I have said it on the podcast numerous times that Park Starz is the best part of Vinylmation. This second series cements that feeling. Wonderful character selection and wonderful designs. Park Starz 2 will release on May 10th, 2013 at both D-Streets and May 3rd online for $18.95 per blind tin. Here is the 12 figure lineup:
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Wally Boag
Golden Horseshoe Revue
Disneyland (1955)
Wally Boag starred in the long running Disneyland show and is a perfect fit in this Park Starz set. I’ll be honest, I didn’t recognize him. I thought he may be from Big Thunder Mountain. But when a friend pointed it out, there was no mistaking it. What a nod to Disney Park history.
Carnotaurus
Dinosaur (Countdown to Extinction)
Animal Kingdom (1998)
I wanted a dinosaur in Park Starz, but thought it would look a little different. Wonder character in the face, but I would like to see what it looks like with a rounded head maybe? Great horns, tail and feet. This is one of the attractions that’s always fun, but most enjoyable the very first time you ride.
Tree Troll
Maelstrom
Norway Pavilion Epcot Center (1988)
I was giddy when I saw this little guy previewed at the Epcot 30th D23 event. AMAZING. One of the weirdest but one of my favorite rides at WDW. It’s just so Epcot.
Elephant
Jungle Cruise
Disneyland 1955
An adorable addition to the lineup. This is one of the characters I had on my personal Park Starz short list. Just an iconic animatronic. I love the use of the clear for the spouting water.
Gus
Haunted Mansion
Disneyland (1969)
There can be, and most likely will be, a Haunted Mansion character in the first 999 editions of this series. Can you say clear variant? Overall, I like it. But I will say I expected a better ball and chain from Park Starz.
Mark Twain
The American Adventure
Epcot Center 1982
I put together a list of characters that needed to be in Park Starz form, and this was right at the top. Call me a nerd, but I love the addition of the historical figures into Vinylmation. He is from one of my favorite shows at WDW and looks perfect here.
Orange Bird
Sunshine Tree Terrace
Magic Kingdom (1971)
This is one figure I wanted in Park Starz but didn’t know it. I don’t know why I didn’t think of him as a park character, but he a quintessential one. And how popular is Orange Bird merchandise these days? VERY!
Disc Man
Tapestry of Nations
Epcot (1999)
Unexpected, but awesome addition. These puppets were crazy and the parade is something not many remember or know of. It was only around for about 2 years, but it is wonderful that the DDG dug deep into the parks character archive to include it.
Dutch Girl and Hippo
It’s a Small World
World’s Fair (1964)
If an IASW character with animal combo is a trend that will be in every Park Starz series, I’d be very happy. The Hippo is one of my favorites, and this combo is beautifully done.
Red Head
Pirates of the Caribbean
Disneyland (1967)
We finally gots the Red Head… in Vinylmation form anyway. She is done beautifully with a wonderful hat and I bet the color really pops in person.
Rex
Star Tours
Disneyland (1987)
If you are looking to please every category of Disney fan, you might just succeed in this set. Fans have been craving a Rex… a much beloved Disney made Star Wars character. The HD upgrade to Star Tours was needed and is now makes Star Tours one of the most enjoyable experiences at the parks… but Rex was moved out of his starring role. But fear not, he can now be found among the droids in the queue areas at WDW and DLR. This figure is modeled wonderfully after the real droid.
Bellhop
Tower of Terror
MGM Studios (1994)
This was the first figure we got a glimpse of from PS2. There are three attractions where the Cast Members can make or break the experience… Jungle Cruise, Great Movie Ride and Tower of Terror. When you have a creepy Cast Member, the experience is next level. This figure is not based on a true character, but rather the bell hop Cast Members that load you into the elevator. Well done DDG.
