Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Cars: Fillmore's Taste-In (Precision Series)
Yesterday I reviewed Flo's V8 Cafe, the first playset in the Mattel Cars "Precision Series" adult collector line. To check out my detailed write-up on that, as well as my general overview of the Precision Series, be sure to check out the post HERE.
OK, all caught up? Then lets just dive in here with the second release in the series...the phenomenal Fillmore's Taste-In! Once again, Mattel outdid themselves. For years I had been hoping for a "Fillmore's Tent" (as I call it) and I honestly never thought it would get made. Well as of this past Spring, it's finally here and it couldn't have been done better.
Once again, this set lights up with the press of a button and it looks so, so cool (batteries are included). Inside you'll find the playset itself, an exclusive glow in the dark 1:55 scale diecast Fillmore, several road pieces (plus a "Story Sets" connector), a gas can, directions and this neat Radiator Springs map (noting future releases) seen below.
As a side note, I really hope the "closed shops" (in front of the court house on either side of the road) get made too! As of right now it's not looking promising (since the outlines aren't filled in), but they were made for the D23 Expo/Cars Land display. The town wouldn't feel complete without them!
Again, I didn't take the playset completely out of the package, as I want to keep these sets as new as possible until I assemble the entire town one day. Here's a closer, semi-loose look at some of the set's details though. Seriously stunning... I mean look how there's even real beads hanging down in the side entryway.
Even the inside of the tent wasn't left empty. As you can see, they included several barrels of Fillmore's organic fuel, a lava lamp and a stereo system. Well done!
Here's a pic of the crowning light-up feature in action-
If you'd like to see a more detailed look out of the box, visit THIS YouTube video to see exactly how it illuminates (unfortunately I'm still having technical difficulties uploading any video of my own).
The price on this one is $49.99, which I feel that is actually very reasonable for what you're getting here. I'm so excited that this is finally part of my collection and I look forward to getting the rest of the sets as soon as they're released (Luigi's and Mater's junkyard are out now, so look for my write-ups on those here in the coming months).
Pick up Fillmore's Taste-In on Amazon using the direct link below and enjoy! You will not be disappointed.
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Cars: Flo's V8 Cafe Playset (Precision Series)
Last year at the 2015 D23 Expo in Anaheim, CA, Mattel introduced their new line of detailed Cars 1:55 scale Radiator Springs playsets and characters for adult collectors dubbed the "Precision Series." As an avid Cars collector and overall fan of the franchise, this reveal completely blew my mind. Even though I already have the original 2006 Radiator Springs playsets (which I thought were pretty fantastic), I always dreamed that Mattel would release the entire town one day. My wish has now begun to come true! And it's better than I ever expected.
Flo's V8 Cafe here was the very first Precision Series playset to be released (which was late last year). Between then and 2018, Mattel plans on releasing the entire town as seen set up at the D23 Expo below (which now resides in Cars Land at Disney's California Adventure). Fillmore's tent was released this past Spring (which I'll be showing here tomorrow) and now Luigi's shop and Mater's Junkyard have also hit shelves. Release dates for future buildings is currently pending (but it seems like three to four sets will be released each year in order to be wrapped up by 2018).
This Flo's Cafe, as well as the entire Precision Series in general, is absolutely incredible. The best part? Each set has light up features and, of course, this one is no exception. With the press of a button, the "neon" lights illuminate just like in the film (same pattern and everything)! The lights, the colors, the size and all the little details make this set miles ahead of the 2006 version of Flo's. It's like they grabbed the actual building right out of the TV and placed in a box.
Speaking of the box, I also have to briefly note that I really love the packaging for this series. It's a very simple look, yet feels so slick.
Here's everything in the box: the playset itself, an exclusive light-up Flo 1:55 scale diecast (with working tail and headlights), several road pieces (including a "Story Sets" connector piece) and some directions. Batteries are included.
I didn't take the playset completely out of the package, as I want to keep these as new as possible until I assemble the entire town. Here's a closer, semi-loose look at some of the set's details though. Absolutely stunning...
Here's a shot of the aforementioned fantastic light-up feature in action. Wow! If you'd like to see a more detailed look out of the box, visit THIS YouTube video (unfortunately I'm having technical difficulties uploading any video of my own tonight).
Overall, I am so excited for where this series is headed and I cannot wait to get my hands on the entire Radiator Springs over the next couple years! Where am I gonna put it all one day? Who knows... I haven't thought that far ahead ;)
Pick Flo's up on Amazon using the direct link below and enjoy! There's no way you will be disappointed.
Monday, August 29, 2016
Ratatouille: Epcot World Showcase Shirt
Bonjour once again! Following the other few Ratatouille items that I purchased during our most recent Walt Disney World trip (see the hat, the mug, the sign, the keychain and the figurine), here we have this neat Epcot World Showcase tee found only in the Souvenirs de France gift shop (France pavilion).
This is a very subtle Ratatouille shirt which features the minimalist Chef Remy icon and the words "Epcot World Showcase". This makes a great choice for any Ratatouille fan or for anyone just looking for a basic Epcot souvenir shirt.
The fit is fantastic and the material feels softer than usual for a Disney tee. Retail was around $22.95 (I believe). Pick it up during your next visit or on the "Your WDW Store" website HERE!
Sunday, August 28, 2016
Finding Dory: Learn to Draw Book
When I was a kid, I loved "Learn to Draw" style books, even though I was awful at them. If I lack tremendously any talent out there, it's drawing. But hey- that didn't stop me from trying back in the day (I was always writing my own little books and illustrating them). When I saw this Finding Dory: Learn to Draw book, it instantly brought me back to my childhood. I had to pick it up, in hopes that my kids one day will enjoy drawing as well (and will hopefully be better at it).
This book starts with a brief, four page adaptation of the film's story and then gets write into teaching you how to draw your favorite Finding Dory characters. Here you'll learn the basics of drawing baby Dory, Dory, Jenny, Charlie, Marlin, Nemo, Hank, Destiny, Bailey, Fluke, Rudder, Gerald, Becky and a sea otter. Really fun stuff!
As usual, here's a look inside at some of the bright, well designed pages. You'll notice each page has several steps and useful tips, as well as some simple character descriptions. Illustrations are by John Loter and the Disney Storybook artists.
This book is geared towards young kids who want to take their drawing abilities to the next level, but honestly it's good for any beginner no matter what your age! Look for this wherever Finding Dory books are sold or on Amazon using the direct link below.
Saturday, August 27, 2016
Finding Dory: Paint/Coloring Books ("Make a Splash" & "Deep-Sea Dreams")
Unfortunately, yesterday was another of those crazy days where I couldn't get to a blog post; so once again, to make it up to you and to keep on track, tonight I'm posting about not one, but two Finding Dory items: the "Make a Splash" paint book and the "Deep-Sea Dreams" coloring book!
These are both very similar in almost every way (to the point where most, if not all, of the illustrations are actually exactly the same). The only real differences are the way the story is worded and that one is a basic coloring book, while the other includes a paint palette and brush. Both books include a bonus digital storybook.
Lets take a look inside!
Finding Dory: Make a Splash (Paint Palette Book)
Finding Dory: Deep-Sea Dreams (An Adventure Coloring Book)
Kids will love coloring/painting their favorite moments from the film! Either one here is a good choice, so it totally just depends on your preference. If you can't decide, you can just pull a me and get them both ;)
Find these wherever Finding Dory books are sold or swim over to Amazon using the direct links below-
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