Saturday, August 16, 2014

Park 14 Explained

Park 14 Explained
Release Date: August 15, 2014
D-Streets and Online
$12.95

Update 08/18/14 Another Variant added.

Another variant in the Park 14 set is a WEDWay Peoplemover version (figure on the left)! This is brilliant and the perfect nod to WDW history. The attraction was known as the WEDWay Peoplemover from 1975-1994 when it was changed to the Tomorrowland Transit Authority. In a wonderful move, Disney brought back the word Peoplemover to the attraction's name in 2009 making the current name the TTA Peoplemover.

Update 08/16/14 Chaser and Variant added.

The Chaser is Esmeralda the Fortune Teller. Good choice for a chaser as it is obscure and a special piece of Disneyland.


One of the variants found in this series is a rescued Iguanadon! As opposed to the normal version, with comets streaking in his ears, this one is safe back at the Dino Institute, as noted by the amazing logo in the ears. It also seems to have a slightly different shade of green.

07/15/14

This is my favorite Park series since the move from 12 to 8 figure. Lot's of strong entries here including two I have been waiting for forever... Soarin' and Peoplemover. They are done so expertly, they have been well worth the wait. Then we get one I never imagined we would, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, which just may be one of my favorite park designs ever. This set is special because if features the very first Disney produced Vinylmation by a good friend of mine and the podcasts. Anne Marie has contributed a wonderful Owl from America Sings to this set. I never had the opportunity to view this attraction in person, but I know it holds a special place in her heart... and that love shows in the attention to detail here. Including a wonderful surprise touch on the back. I see Iguanodon as an under performing design, if only because it's recognition level is so low to me. Lastly, the Grizzly Gulch Bears are a cute design, but characters and a land I am unfamiliar with.

Grizzly Gulch
Hong Kong Disneyland

A themed land featuring a roller coaster and real bears. I don't know much about this land, but the design is adorable.
 

Iguanodon
Dinosaur (Animal Kingdom)

The Dinosaur you go back in time to save. A nice design, but I wouldn't have recognized the design as this character.

Ollie the Owl
America Sings (Disneyland)

Ollie is an owl who co-hosted the now-extinct attraction. He would change his outfits depending on the era that he was in. Best feature is the "Pop Goes the Weasel" drawn on the back. This is the first Vinylmation design by Anne Marie.

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster
Disney's Hollywood Studios

Wow, a lot going on here, but it all fits so well on the platform and really conveys the chaotic nature of the ride. Use of clear, crazy track, car fit on the head and street signs... my favorite figure in this set.

Soarin'
Epcot

Finally. I've been waiting for this one, and it doesn't disappoint. Lin  took a great approach with the dangling feet and the multiple scenes depicted on the feet, body and arms.

People Mover
Magic Kingdom

I've always wanted this one, but was not sure how an artist could make it interesting... Caley did a wonderful job. I love the people on the ride and logos and the color scheme pulls it all together.



Be Our Guest Gargoyle
Magic Kingdom

Very interesting choice... not complaining. Great design. Arms might have stained glass reference?



Esmeralda the Fortune Teller
Mystery Chaser
Disneyland

Esmeralda is a Fortune Telling machine located at the Penny Arcade on Main Street USA at Disneyland. For 25 cents, you can get a fortune. The artwork on this figure is beautiful.


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