Review: Pluto from The Mickey Mouse Club

The Walt Disney Classics Collection began releasing sculptures from The Mickey Mouse Club in June, 2005 with the release of Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Minnie Mouse and Mickey's Nephew. 

Prior to that, collectors were teased with two registration gifts from the Walt Disney Art Classics conventions .. the black & white television featuring the MMC logo (2002) and the Mickey Mouse Club honorary ears (2004).

From then thru March 2009 we were treated to additional releases including Daisy Duck, J. Audubon Woodlore (Park Ranger), Humphrey the Bear, Mickey Mouse Club logo plaque, Pluto (pictured above), Clarabelle, Dumbo (with Timothy Mouse and Jiminy Cricket) and Goofy.  The pieces were released as open edition, limited edition and limited to production year.

This has been one grouping that I've been working on since it's first releases and down to adding Pluto & Goofy to complete the scene.  Just yesterday I came closer to this goal with the arrival of Pluto!  Up until this point, have only seen pictures of the sculpture and upon opening the green teal box, was very pleasantly surprised at the detail of this piece, quite possibly one of the best Pluto's done to date!

The drum is done in the same coloring as J. Audubon Woodlore (Park Ranger) and Goofy. The wires on the drum are made of metal but what really stood out for me with this piece was the texture of the drum that Pluto is standing on.  It has the look and feel of real drum skin or membrane as its commonly called.  It's detail like this that makes the Walt Disney Classics Collection stand out against other collectibles!

Check Out Latest Episode of 'D23's Disney Geek'!

Episode Thirty-Four of "D23's Disney Geek" is now online!

This week check out the following:

- Jeffrey's giving away his office in "D23's Great Geek Giveaway" contest!

- Stunning video of Disney's Aulani Resort's oceanside recreation area

- A new "Cars 2" poster—plus NASCAR racers Jeff Gordon and Darrell Waltrip lend their voices to the film

- Concept art from the upcoming Disney•Pixar film "Brave"

- Mandy Moore talks about her favorite scenes in "Tangled"

- Stars hit Walt Disney World and Disneyland

- Sumptuous new eats (Fried Green Tomato sandwiches!) debut at the Hungry Bear Restaurant

- "Phineas and Ferb" magazine hits stands—plus new titles to celebrate "Thor," "Captain America" and "Cars 2"

- How do you pronounce "Caribbean"?

- Viewer questions… and more!

New 'Monsters, Inc.' Title/Plot Revealed!

Pixar's new Monsters, Inc. movie will be a prequel to the 2001 box office hit, it has been confirmed.

Dave Hollis, executive vice president of worldwide distribution for Disney, revealed the animated film's storyline and title - Monsters University - at the Las Vegas CinemaCon convention. Disney revealed the moniker at its presentation at CinemaCon Tuesday.

"The film is a prequel that tells you a little bit about how [Mike and Sully] first met, attending Monsters University," Hollis said. "Obviously everybody knows at this point Mike and Sully are amazing friends - the best of friends - but as it turns out, in this story, that wasn't always the case."

From the moment they met at university, they could not stand each other. This story takes you through the ups and downs, and how they overcame their own differences.

Monsters Inc. was one or Pixar's early hits, released in 2001 as the company's fourth movie. Pete Docter and David Silverman co-directed the pic, which featured voicework from John Goodman and Billy Crystal as fright engineers Sully and Mike Wazowski. The movie scared up $525 million worldwide.

Sully/Goodman and Wazowski/Crystal are expected to be back as will monster bad guy Randall Boggs (voices by Steve Buscemi).

Up's Pete Docter is directing Monsters University, which is due to open in US cinemas on November 2, 2012 and in the UK on December 7, 2012.

Update 04-04-11: The release calendar for animated films saw several major changes Monday as Disney/Pixar and DreamWorks Animation both rearranged their schedules.

Disney is pushing back the release of Pixar's sequel Monsters University from Nov. 2, 2012 to June 21, 2013.  As a result, Disney toon Reboot Ralph will now open Nov. 2, 2012 -- Monsters' old date -- instead of March 12, 2013.

Disney Fan Art Contest -- D23 Expo 2011

Last Chance to Enter D23 Expo’s Fan Art Contest Honoring

One Hundred and One Dalmatians

Winners Work to be Displayed in Special Fan Art Gallery at Anaheim Convention Center in August

BURBANK, Calif. (March 24, 2011) –The Disney Fan Art Contest will feature the creative talents of D23 Members at the D23 Expo 2011 taking place this year August 19-21 at the Convention Center in Anaheim, California. The contest puts the “spot”-light on One Hundred and One Dalmatians by inviting imaginative Disney lovers to create work inspired by the beloved animated film, currently celebrating its 50th anniversary. Winners, selected by a panel of Disney’s creative executives, will see their work prominently showcased in the D23 Expo’s Fan Art Gallery, themed to the infamous House of de Vil.

The deadline is April 4, 2011 so there’s still time for artists to submit sketches of their proposed work. As long as the final creation evokes One Hundred and One Dalmatians, the sky’s the limit for entries. There are some restrictions, however, so please read specifications carefully. For the entry form, click here; for more information, click here. The D23 Expo—The Ultimate Disney Fan Event—brings the entire world of Disney under one roof, providing attendees with unprecedented access to Disney films, television and theme parks as never before.

Annual D23 basic membership fee is $34.99, which is more than made up with accrued club discounts and benefits available throughout the year.

For complete D23 details, please visit: www.disney.com/d23

Set Sail Aboard the New Disney Dream Cruise Ship with Disney Online’s New Video Series

Set Sail Aboard the New Disney Dream Cruise Ship with Disney Online’s New Video Series Destination Disney hosted by Samantha Brown.

Disney Online has launched Destination: Disney, an all new original video series that gives fans an inside look at the ‘Disney difference’ found at the Disney Parks and Resorts. In the first three episodes of the series, host Samantha Brown explores the splendor of the Disney Dream Cruise Ship, focusing on innovative technologies, unique dining experiences and special adult-exclusive activities.

Episode 1: “Innovation and Technology” - Brown explores the integration of innovative technology on board the Dream highlighting industry firsts like the Aquaduck - cruising's first on-ship water coaster!

Episode 2: “Dream Cuisine” - Go behind the scenes as Brown tempts palettes with signature adult-exclusive dining at Remy and Palo on the Disney Dream.

Episode 3: “Be Our Guest” - Brown highlights adult-exclusive pools, the Senses spa and the night life at The District.

Check Out Latest Episode of 'D23's Disney Geek'!

Episode Thirty-Three of "D23's Disney Geek" is now online!

"We're really excited as this is our first true "Disney Geek on Location!" I was able to film the show on the Christopher Robin bedroom set of the upcoming animated "Winnie the Pooh" feature."
- Jeffrey Epstein

This week check out the following:

- Exciting details—and a few furry friends—on the set of new "Winnie the Pooh" animated feature!

- New eye-catching posters from "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" and "Cars 2"

- Disneyland Paris debuts a new tilt-shift video of a day at the resort

- Walt Disney World's Haunted Mansion premiers a creep-tacular new queue- Disneyland celebrates the new "Pirates" film with a sneak peek experience

- Disney Channel announces a new animated series starring the Seven Dwarfs

- Viewer questions… and more!

WDW Fan Zone - Explore the Disney Magic & Discover the World!

WDW Fan Zone is your open invitation to join others in sharing their passion, knowledge, and memories of Walt Disney World. It’s a meeting place for longtime fans, those who are new to the community, or people looking to plan their first trip to the “Most Magical Place On Earth.”

Each day you’ll find fresh insights and information on all aspects of Walt Disney World from a diverse group of columnists. The writers are eager to share their perspective on vacation planning, Disney history, bringing Disney into everyday life, and more.

WDW Fan Zone has created a place they hope will bring a little Disney magic and pixie dust into your life between and during Walt Disney World visits.

Their mission is to help you build your Disney dreams of today and turn them into a brighter tomorrow. I was truly honored when Stuart and Lisa asked me to be a columnist and my first article made its debut today .. Pretty Exciting!

Updated Facts & Firsts for 2011!

Sales Reps and Authorized Walt Disney Classics Collection (WDCC) Dealers were notified earlier today an updated edition of Facts & Firsts for 2011 has just been finalized and available for download (click on image at left).

This document lists the Walt Disney Classics Collection pieces from the lines inception nearly 20 years ago through the most recent Spring 2011 announcement, including retirements and suspensions. It features the original list prices for all pieces including Disney Theme Park Exclusives not available to independent retailers (the document does not include time-limited promotional offers).

Only items in "Bold" are still available for sale and, of course, they can sell out at any time. This PDF document is also available for download on the collector website at http://www.waltdisneyclassicscollection.com/.

Say 'Aloha' to the Hawaiian Holiday Scene!

Sales reps and Authorized Walt Disney Classics Collection (WDCC) Dealers were advised today, March 21st of the retirement of the Hawaiian Holiday Scene, an Open Edition scene release which made its debut February, 2009.

A four-piece scene (each sculpture sold separately) that included Mickey Mouse ("Hawaiian Harmony"), Minnie Mouse ("Swaying Sweetheart"), Donald Duck ("Tropical Tempo") and Goofy ("Swell Surfer"). Complete scene was sculpted by Jacqueline Perreault Gonzales.

Special Note: Goofy is already sold out and very limited quantities are available for Mickey, Minnie and Donald. Please contact your Authorized Dealer for availability.

For your viewing pleasure (courtesy of YouTube.com) is the animated short Hawaiian Holiday (1937):

Hawaiian Holiday ©Disney

Check Out Latest Episode of 'D23's Disney Geek'!

Episode Thirty-Two of "D23's Disney Geek" is now online!

This week check out the following:

- Disney Studios unveils "The Ballad of Nessie," a new 2-D animated short to precede "Winnie the Pooh"

- Bob Gurr, Bill Farmer, John Tartaglia and hundreds of D23 Members celebrated at D23's Second Anniversary Member Mixer

- Fresh "Pirates" scoop including a hidden Mickey in the teaser poster and the secret of the mermaid's porcelain complexion

- Exciting video of Ursula being installed inside "The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Undersea Adventure" at Disney California Adventure

- Behind the scenes photos of Alec Baldwin and Queen Latifah shooting their Disney Dream Portraits

- Disney Theatrical announces stage musical versions of "Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland," "Dumbo," "Freaky Friday," "Father of the Bride," "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" and "The Jungle Book"

- Viewer questions… and more!

Episode Thirty-Two can be viewed here!

Daylight Savings Time Reminder!

Spring forward, Fall back!

This evening before you go to bed, our friends from Disneyland remind us to set our clocks one hour forward for Daylight Savings Time!

New Cars 2: The Video Game Trailer!

Disney Interactive Studios today released the first teaser trailer for Cars 2: The Video Game. Get ready for a crash course in saving the world—spies wanted!



Inspired by the upcoming Disney•Pixar animated film, Cars 2: The Video Game lets players jump into the Cars 2 universe with some of their favorite Cars personalities in exotic locations around the globe. Continuing the storyline from the upcoming film, players can choose to play as Mater and Lightning McQueen, as well as some brand new characters, as they train in the international training center - CHROME (Command Headquarters for Recon Operations and Motorized Espionage) to become world-class spies. They’ll take on dangerous missions, compete to become the fastest racecar in the world, or use their spy skills in exciting, action-packed combat racing and battle arenas.

Players can race against friends and family in either single or multiplayer modes with up to four players to unlock challenging new tracks, characters, events and thrilling spy missions. The DS version will also include exclusive global locations not seen in the film. Cars 2: The Video Game will be available on PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Wii™, Nintendo DS™, and PC/MAC this June.

Check Out Latest Episode of 'D23's Disney Geek'!

Episode Thirty-One of "D23's Disney Geek" is now online! Tomorrow, Thursday, March 10th marks the 2nd Anniversary of D23 .. Happy Birthday D23!!

This week check out the following:

- Jeff Bridges, Queen Latifah and Penelope Cruz star in new Annie Leibovitz "Disney Dream Portraits" for Disney Parks

- An exclusive interview with "Phineas and Ferb" star Perry the Platypus!

- A look behind the scenes at the new "African Cats" book and movie, and a preview of what's to come at the El Capitan Theatre

- Exciting details about the upcoming stage production of "Newsies" from lyricist Jack Feldman

- "The Lion King" roars into Singapore

- A "Cars 2" tribute to screen legend Paul Newman

- Viewer questions… and more!

Episode Thirty-One can be viewed here!

Pinocchio Pool Table Scene Retires!

Sales reps and Authorized Walt Disney Classics Collection (WDCC) Dealers were advised on Wednesday, March 2nd of the retirement of the Pinocchio Pool Table Scene, an Open Edition scene release which made its debut September, 2006.

This four piece sculpture scene recreates the memorable film moment when Pinocchio goes to Pleasure Island and marked the WDCC debut of Lampwick. Special Note: Pinocchio ("He's My Conscience") has been suspended since September 2009.

Limited Quantities Available:

Lampwick: "Screwball in the Corner Pocket"
Pool Table Base

Sold Out/Dry Retirement:

Pinocchio: "He's My Conscience"
Jiminy Cricket Miniature: "It Wouldn't Hurt You to Take Orders From Your Conscience!"

Special Note on Suspensions & Dry Retirements: When an Item is Suspended it is out of stock and there are no plans to re-order for at least a year. However, it could be decided to change the status from Suspended to Retired (Dry Retirement) at some point.

A dry retirement means that there is no longer product in the warehouse.

Please contact your authorized dealer and/or the Disney Theme Parks for availability.

Check Out Latest Episode of 'D23's Disney Geek'!

Episode Thirty of "D23's Disney Geek" is now online!

This week check out the following:

- New "Toy Story" short revealed!

- Opening Disneyland dates announced for Mickey's Soundsational Parade, The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Undersea Adventure and Star Tours: The Adventures Continue

- A sneak peek at the tiki-themed restaurant and bar coming to the Disneyland Hotel

- "Winnie the Pooh" poster debut

- New "Cars 2" models, including Eddie Izzard's Miles Axelrod

- Getting ready to celebrate Platypus Day with Perry and pals

- "Destination D: Walt Disney World 40th" and "D23's Great Disney Scavenger Hunt"—now available!

- "Armchair Archivist" returns on March 8 with Sleeping Beauty's book

- Viewer questions… and more!

Episode Thirty can be viewed here!

'Noble Knight' Figment Update!

Information and photos are now available on the upcoming Theme Park Exclusive, Figment!

This new Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 750 Walt Disney Classics Collection sculpture presents Figment as a Knight, just as in the attraction!

Based on original attraction reference, Figment is hand-crafted of fine porcelain, hand-painted and kiln-fired. Sculpted by Jacqueline Perreault Gonzales with creative direction from Disney Master Artist David Pacheco, Figment stands approximately 6 ¼” high and retails for $140.00.

The sculpture will be released on Saturday, May 7, 2011 at the Art of Disney, Epcot®.

Please visit The Art of Disney Parks web site for information about the event and how to order: http://psc.disney.go.com/eventservices/artofdisneyparks//index.html. Information should be posted shortly.

Special Note: A limited number of Figment Noble Knight will be made available at Disneyland® Resort following the Epcot® premiere, subject to availability. Product release information listed above is subject to change without notice. Separate admission is required to enter Epcot®.