The Pretty Good Movie Ride

The Pretty Good Movie Ride is brought to you by Glenn Whelan, creator of Passamaquoddy and featured Guest on WDW Radio.

VinylNation.net

Check out VinylNation.net for a look at all the upcoming Vinylmations through the end of the year.

Colors of the Wind- Riverboat Landing

Another weathervane makes an appearace in the parks.  Near the Haunted Mansion, Guests board the ferry to circle through the Rivers of America.  The weathervane leaves little for the Guests to guess about.

Memories

Outside of Cinderella’s Castle, you will find an majestic topiary near the moat surrounding the castle.  This topiary serves as a reminder of the Plaza Swan Boats that once floated around the castle seasonally between 1973 and 1983.

Having a Magical Time at Three O’Clock

If in the Magic Kingdom at three o’clock, be sure to stop by Main Street USA, Liberty Square, or Frontierland to catch A Dream Come True parade.

Luckily Pinocchio is there to remind you of the time as his float comes through the parade toward the front.

Vinylmations and Dancing Girls

This Vinylmation was purchased again as a gift.  This time I spent the extra money for Father’s Day.

This Vinylmation is limited to 400 pieces and was created by Lin Shih.  I could not fully investigate this Big Thunder Mountain Vinylmation because I had to keep up appearances, but on the back of the right ear, there is a Hidden Mickey in the clouds.

History of the Mickey Mouse Watch: Abridged

In this image taken off of Hollywood Boulevard is a classic Mickey Mouse watch used as the illuminated street sign to entice Guests inside the shop.

In 1933, the first Mickey Mouse watch was made by Ingersoll Waterbury Clock Co.  During this time, the company’s financial condition was very poor, but they released their Mickey Mouse watch for $3.25 and later for $2.95.  The popularity of the watches brought Ingersoll Waterbury Clock Co. out of their debts.  Production continued through to the 1960s when the company became US Time and later Timex.

The Circle of Life: Maharajah Jungle Trek

Take a stroll through Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s Maharajah Jungle Trek.  This area was instituted to preserve the wildlife inside by the past Maharajah.  The weathered walls within the area tell stories of past rulers, but also offers a tale with a moral very rooted in the creation of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

In this story, animals and plants strive until humans begin appearing on Earth.  As the human race gains strength, they begin taking natural resources and land from the native animals.  The gods try to punish the humans for their disregard for the balance of nature.   After a lesson learned, the human plants a new tree to replace the one that he once cut down.  In the final carved image, both animal and human kneel before the tree in respect.

Skipping the Marshmallows and Campfires

It sometimes amazes me the things I never noticed in the parks despite the amount of time I spend in them.  And needless to say, I don’t spend a ton of time in Camp Minnie-Mickey.

But here are the signs for the meet and greets with some big names without the big lines.  This is a great place to meet some of your favorite characters if you are waiting for the next Festival of the Lion King show.

Vinylmation with a Hint of Pixar

Now don’t get too excited thinking that I broke down and started collecting the 9″ Vinylmations.  A $39.95 price tag is still too high for me when they bring out six new toys per series, but I do believe they make great gifts.  This one I purchased for a friend who collects the Seagulls from Finding Nemo.  This Vinylmation is designed by Maria Clapsis and is limited to 550 copies.

Watch out when purchasing larger Vinylmations.  Each series offers a special 9″ Vinylmation.  Park Series #1 had a Haunted Mansion edition and Park Series #2 has a Mr. Incredible edition.  Both of these Vinylmations include a small 3″ Vinylmation that compliments the design and cannot be bought within the 3″ trays.  These special editions will cost you $74.95.  It is not a mistake.