New Cars Race Case Launcher!

A new Cars accessory hit me in the face at Walmart yesterday! It's the first time I've seen this NEW Cars Race Case Launcher! It can hold up to 10 of your favorite die-cast Cars. It reminds me of the old "See and Say" toy for little kids. It is in the shape of a tire and has Lightyear printed on the side. It comes with a die-cast Snot Rod to get you started if you haven't got any of the Cars die-cast toys (Yeah Right!).

It opens to allow you to store your Cars as a carrying case. Then, when you are in the mood to play with them, you can launch them at your cat! Simply take aim and give the launch wheel a turn to shoot one out! Ka-Chow!

It retails for $14.94 at good old Walmart. It is a very cool accesory I'm sure most Cars collectors will want to add to their collection!

My cat Hobie likes to whack at my loose Cars, so I'll let you know how he acts once I launch them at him.

http://carsdiecasttoys.blogspot.com/

Cars Special Event Addendum

I got a call from Disney World Corporate today. They told me the manager I had urged you to write had received "Several" e-mails and calls about holding such an event. I was kindly asked to give you a different e-mail address to convey your interest in having them hold a Cars Special Merchandise Event. This is to better sort the calls and direct them to the managers. Make your fervent interest to attend and purchase Limited Edition merchandise at a Cars Special Merchandise Event in 2008 known to the Disney folks. Send your e-mail to WDW.Guest.Communications@DisneyWorld.com. This is the Guest Correspondence management team who will answer your comments and direct them to the Merchandise Operations Managers who can make a Cars Special Event happen.

If you've already taken action, I thank you! If you want this to happen, then do your part and write an e-mail to Disney now. As always, if I hear any news, I'll post it here on Alternator Valley!

COMING SOON! "Customs - Counterfeits & Copyright Infringement"

http://carsdiecasttoys.blogspot.com/

The One of a Kind Case Sold for...

A lot of discussion has gone on about this One of a kind display case and die-cast Cars that were auctioned off for the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation back on October 27, 2007. This auction was the motivation for my starting this blog because of the Dinoco Blu Ray Deco McQueen promotion described in the auction literature! Since that time, the number one question has been, "How much did the Case go for?" Well, I contacted Rolla Bedford the Program Manager and she told me the "Dream Halloween Disney/Pixar Cars Display Case" was auctioned off for $13,000! I didn't ask who purchased it. I had considered bidding for it, and can tell you I would have been outbid!

The organization is a worthwhile one and I encourage you to learn more. Their site can be viewed at www.caaf4kids.org

http://carsdiecasttoys.blogspot.com/

Disney Cars Special Merchandise Event

You love Pixar's Cars movie, you collect the die-cast toys, and love the various characters. Would you like to attend a "Cars Special Merchandise Event" at Disney World? How about having the opportunity to purchase numerous Limited Edition Cars die-cast toys made only for such an event? It just might happen if you show your interest!

In September, I attended an annual Disney pin trading event at Epcot. I stopped and talked to two of the managers who oversee the creation of special event merchandise. I enthusiastically told them they needed to do a "Cars" special event. I mentioned how crazy the collecting of the die-cast toys was out of control and that they must do a Special Event! I was told they had heard this from a number of people.

During the event, I also spoke to the manager of the Special Events Department. She told me the minimum order Mattel would make was 2000 pieces. I assured her that she could easily sell out an edition of 2000 with numerous designs!

I just came back from a Special Event Cruise aboard the Disney Wonder. While aboard, I once again chatted with the same Special Events manager about the prospects of such an event. She told me she spoke to one of the merchandise managers I spoke with, and that they were busy with other things at the moment. I continued to impress upon her how much they really need to do such an event while Cars is hot.


So, here's what I propose so WE can make this become a reality...

1. First, if you would be excited about such an event, and would pay (typically the events cost $75 to $150 per person) to attend such an event, then please post a comment to this blog about your desire to see Disney do a Cars Special Merchandise Event in 2008. Hundreds of comments would be powerful! Don't just read, please post a comment! Disney people read blogs like this.
2. Second, I'd STRONGLY advise you to write an e-mail that conveys your enthusiasm and joy in collecting Cars die-cast toys! Make your fervent interest to attend and purchase Limited Edition merchandise at a Cars Special Merchandise Event in 2008 known to the Disney folks. Send your e-mail to WDW.Guest.Communications@DisneyWorld.com. This is the Guest Correspondence management team who will answer your comments and direct them to the Merchandise Operations Managers who can make a Cars Special Event happen.
   
3. Finally, urge your Cars Collecting friends and family to do the first two things as well. Typically, Disney Special Events have 500 to 1200 people attend. If we have 1000 to 2000 people voicing interest, it will show them there is a very strong demand, and that will hopefully motivate them to act on such an event!

I will publish anything I find out about this becoming a reality. I often see and talk to the people at Disney who can make this come to fruition! Until then, Ka-Chow!

http://carsdiecasttoys.blogspot.com/

Cars Diecast 2006 Factory Sealed Set

Have you heard about the Red Line Club? No, it is not a club of tough guys who draw a line in the sand and dare you to cross it. It is an online club that is part of HotWheelsCollectors.com where you can purchase Limited Edition die cast cars. Why am I bringing this up? Because just yesterday, I used my new RLC (Red Line Club) membership to buy this 2006 Pixar Cars Factory Sealed Set.

Yes, you do have to have a Red Line Club membership in order to be able to try to purchase sets such as this. The membership costs $29.94 and ONLY gives you the opportunity, not the guarantee to buy Special Sets. You do get a few things for your $29.94...a Membership Card, a Membership Pin, and an Exclusive Die cast Car. Another drawback is that your membership is only good until the end of the calender year. So, if you did as I did, and bought your membership in November, it is only good until December 31st. If a set comes out in January that I'd like to have, I'll have to renew my membership in January for 2008.

The world of collecting is hidden with loads of treasure! There are web sites that cater to the specific item you collect, manufacturers who have special offers, blogs like this one, special events and more! The thing is finding these gems, and knowing how to use them to advance your collecting! I'm a real strategist, and believe me, if you want to obtain the rarer and more sought after collectible, you must learn how to get a leg up on the competition. Competition? Yes! You are in competition to buy stuff. You're competing with the mom who's trying to buy a Cars toy for her 7 year old, the forty-something guy who collects die cast Cars, the Ebay seller trying to corner the market on the newest release, and even Mattel's distribution of the product! So, I'm going to discuss using the Red Line Club and what my experience yesterday taught me. Why would you give away your secrets? Because, in the world of collecting, networking and helping each other helps you get what you want. If I impart help to you, hopefully, you'll in turn help me someday.

The way I approached purchasing this Cars Factory Set was very methodical. First, I called the Customer Service line (1-800-858-0102 Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Central Time) and asked the woman to give me any advice that would increase my chances of getting the set. She told me to have my account setup to "Use Express Checkout." This is where you'll enter your credit card and leave it on file to expedite checking out. This way you don't have to waste time entering your card each time you place an order, and therefore increase your chances of getting the item quickly. Second, I asked her if the site was intuitive and would show me how to clearly proceed. I wasn't about to fumble around trying to find my way. Third, I signed in and out of my account a number of times to make sure everything was working properly. Fourth, I synchronized my computer clock with the site's countdown clock. I wanted to be dead on with the opening of the sale. Finally, I signed on about 10 minutes early and starting clicking the refresh button. At the appointed time of 12 noon E.S.T. I was able to add the set to my cart. It took about 15 seconds to go to the next window once I clicked on Checkout. Then, it showed the item and asked if everything was correct. Now, here's an interesting item to note...I asked the Customer Service woman if you could purchase multiple items and she told me NO. When you get to the confirmation page it looks as if it allows you to change the quantity. So, it appears I could have indeed purchased multiple sets. The reader who added a comment indicates you can not change the quantity. The only way to make multiple purchases is to have multiple accounts. At least this gives all a fair chance to obtain a set. This is why you need to check and recheck what reps of companies tell you. I guarantee that most of the time, the front line people don't have a clue what's going on. I'd listen to a respected collector, before I'd take what the people answering the phone say as gospel. Serious collectors know what's going down.

My experience was rather smooth and quick. It only took about 2 minutes to complete my order. I'm of course happy, because I was able to obtain a set. The set took about two and a half hours to sell out. It was reasonably priced and nicely packaged. I look forward to receiving it, and am as excited as a kid!

http://carsdiecasttoys.blogspot.com/

A Pixar Double Feature of Class

In October of 2002, I attended a special pass holder event at Disneyland to celebrate the Grand Opening of A Bug's Land at Disney's California Adventure. The evening was fun, the food was great, and the rides brought out the kid in everyone! We entered the "It's Tough to Be a Bug" attraction for a special showing of the multi-media show. Suddenly, the evening was capped off with a trio of unexpected guests...John Lasseter, Joe Ranft (Heimlich), and Michael Mc Shane (voice of Tuck and Roll)!

I was truly excited to see who I believe is the Spielberg of modern day animation, John Lasseter! There were only about 200 people in attendance and John was glad to take questions from the audience. I asked about the paper airplane contest I saw in the Special Features of Monsters Inc. He was amused and appreciated my off-beat question. John concluded the Q & A, and the three joined us to watch the show.

After the show, I happened to be walking by John and Joe and struck up a conversation with them as we exited the auditorium. We got outside and kept chatting. We talked about all sorts of things from the event to working at Pixar. Both were humble, genuine and engaging. I could tell John was grateful for the praise and admiration those in attendance gave him. I'm sure it was a highlight of his career, to have something he helped create, become a major attraction at Disneyland! I never ask for autographs, but felt compelled to ask John to personalize a special pin I was given at the event. He asked a Disney Suit to get him a sharpie, and gladly signed the pin for me. My friend took this picture of John and I on her phone's camera (thus the so, so pic).

I'm going to keep this positive and as upbeat as I can. I was truly sad to hear about Joe Ranft's passing. The short time we talked, spoke volumes about his character and being. Joe was very encouraging in response to my saying I had a genuine interest in working for Pixar. He didn't scoff at me when I told him I wasn't an animator or computer graphics wiz. He didn't grow impatient with me as I babbled about not knowing what I'd like to do at Pixar. I could tell he didn't make political, canned remarks to just placate a stupid fan. He struck me as a very gentle, empathetic, and happy person. I'm very glad I had the privilege of meeting and having a memorable conversation with Joe Ranft!

So, what does this have to do with Cars?! Everything! These were the two key people behind the movie, from development to execution. John Directed, while Joe was Assistant Director. And if you didn't know, Joe voiced the Peterbuilt Truck at the beginning of the film who yelled at Lightning when first gets lost on Route 66 and thinks the Peterbuilt is Mack. I'd like to see a die-cast of this truck come out in honor of Joe. Pixar properly dedicated Cars to Joe.

I just wanted to write about meeting these two regular guys. A pair that have inspired me, and entertained millions while keeping their heads on right. I can't wait to see what the projects John is working on at Disneyland will yield. Indications seem to be that he may get to transform the debaucle that is DCA (Disney's California Adventure), into The World of Pixar in five years! He has the passion and vision. Now, let's hope the Disney Board stays out of his way like Jobs and Catmul did while they were independant.

http://carsdiecasttoys.blogspot.com/

Scoop on Rangsberg Blu-Ray Mc Queen

I had to launch this Blog on the day I verified a big story. The release of a Special Edition Dinoco Blu Ray Deco McQueen! Back on October 23rd I became aware of an auction for the Children Affected by Aids Foundation. I was interested in this incredible display case for the Cars Diecast Toys I've been collecting since June of last year.

I called the organization and spoke to Rolla Bedford, the program manager, about making a call in bid. She was happy to answer any questions I had, and e-mailed me pictures of the items and their descriptions on October 24th.

I read through the Cars information and came across a very interesting paragraph I've bolded below in blue!

It said, "Dream Halloween Disney/Pixar Cars Display Case: This one of a kind Cars display case holds 70 plus cars. Two smaller characters can fit in one space if need be. This case also includes a ONE OF KIND Dinoco Lightning McQueen vehicle that never was produced and is extremely rare! The case is designed to replicate the "Welcome to Radiator Springs" sign which borders the town as you enter it. This case features a one of a kind Aluminum Billet Cars logo that is 18" wide by 12" high. The case is also lit from above with 3 LED lights that illuminate the characters within the case. It can be wall mounted or stand alone as well. It is signed by Pixar founder/creator John Lasseter.

Blu Ray DVD Exclusive Mail In CAR: Disney/ Pixar ordered 15K to offer the consumers the option to mail in and receive this special Dinoco Blu Ray Deco McQueen. It is a double Rangsburg Blue Metallic.

Red Rangsburg McQueen: Only 50 were produced and distributed at the Offsite Brainstorm held at Palm Springs earlier this month. Never sold to the public.

The case will contain the second production pilot sample of “Not Chuck Rusteze Pitty”. The first sample was given to John Lasseter for review earlier this week. Not Chuck is scheduled to be released on shelf in December.

Lastly, the Security SUV, Richard Clayton Kensington, Piston Cup Tow Truck, Pit Crew Guido, and Pit Crew Ramone are not on shelf yet.

Minimum Bid - $3,000"

I immediately wanted to know if indeed, this Rangsberg Blue Mc Queen would be available if I purchased the Cars Blu-Ray Disk! I made a call to Mattel and got nowhere. I called Disneyland to try to track down a person in the know and got nowhere. I called Disney Corporate and got nowhere. I called the Disney DVD division and got nowhere. Finally, I called back and spoke to Ms. Bedford and asked her if she knew anything more than the description and she didn't. I called back Disney DVD the next day and pressured the same woman I spoke to the previous day to get me an answer. Finally, she came back to tell me it was going to be a Disney Movie Rewards promotion and would be inside the Cars Blu-Ray package! I wasn't satisfied with the answer and called the Disney Movie Rewards Customer Care number 866-246-8646. After speaking with a frontline lady, I asked for a supervisor. She listened to me and promised to get me an answer. She called me at the end of the business day and confirmed that yes, a promotion to get a diecast Dinoco Blu Ray Deco McQueen was going to be available on Disney Movie Rewards once the BlueRay disk was released on November 6th!

I waited patiently, and kept quiet so I wouldn't make a fool of myself, or give something away I shouldn't by telling people about this supposed promotion. Finally, at midnight on November 6, 2007, I bought the Cars Blu-Ray Disk at Walmart and rushed home to open it! Once home, I opened it, logged onto http://DisneyMovieRewards.com and saw a pic of that beautiful Rangsberg Blue Deco Mc Queen! I messed around with technical problems the site was having and finally ordered my coveted blue baby! From the auction description, it appears this is a Limited Edition of just 15,000! So, if you're reading this, get over to a store and get your Cars Blu-Ray DVD and order this special edtion diecast before he's gone! Ka-Chow!

http://carsdiecasttoys.blogspot.com/