'Miss Daisy' Honored with Retirement Today!

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The Walt Disney Classics Collection honored Daisy Duck with retirement today.

'What a Gal,' sculpted by Patrick Romandy-Simmons was released as an Open Edition release in January, 2009.

Daisy was a Dry Retirement. For those not familiar with the term, a 'Dry Retirement' means Enesco is already sold out of the item from their inventory and the sculpture will not return to the active line in the future.  (No new orders will be accepted or processed).

Please contact your Authorized Walt Disney Classics Collection Dealer for availability.

D23 Expo 2013 to Take Place August 9-11, 2013!

D23 EXPO—THE ULTIMATE DISNEY FAN EVENT—RETURNS TO ANAHEIM, ONCE AGAIN BRINGING ALL THE MAGICAL WORLDS OF DISNEY UNDER ONE ROOF FROM AUGUST 9–11, 2013

Advance Tickets On Sale August 9, 2012, for the

Most All-Encompassing Disney Fan Event in the World

BURBANK, Calif. – March 9, 2012 – All the magic and excitement of the past, present and future of Disney entertainment will come together once again when D23: The Official Disney Fan Club presents an all-new D23 EXPO at the Anaheim Convention Center on Aug. 9-11, 2013.

“The D23 Expo has become a phenomenal way for Disney fans to see everything they love about Disney all in one place — from Disney’s biggest stars and latest innovations to unforgettable performances live on stage,” said Steven Clark, head of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, which produces the bi-annual D23 EXPO. “Our third Expo is sure to create even more magical new experiences and memories for our biggest fans attending from throughout the U.S. and around the globe.”

“Anaheim is extremely pleased that the D23 EXPO will be returning next year,” said Charles Ahlers, president, Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau. “This exciting event is quickly becoming an industry icon, drawing Disney fans from around the world. The Anaheim community truly appreciates and enjoys this quality show and positive impacts it brings.”

More than 40,000 Disney fans attended D23 EXPO 2011, which brought together the entire world of Disney under one roof for three star-studded days and nights. Fans were treated to appearances by superstars like Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Regis Philbin and Billy Crystal; enjoyed performances by Dick Van Dyke, The Muppets and Disney princess voice talent Jodi Benson, Paige O’Hara, Lea Salonga and Anika Noni Rose; previewed concept art and attractions coming from Disney Parks and Walt Disney Imagineering; glimpsed back at Disney’s rich history through extraordinary panels, presentations and exhibits; and discovered the newest entertainment, technology, and products from The Walt Disney Company.

Among the highlights of D23 EXPO 2013 will be expanded capacities at some of our most popular venues; the 2013 Disney Legends Ceremony, which honors the talented men and women who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy; Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives, a treasure trove of crown jewels from the Walt Disney Archives; the bustling aisles of the Collectors Forum, where Disney fans can buy, sell and trade Disney collectibles, memorabilia and merchandise; and a massive show floor full of special opportunities to see what’s on the horizon for Disney around the world—and where guests may bump into their favorite Disney stars, characters, Imagineers, animators and filmmakers.

Advance tickets for the D23 EXPO 2013 will go on sale at D23Expo.com beginning August 9, 2012. D23 Members receive special pricing on both one- and three-day tickets to the event, which is also open to the general public.

D23 Members receive early admission to the Expo show floor, and D23 will once again give a special thanks to D23 Charter Members, providing them special access to the Expo’s Charter Member Lounge. Members will also have an opportunity to purchase a special Sorcerer Package, which provides a host of special benefits and amenities.

D23 EXPO 2013 marks the third D23 Expo held in Anaheim — the first Expo was held in 2009 followed by a second in 2011. Each event played host to thousands of Disney fans from every corner of the globe. Starting today, guests can visit D23Expo.com to relive some of the extraordinary experiences from the first two Expo events and get a peek at what’s to come in 2013.

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club celebrates the remarkable past, present and future of Disney, taking its name from 1923, the year Walt Disney founded his world-famous company. D23 unlocks the magic of Disney with a host of exclusive benefits, including a quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at www.D23.com; a weekly e-mail newsletter; an array of discounts and special offers; free gifts throughout the year; as well as exclusive events created especially for its members.

Disney fans can join the world’s only Official Disney Fan Club by visiting www.D23.com, or at select shops at the Disneyland® Resort, the Walt Disney World® Resort and www.DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow “DisneyD23” on Twitter, YouTube and Facebook.

For logos and imagery from the D23 Expo 2011, please visit D23MediaNet.com.

WDCC Announces the 'Sold Out' Status of Two Recently Announced New Releases!

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The Walt Disney Classics Collection announced today the Sold Out status of two sculptures, Rapunzel and Tinker Bell from the recent Spring 2012 Announcement!

'Braided Beauty,' from Disney's Tangled is a Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 750 and was sculpted by Jacqueline Perreault Gonzales and plussed with pewter legs. 

Ever conscious of the principles of authenticity and character, right down to the tiniest details, the Disney animators considered not only Rapunzel’s hair, but also how it would be lit; even how the textures on the fabrics would appear in relation to her skin. 


This charming sculpture embodies the carefree spirit of Rapunzel, the young lady with the 70 feet of golden hair and an unending yearning for adventure.

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'A Splash of Spring,' sculpted by Jacqueline Perreault Gonzales is a Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 1,500.

The sixth in the Disney Artist Series (third release in the Tinker Bell Seasons Series), this fresh-as-a-daisy sculpture is delightfully plussed with pewter grass, water drops, and hair ribbon, and a bronze daisy stem. 

Specially designed by Disney Master Artist David Pacheco, Tinker Bell is the centerpiece of the Walt Disney Classic Collection’s 2012 Spring Premiere Event. 

Tinker Bell will be available through all participating Walt Disney Classics Collection Retailers, May 4-6, 2012 (in U.S. and Canada, other International Events Weekends may vary).   

Update on Whiteware Cinderella

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Have received some emails asking, 'Has the whiteware Cinderella arrived at retailers yet?'

Checked with a couple retailers and the whiteware version started to arrive at retailers the last weekend of February.

"Isn't it lovely? Do you like it?" sculpted by Dusty Horner is plussed with pewter legs.  A whiteware version, done in a Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) size of 200 is the Gold Circle Exclusive for 2012.

The creation of whiteware is part of the painstaking process in which each Walt Disney Classics Collection piece is crafted.

Please contact your Authorized Walt Disney Classics Collection Dealer for availability.

D23's First-Ever "Fanniversary" Celebration Announced!

A KALEIDOSCOPE OF MAGICAL MEMORIES TRAVELS
TO SIX CITIES AROUND THE U.S. THIS SPRING IN
D23’S DISNEY FANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Never-Before-Seen and Rarely Shown Film Clips, Photos and Art Combine with Cherished Disney Creations in First-Ever FANNIVERSARY Show

BURBANK, Calif. – March 1, 2012 – From EPCOT Center to Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, from Pirates of the Caribbean to Pete’s Dragon, more than 40 unforgettable Disney creations come together as never before when D23: The Official Disney Fan Club brings D23’s DISNEY FANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION to six cities across the U.S. in April, May and June.

FANNIVERSARY is a fun-filled showcase of magical milestones celebrating Disney anniversaries in 2012.  Produced and hosted by D23 and the Walt Disney Archives, the nearly two-hour show is an engaging blend of video, archival footage and never-before-seen artwork for Disney fans of all ages.

The kick-off of the FANNIVERSARY celebration will be at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California, on April 27, then travel to San Francisco, Boston, New York City, Orlando and Chicago.

All FANNIVERSARY events are open to the public. Tickets are $18 for members of D23 and will be available Friday, March 16, at D23’s website – Disney.com/D23.  Remaining tickets will be available to the general public for $25 beginning Friday, March 30.

The touring schedule is as follows:

·        April 27 – The Walt Disney Studios, Burbank

·        April 28 – Walt Disney Family Museum, San Francisco

·        May 20 – Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

·        May 22 – Cherry Lane Theatre, New York City

·        June 23 – Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World Resort

·        June 24 – Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago

“Fanniversary is a incredible opportunity to celebrate more than 40 beloved Disney anniversaries with our fans across the country. From the fairest of them all—Snow White—to Star Tours, which continues to take guests to a galaxy far, far away,” said Steven Clark, head of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club.

D23’S DISNEY FANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION explores unforgettable movies, cartoons, theme-park attractions and other Disney creations that celebrate anniversaries in 2012, including:

• Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Disney’s first-ever, full-length animated film which premiered in 1937
•  The 1997 launch of Star Tours
•  EPCOT Center’s grand opening on October 1, 1982
•  The opening of Pirates of the Caribbean in 1967
• Memorable Mickey Mouse cartoons released in 1937, including “Clock Cleaners,” “Hawaiian Holiday,” “Lonesome Ghosts” and “Magician Mickey”
• The 1927 debut of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, who Walt Disney created before Mickey Mouse
• Goofy’s first-ever on-screen appearance, in 1932’s “Mickey’s Revue”
• The seminal science-fiction film TRON, released in 1982
• Unforgettable movies like Aladdin (1992), Pete’s Dragon (1977), The Jungle Book (1967) and Bambi (1942)
• The 1972 premiere of the Main Street Electrical Parade and 1992 debut of Disneyland’s Fantasmic!

More details about the full program for the D23 FANNIVERSARY celebrations can be found online at www.disney.com/D23.

Review: 'Silver-Tongued Scoundrel'

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I would like to thank fellow collector Justin Lopez for sharing photos of the recently released Captain Hook from Peter Pan from his own collection.

What I first noticed while viewing Justin's photos, was how the sculpture captures Hook's weight on the sword, causing it to bend at the tip.  

The one thing I like about the releases from Peter Pan, the Walt Disney Classics Collection has been consistent with the sizing of all their releases from this film.   

'Silver-Tongued Scoundrel' is a Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 500 sculpted by Patrick Romandy-Simmons.

Below are additional angles plus one of Captain Hook with the recently released Peter Pan, Wendy and Tinker Bell for size comparison.

Thanks Again Justin for sharing your photos!

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Your Favorite of the Spring 2012 Releases!

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Our recent What's Your Favorite of the Spring 2012 Releases Poll has ended.

The results are as follows:

39.29% - 20th Anniversary Sculpture
30.95% - Rapunzel
17.26% - Ariel & Sebastian
   4.76% - Captain Hook
    2.98% - Donald Duck
    2.38% - Scrooge McDuck
    2.38% - Spring Event Tinker Bell

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 :) 

I will leave the results up for both polls for a few days for anyone who wants to see/compare the final results. 

Thanks to all who participated and Congratulations to Patrick Romandy-Simmons for his sculpture of Mickey Mouse with the Field Mouse taking top honors in this poll! 

'Tale as Old as Time'

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In celebration of the spectacular Beauty and the Beast theatrical re-release in Disney Digital 3D™, here once again are the exquisite pieces from the Walt Disney Classics Collection, capturing the  enchanting characters who make this “tale as old as time”so timeless. 

The producers of this animated classic were thoroughly honored to re-release the film in 3D, noting how deeply it still resonates with audiences today, more than 20 years after the film’s original release. 

What better way to celebrate this animated masterpiece than with the spellbinding sculptures of the Beauty whose love broke the spell of a Prince-turned-Beast.

The current product available from Beauty and the Beast are featured in the upcoming Spring 2012 Releases sell sheet.

Additional Close-Up Angles of Sebastian!

One of the popular releases from the Spring 2012 Releases is Ariel with Sebastian.  When you look at the sculpture, you'll initially focus on Ariel but it's actually a two-character sculpture, including Sebastian that curmudgeonly crustacean crab. What really stands out in this bronze miniature of him, is the amount of attention in the detail in his facial expression.

'He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not...' a Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 1,500 was sculpted by Jacqueline Perreault Gonzales.

Check Out Patrick Romandy-Simmons New Blog!

Patrick Romandy-Simmons

Master Sculptor, Patrick Romandy-Simmons has created his own blog, Patrick's Disney Blog and his first entry shows some exclusive images of his upcoming release 'It All Started With a Field Mouse' for the Walt Disney Classics Collection.

In honor of its 20th Anniversary, the Walt Disney Classics Collection presents this specially designed sculpture featuring Mickey Mouse cheerfully contemplating a replica of the famed Field Mouse sculpture.  The sculpture is Limited to Production Year 2012.

Check out Patrick's Blog to view this amazing sculpture in it's original clay form.  Thanks Patrick for showing these images as they're truly appreciated!

Review: 'He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not...'

The final review of the three pieces from the latest announcement is Ariel with Sebastian from The Little Mermaid.

When I read the announcement information and description of the piece (prior to seeing any images), I thought, 'Another Ariel' ::sigh:: and figured, I already have her under the sea on a rock and above the sea on a rock, do I really need another?

Then I saw the initial image and really liked the amount of detail to this piece and Ariel & Sebastian in more of an environment setting vs. previous releases (on the rock).  

Now what to do? As I was pondering my decision, the additional angles came through and when I studied the close-up of her face and saw the lines of the piece from the back view, there was no hesitation.  My decision was made, I pre-ordered and since they're arrival on Friday, have not had one regret.  This piece is phenomenal!

As many know, over the years, am very much a face person. When it comes to the human characters, it's not easy to get that exact likeness to how you see them in the film.  Characters like Snow White, Belle and Ariel seem to be the hardest of the lot.  For me personally, studying this piece from every side, honestly feel the best likeness to Ariel of all the pieces done of her to date.  From the roundness of her face, the wide-set eyes and of course, the signature hair, she is spot on!

Some have asked me, is it the same rock as the original 'Under the Sea' Ariel?  If you look at both pieces together, it is.  This version has more detail and more exact to the film.  In the original sculpt, she is sitting on the same rock and you can see the coral and floral behind her (not as elaborate) and at her feet.  The underside (where Sebastian is sitting) is there in the original but there is no depth.  She is closer to the sea floor vs. elevated as in the latest sculpture.

Then there is Sebastian!  I've noticed in the past couple years, the amount of detail that has gone into the miniatures (Timothy Mouse and Jiminy Cricket in two of last year's releases) and now Sebastian.  His expression is priceless and you can almost hear him saying, "Someone's gotta nail that girl's fins to the floor!

Ariel and Sebastian are a Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 1,500, sculpted by Jacqueline Perreault Gonzales.

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Review: 'Braided Beauty'

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This latest announcement included Disney's newest heroine, Rapunzel from Tangled.  It's always nice when an announcement includes a character never done before and also from a more recent film.

This sculpture has such a sense of movement to it (one I think would be perfect displayed on a rotating riser). What catches your eye is the amount of detail .. from the swirl in her skirt to the amount of twists in her braid and then there are flowers in her braid. 

It's obvious these are not an applique but each flower painstakingly painted and there are were no short cuts taken, as you can see in each photo below, the detail of the flowers encompass the entire braid from top to the knot at the bottom and on both sides.

'Braided Beauty' is a Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 750 sculpted by Jacqueline Perreault Gonzales. This charming sculpture embodies the carefree spirit of Rapunzel, the young lady with the 70 feet of golden hair and an unending yearning for adventure

Click on Each Image Below for a Larger View

Review: 'Wiki Wiki Waterfowl'

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It felt like Christmas! Yesterday three (3) of the seven (7) new releases from the Spring 2012 Announcement arrived!  I will review each one separately over the weekend.

First up, Donald Duck ('Wiki Wiki Waterfowl') from Disney's animated short Hawaiian Holiday (1937).

When this piece was announced, I was on the fence whether to order or not.  I had previously bought the Hawaiian Holiday Scene released in February, 2009 and kept hoping the scene would be completed with the addition of Pluto plus an Opening Title. I asked myself, 'Do you need another Donald from the same scene?' ::after some deliberation:: Answer: It's Donald, how could I not? :)  

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After pre-ordering, the additional angle ('tush shot' as my one friend calls it) was made available.  Getting a feel now of the overall sculpt, felt I made the right choice.

This piece is adorable and fun!  There is such a sense of movement to this piece and you can't help but smile when you look at it! The base stayed consistent with the original scene release and the seashells here and there on the base are a nice touch.

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Next Question: 'Where do I display it?'  I currently have the original scene displayed with the giclee done my Trevor Carlton (pictured at right) and didn't think a second Donald in the scene was going to look right, so decided to redo my boat display and think I found the perfect spot!

I decided to display Donald with the Tiki Hut accessory from Finding Nemo in my canoe-shaped display stand I purchased in 2008 at Lowe's.  The Tiki Hut accessory is a perfect backdrop for the sculpt and almost replicates the scene in the giclee.

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Here is an updated photo of my Boat Display. Turned out to be such a cool way to display the water/tropical themed pieces plus is a great conversation piece with family and friends.

As much as I like this new Donald, am still not giving up hope we'll yet see Pluto and an Opening Title added at some point in the future!

Hawaiian Holiday Donald is a NLE of 750, sculpted by Jacqueline Perreault Gonzales.

'What's Your Favorite of the Spring 2012 Releases?' Poll

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The Walt Disney Classics Collection announced their Spring 2012 Releases this past Monday.  

What was unique about this announcement, within days of the announcement, some product was already to be shipped and should be arriving at your doorstep, if it hasn't already.  

Well, Sebastian is wondering ... 'What is your favorite release of the 2012 Spring Announcement?'

It's been a while since we've done a poll, so thought a perfect choice for one.  The poll (at your left) will run through next Sunday night (Feb. 26th).

Time to Vote!

The 2012 Production Mark Makes Its Debut!

The 2012 Production Mark is making its debut! 

The Palm Frond production mark is making its debut on four of the seven Spring 2012 releases announced on Monday ... Rapunzel, Ariel & Sebastian, Captain Hook and Donald Duck.

The 2012 Production Mark (pictured at left) is the Palm Frond from Walt Disney's animated classic The Jungle Book (1967).

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. This mark indicates the calendar year in which the piece was produced.

Update 02-20-12: Rapunzel is arriving with both production marks, 2011 (Umbrella from Mary Poppins) and 2012 (Palm Frond from The Jungle Book). Thanks Matthew for the head's up! Very Much Appreciated!

The Secondary  Guide has been updated with both markings for those keeping track.