Collecting with Claudia: Chance Meeting with Disney Artist Randy Noble

WDWNT on July 30, 2011

On Friday, July 29, my family and I decided to go to Downtown Disney and mingle with the tourists.  We ate some tasty food at the Earl of Sandwhich, and afterwards, we walked over to the Art of Disney to find that RANDY NOBLE was doing a special appearance and signing to promote his new artwork from 6-8pm!!!!

Randy Noble at Downtown Disney

On a large table next to Randy were original oils on canvas, glicees, prints, and a big figure for sale.  His paintings, glicees and prints included figures such as Sorcerer Mickey Triptych #1-3, Best Friends Chip & Dale, and Goofy Fun.

Sorcerer Mickey – Framed Glicee LE 95 $350, Deluxe Print $35

Not many people were present for this event, so I was lucky to purchase his Sorcerer Mickey print, and have it signed by Randy Noble (he even drew a Mickey on the print-matt while I watched in awe!).

Fortunately, I had several of my Vinylmations with me because you never know when a good opportunity will present itself; plus I also bring extras with me to trade at blind-boxes throughout Downtown Disney.    So, I asked Randy if he would sign one, and he said “I can sign all of them if you like…”  I was ECSTATIC!!!!!!

Goofy Fun – Original LE 1 $1800, Giclee LE 95 $390, Deluxe Print $35

I asked Randy if he would be attending the Florida Project in September, and he said he “was considering it…if I do go, it would be for the Vinylmation event only.”   Let’s cross our fingers that he will attend!!!

If you are not familiar with the Florida Project, please visit:   http://eventservices.disney.go.com/static/vinylmation/floridaproject.html

Best Friends – Original LE 1 $1400, Giclee LE 95 $375, Deluxe Print $35

Needless to say, this was an amazing day.  To meet one of the best Disney artists, and to find out he is such a nice guy was the best way to spend a Friday night!!!!

*Editors Note: Randy Noble is considered the creator of Vinylmation. He designed such early masterpieces as the Park 1 Balloon Chaser, Park 1 Safari Mickey 9″, Park 2 Little Green Men and special event pieces such as the 9″ Space Mountain 35th and Cinderella’s 60th. His figures now are few and far between and his talents on the little vinyl Mickey is missed.

Collecting with Claudia: Trading Vinylmation

WDWNT on July 28, 2011

Most of us depend on trades to enhance our own Vinylmation collection, so the more options we have for trade locations, the better. This article will explore the most common trading practices, locations, and suggestions.

For those collectors who live in Florida, it is a bit easier to trade on Disney properties like the Magic Kingdom, Downtown Disney, Resorts, Trade Nights, and so on. You can find a list of trading spots on Disney properties by going to: Destination Vinylmation’s Trading Locations page or typing “trading locations” in the search bar (on the top right).

Though not everyone has the luxury of living near Disney, there are several options that I will discuss here.

One trading option is to go to Disney Stores, which are located in malls throughout the country. Do take into consideration that not all stores will have Vinylmation trading, so check with your local stores.

If you cannot get to a Disney Store, there are many online trading websites available (please do your own research before you sign-up for a particular trading site). Here is a list of commonly known trading sites; however, this is by no means a complete list:

Vinylmation Kingdom http://vinylmationkingdom.com/

Vinylnation http://www.vinylnation.net/

Vinylmation Trader https://sites.google.com/site/vinylmations/

Vinylmation Traders http://www.vinylmationtraders.com/

Facebook, youtube, and Craigslist are also other options when searching for new trading experiences.

Advice & Suggestions:

*SAFETY is #1. I cannot stress this enough. A vinylmation is NOT worth risking your privacy and safety.

*If you are under the age of 18, please make sure you have your parents’ permission.

*Be honest throughout the entire trading process. For example: accurately describe your vinyls that are up for trade (are they new, damaged, scuffed, have paint loss, etc…).

*Do your research, ask other collectors, go online, talk to your friends.

* When trading via “snail” mail, I would highly encourage you to obtain a tracking number, and package the vinyls very well. Bubble wrap is a great way to ensure your figures are safe during transit. It is very disappointing to receive a vinyl that is damaged due to poor packaging.

If I have left out any trading options, websites, groups, suggestions, etc… please make sure to inform our readers by leaving a comment below. Thank you, and KEEP ON COLLECTING!

Collecting with Claudia: Displaying Your Collection

WDWNT on July 13, 2011

Destination is happy to welcome Claudia to the DV team. Claudia will be bringing you articles all about collecting Vinylmation. Her topics will appeal to both newbies and addicts alike. Newcomers to Vinylmation will be able to learn all the basics about the hobby. Veterans will learn tips that will help improve your collections. Claudia, take it away…

So… you got up extra early for the new release (either at D-Street or online), got your “must-have” series or LE, and returned home to find that your vinylmation collection is taking over your house. What to do???? You could:

  1. Rent a storage unit for your collection.
  2. Move back-in with your parents so there’s more room for your vinyls at home.
  3. Dig a new basement under your house.
  4. All of the above…
  5. Keep reading for a better solution.
No need to take drastic measures, because Collecting with Claudia is here to help. Displaying your Vinylmations in an organized manner is the best solution. This allows you to visually enjoy your collection while protecting them from dust and “sticky fingers” in space-saving cases. Here is a list of display cases available for sale; however, this is by no means a complete list (for 3 inch Vinylmations):
  1. Three tier clear acrylic display case from The Container Store. These cases are stackable and the tiers can be removed according to your preference. This display case allows you to store approximately 12-15 vinylmations on 3 different levels. You can check it here.
  1. Wall Display Case from Michaels. This display case is known as the “Shot Glass Display Case,” where you can store up to 28 vinylmations. When buying this case, don’t forget to use your Michael’s coupon so you can save money (more saving means more money to BUY MORE VINYLMATIONS!!!!!). You can check it out here.
  1. Clear tackle box trays are a great way to store your vinylmations, and they are easy to take with you to trade events or when you go to the Disney Parks. These can be found in the sporting goods section of most big-box stores. For added protection, you can place your vinylmations in small zip-lock bags which can be found in the craft section at Walmart.
  1. Curio cabinets are not just for your grandma’s knick-knacks anymore, they can also be an ideal way to display your vinylmations. You can also use the “Stairstep” rack inside your curio cabinet for a more organized look. You can check this out here.
  1. If displaying 9 inch vinylmations or 2 figure sets, doll-sized display cubes are a great idea (these can be found at Walmart, Michaels, The Container Store, and most hobbie shops).
If I have left out any display/storage options, please make sure to inform our readers by leaving a comment below. Please note that I am not affiliated in any way with the stores named above.
There is no point in accumulating collectibles if you can’t enjoy them. Don’t store them… display them! “And remember to KEEP ON COLLECTING!!!!”

Collecting with Claudia: The Florida Project

WDWNT on January 1, 1970

Are you going to the Florida Project?

Worried about how you are going to carry ALL of your Vinylmation traders with you to the event?

Don’t know what time to get there?

Have no clue where it is located?

Perhaps COLLECTING WITH CLAUDIA can help!

I called the Disney Event Services at 1-407-827-7600 and spoke with Cast Member Shar who was able to provide me with lots of information (thank you, Shar!).

The Florida Project Vinylmation event will take place on September 11, 2011, at Epcot in the World Showplace Center from 9:30am until 2:00pm.

Outside the World Showcase at Trade City 2010

Per CM Shar, Epcot will open at 9:00am that day, and all event attendees will be directed to the World Showplace Center which is located between the Canada & UK Pavilion.  The doors to the World Showplace Center will open at 9:30am (no early birds allowed).

Guests will pick-up their RSP Vinylmations the day they chose to do so on their registration.  If you chose to pick-up your RSP vinyls on Thursday Sept 8, then you will receive notification as to where to pick–up (that location has not yet been identified).  Guests who chose to pick-up their RSPs on the day of the event will do so then.

So… are you worried you have too much stuff to carry with you to the event?  Are you thinking of renting a U-Haul?   You may want to start planning what you are going to bring to the event, because there is a limit as to what is allowed in the park.

Vinylmation at EPCOT

While on the phone with the Disney Events Services Cast Member, I voiced my concerns about what we can bring into the park since most of us have LARGE collections for trade.  CM Shar informed me that the usual allowed in the park are 2 large suitcases; however, she will have to double-check with the Events Manager as to any specifics (she is to get back with me in a few days with more info on that issue—I will post her response in the comments below when I receive her return call).

Update: 8/20/11 This is the response I got from Char at the Disney Event Services regarding what we can bring to the Fl Project on 9/11/11.

Hi Claudia:

Here is the information sent to us from the Event Manager, Ashley.

Cooler Policy
Full-size coolers, with or without wheels, are not allowed.
Coolers smaller than 24” length x 15” width x 18” height (which mirrors the large locker size) are allowed.
Coolers will be inspected for glass and alcoholic beverages which are not permitted.

Wagon Policy
Wagons are not permitted in the Walt Disney World Theme Parks for the following reasons:
Because the wagon is pulled behind the guest, they will not always see exactly where the wagon is traveling. This makes it easy to run over other guests in a crowd.
Wagons are not as stable as strollers and can tip if accidentally pushed by other guests who are not watching where they are going.
Due to the bulk, length and unique way they maneuver, wagons may not fit through some queue lines or even in some buildings, shops or food locations.

Also, luggage is not permitted on Walt Disney World buses.

As for the limit on what Guests can bring in, there isn’t an official “limit.” However, each Guest is responsible for his/her own belongings throughout the event. Each Guest is only allowed one “space” at a table for trading, so bringing more product does not necessarily mean they can put more on display.

Hopefully this helps. Please let us know if you have any additional questions.

Thanks!
Char

I hope all this was helpful, and please make sure to leave a comment below if you have any other suggestions/information.

Don’t know what the Florida Project is??  Then go to: http://eventservices.disney.go.com/static/vinylmation/floridaproject.html

And remember to KEEP ON COLLECTING!