Episode 117 Squiddy

Ep. 117 Squiddy This week we review Animation 3. We also talk about the release, chasers and variants of Goofy's Candy Co. and Wild West. And as always, a complete release and events schedule.

Listen in Popup Player

Download podcast

Artist John Henselmeier Posts Custom Vinyl How To Videos

We have been seeing a lot from Artist John Henselmeier lately. I have known him mostly from pins, but his talents are beginning to be seen in the Vinylmation hobby as well. Last August, he had a custom Circus Monkey in the Mickey's Circus silent auction. This year, he has a few customs in the Tiki Room 50th event catalog, including a Dole Whip. And, when Park 12 releases later this year, we will see his first production piece... a Mariachi Cobre from the Mexico Pavilion, Epcot World Showcase.

Recently, on John's YouTube Channel, he has posted a two part video with some tips on how to customize Vinylmation, or any other toy for that matter. I for one, have so many questions about the process. I do not have an artistic background, but I enjoy painting Vinylmation as a fun hobby. I am always bothering my actual artist friends (you know who you are) with all my questions.

With John's videos, budding artists get a detailed step by step process for creating a custom. While fans can get an inside look at the creative process behind his released and upcoming customs... including sneak peeks. Check them out below and Follow John on Twitter @johnhensel.

PART 1



PART 2

Disney Afternoons Photoshoot

Disney hit the jackpot with the Disney Afternoon series. The developed exciting collectibles that allowed us to bring a little piece of our childhood home. Austin and I took them out of the home and to the parks at Walt Disney World for a few photos.

Bonkers must not be doing his job if Fall Apart Rabbit got into the forest.

Darkwing Duck take Gosalyn on a safari adventure.

Doug found a gig at the Grand Floridian but couldn't find a sitter for Porkchop.

Scrooge McDuck hunts for fortune by Everest after Launchpad touched them safely down.

The Dinoland terrain offers the perfect challenge for Max as Goofy looks on.

Chip 'n Dale leave their Tree of Life hideout to search for clues.

Adventure finds Kit and Baloo where ever they go.

The Animals Take Over the Kingdom

Wow, Austin and I sure got up close to the animals at Animal Kingdom last week.

A clever hiding place for the sneaky Koala to snag food from the unsuspecting ducks.

Buffalo Snack. A delicacy in some parts of the world.

A penny saved is a Leopard earned. I had to snap this picture really quick as he was pressed for time and had to split.

The Giraffe was to tall to enjoy any of the rides at AK.

The creepiest statues in the land aren't even enough to scare the mighty Gorilla.

He can't even bear to watch as those poor fish meet their doom.

Bags are packed and ready to embark on a wildlife endeavor. People watching is a favorite pastime of the AK animals.

"All the Everest Fastpasses are given out for the day," this guy at the park entrance said. I don't believe him, I think he's lion.

...and the hitchhiking Panther will follow you home.

The treasures of the jungle are closely guarded.

What is white with black stripes and moves extremely slow? A White Tiger riding a stone turtle of course!

A tired Zebra catches a break on the park bench.

Park Starz Yeti Rides Expedition Everest

Austin and I had the rare chance to tag along with the great and mysterious Yeti as he visited Animal Kingdom to ride Expedition Everest.

Yeti arrives at Animal Kingdom on a beautiful summer day.

It didn't take him long to find Asia

Like most tourists, the Yeti could not resist a photo in front the fabled mountain range.

First he made sure he fit in the ride vehicle. Plenty of arm room. You know how those Yetis like to move their arms!

Then, with a 90 minute wait, it was wise to grab a Fast Pass. A nimble creature the Yeti is.

Respect the Yeti you will.

While waiting, he shopped at the Serka Zong Bazaar. "How dare they make me look cute!"

"Arrrg! Now I'm a Yeti!" He said it should shrink in the wash.

Now it was time! The anticipation grew! Let's get in line, our time has come!

"Sorry sir, you must be one Yeti foot tall to ride Expedition Everest." What!!! Grrrr! What does that even mean!? I AM a Yeti!

A very angry Yeti then spent the rest of the afternoon swatting at guests as they swooped off the mountain side. He didn't hit much, but it made him feel better.

Animal Kingdom; Just Part of the Mystery

I should just learn to not try and understand Disney. Brad sent us this screen shot from the DisneyStore.com.

Wow, thanks Disney! Can I really buy a Mystery Animal Kingdom figure for $9.95! After I could have picked out the exact one I wanted while they were in the stores? After I could have grabbed them at discount at the outlets? After I could have added one to my cart for only $1.99 with my other online purchases. And even right now as I write this article, you can go on eBay and buy the exact one you want for less than $10 shipped. These are the kind of moves that begin to disillusion collectors. I know I'm asking too much, but maybe Disney could think about putting these suffering guys down and out of their misery? Close the flood gates and get this product, and other over-produced ones like it, off the market. If Disney is going to call this a collectible, it needs to be treated as such. Put a time limit on the shelf life of these products.

Urban 8 Photoshoot

There are so many little details around Disney's Animal Kingdom. So with Urban 6 photos at EPCOT and Urban 7 at DHS, Austin and I decided to take Urban 8 around AK. Many of the pictures here were taken inside the Kali River Rapids queue. As always, you can find some different pics from this shoot on our Facebook page.

This Thomas Scott design sat on the wall and watched us take pictures.

Thomas Scott's Barricades guarded the entrance to the treasure.

They also protected guests from dangerous turns.

And here they stood watch by Chester's and Hester's.

But the Barricades got into a little trouble by the Tree of Life.

The beads design sits atop a ruined hotel sign.

Frenchy gets home on his Schwinn.

Not a Rainforest Cafe, but the Tree of Life will do for this frog.

Casey Jone's Gnome is right at home in back of Chester's and Hester's.

Group shot! Just outside the Kali queue.

Monty's creation hangs by an antenna for better reception.

What food item temps you the most?

Look what trinket is found on this desk.

Rudos vs. The Dragon

Casey's squirrel finds a roof top to perch on.

Maria Clapsis designed this Aztec Warrior who slayed a mighty beast.

More 9" Park 6 Release Dates

Both of these have already been seen on the shelves at Disneyland Paris, but today, Disney announced a July 29 release date stateside for both Davy Crockett and Animal Kingdom Crate. Check them out below and visit our 9" Park 6 Explained page for more details.

Copyright Disney

This figure is designed by Maria Clapsis, is LE 800 and will set you back $44.95. Normally, I love everything Maria puts out, but this one will not be joining my collection. As a 3", it would be welcome, but especially with so many other great 9" and the price tag, it just doesn't work for me. It's a well done design, but doesn't have that special touch 9" need to warrant the purchase for me. But I am curious... what animal lurks in the darkness?

The King of the Wild Frontier was a favorite of mine as a kid, and I am so glad designer Casey Jones went the extra step to make Davy Crockett's signature cap removable! Davy is LE 1000 and will retail for $44.95. As you can tell, this is an immediate pick up for me.