1988 Sears Christmas Wish Book Dis. Playset

[coachlad]

We have aquired a 1988 Sears DisneyMagic Disneyland Commemorative Playset. "Way back in 1955, Disneyland looked just like this playset does now... Tomorrowland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, Adventureland, and Main Street can now be a part of your child's world everyday. They'll love playing with the vintage cars, horse-drawn trolley, railroad train, and many Disney characters and Disneyland animals included in the playset. 30 x 30 inches." as the Catalog says. The box is in good but old condition, all parts still in plastic bags, and set is complete.
QUESTION collectors originally selling for $25 what is it worth now? Do we list it on e-bay, friends say NO! What to do? any hints? Any appraisals?

 

[flyinglizard]

eBay is probably the premiere place to sell any collectible, and if you look on that site, you'll find several sets on both active and completed auctions at much less than the original Sears retail price. Hope you didn't pay a lot for it!

It is a modified copy of the original Marx playset from the early 60's. That one is worth some bucks!

Nope, not rare, and hardly worth the effort to post it on eBay.

 

[lpizzuro123]

I have never seen these and really do like them. I checked it out on ebay and they have a few listed. Does anyone have any info on them. They have some that a plastic and have to be put together and some are ceramic and have lights. Anyone know anything about them and which is better then the other and how many were made.

Thanks,
Linda

 

[flyinglizard]

Hi Linda,

The OP was about the Sears reproduction of the original Marx Disneyland Playset. It was not an exact copy of the set from 1960, but used a lot of the same molds.

There was also a "Disneyland Main Street USA" collection made of "detailed, hand-painted ceramic", that could be placed on a plastic mat of Main Street. The buildings were about 4-5' tall, and weren't really that detailed when compared to the recent buildings being sold at the parks. The miniatures came with a 7w bulb, and there were 11 different units, including City Hall and the Train Station. I haven't looked on eBay for a long time, but there are people still looking to complete their sets.

Then there was the WDW "Town Square Replica"- made of cardboard walls, with plastic trim. Amazing detail for any hard core WDW fan- sold seperate accs packs included plastic tourists and characters, working lamp posts, detailed interiors and even some furniture.

All of the above later found their way into a discount catalog the following year, and then onto Sears Outlet stores at steeply discounted prices. Today, probably the ceramic Main Street buildings have the most value of any of the collectibles.

Ironically, I would guess the original catalog would be highly sought after.

The 1988 Sears Wish Book was like a dream come true for Disney fans. But apparently, it was a merchants worst nightmare for the Sears people.

 

[Parkhopper_Vince]

Thank you for all the helpful information about these sets. I actually have two of the sets. I have the plastic set and I have the ceramic set with all the buildings and the individual lights. I know they go on a large mat and in the correct places, but I would always just put them out around the bottom of the Christmas tree and light them up. I know it didn't look like Main Street, but it was fun having lit Disney Buildings under the Christmas tree. I will have to look to see if I have any old pictures of this.

 

[lpizzuro123]

Thanks so much for all this information. Unfortunately I do not remember any of this and I guess I wasn't as much of a Disney fan back then as I am now. I have found both the plastic and ceramic building on ebay. Depending on the cost I just might bid on some - not sure which I like better - the plastic or ceramic. I like the detail of the plastic but I love the look of buidling lite up under my tree. It's funny you mention the catalog because I saw that on ebay also.

I already have a large collection of Dept 56 Christmas in the City but I just might try to get a few Disney ones also. Main Street in WDW is my favorite so now I will be on the lookout for these.

Thanks again for the information.

Linda