Dole Whips: Now Served... on eBay?

Dole Whips are a favorite treat at Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom. You can even find them at the Polynesian Resort. But I bet you didn't know you can order one up on eBay today? A few readers pointed us toward an eBay auction from a Hong Kong seller selling a 3" Dole Whip figure that we are expecting to see as part of Park 9. This figure is most likely a dumpster diver and as we said many times here and on the podcast, it is not a good idea to purchase these and we do not recommend it. It hurts the hobby and you get a figure with low quality not meant to be in the public's hands. All that said, let's take a look at the figure.

A look at the front shows swirls in the head with a cherry in the middle. There is an umbrella in one ear and the ice cream whipped up into a point on the other.

The back features some more swirls in the head, the other side of the umbrella and a pineapple ring. Do you think we may see a variant Orange Dole Whip as well? I for one enjoy the orange version better at the parks.

The interesting thing about the bottom is the figure is officially called "Frozen Drink." We see that it is also designed by Caley Hicks.

Vinylmation Speculation with Mike Boon: Toy Story 2 Mr. and Mrs Potato Head

We'd like to welcome back Mike Boon for another series of Vinylmation Speculation. Last time we saw his thoughts and designs on future Muppets series. This week we'll see his ideas for a second Toy Story vinylmation series. Each day this week we'll see two new designs, ending on Saturday with a design he thinks will make a great chaser. As with last time, All these figures look great and we are proud to show them to the community. Thanks again to Mike Boon!
	Mr. Potato Head Toy Story (1995) Voiced by: Don Rickles Licensing issues with Playskool no doubt put a damper on any attempts to include Mr. Potato Head with Series 1, but he would be a vital addition to a second series. The head of the figure and one ear could be clear plastic along with, perhaps, the feet. This could give the impression of his feet being just barely attached (as on the real Potato Head). The back could either show the inside of his little compartment (for example, his other eyes) or a different expression.
	Mrs. Potato Head Toy Story 2 (1999) Voiced by: Estelle Harris If you are going to include Mr, Mrs Potato Head makes for a terrific partner. She’s been designed to complement Mr. Potato Head on the shelf and could be approached in much the same way with options for clear plastic and a possible alternate expression on the back. "I really like the use of the ears in these two. The contrast of Mr.'s Ears ear symbol with the heart in Mrs.'s is a very nice addition." - M.C.
Mike Boon joins us every day this week with his speculation of a Toy Story 2 Series vinylmation. For past posts click here. You can also check Mike out at his own blog: baboondesign.blogspot.com

New Japan Toy Story Midway Mania Vinylmation

Imagineers are currently hard at work on a version of the Toy Story Midway Mania attraction at Tokyo Disney Sea that should be open on July 9th, 2012. That makes the timing of today's picture very relevant. There is a picture going around Twitter of a 3" Vinylmation from a Japanese ad.

I looks like Jessie depicted as a child's drawing. The style fits perfectly in with the queue of the Toy Story Midway mania attraction where you see children's drawings of different characters. The 1200 Yen price tag puts it at about $15.03 USD. I like the style a lot... as it's an extremely different, but sensible approach to the Toy Story characters. While we are here, take a look at some concept art for Tokyo Sea's Toy Story attraction.

Cricket Pics

A listener/reader Charlie sent in some pictures of the Make a Wish Jiminy Cricket he purchased at his local Disney Store yesterday. He notes some problems with the production paint job. You can here a voicemail he left with his review on our latest podcast, episode 70.

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Episode 070 Wolf Boy

Ep. 070 Wolf Boy This week we discuss Phineas and Ferb, Disney Character Star Wars, Duffy the Disney Bear, the new Park Starz variants and much more. Annemarie joins us to chime in on some of the key topics. We also have a full release schedule and listen to a voicemail review of Jiminy Cricket in our Mystery Mail Bag.

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A Brave Auctioneer

It looks like someone was "brave" enough to claim to have their Brave set "in hand" and they are selling it for $99.00. The set is supposed to go up online on May 4th. This is however a nice look at the box and the set (similar to the Big Bad Wolf LE Animation 2 set). Thanks again to Don for this screen shot.

New York Cruise Auction?

Our friend Don sent us this picture today. You can see the auction is for what seems to be a DCL vinylmation that's New York themed. Anyone seen this before? Could it be a custom? The seller isn't asking for much. It looks kinda cool, would have to see what it looks like in real life before purchasing.

New 9" Figures Shown Off

A couple 9" Park 8 LEs and an unidentified figure were on display today at the Disney Moms event as well. No release date or prices. Thanks to @kelskc for tweeting us these pics by @njoysiscaretti.

Park 8 Contemporary and Monorail combo. 

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Park 8 Birthday Cake Castle

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This 9" was also on display. It is on the old 9" mold. Can you help identify it? Is it an Art of Animation? Although the design isn't representative of any of the hotels being constructed.

First Look: Phineas and Ferb Vinylmation!

Update: 4/27/12 Where's Perry? On there he is! In Agent P form. Picture from @njoysiscarett. We'll need to see him in greater detail. but he looks kinda like the other Perrys we've seen from custom artists.

What a great unexpected news day!!! As we see the concept art for the new Phineas and Ferb interactive game coming to EPCOT later this year, Tomio posted these preview pictures of some of the Phineas and Ferb Vinylmation figures.

Phineas, Ferb, Candice, Doofenshmirtz and Buford are shown. Where is Perry??? Hopefully this isn't the entire lineup. We are thinking a May 25th release for these as there is a signing set up at D-Street Orlando that day with the artist Ron Cohee. And from Attractions Magazine, here is a look at the concept art I mentioned:

First Look at Disney Character Star Wars

Thank you to Tomio for pointing us to these pictures and Attractions Magazine for tweeting them. This is our first look at product shots of Disney Character Star Wars.

This is an open window set that will be released later this year. We are thinking around DHS Star Wars Weekends in June. In this picture you can see Luke Mickey, Yoda Stitch, Vader Goofy and Bobba Fett Pete. Check out our explained page for details. The Disney Parks Blog just released some pictures as well. All I have to say is WOW!!!!!

The cape on Vader Goofy and the buns on Leia Minnie are phenomenal. The artwork on Luke Mickey's face and the suit are very detailed. That visor is painted onto the face looks extremely well done. The lightsaber seems out of place while wearing this pilot uniform, but the design can't be beat. I anticipated this being my favorite series, and it looks like it will not disappoint.

Duffy Shaped Vinylmation Revealed!!!!

Thank you to Tomio for pointing us to these pictures and Attractions Magazine for tweeting them. This is the first look at the new Duffy shaped Vinylmation. It really is a whole new look.

Duffy seems to be on display somewhere in Japan. It is not for sale yet, but Tomio says they are set for a summer release at least in Japan. We will keep you updated as to what we find out. They created an all new mold shape for this and it was the perfect way to go. I absolutely love this design. First of all, making a new vinyl shape for Duffy is the perfect way to go. The shape would have been too similar to Mickey Mouse otherwise. The sitting position allows for the details on the bottom of the feet to be displayed. It keeps the figure a nice size and looks completely adorable... like a vinyl teddy bear. This shape captures the bear's hefty look and rounded features. There seems to be two designs here, plain and sailor clothed. I would not be surprised to see a ton more as the Duffy plush at the parks are completely customizable with a variety of outfits from country themed to Disney character themed choices. I expect a ton of varied opinions on this one... let's hear it.

Park Starz Variants Revealed

Thanks to a post by @TouringPlans, we now have a look at the three Park Starz Variants. They were unveiled today at the Disney Moms Conference.

They include Copper Abe Lincoln, Gold Yeti and Figment with his yellow sweater. They are set to come out on June 29th along with a signing with artists Thomas Scott and Casey Jones at D-Street Orlando from 5p-7p.

Celeste Custom Vinylmation Giveaway

Our friend, custom artist Celeste, made an announcement on her Facebook page she would like to share with you! Celeste is giving away a one of a kind 3" White Rabbit! He comes with his own trumpet accessory.

All you have to do is become a fan of her Facebook page AND leave a comment... that's it.

The deadline to join is Midnight (Pacific) Saturday May 5 on Cinco De Mayo. This custom looks great! Now while we are on the subject of Celeste, I saw a custom piece on her Facebook page that she recently finished for a customer. A reminder, the following figure is NOT part of the giveaway.

Super cool! A 3" Maleficent with Jr. Diablo sitting atop a custom staff. The best part... well, besides the amazing artwork... a magnetic orb on Maleficent's staff holds Diablo perched up there so the bird is easily detachable! Great job Celeste.

Buzzing Around the Flower & Garden Festival

I decided to take Mom to the Flower and Garden Festival at EPCOT this past Sunday. Call it an early Mother's Day gift... or more likely a way to get lunch paid for... either way, it was a beautiful day. Except... a swarm of killer bees kept following us around to all the flower beds and topiaries. They all looked very angry and it was sure terrifying, but we survived to tell the tale.

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I also had my Red Sox Vinylmation on me... maybe a trip to WDW would refresh my team and get them on the winning path?

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And I had time to take some pictures around other parts of the festival.

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