Touring the Tower of Terror and other Ghoulish Delights! Sept 13 TR | FINALx2 4/17!!!

[katt789]

Alright, back from vacation! Time to catch up on the TRs!!

I saw some of the DLR pictures and they were beautiful!! Can’t wait to read all about it! AH Via Napoli! So delicious! Awesome that you got to meet up with Jen and the family again!! Ack! I’m excited to read about the villains night! I am really glad I was over in MK that night, dhs was just a MESS. The fireworks look great though!

Good on ya for taking the notes!! I’ve been slacking so much recently on that part!! And yay for the contest winning!! I also broke the fp rule last week we managed to get paper fp for space with our APs and our mvmcp tickets!

Love the EE pictures! I love Flame Tree, glad you guys loved it too! I’ll have to check out the onion rings! Yay for more meetups/run ins with everyone! The confetti pics are the best!

Oh my goodness that space mountain photo is PRICELESS. Love all the stories and pictures from that evening! We were definitely in MK for a bit that afternoon! Ran into Jen and the girls right before they had dinner! We probably just missed each other too! How cool that there was an 11 pm parade! Too bad you missed the kiss goodnight, I hope you got to see it later!

 

[danimaroo]

Chapter 23: A MEGA AWKWARD start to my Vinylmation Trading Event day.
Day Five: September 15th, 2013

My alarm went off at around 6:30am, and I was jumping out of bed... but veeeeery quietly. Matt was still sleeping and since I was heading off on my own to the Vinylmation trading event, I didn't want to wake him up too early.

This also just so happened to be the morning that we were checking out of Wilderness Lodge and into Beach Club, so I had to pack up all of my last minute stuff so Matt wouldn't have to. Matt was going to sleep in for a bit, then have bell services come up to the room to pick up our bags and transfer them over to Beach Club. After that, he would head over to Epcot, then to Beach Club to get us all checked in and taken care of.

SO! I was basically running around the room in the complete dark, trying to ninja-pack and not wake up Matt. I was actually pretty successful for the most part. After I finally got myself ready, I did wake up Matt to say goodbye and let him know that I appreciated him taking care of everything and that I would text him later.

I had brought a decent amount of Vinylmation "traders" with me for the event, but only wanted to carry what would fit inside of my larger backpack. I believe I was able to fit around 48 inside of there, which was pretty good! Traders, as you may have figured out, are extra Vinylmation that I have that I either didn't want or were extras from a series I've been collecting. You definitely want to bring a good amount of traders to the event, and you'll see why in a bit.

This was going to be my first time ever at a Disney trading event in the Disney parks, so it was a big deal for me! As most of you guys know, I'm a huge Vinylmation collector. When we booked this trip, I found out through the Vinylmation community that the annual event that Disney holds every year would be happening during our trip. Matt encouraged me to go, saying I'd probably be bummed out if I didn't make myself go, and I figured he was right.

Because this trip was OUR trip, I wasn't going to force him to join me at the trading event, since he's not really a Vinylmation collector and it's not really his thing. For me, I was really excited to see what the trading event would be like, but I was definitely a little nervous about going to an event all alone.

For those who don't really understand how Vinylmation work, I'll try to explain as best as I can, since this day is FULL of Vinylmation trading and you'll hear me using certain terms that may be otherwise confusing.

Vinylmation are these cute little figures that are in the shape of a Mickey Mouse mold. Disney has released MANY different "series" of these Vinylmation, from Park-specific ones, to Star Wars, to Pixar, etc. In each series, there is typically a set of 11, plus a "chaser" as the 12th figure in the series.

Most Vinylmation come in the form of what's called a "blind box". So when you buy this box, you have NO idea which one you are going to get. You just know you're buying one from a specific series, but who knows which one it is. You choose your blind box from a "tray" of 24.

In every "tray" for a series that you see on display, there are 24 Vinylmation. While most of the figures have a double, there is ONE chaser per entire tray (so 1/24 vs. 2/24 for the others). So this makes the chaser a little more rare than the others, which are better known as "commons". So basically in every set, there are 2 sets of 11, one "filler" (which is just a THIRD of one figure), and then one chaser, which completes the set of 12.

If I buy a tray, I'll have one set of 11 (missing the chaser), one set of 12 (full set), and then one filler.

However, just to complicate things even further... Sometimes a series has a "variant" (or variants) in it. A variant looks like one of the regular "commons", but something is different about it to make it a variant. For example, I have these two Vinylmation.

In this case, the Animal Kingdom Sign is a "variant" of the Magic Kingdom Sign. You'll find the Magic Kingdom sign in EVERY case of this particular series, but not the Animal Kingdom one.

A variant is NOT guaranteed in every single case, which makes it even harder to find than a chaser! There are some that are only found in one out of every 10 trays, so if you do the math, that's a 1/240 chance of getting that variant. It's crazy, and these ones can be VERY valuable.

There ARE open-window Vinylmation, where you know exactly what you're getting. There are also limited edition sets (like the Up Carl and Ellie set, the Frozen Anna and Elsa set, etc), and they're starting to try out other new things with Vinylmation, like selling a single Olaf where you have a 1/10 chance of finding an Olaf variant. ANYWAY... I could go on here about Vinylmation, so I'll stop.

But that's kind of your most basic rundown of Vinylmation, so hopefully that actually makes sense. Once you start to collect, it's very easy to get addicted because of the fun of the "chase". Plus, say you get one that you either don't want or is an extra double. That is where trading comes in!

And now 450 Vinylmation later, I can thank my dear friend Rachel (okw19) for getting me sucked into this hobby, hahaha.

OKAY! So back to that morning...

After I said goodbye to Matt, I went downstairs and walked up to the main lobby area, as I was told I could get a taxi right outside of the front doors.

It was weird seeing no one around really, and Whispering Canyon so quiet... but it was also a perfect way to end my stay at Wilderness Lodge. I took a moment to say goodbye, then headed out the front door.

Quick little review of Wilderness Lodge:

Overall, we really, really enjoyed our time at the Wilderness Lodge. The resort is absolutely gorgeous, and I still think it has one of the best lobbies in all of Disney World. The main pool was slightly disappointing, but I really think this is just because we've been spoiled by Stormalong Bay. The Villas building was so cozy and warm and inviting... but that being said, I'd probably be more apt to stay there during a Christmas-time trip.

I REALLY loved the boat ride to Magic Kingdom. Staying near MK again was really great and made me want to stay at a Monorail resort down the line. But honestly, Wilderness Lodge is an AMAZING substitute for a Monorail resort. You don't have to deal with the Monorail being down at all, which is definitely a good thing, and the boat rides are beautiful. Maybe we just had really good luck, but we never had to wait for a boat back to our resort or to MK for more than a few minutes.

I'll talk more later in my trip report about the split stay and my feelings about that once we're at Beach Club, but for now, back to my super crazy early morning!

So I got outside and found a man standing behind the bell services counter, which is where they told me to go to get a taxi. Because I was heading over to Epcot (where the event was being held) so early, the buses weren't running yet and I was going to have to get a taxi to get over there.

So I tell the guy that I need a taxi to go to Epcot, and he's being all giggly and decided to call me Minnie because I had my Minnie ears on. He even told the taxi cab dispatcher on the phone that my name was Minnie, hahaha. It was weird.

So then he gets off the phone and he's just talking to me about random stuff, then straight up drops a bomb and asks me, "Soooo, are you married??"

....

UM WHAT?! No wonder he was so darn giggly: apparently he was hitting on me, bahahaha. I don't know why but this just struck me as SO WEIRD because I'd literally just rolled out of bed and I don't even know. But I quickly showed him my wedding and engagement rings and told him I was definitely married.

At this point I just wanted the taxi to show up because I was living in awkward land talking to this man. I mean, it was hilarious to me but also kind of awkward after I told him I was married. He was probably in his 40s so that just made it even weirder.

I suppose there is a first for everything, and that was the first time I've ever been hit on while in Disney World, while wearing Minnie ears, hahaha.

Thank sweet baby Jesus that the taxi showed up soon after and I was able to escape. I said goodbye to him and told the taxi driver that I was headed to Beach Club.

The reason I chose Beach Club over Epcot was because the event is held in the event area that's between England and Canada. So my thought was to get dropped off at Beach Club and enter the park through the International Gateway. It'd be way quicker to go that way versus the front gates.

So off we went to Beach Club!

The ride ended up costing me around $20 total I think, and I hopped out and was SO HAPPY to see Beach Club again. Even though I wasn't going to be heading inside for long, I was just so happy to be back again. I really and truly felt like I was home again. Don't get me wrong, I LOVED the Wilderness Lodge but being back at Beach Club again just felt right.

I honestly don't know if any other resort will ever give me the feeling I get when I go to Beach Club.

I walked through the lobby and had the HUGEST smile on my face. I smelled that wonderful Beach Club smell again, stood in the lobby for a moment, then headed outside. I couldn't WAIT to be back at the resort later on in the day!

I started walking over towards the International Gateway, waving at the Beach Club as I walked by.

Theeeen I saw the HUGE line waiting to get into the park! Woooompwomp. And some of these people take their trading SUPER seriously. I mean, rolling up with SUITCASES of traders. I just didn't want to lug something like that around with me, and I was glad I went the backpack route instead.

I hopped in at the end of the loooong line, and it was around 7:15am at this point. The actual event wasn't starting until 9:30, BUT this year, they offered a Vinylmation trading breakfast from 8-9:30am. It included a free gift, breakfast buffet, and you got to trade at the trade boxes (I'll explain those in a bit) and play games before everyone else was let in. I decided to do the breakfast to get in some trading before the lines got long, so I wasn't sure when they would start to let us into the park.

While I waited, I started chatting with a mom and her daughter who were standing in front of me, and we chatted about trading, etc. They were from the area, so they had been to trading events before. They were really nice and friendly and helpful in answering some of my questions I had/giving me advice on the best way to do things at the event.

FINALLY the line started moving forward at 7:50, which I was kind of nervous about. I mean, the breakfast was supposed to start at 8am, and we were just moving forward at 7:50 just to the gate itself. We moved up closer to the gates, and instead of bag checking each individual bag, they had everyone put their bags on the ground and a dog sniffed each bag. Of course, he stopped at mine, but I suspect he just smelled our dogs or something, haha... he moved along shortly after, PHEW.

I finally got through the gate, though I couldn't use my Magicband because the CMs were scanning cards/tickets only.

Upon getting inside of the park, I discovered that my International Gateway entrance strategy had backfired. Apparently they let eeeeveryone at the main gates in first, because there was a MASSIVE line already formed in front of the World Showplace gate. LAME.

So I walked all the way down to the end of THAT line, where I got to wait in another line, YAY!

Thankfully, that line started moving forward pretty quickly, where they told us to have our free breakfast gift papers out for them to look at (which also meant we'd paid to get into the breakfast).

As soon as I got inside, I went straight to a trade box line. The breakfast could wait at least for a little bit. I mean, the buffet was basically just a bunch of pastries and some breakfast quesadillas, so I figured worst case scenario, I could grab a quick bite later.

So anyway, the trade boxes! The way they work is very similar to how you would trade in the parks. However, when they "refreshed" these boxes, there were some extremely rare and harder-to-find Vinylmation (like variants and chasers from older, retired series) that you could possibly find in the mystery box OR the open box.

So when it was my turn, I was allowed to trade once in the open box (where I could see what I was choosing from), and once in the mystery box! From the research I'd done, if you were lucky, you could get some awesome stuff from these trade boxes, so they were very popular.

My first time up, I was standing with the mom and daughter I'd met earlier in line, and lucky for us, we were towards the front when the boxes got refreshed! I watched the two guys in front of me pick up variants from the Haunted Mansion series that had come out, and I was definitely jealous. I needed those variants (at the time), so seeing that I JUST missed getting one was kind of a bummer.

But the good news was that I ended up getting an Orange Bird Florida Project cast chaser and a Reflections of Evil 13 cast chaser! The Orange Bird one is a hard one to find, because you could only get it from a cast member at the trading event from 2011. In similar fashion, the Reflections of Evil 13 chaser was also not an easy one to get, as you could only find it in the cast member trade boxes! So needless to say, I was pretty happy with my first trades of the morning.

I continued to stay in the trade box lines, but didn't have nearly as good of luck throughout my morning. But I was just happy to be getting rid of some of my crappy traders that I really didn't care about for some at least better commons. It was nice because while I waited in line, the mom (whose name of course I can't remember now) had gone to grab some food and came back with a coffee for me! She was very sweet, and I really appreciated her kind gesture.

After a while, I decided to pop out of the line and go get my free gift for attending the Breakfast. It turned out to be Daisy Duck dressed as the Evil Queen!

Admittedly, I'm not a huge fan of Daisy Duck, so I had set up a trade before the event with another trader I'd met through the Vinylmation online community. He offered me some Vinylmation that I needed, so I was really happy to have worked out a trade with him!

I decided this would be a good time to go grab some breakfast, so I quickly got a plate and grabbed a quesadilla, some fruit, and I think a croissant? I can't even remember, but the food was pretty disappointing.

I wasn't really paying for the food, but considering it was $45 for just the breakfast part of the day, I would have thought they'd at least offer some Mickey waffles or something, haha. But it was food, and I knew I needed to eat something to keep myself going.

I wanted to change things up, so I hopped in a "game" line to see what that was all about. (You'll have to excuse my terrible photos, but I had to use my phone since I had my hands full with Vinylmation).

While I waited in the game line, they were preparing to let all of the people who weren't at the breakfast inside at 9:30am... and they started pumping a whole ton of smoke!

The crowds started to filter in, and I knew the lines were about to get a loooot longer.

I waited a bit longer and the game was basically a cast member spinning a "roulette" type of box. Whichever box it landed on, she'd open up and I'd get to choose from the Vinylmation in that box to trade from.

Needless to say, I didn't get a whole lot of greatness out of there.

Next, I continue my day of trading fun, and go on the hunt for a Haunted Mansion variant...

Continued in next post​

 

[STLMickeyMom]

So you ninja'd (is that a word? Sure, why not?) your way into the park one day and then ninja'd around your room in the morning? Where are you acquiring all these ninja skills?!?

I don't know anything about vinylmation but your explanation made total sense. I could see how it could quickly get addicting! The event looks fun so far!

Getting hit on at the crack of dawn? You must have really been rockin' those ears, girl! Thank goodness your cab showed up!

 

[Miss Potts]

I've always been confused about vinylmations! Thanks for taking the time to explain! I've seen so many cute ones but couldn't figure out why I couldn't find them! It's all making sense!

I just caught up on your whole report tonight! I love what a great Disney couple you and Matt are!
I'm a big fan of the WL and am glad you enjoyed it, but I am also a fan of the BC. (Honestly, I'm a fan of any Disney hotel!)

Can't wait to hear more about the trading event!

 

[__disneygirl]

I've heard so many horror stories about this Villains event! A lot of people have said they should make it a party, like Hollywood's version of MNSSHP. I would be SO happy if that happened.

Jess waited over 3 hours to meet Oogie Boogie... she was texting me the whole time from the line and I felt so bad for her while also wishing I was there, LOL. Complicated emotions!

You are SO LUCKY you got to see the Villains fireworks. I watched the livestream and OH MY GOD I am in LOVE with the soundtrack and just the whole thing was fantastic.

GOOD LORD I AM SO EXCITED TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR TOWER OF TERROR TOUR. I mean, I live there, so I already know all the secrets but I'm excited to hear what you think of my humble abode.

I never noticed all the cameras in the Everest photopass area. That's AWESOME. Thanks for the pic!

You guys are awesome is what's going on in your Photopass picture.

Aww, Matt using his tallness to help kids find Mickey confetti... Now that is cute.

The Space ride photo is literally making me laugh out loud.

I've never heard of a closing parade! That's AWESOME. I would have been so excited. And I love the long exposure shot. So cool.

48 TRADERS..........?! I need to go to one of these events, omg. I brought 10 on my most recent trip and hardly found any good ones despite trading multiple times every single day. I brought home a couple lame ones. Oh well.

The boat from MK to WL and back is one of my favorite things! I really need to stay there.

I feel like it's always those moments at like 6 am when I'm trying to get to work that I get randomly hit on. When I spend an hour getting ready and think I look great, NOTHING. hahaha

Oh man these people who are serious about the Vinyls make me nervous. LOL. I'm nowhere near as obsessed as I could be, thank God. But I would love to go to one of these events someday! I can't wait to hear more about it.

 

[epsmith921]

Love that Ninja Dani has now made her second appearance of the trip!! Does she return? What else might she use her ninja skills for??

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Can't wait to hear more about your trading day. My DS was most disappointed this summer. He brought his Star Wars doubles for trading and couldn't find places to trade at the parks. They have really limited the trading spots now. So we didn't buy any more either. If you can't trade except for special events, makes you wonder why they keep making so many. So the poor kids still has doubles of storm troopers, Yoda and Lando.

 

[TruLovesKiss]

Thanks for all of that great Vinylmations info. I really learned a lot!! My kiddos did a few trades on our trip which they had fun with... but definitely nothing serious. The trading event on the other hand....wow! Some of those people with their suitcases full of traders! Glad you were able to trade for some chasers.

I'm really enjoying this trip report, as always, and can't wait to read more!

 

[Fantasyland Mom]

NINJA DANI!!!!!

This is the most I've ever understood Vinylmations EVER. So thank you for that! I love hearing/seeing what you were doing while we kidnapped your husband. I don't think I realized how hard-core these Vinyl people are! I get it, though...I'd probably be very cutthroat if I started trading. Honesty is the best policy.

Going back a bit, I have no idea how I initially missed your last update, as it's one of my favorites!! Daaannnnniiiiii! I heard you screeeeeammmm!!!! I'm typing away, trying to catch up to where you are. I stopped writing my update when I got tired yesterday, thinking I'd finish today and be caught up with you, and then you posted this. WOMPWOMP! LOL! Oh, well. I'll post later and be at least a little closer.

 

[Pimama]

I got behind, but that just means I get to read more updates! It also means I can't remember what I was going to comment on.

The dessert party really sounds awesome just for the guaranteed view, I think we will try that next time. Lots of desserts sound pretty awesome too but I can never eat as much as I want, unless it's ice cream, I think I could eat ice cream forever.

Vinylmation trading looks like it require a pretty good memory, which I do not have. That events looks crazy, curious to hear how successful the rest of the morning goes. Thanks for the explanation, I had never heard of the variants. I had heard about buying the complete sets but that's a lot of money! I suppose you get 11 or 12 traders though and thus starts the trading addiction!! Too fun- better stay away!

 

[gracer9977]

Yeah the Vinylmation Event!! I love your Ninja in the dark packing and getting ready.

How funny that you got hit on at the Taxi Stand and how uncomfortable to have to stay there and wait for the taxi.

Wow those lines look awful and I am so surprised that all those people paid the $45.00 for the breakfast. Disney made some huge bank on that one.

So far it sounds interesting. Can't believe you have 48 traders. I don't even have 48 total vinyls yet, of course I just started collecting less than a year ago and only buy them when on sale at the Disney Store. I will have 8 to trade while I am in Disney but I am happy with that.

Looking forward to the next update.

 

[DanniDeer]

OMG I REMEMBER YOU TELLING US ABOUT YOUR [UN] ROMANTIC ENCOUNTER!! hahaha

And those vinylmation people sound serious, but they don't scare me as much as the pin traders right by the fountain in Epcot... My sister in law told me stories about them.

I'm glad you were overwhelmed with feeling just cutting through BC for a second!

 

[TMGosizk]

It's been awhile since I've posted, but I HAVE been reading!

I really enjoyed your explanation of the Vinylmations and their trading! On our last trip in September, I really started looking at them for the first time and think they are pretty cute, so it's something of which I've been contemplating starting a collection! Nothing too crazy or intense, but think it could be fun! We will see, I suppose!

Anyway, I definitely enjoyed all the updates since my last post (sorry it's been so long) and can't wait to read more!!

 

[DawnFeiss]

Thanks so much for posting the video link. I really loved it it looks like you guys have somuch fun. We haven't visited either WDW or Disneyland in 2 years and your TR has helped the wait till we go in May 2014

 

[Jennifer48]

Holy cannoli there is so much about Vinylmations that I had no idea about! Chasers, Variants, who knew?! Thanks for the info!

Can't wait to hear if you got some great ones that you wanted!

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

Bahaha, I love that SM photo made even better since the ride hasn't even started yet. Love it!! Much better than my traditional "oops I forgot where the camera was dumb guy" photo.

Yay for more Dismeets!!!

Dani, I love those fireworks photos, despite all the people.

OMG I totally know the feeling of worrying about being stranded with no way back to the resort. In fact it kinda DID happen to me... TWICE, but that's a story for another time.

I am still confused about the whole Kiss Goodnight thing.

Since I'm not into Vinylmation I think I find this whole event to be even more fascinating. And then of course with your TR skills, it makes it even better!!

 

[okw19]

Hi hi! I'm alive and still here! Things have been hectic, but I've been following along!

I WANT TO RIDE SPACE WITH YOU AND HEAR YOU SCREEEEAAAMMM!

Wooo for desserts, fireworks and the 11 o'clock parade! Hey Derek, Kira and Linda!

I love that you ninja packed, you are clearly a master ninja on this trip.

So sorry for getting you addicted to vinylmation! Reading your explanation of how the whole shebang works makes me remember the joy of pulling the ghost Obi variant chaser at D-Steet. SO lucky.

I am dying over this morning awkward flirting. You get em, Minnie. I do love the boat rides to/from WL. It's kind of a perfect resort, but I understand your attachment to BC.

Lines on lines on lines this morning, geez. Yay for Orange Bird though! Can't wait to read more.

 

[marDgreen88]

I haven't really had a chance to comment, but you KNOW I'm still reading along! The trading event sounds fascinating. I've always been intrigued by Vinyls but I'm scared to start a collection... they're more pricy than pins! Hahah. But I can admire from afar.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[danimaroo]

So you ninja'd (is that a word? Sure, why not?) your way into the park one day and then ninja'd around your room in the morning? Where are you acquiring all these ninja skills?!?

I don't know anything about vinylmation but your explanation made total sense. I could see how it could quickly get addicting! The event looks fun so far!

Getting hit on at the crack of dawn? You must have really been rockin' those ears, girl! Thank goodness your cab showed up!

Haha I'm just an all-around awesome ninja lady, what can I say? I can't reveal my secrets!

I hope it made sense! It's kind of complicated, haha. But very addicting!

HAHAHA yeah it was hilarious and just so out of the blue, I was definitely not expecting something like that so early in the morning!

I've always been confused about vinylmations! Thanks for taking the time to explain! I've seen so many cute ones but couldn't figure out why I couldn't find them! It's all making sense!

I just caught up on your whole report tonight! I love what a great Disney couple you and Matt are!
I'm a big fan of the WL and am glad you enjoyed it, but I am also a fan of the BC. (Honestly, I'm a fan of any Disney hotel!)

Can't wait to hear more about the trading event!

No problem at all, glad I could help make it a bit clearer!

But thank you very much, we had a good time at WL, but BC is just our favorite til the end!

I've heard so many horror stories about this Villains event! A lot of people have said they should make it a party, like Hollywood's version of MNSSHP. I would be SO happy if that happened.

Jess waited over 3 hours to meet Oogie Boogie... she was texting me the whole time from the line and I felt so bad for her while also wishing I was there, LOL. Complicated emotions!

You are SO LUCKY you got to see the Villains fireworks. I watched the livestream and OH MY GOD I am in LOVE with the soundtrack and just the whole thing was fantastic.

GOOD LORD I AM SO EXCITED TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR TOWER OF TERROR TOUR. I mean, I live there, so I already know all the secrets but I'm excited to hear what you think of my humble abode.

I never noticed all the cameras in the Everest photopass area. That's AWESOME. Thanks for the pic!

You guys are awesome is what's going on in your Photopass picture.

Aww, Matt using his tallness to help kids find Mickey confetti... Now that is cute.

The Space ride photo is literally making me laugh out loud.

I've never heard of a closing parade! That's AWESOME. I would have been so excited. And I love the long exposure shot. So cool.

48 TRADERS..........?! I need to go to one of these events, omg. I brought 10 on my most recent trip and hardly found any good ones despite trading multiple times every single day. I brought home a couple lame ones. Oh well.

The boat from MK to WL and back is one of my favorite things! I really need to stay there.

I feel like it's always those moments at like 6 am when I'm trying to get to work that I get randomly hit on. When I spend an hour getting ready and think I look great, NOTHING. hahaha

Oh man these people who are serious about the Vinyls make me nervous. LOL. I'm nowhere near as obsessed as I could be, thank God. But I would love to go to one of these events someday! I can't wait to hear more about it.

Yeah, based on the sheer amount of people who showed up, I would think Disney would see it'd be a huge hit in Hollywood Studios! It was kind of a mess though.

That's impressive she waited for 3 hours... I saw those lines and there was just no way I could handle them.

The fireworks made it all worth it though! They were really fantastic. And it's funny, that's now the second time we've seen fireworks at Hollywood Studios during a trip... the other time being the night they had fireworks to get people away from Magic Kingdom when Obama was visiting, haha.

I KNOW! I can't wait until I get to that day... whiiiich is so far away and I haven't written about yet. Ugh I need to get better about writing more of my TR ahead of time, I'm almost entirely caught up which is not good!

I had never noticed either but then saw them and thought they were neat! You're so welcome.

The closing parade was definitely an awesome little surprise! I had no idea that it ever happened!

48 wasn't even all of my traders at the time! I usually have around 60-70. Right now I think I have around 53. I'd like to seriously downsize though at some point and only have a few. I need to also clean out my collection, too. TOO MANY VINYLS, haha. But believe it or not, I went through almost ALL of my 48 traders I brought to the event! It was insane.

Hahahaha that whole morning was so weird. I just was so thrown off by him! It was too early for that to be happening!

I think a lot of the serious people just set up at the tables, which I ventured over to and did some trading there. I mean, I guess if you live in the area, then it makes sense? Plus then you have the people who trade pins, as well. It's kind of interesting. Fortunately I'm pretty well-versed in knowing what Vinylmation are worth, so when someone tried to shark me, I knew what they were doing. It's a bummer when people do it, but it happens!

Love that Ninja Dani has now made her second appearance of the trip!! Does she return? What else might she use her ninja skills for??

HAHAHA I'm such a ninja! I think I just crack myself up thinking about me doing ninja moves throughout the bedroom in the dark and Magic Kingdom when everyone is walking into the park.

Can't wait to hear more about your trading day. My DS was most disappointed this summer. He brought his Star Wars doubles for trading and couldn't find places to trade at the parks. They have really limited the trading spots now. So we didn't buy any more either. If you can't trade except for special events, makes you wonder why they keep making so many. So the poor kids still has doubles of storm troopers, Yoda and Lando.

Yeah, they removed SO much of the trading spots! It's insane. There's 1 place per park now to trade, which is a bummer. I do a little trading in the parks, but most of it is online! It's weird that they removed the trade boxes though, especially since trading is such a HUGE part of the hobby! What characters is your son looking for? I might be able to help out!

Thanks for all of that great Vinylmations info. I really learned a lot!! My kiddos did a few trades on our trip which they had fun with... but definitely nothing serious. The trading event on the other hand....wow! Some of those people with their suitcases full of traders! Glad you were able to trade for some chasers.

I'm really enjoying this trip report, as always, and can't wait to read more!

Not a problem! It's definitely a fun time. The trading event is pretty intense and it was overwhelming initially, but once I got into it it was a lot of fun! Glad you're here and you're enjoying this report.

NINJA DANI!!!!!

This is the most I've ever understood Vinylmations EVER. So thank you for that! I love hearing/seeing what you were doing while we kidnapped your husband. I don't think I realized how hard-core these Vinyl people are! I get it, though...I'd probably be very cutthroat if I started trading. Honesty is the best policy.

Going back a bit, I have no idea how I initially missed your last update, as it's one of my favorites!! Daaannnnniiiiii! I heard you screeeeeammmm!!!! I'm typing away, trying to catch up to where you are. I stopped writing my update when I got tired yesterday, thinking I'd finish today and be caught up with you, and then you posted this. WOMPWOMP! LOL! Oh, well. I'll post later and be at least a little closer.

Haha that's just how I roll.

Oh hey, no problem! And yeah, it can get pretty intense. Though I have to laugh when people fight over a 3" piece of plastic. But it's also kind of insane how much they can be worth!

ANYWAY, I miss hearing Sawyer's little voice telling me that, hahaha. He's the cutest. I loved your post of that night though, if you couldn't tell. I think tomorrow I'll have another new post that includes lunch time with you guys!

I got behind, but that just means I get to read more updates! It also means I can't remember what I was going to comment on.

The dessert party really sounds awesome just for the guaranteed view, I think we will try that next time. Lots of desserts sound pretty awesome too but I can never eat as much as I want, unless it's ice cream, I think I could eat ice cream forever.

Vinylmation trading looks like it require a pretty good memory, which I do not have. That events looks crazy, curious to hear how successful the rest of the morning goes. Thanks for the explanation, I had never heard of the variants. I had heard about buying the complete sets but that's a lot of money! I suppose you get 11 or 12 traders though and thus starts the trading addiction!! Too fun- better stay away!

It's okay! I keep falling behind with updates. Life has been INSANE lately, but with the holidays and all, I hope people understand!

The dessert party is pretty fabulous, and you're in luck, because there is ice cream GALORE!

It totally does require memory! At least, in terms of trying to remember what is a chaser, a variant, etc. And yeah, the hobby can eat up a ton of money... but that being said, there are ways to save. I have been able to purchase ones I need for as low as $5 in trade groups, so it works out!

 

[danimaroo]

Yeah the Vinylmation Event!! I love your Ninja in the dark packing and getting ready.

How funny that you got hit on at the Taxi Stand and how uncomfortable to have to stay there and wait for the taxi.

Wow those lines look awful and I am so surprised that all those people paid the $45.00 for the breakfast. Disney made some huge bank on that one.

So far it sounds interesting. Can't believe you have 48 traders. I don't even have 48 total vinyls yet, of course I just started collecting less than a year ago and only buy them when on sale at the Disney Store. I will have 8 to trade while I am in Disney but I am happy with that.

Looking forward to the next update.

Hahaha thanks, I'm just a straight-up awesome ninja, what can I say?

I know, it was a wee-bit awkward. Just not how I expected to begin my morning, hahaha.

The lines were not fun. But once we got in, it wasn't too awful. There were a lot of people there for the 9am opening though, so that didn't help. They should have just let the breakfast people in first.

Hahaha I have more than 48, I just could only manage to bring that many with me without breaking my back! I usually bring like 10 with me on trips though!

OMG I REMEMBER YOU TELLING US ABOUT YOUR [UN] ROMANTIC ENCOUNTER!! hahaha

And those vinylmation people sound serious, but they don't scare me as much as the pin traders right by the fountain in Epcot... My sister in law told me stories about them.

I'm glad you were overwhelmed with feeling just cutting through BC for a second!

HAHAHA YUP, the worst. NOPE, the blurst!

They were intense, but the pin traders take the cake for being the absolute worst. UGH. Shaaarks.

I love BC so so much.

It's been awhile since I've posted, but I HAVE been reading!

I really enjoyed your explanation of the Vinylmations and their trading! On our last trip in September, I really started looking at them for the first time and think they are pretty cute, so it's something of which I've been contemplating starting a collection! Nothing too crazy or intense, but think it could be fun! We will see, I suppose!

Anyway, I definitely enjoyed all the updates since my last post (sorry it's been so long) and can't wait to read more!!

Aww it's all good, I'm glad you've commented!!

They are super fun to trade and collect. I REALLY love the Park series since they're specific to the parks and bring on good memories. You should start, and just try collecting what you love!

I'm excited to post a new update tomorrow!

Thanks so much for posting the video link. I really loved it it looks like you guys have somuch fun. We haven't visited either WDW or Disneyland in 2 years and your TR has helped the wait till we go in May 2014

Aww no problem! You are going to have the best time in May! We might go to Disneyland in May ourselves!

Holy cannoli there is so much about Vinylmations that I had no idea about! Chasers, Variants, who knew?! Thanks for the info!

Can't wait to hear if you got some great ones that you wanted!

I know, it's kind of crazy once you go down the rabbit hole, hahaha.

I'm excited to post more here tomorrow morning! I have a holiday party to go to for work tonight, so no time, wah.

Bahaha, I love that SM photo made even better since the ride hasn't even started yet. Love it!! Much better than my traditional "oops I forgot where the camera was dumb guy" photo.

Yay for more Dismeets!!!

Dani, I love those fireworks photos, despite all the people.

OMG I totally know the feeling of worrying about being stranded with no way back to the resort. In fact it kinda DID happen to me... TWICE, but that's a story for another time.

I am still confused about the whole Kiss Goodnight thing.

Since I'm not into Vinylmation I think I find this whole event to be even more fascinating. And then of course with your TR skills, it makes it even better!!

YAY ROB! But yes, we were definitely into our photo, hahaha. We're dorks. And thank you, I hope to get better photos one day with no people!

HAHAHA I can't wait to hear your story!

And I'll explain the Kiss Goodnight better in a future update, I promise.

I'm glad you enjoyed my updated about Vinyls. I was nervous about people thinking it's boring!

Hi hi! I'm alive and still here! Things have been hectic, but I've been following along!

I WANT TO RIDE SPACE WITH YOU AND HEAR YOU SCREEEEAAAMMM!

Wooo for desserts, fireworks and the 11 o'clock parade! Hey Derek, Kira and Linda!

I love that you ninja packed, you are clearly a master ninja on this trip.

So sorry for getting you addicted to vinylmation! Reading your explanation of how the whole shebang works makes me remember the joy of pulling the ghost Obi variant chaser at D-Steet. SO lucky.

I am dying over this morning awkward flirting. You get em, Minnie. I do love the boat rides to/from WL. It's kind of a perfect resort, but I understand your attachment to BC.

Lines on lines on lines this morning, geez. Yay for Orange Bird though! Can't wait to read more.

Ohhh you know how busy I've been, so don't worry at all. LET'S GO RIDE SPACE MOUNTAIN NOW!!

Hahaha, I thought you'd enjoy that update... I just wish you'd been there!

Hahaha it's ALLL YOUR FAULT! I am so addicted with no end in sight, wah. That Ghost Obi pull is amazing though.

BC is the best though, I loved WL, but BC!

I haven't really had a chance to comment, but you KNOW I'm still reading along! The trading event sounds fascinating. I've always been intrigued by Vinyls but I'm scared to start a collection... they're more pricy than pins! Hahah. But I can admire from afar.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

Don't worry Marissa, I've been so so busy with no DIS time, so I understand! Vinyls can be super pricey, but you can buy some for as low as like $5 a piece (if you know the right people, and that's not in a sketchy way, haha!).