Toy Story: D23 Expo 2015 Trading Card Quest

If you've attended the D23 Expo (or really any large convention) you know how overwhelming it can be with everything happening all at once. Everywhere you look there's some celebrity signing, activity, panel, game, presentation, exclusive merch giveaway, etc. going on. It's literally impossible to see, do and get it all! That being said though, I was able to be involved with many cool happenings there at the expo...one of them being the "Trading Card Quest" presented by the Disney Visa Card! I had a lot of fun with this; and as I've mentioned before, I love me some convention freebies!

Here's how it worked: everyone got a starter pack of exclusive Disney character trading cards in the back of their D23 Expo booklet/souvenir guide (that was handed out upon arrival, see mine below). I believe that the pack started you off with about six cards (or so) out of the 30 to collect.

Over the three days, various booths and areas of the exhibit hall gave out different character cards during different times of the day. A star icon on the map indicated locations handing them out, but you kind of just had to be in the right place at the right time. Check out the checklist of characters below!

Now I'll take you back a little to tell you about my experience with this. When I arrived at the expo, I had no idea about this "quest"; but during my first visit the official Pixar Studios area, a cast member handed me the Woody card. I didn't know what it was, but hey, it was a Pixar handout so of course I accepted! Later on, one of my buddies let me know more about the trading cards and informed me about the starter pack and checklist in the back of my guide.

As a side note, I was glad to see that there were only three Pixar characters (Woody, Jessie and Buzz) out of the 30 available. Since those were the only ones I was interested in, it made the quest much less overwhelming for me. I would have gone bonkers trying to track many more of these down, being the completest that I am. Anyway, I excitingly opened up my starter pack to see who I got and sure enough...there was Jessie! Two down, one to go.

At the very end of the second day (Saturday), I searched everywhere for the Buzz card. Unfortunately, I found out he had already been given out that day at some obscure area earlier on. I had missed it! I then randomly stumbled across the "Trading Card Quest Headquarters" where I saw tons of people trading their duplicates. Yah, I walked right in there like I owned the place.

After talking with several people, I found someone with a Buzz...but getting him would come with a price. The guy was willing to trade me Buzz, but for another specific character he needed. Long story short, I happened to have the card that he was after (from my starter pack) and we ended up making a fair trade! It was awesome. Again, it was all about the right place, right time and, in this case, right person!

I absolutely love the minimal illustrations on these cards and think it's pretty cool that they form one coherent image when put together. As seen above, it's also neat that there are some "Did You Know?" facts on the back of each one as well. Great stuff! It was a fun part of the expo for me.

If you're interested in finding these D23 Expo exclusive cards for your collection, check out eBay HERE using this direct link to current listings.

Best of luck on the quest! 

Cars: Circus Cab (Super Chase)

Here we have another "super" exciting new addition to my collection...the circus cab from the original Cars end credits sequence! One of the reasons this is such a cool car is because he's a "Super Chase" (Deluxe size), which basically just means he's ultra rare (no more than 4,000 units are produced). Super Chase cars are extremely difficult to spot in stores, so I'm thrilled to have this! I was able to find just one on the shelf at my local Toys R Us store a couple nights ago.

Per usual, this is a 1:55 scale diecast from Mattel and was just released a month or two back.

One of the funniest and most creative scenes in Cars is during the end credits when Mack is parked at the Radiator Springs Drive-In Theater. There we see many of our favorite Pixar characters in car form such as Buzz, Woody, Hamm, Mike, Sulley, the Yeti, PT Flea, Flik and the "circus cars" (as seen in the screen shot  above). The scene is hilarious because it pokes fun at how actor John Ratzenberger has had a cameo in every single Pixar film. The scene can be watched here. Never gets old!

There have been five "circus car" super chase releases this year: this Circus Cab, the Circus Sedan, the Circus Pickup and the Circus Van (which I was also able to snag, see post HERE) and the Circus Forklift & Circus GT 2-Pack.  

This is such an awesome and unique car and I'm so glad it's finally released. It's too bad it's so hard to find. If you're having trouble tracking this one down in stores as well, eBay or Amazon might be your best bet.

Good luck on the hunt!

Monsters University: 24-Hour Monstrous Summer Event Button Pins PAGE UPDATE

Today's post is a page update to my Monsters University 24-Hour Monstrous Summer Event button/pins collection! Read on through to to the original post HERE to check out the full update.

Cars: Radiator Springs Racers Flag (Cars Land)

Back in April of this year, my wife Brita and I took a fantastic road trip to CA where we visited Cars Land at Disney's California Adventure for our second time. While I was there, a lot of fun little trinkets and knick knacks stood out to me in the various gift shops; and of course being the collector that I am, I had to purchase a few things.

Mostly I got just small pieces of memorabilia (many of them on sale/discounted) to remember our fun times there at Cars Land. It's very rare that we get to go, and now that we live back on the east coast, we don't know when we'd be able to make it all the way out there. Plus, I thought it would be cool to have a Cars Land display shelf someday! It's really one of my favorite places to be in all the Disney Parks so I wanted it represented in my collection.

One of the items I got for a buck or two is this cool Radiator Springs Racers (one if my favorite rides) racing flag! Unfortunately, I can't remember exactly where I found this, but it was somewhere there in one of the Cars Land gift shops. If you're interested in picking this up while you're visiting Radiator Springs, definitely search around a bit. It just may be still be available!

Cars 2: Miles Axlerod with Microphone

From Mattel, here we have the brand new release of Miles Axlerod with Microphone! As usual, this is a 1:55 scale plastic/diecast vehicle from Mattel and is part of this year's 2015 "Tokyo Party" sub-series (#9/10). There have been many other versions of this character over the years, but this is the first time he has been released in this way (with a new facial expression and microphone accessory).

In the film, Miles is seen with a microphone on two occasions; once (as shown in the screen shot above) at the Tokyo party and also during his appearance on the Mel Dorado Show.

Did I necessarily want another Miles Axlerod release? Hmmm, not really. Do I already have this character? More than a few. But hey, as a completest, I can't resist a new version like this! All they have to do is add a microphone and a new mouth and I'm sold... weird huh? Ultimately though, this is a great variant for scene/diorama building.

You can find this one in stores now (I was able to pick it up at Target a week or two ago). If you're more interested in just snagging him online, check out Amazon using the direct link below. As usual, happy hunting to all!

Inside Out: Disney Store Plush

As far and quality and likeness are concerned, I can be a bit picky when it comes to [Pixar] plush toys. When the Inside Out merch was released back in May, I knew there would be a plethora of different plush available from several companies; so I had to decide which ones would be best for my collection. As soon as I saw the Disney Store ones in person though, that was it. It was an easy choice! These are by far (in my opinion) the best Inside Out plush out there.

First of all, they are all a great size (I'd say they're considered a medium size in the plush world). Each one feels very durable and well made using a variety of soft, premium materials and fabrics with embroidered features. It's hard to tell from the pictures here, but they are also covered with glitter/sparkles in the hair, face, etc (which is an awesome touch). The colors are vibrant and the likenesses to the actual characters are pretty spot on. Lastly, each plush has a "Genuine, Original, Authentic Disney Store'' patch on either its back or foot.

Each plush retails for $14.95. Check them out in more detail below!

Joy 

(14" Tall - Purchase HERE)

Sadness

(11" Tall - Purchase HERE)

Anger

(8.5" Tall - Purchase HERE)

 Fear

(12" Tall - Purchase HERE)

Disgust

(11" Tall - Purchase HERE)

I highly recommend these to any fan of the film! You really can't go wrong here. If you'd like to grab these emotions for your collection, be sure to head to your local Disney Store to check for availability. If you'd rather just pick them up online, you can use any of the direct links to the Disney Store's website above...hurry though! These won't be available for much longer (since there's a pretty quick turnover rate there at the Disney Store with so many new movies coming out constantly). I have a feeling these may be sold out in the near future.

Also, if you missed my Disney Store Bing Bong plush post, you'll wanna check it out HERE.

A big thanks to my wife Brita and my parents who hooked me up with these for my birthday a few months back! I'm extremely happy with them and they'll look great on display with the rest of my Inside Out collection.

Cars 2: Gearett Taylor

Here we have yet another new Mattel Cars 2 diecast character...Gearett Taylor! He is part of this year's 2015 "Palace Chaos" sub-line (#7/7) and is Mattel's signature 1:55 scale.

In the film, Gearett is one of the several Range Rover security officers seen protecting the Queen from Miles Axlerod's "bomb." However, since there are many of these body guards that look completely identical during the film's London scenes, it's hard to know exactly which one is actually Gearett. The screenshot above is my best bet.

Gearett here almost 100% identical to another Range Rover car released in 2013 (Mike Lorengine, see post HERE). The only slight differences are his facial expression (mouth and eyes are different), no weapon (Mike has a gun attached to his side; this one does not) and a couple other very minor details. The license plate number is the same.

Note: for a great comparison of the two, head over to Take5aDay HERE to check out their post on the differences.

Even though I do have one just like this, it was different enough that I couldn't help but snag it (being the "completist" I am). If anything, it will work great for scene/diorama building!

You can find Gearett in stores now (I just found him at my local Target). If you'd rather snag him online, be sure to check out current eBay listings HERE or visit Amazon using the direct link below. Happy hunting!

Inside Out: Read-Along Storybook & CD

Here we have the Inside Out Read Along storybook...with CD! This book is fun for young kids to read and listen to. The CD (which run 14 mins, 9 secs long) is narrated by Cindy Robinson and features music (not the actual Michael Giacchino score though), sound effects and even some snippets of original dialogue from the movie! The book itself is written by Suzanne Francis, is 31 pages long and covers (very simply) the story of the film.

I'll note that the illustrations in this one are the exact ones used in the Inside Out Big Golden Book; however, the story is worded a little differently. But for the most part, if you have the Big Golden Book, this might be one to pass up (unless you wanted the CD of course).

Check out some of the inside below!

I got this hardcover edition at the Disney Store (which is currently sold out). However, a paperback edition is still available on Amazon. Be sure to visit the direct link below to purchase is you're interested in adding this one to your collection!

Cars 2: Scott Motorse

The collection continues!

From Cars 2, here we have a brand new Mattel 1:55 scale diecast release...Scott Motorse! He is part of the 2015 "Palace Chaos" sub-series (#3/7). This is the first time this character has been released.

As shown in the screen shot above, Scott can be seen (very briefly) in the crowed during the London race. He is standing next to Sir Harley Gassup, Prince Wheeliam, Manny Roadriguez and The Queen.

You can find this one in stores now (I just found mine last week at Toys R Us). If you're having a hard time tracking him down though, be sure to check out Amazon using the direct link below. Good luck on the hunt!

Toy Story: Pizza Planet Truck Buttons

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Over the course of running this blog, one of the big highlights for me has been making friends with countless other Pixar fans around the globe; so you can imagine how fun it was for me to actually meet a few of these people in person at the D23 Expo last month! Marco, who is part of the team that helped bring the famed Toy Story Pizza Planet truck to life in the real world, was one I was thrilled to finally meet up with. There we are below!

That's right. If you didn't know, the Pizza Planet truck exists and is a completely functioning fan-made vehicle! It really is a sight to behold. The Pizza Planet truck team created it from the ground up and it's a near perfect replica with just about every detail from the film that you can think of. Throughout the year, they travel around to different events while also documenting the truck's adventures on their blog pizzaplanettruck.com (be sure to visit their site for more details). Long story short, the truck has actually become quite famous and it was no surprise that they were able to get a place on the D23 Expo show floor! How cool to have that recognition from Disney·Pixar, right?

To help the team raise the funds needed to keep the truck on the road and in working order, they offered custom Pizza Planet truck pins/buttons to guests there at the expo for just a couple bucks each. A big thanks to Marco for hooking me up with the two they had available! If you would like to donate to the cause by purchasing these pins, be sure to contact the team on their site HERE. They might be able to help you out.

Check out these awesome buttons in more detail below! 

For more on my visit with the Pizza Planet truck and the rest of the convention, be sure to catch my full D23 Expo write-up this coming week. Many more pics and details ahead! 

Cars: My Name is Not Chuck

From the original Cars, here we have the brand new (re)-release of My Name is Not Chuck (with cart)! This release is part of the 2015 "Piston Cup" sub-series (#17/18), but he was originally available way back in 2007 as part of the "World of Cars" collection. I'm so glad that he has finally made his way back to store shelves again after all these years!

As usual, this character is a 1:55 scale diecast with plastic parts and accessories.

As shown in the screenshot above, "My Name is Not Chuck" is one of Lightning's team pitties seen several times during and after the film's opening race. During a TV interview after the three way tie, Mcqueen states that he's a "one man show" and tells this pitty to move out of the way (calling him Chuck). This leads to one of the most subtly hilarious moments of the film when this angry pitty quits and storms off yelling "...And my name is not Chuck!!" Gets me every time.   

I don't typically collect the Piston Cup race team crew chiefs or pitties (since there are just way too many of them), but this one was a must have since his small role and few lines were so memorable. Plus I love how the name here on the package is simply "My Name is Not Chuck." Hilarious! I wonder what his real name is? ;) All the Wiki pages just call him "Not Chuck."

I was able to find this one just this past week at Walmart; so if you're looking to add this one to your collection, be sure to head to your local store to check for availability! If you'd rather just pick it up online, you can visit this direct link to current eBay listings or check out Amazon using the link below. Have fun on the hunt!

Cars 2: Ucchi

Just released from Mattel, here we have the 100% brand new "Deluxe" size Ucchi from Cars 2! As usual, this is a 1:55 scale plastic/diecast vehicle from Mattel and is part of this year's 2015 "Airport Adventure" sub-series (#2/6).

What a cool and unique character! There has never been other like it. As shown in the screenshot above, Ucchi is a boarding ramp truck seen at the Tokyo airport when Mater and Finn jump out the window (trying to escape from the lemons).

This is a near perfect sculpt with some great movie accurate details; and if you were wondering, the ramp is just big enough for Acer (or a car of his size) to fit inside and roll down.

I was able to find this one just this past week at Toys R Us, so definitely check yours for a good chance at finding him! If you'd rather just pick this one up online, visit the direct Amazon link below. Best of luck on the hunt!

Toy Story: 20th Anniversary Concept Art Mug Set

A big part of the 2015 D23 Expo last month was celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Disney·Pixar's classic Toy Story (yes, it's been that long)! Along with that celebration, of course, came an assortment of D23 exclusive merchandise; so you know I was all over that.

One of the great collector's pieces that was released there in honor of the film was this Toy Story Buzz Lightyear and Woody concept art mug set of two! These quality, ceramic mugs (and box for that matter) are covered in early renditions of our favorite space ranger and cowboy. Absolutely fantastic!

Retail was $39.95. 

Check out the mugs in more detail below!

Woody

Buzz Lightyear 

Nowhere have I heard that this is a limited edition, but on the other hand it does have a a D23 sticker on the box. This makes me believe won't be available anywhere else (so in a sense, it could be considered limited, even though it's not numbered).

Are you a long time fan of Toy Story and/or a collector? Then these mugs are for you! They are a must have. If you're interested in tracking this set down for yourself, visit this direct link to current eBay listings. Please let me know if I can help in any way or if you have any questions or comments. Would love to hear from you!

UPDATE 9/12/15-  Well it's official, this was not a D23 Expo exclusive (I guess it just premiered there...I had a suspicion that was going to be the case). For all of you not in attendance there who wanted to purchase this, good news! It's now widely available at the Disney Store. Purchase it online HERE.