A Little Extra Magic at Orlando's D-Street

We brought you the story a few weeks ago about a couple Orlando Magic Vinylmation that were released at the Amway Center's gift shop. The Amway Center is the home court of the NBA's Orlando Magic. These two vinyls have now been released at Orlando's D-Street location. One features Stuff, the Magic's mascot. The other features the Orlando Magic logo.

5th Anniversary Vinylmation Signing and Release Photos

Today, Vinylmation celebrated its 5th anniversary with a release and signing at D-Street Orlando. It was 5 years ago yesterday that a blank white Create-Your-Own 3" Vinylmation was sold at the Festival of the Masters at Downtown Disney. The following month, Park 1 was released... and the rest is history. Vinylmation has come a long way in 5 years. What began as a niche product that was overlooked on the shelves has blossomed into a collectible with its own store, merchandise line and even web series. Vinylmation has been seen on your co-workers desk, held up by celebrities on and even in outer space!

Vinylmation has undergone its share of ups and downs, and who knows where the hobby will be ten years from now. But the reason I purchased my first Vinylmation is still the reason I collect to this day. It is a unique expression of art that truly has a Disney touch. Artists interpret attractions and characters onto a little Mickey Mouse shaped canvas and I have yet to discover a more interesting souvenir that let's me take my memories home with me. There have been a lot of artist involved in Vinylmation over the past 5 years, and I want to thank each and every one of them.

Today, Disney released a special LE 1000 blind box 5th Anniversary 3" figure that had a variant at 1/10 odds. They also released a Marvel Wasp and Yellow Jacket combo, Mickey and Pooh Animal Kingdom combos based on popular theme park tee shirts and a 3" LE 1000 blind box Festival of the Masters Mickey with variant.

Thomas Scott, Maria Clapsis and Ron Cohee also held a signing and met with fans. We did catch up with Maria to record an interview that we will play for you in the podcast that follows next week's Dee Vee Award podcast.

RoE: Fall 2013 WDW Signings

 

Look at the sign we found. It looks like there will be a lot of signings this fall over at D-Street at WDW.

There are some interesting dates on here too. Since most signings happen on the day of the vinyl release we can assume that Cutesters 6 comes out on December 6th.

The real question is what is the generic on on October 18th?

Episode 127 Sonny Eclipse

Ep. 127 Sonny Eclipse This week we talk about another guest incident at D-Street. We discuss the upcoming Oswald poster art release, WDW trade night and the premier of "Blank: A Vinylmation Love Story." We learned the Muppets 3 chaser and indulge in a Comic Con Vinylmation Rumor. Recent releases are reviewed and Vinylmation Exchange admins stop by to give you the Top 5 Online Trading Tips.

Listen in Popup Player

Download podcast

Episode 126 Primeval Whirl

Ep. 126 Primeval Whirl This week we talk about the latest Park Starz and Disney Afternoon news. We also discuss the current atmosphere of D-Street... how has it changed? And we introduce a new segment to the show where we talk to the admins of Vinylmation Exchange about current trends in the hobby.

Listen in Popup Player

Download podcast

Pick up Mechanical Kingdom Cheap!

According to Disney, from April 26 - May 6 you can pick up Mechanical Kingdom from D-Streets for only $24 for 4! That's pretty cool. The only down side is that Ludwig is a online exclusive! This sale is part of the limited time magic event.

Do you have this set yet? Will you get it now?

Episode 110 Blue/Yellow Gear Bear

Ep. 110 Blue/Yellow Gear Bear This week we have a ton of news to cover including Animation 3, Jr. 8, Tokyo 30th and much more. We also run down Chuck's list of proposed WDW Resort vinyls and talk about the reorganization of D-Street Orlando. And of course, we give you the complete release and events calendar. Stay tuned at the end of the show for the special 2013 Custom VinylMadness Selection Show!

Listen in Popup Player

Download podcast

New Disneyland D-Street Display

In December, Walt Disney World introduced a new display window at D-Street. It utilized a ton of different Vinylmation in a variety of wacky ways. We just learned that Disneyland has done the same. Take a look.

Episode 101 Haunted Mansion Clock

Ep. 101 Haunted Mansion Clock This week we talk about the new Pixar Little Green Men release and the new D-Street window display awaiting Orlando guests. We also discuss some news regarding the 2013 series and review the Zooper Heroes chaser. And as always, we have a full release calendar.

Listen in Popup Player

Download podcast

New Window Display at D-Street Orlando: Commentary on the Hobby?

When guests showed up in Orlando for the release of the Pixar 1 LE combo set featuring the Little Green Men from Toy Story, we were treated to a brand new Vinylmation themed window display at D-Street.

Behind the left hand window was a moving conveyor belt full of Vinylmation! The figures ranged from sets throughout the years and included commons, variants and chasers. Some figures were in good condition, but many had scuffs and spray paint on them as if they were factory rejects. The figures were stuck to the belt and continued to go around and around in a rotation.

At the end of the conveyor, there was a bin stacked high with vinyls as if they were just dumped off the belt. You can see damaged figures piled up and spread around the windows. Looking at this display, I can't help to think it's a commentary on the state of the Vinylmation hobby from Disney. This is completely my observation and is NOT from any Disney Cast Member. But it seem almost a message to Vinylmation collectors saying, 'look at all these "valuable" figures you hold near and dear. There is nothing special about each individual piece except what you put upon them. Each and every one could end up here.' As if they are asking us to lighten up and stop taking ourselves so seriously. I don't think it is necessarily a mocking. Although it is hard to look inside here at figures you desperately wish to add to your collection and see how easily Disney artists take spray paint to them and toss them into a display. I just think this gives us a moment to pause and think about why we collect. I understand there will naturally be an aftermarket, but how important do these little 3" pieces of plastic need to be in our lives? This display is very funny and wonderfully themed, but I think we would be remiss not to take a lesson from it as well. OK, enough preaching... do you want to see the rest of the display?

There were some signs posted on a chain link fence behind the conveyor belt.

On the right hand side of the display were some mannequins in D-Street lab coats.

Up against the windows, there were a whole bunch of Vinylmation figures and parts scattered in disarray.

Here is a look at some rotations of the conveyor belt to see the various figures chosen for this wonderfully themed project.

Yes, there is a Duffy, Park Starz Ghost Bride, Obi Variant and Moon Walking 80's Dale among others. I love how Lotso is looking on from the side... very Toy Story 3ish of him.

2013 Poster Series Release Dates... Maybe?

Disney announced something... I know that's not specific but here are the details. According to the events calender on vinylmation.com there will be a release of a "2013 Series - 3-inch figure (Open Edition / Retail: $12.95)" on December 28th at D-Streets. They also have a January 11th release of a similar figure for the online Disney Store. We are assuming that means this is the first (and maybe second) release of the 13 2013 Poster figures we saw at Mickey's Circus (seen above). Only, at Mickey's Circus, they said there would be a limited edition of 2013 for each figure, not open edition like the website says. Maybe the website meant open box. We'll follow up and give out more information as it becomes available. 

Right now the events page is full of mistakes. They can't even spell December correctly.

D-Street Orlando Update 10/17/12

Just a few quick notes about some items at D-Street Orlando. They still have a handful of the LE 2500 Popcorns Clown Dumbo Variants around the store.

They also have a bunch of the LE 2000 Fantasia #1 Combos behind the counter.

And then this beautiful new 9" Custom Fortune Teller Mickey has shown up in the display case.

It comes in a real wooden box and lights up when plugged in. The manager on duty was able to tell me it has a $2,000 price tag and the artist is Mark Seppala. Mark made at least one custom around the opening of D-Street and is also the artist behind the Park 6 Wet Paint Donald.

New November Vinylmation Release Dates

Lots of news today about release dates. Here is all the NEW info from the events page.

At D-Streets:
On October 19th
Park 11 and the Park 11 Combo topper will be released.

On October 26th
Park 11 9" Grizzly Peak ($44.95) will be released
"Disney-Pixar Toy Story 2" Buzz, Little Green Men, Jessie, and Woody ($12.95 each). I think this is the Japanese Andy's Drawings ones.

On November 2nd
Disneyland or Walt Disney World Resort Annual Passholder Series #3 ($14.95)
Villians Series #3 ($12.95 each)
Disney's Prep & Landing ($26.95)

On November 16th
Disney-Pixar Series #1 ($12.95 each)
Phineas & Ferb Series, Agent P (we assume the Christmas Tree variant) ($12.95)
In WDW, artist signing with Maria Clapsis, Ron Cohee, and Thomas Scott from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at D-Street.

On November 23rd
Disney-Pixar Series #1, Heimlich Combo Pack ($24.95) (Is this a combo topper?)

At the Disney Stores:
On November 9th
2012 Santa Mickey Mouse ($16.95)

On November 16th
Disney-Pixar Series #1 ($12.95 each)
Fantasia Series #2 - Unicorn and Faun (LE 2,000 $24.95)

On November 23rd
Disney-Pixar Series #1, Heimlich Combo Pack ($24.95)

On November 30th
Phineas & Ferb Series, Agent P ($12.95)
Fantasia Series #2 - Unicorn and Faun (LE 1,500 $24.95)

So first, it looks like there are two possible dates for the 2nd Fantasia Combo Pack, but it is ONLY online. (I'd try the 16th because it's got the right edition size). Which of these sets are you picking up? Remember that the Classics set also comes out this month. Any one's wallets feeling a bit thin yet?

Rhino rolls out of D-Streets

Today we stood in line for 7 hours to pick out this cute furry guy from the D-Street in Orlando. Word is that in California they have been waiting since midnight and they are already out of the first stock and are waiting for the next one.

Tell us about your experiences getting Rhino.

We also got this pic of the store before the change out. Looks like the topper, Roger, and the Land are ready for next week.

Bubble Gum Goofy?

This picture of a Goofy Vinylmation, apparently covered in a burst gum bubble, is on display at D-Street Anaheim. Does anyone know what it could be?

Disneyland Cast Trader Variant Found

If you recognize the fingernails, you'll know it's Zoe found this vinylmation when trading at D-Street in Disneyland. It seems to confirm our suspicion that the silver variants are Cast Traders. The other figure looks like this.

So it looks like at least one of the variants is now out and in trade boxes! For more info on the Disneyland Series check out this post:

Disneyland 6 Piece Series

Congrats to Zoe for being (as far as we know) the first person ever to receive this variant! If you receive the D Silver variant, please let us know!