Friday, January 17, 2020

VIDEO: Sneak Peek Inside Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway Opening in March at Disney's Hollywood Studios



Disney Parks released a video - of incredibly low definition quality ( 480p, really? can't you do better, than that folks to promote your new ride opening in two months? ) - showing for the first time the interior of the awaited Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway attraction, more specifically the first scene and the locomotive.  Another picture with WDW President - the first one below - shows also a bit of the ride load area.












Here is the video from where are coming the screen captures above, the ride is opening this March at WDW Disney's Hollywood Studios!




Pictures and video: copyright Disney

Disneyana Auction at Potter & Potter on February 8 : The Attraction Vehicles Replicas



In this new article about the Potter & Potter auction happening Feb 8 we'll have a look at some lots of gorgeous replicas of iconic Disney attraction vehicles. First, above and below, the lot 672, Mark Twain Riverboat Replica for Disneyland 50th Anniversary. Intricately detailed in resin and metal by Kevin Kidney and Jody Daily. Arrives in a commemorative box with poster art and stained wood base with custom metal plaque. Free moving wheel. Riverboat: 7 ½ x 4 1/2 x 16”. Base: 1 x 7 x 18 ¾”. Resin and metal, wood base. Ltd. to 750. Heavy and mint.





Next is the Lot 501, Nautilus Model from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Stunning replica of Harper Goff’s Nautilus Submarine from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Made of resin and painted in great detail, designed by Kevin Kidney and Jody Daily. One of the most highly desirable Nautilus models, with lights. From early in the run, before the nose drooped badly on many other pieces. It’s important to note that while the edition is listed as 1,000 pieces, many fewer were made which is why demand for this particular piece is so high. 7 ½ x 22”. LTD 1000.




The lot 481 is a gorgeous replica of early Jungle Cruise Boat Design. Created by Kevin Kidney and Jody Daily for Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary, they did two replicas, the first one being the Jungle Cruise boat as it was when the attraction open and this unique ltd edition piece recreates in 3 dimensions Harper Goff’s original design for the Amazon Belle Jungle Cruise Boat. With stand. 11½ x 4 ½”. Original box (taped). Both are in auction, the other is lot 629 below.












Next is the lot 484, Walt Disney’s Main Street “Runabout” Car. Created by Kevin Kidney and Jody Daily for Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary, this metal model recreates the car Walt Disney liked to drive in parades and on Main Street. Ltd to 500. Car sits on heavy resin base. 6½ x 7½ x 5½”, in original box (taped).





The lot 421 is a Main Street Omnibus by Master Replicas. Originally designed by Bob Gurr, this extremely heavy all metal replica of the famous omnibus was produced for Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary. Ltd. to 500. 10 x 4 ¾”.


Next is the lot 486, Nature’s Wonderland Mine Train. Created by Kevin Kidney and Jody Daily for Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary, this highly detailed reproduction of the train from the attraction Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland consists of the engine, one passenger car, and one tail car. The cars sit on a railroad track elevated above the resin base. Base is 14 ½” long. When train is atop base total height is 6 ½”. In original box (taped).



Lots 741 and 742 are the Master Replica Mark I Monorail Red and Blue. Created for the 50th Anniversary of Disneyland in 2005, designed by Will Babington and Rich Allsmiller based on the original 1959 design by Bob Gurr. With a black stand and cloisonné pin. Extremely rare. Ltd. edition of 1959 ( red one ) and 500 ( blue one ).





Lot 486 is this amazing Rocket to the Moon in Flight. Replica of the 1955 attraction “Flight to the Moon” Rocket Ship, depicted dynamically in flight by Kevin Kidney and Jody Daly for the 50th anniversary of Disneyland. Light up base features spotlights directed at the rocket as well as a round “porthole” view of the moon as seen by people riding the original attraction. 20 ½” tall, 9 ½ x 6” (base). In original box (taped).


Lot 488 is the gorgeous Fantasyland Pirate Ship Model. Large reproduction of the Pirate ship which used to be docked in the lagoon in Fantasyland next to Skull Rock in Disneyland. Created by Kevin Kidney and Jody Daily for Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary. Incredible detail measuring 13 x 11”. Ltd edition of 500. In original Box (taped).


Lot 489 is a replica of Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride Car. Sculpted by Rich Allsmiller for Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary, this is a miniature Cyril ride vehicle from Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride is made of heavy metal. Ltd to 1000. 6 x 8 x 6” on base. Original box.


Lot 490 is this Haunted Mansion Doombuggy Model with Hitchhiking Ghosts. It is said that one of the miniature omnimover vehicles from Adventure Through Inner Space was used to cast the doombuggy for this expertly made garage kit. The Doombuggy sits on a round base with the three Hitchhiking Ghosts (all molded separately in translucent green plastic) sitting inside. Height 11”. Contains: Doombuggy, metal rod extending to base, base, doombuggy door, metal lap bar, Ezra, Gus, and Phineas. Note that there is slight damage to the front right of the doombuggy door which has been repainted, a slight crack, and further damage inside the door (not visible when assembled). When one of these rarely comes up for sale, it is mistakenly referred to as a prototype for a proposed Disney collectible.


Pictures: coyright Disney

Thursday, January 16, 2020

Disneyana Auction at Potter & Potter on February 8 - The Indiana Jones Adventure Lots



Indiana Jones Adventure - or its Tokyo DisneySea's "Crystal Skull" version is one of the most beloved WDI attraction in the world and one of WDI Imagineers greatest achievement. For many, including me, it's may be the best attraction ever created, so today we'll have a look at the auction lots related to the attraction on sale in the great Disneyana auction happening February 8 at Potter & Potter in Chicago, but you can place your bets on line HERE.

Let's start with the lot 159, an Indiana Jones Adventure lot of 11 WDI presentation mockups for Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland. One piece of original pencil art and the rest are laser copies used by WDI for their presentations to management for selection and approval of final art or attraction scenes to be created. Most of these images have never been reproduced elsewhere. Six boards of laser copy mockups (in black and white and color) of proposals for commemorative passports in 1995. 15 x 20” each. One piece of original pencil art on tracing paper for commemorative passport (Unknown artist). 15 x 20”. One color mock up (laser copy) of poster or brochure for new Indiana Jones Adventure. ( below ) 18 x 24”. One color concept art (laser copy) of scene inside giant skull as passengers come upon the wraith. 14 x 18 ½”. One color concept art (laser copy) of interior queue of Tokyo DisneySea Temple of the Crystal Skull ( below ). 14 x 19. One color concept art (laser copy) for poster art for Tokyo DisneySea Temple of the Crystal Skull. ( above ) 23 x 16 ½”. All items were purchased from Disney.






Talking about concept-arts, the lot 83 is two Indiana Jones Adventure famous concept arts lithographs. One signed by Artist Chuck Ballew 1/6/95 in gold marker. Both dated 1993. Signed litho measures 22 x 28”; unsigned copy 22 x 26”.





The lot 74 is a lot of 17 blueprints for the Indiana Jones Adventure attraction at Disneyland, and this one has something exceptional, i'm going to explain you why. The description says: . Dated 1992 and various similar dates, this is a set of blue prints used by Walt Disney Imagineering in the creation of The Indiana Jones Adventure. All show handling, small folds, and edge wear as used onsite for production of the ride. Handwritten notes by lead Imagineer on many sheets. Thirteen black and white plans, 20 x 26”. Four blue line plans 22 x 28”.



Now, i did a bit of research to learn more about these blueprints as some shown in the lot pictures are showing scenes or elements which are NOT in the Disneyland Indiana Jones Adventure ride - not to mention the blueprint showing the mine car which was finally not built at Disneyland but at DLP Adventureland. So, here it is:
When working on the design of the Indy attraction, Imagineers built out a track in Valencia, Cal. The track was in operation for 18 months and it was where all the ideas for the ride system were tried and tested. It was about half the length of the finished ride. The vehicles went around twice and different show elements were activated on each pass, and this gave a reasonable impression of the whole ride/show and helped the Imagineers to got a good feeling for how things like the rolling ball would work. There were a lot of things tried in Valencia that didn't work but that test track was designed about 1991 or so and was built primarily for the engineers to work out the ride system.

These drawings / blueprints up for auction are the actual working drawings for the troop transport test track built in Valencia. And this is a rare find since this test track was built, ran, and then demolished in a span of 2 years. The basics for this track were worked out at WDI's Tujunga facility where you can see testing in "The Imagineering Story” documentary. To go from the flimsy Tujunga prototype to a reliable ride system required a full concrete and steel undulating track and an actual ride vehicle to be manufactured. The primary objective was to prove it could run constantly for months without insurmountable operational problems. These are actual blueprints of that short lived ride.

As for other show indications on these drawings, they were suggestions of what Imagineers "might" try to do. Things were tried and abandoned as the vehicle made lengthy endurance tests. On this layout we did have show input to include a steep incline and sharp drop, plus left and right turns at the maximum the engineers would allow. This let Imagineers worked out a lots of staging and motion enhancement effects designed to put the passengers directly into the action.









Now, let's have a look to the Indy's collector's items and let's start by the Lot 590, the Indiana Jones Opening Event Imagineering/VIP/Media Gift Box. Cardboard box with faux rubber stamping on exterior. Contains opening day t-shirt tied into a cobra; Passport; Indiana Jones Sneak Peek Disneyland Passport Feb.21, 1995; Press credential with Mara decoder and event itinerary on the back, Temple of the Forbidden Eye Press Pass (Excavation site), 3 AT&T Mara Alphabet decoder cards (all 3 versions: Mara, Jeep on Bridge, and Cobra), large red “Cast Premier” button, 2 press gifts: small metal temple and metal paper weight. ( the auction include another one, non-Imagineering opening event gift box )




Next is the Lot 582, a great Indiana Jones Temple of the Forbidden Eye Souvenir Map. Sold in 1995 when the attraction was new, this beautiful full color map of the interior of the ride measures 22 x 18”.




Highly collectible is the Lot 589, Indiana Jones Adventure Opening Crew Temple Sculpture. Heavy cast metal sculpture of the Temple of the Forbidden Eye on a marble base with metal plaque which reads “Opening Crew, March 3, 1995.” 4 inches tall. 6 x 6 x 3”.



...or this Lot 591, an Indiana Jones 10th Anniversary Event Temple Figurine. This 12” tall highly-detailed reproduction of the Temple of Mara (6” diameter at base) was sold at the 10th anniversary event. Limited edition of 300.



Even more collectible this Lot 577, a Rare Indiana Jones Adventure Imagineering Exclusive Plaque. Resin plaque given to Imagineers who worked on the creation of Indiana Jones Adventure. Measures 22 x 13”, gold colored, and depicts in three dimensions one of the friezes of Mara inside the ride. Felt on the back with MAPO label.


Incredibly detailed is this Lot 593, Indiana Jones 10th Anniversary Event Obelisk. Sold by RSP at event, it's the reproduction of the obelisk found in the queue, 10” tall, heavy resin, highly detailed, Limited edition of 300.


How cool is this Lot 594, an Indiana Jones 10th Anniversary Event Resin Clock! Limited edition clock from the Indiana Jones 10th Anniversary Event, ltd to 200. Heavy resign with working clock.


The Lot 592 is an Indiana Jones 10th Anniversary Event Mara Water Globe. Illuminated water globe of Mara, large and heavy measuring. Edition of 300. Measures 10 x 7 x 7”.



The Lot 583, is a cool Indiana Jones 10th Anniversary Event Pocket Watch and Compass Set in Box. Wooden Box with imprinted lid containing a pocket watch and compass with Mara lid sold at the event. Fancy box with velvet interior Mara Alphabet Gold stamped inside the lid.



And a fun item to end with this Lot 566, a Children’s Mara Mask Indiana Jones Adventure Opening. Cardboard mask, possibly given to children dining at the Blue Bayou, during the opening period of the Indiana Jones Attraction at Disneyland. The mask portrays Mara and features lenses which add colored shadows to whatever is viewed through them. Measures 16 x 6”.





Pictures: copyright Disney

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

Fantastic Disneyana Auction at Potter & Potter on February 8 - Part Two: Haunted Mansion Artworks



A fantastic Disneyana auction featuring Disney collectibles gathered from the famed theme parks around the globe will happen at Potter and Potter Auctions on February 8. The auction includes hundred of lots including rare attraction posters, costumes & cast-members uniforms, parks signage, original drawings, blueprints, animation art, park maps & memorabilia, and much more. Previews will be held in Potter and Potter gallery in Chicago February 6—7, 10—5pm, and Disney and more will do a series of articles to preview for you the not-to-be missed lots! You can see the full items of the auction on line on the Potter & Potter website HERE.

Today's article is about the auction lots related to artworks for the Haunted Mansion, precious with this Lot 205: Marc Davis Art of the Haunted Mansion signed six giclee set. Done for first Haunted Mansion Event in 1999. Limited to 10 sets, of which this is number 1. Enormous Rosewood box with hinged lid and brass fittings. Lid serves as a frame with a beveled glass front. Each lithograph can be inserted between the lid and glass for Display. Lithographs are: 1. Corridor of Portraits, 2. The Ghostly Organist, 3. Bat in Cage, 4. Hitchhiking Ghosts, 5. Grand Ballroom, 6. Ghostly Knight. All are individually signed by Marc Davis and numbered 1/10. Includes ribbon pulls and white gloves, plus COA. Weight 16 pounds. Estimate: $2,000 - $4,000














Now, don't go away as there is more Haunted Mansion artworks and the Lot 200 is an enormous lot of 18 Haunted Mansion concept art from Disney’s print on demand system, most approx. 36 x 27”, some smaller. Many iconic images by Marc Davis, Claude Coats, Ken Anderson, Sam McKim, and others all reproduced in bright colors! Images no longer available from Disney. Estimate: $300 - $600




























One last Marc Davis signed artwork with the Lot 79: Disney Gallery signed Marc Davis Stretching Room Portraits lithograph. No. 267/300. The Disney Gallery logo is blind stamped on the paper. Boldly signed by Marc Davis. Excellent condition. 24 x 32”. Disney Gallery signed Marc Davis Stretching Room Portraits lithograph. Estimate: $300 - $600.



See you soon for another article about this fantastic Disneyana auction, again you can see the full items of the auction on line on the Potter & Potter website HERE.

Artworks: copyright Disney