings and many of his personal items.
  • Hand-drawn artwork, hand-sculpted models and props used in the production of some of Disney’s renowned animated features, including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, Fantasia, Dumbo and Sleeping Beauty.
  • A recreation of a working animator’s office from the Disney Studios featuring authentic animator’s furniture, and models.
  • Animation models and artwork from contemporary Disney animation film hits, including The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King and Aladdin.
  • Props from classic Disney live-action films, including Mary Poppins, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, The Rocketeer, The Princess Diaries, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl and Enchanted.
  • A special area of the exhibition dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the release of Mary Poppins, with film clips, interviews with the movie’s creators and rare behind-the-scenes photos.
  • A salute to Disneyland in California and the Magic Kingdom in Florida, showcasing artwork, Audio-Animatronics characters, and memorabilia from such popular attractions as  It’s a Small World, Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln, and The Hall of Presidents, as well as early plans and correspondence for Walt Disney’s vision of Epcot.

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Regular museum admission does not include this special exhibition. An additional timed-entry ticket, which is priced at $9 for adults and seniors, and $7 for children ages 3-11, will be required. D23 Gold and Silver members will receive a special discount on exhibit admission.

The exhibition, presented by D23 will run through February 17, 2014.

Tom Corless’ 7/12-14/13 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on August 7, 2013

I spent a majority of last weekend visiting the Magic Kingdom and I took a number of newsworthy photos to share, so let’s take a look at what’s new around the park:

Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug

The Villas at the Grand Floridian are looking great

Moving to the Magic Kingdom, the MyMagic+ service center is sitting dormant in Town Square Theater for now

Speaking of Town Square Theater, some guests decided to write on Mickey’s hand…

This is not alright people…

A few new character banks are now on sale

There is also now a kid’s Toodles shirt

Another pair of giant glasses has come out, this pair looks like Minnie’s bow

The gutters have returned to Sleepy Hallow Refreshments, meaning work is finally done on the facade

The new ear hat ornaments can be found at Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe

The shoe ornaments are still in stock as well

There is now a Haunted Mansion candlestick holder available

Everything but the Haunted Mansion throw blanket is currently available

Some new Winnie the Pooh merchandise has arrived at Hundred Acre Goods

Some new shirts with Pooh, Tigger, and Eeyore

FastPass+ signage at the Tomorrowland Speedway

Work is speeding up on the Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train in New Fantasyland

So, after the new FastPass+ merge point at “it’s a small world”, there is currently a free-for-all of people in line with no divider… hopefully this will be fixed before FastPass+ rolls out

The stroller name tags currently feature Disney Planes

You can now get Monster Energy Drink at some food carts

In an effort to keep strollers away from Pirate’s Adventure kiosks, signage was added. People don’t read…

The replica of the Be Our Guest Restaurant music box has finally been released and retails for $90

Walt Disney World (And Disneyland) Resort-Inspired Signs Now Available

WDWNT on August 7, 2013

One of the most difficult things for me to face is saying farewell to my “happy place” at the end of a Walt Disney World vacation. The sights, the smells, the sounds —  fun and happiness all around you.

One of the ways I try to combat post-WDW sadness is to try and recreate some of my favorite dishes from the restaurants.  I’ve perfected the New England Clam Chowder from Cape May Café at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, and the Key Lime Pie from Olivia’s Café at Disney’s Old Key West Resort, and the Buttermilk Fried Chicken from the Hoop De Doo Review at Fort Wilderness.

Now Walt Disney World has a new way to recreate the feeling of the Disney Resorts at home – with a line of art-inspired signage from the Disney Parks. Created by the Disney Imagineers and the Disney Design Group, these signs are following the trend of vintage sign replicas.

various signs

David Whitaker, senior merchandiser, says, “The sign program has been wildly popular with guests. We wanted to offer oversized replicas of Disney Parks’ signs printed on wood-like material or metal… we had plenty of options for us at Disney Parks. The fun part was selecting the most iconic signs for this first program.”

aloha sign

For some signs, the artists reproduced the sign almost exactly how it looks at Disney Parks, like the Aloha Isle sign.

tiki room combination sign

Other signs combine elements from several signs for an attraction to create an original piece of artwork, like the Enchanted Tiki Room sign.

“We took the attraction sign and combined it with shields found both on the Adventureland bridge in Magic Kingdom Park in Florida and on the attraction building in Disneyland park in California,” explained David. “I thought the addition of the shields made the sign more aesthetically pleasing.”

Look for the new vintage resort signs at the Art of Disney location in Downtown Disney Marketplace and Animation Gallery at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The Gaston’s Tavern sign is located in the new Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom.

cars gaston sign

There are also two Disney•Pixar’s “Cars“-inspired signs found at select locations in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure park.

Unfortunately, the vintage signs will not be available at the Disney Parks online store, but  some of these signs will be offered at the Disneyland Resort at a future date.

Downtown Disney Plans Parking Changes To Accommodate Disney Springs Construction

WDWNT on August 7, 2013

Screen Shot 2013-07-22 at 12.30.04 PM

Walls are up all around what is currently Pleasure Island and work is expected to begin in some sections of the Downtown Disney Marketplace next month, but Disney Springs construction is about to get a lot messier and Disney is ready for it.

With several of the parking areas in Downtown Disney set to close over the next few weeks, you can expect visiting any section of the area to be a hassle anytime after noon for quite some time. In fact, the first parking structure won’t even be completed and open for Disney Springs until the Fall of 2014.

The first lot that will be constructed will be on the West Side, so the amount of parking spaces on the West Side will be greatly diminished for the next year. This work is expected to begin any day now.

Disney is aware that there will be several days over the next 15 months when Downtown Disney lots will not be able to accommodate everyone who visit. The current plan is to offer overflow lots across the street at Team Disney, Casting and SunTrust on certain afternoons to allow Guests to have convenient parking. Disney will also offer a shuttle service for Guests who park at Team Disney to make it easier for them to get to the West Side.

Even with all of this planning in place, guests may still want to utilize Disney transportation to get to Downtown Disney, or even maybe a taxi cab.

In the meantime, Disney is doubling the amount of cast member parking in the Hess lot across the street, so cast members should not be affected by this construction. Disney has also added communication tools for Cast to help them know where to park, including text messaging, a parking hotline and signage along Buena Vista Drive that will let them know when Cast parking in lot P is full.

So, what do you think of this parking plan? Will you still visit Downtown Disney during this construction project or will you wait for the new parking structures to open?