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

VIDEO: “Bling in the New Year” Kicks Off “Limited Time Magic”

WDWNT on January 9, 2013

Screen Shot 2013-01-02 at 12.28.34 PM

While celbrating New Year’s Eve at the Magic Kingdom, I decided to take in the first Limited Time Magic offering: the “Bling in the New Year” Dance Party at the Tomorrowland stage. It really wasn’t much different than the usual Club 626 dance party with the exception of some added dancers, different character costumes, and countdown to the new year which happens once an hour. We have a short video of the party to share with you:

“MyMagic+” and “MagicBand” Are About to Change the Way You Visit Walt Disney World

WDWNT on January 9, 2013

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We’ve been keeping you updated on tests of FastPass+ and “Order Ahead” dining over the last few months, well, now we have the official word from Disney on how all of this “Next-Gen” technology will tie together to change the way guests experience Walt Disney World. If you have been following this site and our podcast for any amount of time, you have probably heard us discuss much of what we will explain in this post, but this is the first time we are getting the info straight from a Disney document. To protect our sources, we will not be showing you the document itself, but rather telling you the more interesting or important points of a release that was given to certain WDW cast members. Alright, let’s take a look at what “MyMagic+” and “MagicBand” mean for the future of Disney Parks:

Soon, Walt Disney World Resort will introduce tools that allow guests to use technology to customize and personalize their vacation, along with more guest enhancements that will continue to be tested and implemented in the coming years. Many of these efforts are part of MyMagic+, which has the ability to connect nearly all aspects of the guest experience.

  • My Disney Experience, a new website and mobile application, will provide a one-stop shop for all things Walt Disney World during every phase of a guest’s vacation. Guests may use My Disney Experience to get information on all Walt Disney World offerings, reserve dining and other experiences and make FastPass+ selections in advance.
  • Disney FastPass+ service will allow guests to lock in some of their must-do attractions and show experiences in advance, freeing them to explore and discover the magic in Walt Disney World theme parks and resort hotels. For the first time, guests will be able to reserve firework and parade viewing areas, shows, Disney Character Greetings and more.
  • The new MagicBand, worn on the wrist, will become the key to unlocking the magic, serving as room key, park admission, access to FastPass+ selections, PhotoPass card and payment account (optional) all rolled into one.
  • MyMagic+, as well as other guest experience enhancements, will continue to be tested and implemented in the coming years. We are continually looking at ways to take the entire Disney Parks experience to the next level at all of our destinations based on the unique ways our guests enjoy diverse sites. Guests, Cast, Crew, and Imagineer feedback will continue to be a critical part of the process in shaping these offerings.

“MyMagic+” has been slowly rolling out to guests over the last few weeks, most noticeably with the installation of “touch to pay” machines at most stores and RFID scanners at the entrance to all 4 theme parks. The new Walt Disney World website is also prepared for these additions including FastPass+:

Picture 1

If you try to make a dining reservation for the Be Our Guest Restaurant and it is not available, it will tell you that Disney FastPass+ Quick Service may be available. This will be the system that allows you to get a time window to go to the restaurant and even allow you to order your food before you arrive, just like the “Order Ahead” test from a few weeks ago. Of course if you hit the “Request Now” button, it does not work yet.

So, when will “MyMagic+” and “MagicBand” roll out? We don’t really know yet. We’ve heard as early as February we could see the first guests walking around the parks with the RFID MagicBand, but only time will tell. Stay tuned for more information on this breaking story as it becomes available.

What do you think of the concept of “MyMagic+” and “MagicBand”?

Introducing… Disney PhotoPass Booths?

WDWNT on January 9, 2013

We’ve seen some interesting changes to Disney PhotoPass recently, but the most interesting has to be this booth I came across at the Tomorrowland Light & Power Co. Arcade:

I thought at first it was just a photo booth sponsored by PhotoPass, but is is more than that

You can scan a PhotoPass card

Not only can you print photos from the booth, but you can now access photos and video from the booth using your PhotoPass card

Pretty neat, huh? What do you think about Disney PhotoPass booths?

2013 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival to Feature Food & Wine

WDWNT on January 9, 2013

20th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

Yep, you heard right… here’s the latest press release from Disney with some new details on this year’s Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival:

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – A blooming bounty of festival firsts will welcome Disney guests to the 20th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival presented by HGTV March 6-May 19, 2013 at Walt Disney World Resort.  First, the news:

  • Epcot chefs will cook up first-time festival food and beverage fun, with special cooking stations offering exclusive-to-the-festival bites along the park’s World Showcase promenade.
  • A new circus-like “Land of Oz Play Area,” based on the Disney fantastical film adventure “Oz: The Great and Powerful” to be released in March 2013, will debut a kaleidoscope of interactive fun.
  • Disney topiary experts will grow, shape and manicure a Fab Five Disney character topiary with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Pluto and Donald Duck (with Daisy Duck in a cameo) featured in a celebratory floral cookout scene in living topiary color at the park’s front entrance.
  • New illuminated gardens in the park’s Future World and World Showcase will cast a colorful glow over each festival evening.

Throughout the 75-day garden party, guests will discover festival surprises around every corner including new topiary triumphs, colorful garden displays, a butterfly bounty, HGTV celebrity designers, interactive gardening seminars and whimsical children’s play areas.  On weekends, top Flower Power rockers of the 1960s and ’70s will perform.

Every Friday through Sunday, HGTV design celebrities will host Festival Center seminars.  During opening weekend, March 8-10, Chris Lambton of “Going Yard” will appear; other designers scheduled to take the stage include Brandon Johnson of “My Yard Goes Disney” and Meg Caswell of “Meg’s Great Rooms.”

Now the details:

  • Festival-themed flavors:  Guests will discover culinary creations and refreshing libations at multiple festival-themed food and beverage locations.  Chefs are tweaking the menu to include backyard barbecue and a variety of garden-inspired and global tastes.  Around the World Showcase promenade
  • Fab Five topiary barbecue: 14-foot-tall topiary Goofy will bobble an anniversary cake while Donald and Daisy play badminton, Mickey fires up the grill, Pluto swipes a link of hot dogs and Minnie chills out on a colorful blanket of blossoms. At Epcot Front Entrance
  • Land of Oz Play Area:  This interactive new children’s play zone will feature play systems adorned with giant flowers and designed to stretch kids’ imaginations and muscles. Midway-style games, red-and-white circus-themed tents and the “Oz Movie Garden” of intriguing plants will capture the spirit of the upcoming “Oz: The Great and Powerful.”  Also on tap: fun games, photo opportunities, the “great and powerful Oz’s” crashed hot-air balloon and lush plants inspired by the movie.  On the Imagination Walkway
  • Illuminated Gardens:  Every night when the sun sets, many of the festival’s world-famous Disney topiaries and gardens will twinkle and shine in a new light.  Throughout World Showcase and Future World
  • “Monsters University” topiary:  Floral representations of Mike and Sully from the hit Disney-Pixar film “Monsters, Inc.” and stars of Disney-Pixar’s June 2013 release, “Monsters University,” will join the festivities as new topiary family members.  On the Future World Walkway
  • Phineas and Ferb topiary:  The popular Disney Channel animated celebs limit their shenanigans to go green for a family photo-op.  Behind Spaceship Earth
  • “Radiator Springs” interactive play zone:  Race car Lightning McQueen and tow truck “Mater” of the Disney-Pixar film “Cars 2″ will be the well-maintained topiary stars of this play area.  On the Test Track Walkway
  • Flower Power Firsts:  1970s top disco band The Village People (April 19-21) and 1960s singer-songwriter Tommy Roe (May 3-5) bring on the Flower Power beat when they take the concert stage.  At America Gardens Theatre

And a new twist:

  • Fawn’s Butterfly House: Eight fanciful fairy topiaries of Pixie Hollow, including Tinker Bell, Fawn, Vidia and Terrence, take over the Butterfly House this year where hundreds of colorful winged beauties flit to life.  On the Imagination Walkway

In all, more than 100 topiaries, 240 floating mini-gardens, dozens of flower towers and sweeping beds of multi-colored blooms will add floral splendor to the park landscape.  Daily hands-on gardening seminars, and other Festival Center events will offer innovative ideas, design tips and gardening know-how to park guests.

The Flower Power concert series kicks off March 6-10 with Micky Dolenz (“I’m a Believer”) and continues each weekend with pop favorites including:

March 15-17:             Chubby Checker & The Wildcats

March 22-24:             The Guess Who

March 29-31:             Nelson

April 5-7:                    The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie

April 12-14:                Paul Revere & the Raiders

April 19-21:                The Village People (new!)

April 26-28:                The Orchestra, Featuring Former Members of ELO and ELO II

May 3-5:                     Tommy Roe (new!)

May 10-12:                 Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone

May 17-19:                 Starship starring Mickey Thomas.

The festival, including all gardening programs and exhibits, is included in regular Epcot admission.