Collector’s Corner: David

WDWNT on March 26, 2012

Send an email to DestinationVinylmation@gmail.com to have your collection featured

Name: David

Hometown: Miami, FL

Collection Count: 992
3″ = 866
9″ = 86
Jrs = 31
Park Starz = 3
Customs = 6

A wall of 9″ figures

How long have you been collecting?
I have been collecting vinylmations since it came out. The way I found out about the vinylmations was when I went on the Disney Cruise while there I went to the store in the cruise and saw these vinyl shaped as mickeys since i’m a Disney collector I decided to buy one and another and another until my friend just told me to buy the whole box and I got the box and the 9″ exclusive park 1 and so started my hunt for them all.

Ear Hat, key chain and plush
Park 8 and Alice
Various 9″ and more
Ear Hats
9″
David even bought Billiards! That’s a sure way to up a Collection Count 🙂

What is your favorite figure that you own?
My favorite vinylmation would have to be 9″ Fantasmic it’s one of my favorite shows in Disney and the design is just beautiful.

Holiday 9″
Big Figs! Nice touch.
Animal Kingdom
Big Figs and more
More 9″! I should have kept mine in box for stacking.

What is your favorite figure that you don’t own?
My favorite vinylmation I been looking for the most but i think ill never get it is the Haunted Mansion Shag 9″.

Muppets, Villains and Urban
Pirates, Animation and Star Wars
Park!

Which of these is the best feeling: Pulling a figure you want… from a blind box you just purchased, from a great trade with another collector, from a mystery trading box at the park or from a clear trading box?
The best feeling is opening a vinyl from a blind box that you want.The best luck I had with my boxes is pulling out the holy grail from my star wars box the Blue ghost Obi-Won chaser and other variants.

David’s added some nice customs to his shelves.

Collector’s Corner: Tyler

WDWNT on March 26, 2012

Name: Tyler C

Hometown: Littleton, CO

Collection Count: 145
3″ = 142
9″ = 0
Jrs = 3
Park Starz = 0
Customs = 0

How long have you been collecting?
I have been collecting since February of 2009, when I think only Park 1 was released. Yeti was my first Vinyl, $15 on ebay! I am a 3” Vinyl collector only, but there have been a few 9” that I was tempted to get. Right now I have 142 Vinyls…. But my daughter who also collects, put her 12 in the display too!

Display 1
Display 2
Display 3

What is your favorite figure that you own?
I really like “King Mickey” from D-Tour series…. The printing is amazing, I really like the sketched look of it.

Home-made Lightbox

What is your favorite figure that you don’t own?
There are 2 from Urban 4 I would like, “Super Mouse” and “Paint Drip Mickey”

Which of these is the best feeling: Pulling a figure you want… from a blind box you just purchased, from a great trade with another collector, from a mystery trading box at the park or from a clear trading box?
Not being close to the Parks and only store trading near me, the best feeling I have had so far is pulling a figure I wanted from a blind box I purchased. It was the Toy Story series and I can just remember holding the foil package, and feeling Buzz’s helmet!

Tell us about that light box. Why you decided to construct it and what went into it.
I decided to make the light box because I wanted some type of signage with the Vinylmation being displayed. It is based off the Vinylmation sign inside the D-Street Store in Florida. I like the sign white, but decided to paint it black to match the display cases I already have.

D-Street Orlando

The artwork of the sign was created by individually screen capturing over 500 Vinyls from the Disney Vinylmation vault page. The light box itself is just a simple box, constructed similar to a drawer would be put together, put my artwork between 2 pieces of acrylic, framed it and the put it on some hinges so I can get to the light bulb if I need to change it.

Making the Lightbox
Making the Lightbox

The best part, the whole thing cost me less than $30 to build it! The printer donated the printing, which is printed on a plastic material, like a back lit store sign. I bought the scrap, leftover pieces of acrylic at Lowes and the wood, paint and light fixture at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore outlet.

For those looking for ways to display their collection, what are those display boxes and where can people find them?
I am sure many people use these display boxes, they are the Michael’s shotglass display cases.
Wait for them to go on sale at 40% and get the additional 25% coupon in the newspaper and they are cheap! Only problem is with the evolution of Vinlys, accessories are making the figures taller and wider, so you may be limited to what you can display. The Mayor from Nightmare Before Christmas has to be displayed without his hat on!

Tyler also offers our readers Vinylmation themed wallpaper.

Collector’s Corner: Michael and Colleen

WDWNT on March 26, 2012

Send an email to DestinationVinylmation@gmail.com to have your collection featured

Name: Mike and Colleen

Hometown: Fairfax, VA (although our heart is currently riding the TTA)

Collection Count: 80
3″ = 69
9″ = 3
Jrs = 0
Park Starz = 8

How long have you been collecting?
Since October 2010. We originally had no interest in Vinylmation as we are pin collectors and things can get out of hand quickly. Then the Toy Story blind boxes came out, so we figured what the heck! Our first pull was Lotso. As he is an attempted murderer, we quickly decided that he would be a trading vinyl. Okay, one more Toy Story…we pulled…BIG BABY!?!?! Are you kidding me?! Another trader, but that Buzz Lightyear would be ours one day. Despite the worst first pulls ever, we’ve been hooked ever since. And yes, we have Buzz now.

Jiminy and Tink
Park Starz

What is your favorite figure that you own?
Mike: Dr. Facilier from Villains 2. Love the movie, love the villain, LOVE the hat!
Colleen: Tinkerbell from Park 7. Wings, sparkles, and wand accessory!

Haunted Mansion
Polynesian

What is your favorite figure that you don’t own?
Colleen: Obi-Wan or Ghost Obi-Wan…or both.
Mike: Any skeleton from the Pirates set. Despite many purchases, they still elude me.

Mr. Toad
9″s

Which of these is the best feeling: Pulling a figure you want… from a blind box you just purchased, from a great trade with another collector, from a mystery trading box at the park or from a clear trading box?
We both agree that pulling from a blind box is the best. We even did a long distance pull over Skype one time with Villains 2. The big reveal was the Mother Gothel chaser. How sweet it can be. Unless you pull Big Baby of course.

Except for our army, we’ve been working hard to get our vinyls in “themed lands” in our house. Our favorite by far is the Pirate Wall. Between the WDCC Hairy Leg Pirate, the movie poster, and a LEGO Black Pearl, it’s our miniature version of one of our favorite attractions.

Collectors Corner: Nick

WDWNT on March 5, 2012

MC has been on me awhile now to post some pictures of my collection, so I took some initiative this morning, counted them up and took some pictures. We always welcome you to submit pictures of your collection and over the next few weeks, the DV staff will share ours.

Name: Nick LoCicero

Hometown: Orlando, FL

Collection size: 750

3″ = 628
9″ = 64
Jr. = 58
Park Starz = 12
Watches = 3
Ear Hats = 4
Customs = 7 (3 I made myself)

My Stormtrooper army is up to 22!

How long have you been collecting?
Since July 1, 2010. I remember the day well. It was the return of Captain EO to Epcot. It was raining all day. To stay dry, I hopped inside Mouse Gears where I saw they started to trade Vinylmation. That hooked me. I went home with 10 and was back just about every couple days for weeks. Now I’m over 700. The 750 figure above is pretty close to accurate. It doesn’t include my like 20 traders, 10 sitting there to be repainted customs, 14 Urban 6 Killer Bees awaiting an Epcot Flower and Garden photo shoot and a few other random doubles I hold onto because I like them. (It does however include to 22 Stormtroopers)

One row in my case is dedicated to my favorite Park figures with the chasers gathered to the far right.
One row has various figures including Muppets, Urban chasers and DCL.

What is your favorite figure that you own?
My first one, Park 4 IASW Leopard.

Another row used to be Urban, but now shelves my movie themed pieces.

Which of these is the best feeling: Pulling a figure you want… from a blind box you just purchased, from a great trade with another collector, from a mystery trading box at the park or from a clear trading box?
A blind box. Because I split cases now, that feeling is largely gone. But it was the best.

I have stuff all over… these Villains sit on top of a speaker
This stuff is stacked on top of my display case.
And more still sits in labeled boxes waiting for that addition on my house.
The top of my computer desk is crowded with Disney collectibles. Stormtrooper Donald is one of my favorites.
More stuff on top of my desk.
Way up top, all kinds of Buzzs and Woodys hang out.
One of my favorite sections is my retro Disney themed area.
I even have stuff on my TV stand.
Vinylmation was my gateway drug… pins were the next logical step. Here is my just full pin board.
That Alex Maher designed framed collage is wonderful, but the crown jewel of my Disney collectibles is that WDW 1/2 Marathon medal. One, because I love Donald and the design is brilliant, but mostly because I earned it. Send us an email to DestinationVinylmation@gmail.com to have your collection featured.

Collector’s Corner: Peter and Leah

WDWNT on February 25, 2012

Name: Peter and Leah

Hometown: Victoria BC, Canada

Collection Count:
3″ = 185
9″ = 2
Jrs = 0
Park Starz = 0
Customs = 2

How long have you been collecting?
We’ve been collecting for just over a year now, since May 2011. We are big fans of Toy Story and needed the Lotso vinyl. We were unaware of the world of Vinylmation, but by the end of our week in Disneyland we were coming home with 22 figures, including Lotso!

What is your favorite figure that you own?
That is a tough one! We only collect figures that we really love, and not just for the sake of having every one. Lotso will always hold a soft spot for us. Watermelon Mickey is one of my favorites â€“ for my birthday Peter surprised me with a vinyl for the 10 days leading up to my actual birthday, and Watermelon was day 10! Romantic Treats are quickly becoming favorites too, we love the unique approach in their designs.

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What is your favorite figure that you don’t own?
That would probably be Super Mouse, we just haven’t been able to get that guy! Or the impossible Kermit from Muppets 1!

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Which of these is the best feeling: Pulling a figure you want… from a blind box you just purchased, from a great trade with another collector, from a mystery trading box at the park or from a clear trading box?
All of these are great feelings! It feels so great to make a trade with someone and know that they are thrilled with their new acquisition too and share the excitement. But the BEST feeling has to be a blind box.. 



We’ve had our share of disappointments (I’ve lost count of Cutester 2 kids..) but opening up the black phone  variant was so thrilling! With Villains 2 we wanted just one figure, and thought we’d just buy  a box. We just happened to get that Runaway Brain Mickey! Disney Magic!

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Tell us about those customs we see on the shelf.
The two customs we own are done by local comic book artist Gareth Gaudin. He does monthly comic books that he sells at his shop here in Victoria, with the characters Perogi Cat and Cute Elk. I’m a big fan of them and for Christmas last year, Peter got him to do a simple Perogi Cat and Cute Elk Vinylmation!


Collector’s Corner: Brandon “TheVinylGuy” Balasco

WDWNT on February 25, 2012

 

Name: Brandon “TheVinylGuy” Balasco (Age 14)

Hometown: Originally from Rhode Island but I live in Tampa, FL

Collection Count: 550

3″ = 497

9″ = 31

Jrs = 6

Park Starz = 16

Customs = 6

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How long have you been collecting?

I’ve been collecting since the day before D-Street Florida opened (April 15,2010)

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What is your favorite figure that you own?

There’s too many to choose from! I can’t really pick! But I do LOVE the Park line! I hate Urban lol besides select few!

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What is your favorite figure that you don’t own? 

I really love the 9″/3″ Test Track, the 9″/3″ Watching You (Haunted Mansion Wallpaper), and Urban 1 Oopsy!

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Which of these is the best feeling: Pulling a figure you want… from a blind box you just purchased, from a great trade with another collector, from a mystery trading box at the park or from a clear trading box?

Best Feeling- when i finally get a certain design that I’ve always wanted!

Now this display case is not your ordinary display case! It Rotates, lights up and has a lock so know one can steal them! My dad and I found this at a Flea Market for 15.00$. It was originally a Lorus Watch Display Case, but I restored it myself and made it a Vinylmation Display!

This was signed by Bella Thorne! If you don’t know what she is from, she is on the hit show on Disney Channel called !Shake It Up!

Collector’s Corner: Nathan

WDWNT on January 18, 2012



Name: Nathan Myers

Location: Ft Worth, TX

Collection Size: 76

3″ = 74
9″ = 2
Jrs = 0

How long have you been collecting?
I collect VM for the joy and memory’s I have from growing up in So Cal and going to Disneyland as a kid and now taking my son to Disneyland. My first VM was POTC that had always been my favorite ride a Dland so I bought a blind box not knowing about VM and pulled the Barbossa Chaser! That hooked me!

What is your favorite figure that you own?
That is a tough one at the moment I guess it is the SF Cable Car Tin.

What is your favorite figure that you don’t own?
Wow that is tough. So many I like and want. I really want the ETO Mushu and the Si Am Chaser.

Which of these is the best feeling: Pulling a figure you want… from a blind box you just purchased, from a great trade with another collector, from a mystery trading box at the park or from a clear trading box?
I think the best feeling is opening up a blind box and seeing that one VM I was wanting to get! Thank you for considering me for the Collectors corner!!!

Email us at DestinationVinylmation@gmail.com and get your collection featured in a Collector’s Corner Article.

Collector’s Corner: Don

WDWNT on October 26, 2011

Name: Don

Location: Central Florida

Collection Size: 659

3″ = 583

9″ = 56

Jrs = 20

Why do you collect Vinylmations?
Walt Disney World has always been our favorite family vacation destination for many years. I actually came with my mom as a child in 1973, the second summer the Magic Kingdom was opened. We came back just about every other summer since then prior to moving to Florida. It holds a lot of special memories for me with my parents and then with our children who have grown up going there over the years. After moving to Florida in 2003 we immediately acquired annual passes for my wife, my daughter and myself and have visited the parks quite frequently since then. When we moved, our son decided to stay in Virginia to complete his college degree. But it wasn’t too long before he decided to move to Florida. Since we have been to the parks on many occasions we began looking for something new to do together as a family when we visited. My son and I immediately fell in love with Vinylmations. It started off small with hitting all the trading spots while visiting the parks and has grown into a real obsession with collecting as many as we can. My son now works full time at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and our daughter’s fiancé is now working at EPCOT in an intern program and plans on working at WDW full time when he graduates next year. Who knows, my wife and I may join them in retirement!

What is your favorite Vinylmation you own?
That is such a difficult question to answer when I have so many. Even though my favorite artist overall is Maria Clapsis I have to say that Thomas Scott designed my top two favorites, Oopsy Mickey and Paint Drip Mickey. Wall-e and Eve are a close third and fourth.

What is you favorite Vinylmation you DO NOT own?
I have mainly concentrated on collecting 3” Vinylmations and the 9” figures that are sold with a 3”. I still have a desire to collect other 9” that either hold special memories for me or the design is just incredible! The 9” Park 1 “It’s a Small World” has eluded me to this point and I really would like to have it for my collection.

Which of these is the best feeling: Pulling a figure you want… from a blind box you just purchased, from a great trade with another collector, from a mystery trading box at the park or from a clear trading box?
Since we love trading Vinylmations from the black mystery boxes in the parks there is nothing like the excitement of finding a rare one. Last weekend at the Frontierland Trading Post my daughter pulled the green Cyclops variant. Also several years ago my wife found two Urban 1 Vinylmations in a clear box in EPCOT but that is extremely rare.

How much planning went into your extensive Vinylmation display?
Our house has a small foyer and for a while we displayed them there in various display cases. It didn’t take long to outgrow the space and about the same time we were talking about renovating our guest bedroom. For a while I dreamed about how we could use this space for our Vinylmation collection. I was very fortunate to know someone who was a carpenter and he helped me design and build the large glass unit over a built-in dresser. From there we added several other display shelves and the long shelf over the window. We were able to find Park 1 and Urban 1 prints to frame and hang over the bed and some pictures of Vinylmations sold in the Disney store to compliment the room. We also used two 9” Viking Vinylmations to make the two bedside lamps. It was a lot of fun seeing our dream come true and a tremendous satisfaction to see it finally completed with all the figures in place. The array of colors is phenomenal! The pictures do not completely do it justice.

How long did it take to complete?
It basically took about six months of planning and six months to complete the construction of the bedroom and shelving. It was well worth the wait!

Is it ever changing displays where you will swap new favorites in and out?
That is the fun thing about the way our Vinylmations are displayed. The display can always be changed around depending on new ones found and the new collections coming out. I am still using the foyer area for the most recent releases and they will eventually make their way back to the main collection in the bedroom.

Are there plans on building a Vinylmation Guest House in the backyard by about 2015?
I really thought that maximizing the bedroom space was going to be enough but as you can see it is already pretty much full. I am not sure what I am going to do once the foyer and the bedroom are full, maybe a room with nothing but Vinylmations. I may have to use the guest house in the backyard as a place to stay if I try to design any more spaces in the house for Vinylmations!

Collector’s Corner: Adam and Katelyn

WDWNT on October 11, 2011

If you would like your collection featured, email DestinationVinylmation@gmail.com

Name: Adam & Katelyn

Location: Florida

Collection Size: 491

3″ = 387

9″ = 90

Jrs = 14

What is your favorite Vinylmation you own?
9″ Mickey Riding Space Mountain – 35th anniversary

What is you favorite Vinylmation you DO NOT own?
Cinderella 55th anniversary Tin

Why do you collect Vinylmation?
I collect Vinylmation because I am a fan of creative art & Disney. When you combine both of those two entities, you have a huge win. I love the creativity behind each design. Each design represents and means something to me, personally. This is what fuels the fire for me behind Vinylmation.

Which of these is the best feeling: Pulling a figure you want… from a blind box you just purchased? from a great trade with another collector? from a mystery trading box at the park? from a clear trading box?
The best feeling, for me, is opening a fresh case of Vinylmation. I love the first moment when you rip off the plastic and open the lid to see all of the fresh un-opened boxes. Music to my ears…