Episode 053 Big Al

Ep. 053 Big Al This week Zoe and Annemarie join us to discuss the best of 2011 and what to look forward to in 2012. We give our thoughts on Animation 2 and the rest of the Furry Friends set. We also have an up to date calendar of releases and a few Mystery Mail Bag comments.

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2011 Year in Review: MC Remembers the Un-Remembered

Each day this week, someone from the Destination Vinylmation staff will give their Top 10 list from 2011. The lists can include just about anything from figures to sets to headlines to personal moments. Please feel free to comment with your favorites and memorable stories from the past year as well. (Other lists: Nick, Annemarie, Zoe, Claudia)

MC

Podcast Host / Writer

I thought I'd make my list a bit different from everyone else. I took the other four lists and used them to create a fifth list, "Those who have yet to be named." So here is my list of the Top Ten As Of Yet Unmentioned of 2011.

10. Park 7
A full set of 12 figures that represent one single park seems crazy, but by all accounts this set has been a success.

The collective thematic design of the set and packaging takes the Park series a step forward. I'll talk more about cohesion in the next part, but I like how they did this set. Thank you Disney. I can't wait til Park 8!

9. Small World Juniors 4
I don't collect Juniors, but if I did, this is the set that I would start with. Until this set, the Juniors sets were themed, but almost randomly. This set, by Thomas Scott, perfectly showed how much detail could be on a junior, as well as how cohesive and Disney-fied a set of juniors could be.

I'm glad this idea is continuing with the Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs set scheduled for release in 2012.

8. Variants
This happened by surprise early this year, and we had a direct connection to it. At the Star Wars event outside D-Street in January, Nick pulled the very first (and to date one of the coolest) variants... Ghost Obi-wan.

No one knew it even existed until Nick's Obi-wan (and his hand) were tweeted around the world. It was a great time to be a Vinylmation collector and that moment has almost never been topped.

7. 1st DeeVee Awards
Along with our Anniversary (see below) we got a chance to produce our first awards show. Not only was the writing and production fun (and hard work, just ask Nick) but we also got to invite a lot of friends to present the awards. The awards themselves were a great chance to poll the public and see what they were thinking. We had so many more ballets then we ever thought we would. It made it difficult to count the votes, but we loved how many people responded. Congrats to all the nominees for this year's DeeVee awards. It's an honor just to be able to nominate you!

6. D23
Back in August, Nick and I both attended the D23 event in Anaheim, CA. The biggest Disney fan event showed us new video games, attractions, and t-shirt designs; but the most interesting part was the new Vinylmation that were revealed. Along with them we got to meet Thomas Scott again (he gave me a signed Bearded Man) and Alex Maher (designer of the DLR Poster set and various pins), both of whom were the nicest people. Another cool part of the convention was meeting up with all our online CA friends. Including meeting Zoe for the first time in person. This would have been higher on the list, but I'm sure my cold later in the trip was caught during the Con.

5. Non Vinyl Accessories
Accessories are always an interesting part of any one's collection. With Combo Contest #3 around the corner, the new mold's accessories are going to be thrust out front and center. But until this year, all the hats and glasses have been vinyl. Starting in January (at various times depending on when the Disney Store decided to release them) accessorizing was taken to the next step... non-vinyl pieces. It started with the skirt of the 9" Hippo and will continue with the bow on the back of Marie from Furry Friends. I applaud the "outside of the box" ideas like this from the Disney Artists that allow for the interesting approaches in design that are now being implemented with more frequency.

4. Foreign/13 Piece Sets
Location Exclusives took a new step this year with several full sets being offered in foreign countries. What were only single Vinylmations in the past (like Caribbean Hero Mickey), now are fulls sets (both Zodiac sets, and maybe the future Paris set) based and released in other nations. Not only that, but now several of those sets have multiple chasers. Just when we finally thought we knew all their moves, Disney Vinylmation busts out a new one.

3. Cast Traders
This year saw the arrival of 2, well 3, different Cast Trader Variants. Starting with the two WDW 40th Anniversary variants and continuing with the Florida Project exclusive Orange Bird, we now have several pieces that you can only get from trade boxes.

Thanks to Chris for this pic

While I'd find it amusing if we could actually trade with Cast Members wearing lanyards filled with Vinylmation, these pieces we rare, but not too hard to get (if you went to the appropriate events.) What will come next? Will the two new Nerds be Cast Member Traders only?

2. First 3" Princess Announced
Finally, after years of waiting, we have confirmed proof of the first 3" Princess. This might seem like an odd choice, but everyone I know continues to ask when the princesses are coming.

Now we have an answer. January 30th. When will the next be announced?

1. The One Year Anniversary of Destination Vinylmation
I can't believe that the website and the podcast both lasted a few months, let alone a full year (and more)! We've had so much fun doing both, not to mention all the great people we've meet. A giant thanks to everyone for such a great 2011 and here's to 2012!

If you haven't already, post your Top Ten list for 2011 right here in our comments sections and share with us your opinion!

2011 Year in Review: Claudia Remembers "A New Era in Collecting"

Each day this week, someone from the Destination Vinylmation staff will give their Top 10 list from 2011. The lists can include just about anything from figures to sets to headlines to personal moments. Please feel free to comment with your favorites and memorable stories from the past year as well. (Other lists: Nick, Annemarie, Zoe)

Claudia

Custom Artist / Writer

I have collected “things” ever since I could remember, but my collections have always been random… I began collecting stickers and erasers when I was a child. While in college, I loved anything Garfield. As an adult, I began acquiring Disney and Pixar items at a steady rate… but it was nothing like collecting VINYLMATION!

As we approach the end of this year, I would love to share with you what I call “NEW ERA OF COLLECTING: MY GREAT VINYLMATION EVENTS OF 2011.”

10. My First Vinylmation
My twin sister surprised me with a small gift in February 2011; it was a 3 inch figure that looked like Pinocchio.

 It was then that I was introduced to VINYLMATION! Needless to say, this was when my addiction for these little Disney figures began (and it was downhill from there for my wallet!).

9. Trading
I am a researcher, so naturally, I went online and looked-up everything I could about vinylmations. Thanks to Google, I found Destination Vinylmation. Everything I needed to know about vinylmations was in one entertaining website. It was there that I learned about the March Trade Event coming up at the Contemporary Resort within Disney World! The trade event was scheduled to begin at 6pm, but as an early bird, I arrived at 4pm. Sitting by the front door, I began to talk to other collectors, and found out that I was not alone with my obsession for these little guys. I was not there to trade, because my entire collection consisted of 2 Vinylmations (Pinocchio donkey ears, and Marie the cat); instead, I was there to learn about this new hobby and to make friends… and that is exactly what I did. The room filled very quickly, and between the pin and vinylmation collectors, it was a full house that night! I was on Vinylmation OVERLOAD! There were tables and tables FULL of Vinylmations…as far as my eyes could see. I heard some of the pin traders complaining about the “Vinylmation collectors’ invasion.” I had a blast, and after the event was over, I went home to make my list of “must-have” Vinylmations.

8. Camping for Vinyl
My first Vinylmation “camp-out” was on May 27 for the highly anticipated Disney Afternoon Duck Tales. Since I had missed out on the Talespin set, I was determined to get my hands on the Scrooge McDuck & Launchpad McQuack set. D-Street was not scheduled to open until 10:30am, but my gut feeling told me to get there extra early…so I arrived in Downtown Disney at approximately 6:45am to find a line of 15 people by the door.

 I quickly rushed to take my place, and began to talk to other people anxiously waiting in line. I was so happy to get this set, and it is now proudly displayed alongside my other DA sets. From all the Disney Afternoon sets, Duck Tales was the easiest one for me to acquire, because as popularity for the DA sets grew, so did the early lines (not to mention the Goof Troop online disaster).

7. Meeting the Artists
By the following trade event at WDW on May 20, my vinylmation collection had grown tremendously and I was more than ready to wheel-and-deal. I had my wish list in hand, and my “traders” neatly organized in several tackle-box trays. I had a blast…I was able to get many of the vinyls on my wish list, and made new friends. An added bonus was when I met the Disney Artist, Lisa Badeen. She was standing next to me at one of the trading tables, and a fellow collector was asking her to sign her vinyl… I was intrigued, and so I moved closer to listen-in… Apparently, Lisa was trying to trade a Vinylmation and the trader kindly asked for her autograph on one of vinyls she designed. Afterwards, I approached Lisa and congratulated her on her creative designs. Here are some of the vinylmations Lisa Badeen has designed: P1 Teacups, P3 It’s a Small World chaser, U2 Chocolate Mickey Bar, and U5 Pink Rock Star.

6. Customs
As my obsession for vinylmations grew, so did my desire to make my own customs. By the end of May, I had completed several retro-style Minnie & Mickey Mouse customs. To my surprise, they caught the attention of Destination Vinylmation’s founders, Nick and MC. They decided to do a “Spotlight” on my customs, and I was on cloud 9! Here is a link to the article in case you wish to read more about it: http://destinationvinylmation.com/2011/05/spotlight-on-custom-artist-claudia/. I also made a video of my customs in case you wish to view it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnxcvoUfBoc

5. Star Wars
When I heard that the Star Wars set was being re-released, I was so excited to get my hands on my very own case. As an added bonus to the release, the Disney Artist who designed this set, Mike Sullivan, was coming to Hollywood Studios for a signing event on May 28! I knew I could not miss this, so I quickly rushed through the crowds to buy my case and get in line. I picked out the 2 vinyls I wanted Mike to sign: Darth Vader and Obi Wan (he was signing 2 vinyls per person).

4. Pirates of the Caribbean
One of my favorite rides at the Magic Kingdom is Pirates of the Caribbean, so I immediately knew I was getting a full case of POTC once I knew of its release (July 1st). In addition to its release, the designer of this amazing set, Casey Jones, was present to sign his new creations. Here is more information, pictures, and video of the event: http://destinationvinylmation.com/2011/07/there-aint-no-party-like-a-pirate-party/

3. Up Figure Release
If you know me, you know that one of my top movies ever is Disney Pixar’s UP! So on June 24, I made sure to be 1st in line at the release of the 9 inch UP vinylmation. I arrived at D-Street at 5:30am, and I was over-joyed to find no one in line! As time grew closer to the store opening, I noticed that Maria Clapsis was standing across from D-Street. I immediately went over to Maria, and asked her what she was doing? She replied: “I am waiting to buy my UP vinyl.” I insisted that she go first, but she kindly refused by stating: “I don’t want to upset anyone who has been waiting in line.” I walked back to the store-front and asked the others if it would bother them to have MARIA CLAPSIS go first, and NO ONE objected. I then walked back to Maria, and insisted that she go first… Again, she kindly refused with the same reasoning as before. It was now 10:30am, and the doors were opened, but everyone in-line refused to enter before Maria Clapsis did. Finally, Maria caved-in and took her rightful place in-front!

2. Meeting Artist Randy Noble
On July 29, my family and I decided to go to Downtown Disney and mingle with the tourists. We ate some tasty food at the Earl of Sandwich, and afterwards, we walked over to the Art of Disney to find that RANDY NOBLE was doing a special appearance and signing to promote his new artwork. Fortunately, I had several of my Vinylmations with me, because you never know when a good opportunity will present itself; plus I also bring extras with me to trade at blind-boxes throughout Downtown Disney. So, I asked Randy if he would sign one, and he said “I can sign all of them if you like…” I was ECSTATIC! Here are a few pictures of that day: http://destinationvinylmation.com/2011/07/collecting-with-claudia-chance-meeting-with-disney-artist-randy-noble/

1. The Florida Project
My most amazing and exciting moment/event as a vinylmation collector this year has to be the Florida Project held on September 11 at the EPCOT Center. I arrived with my entire arsenal of vinylmations, and my two trusty assistants, my husband and my nephew. The lines were long, but they were moving fairly fast.

This was the MOTHER of all trade events. There were multiple trade boxes that were being filled with the best vinyls (variants, chasers, and the FL Project exclusive Orange Bird Cast Chaser). Along with the trade boxes, there were games, presentations, sneak peeks, and so much more.

After trading multiple times at the trade boxes, I had the chance to meet with several of the Disney Artists and get their autographs: Maria Clapsis, Casey Jones, Monty Maldovan, Thomas Scott, Lin Shih, and Caley Hicks. They were gracious enough to sign my recently completed custom, which I call her “#1 Disney Fan.” If you would like to see a video of this, please go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCycel9kI4c

Once my vinyls were signed, I went over to the tables and set-up my trading display. As my family watched over my vinyls, I made my rounds amongst the other traders. I was able to acquire many of the missing pieces to my sets. However, it was getting increasingly harder to get the older pieces, because other people were doing the same thing. All in all, it was a great trading event…one I will NEVER forget!

Through my Vinylmation collecting journey, I have met so many wonderful people and have made long-lasting friendships. I am proud to say I am Vinylmation obsessed, and I don’t plan to quit any time soon.

I hope you all have a HAPPY NEW YEAR filled with chasers and variants!!!!!

2011 Year in Review: Zoe Picks Her Top 10 Figures

Each day this week, someone from the Destination Vinylmation staff will give their Top 10 list from 2011. The lists can include just about anything from figures to sets to headlines to personal moments. Please feel free to comment with your favorites and memorable stories from the past year as well. (Other lists: Nick, Annemarie)

Zoe

Writer/DLR Reporter

10. Tinkerbell (Park 7) – Casey Jones

I love Tink’s wings, her wand, and the glitter! The perfect Tinkerbell Vinylmation!

9. Mater (Cars 2 Pack) – Maria Clapsis
Mater is my favorite Cars character and this figure brings out all of Mater’s personality! He fits perfect on to the mold.

8. Marshmallow Snowman (Jingle Smells)
My favorite smelling one out of the bunch, and he is just so darn cute! LOVE that there is an actual ornament hook!

7. Simba (Animation 1) – Monty Maldovan

The tail is so cute! My favorite Simba figure!

6. Rafiki (Lion King) – Jim Valeri
I love the staff accessory! I totally predicted this accessory and all! It turned out perfect!

5. Cheshire Cat (Alice in Wonderland) – Thomas Scott
Love the tail!

4. Walt Disney World Road Sign – By Thomas Scott

This reminds me of taking trips to Disney World when I was younger! Watching the signs go by on the bus trip back to our hotels. LOVE that they made these (variants too!)

3. Aurora Jr (Villains 1) By Oskar Mendez
The first Princess Vinylmation!

2. Life is Sweet – Kidada
I love everything Kidada does! From Disney Couture Jewelry, to her new Disney Store collection!

1. Ariel’s Undersea Adventure – By Maria Clapsis

I don’t really have to explain myself here. My favorite ride, my favorite princess, my favorite Disney movie, hands down the best Vinylmation in 2011!!

2011 Year in Review: Annemarie Looks Back

Each day this week, someone from the Destination Vinylmation staff will give their Top 10 list from 2011. The lists can include just about anything from figures to sets to headlines to personal moments. Please feel free to comment with your favorites and memorable stories from the past year as well. (Other lists: Nick)

Annemarie Brown

Writer

10. My Very First Pull: Lotso
The first time I bought a Vinylmation (thus beginning my descent into the vinylmation abyss) was a Toy Story Lotso in Tomorrowland at WDW's Magic Kingdom.

I had no idea what these things were, but I knew I liked them. I had nearly 20 by the end of our vacation and haven't stopped since! Thanks, Lotso!

9. Japan "Mushu" exclusive
This has to be one of the very best 3" vinyls out there. The detail and design on this figure is just incredible.

It's not often I wish a 3" was a 9" but this is one of those rare cases. Well done, Japan!

8. Completing what I call my "Matterhorn Set!" 
Disneyland's Matterhorn Bobsleds is my favorite Disney attraction, so I had to get every figure associated with it (so far!) The Park 6 9" and the Park 5 Abominable Snowman almost rounded it out, but I needed to grab a whole set of monorails to complete the look.

These figures together create one of my favorite "sets" in Vinylmation!

7. Thomas Scott "Alice" signing in CA
Granted, this is the only Vinylmation event I've been able to go to, but it was a great one! It was awesome to meet and chat with fellow collectors, a couple of whom helped me round out my set with trades.

Most of the signings happen in Florida obviously, so I jumped at the chance to get one of my Alice vinyls signed by the awesome Thomas Scott, who was kind enough to answer my annoying questions, not to mention responsible for designing two of my favorite sets, which leads me to...

6. The Alice in Wonderland set
Probably my favorite 3" set, the colors are vibrant and the design is fantastic.

The Hatter's hat and Caterpillar's neck piece, not to mention the new addition of Cheshire Cat's tail make this an amazing set.

5. Pulling Mother Gothel
This is the only chaser I've ever pulled from a blind-box set.

Anyone who's pulled one knows the excitement of getting one, but Gothel is a special circumstance, I REALLY wanted her. She's a phenomenal chaser.

4. Park 6 "Up" 9"
This is my favorite 9" by far.

I'm not even a huge fan of the movie (I know, feel free to throw things at me) but the design on this Maria Clapsis figure is perfect for the 9" format. I love the colors and the simplicity.

3. My custom Peter and the Wolf project
One of the best parts of Vinylmation to me has been the inspiration it gives artists to design their own work.

Particularly, this Peter and the Wolf 9" might be my favorite art project I've done all year, period. (And I do a lot of art, guys.) It was a thrill for me to bring one of my favorite Disney cartoons to a vinylmation.

2. Park Starz
I realize this is a controversial stance, but Park Starz is my favorite vinylmation Aries to date. I love it. The stylized look drew me in; if the set had looked more naturally like the characters, I probably wouldn't have had as much interest.

I can have a dozen Figment toys, but not any are him shaped as a bowling pin (awesome!) I simply can't WAIT for series 2 of this set.

Mulder LOVES his Ice Gator!

1. THE INTERNETS!
It's been such a fun year meeting so many awesome fellow vinylmation fans on the Internet; to me, it's the best part about it. Trading, sharing, and just creating a network of awesome people has been a blast. If I've ever communicated or traded with you, I thank you. And I hope to meet more of you guys over the years to come!

Look at us all, like vinylmation cats. Different molds, different series, but all coming together! (Wasn't that poetic?)

Year in Review: Nick's Top 10 Vinylmation Headlines

Each day this week, someone from the Destination Vinylmation staff will give their Top 10 list from 2011. The lists can include just about anything from figures to sets to headlines to personal moments. Please feel free to comment with your favorites and memorable stories from the past year as well. (Other lists: Annemarie)

Nick LoCicero

Podcast Host / Writer

10. Inventory Issues
I Don't mean to start with a negative, but making the end of my list are the numerous inventory issues. We all know about the Disney Store Online problems, and I will not rehash the entire debate here, but I will say we all look forward to improvements in inventory control on highly sought after LE items. The other inventory issue actually relates to the number of LE's produced. I'm not alone in thinking Disney produces an abnormally high number of some of these less popular 9" or 9"/3" combos. With some of these Urbans being over 1000, they sit on the shelves forever. I guess, what should I care that Disney has a ton of inventory sitting around? But it trickles over to the hobby as a whole and even the lower LE figures become less desirable when there is so much product out there.

9. The Florida Project
I wish there were 2 huge such trading events a year. This weekend was so fun for both Vinylmation and Pin traders alike. We met fellow collectors. Got sneak peaks to future series. Traded up with our "commons".

And most of us picked up more little Orange Birds than we know what to do with! What should have been the highlight, was actually the least anticipated part. The LE Vinylmation for the event should have been spectacular, but apart from the 3" Winnie the Pooh, fell a bit short of expectations. That being said, the pins are among my all time favorites.

8. Maria Clapsis
OK, I'm a little biased here... but it's my list! Listen to the podcast and you know Maria has been my favorite artist forever, but in 2011 she seemed to dominate the Vinylmation scene. One could argue that whoever is as prolific as Maria would be bound to have a few hits. But if our own Dee Vee awards were any indication, she had more than her share.

I might be missing something, but here is a peak at her 2011 resume: 9 Park and Urban 3" including the Urban 6 Chaser (Griffin). 6 Park and Urban 9" including the Dee Vee winner for best 9" (UP). Cutesters Too, a complete set left in her hands that includes a variant Chaser. The Disneyland Annual Passholders Goofy's Sky School and Ariel's Undersea Adventure. Ariel won the Dee Vee Award for Best Overall 3". She also designed all 7 DCL Disney Character crew members, the DCL Alaska Totem, Castaway Cay and Aquaduck. Wow, what a year.

7. Customs
This year we met so many great friends by spotlighting custom artists across the world. The art form really blew up this year and people really got creative. D-Street now regularly features customs that they commission and NOAH became a household name for collectors. There was even a custom artist show put on by Ceasar in California and wee look forward to many more.

And, in a big personal step for myself, I created my first custom. A Santa Donald that I am very proud of. I can't wait to create more and see what you bring to us in 2012.

6. Disney Afternoon
How many Fridays did you call in late or sick from work? This limited edition on-going series dominated the headlines all year long. The demand for each of these nostalgic sets far out paced the production. At each coast, collectors and sellers lined up in the early morning hours forcing Disney to actually change the way they handle releases. Rules and locations for lines had to be outlined. Bracelets were handed out in California. Strict buying guidelines had to be enforced.

And don't get me started on the online debacles. Vinylmation fans wore out our refresh buttons as we sat warily eyed in front of our computers for the precious plastic to appear. Then many were met with only frustration as servers crashed and orders were canceled. Some of this news overshadowed the work by Christopher Chapman who designed one of the best series in Vinylmation history.

5. The Emergence of Disney Store Artists
Nothing against our Disney Design Team artists, but it's nice to see new blood. The Disney Store artists provided that in a big way in 2011. We saw the release of many Disney Store only products like Villains, Robots and Lion King. We also began to see an influx of location specific items... namely in NYC, San Francisco and Chicago. An already emerging network of online collectors enjoyed the chase of networking across the country to fill out their collection. More so than that, I think the Disney Artists have brought designs that are very different than what we see with the Disney group. The Lion King is one of the most beautiful sets you will ever see on a vinyl Mickey.

And Villains 2 is a very innovative take on the mold and in my opinion a perfect design choice coupled with perfect character selection. (Note: I wrote this article before the announcement of the Disney Store Light Up series, but I think that more than proves my point.)

4. The Growing Hobby
Wow, have we grown! One of the big indications for me is at the trading events. The events are for both Pin and Vinylmation collectors, but you can see the growing looks of frustration on the pin traders' faces as the Vinylmation crowds begin to grow all around them. Maybe its just because vinyl takes up more room, but Vinylmation traders seem to have tipped the scales and passed the 50% point at these events. And now artist signings are the norm.

Fan websites have popped up all over the place. Twitter blows up daily with news and comments. Vinylmation mania is spreading the world over as figures and trading have shown up at Disney Stores and parks across the globe. Vinylmation are for sale in more and more stores. But with a growing hobby, comes the downsides as well. Long lines at releases. High aftermarket prices. And what pins have been dealing with for years now... dumpster dives and possible scrappers. But one thing is for sure, after 2011, it is hard to find a guest or Cast Member at WDW or DLR that hasn't heard about Vinylmation.

3. Star Wars 1
It's not my favorite set of 2011. I'd put The Lion King, Park 7 and possibly even Villains 2 and Pirates ahead of it, but you can't argue that there was more buzz for Star Wars than any other set before or since. This set transcended boundaries of collecting. Vinylmation, Disney and Star Wars fans alike could enjoy this one. The release was put off for about a year, making the anticipation grow. The day of release was met with a midnight release event... complete with a D.J., prizes, decorations and an artist signing. Fans lined up for over 7 hours and braved the cold (yes, I know it's Florida, but it was cold) and wrapped a line around Downtown Disney waiting to enter D-Street. After purchase, fans hung around trading and talking and looking the set over. And the buzz about this set never died the whole year.

This set gave us our first variant. It gave us a rocket pack. And it gave us lightsabers! The after market prices stayed high for months... especially because the set quickly disappeared from stores. Meant to be a continuous release, demand exceeded supply and it didn't reappear until late summer/early fall. Star Wars 1 had a huge impact on the hobby and even took home our first Dee Vee for Best 12 figure set.

2. Park Starz
What in the world is this Project Z!!?? After weeks of being teased, we finally found out at The Florida Project that Project Z was Park Starz, a completely new take on Disney's vinyl toys. It's not a new idea in the vinyl toy hobby, but up until now, all Vinylmation were on a Mickey mold. Now, with this new series, we will see Disney vinyl toys in the shape of our favorite characters from around the Theme Parks. It's the perfect defined direction to take this idea. I was with many of you who were skeptical about this product. What would the quality be? Is the $18 price point too much? But as soon as I got my hands on them, I was hooked.

As a huge fan of the Disney Parks, even more so than the movies, most of these figures hold a special place in my heart. The quality of the figures is perfect for the price point. They have a hearty feel to them and great detail. They are still under the Vinylmation brand and add some great variation to my Disney collectible shelves. They really did break the mold.

1. The New Mold
How could this debate not be number one? It not only dominated the headlines in 2011, it dominated the comment sections on completely unrelated topics. Before Park Starz obliterated the Mickey mold, the "new mold" forever altered what our Vinylmation collections would look like. It's been talked about a thousand times... the reasons why people dislike it and reasons why Disney changed it.

It got off to an inauspicious start. Sea Creatures was an odd set that was just a different design all together. And coupling a not so popular set with a controversial mold change didn't win over the fan base.

There was also the poor quality of the Cutesters Like You series. The product just was not polished. But now we have seen enough sets produced on new mold to form our opinions and hopefully get over it. You by now have made up your mind whether to still collect new series or not. All I know is that when I look at the artwork on a figure from The Lion King, Alice in Wonderland, Pirates of the Caribbean, Villans 2 or Park 7... I don't want to go back.