Frankenweenie – WDWNT Archive

Donald Duck Popcorns!

WDWNT on August 27, 2013

The second series of Popcorns is almost upon us and it appears Donald Duck will lead the charge.

This figure is set to be released on August 9th. A few interesting notes… it will be an LE of 2500. Will all future Popcorns be an LE? Or is this a variant Donald? Only variants from series one had an LE. We did know there would be a Donald in Popcorns series 2, it was told to us by Disney and we saw his concept art on the boxes from series one. And this product shot does look a little different to me, so a variant is a possibility.

It will also retail for $19.95. Originally Popcorns were priced at $24.95, then went on sale online for $5 around Christmas, then settled in at $19.95 online and in the parks. So that is a welcome change. I love the look of the above Donald and Maria Clapsis is credited with the design. Doug Strayer was credited with all of series one. One final note, we do still expect to see a Stitch and Frankenweenie as part of this second series.

Spotlight On: Mike Vetrone’s Sparky Custom

WDWNT on February 6, 2013

Artist Mike Vetrone wanted to share his latest custom… a 3 inch Sparky from Frankenweenie custom using the Whiskers and Tales platform.

“Sparky is one of my favorite characters and I had a ton of fun sculpting the bolt and working with the arms. This is absolutely one of my favorite 3 inch pieces I have ever made.”

Mike also told us that he is planning something “HUGE” to enter into DV’s March Vinylmadness contest. Everyone has until February 14th to enter, so keep those customs coming!

Spotlight On: Aaralyn’s Weird Girl and Steamboat Willie Mickey

WDWNT on January 9, 2013

Two more pieces from custom artist Aaralyn showed up on the internet this week. We spoke to her about her first two gray scale projects. Plus, check out a contest she’s running for the next two days.

“I’ve always said that I love doing commissions because many push my boundaries and help me grow as an artist. My latest two commissions included aspects I have never done before, which was quite exciting.

The first custom is 3″ Weird Girl with a Junior Mr. Whiskers from the movie Frankenweenie, done in the style of Tim Burton. The two figures also include Mr. Whiskers’ psychic gift from the litter box.

Before this commission, I had never painted a custom in gray-scale, or used shading in a custom. This project was also the first time I’ve painted a junior, which was an interesting challenge on the small mold. While this project was very different from my normal style, I enjoyed it immensely and hope to continue to experiment with different styles in the future.

The second commission I have recently completed is a 3″ Steamboat Willie with a sculpted accessory hat also done in gray-scale. The hardest part of this custom was the sculpting of his hat. While I have done quite a few Mickey designs, it was fun to do an older design of the character.

I have also painted a vinylmation pin which features my Lovestruck Mickey design and am giving it away on my Facebook page! The giveaway end Monday, February 11, 2013 at 9 pm CST. Thanks for reading and good luck!

For more information my work:
“Like” my art page on Facebook for customs, giveaways and more at facebook.com/artworksbyaaralyn
Follow my on Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest: @ArtistAaralyn
Visit my website for customs, Disney photography and more at artworksbyaaralyn.com“

Thanks Aaralyn! We look forward to seeing more from your in the future.

Dirk Wallen’s 8/16-19/12 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on December 21, 2012

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen was all over the Walt Disney World Resort this weekend, visiting Downtown Disney, the Magic Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. He took some great photos on his trip and has them to share with us in this photo report:

Looks like the Earful Tower is being painted or repaired

At the Magic Kingdom the Bakery has been out from behind tarps for a while now

The old Swan Boat dock is getting refurbished at the moment

Work continues on Princess Fairytale Hall

The Castle Walls are approaching completion

We still can’t go on the second level of Village Haus to take photos…

More grass being placed on the facade of Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid

The structure for the new Fantasyland restrooms is coming along nicely

The Yankee Trader is open but behind tarps

The Crow’s Nest is still being worked on

Next-Gen FASTPASS has been installed at Haunted Mansion, but it is still covered

Work is wrapping up on the Tomorrowland bridge and we can now see new futuristic railings have been installed

Another look at the Swan Boat dock

Another look at the work on the new bathrooms

Moving over to Epcot, Habit Heroes is still closed!

Epcot 30th anniversary merchandise is starting to hit shelves, like this awesome lanyard!

Perry the Platypus/Phineas and Ferb snacks are available, but I’m more interested in what’s on those Epcot-only popcorn buckets and cups…

A permanent DVC booth is being built next door to the Canada pavilion

Phineas and Ferb topiary still up

A quick stop at Downtown Disney shows us the progress on the new Rainforest Cafe volcano

Moving to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there’s a Frankenweenie ad in the parking lot

The first sign of work on The Legend of Jack Sparrow is this blue coat of paint on the building matching the colors now used for the Superstar Television Theater complex

Oz billboard behind the Great Movie Ride

Frankenweenie as well

Wreck-It Ralph and Frankenweenie up in the Animation Courtyard

Finding Nemo banners hanging in the courtyard

At the end of PPIXAR Place, you can find this Finding Nemo billboard

Halloween merchandise is out!

Awesome shirt featuring the Haunted Mansion and the Fab 5

Another shirt has the Hatbox Ghost

Our last stop is a look at Grand Floridian DVC wing construction

It’s coming along…

Adam Roth’s 9/6/12 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on October 29, 2012

WDWNT Reporter Adam Roth visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot yesterday and has plenty of newsworthy photos to share with us, so let’s take a look:

The parks are dead

You can see FastPass+ installed at the end

Probably a 5…

FastPass+ installed at Tower as well

Ummmm….

The old Carthay Theater on Sunset Boulevard

Eat your heart out DCA

How am I supposed to take a shortcut through Starring Roles if you are fixing the path?

Heading into Magic of Disney Animation

John Lasseter in Wreck-It Ralph form

Fantastic video game humor on dispaly

Artists working hard on the new Ink and Paint Cells

There is a Fix-It Felix machine on display, although it is behind glass 🙁

The movie ads on the wall have been updated

Will do a barrel roll? OK, I MUST see this film…

The Animation Gallery still has railroad merchandise

As well as 40th anniversary and “it’s a small world” merchandise

Neat!

Work continues on The Legend of Jack Sparrow

Some strange white markings have appeared on the walls

I’m guessing these are supposed to be the dotted line on a treasure map, but it is too early to tell

I originally thought they might be markers for something, but I don’t think so

We’ll find out soon enough

A crane backstage for some reason

NO WAY…

Yep…

Wow, a TRON penny machine

This machine probably made more money than the movie did… ZING

Phineas and Ferb merchandise has taken over the old Loony Bin

Wait…

Yeah, that isn’t what that was meant for…

The smoking section near Star Tours is behind walls

This planter in front of Sounds Dangerous is also behind walls

American Idol Experience is ready for FastPass+

Moving over to Epcot, Adam was so excited about the blue vehicles at Universe of Energy that he couldn’t hold his camera still

The Test Track facade is getting ripped apart

Wow…

Food and Wine Festival preparations are well underway

After months of work, the La Hacienda fountain is out from behind walls!

Ummm, you’re in the wrong area, Italy is behind you…

AHHHHH!

Wendell from the Country Bears was out as well

“Am I early?Â “

Cool World Showcase shirt!

Some work being done near the waterway in the France pavilion

Work continues on what is believed to be a DVC booth near the Canada pavilion

More walls up near the Refreshment Port

KHALUA PORK SLIDERS! SOON!

Dirk Wallen’s 10/9/12 WDW Photo Report

WDWNT on October 29, 2012

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited the Magic Kingdom and Epcot on Tuesday and he has some newsworthy photos to share with us from his trip:

A strange large canopy has appeared near the Magic Kingdom turnstiles… Not sure if it is RFID related or for something else…

Magic Carpets of Aladdin is open while some exterior work is being done

The Yankee Trader is still behind tarps

A view of the new walkway and restroom area from the front of the Haunted Mansion

A look at the former Skyway site

Princess Fairytale Hall construction

The Crow’s Nest is still behind walls

Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom shirts are now available and they offer aid in the playing of the game!

OK… if you are buying more than that for Ebay, you are pretty dumb as they are not a limited edition item…

Frankenweenie flopped at the box office, but the shops at the parks are full of movie merchandise

It’s like they knew what the box office would be like…

I would expect to see all this stuff at the outlets and Cast Connection very soon…

Work continues on the Grand Floridian Disney Vacation Club wing

It is now set for a late-2013 opening

The parking lot is almost done

Moving over to Epcot, work is being done on Innoventions Plaza and the Electric Umbrella exterior

Test Track is now set to open December 6th

I expect these signs to vanish soon…

“The Art of Frankenweenie Exhibition” Coming to Disney California Adventure Park September 14

WDWNT on August 30, 2012

From Erin Glover on the Disney Parks Blog:

Calling all you Tim Burton fans! In addition to Haunted Mansion Holiday, guests will be able to step into another world of award-winning film director Tim Burton when “The Art of Frankenweenie Exhibition” comes to Hollywood Land during Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort. From September 14 – November 5 at Disney California Adventure park, you can see the touring art exhibit, along with a special, extended sneak peek of Tim Burton’s animated feature film, “Frankenweenie,” releasing on October 5.

“The Art of Frankenweenie Exhibition” captures the magic of filmmaking and gives an exclusive glimpse into the stop-motion animation process brought to life by visionary filmmaker Tim Burton. From original sketches drawn by Burton to extensive props, sets and puppets, the exhibition showcases the artistic detail and vision that has gone into telling the tale of a boy who, inspired by science and the love of his dog, brings his beloved pet back from the dead. Here’s a quick peek:

The exhibition launched in Barcelona, Spain, at CineEurope on June 18, and stops in the U.S. at the Disneyland Resort from September 14 – November 5. When the tour is complete, it will have visited seven countries including Spain, France, England, Japan, Mexico, Canada and the U.S.

Be sure to catch “The Art of Frankenweenie Exhibition” during Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort – which also includes Haunted Mansion Holiday, Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy and more!

Prep your Landing for Frankenweenie?

WDWNT on July 16, 2012

Looks like there’s more today from SDCC, and Vinylmation Exchange is the place to find it. The first is a preview of the Prep and Landing Two Pack posted by Bryce Hamamoto. Check out the cool hats!

The second is another free giveaway, this time advertising the Frankenweenie movie. Now we saw the Wreck-It-Ralph freebie going for lots of money on eBay, I wonder if this figure will be as popular.

What do you think?

Conner Purzycki’s 9/15/12 Photo Report

WDWNT on April 19, 2012

Conner gives us a look at the fall holiday decorations at the Disneyland Resort, plus an in depth look at the Frankenweenie exhibit in the Art of Animation building over in DCA, a quick glimpse at Cars Land.