This is Vinylmation, Jr.

Steven Miller

by , Senior Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility, Walt Disney World Resort

Thomas Scott, lead designer for Vinylmation with Disney Design Group
“Isn’t it awesome?!” exclaimed Thomas Scott, lead designer for Vinylmation with Disney Design Group, when I recently sat down to discuss his baby, Vinylmation, Jr. I say his “baby” as Thomas was the creator behind this new Vinylmation collectible which is half the size of the original 3-inch figure. You may recall we first introduced Vinylmation, Jr. at the opening of D-Street at Downtown Disney Westside in April 2010. The story of Vinylmation, Jr., however, began long before the first mystery box was ever sold.

The idea for Vinylmation, Jr. came about the same time as we were looking for ways to add some additional mystery to new open window figures we were creating such as Vinylmation Oh Mickey! and Vinylmation Sports. The mystery box key chain concept seemed like a natural extension to the 3-inch mystery figures.

“After seeing the first Vinylmation, Jr. designs for ‘Oh Mickey!’ and ‘Sports,’ I realized we could create an entire series based on these simplistic designs that would appeal to a whole new fan,” continued Thomas.
Vinylmation, Jr., Series 1
Thus Vinylmation, Jr. Series #1 was born. Thomas created the concepts for the entire series and enlisted Lisa Badeen of Vinylmation Cutesters fame to assist. In fact, some of Lisa’s handwriting and doodles are found on the packaging.

“What many Guests don’t know is Vinylmation, Jr. was digitally sculpted,” said Thomas. “Unlike the original 3-inch and 9-figures which were first sculpted by hand using clay, the 1.5-inch figure was created on a computer. The manufacturer then used the digital file to create a three dimensional digital print, known as a rapid prototype. The prototype was used to create the mould. So the final figure is exactly how I envisioned it.”
Mickey Mouse Vinylmation, Jr.
Series #1 tells a story with complementing figures. Thomas and Lisa split development based on Thomas’ concepts. But I don’t want to explain too much about the series as I want to see if you can figure out theme.

I asked Thomas if he had a particular favorite figure from Series #1. “The eyeball is my all time favorite,” responded Thomas. “I also like the man eating plant because where else would you see a man eating plant at Disney.” When asked about future Vinylmation, Jr. series, Thomas smiled and gave a semi-cryptic response.
Vinylmation Jr., Series 2
“Vinylmation Series #2 is unofficially called ‘Color Block,’” he said. “The series features designs inspired by some famous colors combinations. I think our Guests will enjoy collecting them all. And it would not be lucky for me to share any information about Series #3.”

Vinylmation, Jr. Series #2 will be released at Disneyland Resort on June 18, 2010. It will be released in Florida on Friday, June 25 at D-Street at Downtown Disney WestSide. It will also be released on the Disney Parks Online Store at a future date. Like its predecessor, Series #2 will contain 16 known figures and two different mystery chasers. Each figure will be packaged in a mystery box, which leaves me asking, “Which one did you get?”

Comments

  • Steven…these look really cool. I am wondering if you can let us know when this series and the Vinylmation Condiment LE Set will be released at the online Disney Parks store? Also can you provide any information as to when the Toy Story Series will come out in the parks and when it will be released online? Thanks.

    • Lauren – The best place to keep watch on release dates for Vinylmation is visiting the Event page on Vinylmation.com:

      http://eventservices.disney.go.com/static/vinylmation/events.html

      I started added Product Releases to that page in order to help everyone (including me) keep track of releases.

      I sadly don’t have a date yet for the Vinylmation Toy Story series for Disney Parks. But I can say it is coming very soon. I did make some fun wallpaper images featuring some figures from that series (more are coming):
      http://eventservices.disney.go.com/static/vinylmation/fun2.html#wallpapers

      As for the Condiments Set for the on-line store, I don’t have a release date yet but will update the Event page when I do. It should be within the next two weeks.

  • @Jamie – Harry Potter is a Warner Brothers property. You will never see Harry Potter products from Disney.

  • We are looking forward to this new edition to the vinylmation jr. family 🙂 Thanks for the update 🙂

    • You’re welcome! I look forward to seeing you at the next Disney Trading Night on Friday, June 25.

      For Florida Guests, we will be at Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Ballroom of the Americas from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. I’ll be there and can’t wait to see who got the mystery chasers from Vinylmation, Jr. Series #2.

      For Guests in California, trading night will also be held on Friday at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. I will be there in spirit. 🙂

  • They’re modern and kinda neat butkinda feel like they’re ruining the classic disney persona

  • Do you think you guys can make a harry potter series? everything looks great and would love to see what you guys can do with a Harry potter theme

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