Vinylmation Stories - Br'er Rabbit

Splash Mountain has been a favorite attraction of mine for as long as I can remember. Some of my earliest memories of Walt Disney World are of riding Splash Mountain, and even meeting Br'er Fox and Br'er Bear in Frontierland. When I saw the release of a Splash Mountain Eachez, I thought it was about time! If I had my way, there would be a whole series of Splash Mountain Vinylmation!

(Photo Credit: WDW for Grownups)

I love the design choice Alex Maher went with. Instead of Br'er Rabbit's usual blue pants and pink collared shirt, he chose to use the design of Br'er Rabbit from the final scene before plummeting down into the Briar Patch. Br'er Rabbit is stuck in a beehive with honey dripping down. I love the perfect scared expression the artist used for his face. This is definitely a memorable scene and that's captured in the design of this figure. I'm happy to add another Splash Mountain figure to my collection, to accompany the Vulture vinyl I have from Park #12.

Vinylmation Stories - Penguin

I am a big fan of MuppetVision 3D as I'm sure I've said many times before on this blog. The jokes never get old, and the Muppets are so fun and cute! One of my favorite gags is the Penguin Orchestra. They don't play a central role at first, we see them ushered into the theater during the pre-show and then we see them raise out of the floor at the start of the show.

Their significance comes at the end when these innocent penguins shoot the Swedish Chef with a cannon, causing all kinds of commotion and ending our tour of MuppetLabs. My younger brother shares my love of MuppetVision 3D and bought this Penguin Vinylmation from Muppets #2 for my birthday one year. The story behind this fella is that he reminds me of the times I've laughed at Disney's Hollywood Studios, and my sweet little brother who bought this for me.

Vinylmation Stories - J. Jonah Jameson

Today's Vinylmation Story is a little different from many of the other backstories behind the Vinylmation I chose to add to my collection. I'm a huge Disney fan, but I still enjoy and appreciate the Universal Orlando Resort. While there's obviously competition and rivalry between the two, each has something the other doesn't have, and I like spending time at both.

I was drawn to J. Jonah Jameson because he is a recurring character in the Spider-Man universe who also features in The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man attraction in the Islands of Adventure theme park at Universal Orlando. Spider-Man happens to be one of my favorite rides over at Universal because I'm kind of a comic book geek.

The entrance to the Daily Bugle

(Photo Credit: UOFanGuide.com)

Jonah Jameson is first seen when you enter the attraction queue, themed to the Daily Bugle. His picture is hanging on the wall as you step inside. Continuing on in the attraction, you make your way through the Daily Bugle, seeing various different articles the journalists have written, as well as notes from Jonah. You set out to follow Spider-Man and make headlines for Mr. Jameson, who is contact with you throughout the ride.

A journalist's work station inside the Daily Bugle

(Photo Credit: UOFanGuide.com)

This Vinylmation reminds me of the ground-breaking Spider-Man attraction that I love so much, and he's expertly designed by artist Thomas Scott. This figure looks like he walked out of the comics! His outfit is perfect, he has the same angry expression he always has, and what a perfect touch to add a Daily Bugle newspaper article in his ear - which features a memorable comic headline, "Spider-Man: Hero or Menace?" This figure was also a gift to me from my sweet younger brother, making him a very sentimental piece in my collection. All this is what made J. Jonah Jameson a must-have for my collection.

Vinylmation Stories - Ree Yees

Thanks for joining me for another Vinylmation Story! I'm going to tell you today why I had to add Ree-Yees to my collection. Newer Disney fans might not recognize him, but Disney veterans may remember Ree-Yees from the original Star Tours safety video. I always thought it was funny how he was C-3PO's example of what not to do during your Star Tours flight, by smoking and using flash photography.

As a big fan of Star Tours, I instantly recognized Ree-Yees when I saw him in Park #16. I thought it was fantastic to include some retired characters in the anniversary series. He became a must-have for me when I saw Casey Jones's perfect artwork, and Ree-Yees's camera accessory - he wouldn't have been complete without it! I love looking at Ree-Yees and remembering the original Star Tours flights to Endor.

Vinylmation Stories - Toy Story Alien

Toy Story is one of my favorite Disney movies, so naturally, I'm also a big fan of the Toy Story Mania attraction over at Disney's Hollywood Studios. When I discovered that a Vinylmation set had been made for Toy Story Mania, I knew I needed at least one of those in my collection to remind me of the attraction.

The Toy Story Mania series is based on Andy's drawings which you see while waiting in line for the attraction. While Woody and Buzz are much more memorable, my favorite vinyl in the series was the Alien. I think he looks just perfect as one of Andy's drawings. And so the Alien was added my Vinylmation collection!

Vinylmation Stories - Crush

I'm still in a Finding Nemo mood, so this week I'll be telling the story of how Crush joined my collection. Crush is from Park #11 which is actually a Park Series based on attractions from Disney's California Adventure. But Crush is equally applicable to fans of Walt Disney World as Turtle Talk with Crush (the attraction this figure is based on) features also at The Seas with Nemo and Friends in Epcot.

I remember being blown away the first time I saw it. Even though Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor had opened before and uses the same technology, I still couldn't believe the bright colors of the tank, how it really did look like we were staring into a deep tank filled with sea creatures, the witty way in which Crush interacted with us, and how funny his jokes were.

Due to audience participation, this show is never the same twice. The impressive technology coupled with my love of Finding Nemo makes this a can't miss attraction for me when I visit Epcot. When I saw that a Vinylmation had been designed to reflect this attraction, he was a must-have for me. Ron Cohee's artwork is flawless as always, and this figure looks identical to Crush. To top it all off, we have bubbles in one ear and of course the microphone in the other ear to link to the attraction.

So that's why Crush joined my collection! As a side note, I think it would have been awesome to have had a variant figure of Crush with the above expression, wearing the bikini top!

Vinylmation Stories - Wicket

Today I'll be telling the story of why I added Wicket from Star Wars #3 to my collection. For starters, I'm a pretty big Star Wars fan. I love the movies and the score, I have a ton of Star Wars clothing and shoes, and I even have a Star Wars themed bathroom. But my passion for Star Wars does not mean I automatically buy every Star Wars Vinylmation released. I still like to stick to my favorite Walt Disney World attractions in Vinylmation form.

Wicket was the first Star Wars series Vinylmation that I purchased, and I decided that he had to join my collection because 1) Who doesn't love Ewoks? 2) He's just too adorable and 3) even though he doesn't appear in the Star Tours attraction, he reminds me of the exterior to Star Tours because it's themed to Endor, Wicket's home planet.

When I look at Wicket I think back to one of my favorite Hollywood Studios attractions - Star Tours, and that's what collecting Vinylmation is all about, the memories they bring. I have also had a great time taking pictures with Wicket at Hollywood Studios, which you can see here. I love his chubby little face, big eyes, adorable expression, and the Endor foliage in his ears. I'm very happy to own Wicket.

Vinylmation Stories - Oklahoma City Thunder

I've said many times before on this blog that I like collecting Park series Vinylmation. As you can tell, this is not a Park series vinyl. So let me tell you the story of why I added this figure to my collection. As I've also said before on this blog, that I'm from Oklahoma, and we are pretty proud of our basketball team! We don't have any other state teams in professional sports (besides college teams) so we take our basketball very seriously.

I'm a basketball fan, and I love watching the Oklahoma City Thunder play (who of course are my favorite team). We've had some great seasons, making our way to the Western Conference finals, and even the NBA finals. When I saw that there was an Oklahoma City Thunder Vinylmation in the NBA Series, I was thrilled! Since Oklahoma lacks professional teams in other sports leagues, I was happy to see my state represented in the NBA Vinylmation series. My happiness at seeing a crossover between Disney and my favorite sports team meant I just had to have this figure!

Vinylmation Stories - Aztec Warrior

You might wonder why I own the Aztec Warrior Vinylmation from Urban #8 when it's clearly not a Park Vinylmation. Let me tell you the story why. I had never bought an Urban Vinylmation before, they just didn't appeal to me. But when I saw this one, I immediately thought of the Aztec man who lit up on El Rio del Tiempo in the Mexican pavilion at Epcot. 

(Photo Credit: Mice Age)

I miss El Rio del Tiempo deeply, and I wish it would come back. I love how I can remember the ride and the music when I look at this figure, despite him not being a park figure. When I look back at pictures of the Aztec man from the ride, I think this Vinylmation looks pretty similar, despite not being designed to specifically look like that character.

And that's how and why the Aztec Warrior joined my collection!

Vinylmation Stories - Wild West Minnie

The reason for me buying Wild West Minnie is similar to the story behind why I bought Wild West Donald. When I look at this Minnie Vinylmation, I'm reminded of an aspect of my home state's history that I am very proud of. Minnie was designed to be a Pioneer woman, but I look at her and am reminded of Amish women. Her bonnet and apron are what make me think of the women in Amish communities, although Minnie's bonnet is pink as opposed to white or black,

Here in Oklahoma, we have two prominent Amish communities, despite many people believing that Amish communities don't exist outside of Pennsylvania. I have visited our Amish communities many times, and I enjoy my time there every trip. The Amish are a very welcoming, friendly, and kind people, and their food is delicious!

I had to add Minnie to my collection because of her beautiful design, and because of how much she makes me think of my home state, and the wonderful varied culture we have here.

Vinylmation Stories - Chernabog

Today I'll explain why I added Chernabog from Villains #3 to my collection. If you've been around Vinylmation Isle for a while, you'll know that the Park series was what drew me to vinyls and kept me collecting from there. Despite my love for Park series Vinylmation, you'll notice that Chernabog is not a Park series figure. However, I added him to my collection because I associate him with the parks.

Chernabog comes from the Disney animated film Fantasia, which I am a big fan of. But what made me want this figure was that Chernabog also features as one of the villains in the nighttime attraction Fantasmic at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Not only is this an extremely well designed figure, with an incredible replication of Chernabog's likeness (complete with wings) but every time I look at this figure, I'm transported back to Fantasmic. I hear Night on Bald Mountain and remember one of my favorite Disney shows!

Fantasmic is an incredible attraction that I make sure to see each Disney trip. I love that I've found a figure that reminds me of such an enjoyable show in the absence of there being an official Fantasmic Vinylmation.

Vinylmation Stories - Teddi Beara

The Country Bear Jamboree is still one of my favorite shows at Walt Disney World. I love country music, the jokes are hilarious, and the bears are so cute! (Most of them, I also get a kick out of how ugly Liver Lips and Wendell are). I love the Country Bear Jamboree so much that I always try to make it to a show every time I'm in the Magic Kingdom. I know the words to all the songs and I even noticed which songs (and jokes) got cut when Disney shortened the attraction.

There's so much to work with that I think the Vinylmation team could even have gone as far as to create a Country Bear Jamboree series. Nevertheless, after adding Big Al to my collection, of course I wanted to include Teddi Beara when she was released!

I think Teddi Beara was a great choice because she's so memorable. Who could forget the bear that swings from the ceiling? And she's been designed wonderfully. She has a great facial expression, her hat accessory also includes a feather that extends in to her right ear, she has her feather boa, and designer Maria Clapsis even included the flowers from her swing in Teddi's left ear.

I was lucky enough to pull this figure from a Park #12 blind box and I'm so happy I did! I will never get tired of this show, and when I can't watch it, I get to look at my Teddi Beara Vinylmation and think of her singing "Heart, We Did All That We Could".

Vinylmation Stories - Buddy Boil

When Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor opened, I wasn't sure what to think. I love Monsters Inc., but I didn't know if the show would be a one and done type deal. I was wrong! Because of the audience participation, the show is different every time, and so far it has never failed to keep me laughing! It's now a can't miss attraction for me, so when I saw a Vinylmation of Laugh Floor host Buddy Boil, I wanted him.

I'll admit, at first glance it can be hard to make out this figure, but once you get it you see how well designed it is. The purple line on the bottom of his face might look like his mouth, but it's actually his chin, which to me starts to make his face look 3D. I love how the vinyl's ears have been used for Buddy's big eyes!

I think artist Thomas Scott had a difficult task here, but his design is wonderful. It's a great representation of Buddy that always makes me want to say "Hello humans!" and brings back memories of "that guy". I'm happy to have this little monster in my collection.

Vinylmation Stories - Indiana Jones

Indiana Jones is one of my favorite movie franchises, so I love seeing Raiders of the Lost Ark come to life in the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular at Disney's Hollywood Studios. I will never get tired of seeing that show, especially because the experience is a little different each time with a new set of volunteers for the extras.

There are two reasons I had to have this figure. First, I think it is expertly designed by Thomas Scott. It is not easy to translate humans on the the Mickey mold, and although Indy in unavoidably chubby, I think his face is absolutely perfect - he looks just like Harrison Ford! The legendary hat is of course a must, so I'm thrilled that they used an accessory that looks the part instead of trying to paint the hat in to the figure.

His outfit is designed brilliantly too, including the satchel that Indy is never without in Raiders. Finally, the ears have been expertly designed, with fantastic detail that accurately reflects the scenery behind our hero as he attempts to steal the Golden Idol.

The second reason why this Vinylmation was a must for me is because the Epic Stunt Spectacular took on a whole new sentimental meaning for me in 2013 when my husband and I were chosen to be shoppers in the Cairo marketplace. This figure is from the Indiana Jones series, and was not designed to reflect the live action show at Hollywood Studios. However, since Indy is the show's star, this Vinylmation serves as a great reminder of the attraction.

My love of Indiana Jones, the wonderful artwork of Thomas Scott, and the reminder of my time as an Epic Stunt Spectacular extra, is the story behind why I had to add Indiana Jones to my collection.

Vinylmation Stories - Carousel of Progress John

I'm a huge fan of Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress because it was created by the man himself. I love the journey it takes you on throughout the years with the same American family. There are memorable quotes, funny jokes, great scenes and of course a catchy theme song. The Carousel of Progress has stood the test of time since 1964, and I think it should continue long in to the future.

What I love about this Vinylmation is the way it features each of John's outfits from all 4 scenes in the Carousel of Progress, to encompass the whole attraction in one figure. As you can see from my Backside of Vinyls post, he even has a fan in his back pocket with the attraction's logo.

The Carousel of Progress is a must-do attraction for me every time I visit the World. That, coupled with the creativity of this Vinylmation is why I had to add John to my collection.

Vinylmation Stories - Tomorrowland Transit Authority

I have always loved the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover! My parents have home movies of me riding it over and over from when I could walk. I love it because it's amazing to a small child - it's powered by electromagnets, but travels much faster than you'd think, still picking up enough speed to give a couple thrills. I still remember how in awe of it I was as a child.

It gives amazing views of Tomorrowland: The Speedyway, Space Mountain, the Carousel of Progress, Astro Orbiter, I could go on. And one of the best parts is the sneak peaks it gives you of other attractions. I still love feeling almost like I'm riding Space Mountain again whenever the TTA travels through it. And I love the unique vantage point it gives you as you pass through Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin.

I guess I didn't realize until I saw this vinyl, just how much I wanted a TTA Vinylmation, and this figure does not disappoint! Caley Hicks captured every element perfectly! I love how the "tunnel" the vehicle passes through is reflected on the top of the vinyl's head, I love the logo of the ride pictured on the body of the figure, and of course the ride vehicle itself pictured on the head. Which, I might add, is spot on! The silhouettes of the passengers is a neat touch too. Not to mention the great use of the back of the figure with the safety signs portrayed on the back of the body. (More on that later in a Backside of Vinyls post).

This was another one of those figures where I knew I wanted it from the minute I saw it. And that's the story behind why I own the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover Vinylmation.

Vinylmation Stories - MuppetVision 3D

I know some people are tired of MuppetVision 3D and want to see it replaced, but I still love it! I love the mix between a projected film, animatronics and live action actions. I enjoy the added effects of the bubbles and water too. I always leave singing "Dream A Little Dream of Me" and often find myself quoting the attraction. ("You've got a minute and a half!")

On top of how much I enjoy the attraction, I had to have this figure because I think it capture the attraction in a unique way. Lin Shih didn't choose just one character from the attraction to represent MuppetVision in vinyl form (who could?!), nor was the brick building that houses the show chosen. Instead we have the hot air balloon that sits above Muppet labs.

I think it's a really fun and cute design, way to think outside the box Lin Shih! Plus, I love the bright colors, the Muppets are all about bright, fun colors. The great design, and the nod to one of my favorite Hollywood Studios attractions, made this Vinylmation an instant addition to my collection.

Vinylmation Stories - XP-37 Space Cruiser

The XP-37 Space Cruiser, for those who don't know, is the name of the vehicle you ride in during Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. This Vinylmation, designed by Eric Caszatt, embodies every aspect of the ride vehicle: front, back, sides, and even the laser cannons you fire. There are two reasons why this figure was a must-have for me. First, the design is incredible! I love the details and colors. The more I look at it, the more detail I see and the more impressed I am.

The second reason is that, in my opinion, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin is under-appreciated. Every since Toy Story Mania opened, I've heard a lot of people complain that Buzz is archaic, amateur, and not worth visiting when you could just do Toy Story Mania instead. I disagree. I love both attractions and they both have different things going for them. I love the control you have of your car in Buzz, how interactive it is with you moving through scenes instead of looking at a screen, the gun itself is different too. It's a different type of game.

I love Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin just as much now as I did when it first opened. No trip is complete with a ride on Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. My enthusiasm for the attraction, plus Eric Caszatt's incredible design is why the XP-37 Space Cruiser joined my collection.

Vinylmation Stories - Dole Whip

Those who know me well know that I am a huge Dole Whip fan! No Disney trip is complete without one, and I only wish Aloha Isle would open at rope drop. Alas, I have to wait until mid-morning to pick up my favorite fruity Disney treat... but I digress.

You may have wondered all this time why my blog is called Vinylmation Isle. Well in part it's because I view my blog as an island of Vinylmation escapism, and partly because the name was inspired by Aloha Isle. You may have noticed that I used the Dole Whip Vinylmation from Park #9 as part of my blog's logo.

When I discovered that Caley Hicks had designed a Dole Whip Vinylmation, I didn't think twice! I had to have that in my collection. It was only fitting that I own a figure as integral to my Walt Disney World vacations as Space Mountain and the Tower of Terror. I also think the vinyl is very well designed, it's more simple than other vinyls, but that really works, and no key detail has been spared.

That's the story behind why I own the Dole Whip Vinylmation!

Vinylmation Stories - Leopard

The Park #4 Leopard comes from It's A Small World and I just can't get enough of him! For starters, I think he was an excellent character to choose. Out of all the dolls and other animals, I think he is very memorable with his bright colors and flowers. In Vinylmation form he is perfect! From his facial expression and accurate colors, down to the incredible detail on this figure of the rain falling in his ears! For those who aren't familiar with the Leopard, here he is in action on the happiest cruise that ever sailed:

I had to have this figure for two reasons. Firstly, I love It's A Small World. I really do. I think it's adorable! I also grew up in three different countries so it has personal meaning to me. During my many Small World trips, I have always remembered seeing that cute flowery leopard with his pink umbrella, so I instantly recognized this figure. I think he is an awesome choice for a Vinylmation!

Secondly, he has been done amazingly well. Just look at that nose and those whiskers! I love how the flowers look the same with some being bold and others being a more faded, pale color. I already mentioned the awesomeness of the rain falling in his ears, but I'll say it again because it's a unbelievable attention to detail! Great job Monty Maldovan!

And there you have it. That's the story of why I own the Park #4 Leopard.