 | Way back in 2009, when Vinylmation was in its infancy, the artist known as SHAG (JoSH AGle) had a limited edition Vinylmation that was part of an art event in Disneyland. Tickets to the event were expensive, and since those lucky enough to attend were the only ones able to purchase the items, they immediately were trading for only the best Vinylmations, and now is valued higher than any other figure. Since SHAG was signing figures and art at this event, most of the known figures are signed, perhaps the ONLY figure where an unsigned version is worth more than the autographed one. |
 | Park 1, the very beginning of Vinylmation, introduced the “chaser” concept to many new fans, but those who were already collecting pins were familiar with the idea that one figure in the set would be harder to find. Because of this, many pin collectors would use the relatively easy-to-find Randy Noble designed Balloon Chaser to bolster their pin collections through trading. No one knew how long Park 1 would last, so when it sold out after Park 2’s release, the flow of Balloon chasers ended, and coupled with a great design, became an instant hit. Only second in value to the SHAG as seen above, a Balloon Chaser is a sign of an obsessed collector! |
 | Park 3 was the beginning of the “big climb” for Vinylmation, where the popularity of each figure was starting to rise, and Disney was scrambling to make enough of whichever figures people wanted. Test Track was a great choice for Park 3, with a fun design by Vinylmation staple Randy Noble, it was an instant hit among collectors, and was likely responsible for bringing a lot of attention to Vinylmation among non-collectors. However, an interesting thing happened upon release – a special “Disneyland” version, sporting an “I-5” 3 inch rather than the regular “I-4” sign was packaged with some sets. The Disneyland version was only made 100 times! What was really odd about this release was that there is no version of Test Track in Disneyland, making it quite the odd choice, but also making it technically the rarest figure in Vinylmation history. Still, despite that title, it’s found relatively easier than the above three figures. And considering the 9” figure is exactly the same among both coasts, there is hardly a demand for it except for those collectors who love to complete everything. |
 | A great design, with a popular artist, from one of the most popular rides in history… and it’s a chaser? Sounds impossible to get, right? Not so fast. Park 3’s chaser, It’s a Small World by Lisa Badeen, has a design borrowed from It’s a Small World’s flora. This figure for whatever reason, did not completely catch the interest in the collectors hearts. Perhaps part of the disinterest was the utter lack of any of the popular “children” from the ride, but more likely the oversaturation of Park 3 was to blame, as Disney was seemingly experiencing some growing pains, trying to figure how much of one edition was too much. Subsequently the Park 3 set was shelves for over a year, and the abundance of these figures means it can be an easier grab. Be careful trading chaser for chaser on this one, as likely if you’re giving up any recent chasers, they would get more in trade elsewhere. |
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 Artist Card |  Artist Signing |
 | Pirate Mickey Hero of the Caribbean Here's the turnaround of our latest hero all the way from Japan. It appears to be using the old mold. This figure's release comes almost a month before the 4th movie in the Pirates franchise hits theaters and more than 2 months before the Pirates attraction based series is projected to hit shelves here in the states. This colorful figure will be sold in a pirate themed tin. |
 | Check out Pirate Mickey's gold tooth and bandanna. The bandanna looks a lot like the one on the Jack Sparrow Pirate Vinylmation we saw last week. Jack is part of the Pirate of the Caribbean Attraction Series. Also notice the scar by his right eye. His eyes are a bit goofy looking. |
 | Look at the bling. The artist gave Mickey lots of jewels and rings. On his left hand are two pieces, one of which looks like a blue Mickey Head. |
 | Here's the bottom of the piece. It says, "Pirate Mickey Hero of the Caribbean" The artist signature is to hard to read, but it looks like it starts with a K. Anyone know who that might be? |
 | Looks like tins are back, or this figure was made before the change, we might never know. We do like the tins, and using it as a treasure chest makes a lot of sense! Lots of detail, including lots of booty, handles to carry it, and a Mickey shaped keyhole in the lock. |
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We found this picture over at the Disney Wedding Blog. If I ever get married, you KNOW, that this will be there. Although, I'd rather make it out of ice cream, not just ice! |  |
 | Photographer Cassie Dyer, from ponchothemouse.tumblr.com took a picture of her favorite vinylmation, Poncho, with some flowers from her cousin's wedding. |
| Maria Clapsis’ customs, which we reviewed and compared to the Celebrations set of Bride and Groom. |  |
 | Lisa and Trace Farry’s custom bride and groom guest book Vinylmation. |
| Stormtrooper of the Week #8. With a background from flickr.com/photos/redandjonny/ |  |
 | Jenifer Marie's Bride and Groom set. |
| To join in on the Royal fun RSVP on Facebook. Then on Friday around 4 AM join them at the Wedding Feed. They will be there all night/day chatting about the Royal Wedding. Also check out these other sites for more Wedding Wednesday fun! The Host: The Dragyn's Lair Check back at Dragyn's Lair on Friday for some prizes! Other Sites Involved: My Disney Dreams Disney on Wheels Manda's Disney Blog T-Town Tiffany Making My Fairytale The Many Adventures of a Disney-Lovin' Spectrum Mom The Attic Mouse And Host hosted posts by: @jordilouwho | |
As we found on the Art of Disney blog, Mike Sullivan will be signing his Star Wars set on June 4th, 2011. This signing will be at the Little Green Men Store Command in Tomorrowland, Disneyland. This will also mark the re-release of the Star Wars set in California. | |
| Mike Sullivan is a great guy, and we had a lot of fun talking to him the night of the original Star Wars release in Florida. We even got him to sign our boxes! |  |
| Please note: "Limit TWO (2) cases per Guest. Limit TWO (2) items signed per Guest. We ask that you bring no personal items to be signed. Event and information are subject to cancellation or change without notice including but not limited to dates, times, artwork, release dates, and retail prices. Merchandise for signing must be purchased on the event day at the event location. Valid Disneyland® Resort receipt may be required. Paid admission is required to enter Disney theme parks." This looks like it means that you will have to have the receipts and have purchased the Star Wars set that day, instead of bringing a set in from the past. | |
 | Ep. 019 Oopsy In this episode, Nick and MC review the Sea Creatures and the new mold as it looks painted. They also talk about they know about the Pirates and the 6 piece Steam Park set. A new contest is announced. And like always, the newest in news, release dates, and the Mystery Mailbag. |
For those of you looking to trade Jrs, Nick found a new place. At Frontierland in the Magic Kingdom, you can trade Jrs in this neat wooden case at the trading post. Now people in Florida have two options, this place, and at D-Street.
