Steambot Willie

WDWNT on December 3, 2012

On November 19th this whistling pile of nuts and bolts will sail it’s way into Disney Stores and Online.

It is part of the Robots 3 collection and has an edition size of 1000 and is $69.95. The main design is of Pete in his Steamboat Willie outfit. That hat is amazing for a 9 inch. it looks an elevator door to me. There is also the peg leg feature in the right foot. In the center is a window where we see Mickey Mouse steering the robot with the classic Steamboat Willie wheel. I do love the idea of Robots 3, I’m just hard pressed to spring for 9 inches these days, but if it goes into a Vinylmation Madness like sale down the road, it will be on my shelf. I wish this was a 3 inch in the collection instead, because I truly enjoy the design.

An Intimate Look Back at the Last 5 Years

WDWNT on December 3, 2012

When WDW News Today turned 1 year old, John Corigliano wanted to celebrate with a video recapping the year that was in both Walt Disney World and in our site and podcast. This became an annual tradition for three years, with us eventually canceling the project for 2011 because of a lack of time and resources. We are very happy to share that we did not let our 5 year anniversary go by the same way. Instead of just looking back at the year that was, we decided to do a video recapping the last 5 years when John returned to WDWNT in January. John not only did this, but he also produced a short music video in honor of our big celebration. We hope you enjoy this intimate look back at the last 5 years:

T is Served on December 7th at DLR

WDWNT on December 3, 2012

The Maria Clapsis designed Mad T Party combo set will be released at Disneyland on December 7th.

It has an edition size of 3000 and will retail for $26.95. It is based on the nighttime dance party held at Disney’s California Adventure.

An Aerial View of New Fantasyland Construction – July 2012

WDWNT on December 3, 2012

Scott Keating was once again nice enough to provide some aerial shots of the current New Fantasyland construction site after a few month absence, so let’s see all that has changed:

As you can see, everything but the Mine Train is nearing completion

If there was any doubts that the Skyway Station was going to become a Tangled meet-and-greet, the appearance of a tower frame has just about confirmed it…

The framework for Mine Train looks to be just about complete

The castle walls are taking shape

Just the three tent-like structures left to go in Storybook Circus, we expect these to open in the Fall/Winter

A look at Mine Train

As you can see, the beauty and the Beast realm is almost complete as paths and trees are already installed and all scaffolding is down. Trees are up in the Mermaid queue as well.

A closer look at the tents that will be Big Top Souvenirs, Pete’s Silly Sideshow, and a Humphrey the Bear-themed counter-service location

The concept art we say in 2009 is finally coming to life… Stay tuned…

Pirates Come Ashore for Christmas

WDWNT on December 3, 2012

On December 21, 2012 the long awaited Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides open window series will be released at D-Streets. They will cost $14.95 each and are open edition. We first saw the concept art for this series back in 2011.

Say Aloha New Vinylmation!

WDWNT on December 3, 2012

A few news and notes out of Hawaii. The release date for the Aulani figures we saw previewed at Mickey’s Circus have appeared on Disney’s Events page. Disney has two figures listed and call them both “Minnie” but we are going to assume one is supposed to be “Mickey.” A misprint is a safe assumption since they also say “open edition” with an LE number of 1,500 right next to it AND a price tag of $24.95 which is ridiculous for a 3 inch figure. They also list them under the “Disneyland” section, but we believe they are an Aulani Resort in Hawaii specific (again, based on info given to us at Mickey’s Circus). AND, one more caveat, Aulani is a DVC resort so we are not sure if you must show your DVC membership or not to purchase these. Ok, enough explaining… here is what they look like…

We have also seen pictures from various sources of a wonderful 3″ Minnie Mouse with a grass skirt accessory.

As you can see, she comes in a beautiful Hawaii themed tin. It seems this figure was unceremoniously released on October 29, 2012 and is only available at the Ala Moana Shopping Center Mall on Oahu, Hawaii.

If You Had Three Wishes…

WDWNT on December 3, 2012

If you had a magic lamp, what three Vinylmation would you wish for? This new 2013 Daruma Wishes 3″ Genie Vinylmation from Japan sure conjures magical imagery.

It is also a bit on the mysterious side. We do know it has been released in Japan and is listed at the online Japan Disney Store for 1,200 Yen. But we have some questions from the artwork. Can anyone tell us what the idea with the eyes is? The close up bubble shows a black eye dot drawn in. Is it a customizable option on the figure? Let us know what your thoughts are. I think the lamp drawn onto the feet with the Genie rising up above is great, but the facial design isn’t as appealing as the Park 11 Genie in my opinion. Oh, and my answer to the question posed above?

1. Osborne 2009
2. Cinderella’s 60th
3. Wall-E

2013 Poster Series Release Dates… Maybe?

WDWNT on December 3, 2012

Disney announced something… I know that’s not specific but here are the details. According to the events calender on vinylmation.com there will be a release of a “2013 Series – 3-inch figure (Open Edition / Retail: $12.95)” on December 28th at D-Streets. They also have a January 11th release of a similar figure for the online Disney Store. We are assuming that means this is the first (and maybe second) release of the 13 2013 Poster figures we saw at Mickey’s Circus (seen above). Only, at Mickey’s Circus, they said there would be a limited edition of 2013 for each figure, not open edition like the website says. Maybe the website meant open box. We’ll follow up and give out more information as it becomes available. 
Right now the events page is full of mistakes. They can’t even spell December correctly.

Port Orleans Riverside Glistens with New Beauty After Remodel

WDWNT on December 3, 2012

The lobby at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside reopened this summer following a two-month renovation. The fresh new look includes new tile, colorful rugs, decorative period lighting and new furniture.  This  2,048-room resort depicts the lifestyle of the great Old South with wandering paths, picturesque waterways and the sounds of Cajun music, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside includes mansion-style accommodations and rustic retreats. (Kent Phillips, photographer)

Two colorful new rugs decorate the lobby at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside. The design is part of a recent lobby renovation that included a new check-in,  new tile, furniture and decorative fixtures evocative of the period.  The new design scheme showcases the essence of the South. (Kent Phillips, photographer)

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside showcases new lighting fixtures, reflecting the romance of the South, as part of its recent lobby renovation. The moderate resort has a fresh new look in its expansive lobby. (Kent Phillips, photographer)

Very Merry Sorcerers Card

WDWNT on December 3, 2012

A new Sorcerer’s of the Magic Kingdom card will be available exclusively at the Magic Kingdom’s Very Merry Christmas Party this year.

Guests must show their party ticket and wristband at the Firehouse to receive the free card. It features Wayne and Lanny from Disney Channel’s popular Prep and Landing Christmas special. Make sure you print out our Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom card checklist before you head out to the parks.