The Dark Side Revealed

WDWNT on September 12, 2012

Looks like Darth Vader’s Star Wars Series 2 Vinylmation was hiding out north of the border. Vinylmation Kingdom, in their search for the empire’s secret location was lead by the force to a newspaper in Vancouver Canada. Thanks for your dedication to the Rebel Alliance guys! The Vancouver Sun just published an article that featured this little guy to showcase the hot Disney collectible:

This gives us a better look at the helmet we saw as an outline on the Vader pin. It is a molded piece of plastic attached to the head to give the feel for the helmet coming down to the shoulders. Love it! The Sun article talked all about how Disney is now “hip” and the Vinylmation collectible is part of this movement. Here are some excerpts:

It’s a souvenir shop called D Street and there’s nothing Winnie The Pooh or Tinkerbell about it.


Instead, the place is wall-to-wall with something called Vinylmation, and you could be forgiven for thinking you have been transported to Tokyo, given that the funky little anime-style 3D vinyl figurines are more urban art than embroidered mouse ears could ever be.


It all began in 2007, says Steven Miller, Disney merchandise communications manager, when company designers decided to take a step beyond Goofy stuffies and trading pins.


To say Vinylmation has been a hit is to underestimate that ol’ Disney magic.


“We hadn’t planned on the response,” says Miller. “We knew we wanted something artistic, but something like the pins, with an opening price point for guests.”


How popular are they? Outside D Street, two young men lugging plastic trays full of their Vinylmation collections are in trade mode. And this September, at the annual Mickey’s Circus Trading Event in Florida’s Epcot, an entire day will be devoted to all things Vinylmation.


“There are,” says Miller, “certain items you don’t leave the park without. The hats, the pins. And Vinylmation is certainly up there.”


Check out the entire article here at the Vancouver Sun site.

Help me Obi Wan… Star Wars Celebration VI Explained

WDWNT on September 12, 2012

Star Wars Celebration is an official fan convention. It’s four fun-filled days of exhibits, a vibrant, interactive show floor, screenings, exclusive merchandise, celebrity guests, panels, autograph sessions, fan-inspired activities, and other surprises.

Thursday, August 23, 2012 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday, August 24, 2012 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday, August 25, 2012 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday, August 26, 2012 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM



Update: 08/10/12 The Disney Parks Blog released some updated information and pictures today. The leading news is the first confirmation outright from Disney that Star Wars Series 2 Blind Boxes will in fact be sold at Celebration. They also now are using two phrases I am so very wary of:

“This year, we have created some items that fans will only find at this event.” And, “One of those event exclusive items is a 3-inch Vinylmation figure of Princess Leia as a hologram.” We will see how “exclusive” these items remain. If there are any of the 2500 Leia figures left over, I’m sure they will be at the parks and/or online.

Leia looks a little better here and you can really see the posters in back of the Speedsters. I’m really leaning toward picking those up too.

The Disney Parks Blog also released this photo of some SW Series 1 and 2 figs mixing with hologram Leia.

There will be two event tee-shirts with Disney characters as Star Wars characters. They are also introducing an Aurebesh nametag with a few additional destinations not found during Star Wars Weekends 2012.

“For those guests who missed being “frozen” in carbonite, the Carbon-Freeze Me experience will return for a limited, four-day engagement during the event. Using state-of-the-art imaging technology, this experience casts your likeness as a three-dimensional, eight-inch figurine (as seen in this video by my fellow Disney Parks Blog author Gary Buchanan and Star Wars: The Clone Wars star Ashley Eckstein). Retail is $99.95 (plus shipping), and event guests can participate on a first-come, first-served basis.”

Disney will be introducing “D-Tech On-Demand.” Guests can watch their iPhone 4/4S case designs printed onsite. The four cases in the top row will premiere at this event, while the bottom row features some designs that can be printed.

I’m excited that Series 6 of Disney Characters as Star Wars figures will be released at Celebration (and later at the parks). I have stated this before… I am still confused by this series. They seem to be designs rehashed with pluses. Pluto as R2 is new, but Anakin Mickey, Yoda Stitch, Queen Amidala Minnie and Darth Maul Donald have all been done before. The twist is you get a piece of the Goofy figure in each of the other 5 packages and get to piece him together.

The next installment of Muppets Star Wars will also release at Celebration (and later at the parks). This set features Animal as Boba Fett and Scooter as Lando with a Carbonite Han Solo.

—-end update—-

The rumors were true. The Princess Lea hologram LE variant for Star Wars 2 will be available at Star Wars Celebration VI. Celebration is an annual Star Wars convention, this year held at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center from August 23-26.

The Edition size is 2,500 and it will retail for $18.95. You can find it at the Disney Theme Park Merchandise
Booth #331. The posting on the exhibitor page of the Celebration website also says “Along with the release of Vinylmation Star Wars Series #2, this Celebration VI exclusive variant figure features Princess Leia as a hologram.” Am I reading to much into the “along with” part? Might we see some SW2 blind boxes available at the convention as well? It would make sense. Disneyland has an August 25th release date.

Tickets are still available. Thursday, Friday, and Sunday Adult Passes are $55 each, Saturday Passes are $65, Adult Four-Day Passes are $135, Kids Four-Day Passes are $54, and Kids One-Day Passes are $27. Kids under the age of 6 are free with a ticketed adult. Kids ages 6-12 will receive kid pricing and kids age 13 and up will receive adult pricing. Order your tickets online at www.starwarscelebration.com.

Other goodies at the Disney Theme Park Merchandise booth:

D-Tech On-Demand – iPhone 4/4S Cases
Equip your iPhone 4/4S with new D-Tech on-demand cases debuting at Celebration VI. Select from a variety of Star Wars and Disney designs, and watch as the case is printed onsite. Retail: $36.95 each.

Star Tours – 25th Anniversary – Die-Cast Starspeeder Collection
Celebrating the 25th anniversary of Star Tours, Disney is releasing the Starspeeder die-cast collection that features both the Starspeeder 3000 and the Starspeeder 1000. This Celebration VI exclusive will retail for $19.95.

Destination Vinylmation will be there all four days covering the event and will of course let you know what else Disney unveils.

Star Wars 2 WDW Release and Signing

WDWNT on September 12, 2012

Your comments relayed a hesitation to shell out $15 per Star Wars 2 blind box, and the turnout this morning for the release of the second series seemed to back up the talk. Not many of the usual faces were lined up along the Downtown Disney sidewalk to purchase this set on day one. Now, to be fair, Disney did not play up this release like they did with the midnight event that was Star Wars series 1.

This morning, there was only a small crowd when the doors opened at 9am. A crowed that all but disappeared until the 11am signing. 
There were about 20 people when Casey and Maria pulled out their pens. The crowed then, never more than about 10 deep, began a small but steady stream toward the autograph tables set up underneath the D-Street canopy. 
I personally witnessed less cases sold. Most of the cases seemed to be purchased by out of towners as if the locals were banking on just trading to complete their set. It is possible that part of the crowed that would have been here today was instead at Star Wars Celebration VI at the convention center and will pick up series 2 later in the week. 
I by no means think this is a condemnation on the series itself. It is a beautifully designed series with wonderful character selection. The big names HAD to be in here again, and Maria Clapsis did a fantastic job at making them her own. Maria talked about the attention to detail she gave all the designs. Casey Jones handled the aliens, and did so to perfection. 
A few guests brought along the LE 2500 Hologram Princess Leia that was released exclusively at Star Wars Celebration on Thursday. Many collectors in line where making deals to add her to their collection. Designed by Maria Clapsis, Leia differs from Ghost Obi Wan in 2 ways. The blue is a darker blue representing hologram instead of a spirit. Also, Leia’s face is a more solid white as it would appear in the movie as opposed to Obi Wan’s facial features being outlined. The most remarkable design element for myself is how it transitions from her face and hands to her robe and the stark contrast how her more lit up skin is “cut off” and the figure becomes a dark blue clear representing the robe. Here are a few more pictures from the signing:

Episode 085 Blackout

WDWNT on August 30, 2012

Ep. 085 Blackout

This week we of course talk about the price hike for Star Wars 2. We also discuss the new series, I Love Mickey and run down the silent auction catalog for Mickey’s Circus. Park 10 is reviewed. The Mystery Mail Bag is also full of great questions and comments. And if you listen to the end, you might learn some physics! 

Listen in Popup Player


Download podcast

Episode 086 Blocks

WDWNT on August 30, 2012

Ep. 086 Blocks

Recorded live at Star Wars Celebration VI this week’s episode features a review of Star Wars series 2 and the hologram Princess Leia. We also rundown the official Mickey’s Circus itinerary with more hints and tips. We read and listen to your Mystery Mail Bag Questions and Comments. And like always, we deliver the latest news and release dates.

Listen in Popup Player


Download podcast

More Star Wars 2!!

WDWNT on July 16, 2012

The Star Wars 2 Set of 11! Thanks to Evilos for the pic.

Evilos tweeted this pictures he found on Facebook fromthe San Diego Comic Con. Check out the Star Wars 2 series! I see an X-Wing pilot. What can you see?

Oh, and then the specially boxed Help Me Obi-wan Hologram Leia. Awesome!!!

4 NEW Star Wars Series #2 Figs Revealed!

WDWNT on July 7, 2012

At Friday’s WDW Trade Night we saw some of the Star Wars Series 2 Vinylmation pins on display. The 6 pack revealed 2 known and 4 previously unknown figures.

Star Wars Series 2 is based on the first movie, A New Hope. A few characters such as Luke, Leia and Vader who where in the first Vinyl series based on this movie franchise make a reappearance here.

Luke Skywalker has the cool, double sun Tatooine backdrop in his ears.

Leia, buns and all, takes on her New Hop appearance in white robes. Her ears look like the walls of the ship.

The striking feature of this Vader is the helmet. It appears to protrude out from the head meaning an accessory is in the works! Cape? Not by the looks of the pin’s shape. The ears are all Tie Fighter and outer space.

We also have Muftak, a patron of the Mos Eisley Cantina. With this tough guy on the loose can Kabe be far behind?

We knew about the Tusken Raider and Greedo. We also know of Obi Wan and Grand Moff Tarkin. That brings the total up to 8 known figures! We are almost there. Star Wars 2 is slated for an August 2012 release. Stay up to date with our Star Wars 2 Explained page.

Updated on 8/8: Star Wars 2 WDW and DLR Release Details

WDWNT on February 25, 2012

Update: 8/8/12 Artist Maria Clapsis will join Casey Jones at the Friday, August 24 Orlando D-Street signing from 11a-1p EST. They also announced a wristband distribution for Orlando where guests will be handed a wristband at the register if they choose to meet the artists. Remember, D-Street Orlando opens at 9am EST this day. Also, for the second straight series, Darth Vader gets the honor of gracing the tray cover:

Update: 8/7/12 Artist Casey Jones just got back to us via Twitter letting us know he will be signing, and therefore SW2 released, at WDW in Orlando on FRIDAY, AUGUST 24. This info is contrary to the date on the events page of the Disney Vinylmation website. The Disneyland Saturday, August 25 release remains the same. Appropriate changes have been made in the article below that we posted yesterday:

The Disney Vinylmation website has finally given WDW a release day for Star Wars 2. It will also be a busy day weekend for artist Casey Jones. On Friday, August 24, the second Star Wars Vinylmation series will release at D-Street Orlando. (please note, the Disney Vinylmation Blog calls the 25th a “Friday”, but it is a Saturday. We are in the process of confirming which part is correct) In Orlando, doors will open at 9am EST. Guests will line up in the usual spot in the parking lot at the handicap spaces across from AMC. At 8am, guests will be ushered over to the front of D-Street. Please note the new policy that no chairs will be allowed in front of D-Street, but it appears you will still be able to use them in the parking lot. Then, Star Wars 2 artist Casey Jones will sign for guests from 11am-1pm EST.

In Orlando, this is also the weekend of Star Wars Celebration VI held just a few miles down I-4 from the mouse at the Orange County Convention Center. We know the LE 2500 Hologram Princess Leia will be available at the convention, but no word yet if SW2 blind boxes will be there.

Casey Jones will then hop a plane, gain a few hours, and make his way to will then make the trip to Anaheim where Star Wars 2 will release on Saturday, August 25. D-Street will open at 8am PST. Casey will then sign for guests from 3pm-6pm PST.

Who will be lining up on opening day?

(from the Disney Vinylmation blog)

What are the wristband distribution guidelines at D-Street in California?

Wristbands will be distributed entitling bearers to the opportunity to purchase limited edition Vinylmation released in association with a product release and/or signing. Wristbands for the limited edition Vinylmation will be distributed at D-Street in the Downtown Disney District at 7:00 A.M. Wristbands will be available at the location until 1:00 P.M. or while supplies last.

We kindly ask that Guests do not line up for wristband distribution prior to 6:00 A.M. The queue for wristbands will begin behind the Rainforest Cafe in the Downtown Disney District. Queued Guests will be escorted to D-Street, where wristbands will be distributed at 7am. D Street opens at 10:00 A.M. unless otherwise specified.

In addition, holding a place in line for others in your party will not be allowed. Guests who wish to obtain a wristband to purchase a limited edition Vinylmation must be present when the line forms or they will be escorted to the back of the line.

Wristbands will be valid for the purchase of the limited edition Vinylmation at D-Street in the Downtown Disney District until 1:00 P.M. on the day of distribution. Wristbands are limited. At 1:00 P.M. wristbands are no longer valid. Lost, stolen or damaged wristbands will not be replaced. Wristbands have no cash value. Restrictions apply. Subject to change without notice.

Disneyland Paris learns the Force

WDWNT on February 25, 2012

Over at the rarely used vinylmation.fr, there’s now word that Disneyland Paris will be seeing the release of Star Wars 2 on August 31st, 2012.

According to the site they will be available at the Pueblo Trading Post in Frontierland. That means France only has to wait a week to get them. Awesome.

Episode 084 Big Teeth

WDWNT on February 25, 2012

Ep. 084 Big Teeth

This week we give an extensive Preview of the Mickey’s Circus Vinylmation and Pin event along with some tips for first time trading event attendees. We also have a ton of news about the Star Wars 2 releases and discuss all the comments and questions you sent into the Mystery Mail Bag.

Listen in Popup Player


Download podcast