We’re hearing some rumors on possible changes coming to the Mickey & Friends, & Lion King Trams. The first thing has already come true, & that’s the replacements of the actual seats with rhino liner seats. And seats may be added to the trams to avoid more unnecessary accidents, & just to keep it warmer during the winter. Also, red speakers have been added to the trams to give directions to guests waiting to board.
Our friends over at DisneyGeek have posted a new Disneyland Resort Update, & here are a few of the most interesting pictures:
Some of the trams are getting new seats, which have a rougher feel to them
A rare Downtown Disney update… The Pirates room in the World of Disney has been replaced with a Toontown room
A bunch of drawings like this have been placed on the shelves
More pictures of the Toontown room can be found here
A bunch of signs for the Food & Wine Weekends have been placed around DCA. Let’s take a look at a few of them…
The main entrance to the Golden Vine Winery
These signs are on various lamp-posts & light-towers through-out the park
Along the pathway near the Golden Vine Winery
The entrance to Pacific Wharf
Pretty self-explanatory
Quickly over to Disneyland we go… A better look at the new Grand Marshal vechicle
And finally, this sign appears outside the Dream Suite if it is occupied
Thanks again to DisneyGeek for these pictures! For many more, check out their latest Disneyland Resort Update!
While this isn’t Disneyland related news, this is something that could affect the whole shape of the Disney Parks. And that is the possible addition of a Shanghai Disneyland!
SHANGHAI, March, 2008 — US-based Walt Disney Company has decided to build a Disneyland at Chuansha town, Pudong, Shanghai, expected to be announced around the period for the opening of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, according to reliable news. Shanghai mayor Han Zheng once said that the city, having the ability to build a Disneyland, was preparing for the construction and waiting for approval from the State Council, China’s cabinet.
Shanghai Current Economics Research Institute head Wang Liang said that the location of Disney had started to influence the city’s every aspect, such as stock market, real estate, tourism and retail business. For instance, Disney concept stocks, Shanghai Lujiazui Finance & Trade Zone Development Co., Ltd. (SHSE: 600663), Shanghai Jielong Industry Group Corporation Limited (SHSE: 600836), Shanghai Pudong Road & Bridge Construction Company Limited (SHSE: 600284) and Shanghai Construction Co., Ltd. (SHSE: 600170) kept rising from middle February when the whole stock market was down.
Moreover, all houses at a building under construction, which nears Disney Shanghai theme park, have been sold out. An insider pointed out that the to-be-built Disneyland, a large tourism project able to accept customers to stay for two nights, would double the Shanghai tourism industry’s current revenue, which was good for China’s domestic tourism in spite of a certain impact on Hong Kong Disneyland.
As early as five years ago, rumors reported that the Walt Disney Company was to build a Disneyland in Shanghai, the nation’s financial hub, with acreage three times that of Disneyland Hong Kong. Until March 9, 2008, an insider told journalists that the Chinese watchdog had in principle agreed the foreign giant to locate the Disneyland in Shanghai. In addition, subways and light rails to the Chuansha town will be available in 2009 and so did the related supporting facilities around.
As a matter of fact, China’s other large cities, like Beijing, Chengdu and Tianjin have also gotten into a fierce struggle in hopes of locating the Disneyland there, which is expected to boost a city’s economy and industry to a new high, said Zhu Lianqing, director at Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences research center.
Rumors are abound that McDonalds may be pulling out as a Disneyland sponsor. McDonald’s currently operate 2 fry carts over in Frontierland & New Orleans Sqaure, & the Burger Invasion restaurant over in Paradise Pier. Each restaurant sells a limited McDonalds menu, so I think it’s safe to say that they wont be missed.
Another company ready to butt out of a sponsorship deal is Carnation. Carnation has been involved with Disney pretty much since the opening of Disneyland. Back in 1984, Nestle acquired Carnation, & it’s become one of their lesser known brands. As Al Lutz of MiceAge explains it…
… Nestle’ contract as a whole is on the rocks, after meeting up with legal headaches regarding some of the beverages it sells that compete directly with Coca-Cola’s expanding reach into coffee and beverages besides soft drinks. As it stands now, Coca-Cola wants to have a sponsorship presence at Disneyland and other Disney parks more desperately than Nestle’ does, and as push comes to shove with the lawyers it looks like it is Nestle’ and its family of different brands who will likely leave the park.
Just so long as Coca-Cola makes it financially lucrative, Disneyland may even be removing decades old signage around the park like that found at Carnation Plaza Gardens, the sight of a long gone snack bar that served up its last milkshake a decade ago.
Disneyland have extended the 2fer ticket promotion to run for another month. It really seems to be getting the guests into DCA, which obviously is a very good thing for Disney. Also, the 2 days for the price of 1 ParkHopper has been extended.
Your first day at the park must now be used on or before May 22nd, 2008. You then have 30 days from your first visit to go to DCA.
Rules still state that you must have proof of living in Southern California or Baja California.
| September 6, 2013 | D-Streets Popcorns 2, September Poster Art |
| September 15th, 2013 | WDW EPCOT 13 Reflections of Evil Vinylmation Trading Event (More info) |
| September 13, 2013 | Online 2013 Poster Art Oswald |
| September 20, 2013 | D-Streets 2013 Poster Art Donald |
| September 20, 2013 | D-Streets and Online Halloween Vampire Stitch & Scarecrow Mayor and Darkwing Duck 2 |
| September 27, 2013 | Epcot Food and Wine Festival Gusteau |
| September 27, 2013 | D-Streets Silly Symphonies (More info) |
*Reminder- All dates are tentative and could change without warning.
Artist: Casey Jones
Release Date: July 1st 2011
Villains 2
Release Date: October 24
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Bowler Hat Guy Meet the Robinsons (2007) Voiced by: Stephen John Anderson Artist: Kyle Jensen Yeah!!!! I knew if I said his name on enough podcasts he would show up in a set. From one of the most underrated Disney movies of our time, this villain tugs at your heartstrings by the movie’s end. Thank you so much for giving us the bowler hat instead of painting it on. |
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Honest John Worthington Foulfellow Pinocchio (1940) Voiced by: Walter Catlett Artist: Gerald Mendez Oh, the look of pure evil. Love it! Nice detail on the hat has well. Another case were I enjoy just the head and partial body. |
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Captain Hook Peter Pan (1953) Voiced by: Hans Conried Artist: Oskar Mendez A classic bad guy. I enjoy the way this set is designed with some character’s head taking up the entire Vinylmation. It’s a good choice that really makes these villains come right at you. 
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Dr Facilier Princess and the Frog (2009) Voiced by: Keith David Artist: Gerald Mendez This movie ushered hand drawn animation back into Disney movies. It was a beautifully drawn movie and this baddie stole the show… as many villains do. As much as I like the head shot close ups, this one deserves a fully body look. There is a lot going on with this character and so many movie references that could have gone into his ears. …looks like they put that detail on the back: |
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Evil Queen Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) Voiced by: Lucille La Verne Artist: Gerald Mendez On the flip side to Dr. Facilier, this “bust-like” version looks phenomenal. I don’t mind no crown accessory, this painting is great. The vinyl losses a couple points for not using the ears. Again, give us movie references there. |
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Hades Hercules (1997) Voiced by: James Woods Artist: Kyle Jensen I think I like this one… a lot. But I want to see it in person. |
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Big Bad Wolf Three Little Pigs (1933) Voiced by: Billy Bletcher Artist: Enrique Pita What a great character to include in this set! I think his face looks perfectly drawn. Look at the claws on the feet and the ears peaking out from the awesome hat. |
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Lady Tremaine Cinderella (1950) Voiced by: Eleanor Audley Artist: Oskar Mendez I am blown away by how good her face looks painted onto this figure. The wicked stepmother’s bad hair due fills much of head and ears with the silver streak on the forehead. Her face is outlined in an evil fiery glow. |
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Runaway Brain Mickey Runaway Brain (1995) Voiced by: Wayne Allwine Artist: Enrique Pita Another one? (Park 6 combo topper) Although I don’t want another so soon, this one beats the original hands down. I love the way that tongue hits the feat with a “splash.” And the brain on the back is amazing! |
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Shere Khan Jungle Book (1967) Voiced by: George Sanders Artist: Kyle Jensen A personal favorite bad guy. His voice is etched in my mind. This is done well. Very cartoonish looking and in the style of the lions on the lion king set. Also, great use of ears putting some jungle leaves in there. No tail accessory, but it’s nicely drawn on. VARIANT  |
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Yzma Emperor’s New Groove (2000) Voiced by: Ertha Kitt Artist: Oskar Mendez One of those movies you forget is Disney. This gives me much hope for a Kuzco, Pacha, Kronk and llama. This character has to be hard to capture on a vinyl and Oskar did a great job with her face, but it just misses. We don’t get the full feel of her giant head piece and collar. |
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Mystery Chaser Last chaser was a popular villain from a recent classic. Go ahead, toss out a guess or two in the comments below. Mine? Gaston or the Horned King. |
Animation 2
Release Date: January 13
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Flower Bambi (1942) Artist: Casey Jones The skunk is drawn well and true to the character. I could use more, but the green ears well represent the forest backdrop. (more than white)  |
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Baloo Jungle Book (1967) Artist: Adrianne Draude Although I like the Disney Afternoon version better, Adrianne really captured Baloo’s happy go lucky face.  |
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Chicken Little Chicken Little (2005) Artist: Monty Maldovan We have now seen new mold sets with lots of detail and shading, so I feel I want more and this is an example that falls a little flat for me. I would expect some show of feathers on the head. But I love, love, love the falling sky reference in the ears!  |
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Dopey Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) Artist: Monty Maldovan Perfect. If your not going to go stylistic, I like when artists try to capture the character in the style they were originally done. This seems to capture the simple yet beautiful art of this classic Disney film.  |
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John Henry John Henry (2000) Artist: Mike Sullivan The most obscure choice in the set. This character is based on a 10 minute Disney short. Really like the hammer and the expression on the face.
VARIANT
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Kim Possible Kim Possible (2002-2007) Artist: Thomas Scott I applaud the awesome character choice. I like the way the face is drawn and I can see design wise why the pants had to come up so high, but go look at the Light Up set Rapunzel for how the hair can frame the face to slim it down. But i’m very happy she was included.  |
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Jose Carioca Three Caballeros (1944) Artist: Casey Jones Yay! So glad he is recognized here. Great face. Fantastic hat. The stars in the ears finish this one off very well.  |
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Sebastian The Little Mermaid (1989) Artist: Casey Jones What a perfect use of different vinyl features! The claws are welcome here. The blue clear ears and feet to give the water and bubble effect!  |
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Tigger The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977) Artist: Mike Sullivan Not only did they do a tail, but the did it right.  |
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Tinker Bell Peter Pan (1957) Artist: Casey Jones No offence, but don’t get another Tink here. I understand there are a ton of back stage designing, production and scheduling that we don’t know the timeline of, but this is just a lesser but almost identical version of the Park 7 Tink:  |
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Donald Duck Fantasia 2000 (2000) Artist: Casey Jones Best Donald face yet by a Disney Artist! Great choice for a character and I love the use of rain in the ears and drops of water all around the head. This Donald is from the Noah’s Ark scene in the Fantasia update. VARIANT  |
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Mystery Chaser
Your thoughts? |
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Combo Topper Jiminy Cricket Pinocchio (1940) Artist: Bob Holden This is Bob’s first Vinylmation and a great job. Jiminy fits the mold well and the artist did a great job with proportions. The hat is magnificent. I hate to do this… but umbrella seems to be a no brainer. We will see.  |
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Three Little Pigs & Big Bad Wolf Three Little Pigs (1933) Artist: Monty Maldovan Release Date: TBA LE: TBA Price: TBA A beautifully detailed 3″ + 3 Juniors set. |
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Roger Rabbit Who Framed Roger Rabbit? Artist: TBA Release Date: TBA LE: TBA Price: TBA Roger looks great on this large canvas. |
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Rhino Bolt Artist: TBA Release Date: TBA LE: TBA Price: TBA A great expression on this hamster’s face and wow! It comes inside his own ball. Brilliant! |
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Bernard and Bianca The Rescuers Artist: TBA Release Date: 1/21/12 LE: 1200 Price: $26.95 |
Cutesters Like You
Release Date: June 6
Artist: Dan Beltran
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Dreamy (Disney) It’s a little read haired girl in her PJ’s. Look at the details… Bunny slippers on her feet and what must be one of the last sheep jumping in her ear as she is already asleep by the closed eyes and the Z’s. |
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Schooly (Disney) A girl in pigtails with a blue skirt and red bow. The colors look reminiscent of a sailor. |
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Frenchy (Disney) This girl has a very artsy, Parisian look to her. The red scarf and beret are the perfect touch. And she has a heart in her right ear. And Je t’aime, I Love You, in her left ear. |
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Hippie (Disney) A very 60’s look to this girl. She sports the bear feet look or has sandals and you can see the painted toenails. The colors are perfect, and I like the purple tinted glasses. A nice little guitar and the added touch of flowers in her ears of course! |
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Smarty (Disney) Continuing the wonderful color pallet used in this set, this figure has bright purple hair, dark purple pants and a light purple tie. She is dressed in a striped shirt with a bracelet on her left wrist and glasses painted on. She must be a good student, getting A+ grades and with schoolwork on her mind. |
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Tuney (Disney) She is ready for the band! A very happy look to the green haired girl. She is wearing headphones, has a record on her shirt and music notes in her ears. She also has an MP3 player strapped to her side. |
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Glammy (Disney) It appears to be a celebrity dressed up for a movie premier under the stars. A camera in one ear is snapping pictures. She has a fashionable pink dress on with elbow length pink gloves. She has hair sitting on her shoulders and a diamond necklace and earrings as well. |
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Excercisey (Disney) She is about to hit the track and exercise. She is wearing sneakers with wrist and head bands. Here ears read “No pain, No gain.” Game on! |
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Hero-y (Disney) She appears ready to fit crime and make the world a better place for girls everywhere. She has a masked face and big purple star on her costume’s front. Purple gloves, shoes and eye wear. |
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Pandy (Disney) This reminds us of the Squirrel and Tiger kids from Cutesters Too. This time it’s a panda costume with a little blonde girl peaking out. |
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Rocky (Disney) She looks a bit on the tough side. Dark purple hair and ponytails. Lightning bolt on her shirt. She is wearing a studded belt and bracelet. |
