Our kids (3 boys, ages pre-school to pre-teen) LOVE Vinylmation.
They typically use all (or most) of their gift card money on these, and so our older boys usually get 3 per trip. Here's why:
1) They aren't into pins, but like to collect something to remind them of Disney. These little guys sit on their desks/shelves and every time we see them, it reminds us all of WDW. It's very happy to see them and think about where they opened each box, and their reactions.
2) The excitement of opening the box to see what you get is huge. It's like a new toy and a game in one.
3) They don't break very easily and our pre-schooler likes to carry his around and play with them like action figures. They sit in cars, they go down ramps, they "fight" each other, he lines them up.
4) The new holiday collection is cute for our festive, holiday-loving kids. Halloween is one of their favorites - so a Mickey decorated like a ghost or pumpkin is a big deal.
Fun story: Our two older boys really liked the vinylmation painted like a ghost. They each chose a box from the holiday collection, and one of them opens the ghost. The other looks disappointed and says, "there are only two in each set - no way I'll get the ghost." He opens it up - it's a ghost! He's thrilled. They cheer. The CM at the counter cheers. We all cheer - big celebration. Now our youngest really wants a ghost - anyone hate vinylmation and want to sell us the ghost?
5) It's Mickey Mouse.
So they are not all cute, but they are little and durable and fun for our kids. Once you see that kind of excitement and enthusiasm from your kids, these little vinyl toys become really great and very special!