VinylNation - News & Rumors!

WDW's D Street Passholder Preview

2010-04-04T01:12:00.003-04:00

Today Disney welcomed Annual Passholders to the brand new D Street store from 8:30am - 10:30am. Exclusively released at the store was the Oh Mickey series, Sports series, and Vinylmation Jr. series, as well as a special early release of the 9"/3" Sulley/Boo and 9" Adventure Thru Inner Space from Park Series #4. At 10:30 the store opened to all guests, allowing everyone to purchase the new vinyls before they are released in other stores around Disney property.

In addition to the new releases, a first-look of an excited upcoming figure was also on display. Pictures are below and you won't want to miss it.

You'll find Vinylmation blanks in a variety of strange positions. This one is pouring Clear Blue figures to create a water effect.

A showcase of all the 3" designs that have been released thus far.

Very first look at the Passholder Exclusive, Mr. Toad! LE 8000

We had originally thought this was made out of Vinylmation Jr. figures. We were told that it was actually a Vinylmation ice-cube tray that the artist used to create the statue. We assume the ice-cube trays will be available sometime soon.

Look closely at the Create Your Own Vinylmation table and you will notice a few customs included.

A majority of D Street's decorations come directly from the closed Adventurers Club.

Look closely and even the clouds are in Vinylmation shape.

The Create Your Own Vinylmation corner.

A handful of Customs created by the D Street opening team are on display.

A Tomorrowland custom created by a Cast Member who works in the new store.

Buttons are now available for $4.95. The mystery button in this pack was Urban #1's Mummy.

The Cutesters tote bag has finally been released and include is a 1.5" Vinylmation Jr. keychain figure.

An apple green 1.5" Vinylmation Jr. keychain is included with this bag.

New Vinylmation backpacks are now available for $49.95.

Attached to the backpack is a 1.5" Vinylmation Jr. figure keychain.

A quick look at Vinylmation Jr. Series 1. We will have a full feature on the new series later today.

A select number of canvas prints were made and are being sold for around $50.

Behind the cash register counter is plenty of Vinylmation product.

And finally, the buttons that the first 500 Passholders were given.

Preview of WDW's D Street

2010-04-02T22:49:00.015-04:00

D Street in Walt Disney World will open tomorrow from 8:30AM - 10:30AM to Annual Passholders, but tonight we got an early look at what you can expect come tomorrow morning.

A chandelier made of 9" blanks and a Vinylmation sign made up of 100s of 3" figures.

Look to the far back and you can see that the Vinylmation Jr. Series 1 will be sold in trays. If you zoom in on the picture you can see that there looks to be 18 designs in total, with two of them being Chasers.

A Mickey statue made up of Vinylmation Jr. figures stands on top of the Create Your Own Vinylmation table.

The table is also made up of 100s of 3" figures.

The Create Your Own Vinylmation area offers the variety of colored blanks as well as stickers to decorate them.

The store will carry more than just Vinylmation. If you look to the back wall you will see Sports, Oh Mickey, Muppets and Vinylmation Jr..

A little museum of past 3" releases will also be found inside the store.

Park Series #4 Chaser

2010-04-02T09:31:00.005-04:00

Park Series #4 released today and here is the newest Chaser. It's The Colonel (by Adrianne Draude) from the beloved Adventurers Club!

Vinylmation Jr. In Sports Series

2010-04-01T16:51:00.005-04:00

There has been much speculation recently about Vinylmation Jr. being included as part of the Sports series. We can now confirm that there will be 1.5" figures packaged along with the 3" figures.

Here are the designs:

Vinylmation Jr. Series 1

2010-04-01T15:24:00.005-04:00

'What is Vinylmation Jr?' That has been the question for the last several weeks, and today part of the question was answered. Vinylmation fans that participated in the Vinylmation Jr. quest ended up at Downtown Disney's WestSide in Walt Disney World, where they were each given a bag with one mystery figure inside (we received figures from Holiday #1 and Park #3), a pack of Vinylmation Jr. collector cards, and pieces of paper with a few upcoming dates to remember that will continue their quest.

The collector cards were smaller than the typical collector cards, and the back of the cards identifies the new designs as part of Vinylmation Jr. Series 1. We were told that this previously unannounced series will make a surprise debut on Saturday, April 3rd along with Sports and Oh Mickey. The Vinylmation Jr. Series will be a collection of 1.5" designs. At this time we do not know if they will be blind boxed packaging or window boxes that allow you to see inside before you buy.

Here are the sixteen designs that were on the collector cards:

Update: T-Land-Misfit from the VinylNation forum posted the following image.
It looks like Vinylmation Jr. Series 1 may in fact be a series of 1.5" figures attached to a keychain.

Trade City USA Registration

2010-03-31T14:04:00.003-04:00

Registration is now open for the Vinylmation Showcase event that will take place on August 29th.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT

In addition, here is a look at the vinyl designs that will be released exclusively at Trade City, USA.

More information about the event can be found here.

Trade City, USA - Vinylmation Showcase

2010-03-30T20:12:00.009-04:00

Disney has announced a special Vinylmation event that will take place during the Trade City, USA weekend coming this August...

Trade City, USA - Vinylmation Showcase
Epcot - World ShowPlace
August 29, 2010 - 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Join us on Sunday, August 29, 2010 as we unveil the newest subdivision in Trade City, USA - Vinylmation. This first-ever Vinylmation Event will take place in World ShowPlace at Epcot from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Public day for all Epcot Guests will follow from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Event admission is $25.00 per Guest.
(Event admission does not include Theme Park admission to Epcot but is required to attend.)
EVENT ADMISSION INCLUDES:
First opportunity to purchase new Vinylmation Figures created for Trade City, USA and other select one-of-a-kind creations.
Silent auction featuring a variety Vinylmation items from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Vinylmation Trading opportunities.
Art demonstrations featuring Disney Design Group Artists.
Station to Create-Your-Own unique Vinylmation.
Limited edition commemorative gift.
Plus extra special surprises throughout the event.

Park Series #4 Release Date

2010-03-25T13:57:00.003-04:00

Today Disney announced that Park Series #4 will be released at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland resort on April 2nd!

Two big announcements in the world of Vinylmation! First, Park #4 3" figures will debut next Friday, April 2 at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort at the following locations:
Walt Disney World Resort

Uptown Jewelers at Magic Kingdom Park
Mouse Gear and Art of Disney at Epcot
Disney Outfitters at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Animation Gallery at Disney's Hollywood Studios Park
Art of Disney and D-Street East at Downtown Disney Marketplace

Disneyland Resort

D-Street at Downtown Disney Marketplace

Additional locations to follow.

UPDATE

As a follow up to yesterday's posting, we are happy to announce that the following 9" figures will be released as well next Friday, April 2 at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort:

- 9" Peter Pan's Flight

- 9" World Showcase

- 9" Festival of the Lion King

The figures will be available at the following locations:

Walt Disney World Resort

Merchant of Venus and Space Mountain Shop at Magic Kingdom Park
Mouse Gear and Art of Disney at Epcot
Disney Outfitters at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Animation Gallery and Beverly Sunset at Disney's Hollywood Studios Park
Art of Disney and D-Street (during previews) at Downtown Disney

Disneyland Resort

D-Street at Downtown Disney Marketplace
Disneyana at Disneyland Park
Off the Page at Disney's California Adventure Park

Disneyland Resort will also release these additional figures:

- 9"/3" Sulley & Boo Set

- 9" Adventure Thru Inner Space

These figures will be released at Walt Disney World Resort in the near future.

Annual Passholder D Street Sneak Peek

2010-03-25T13:38:00.003-04:00

Today Disney announced a special soft-opening of the new D Street store in Downtown Disney for Walt Disney World Annual Passholders...

On Saturday, April 3, 2010, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Passholders will have an opportunity to be among the first guests to experience the opening of D Street, the newest merchandise location where urban inspired product "intersects" with a Disney creative edge. Passholders will also be among the first to catch a glimpse of the new Create Your Own Vinylmation table, have the opportunity to participate in Vinylmation trading activities (trade your own Vinylmation or ones you purchase) and see the Disney Channel Star Celebrity Signed Vinylmation on display at D Street!

In addition to catching a sneak peek of D Street, Passholders will also have the opportunity to purchase new and Oh Mickey, Sports, and Vinylmation Jr. Series releases (and yes, your Passholder Merchandise Discount will apply!). There will also be a purchase with purchase opportunity featuring a Vinylmation Tote Bag for $1.95 when you spend $30 or more at D Street. Plus, the first 500 Passholders at the D Street location on Saturday, April 3, 2010 will receive a complimentary Vinylmation button.

D Street located in the Downtown Disney West Side, will showcase a mix of products for both men and women. Items will include Vinylmation figures and collectibles, cutting-edge apparel, pop culture novelties and more. The store will have a raw, unfinished industrial look and provide a great venue to showcase Disney art created by local artists.

There are a few details you should know about. A valid Passholder ID AND government issued photo ID must be presented to enter D Street for the D Street Sneak Peek opportunity and must be presented at time of purchase to receive offers. Qualifying purchase based on pre-tax, post discount single transaction. Purchase with purchase offer not valid on previous purchases. Merchandise and offers valid while supplies last. Not valid with any other offer or discounts. Other restrictions may apply. Information and offers are subject to change without notice.

Disney Trading Night News - 3/19/10

2010-03-20T00:42:00.005-04:00

Tonight Disney held March's Disney Trading Night at Walt Disney World's Contemporary Resort. There were not any new figures on display, but we did get a look at concept art for a few new designs that will be exclusive to the Trade City event that will be held at Epcot in August.

LE 1,500 tin by Eric Caszatt themed to the 10th Anniversary of Trade City

Thomas Scott's 3" design to be paired with below 9" design...

Thomas Scott's 9" design to be paired with the 3" design

Packaging for the LE 750 9"/3" set

One of Lisa Badeen's designs from the LE 750 3" set that will be released at Trade City.

The set will be packaged similar to the WALL-E / EVE double pack from earlier this year.

- Also on display was a new sketchbook that should be available within the next month.

The back of the sketchbook has a Vinylmation stencil.

- Also, we are hearing the D-Street will have it's Grand Opening the very beginning of April, although an official announcement has not been made.

- Oh, Mickey! and Sports are being saved for the launch of the new store.

Have A Laugh - Seal

2010-03-16T15:53:00.003-04:00

Today the baby seal from the 1948 short Mickey and the Seal was revealed. It will be a 3" design included in the upcoming Have A Laugh series.

Mad Hatter - Park #5

2010-03-05T16:49:00.003-05:00

In celebration of the release of Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland, Disney has released the following image of the 9" Mad Hatter. When VinylNation.net first saw the artwork, it was included in Park Series #5 and was planned to be a 9"/3" set with the Dormouse. Back in Fall 2009, it was also listed as an Online Exclusive, but Disney has not yet made any official announcements about how or when it will be released.

Disney Trading Night News - 2/26/10

2010-02-27T02:28:00.004-05:00

Tonight Disney held February's Disney Trading Night at Walt Disney World's Contemporary Resort, where Vinylmation and pin collectors come together for a night of trading. VinylNation.net was able to snap a few pictures of upcoming Vinylmation figures, as well as find out a few updates to previous information we have revealed. For a longer news update you may want to check out last month's What's To Come #9.

- Two new Nightmare Before Christmas figures were on display tonight.

Dr. Finkelstein and Santa

- The Vinylmation store coming to Downtown Disney has been confirmed as 'D-Street', though there has not yet been an official announcement by Disney. There is not a firm opening date yet. Some believe it will be open in April, while others are saying Summer 2010 is more realistic.

- The Star Wars series will not be complete in time for Star Wars weekends so they now want to debut them at C5 in August and will have them in the parks shortly after.

- The Black Cauldron 25th Anniversary set was marked as LE 600. We are not sure if that will be the final number or if it will change before it is released later this year. Monty Maldovan is the artist.

9"/3" Black Cauldron 25th Anniversary (Horned King & Gurgi)

Twenty-Five New Designs

2010-02-21T21:42:00.010-05:00

Those that look closely at the "line-up" image in the window of the new Vinylmation store (rumored to open in April) will notice 25 designs that they may not have seen before. Last month we previewed a few of these images that appear on a Vinylmation notebook, but the following images are of much better quality. Enjoy and if you are at Downtown Disney in Walt Disney World you can visit to under construction store and see the "line-up" in person for yourself!

(Click above for more information about this series.)

And then, there are these...

Donald Duck will be in an upcoming Park Series.

Pluto will be in an upcoming Park Series.

Minnie Mouse will be in an upcoming Park Series.

The Adventurers Club's Colonel will be in an upcoming Park Series.

We aren't quite sure if this Knight is an upcoming Urban or Haunted Mansion figure.

Buzz Lightyear & Have A Laugh Designs Revealed

2010-02-20T06:09:00.003-05:00

We were looking through some old pictures from Disneyland's D-Street opening and noticed very small on one of the banners was a design that we had all somehow missed. Granted the image was tiny, the banner was slanted, and portions of the design were even obstructed by another banner. But alas, thanks to the power of Photoshop we now have a semi-decent shot of Hula Minnie from the upcoming Have A Laugh series.

Disney has already revealed the Lonesome Ghost design from the same series, but Minnie has not yet been announced officially. Those with a sharp eye can spot her at D-Street at the highest point of one of the large banners hanging inside of the store.

Also, on the same banner you will find Buzz Lightyear from the upcoming Toy Story series, which releases in June. Buzz will be different than any other vinyl thus far. He will have a clear, plastic helmet that goes around his head.

New Vinylmation Store Coming To DTD

2010-02-19T23:53:00.005-05:00

Ever since Disneyland received the new Vinylmation store called D-Street, there has been speculation that Walt Disney World would eventually receive a similar store to be their flagship for selling the popular collectible. As you may or may not know, the Planet Hollywood store located on the West Side of Walt Disney World's Downtown Disney recently closed down. There has been a lot of buzz about a Vinylmation store possibly taking over the location, but until now, it was strictly rumors. But now when you visit the vacant location there will be no doubt in your mind what is coming this Spring (we have heard as early as April).

Disney has not officially announced the store, but we assume it will be similar to it's West Coast counterpart. While there are no signs around the building announcing the name of the new store, it is a safe bet that this store will also be called D-Street. The decorations in the windows also give us a great look at some upcoming designs. Take a look...

The Adventurers Club's Colonel from an upcoming Park Series.

A better look at two of the designs from Dan Howard's Animals Series.

Pluto -- along with Donald and Minnie -- will be in an upcoming Park Series.

Madame Leota will be featured in the Haunted Mansion series which will be released Fall 2011.

A Jack-o-lantern from Holiday Series #2 which will be released Fall 2010.

Vinylmation Conversation Event

2010-02-17T15:58:00.003-05:00

Today Disney held a small event at Walt Disney World's Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa. Hosted by Vinylmation Product Manager Steven Miller, the event served as a great introduction and Q&A session for those that were unfamiliar with the Vinylmation concept. For Vinylmation veterans, today was mainly just a refresher course on this great product line, but we were still able to walk away with some brand new information to share.

This poster does a great job of explaining the Vinylmation concept.

- Tins will be retired down the road in exchange for a new window box packaging. The packaging will be cardboard, but a piece of the box can be removed in order to create a base for the figure to rest on. The base will feature the name of the design, but we aren't yet sure how this will work yet since Vinylmation figures are not given official names.

- Trading will be expanded into the parks. Within the next two months, several major locations around Walt Disney World, Disneyland and Disneyland Paris will receive mystery trading cases like the ones that are used at Disney Trading Nights and Artist Signings. These mystery cases are display cases that have been blacked out with each cell numbered. Those wishing to trade will off up their current figure, choose a number, and then receive the figure that is in the cell that corresponds with the number they chose.

Those that are less adventurous will find a new trading case that displays three figures at a time. Guests will be able to choose, which they would like to trade for. Their traded figure will then be placed into the box to take the spot of the figure they received.

- Steven said that eventually they would like to introduce specific figures that can only be obtained by trading with a Cast Member. However, this will not occur anytime soon.

- The Big Eyes series which will be released this year will be window boxed, meaning you will know which figure is inside.

On Display today were two new Nightmare Before Christmas designs which will be released in October 2010, as well as concept art for several new DVC Exclusive designs. Take a look...

There will also be a 9" Oogie Boogie that will glow in the dark.
A 9"/3" Santa Jack & Christmas Elf will also be included in the series.

Soon Vinylmation figures will have their Series listed on the bottom. Also, you will notice the Vinylmation logo included, rather than the usual Art of Disney logo.

Lisa Badeen is the artist behind all three DVC Exclusives.

Don't forget to follow VinylNation on Twitter where even the smallest bits of information and news are posted. Not all updates are large enough to justify a website update so information is sometimes posted on the VN Twitter account to ensure the information is still provided. Also, we have two Facebook pages. You can add VinylNation.net on Facebook, as well as a more general Vinylmation page here.

All information is subject to change

Mardi Gras - Holiday Series #2

2010-02-17T00:31:00.002-05:00

To celebrate Mardi Gras, Disney has released concept art of the Mardi Gras design from Holiday Series #2!

Vinylmation Awards 2010 Results

2010-02-15T00:01:00.000-05:00

The Vinylmation Awards 2010 kicks off a new annual tradition on VinylNation.net! Each year in late January / early February Vinylmation fans will vote in a number of categories to determine the absolute best from the previous year. This year, we received close to 600 unique votes that crowned our first year of winners.

Continue here for result...

Conversation With The Vinylmation Team Event

2010-02-12T17:54:00.002-05:00

Disney has announced a Vinylmation event for this upcoming Wednesday...

Join us on Wednesday, February 17, for a conversation with the Vinylmation Team from 2:00 - 3:30 at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa at the Walt Disney World Resort. This free activity will be held in the Golfer's Lounge area in the Main activity building. Guests and Cast Members are invited to attend and learn more about the newest Disney collectible figures.

Groundhog Day - Holiday Series #2

2010-02-02T16:28:00.003-05:00

To celebrate Groundhog Day, Disney has released concept art of the Groundhog design from Holiday Series #2!

What's To Come #9

2010-01-29T21:38:00.003-05:00

Friday evening was the Artist Signing for Urban #3. Several new figures were on display, as well as some new Vinylmation merchandise.

For a look back at what has been discovered at past events please visit these links: News From 1/22/10 Trading Event, What's To Come #8, and What's To Come #7.

- Cutesters #2 is in the works and expected for early 2011. Maria Clapsis has provided the twelve designs for this series.

- Muppets #2 is still planned for early 2011. Gonzo will be included in this series.

- Mr. Toad will be the very first Passholder Exclusive. It will be packaged inside of a special tin. It will go on sale around Early Summer 2010.

- The Adventurers Club's Colonel we saw in News From 1/22/10 Trading Event will be featured as part of an upcoming Park Series.

- The Sports Series will NOT be blind boxed. There will be a window on the front of the box that allows you to know the figure you are purchasing before hand.

Black Cauldron 25th Anniversary
- This 9"/3" set featuring the Horned King and Gurgi will be released Early Summer 2010.

Park Series #4
- We have shown you the other figures from Park #4 over the past couple months, but tonight was the first time that Sci-Fi Diner has been on display. The back is arguably one of the best designs we have ever seen. The movie on the screen is a movie clip that actually plays inside of the restaurant. Can anyone name the movie?

Urban Series #4
- Last month we revealed the 3" designs for Urban Series #4, but tonight there were two 9" figures and a 9"/3" set on display.

Nightmare Before Christmas
- These are still planned for mid-October 2010.

Vinylmation Merchandise
- The following is expected for Spring 2010. Each should be sold for less than $10.
- The buttons will come with one mystery button per package.
- More key covers will be introduced down the road if they prove to be popular.

All information is subject to change

Muppet Series #1 Chaser Revealed

2010-01-29T14:18:00.001-05:00

Muppets Released on Februrary 8th

2010-01-29T11:06:00.006-05:00

Disney has announced the release date of Muppet Series #1 for Walt Disney World.

We're happy to announce the release date for the much anticipated Muppets Vinylmation collection. The series will be released at the Walt Disney World Resort on Monday, February 8 at the following locations:
Mouse Gear at Epcot
Art of Disney at Epcot
Port of Entry at Epcot
Stage One Company Store at Disney's Hollywood Studios
Art of Disney at Downtown Disney Marketplace
The Disneyland Resort will receive the collection sometime in March.

Space Mountain Delayed

2010-01-26T15:48:00.004-05:00

Disney has confirmed that the 9" Space Mountain 35th Anniversary has been delayed until March.

On another note we unfortunately had to reschedule the Space Mountain 35th Anniversary release to March. We apologize for the recent delays in some of our releases, but we are doing our best to ensure the continued high quality in production (which is what we're sure all of our Vinylmation collectors want as well).