Under the Big Top Photoshoot

WDWNT on October 31, 2013

When Storybook Circus came to town, we knew that would be the perfect place to take the Under the Big Top Vinylmation for a visit to Walt Disney World.

Big Top moves in months before Mickey’s Circus

WDWNT on September 12, 2012

In September we get Mickey’s Circus. But before that we’ll be seeing a whole Circus Vinylmation Mystery Box series called “Under the Big Top” from Disney. On July 23rd the Disney Stores will be releasing this new series across the country and online.

Two days before, we will see a special release of the series at a signing at the Costa Mesa Disney Store. On July 21st, Gerald Mendez will be signing his new series from 10:30 – 1:30. There will also be special events and activities at the event. Some interesting fine print for the event. If you purchase a full tray of this set, then you get a gold ticket, good for up to 7 signatures. If you buy 3-8 boxes, then you get a silver ticket, which gets you up to 3 signatures. While supplies last.

Here is a quick look at four of the pieces from this series. What do you think?

Fire Eater

Love the accessory (I always do). Looks great.
Ring Master

Great mustache. And Hat.
Monkey

Reminds me of Abu. Another nice accessory!
Fortune Teller

Great us of artist technique to show the table and crystal ball in front of the vinyl.
There also looks to be two more pieces in the picture of Gerald. One looks like it could be a Strongman (with a mustache similar to the Ringmaster’s, but not crooked.) The second is harder to identify, maybe a Clown or even a concession item.

SPOILER: Under the Big Top’s Crazy Chaser(s)???

WDWNT on July 27, 2012

SPOILER ALERT

Over at Vinylmation Kingdom they posted this picture taken by Jennay Gooney (Click on image to reveal). They are saying that it’s the chaser from Under the Big Top.
We got this better picture from The Playwright. Check it out.

Well, both of them are! And a neck piece! This is just crazy!

So if there is a Jr coupled with the chaser, what does this mean? Well, for one thing, those collectors with a good feel will be able to easily pluck this much heavier blind box. I don’t think that should be a deterrent from Disney Artist incorporating this idea, because I do enjoy the creativity. To accompany a Jr with a 3″ inside a blind box opens up many realms of possibilities. As for the design of the figure itself, this is now the second figure we see use the neck extension in this way. Vampire Goofy in Spooky Series 1 also has an open mouth so his jaw and chin extend down onto the neck piece. Until now, the neck has always just been used to represent a long neck or body. I’m not 100% sure I’m on board with the execution of these two figures yet, but I love the idea of it.

ZoMG: Under the Big Top Release Party

WDWNT on July 27, 2012

Zoe went to the Costa Mesa, CA Disney Store release of the new Vinylmation mystery box series Under the Big Top. Check out her pictures:

Poster advertising the big event!
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There were clowns, a carousel, games and other entertainment.
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Wow! The packaging looks great!
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Gold and Silver tickets were handed out to guests. 
The more product purchased, the more autographs you could get.
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Here is a look at what Zoe and her friend pulled from the blind boxes. All signed by artist Gerald Mendez.

Under the Big Top Explained

WDWNT on July 16, 2012

Under the Big Top Explained
Release Date: July 21 at Costa Mesa Disney Store. July 23 Nationwide Disney Stores
Price: TBA
Details: 12 figure mystery box set based on circus figures. There is an artist signing with Gerald Mendez at the Costa Mesa Disney Store on July 21 from 10:30 – 1:30. There will also be special events and activities at the event. Some interesting fine print for the event. If you purchase a full tray of this set, then you get a gold ticket, good for up to 7 signatures. If you buy 3-8 boxes, then you get a silver ticket, which gets you up to 3 signatures. While supplies last.

 Bearded Lady

A cross between a nice lady and a werewolf, this lucky gal has a crazy cool face follicles.
Gymnast

Similar to the Philharmagic Donald, the vinyl is upside. The hair in the feet doesn’t work quite as well as similar designs in the past, but it’s still fun and creative.

Mime

Not much use of the ears, but a great expression on his face. Although I don’t think I’ve ever seen a pudgy one.

Scary Clown

If you follow the podcast you’ll know that lots of people are scared of clowns. This one is not going to help that. Perfect for those of us who might be getting a little too much sleep at night.
Snake Charmer

Not really a North America type, I do like the accessory flute! And I like that the feet are actually the basket the cobra is coming out of.
Strong Man

Check out that accessory. It’s gotta be the heaviest one yet! The sweat is a nice added touch.
Tattooed Man

At first I thought this was a Hairy Man, but that didn’t really seem all that special. On second look, he’s covered with tattoos. Let’s hope for some easter eggs.
Fire Eater

Love the accessory (I always do). Looks great.
Ring Master

Great mustache. And Hat.
Monkey

Reminds me of Abu. Another nice accessory!

Fortune Teller

Great us of artist technique to show the table and crystal ball in front of the vinyl.
Mystery Chaser

Click on image to reveal chaser.

Sad Clown Sits Crying in the Dumpster

WDWNT on July 7, 2012

Last week we saw a picture of several pieces of the upcoming Disney Store Under the Big Top series. We also saw a picture of Gerald Mendez (the series artist) with two more figures in his hands. The picture was too small to clearly see what the figures were, but today one of our guesses was proved correct. eBay seller suzannal has put this scary (footless) clown up for sale. Now this is most likely a dumpster dive, so we don’t want you bidding of this auction, but it does mean you get a chance to see a better picture of the clown.

What do you think?
What do you think of clowns? Good or evil?