Silly Symphony Explained

WDWNT on October 31, 2013

Silly Symphony Series
Release date: September 27th
Artist: Monty Maldovan
Price: $12.95
8 figure blind box series (plus a special D23 two pack)

Update 10/01/13 Variant revealed. Green version of Boogy Monster. Photo from Anthony Palmer.

Abner the Mouse
from: The Country Cousin (1936)
Ambrose 
from: The Robber Kitten (1935)

(pic from drgrobsanimationreview.com)
Elmer Elephant
from: Elmer Elephant (1936)

(pic from disney.wikia.com)
Evil Tree
from: Flowers and Trees 1932

(pic from www.disneyshorts.org)
Old King Cole
from: Mother Goose Melodies (1931)
Ugly Duckling
from: The Ugly Duckling (1939)

(pic from alottalists.blogspot.com/2013/06/best-silly-symphonies.html)
Smoke Monster
from: Lullaby Land (1933)
Mystery Chaser
No idea what this is, but it really should be the Lady bird from Who Killed the Cock Robin (1935)

Click image to see chaser.
There will be a special set at D23.
The Flying Mouse
from: The Flying Mouse (1934)
Fairy
from: The Flying Mouse (1934)

Zip on down for Rescue Rangers #2

WDWNT on August 27, 2013

Looks like me know more about the Disney Afternoons line. The second set inspired buy the show Rescue Rangers will be hitting the internet and D-Street stores on August 16th. The set will cost $29.95, it be a LE of 1500, and is designed by Maria Clapsis and Monty Maldovan. And now for the big news, it will be a three figure set (two 3″ and a Jr) containing the characters Monterey Jack, Gadget Hackwrench, and Zipper.

This is what I love to see from Disney Afternoons. Perfect! Now all we need is for Gadget to have a wrench accessory!

What do you think of this set?

Previews of the Jaques and Gus Two-Pack from Animation 4

WDWNT on June 4, 2013

Animation 4 hasn’t even hit shelves yet, but today Disney provided us with full previews of the first limited edition set from this series. The designs are Jaques and Gus from Cinderella, and here are the 360 degree shots:

These vinyls were designed by Monty Maldovan, are LE 1500, and will release at both the parks and online for $29.95 on January 3rd. These were first previewed at Reflections of Evil back in September along with another LE set from Animation 4, a three pack featuring Huey Dewey and Louie. Jaques and Gus look great in person, and I think their expressions are captured perfectly. Will you guys be picking this two pack up?

Also, here is a picture of the back of the box they will come in, courtesy of Vinylmation World:

 

History of: Art of Animation, Disneyland

WDWNT on July 16, 2012

The Art of Animation opened at Disneyland on May 28, 1960 and lasted until September 5, 1966. It sat in the building to the right of the entrance into the Circarama theater. Before the Art of Animation moved in, this building was home to the Satellite View of America. But by the end of the ’50s, the novelty of looking at Earth from space had worn off and audiences had all but disappeared.

The Art of Animation, was a B-ticket exhibit promoting Disney’s own movies. Inside the room, the perimeter was lined with displays showing how animated movies were made. Adjacent to the exhibit were bins of cels… everything from “Alice In Wonderland” to “Peter Pan”, “Sleeping Beauty”, numerous TV programs and shorts, etc…. that guest could purchase for just a few dollars each.

The 9″ Park 9 Vinylmation has a replica of the poster that promoted this exhibit.

It’s a perfect representation with Mickey drawn on the center front, Thumper on the ear and Bongo on the back.

Overall it seems like a relatively simply (but spot on) nod to a seemingly forgetful Disneyland attraction. But maybe this place inspired future animators and designers? In that case we do owe it a bit of gratitude? Do you have a special memory of the this short lived attraction?

The 9″ Park 9 Art of Animation Poster figure will be released on July 13 as an LE 550 for $44.95.

Sources
http://disneygeeek.tumblr.com/
http://blackwingdiaries.blogspot.com

Release Day! – June 29th, 2012

WDWNT on July 7, 2012

Lets start with the biggest, most exclusive, piece first.

Today the Park 8 Yeti was released exclusively online. The Casey Jones figure costs $74.95 and there are only 1000 of them. Buy it at DisneyStore.com

At both D-Streets the Duffy the Bears came out. Read more about them at

And also at D-Streets are the new Color Block Series. Read more about them at:

Also remember that Disneyland will be having a trading night tonight from 7-10 at the Pacific Ballroom at the Paradise Pier Hotel.They will also be having signing with Monty Maldovan and Quynh Kimball throughout the day and at the trade event.
Over in Orlando, WDW will have a Park Starz Series artist signing with Thomas Scott and Casey Jones from 5-7 at D-Street. D-Street WDW will also be getting the new 9″ CYO Vinylmation ’95 pieces.

For all the details of upcoming events go to our calender at

I’ll Huff and I’ll Puff and I’ll Review these Vinylmation

WDWNT on June 22, 2012

The Big Bad Wolf and Three Little Pigs set came out today at D-Streets. This LE 1500 set sell for $44.95 and was designed by Monty Maldovan for the Animation 2 Limited Edition series. On the surface, the set is spectacular. It’s a perfect use of the 3″ and Jr combos. The amount of detail and character packed onto the Jr figures these days is remarkable.

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Each of the pigs has their own facial detail, ear design and clothing design. Some of the best designed Jrs ever and makes me even more excited for Snow White. There is one slight problem however. But it is in the production. Maybe I have never looked close enough upon Jrs, but there seems to be some glue protruding from where the arms meet the body.

I noticed it on all three in this combo pack. It is not enough to pass on this set, but it does knock the grade down a bit if that is the issue on all the combos.

The backs are what you’d expect… the clothing, hats and tails. Next up is the 3″ Big Bad Wolf.

It is a wonderful design all on it’s own. The colors and proportions do capture the movie character. But when I put this up against Enrique Pita’s Villains 2 design, I’d have to give Enrique a slight edge.

Villains 2 Enrique Pita
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I like Monty’s feet and body on the Animation 2 combo figure, but Enrique gives us a much more detailed and villainous face. I also like Enrique’s over sized hat design and ears. Both artists offer a completely different look at the same character. Monty gives a more smooth animated feel where as Enrique delivers a more gritty depiction of this villain. Overall, this LE combo shouldn’t be missed if you are a fan of classic Disney animation. It’s a great nod to the film. Ideally I would have liked to see an LE of 1000 and a price tag $10 cheaper, but that didn’t keep these guys from my display cabinet.

Duffy, Disneyland and… Color Blocks? June 29th

WDWNT on June 11, 2012

We were originally told Duffy the Disney Bear would not be hitting D-Streets until July 6, however that date has been moved up to June 29th. Both the sailor and flocked version will be on shelves and retail for $14.95 each.

While both coasts get the release this day, only Disneyland will have a signing with artist Monty Maldovan. The signing will take place from 1pm-3pm at Treasures of Paradise inside Disney’s California Adventure. Also from 1p-3p, Disney Design Group artist Quynh Kimball will be signing at Disneyland’s D-Street.

All this is part of a larger event called Gear Up for Adventure… where a slew of pins (no vinyls) will be released that morning at Downtown Disney, along with artists signings. Then that night, at the Paradise Pier Hotel, a Free Disneyland Pin and Vinylmation trading event will be held from 7pm-10pm. Monty and Quynh will also be on hand there to sign vinyls and pins.

Another interesting spin to this day, is the release of the “Color Block Series”. Not sure what this is yet, but it is listed in Disney’s Events calendar as an open edition retailing for $12.95 a piece. This will be released at both D-Streets.

Disneyland – June 29th; Schedule of Events

WDWNT on June 11, 2012

June 29th is a busy day for collectors at Disneyland. Up until now, we have only gotten bits and pieces of what is going on, now we seem to have the complete picture.

The day starts off with a treat for pin collectors. Gear Up for Adventure is part of a summer long series of pin releases at DLR. For a complete look at the catalog, please visit OnceUponAPin.com or listen to episode 2 of the Once Upon a Pin podcast (to be released on Tuesday, June 12).

Artists Monty Maldovan and Quynh Kimball will be at Pin Traders, Downtown Disney District from 9a-11a to sign those pins. Gear Up For Adventure Signing Opportunity – Guests who have obtained a Gear Up For Adventure Online Wristband will have the opportunity to meet the artists and have pins from the Road Trip to California collection signed.  For details, visit www.DisneyPins.com.

Then Vinylmation takes center stage with the release of Duffy the Disney Bear when D-Street opens at 10:30am. Also released this day is the (as of this post) unknown Color Block Series. The releases will be found on both coasts, however only Disneyland will get the following signings.

Monty Maldovan (Designed Duffy Vinylmtion) 1p-3p @ Treasures in Paradise inside Disney California Adventure

Quynh Kimball (Color Blocks???) 1p-3p @ D-Street

Monty Maldovan (Pin Signing) 3:30p-5p @ Little Green Men Store Command, Disneyland

Quynh Kimbal Disney Theme Park Editions – Game Signing) 3:30p-5p @ World of Disney, Downtown Disney District. Signed games will include Haunted Mansion LIFE, Disney Theme Park Clue, Disney Theme Park Monopoly,  Disney Theme Park Monopoly 3, Disney Theme Park UNO, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Card Deck, Star Wars™ card deck.

Both Artists will then attend the free Vinylmation and Pin trading event from 7pm – 10pm at the Pacific Ballroom inside Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel.

The fine print: Limit TWO (2) items signed per Guest. We ask that you bring no personal items to be signed. Event and information are subject to cancellation or change without notice including but not limited to dates, times, artwork, release dates, and retail prices. Merchandise for signing must be purchased on the event day at the event location. Valid Disneyland® Resort receipt may be required. Paid admission is required to enter Disney theme parks.

Mickey’s Circus- Artist Signing, Customs, Games and Trading!

WDWNT on April 19, 2012

Disney artists Ron Cohee, Thomas Scott, Eric Caszatt, Gerald Mendez, Monty Maldovan, Caley Hicks and Maria Clapsis sign for fans.

Thomas Scott

Thomas Scott

Ron Cohee

Thomas Scott

Thomas Scott signs the event cast trader Clown from Dumbo

Eric Caszatt

Eric Caszatt

Gerald Mendez

Caley Hicks

Caley Hicks and Maria Clapsis

Customs by Aaralyn
We finally met this talented artist and recorded an interview with her at Mickey’s Circus. We will have that for you on the next podcast 

Customs by Heather Kattleman


Future World Mickey Tops Off the March 2nd Releases

WDWNT on March 5, 2012

We saw him visit the shelves of DLP before the US parks, but now, the Park 8 combo topper featuring EPCOT Future World Mickey will be available at WDW and DLR beginning March 2.

The combo topper will cost $24.95 and will of course be packaged with a blind box of Park 8. The design in a nice choice for this WDW themed set and even the face looks a bit retro and differently designed than other Mickeys we have seen. Is it just me, or does the face actually look more costume like than the other Mickey faces?