Disney 20Q Game

I came across this fun game about mind reading by Disney called "20Q!" I'll add more as I play it later. In the meantime, give it a try...Play Disney 20Q It got me on my first try and predicted I was thinking about Stitch! Got me on my second try when I was thinking about Lightning, and even on my third attempt when I thought about Mater!!! It is addictive and fun. All you Cars lovers see if you think about Cars characters and it pegs them or not! Have fun!!

http://carsdiecasttoys.blogspot.com/

Disney/Pixar Cars Motor Speedway of the South Set

Finally, Hotwheelscollectors.com put up a "Sneak Peak" of the Cars Motor Speedway of the South Set for their Red Line Club members. You have to be a Red Line Club member to be eligible to purchase this set. It is expected to be released next month, May 2008. I've cropped and sharpened the pictures so you can see the most detail. I've discussed the Red Line Club in the past, and you can find out more about joining at this link HotWheelsCollectors.com

The Disney/Pixar Cars Motor Speedway of the South set

The Thirty-Six (36) Piston Cup Racers Ready to Start the Race!


Each Piston Cup Racer's Number and Sponsor's Colors

The long awaited set contains many of the recognizable characters you've likely purchased long ago...Lightning McQueen, The King, Chick Hicks, Leakless, Nitroade, RPM 64 and Dale Earnhardt Junior. It features a few that have been in limited release such as Octaine Gain and Vinyl Toupee in a Target Set, and the Movie Moments pair Tow Cap and Gasprin. Five of the unreleased Cars have been put up with the Sneak Peak! The long awaited Apple Car, along with Faux Wheel Drive, Transberry Juice, Sputter Stop and the limited release Vinyl Toupee. As always, they look incredible!

Do you realize the Apple Car's number 84 was the year the famous Apple TV ad referencing George Orwell's novel "Nineteen Eighty-Four," came out? It was directed by one of my all time favorite directors...Ridley Scott! You may know some of his films...Alien, Blade Runner, Thelma & Louise and Gladiator! The famed ad heralded the launch of Apple's Macintosh. Funny how I've been a life-long fan of Apple, Ridley Scott and Pixar. They all stand for quality! Take a look at the famed ad below.

Faux Wheel Drive doesn't look too happy does he?

Transberry Juice sounds good enough for breakfast!

Sputter Stop looks like a relative of Chick Hicks!


Vinyl Toupee is one of the most unique Cars!

Writing this article has been fun. I hope you enjoyed it, and I'll certainly let you know when more information about the Motor Speedway of the South set is out. Hopefully, HotWheelCollectors.com will have a release date and cost soon. I'm certainly looking forward to adding this set to my collection.

http://carsdiecasttoys.blogspot.com/

Scrooge is Giving you a Break!

Isn't it a relief to get your taxes off your back?! I know it is for me! DisneyShopping.com is giving you $15 off a $60 purchase or more for just 2 days. They know you want to blow some of that refund on something you really want!

I'll keep posting any discounts or deals I find that involve Disney/Pixar Cars merchandise. If you find anything to share with others, let me know and I'll add it to the list.

http://carsdiecasttoys.blogspot.com/

You Don't Have to Be an Artist or Computer Whiz!

Got an email from a reader who feels like some others of you may feel about the contest. He thought he needs to be a computer whiz and you don't. To clarify how simple the contest is for all, your entry can simply say, "The sponsor I made up is called CV Boots, we fit anyone!" "My color Scheme is purple and yellow with whatever." Obviously, the more you can help us visualize your idea the better. So, have fun with it and don't worry, be happy!

http://carsdiecasttoys.blogspot.com/

Contest: Create a Fictional Disney/Pixar Cars Race Car!

Cars collectors can name many of the fun and unique Piston Cup Racers! Vinyl Toupee, Leak Less, Nitroade, Tach-O-Mint, Octane Gain & Gasprin to name a few. I love the cleverness in relating human things to the World of Cars..."Leak Less Adult Drip Pans," for example! So, I'm sponsoring a fun contest here at Alternator Valley! It's very simple and can showcase your creativity! Come up with a Sponsor Name, and a Design for a NEW Disney/Pixar Cars Piston Cup Race Car! A graphic of your design isn't a must, but would certainly be a cool addition. I'll award the Top Three entries prizes and forward them to John Lasseter himself.

There must be at least 20 entries for me to award the three prizes. If not, there will be just one First Place winner, and in this case, at least 10 entries must be submitted to judge from for the contest to proceed. Don't enter just because of the prize, but for the fun of doing it. The prizes will be some sort of Cars item, and may be tough to get, or may be quite easy to get. They'll be revealed once the contest is over.

To enter: Only 1 entry per person. Supply one Original fictitious Sponsor Name and Car Design, your name and mailing address, and your phone and e-mail. Your personal information will not be given out, or used for any purpose other than to verify your entry, and notify if you are a winner. Please, e-mail your entry to CarsDiecastToys@cfl.rr.com in a Jpeg or PDF format if you are submitting a graphic image. If you are only submitting text, simply type your entry info into an e-mail and submit. I have a Mac and can't open PC formatted documents. If a large number (20+) of entries are submitted, then you will decide the winner through a vote. If a small number (10-) of entries are received, then I'll be the sole judge. So, let's see a ton of unique and creative entries! All entries give me the right to publish and exhibit without license or fees. I reserve the right to dissallow or disqualify any entry for any reason I see fit. The deadline for submission will be Midnight, April 24, 2008, E.S.T. Since there are readers from around the globe, all are welcome to enter! This contest is not affiliated with or sponsored by Disney/Pixar.

Have Fun and Good Luck!

http://carsdiecasttoys.blogspot.com/

Cars 2 taking the Old Route 66 to Theatres

Speculation about a Cars sequel has been laid to rest. Pixar announced their slate of films for the next four years. The last to be mentioned was Cars 2. I posted a poll as to which sequel would be announced first, and the majority of you were correct by choosing Cars! I really believe this is due to the overwhelming success of the die cast toy line, and the fact that the film is truly beloved by the public. I think the press wanted to knock Pixar off the mountain, as the "King of the Hill" when the film came out in 2006. You could feel the world seemingly wanting the movie to fail in some way, and that people were hyper-critical about the film when it wasn't warranted. All I've seen since it came out on DVD is that this movie is becoming entrenched as a super fan favorite! I know I love the film. I've watched it over and over far more than some of the other wonderful Pixar films.

So, does this mean I have to go on a toy quest for the next 6 to 8 years?! Heck, we fans will be the sole cause for keeping Wal-Mart, Target, KB Toys and Ebay in the "Black!" You think your house is full of toys and getting out of hand, have you seen John Lasseter's office?! John will have to ask for a new 10,000 square foot office with display shelves, an extra assistant to keep his collection dusted, and a guard to keep people from swiping things!! That's why the movie is coming out in four years instead of two! To give them enough time to build him that new office with all the accoutrements! ;-)

Just think...I'll have another 6 to 8 years to write my blog, we can all run around like a bunch of nuts looking for toys, and we can keep Larry the Cable Guy from falling into oblivion! I can't wait! Can you?

http://carsdiecasttoys.blogspot.com/

Japanese McQueen and Cars Lanyard

I haven't written in a while, and I appreciate you visiting "Alternator Valley" often. I'm not one to write, just to write something. I liken publishing my blog to speaking...do it when you have something pertinent to say. This way people want to read what is published.

Things have been quiet on the Cars front. Over the last month or so, there hasn't been much to talk about. There haven't been any New releases, no New accessories and nothing to report that has been Newsworthy. I've been trying to get a comment from Disney Legal so I can finish my long-delayed Customs vs. Counterfeits article. So, today I decided to tell you about a Few of My Favorite Things!

The first is the talking die-cast McQueen from Japan! I remember when I bought this cool toy thinking the Japanese woman was probably mistaken about it being die-cast. I had never heard of a small die-cast toy having audio capabilities. I couldn't wait to get it to see what the heck I actually purchased. When I received it, I was blown away at how cool it was! Not only was this a 1:55th scale Lightning McQueen, but he indeed says things in Japanese! You push down on his back and he says, "Kachow!" He says something else in Japanese, and also revs his engine! He proudly sits parked on my desk. I highly suggest you get one if you can. He's one of my favorite Cars things!

The second is my Disney Cast Member Cars Lanyard. A friend got me this cool lanyard before the film came out in 2006. It is the Cars Logo with an interesting historical fact on it...it says, "Disney presents a Pixar film." It was made before the merger of the two companies. You won't see a lot of these around, but if you're a fan, you may want to add one to your collection. This Cars Lanyard is one of my favorite things!

http://carsdiecasttoys.blogspot.com/

Toy Fair 2008 - Cars Die Cast Toy Preview

The Toy Fair is always fun because we get to see the coolest, newest toys that will be released! I can't personally wait to get the newest Cars! The lost tourist "Van" looks fantastic, and one I can't wait to get!

You have to get a kick out of "Barbed Wire McQueen!" One reason this line has been so popular is due to the fantastic detail in the toys. This one is hilarious, and brings you right back to the scene in the movie.


I hope Mattel makes more play sets, because can't you just see a cool set for the big Piston Cup Championship?! I eventually want to build the whole town like a train set. Walt Disney loved trains, and he built the ultimate train set in his backyard.


You know we're going to have a few more years of collecting when they even make a "Crashed The King!" At least if your kid beats up this one, you'll never be able to tell the difference.

Which ones are your favorite? There are so many more I can't wait to see come out. The two I'm looking forward to the most are Jay Limo and Elvis the RV! Who knows what else they'll be cooking up. Whatever it may be, you can be sure I'll write about it here at Alternator Valley!

http://carsdiecasttoys.blogspot.com/

Uncle Walt Saw the Power of TV Resolution 3

If after contacting Disney via letter and phone, we get no reasonable resolution, I'd suggest we contact local Network Affiliates and talk to their Consumer Reporters. They should be a last resort because they're typically more apt to help once you've exhausted other avenues. They usually get results at this point because they have a long list of facts to present a company with. You may have to call a number of times and give them an important reason to look into things for you. Just saying you're upset won't get you a call back. The story and effort has to be interesting to the station and the viewers.

If the Consumer Reporter decides to interview you, have all your ducks in a row.

1. Have a printed copy of your order confirmation.
2. Proof you didn't receive the Blu-Ray McQueen in the form of a printed copy of the e-mail from Disney stating your order wouldn't be filled, or a copy from the BVHE Processessing Site showing the status of your order as being "In Process."
3. The Cars Blu-Ray disk with the Redemption Code insert.
4. A copy of any further letters or e-mails from Disney refusing to do anything more than offer a DVD.
5. A picture of the Blu-Ray McQueen car.
6. Copies of posts showing people were erroneously sent numerous toys that didn't order them, thus creating the shortage and Disney's fault in fulfillment.

Stay calm and simply state your disappointment in Disney's resolution to their obvious fulfillment failure. Point out you had to purchase the Cars Blu-Ray disk, join Disney Movie Rewards, and order the die cast McQueen by paying $3.50 for Shipping and Handling. Make the fervent point that you received a CONFIRMED ORDER. Disney didn't deny your order or say that supplies had run out. Wrap up by saying the resolution of a DVD you'd have to pay for is less than adequate and an insult. Give your opinion as to a reasonable resolution and thank the reporter. Then, we see where it goes from there.

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