Review: Maleficent's Castle

Yesterday, WDCC's latest release from Sleeping Beauty, Maleficent's Castle ("Forbidden Fortress") arrived! To us long-time collectors, we refer to this type of release as Enchanted Places, a type of release that began in 1995 and saw it's last release in 2001.

Since then, we've seen Enchanted Place-type releases (though not classified and/or confirmed the return of the series) with the release of the Cave of Wonders from Aladdin, Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse from Swiss Family Robinson and the most recent Maleficent's Castle.

When ordering from a photo/image, you sometimes wonder if the actual sculpture will meet your expectations, this one did not disappoint! The sculpture is every bit as detailed as the images supplied when the sculpture was announced. The official photo (above) reflects accurately the coloring of the Castle when the sound chip is activated.

Using resin to sculpt the Castle, it captures all the detail of the brick, stone and briar around the Castle that would be lost if done in porcelain. Castle includes a sound clip with music and narration, a Walt Disney Classics Collection first! The music and narration are from the digitally remastered Sleeping Beauty film sequence which introduces Maleficent's Castle. The narration goes as follows:

"For everyone knew that as long as Maleficent's domain, the Forbidden Mountains, thundered with her wrath and frustration, her evil prophecy had not yet been fulfilled..." [thunder and lightning]

Pressing a button on the hardwood base (a nice black lacquer), this sound clip starts playing (approx. 23 seconds) and LED lights within the castle flash to replicate lightning. Powered by 3 AA batteries (not included). I personally liked the placement of the button and speaker on the base, as they were not obtrusive and very well placed.

Special Note: The Castle is attached to the base, not separate as with previous Enchanted Places type releases. Be very careful of the spires and turrents when handling the piece and removed by lifting it straight out by the base, do not pivot it. When putting in the batteries, best to hold on its side but be careful of where the spires and turrets are positioned.

Below are a couple photos I took of the Castle alongside the Maleficent sculpture, the 1999 Fall Premier Event featured sculpture (click on each image for a larger view):

Maleficent's Castle ("Forbidden Fortress"), concept designed by Larry Nikolai is a Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 500.

DVC Announces New Alternative

Beginning April 15, 2010 Disney Vacation Club (DVC) is offering a new alternative to members borrowing vacation points from a future use year. Instead, members can obtain one-time-use vacation points for a fee of $15.00 per vacation point.

Disney Vacation Club members can obtain a maximum of 24 one-time-use vacation points once per use year, per membership. These one-time-use vacation points can be used to book stays at Disney Vacation Club Resorts, as well as vacations through the Disney Collection, Adventurer Collection and World Passport Collection.

Members interested in learning more about one-time-use vacation points can contact Disney Vacation Club Member Services or visit www.dvcmember.com.

eFX Collectibles Announces Special Pricing Exclusively for Members of Disney’s D23!

BURBANK, Calif. (April 21, 2010) – eFX Inc. yesterday announced special, members-only pricing for Disney enthusiasts who are members of D23: The Official Community for Disney Fans.

D23 Members can save hundreds of dollars on eFX’s line of intricately crafted Disney replicas by visiting the eFX website at www.efxcollectibles.com. Special D23 Member pricing takes effect immediately, said Bryan Ono, president of eFX Inc.

“There are no Disney fans who are more devoted and enthusiastic than D23 Members, and we wanted to do something special for them,” Ono said. The first of eFX’s Disney replicas is the remarkably detailed, four-foot reproduction of Capt. Nemo’s Nautilus from Disney’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. The painstakingly produced Nautilus is priced at $1,799, and is available to D23 members for $1,699.

Limited to just 500 pieces worldwide, the Nautilus can be pre-ordered at www.efxcollectibles.com. A non-refundable, $500 deposit is required, and the special D23 member price will be adjusted with the final payment prior to shipping.

D23 Members will have the opportunity to place their orders for Disney collectibles 24 hours before the general public. D23 membership numbers will be validated upon ordering at the website.

The next Disney replica from eFX will be available to order by D23 Members starting Tuesday, May 4, 2010 with ordering open to the general public on May 5, 2010. It’s the exquisitely crafted Evil Queen’s Heart Box from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs ($799, or $724 for D23 members), inspired by the designs of Disney’s first full-length animated feature.

The Heart Box is intricately constructed from solid rosewood and features an imaginative 24-karat gold-plated heart that locks with a dagger-lock mechanism. The Heart Box sits on an elaborate, museum-quality display base that features two sculptures by renowned artist David Kracov: One depicts the Evil Queen holding the chalice that contains a magical elixir to turn her into the “Old Hag” – who, in the second, holds the fateful “magic wishing apple.” Each Heart Box includes a numbered plaque and certificate of authenticity, and production will not exceed 500 pieces worldwide.

Upcoming Disney-inspired pieces from eFX include an 18-inch Rizzo the Rat Photo Puppet ($379, or $329 for D23 members), which celebrates the enduring appeal of the Muppets and will be available for order shortly. It’s a detailed and accurate replica of the full-size, three-dimensional “photo puppet” used to represent favorite Muppet characters in photo shoots. Fully articulated, the eFX Rizzo the Rat is created based on reference patterns and materials supplied by Disney’s Muppet Studios. Rizzo’s dressed in a T-shirt and a letterman’s jacket that features real suede-leather sleeves and a “Ratpanic” embroidered patch on the back. Worldwide, eFX is limiting the edition size to 1,000, and each piece will come with a numbered plaque and certificate of authenticity.

D23 Members can place orders and get more details about the ordering process and shipping information at www.efxcollectibles.com.

WDCC Announces Upcoming Releases Sold Out Thru Pre-Orders!

The Walt Disney Classics Collection Sales Force and Authorized Dealers were notified earlier today of the following sculptures being sold out to retailers through pre-orders:

King Louie ("Orangutango-Jango!), sculpted by Patrick Romandy-Simmons is a Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 750.

It’s no wonder this madcap monarch is known as King Louie the Most, for he’s the most outrageous animal in the jungle. This kooky orangutan holds crazy court in an ancient temple, where Louie loves to dance up a storm when he’s not lounging on his elaborate throne.

Scheduled for a Spring 2010 release, this irresistible sculpture set is complete with an urn full of jungle delicacies, and plussed with wire, pewter and resin.

Cinderella and Prince Charming ("Royal Introduction"), sculpted by Kent Melton is a Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 750.

Arrayed in her miraculous, luminous gown, Cinderella never looked so radiant as the aptly named Prince Charming kisses the hand of the surprised scullery maid in disguise.

Sculpture includes a 60th Anniversary backstamp and plussed with real pearl earrings and metallic and opalescent paint.

Please contact an Authorized WDCC Dealer and/or the Walt Disney Theme Parks for availability.

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter to all who visit either the Blog and/or Website today and all my friends on Twitter & Facebook! Try not to eat too many chocolate bunnies and jelly beans :)

As we think of spring and summer, for your viewing pleasure (courtesy of Youtube.com) is the Nifty Nineties (1941):

The Nifty Nineties is a Mickey Mouse Cartoon©Disney

Would You Like to See Brer Bear Added Poll Results are In!

The recent Would You Like to See Brer Bear Added Poll has ended.

The results are as follows:

87% - Yes
8% - Maybe
5% - No

I will leave the results up for the Would You Like to See Brer Bear Added Poll for a few days for anyone who wants to see/compare the final results. As with previous polls, Blogger results never add exactly to 100%, so the accountant in me recalculated the results based on the number of people who voted in each category to the total :)

Thanks to all who participated!

La Cava del Tequila

La Cava del Tequila, the newest addition at Mexico Pavilion opened on August 28, 2009. Through the décor, art work, original artifacts and products served it will celebrate the heritage and tradition of Tequila making in Mexico.

Guests visiting La Cava del Tequila will have the opportunity to enjoy over seventy (70) types of authentic tequila from several major brands (ranging from the simplest to the rarest of them all), aged to perfection and made from the finest distilled spirits from the Agave Plant. A Tequila Ambassador will be on-hand to educate guests on the history of Tequila making and its rich Mexican heritage.

Exotic and unique-blended margaritas will be served introducing a variety of flavored salts, spices and tropical fresh fruits masterfully prepared by experienced mixologists.

A variety of quick tastes “Tapas style” will be available, including freshly made Guacamole, home fried Fresh Corn Chips , Salsas, Ceviches and Tostadas.

We visited La Cava del Tequila for the first time when we visited WDW in January, meeting fellow tweep Amanda for the 1st time (pictured at right with Mary & I). It is a perfect setting to get away from the crowds in the park, relax and visit with friends and check out the great selections they have to offer.

When planning our recent trip, we planned on catching up with Amanda again plus meeting another tweep/friend from Twitter for the 1st time, Aurora (pictured with Amanda & I below).

Friends of ours were already at La Cava, so we decided to all meet up there. What a riotous time we had, a lot of laughing, talking and singing as we did our own karaoke. You never know when Bob and his back up singers (Amanda & Rachel) will break out into song :)

We had SO much fun that day. Sometimes you just need to let go and have fun and that is exactly what we did. You only live once, so make each moment count! We SO can't wait to come down for more good times with you guys as this is the first of many!! Many more pics on Facebook :)

Nighttime Castle Pics

No matter how many times we go to WDW, taking pictures of Cinderella's Castle is always on the agenda. Be it during the day or night, it's always cool to test camera settings, try different angles, etc. Here are a few photos taken at night during our recent trip (click on each image for a larger view):

Glamping 2010!

It's hard to believe, three (3) weeks ago today we left for what was going to be one of the most memorable trips we've ever had at WDW! Mary, Amanda and myself spent the first week of March at the Treehouse Villas located at the Saratoga Springs Resort with seven (7) of our closest friends. We traveled from NY, PA, VA, MD and FL.

It was a cold, snowy morning here in Western PA the day we departed. Hard to imagine as I write this entry, looking outside at the awesome weather we're having this weekend. We left earlier than planned and kept faith our flight wouldn't be delayed or cancelled. After a half hour being de-iced on the runway, we were off and still ended up arriving eighteen (18) minutes ahead of schedule! You ROCK Southwest Airlines!

One of my favorite pics from the trip of the Gang after our Fireworks Cruise back at the Treehouses!

What are the Treehouse Villas??

Anyone who has ever taken a ride on the Sassagoula River connecting Port Orleans with Downtown Disney has probably noticed the Treehouse villas. Nestled, appropriately enough, in the trees on the far end of Disney’s Saratoga Springs resort, for many years these villas were vacant and in various stages of disrepair. While they were used at one time as housing for the Disney College Program, the decor remained a throwback to the 1970’s when the villas were first built as part of the Golf Course Villas.

The decor of the villas fits perfectly with it’s surroundings - lots of earth tones (shades of green and taupe) and wood trim carry the ‘treehouse’ theme throughout the villas. There are three bedrooms, two with queen size beds, one with bunk beds - each room contains a 32″ flat screen television. There is another flat screen in the living room, bringing the total number of televisions to 4. The villas will accomodate up to nine (9) people utilizing the pull out couch (sleeps two (2)) and chair (sleeps one (1)) in the living room. We put it to the test and found it quite comfortable.

Since their opening, most are familiar with the interior/exterior shots of the Treehouse Villas, so decided with this blog entry to share photos of our view (more photos posted on FaceBook), which were awesome! The weather was cooler than expected but we were fortunate a couple days to take advantage of the deck and view plus cookout one evening. Each unit comes equipped with it's own grill.

Our Treehouse

Our Deck

Our Amazing View!

Remembering Fess Parker (1924-2010)

Fess Parker, the enormously popular actor who launched a coonskin cap craze in 1954 when he starred as Davy Crockett in the first of five hour-long episodes for Walt Disney's Disneyland TV series, passed away at his home in California's Santa Ynez Valley today, March 18, from age-related causes. He was 85 years old. Parker went on to play another iconic American hero in the popular Daniel Boone NBC TV series that lasted for six seasons and 165 episodes. In addition to his numerous successes in the world of entertainment, Parker became a phenomenally successful businessman, developer, and vintner through his Fess Parker's DoubleTree Resort (in Santa Barbara), and Fess Parker Winery (in Los Olivos). Commenting on Parker's passing, Disney President and CEO Bob Iger said, "Like many kids growing up in the 50s, Davy Crockett was my first hero, and I had the coonskin cap to prove it. Fess Parker's unforgettable, exciting and admirable performance as this American icon has remained with me all these years, as it has for his millions of fans around the world. Fess is truly a Disney Legend, as is the heroic character he portrayed, and while he will certainly be missed, he will never be forgotten."

Noted film critic and author Leonard Maltin, added, "Fess had an enormous impact on a whole generation of kids. It's almost impossible to overstate how popular Davy Crockett was, and it made him an overnight star. The nicest part about meeting him in later years was discovering that he was just as genuine and likeable as he seemed on screen."

Visual effects artist, Disney veteran and Parker family friend Harrison Ellenshaw said, "Fess Parker was an icon to generations of kids with coonskin caps. He was also a wonderful husband, family man, role model, and a gentleman beyond reproach. I have personally known Fess since 1954, and I will forever remember his kindness and generosity; he will be terribly missed."

Pete Docter, Oscar®-winning director of Disney·Pixar's Up, observed, "Meeting him was a real high point, and I don't think I've ever met anyone that better fit the word 'gentleman.' He was patient and kind, both with me and all my questions about his career and collaborators, as well as with our young kids who had been obsessively watching the Davy Crockett DVDs for months prior. Though I'm sure he was a busy man, he spent the entire afternoon showing me and my family around his winery, treating us to lunch, and talking about his life. It was a day we'll never forget."

In all, Parker starred as Davy Crockett in five one-hour episodes for the Disneyland TV series on ABC. The titles were: "Davy Crockett: Indian Fighter," "Davy Crockett Goes to Congress," "Davy Crockett at the Alamo," "Davy Crockett's Keelboat Race," and "Davy Crockett and the River Pirates." The first three episodes of the miniseries (the first in television history) were edited together as the 1955 theatrical film Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier.

According to Disney A-Z: The Official Encyclopedia by Disney archivist Dave Smith, "The Davy Crockett craze started a run on coonskins, both real and artificial, as kids across America yearned to dress like their frontier hero with the telltale cap. 'The Ballad of Davy Crockett' rushed to the top of the Hit Parade, and remained there for 16 weeks. In all, the nationwide Crockett frenzy helped Disney licensees sell $300 million worth of merchandise."

In addition to his starring role as Davy Crockett, Parker also appeared in four other Disney feature films: Westward Ho the Wagons! (1956), The Great Locomotive Chase (1956), Old Yeller (1957) and The Light in the Forest (1958).

Born in Fort Worth, Texas and raised in San Angelo, Parker served in the United States Navy during WWII and then returned home to Texas to graduate from the University of Texas-Austin in 1950. He was honored as a distinguished alum of the university in 1969.

A desire to act took him to California in the early 50s where hard work and great good fortune led him to be cast in Walt Disney's Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier, co-starring the late Buddy Ebsen. While under personal contract to Walt Disney, Parker made numerous pictures for the studio including the prequel Davy Crockett and the River Boat Pirates as well as The Great Locomotive Chase. A successful television career in the 1960's followed with NBC's long running Daniel Boone show co-starring his friend and neighbor Ed Ames.

The early 70's found Parker eager to explore the business world as a real estate developer in Santa Barbara, California. After successfully opening three high-end mobile home parks, the 360 room Fess Parker Doubletree Resort opened in 1985. It is one of the most successful hotels on the Santa Barbara waterfront. A 150 room luxury hotel is also in the final stages of planning on an adjacent piece of beach front property.

In 1989, Parker and his family turned an interest in fine wine into an adventure now 20 years in the making. The Fess Parker Winery is a highly regarded and popular destination on the Foxen Canyon wine trail in Los Olivos, California. The family also farms over 300 acres of vineyard in the Santa Ynez valley. Creating a successful business with his family was one of Parker's proudest achievements.

Parker and his wife Marcella celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in January of 2010. Their son Eli and daughter Ashley, as well as 11 grandchildren and one great grandchild spent a great deal of time with Parker in his final months and weeks. It should be said that Parker was always extremely grateful to his long time fans for their continued support and friendship over the years.

Article courtesy of D23.

The 2010 Production Mark Honors 'Sword in the Stone'

The Walt Disney Classics Collection features a yearly Production Mark that is incised or imprinted on the bottom of sculptures produced during the calendar year.

I, as well as many collectors have been wondering what this year's Production Mark would be, so I inquired. It turns out, the 2010 Production Mark information was announced to the sales force back in December and surprisingly, that information hadn't leaked to collectors yet.

Without further adieu, this year's production mark honors Walt Disney's animated classic The Sword in the Stone (1963) and the symbol is the sword in the stone (pictured at left).

The Sword in the Stone was originally released to theaters on December 25, 1963. The eighteenth animated feature, was the last Disney animated feature released while Walt Disney was alive.

Would You Like to See Brer Bear Added?

With the upcoming new scene from Disney's Song of the South, collectors are wondering, "where is Brer Bear?"

The new scene, sculpted by Ruben Procopio is a two-piece set that includes Brer Rabbit and Brer Fox.

Would collectors like to see Brer Bear added? Decided to create a poll (something we haven't had in a while), to gauge interest in adding Brer Bear.

Keep in mind, given the size of Brer Rabbit and Brer Fox, the piece could end up being quite large to keep in scale (therefore being more expensive), even if table was scaled smaller as they did with the Tea Party sculpture featuring the Mad Hatter and March Hare from Alice in Wonderland.

Let's Get Voting!!

Scrooge McDuck is the 3rd Release in the Classic Comics Series!

Tycoon and tightwad Scrooge McDuck is the star of one of the best-selling comic books in history. And it’s no surprise that Donald Duck’s fantastically wealthy uncle out-supers the superheroes as he embarks on a globe-spanning series of adventures and odysseys.

But, as seen in this pricelessly sculpted piece—plussed with 21 separate pewter details and wire spectacles—based on the cover of Uncle Scrooge #5 (March 1954), drawn by Duck artist supreme Carl Barks, simple pleasures are still the best for this multi-trillionaire, and the ringing of the cash register is music to Uncle Scrooge’s ears.

"Cash Register Concerto" sculpted by Bruce Lau, is the Third Release in the Classic Comics Series and Limited to Production Year 2010.

Who Is Going to Get the Last Laugh?

Walt Disney loved the animal fables penned by Joel Chandler Harris in which clever Brer Rabbit constantly outfoxed crafty Brer Fox—but this time it looks like it’s the hungry fox who has the upper hand.

But never fear, quick-thinking Brer Rabbit will have the last laugh. First brought to life through Disney animation, these fanciful folklore critters have been immortalized in the classic Disney Theme Park attraction Splash Mountain.

These fun-filled sculptures are plussed with a bronze fork and pewter neck on Brer Fox and a pewter pole for Brer Rabbit.

"Cooking Up a Plan" (Brer Rabbit) and "Last Laugh" (Brer Fox) are a two-piece box set, sculpted by Ruben Procopio that will be Limited to Production Year 2010.

Who do YOU think is going to get the Last Laugh between these two? :)

New WDCC Tinker Bell Sculpt Captures Her Creating a Little Mischief!

“The little fairy Tinker Bell glows like a firefly,” said Walt Disney of one of his most popular characters, “as she flits about with the speed of a hummingbird.”

Plussed with a bronze foot and a magnet to hold Tink in place, this delightful sculpture prettily portrays the twinkling sprite as Peter Pan’s pixie pal daintily dips her tiny foot in Captain Hook’s inkwell.

"Mischief Maker" sculpted by Margi Wray is a two-piece Open Edition sculpture.