Thursday, December 27, 2012

2013 WDW Marathon Pins, Vinylmation & Signing

Walt Disney World® Resort Goofy's Challenge Pin 
Date: 01/20/2013
Location: WDW
Retail: $12.95


2013 Walt Disney World® Resort Goofy Medal Pin
Date: 01/10/2013
Location: WDW
Retail: $15.95
Edition Size: 1500


Walt Disney World® Resort Half Marathon Pin 
Date: 01/20/2013
Location: WDW
Retail: $12.95


2013 Walt Disney World® Resort Donald Duck Medal Half Marathon Pin
Date: 01/10/2013
Location: WDW
Retail: $15.95
Edition Size: 1500


Walt Disney World® Resort Marathon 20th Anniversary Pin 
Date: 01/20/2013
Location: WDW
Retail: $12.95


2013 Walt Disney World® Resort Mickey Mouse Medal Marathon Pin
Date: 01/10/2013
Location: WDW
Retail: $15.95
Edition Size: 1500


2013 Walt Disney World® Resort Marathon Medal Pin Set
Date: 01/10/2013
Location: WDW
Retail: $89.95
Edition Size: 500


Run Disney-Kid's Races Pin
Date: 01/10/2013
Location: WDW
Retail: $10.95
Edition Size: 1000


2013 Walt Disney World® Resort Marathon Weekend Pin
Date: 01/10/2013
Location: WDW
Retail: $12.95
Edition Size: 2500


2013 Disney Family Fun Run Pin
Date: 01/10/2013
Location: WDW
Retail: $12.95
Edition Size: 3000


We also finally have details on the 2013 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Vinylmation. Normally, there is a separate 3" figure for each race, the Marathon, Half Marathon and Goofy Challenge. This year, they put an interesting twist on things. We knew about the 3" Run Disney figure that will be released on January 10th at both D-Street Orlando and California. The Disney Collection (former Art of Disney) Blog had recently released a 360 photo of this figure.
It is Mickey, all ready to run. Just like previous years, it has a space on the back to write in your finishing time. It is an open edition figure and will retail for $12.95. The Disney Vinylmation Blog also mentioned something about "mini medals" for $1.95. We thought this may be some kind of error; just alluding to Vinylmation that replicate the medals. But NO, MUCH better!!!

The Mini Medals are actual accessories you can buy, then hang around your 3" Run Disney Vinylmation's neck! As a person who participates in these races and loves to have these keepsakes... I love it! Those will also be released on January 10th. I am speculating the race expo at Wide World of Sports or the Clubhouse store at the complex will carry these. D-Street will have them for sure.

Then, in an exciting twist, instead of holding an artist signing at the expo before the race, the signing with artist Maria Clapsis will be held on January 13th, after the WDW Marathon, at D-Street Orlando from 5-7pm. So show up proudly wearing your medal and get your Vinylmation and Pins signed!

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

2013 Poster Series Signing with Dave Keefer

On January 4th at D Street in Orlando Disney Design Group Artist, Dave Keefer will hold a signing from 5 to 7pm. On that same day, the first 2013 Poster Art inspired Disney Pin and Vinylmation figure will be released.  Dave will be available to sign the Vinylmation, pin and Poster Art Calendar. The Vinylmation is LE 2013 and will retail for $14.95. The pin is LE 2000, costs $19.95 and comes with a display easel. The calendar includes some amazing artwork and has perforated pages to make it easy to remove the posters. It retails for $19.95.



Each month, a new Vinylmation and Pin (as well as other merchandise including iPhone cases) will be released based on artwork from the 2013 Poster Art Calendar.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Once Upon a Pin Podcast #022 – December 19, 2012

Once Upon A Pin is a podcast all about Disney Pins. We deliver all the latest news, release dates and reviews with a fun Disney magic twist.
This week we have all the January release dates for Walt Disney World and Disneyland. We also go month by month over the new 2013 Poster Art Calendar released at both parks that gives us a sneak peek into what the pins will look like and the order of release.

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Tuesday, December 18, 2012

WDW Character Connection Mystery Collection


Character Connection Limited Edition Mystery Collection
Date: 01/24/2013
Location: WDW
Retail: $11.95
Edition Size: 400
This mystery twelve (12) pin collection consists of Disney's classic characters.Each box contains one randomly selected pin. The collection includes ten (10) puzzle pins with a limited edition of 400 each and two (2) chaser pins with a limited edition of 200 each.

WDW and DLR 2013 Quarterly Pin Series

Both the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Quarterly pin series is just plain gorgeous  We saw a slide at Mickey's Circus with some artwork that doesn't do the produced pieces justice. The Disneyland quarterly is called the "Magical Milestones" series.
They are set up like invitations to classic Disney animated features. They arrive closed. The envelope seal is a Mickey Head with a classic Disneyland "D" engraved on it. The flap pops open, then the pin slides up to reveal the movie title scene. I love the progression of time that begins with the black and white "Steamboat Willie."
It then leaps into color with "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." Then moves onto the new golden age of Disney classics with "Beauty and the Beast." And wraps up with the new age computer animated Pixar film "Toy Story." The pins are LE 2000 and $15.95 each. Steamboat Willie is expect in stores on January 10, 2013.

The Walt Disney World quarter is called "Train Pocket Watch Series." These wonderful designs will feature pocket watches that open up to reveal a Disney Character involved with a train element.

We can expect these on January 12, 2013 at a retail price of $15.95. They are LE 1000 each.

D23 Exclusive Pins at WDW & DLR


D23 Member Pin - Lady & The Tramp


D23 Member Pin - Dumbo


Date: 01/03/2013
Location: WDW
Retail: $19.95
Open Edition

Guests must show D23 membership ID to purchase.

Peter Pan 60th Anniversary Pin

Peter Pan 60th Anniversary Pin
Date: 01/17/2013
Location: WDW
Retail: $11.95
Edition Size: 1000


13 Event Countdown Jafar

Walt Disney World
Pin #5 in the series of 13
LE: 750 Pins
$13.95
January 17, 2013

2013: Year Of The Snake Pin

WDW & DLR
LE: 2000 Pins
$9.95
January 17, 2013

New Test Track Pins

The Disney Parks Blog said we can expect to see these two new Open Edition Test Track pins in January 2013.
They feature the new attraction vehicle design along with the reimagined attraction color scheme and logo. The car pin has a January 27th release date.

Friday, December 14, 2012

WDW 2013 Annual Passholder Series Pins

The Annual Passholder pin series have been hit or miss for me over the past couple years. I'll still have to see the 2013 pins in person before passing final judgment, but I'm sure warming up to them. We first saw a slide at Mickey's Circus of this 5 pin open edition set for APs.
I was not too impressed by this New Fantasyland inspired set. So unforgettable it was, that I didn't even remember seeing it when PinPics posted the following image recently.
These look so much better than what we saw on the slide. I will still have to see them in person before I decided to drop the $59.95 expected asking price though. They will have to look phenomenal. I do enjoy any pin that gives me a stained glass look, which these do. We should see these around the resort on January 3, 2013. 

Next up is the "A World of Magic 2013" series for APs of WDW. This series will feature 5 pins. The first of which is open edition and will be released in January. The second pin is LE 2500 and will also be released in January. The following 3 pins will be released over the course of the year. 
The five pins will interlock and feature different characters. The four parks and resort entrance are featured. This is a recurring theme for me, but the concept art didn't hook me. However these images from PinPics did.

The detail around the frame of the MK pin is wonderful. You can see a train and tea cups and the castle and Dumbo. What do you think?

Thursday, December 13, 2012

WDW and DLR 2013 Pins of the Month

Thanks to PinPics, we have some info about two of the 2013 Pin of the Month series that will be at WDW and DLR. At Walt Disney World, the pin series is called "Good Luck, Bad Luck". I wasn't excited about it when we saw the concept art on this slide at Mickey's Circus...
...and I'm still not into the premise after seeing this image on PinPics...
They will each have an edition size of 1000 and retail for $15.95. Expect the first one on January 3, 2013. Over at Disneyland, they have a beautiful looking PotM series for 2013.
They call it "Window to the Magic", and it looks spectacular. I was already interested in these unique designs before seeing this image on PinPics.
These are also limited to 1000 each but retail for a few bucks cheaper at $13.95. Expect Pan and Tink on January 24, 2013.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Monster Inc. Box Set at DisneyStore.com

Limited Edition of 300 Set of five Disney pins. Two pin-on-pin designs with hinged ''doors'' that open to reveal characters; Randall in locker, and Mike behind scream door. Boo pin-on-pin design with swiveling costume hat. Sanderson alongside Monsters, Inc. logo pin with shifting iris. Sulley under bed pin. The price is $79.95 and they are available right now at DisneyStore.com.




Once Upon a Pin Podcast #021 – December 12, 2012

Once Upon A Pin is a podcast all about Disney Pins. We deliver all the latest news, release dates and reviews with a fun Disney magic twist.

This week we talk about the the new January release dates that were recently revealed at PinPics. We also talk extensively about the huge step forward Disney took when putting on the New Fantasyland Pin Release event. And of course, we have the latest, up to date release calendar. Check out OnceUponAPin.com and our Facebook Photo Album page for pictures and more info.

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Monday, December 10, 2012

New Fantasyland Pin Release Review


On Thursday  December 6th it was a historic day at the Magic Kingdom. New Fantasyland officially opened its doors with a Grand Opening. Sure, it's great, magical, wonderful blah blah blah. But what us collectors were most excited for was the stuff Disney made for us to buy! Specifically, the pins.

I post this article because sometimes the release of Limited Edition items becomes a bigger story than the items themselves. As the hobby changes, Disney is still trying to figure out the best ways to do things. I think the New Fantasyland pin release was a huge step forward. So I believe that is worth a story.

Due to work, Rapinzel was not able to attend the pin release held at the Coronado Springs Resort, but she texted me at the end of the day and asked how it went...


Here is what I meant...

The Good
Disney decides to hold a separate event for the New Fantasyland pin release. I believe this was a smart move. First, New Fantasyland is too small to hold the release at the shop there. It would impact guest movement and enjoyability far too much. They could hold it at say the Diamond Horseshoe like at the 40th. However, moving the release off site to a resort allows for traffic flow to be diverted from the Magic Kingdom do a different part of property. It just makes sense, and I applaud it.

The Awful
Disney did not plan for some of the most obvious details regarding this event. They staffed the place with Cast Members, registers, tables, switchback lines. The resort knew there was a pin event, and was ready for it. But they were not ready for the crowd. Sure, there was a no line up in the hallway until 4pm rule, but what to do with the crowd before then. They had no plan for this. Did they really think no one would arrive on property until 3:50?

The Great
Disney enforced the no line until 4pm rule. Actual Disney security patrolled the halls kicking out guests who lined up early. This was a very important part in pulling this whole thing off. And Disney showed they communicated very well and that they can enforce these types of rules. If guests were allowed to line up early, it would have been extremely unfair.

The Stupid
Disney had no plan for crowd control, we were gathered on the sidewalks spilling into the driveway where buses and cars were pulling up. We were at various doors, blocking guests exit and entry.

The Funny
Do you remember the Disney "Notazoo" advertising campaign for the Animal Kingdom? It was a lot like that. As the huge crowd assembled outside the doors of the Coronado Springs Convention Center, the security came out every 15 minutes or so to remind everyone that this is NOT a line. They said it over and over again. This is not a line. It was very funny to all of use who were not lined up pretty much in the order we arrived. But it was an understandable, if still comical, announcement. They needed to make sure that your place was not secure. People may go ahead of you. Point of entry may not even be where you are not lined up. There were also various not lines at various doors.

The Horrible
As the time for entry drew ever closer, not lines began to form closer to the doors. Eventually it came to the point were the crowds were just pushed up against the doors... doors that swing outward... toward the crowd. We couldn't move. We had no idea how crazy it would get when they said "come in" and we tried to open the doors and squeeze through. The security finally pushed us back a few steps.

The Smart
Security selected just one door to let the crowd through. They announced that we were still not a line, but that only by coming in this one door, would we be allowed to join the line at the ballroom inside the building. Although this would create a huge traffic jam outside the building, and some guests were not happy about this idea, this was the smartest thing they could have done. This allowed guests to calmly enter the building one by one and walk over to the ballroom. No worries about who was running in from another direction or event behind you. It was just an orderly entry.

The Fantastic
Disney did not wait until 5pm to open up the cash registers. They let us into the ballroom and began to ring up sales just after 4pm. Realizing that were already hundreds of people here, and not wanting to keep that huge line wrapping around the convention center hallways for an extra hour, they began the sales early.

Overall, Disney took a few giant steps forward with the New Fantasyland pin event. I thought the idea for a separate event was brilliant. There was obvious communication in a positive manner between the event organizers and everyone involved. They had many registers and Cast Members in place. They enforced the no line up before 4pm rule. Now, they just need a plan for the crowd before the line up time. The issue will be alleviated by moving the time to about 5 hours before the event. Therefore you will have a space reserved for them. The pins? Oh ya, they were cool too.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Fantasyland Grand Opening Details and Trading Event

Disney has announced a merchandise event to be held on December 6th to commemorate the Grand Opening of The New Fantasyland. The event will be held at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Room J at the Convention Center from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. At the event, various pins, a coin and a shoulder bag will be on sale. They will also be offering space for guests to trade pins (or Vinylmation if desired) during that time. It is important to note two things: For pin collectors, there will by NO pins released at the Magic Kingdom on December 6th. They make a point of letting us know that. And for everybody, the resort will not allow guests to line up before 4pm on December 6th.

The pins that will be released include the Annual Passholder pins that were expected at the Fantasyland previews, but delayed. We also have info on the DVC exclusive pin that was previewed at the trade nights. Now, lets take a look at the merchandise:










Here is the AP merchandise that includes an LE 600 shoulder bag and LE 1000 coin:

We also found out where this DVC exclusive pin went:
According to Steven Miller on the Disney Parks Blog: "It will be released at the Merry Member Mixers for Disney Vacation Club Members. The first once was held (November 27) at Epcot and the pin was released there. It will continue to be sold at the Mixer events until gone. We won’t have it at the Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort release party."

As for the other pins, including the Pluto's Christmas Tree Piece of Disney Movies pin, Steven Miller is checking to see if those will also be at the Coronado Springs event. Now lets take a look at the merchandise that will be made available only at the Magic Kingdom on December 6th. This merchandise will not be at Coronado Springs, but select pieces will be available online.
For men, shirts will be offered in sizes ranging from small to 3-extra large, while ladies’ shirts will have sizes ranging from extra-small to 2-extra large. For youth, the shirts will be offered in extra small to extra large.

This is one of those covers for an ear hat instead of a full hat. It is LE 1000.

Finally, iPhone 5 cases! The Fantasyland versions are LE 300 each. The Princess ones are limited release.

I LOVE these prints. They are LE 500 a piece. No price given.


On December 6, you can find commemorative merchandise in the following Magic Kingdom Park locations:
Emporium – Main Street, U.S.A. – Will have tees, Cover Your Ears and D-Tech On Demand cases.
Main Street Cinema – Main Street, U.S.A. – Will have deluxe prints only.
Big Top Souvenirs – Fantasyland – Will have tees only.
Mickey’s Star Traders – Tomorrowland – Will have tees only.
Pirates Bazaar – Adventureland – Will have tees only.
The event tees and the D-Tech On Demand cases with Disney Princesses for iPhone 4/4s and iPhone 5 will also be sold via the Disney Parks online store from December 6-9, 2012 (please allow 8 to 10 weeks for delivery). To find these items online starting December 6, visit http://www.DisneyStore.com/NewFantasyland.