Episode 132 Cactus

Ep. 132 Cactus This week we give a step by step rundown of what to expect at the Reflections of Evil trading event. We also go over the full calendar of events. All that, and a look at new NYC and Tokyo vinys and a peek at Villains Series 4.

Listen in Popup Player

Download podcast

Tokyo Halloween Juniors for 2013

Vinylmation Exchange has posted a photo of a pair of Halloween themed Juniors that are set for a September 3rd release in Tokyo Disneyland.

Tokyo 2013 Halloween Vinylmation Revealed

Continuing the tradition of Tokyo dressing Disney characters in costumes for the Halloween Vinylmation, 2013 will see the release of a Witch Minnie Mouse and Mummy Donald Duck. Thank you to @Vinylmat0n for the photos.

The Minnie for sure glows. The Donald looks like he is made of the material to also glow. I love the idea, but like with many of the Tokyo vinyls, the designs fall a little flat in my opinion. It also seems like the production quality might differ from DDG products. But I'll still have to pick up the Donald. The expression and mummy wraps and accessory pumpkin (trick or treat bucket?) make a fun design. Minnie has a nice sculpted cape and hat.

These are set for a September 3rd release at the Tokyo Disney Parks for 1200 Yen.

Episode 131 3D Mickey Chaser

Ep. 131 3D Mickey Chaser This week we review the D23 Expo. The Vinylmation, the events, the stores and the people. Nick chooses his set of year and MC says not so fast. We also have news about a new Nightmare blind box series, more NYC vinyls, Halloween Tokyo figures and much more.

Listen in Popup Player

Download podcast

Summer 2013 Tokyo Disneyland Mickey and Minnie

Japanese Vinylmation collector @Vinylmati0n shared some photos of a couple new Tokyo Disneyland that will be released on July 1st. They will retail for ¥ 1,200 (about $12.25 USD) each.  No word yet if these will be released in the US.

It looks like they are just based on guests at the park with the summer heat getting the best of them as they have what looks like sweat pouring from their ears while wearing sweat soaked shirts. The accessory sunglasses with the reflection of the castle in them are spectacular. Overall, I enjoy the designs, however I do not like the tee shirts with Mickey and Minnie on them. It is character overkill. I would rather just see a Tokyo Disneyland logo.

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

30 years of Tokyo Disneyland

Can you believe Tokyo Disneyland has been around for 30 years? That seems almost impossible. To celebrate they are getting three open box figures, that I have to admit, look pretty sweet. I really like the one with the Napoleonic Sea Captain with his telescope. Two great accessories. Each figure will be 1200 Yen and will probably be available near the celebration of the 30th. The first figure celebrates the grand opening of Tokyo Disney and he holds what looks to be a retro park guide. The sea captain represents the grand opening of Tokyo Disney Sea. While the third figure is celebration the 30th anniversary with a Mickey balloon accessory.

Thanks to vinylmation kingdom and twitter user hicgrape for this picture.

Do you think one of the park sets this year will be an all Tokyo set for the anniversary, like WDW and Paris?

Episode 077 POTC Dog

Ep. 077 POTC Dog Another Park Starz variant is released, as is a new 9" mold. Disneyland's California Adventure opens up it's expansion and we learn all about the Color Block series. A packed show is all topped off with Adam from Disney Brit to give his take on the Disneyland Paris inspired Park 10 set.

Listen in Popup Player


Download podcast

Tokyo to celebrate 30 years!

The Toyko Disney site has just announced it's plans for the parks' 30th Anniversary Celebration. Starting on April 15th, 2013, the "Happiness Year" celebration will begin. A new parade is being developed, Star Tours is undergoing it's upgrade, and there will be seasonal celebrations throughout the year.

Why do you care? Because with each of the last anniversary celebrations we got specialized vinylmation. Hong Kong's 5th, Disney World's 40th, and Paris' 20th all got anniversary specific vinyl, so be on the look out for some from Tokyo next year!

A New Vinylmation Treat for Japan

According to Vinylmation World, a new exclusive blind box set is coming to Japan on December 23. It is reportedly called Romantic Treats.

I should be a set of 12 with the 11 figures above and 1 mystery chaser. They appear to have cupcake sleeves in the feet, giving the body the appearance of the cake part of the cupcake and then the head, ears and in some cases body is covered with icing and other "toppings."

Stitch is covered in blue with a green glob dripping down. Tink is flying in the head of hers, spreading pixie dust of course. The green bottom looks great with a butterfly painted on.

Disney artist LOVE Marie! She is always tossed into these character sets. A nice white and purple covering and of course her signature pink bow in the head. Donald looks almost turned upside down with with icing on top and blue "clothing" color and the yellow buttons in the eyes.

There's fur in my cupcake! Nope, just chip and dale digging in. Good looking coloring on these a perfect placement of the black and white stripe. They each have a topping on the head that appears to represent their nose color.

Cheshire Cat is also coming in strong with a ton of vinys of late. a crazy happy smile on the belly and his signature colors adorn the head and ears. How about that Goofy? His hat in the right ear and the green icing on the head topped with a... goofy looking swirl.

Last but not least, the Mice and the Dog. Mickey is mostly red with his yellow buttons of course. His head also appears to have a "V" shaped split in the paint where the middle has a glossy shine. Minnie has a great looking Mickey Head decorated cupcake sleeve around the feet. Her poke-a-dots cover the body and some of the head. Then a chocolaty topping has a flower on top. Pluto is similar to goofy, but with his brown and yellow colors. The paw print in the ear and dog bone in the body really finish this one off well. Will you be importing these from Tokyo? Let us know your thoughts.

Japan Exclusive Zodiac Vinylmation

Update: 11/20/11 This blind box set was released as a Japan Disney Store exclusive on November 18th for 990 Yen per blind box (about $12.88 USD). The interesting thing about this set is there are 12 known figures and 1 mystery chaser. Thanks to reader Nick for pointing us toward some eBay auctions. The chaser has been revealed as:

Front (photo from eBay seller hawaiian_seaside)

Back (photo from eBay seller disneycoin)

The Siamese Cats from Lady and the Tramp. I was so very afraid of these cats as a kid. I used to think they were after me in my sleep. But this Vinylmation looks incredible. The sealed case still comes with 24 blind boxes, so it seems you get a set of 13 and another 11, hopefully different, figures. Here are some screen shots of the packaging:

Packaging photos from Japan Disney Store Online

We also now know the artist to be K. Murase... the same artist who designed the pirate Hero of the Caribbean Mickey from Japan.

Photo from eBay seller mickey20072007

Here is a look at the set from the Japan Disney Store Online:

I always enjoy seeing what comes out of Japanese Pop Culture. On eBay, a couple new pre-sales have popped up for some Japan exclusive Vinylmation. The first one is a very interesting looking set that could create a lot of buzz stateside.

It's a set of Zodiac signs using Disney Characters. Can you name them all? Highlight the text below to reveal the characters.

Top Row:
Abu from Aladdin
Chicken Little from Chicken Little
Patch from 101 Dalmatians
Pumbaa from The Lion King
Middle Row:
Elliot from Pete’s Dragon
Sir Hiss from Robin Hood
Pegasus from Hercules
Bo Peep’s Sheep from Toy Story
Bottom Row:
Remy from Ratatouille
Maggie from Home on the Range
Tigger from Winnie the Pooh
Thumper from Bambi


The above set releases on November 18 in Japan. As of this post, two eBay sellers have it listed. One is a Buy It Now for $650, the other has a starting bid at $205. There is another Japan exclusive also listed on eBay as a pre-sale...

1290 Yen converts to about $16.79. Not bad for a special Vinylmation in a cool tin. Daruma dolls are seen as a symbol of perseverance and good luck in Japanese culture. You may need said luck importing this Vinylmation from Japan at a good price. Right now, there is one Buy It Now for $50 and a second auction that has 3 bids and is up to $51.