One of my earliest articles for the Disney Parks Blog was introducing an art program called “The Mechanical Kingdom.” This steampunk-inspired artwork was created by the talented Disney Design Group artist Mike Sullivan. Since that first article in March 2010, steampunk designs have found their way to pin collections, Vinylmation figures and a D-Tech case for the iPhone 4/4S. I’m delighted to share that a few additional steampunk items are coming to Disney Parks, including some recently released Vinylmation figures. I asked Mike about the design process for these new open edition figures.
“I’m happy to finally see the Disney characters as Vinylmation figures wearing their steampunk attire,” explained Mike. “I created this artwork in 2009, and it’s been wonderful to see that it has inspired a variety of collectibles in recent years. For these new figures, I added a few accessories like Mickey Mouse’s ‘Steamboat Willie’ hat. Goofy was probably the most challenging figure to design, since he is tall. I created a stylized version of him in order to fit the three-inch, Mickey Mouse-shaped canvas.”
These figures were recently introduced in select locations at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. The series was also released via the Disney Parks online store, which is the only place to get the Ludwig Von Drake online exclusive figure. I think my favorite figure is Donald Duck (mostly due to his awesome pith helmet).
There are two steampunk-inspired open edition pins arriving at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort in November. I love the green jeweled attachment on the Mickey Mouse icon (which reminds me of the Port Discovery area at Tokyo DisneySea – how I want to visit there again!).
Steampunk fans will need to wait until spring 2013 to acquire some of the most amazing ear hat ornaments I’ve ever seen. You may recall that we introduced several beautifully detailed ornaments this past summer. These seven new steampunk ornaments were designed by Disney Design Group artist Costa Alavezos. The details on each limited edition ornament are incredible (some even have light up options). In the image above, you can see the fronts and backs of three different ornaments. I’m going to need a bigger tree!
Read these posts for more news about Vinylmation at Disney Parks:
Comments
Is there a way to purchase the ornaments remotely? I will be at WDW in January but will not be able to be there in Spring. You mention they are limited edition. I don’t want to miss these ornaments.
@Christina – Those ear hats sound incredible! Congratulations on your recent marriage. I wish you many happy years together.
@Tommye – Once released in the spring, your best option would be to contact Disney Parks and Resorts Merchandise Guest Services at 1-877-560-6477 or send an email to: merchandiseguestservices@disney.go.com
I’m so excited for the ornaments and the pins! I can’t wait to add them to my collection.
They remind me of the Steampunk Bride and Groom ears that I made for me and my husband for our 2011 WDW Honeymoon.
We’ve worn them at WDW and Disneyland and they’ll be cruising with us on the Dream this coming February!
Is there a release date on the pins more specific than ‘November’?
@Deanna – They are both open edition pins which means that they are introduced to locations during a two-week period. As you can imagine, there are many locations that carry open edition pins so we don’t typically select a firm release date for them (unlike limited edition pins which are usually in only a handful of locations).
Here are the item numbers:
Mickey Mouse icon – 400006854698
Lock and Key – 400006854704
I love the new Vinlymations, these will be great in my collection. The pins are pretty awesome too
Thanks Steve
Hello Steven,
I was just wondering if these will also become available online like the last collection of ear hat ornaments that were released? I was also curious as to when the last 3 fashion-inspired Mickey Ear Hat Ornaments would become available? I believe I remember you mentioning that there would be 5 fashion-inspired ear hat ornaments from the last collection, but only 2 have been released of the 5.
Thank you,
Michael
@Michael – Since they aren’t due to be released until spring 2013, I don’t have a confirmation if they will be carried via the online store. Will have a better sense come next year. I also know that the remaining fashion ear hats will be released next year as well (I’m thinking around the same time at last report).
What fun pins, I’ll definately need to add one of these to my collection!
where will these hat ornaments be sold at? in the christmas shop or throughout the parks? i have to have them all. i love the steampunk look and am so happy to are expanding into this line!!!!!
@Molly – So glad you enjoyed the article! Thanks for the great note. Would love to see your outfits 🙂
@Shereen – I’m happy to hear that you approve! I don’t have an exact location list right now as they aren’t due to be released until spring 2013. But I can say that the ornaments will most likely be found in the same locations that the ear hat ornaments are found today. I’ve seen them a World of Disney, Disney Days of Christmas and other big merchandise locations in the Parks.
This is one of the greatest things I’ve seen since sliced bread! I love Steampunk and Disney and I am just so very excited. I can’t wait to see what else they come up with! My boyfriend and I are totally going to have to go to Disney stressed Steampunk now haha. I can’t wait!
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