Disney Pixar Cars - Matty May Meet a Mob

The San Diego Comic-Con is just over four months away. Mattel will once again be a major exhibitor and offer a great Cars Exclusive! Thousands will attend. Many will be angry Cars fans who will want to kick Matty upside his big head. Why? Because at last year's Comic-Con, Mattel unveiled MattyCollector.com and claimed, "Here you will find the latest release information, sneak peek pics, official news, product archives (aka a glimpse at my personal Mattel toy collection) and of course MATTY’S STORE where you can buy exclusive products unavailable anywhere else." I was told MattyCollector was going to release one Cars exclusive about every other month. Eight months have passed, and not one single Cars exclusive has been released.

I advise Matty to watch his back if he shows up at Comic-Con. It may even be wise for him to have the Toy Guru and the Gleek by his side as his bodyguards. Matty has simply not produced for Cars collectors. He hasn't kept his promises like a slimey politician who'll say anything to get elected! He's lost credibility and shouldn't get a bonus from Mattel, he should get that smirk off his big goofy face, and he should run like hell when the angry mob spots him!

I can see him facing the angry townsfolk of Alternator Valley as they chase him down with pitchforks and torches like poor old Frankenstein! They'll pursue him through the aisles of Comic-Con. As they chase him past Hasbro's booth, they'll pillage all their displays and shanghai their followers. They'll stop by Disney's booth and borrow Captain Jack's crew for reinforcements. They'll kick over the refreshment stand because the food is overpriced and tastes like crap.


Finally, they'll chase Matty to the top of the convention center like the Frankenstein Monster! Attendees won't know if he's just a weirdo dressed up to enter the "Costume Ball," or it is a publicity stunt to promote the convention! Hopefully, they won't torch the place like the townsfolk did to the windmill that poor ole Frankie met his fate in! We may be angry as hell, but we're really a fun-loving group with hearts as big as Matty's oversized head!


We can dream, can't we? We can't really run around Comic-con and beat up on a stupid corporate cartoon guy! But hell, who says you can't run around with torches and pitchforks and pillage Hasbro's booth!!

Be part of the mob and Subscribe to Alternator Valley!

http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Disney Pixar Cars - The Mysterious Yellow Tanker and Blue Hauler

I wrote an article on January 11th about the release dates of the Haulers for 2009. At first, the list included two little known names...Yellow Tanker and Blue Hauler. I want to remind all, that I get my Top Secret info directly from undercover agents who have infiltrated the Mattel Design Studio as janitors! ;-) So, sometimes the info gets a bit messed up because they smuggle out documents in the garbage that may have gotten a splotch of ketchup, or a cigarette burn on it. Initially, the list had these two little known trucks on it. Many got excited because of the mystery surrounding these two Haulers. Their names even sounded a bit mysterious...Yellow Tanker and Blue Hauler! You do know what yellow and blue makes? Green! Could they be Chick Hicks parents?!!! We'll have to explore that at another time.

I got confirmation that these two were suddenly off the list, and collectors hopes of meeting these mystery Haulers were dashed! We may have to wait until 2010 until they make their appearance, but because of Scooby from the Netherlands (I believe this is where this secret agent is based), we have surveillance photos of both the Yellow Tanker and Blue Hauler!! So, without further delay, I give you the Yellow Tanker and the Blue Hauler!!

This photo was taken by agent Scooby while
concealed in a tumbleweed by the side of Route 66!


We see the Blue Hauler as he appears to whisper to that car
going by him. Maybe he told him where to find the Jackalope!

We'll have to wait to see where these two are sighted next. I'll report my findings when I get verified info from the janitors!

Tomorrow, I'll show you something special! Subscribe to Alternator Valley to get the latest Cars News First!

http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Disney Pixar Cars - Mack Welcomes You to Alternator Valley

Mack wants to WELCOME all of you from around the world who have recently discovered Alternator Valley! To ALL of our readers...Thank You! We continue to break traffic records and build our community every week! We work extremely hard to bring you the most reliable, accurate, and breaking news about collecting Disney Pixar's Cars on the web. We hope you enjoy the site and all it has to offer!

http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Disney Pixar Cars - You Never Know When You'll Strike Gold

One of my readers shares his story on finding "Treasure" at a Target in Tennessee! You never know what lurks in those caves we call stockrooms!

"I read your stuff all the time! I'm a huge fan of the Disney Cars and thought I would pass along this little story today. I went to a small town, Collerville, Tennessee, and visited the Target store. I thought just maybe they had gotten in some new stuff. I looked, and of course all the new Cars had been picked over. As I was turning away an employee asked if I needed any help. I told her I was too late and that all the new Cars were gone already. She told me to hold on for a minute. She was the warehouse supervisor and they were cleaning out the stockroom. She came back rolling a basket with some Cars stuff. I got all excited that I was going to find some new Cars! None! As she left, I opened a box with a few Cars that were left in it. I thought I was in another world...I found 12 original Desert Back cards in mint condition! Filmore with one L, Sarge, DJ, Doc Hudson, Chick Hick, Leakless etc. Wow what a find...and a Bonus 1 Chick Hick Hauler! I just thought I would share this as you never know what is out there. Thanks for your time, and thanks for the great articles!" David S.

http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Disney Pixar Cars - Stitch is a Cars Fan too!

I'm a fan of Disney Pixar Cars and equally a huge fan of Stitch! So, like a Reese's Cup, we have two great things that go great together...Cars and Stitch! Here's a great picture of Stitch wearing his Cars racing gear, along with Lightning McQueen. This is a unique photo taken by my friend Julie Flores who writes a blog you should checkout called Stitch's Adventure Club! Stitch and Julie collect Cars die cast toys and are loyal readers of Alternator Valley.

Julie and Stitch travel and meet all kinds of famous people like Jamie Lee Curtis, Barbara Walters, to Michael Phelps. Then, Julie take photos of Stitch dressed in his finest adoring fan's garb. So, you'll see Stitch dressed to mirror his famous counterpart and read about his adventures.

Julie, don't forget to tell Stitch's cousins about Alternator Valley ! ;-)

Coming Soon: A Very Special Sneak Peak!

http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Alternator Valley's New Logo Is Nearly Done

Does this ROCK or what!! It is nearly finished, and I wanted to let you all see how cool it is! Almost looks like Neon doesn't it? It will look super cool on a Black T-Shirt! This is what happens when talent the likes of Martin Arriola and Mark Mc Intyre work their magic. I'm honored that they are my friends, and have done such great work for Alternator Valley!

Coming In The Next Few Days: A Very Special Sneak Peak!

http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Alternator Valley's New Original Logo

Unveiling for the first time...Alternator Valley's New Original logo! Here's your first look at it in its clean, rough form! Designed by my friend Martin Arriola, Mattel Senior Manager of Product Design! Martin is also a fine artist who creates Original Paintings in Oil, Pastel and Watercolor. I urge you to learn more about Martin's art at this link...MartinArriola.com

The final cleaned up version will be done at the start of the year. Another talented friend of mine, Mark Mc Intyre, is a former Disney Design Group artist and one of the co-founders of Hitch Critters. Check out his cool animated hitch ball covers at this link...HitchCritters.com

Our logo as been developed to further enhance our identity, and to connect to our loyal readers around the globe! T-Shirts will be available for purchase after the New Year! We may offer other logo emblazoned merchandise as well.

http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Disney Pixar Cars - Luigi & Guido Hallmark Keepsake Ornament 2008

Real news about Cars die cast toys is pretty much stagnant. With this in mind, I figured I'd talk about ancillary Cars items. I went to a Hallmark store last week and looked for this year's Cars ornament. It was Guido and Luigi. It costs $15.00 and honestly, it isn't worth it. It is the same boring scene of them as fans. Why doesn't Disney get that we want Originality!! How many Franks would they have blown out the door if they made him?! I know I would have grabbed one of those up! I know you reading this would have wanted one! Anything but the same damn, old, tired designs!! Are you people in business to sell product or not?! Oh well, expect those stupid ornaments to gather dust and end up being discounted because they won't sell.

http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Disney Pixar Cars - Disney Pixar Monopoly On Clearance At Toys R Us

I dropped by Toys R Us yesterday and found the Monopoly Disney Pixar Special Edition on Clearance for $14.99! It normally sells for $30.00. I remember when I got the First Edition of the game a few years ago and it cost $45.00. If you can get one, I'd strongly advise you to do so! The game is very cool!

The tokens are really fantastic. I will certainly have to take Lightning McQueen! Kachow!! You can also choose from Mr Incredible, Nemo, Sully with Boo, Buzz Lightyear, and Remy. They are all done in pewter.

The game board has some interesting spots...there's Zurg's Planet, Edna Mode's Mansion, and Andy's Room. You better not speed or the Sheriff will fine you $75.00! You may have to draw a Piston Cup card and pay a fine of $50 because gas goes up again!

I plan on building Al's Toy Barns as far as the eye can see! High roll goes first!

http://www.CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Disney Pixar Cars - International Collectors Will Be Happy

Thanksgiving is tomorrow in the United States. I thought I'd write for all of you International Collectors today! I've been told that your issues about getting product will be addressed next year through MattyCollector.com I can't tell you exactly what you'll supposedly be able to buy because it hasn't been totally confirmed. I'll tell you that if Mattel does what they've told me, that you'll be happy! I'd expect to see some developments later in the summer. Matty has been sitting dormant and will hopefully be awakened by then.

http://www.CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Disney Pixar Cars - The Pixar Story by Leslie Iwerks

I just watched Wall•E's Disc 2 feature, "The Pixar Story" by Leslie Iwerks, and it is SUPREMELY INSPIRING! It compelled me to write this article to tell you that this one story alone, makes purchasing the Wall•E 3-DISC Special Edition a MUST!! If you've been a fan of Pixar, John Lasseter, and Steve Jobs, you'll be highly inspired by their passion and triumph in building the animation power house that produced Cars!

The piece documents everything from John's time at CalArts, to his being fired because he was ahead of his time in seeing the potential of computer animation. It endears you to Ed Catmul, who is now head of Disney/Pixar Animation. It takes you on his journey from a being a fan of animation, to working with George Lucas, to being the head of Pixar, and culminating with his position at Disney today! It shows how critical Steve Jobs was in making key entrepreneurial decisions that would move the fledgling company along, and allow the team to do what it had to in order to succeed! You see Joe Ranft and Pete Doctor, Andrew Stanton and Brad Bird, and learn more about them! You are taken through time from the shorts to Cars. It is a superb story by Leslie Iwerks that I bet you'll watch over and over again!

I've been fortunate to meet and talk to John Lasseter and Joe Ranft. I asked Pete Doctor about UP at a press conference at Comic-Con this year! I hope someday soon I'll meet Ed Catmul and Steve Jobs! Maybe get a chance to sit down and chat with Andrew Stanton and Brad Bird some time! I share a passion for what they do, and how they do it! If you want to be inspired, buy Wall•E's 3-DISC Special Edition, pop in Disc 2, and watch "The Pixar Story!!" All I could do was smile, cheer, and shed a tear of happiness for their progress and triumphant success! I hope it touches you in the same way!

http://www.CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Disney Pixar Cars - Where To Buy Them When You Visit Disney World

For all of you who plan on visiting Disney World, I'm going to tell you the reality about finding Cars Die Cast Toys while in Orlando! You'd think that Disney World would have the BEST selection and latest releases, but just the opposite is true. Since Cars came out in June of 2006, Disney World has had a pathetic inventory, and has been months behind the Newest releases. Not only that, but they charge double what you'd pay at Walmart!! Got to love the management decisions at the Mouse House. Whether they have deals with Walmart, Target, Toys R Us, or whoever, we should be able to find the finest selection at Disney World. I think it is stupid that they don't meet the demand! They'll catch on and listen to us once the second movie is out and three years have past. So, where can you find Cars in Orlando while visiting Disney World? I'm going to give you a few locations with addresses where you may get lucky! Here's the list...

Walgreens
12100 South Apopka Vineland Road

Orlando, FL 32836

(407) 238-0600

Walgreens
13502 South Apopka Vineland Road
Orlando, FL 32821

Get Directions(407) 827-1004

Walgreens
12650 International Drive South
Orlando, FL 32821

Get Directions(407) 238-4677






Walmart
8990 Turkey Lake Rd
Orlando, FL 32819

Get Directions(407) 351-4142

Walmart
3250 Vineland Road
Kissimmee, FL 34746

Get Directions(407) 397-1130

Walmart
4311 West Vine Street
Kissimmee, FL 34746
(407) 390-1888





Target
4750 Millenia Plaza Way
Orlando, FL 32839

Get Directions(407) 541-0020

Target
4795 West Irlo Bronson Memorial Parkway
Kissimmee, FL 34746

Get Directions(407) 594-0030

These are locations I've been to and are close to the Disney World Resort. Again, you may find Cars at these locations, and you may not. I've never understood the lack of inventory in Orlando. As a whole, the entire area can be three months behind the Newest Release at times. It is really a matter of dumb luck if you find something highly sought after.

You can try Once Upon A Toy at Downtown Disney, but that's where you'll pay double the normal retail price and likely to find Cars that have been out for a long time. I've yet to find anything at this store. Also, they don't get the items that are store exclusive like the oval carrying case Target carries. Frankly, their selection stinks!

There's one other store on Disney property that may have some of the same poor selection with the same high prices...The World Of Disney, also in Downtown Disney. This huge store is the focal point of Downtown Disney and sells everything. Everything but a good selection of Disney Pixar's Cars! No, I'm not happy with them?! It is ridiculous!

Finally, let's take a ride over to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Here you'll be able to see Mater and Lightning McQueen as full size working Cars! They are part of the "Stars and Motor Cars" Parade! I can tell you that you'll be amazed at the detail in the lifesized versions! They are a highlight of the parade.

After the parade, you can go over to Luigi's Casa Della Tires to hangout, take pictures and see them greet guests! Luigi's is in the back of the studios near Mama Melrose's Italian Restaurant. If you've been to the Studios in the past, Luigi's took the place of Al's Toy Barn. A small supply of Cars toys may be in the Stage 1 Company Store that primarily sells Muppet merchandise.

Have fun while at the "Happiest Place On Earth!" Hopefully, I've given you a few places that you may have some luck finding Cars for your collection. If things change or there's news about Disney Pixar Cars, you can be sure I'll tell you about it here at Alternator Valley!

http://www.CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Disney Pixar Cars - Trading Post Now Open!

The Alternator Valley Trading Post is now OPEN!

The rules are plain and simple...We act only as a meeting place for Disney Pixar Cars die cast toy traders. We take no role as intermediaries, brokers or ANYTHING ELSE when it comes to who you choose to trade with, and the success or failure of any and all of your trades. The responsibility to decide who to trade with, who is honest, what a fair trade is, who shipped an item, how an item was shipped, and the condition of an item, lies solely upon your due diligence and decision making. We will award "Keys to the Trading Post" to people we've had a positive experience with. This DOES NOT constitute an endorsement, but as a measurement of the trader's dealings. It is still your responsibility to check the person out thoroughly and ask questions to determine your comfort level in choosing to deal with such a trader or not. This site will NOT allow selling of any kind.

To post your trade wants/needs and what you have for trade, simply click on COMMENTS at the bottom of this entry. You will pick a screen name and then enter your trade info and contact info. We currently have no way to hide your e-mail address, and take no responsibility for spam, viruses or ANYTHING ELSE that you may receive. We reserve the right to disallow use of the site for any reason we see fit, and will ban people who are problematic, fraudulent, or conduct themselves in a manner we deem disruptive.

Enjoy! Here's hoping you make some great trades!

http://www.CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Disney Pixar Cars - Just Waiting on North Dakota

Just yesterday, a reader from Delaware visited Alternator Valley! The lone state yet to have someone visit us is...North Dakota! Come on, you folks must be Cars fans! There are 640,000 of ya getting ready to freeze yer butts off and sit in snow covered homes for six months. Don't you watch family entertainment like "Cars?!" You have a lot of small towns like Radiator Springs in your vast and beautiful state. Don't you collect the delightful little die cast toys? Look at this poor old rusted out truck. He's probably itchin' for some Rusteze Bumper Ointment! There's gotta be a Cars fan from Bismark or Fargo fer cryin' out loud?!! Someone must know someone who's a Cars fan in North Dakota? Tell 'em to drop on by for a spell! We don't bite!

http://www.CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Alternator Valley Stats Show Impressive Growth!

Whether you write about Disney Pixar's Cars, pets, politics or potatoes, your objective is to gain a strong following of readers! In marking Alternator Valley's First Anniversary, I thought it would be interesting to share our statistical growth that you helped to build!

First, let's talk about Page Loads...Page Loads are the number of times the site's pages have been visited. They are the more accurate manner to gauge a site's success. The old way of saying "Hits" was a deceptive measure. When a page loads, each and every element on that page is considered a "Hit," thus the pictures, words, etc. could easily log eighty hits for just one page and make for skewed stats. When someone said a site had a million "Hits," it made you think a million people visited the site. Page Loads mean that the page loaded one time when it was logged as loaded. Alternator Valley's Page Loads grew a very strong 56% over the last year!

Next up, Unique Visitors...Based purely on a cookie, this is the total of the returning visitors and first time visitors to the site; which equal all visitors. Unique visitors to Alternator Valley have grown steadily, and are strong around the globe. Alternator Valley's Unique Visitors increased a very healthy 59% in the past twelve months! New Readers keep finding the site and keep coming back to read the latest!

Finally, Returning Visitors...Based purely on a cookie ( I prefer freshly baked Toll House), this is a person who returns to the site for another visit an hour or more later. These are our most loyal and fervent followers! We all have sites we visit over and over again each day. Alternator Valley offers you much to do, and it shows that our readers are visiting frequently! Alternator Valley's Returning Visitors grew an impressive 300% in the last 365 days!

I want to extend my most sincere gratitude for your interest in Alternator Valley! I work very hard to bring you the most accurate and entertaining info I can. I'm staunchly commited to excellence and hope you genuinely like what I put forth. I can tell you that I always strive to do better, to innovate, and to stand out from the crowd! Let's see what the next year will bring. Stay tuned, and thanks for reading Alternator Valley!

http://www.CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Alternator Valley Celebrates First Anniversary!

Today, about this time, I launched Alternator Valley! I had run to Wal-Mart in Casselberry, Florida to buy Pixar's Cars on Blu-Ray Disk! I got my "Scoop" on the Blu-Ray Rangsberg McQueen by verifiying my detective work with the purchase (I'd suggest you read my very first article to get the whole picture). A lot of writing, running to stores, networking, and even travelling across the country to Comic-Con have happened in the last year! It has been a blast and a true passion of mine. I'm pretty pooped and going to head off to bed, but expect more later today, and in the next few days from me.

http://www.CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Disney Pixar Cars - Mater Wants YOU to "Git-R-Done!" It is Election Day! Go Vote!

Mater and I want to know if you, as an American Citizen, did your civic duty today? No, we don't want to know if you recycled your paper and plastic! Did you make your Voice Heard?! Did you cast a Vote for the future of YOUR COUNTRY? I am off to cast my vote now! We suggest you drive to your polling station and pull that lever, poke that hole, create that hanging chad, and Vote, Vote, Vote! It is Election Day in the United States of America, and you should be proud to have that privilege!!

http://www.CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Disney Pixar Cars - Calling on Delaware & North Dakota

Just two states have yet to have be accounted for in our list of readers...Delaware and North Dakota! I'm putting out the call, the smoke signal, the Morse Code, the bouy, the shout out for a Cars fan from these two remaining states to be accounted for in our tracking! Do you know any Cars fans from these last two stragglers? If so, please zip them off an e-mail and ask them to checkout "Alternator Valley!" I'll see from their IP address where they hail from and update our list pronto!

Maybe Sweet Polly Purebred can sing, "Where, oh where has my unaccounted states gone?" It works for Underdog! Then a hero from Delaware and North Dakota can do a virtual swoop into Alternator Valley and save us from Incompletion! Simon Bar Sinister will be foiled again! But wait, what the hell does he have to do with this? Nothing! Yet, he could have made some whacked out super ray thingy that has blocked transmissions from these two elusive states! So, YES! He must be foiled again! Then, and only then, will we hear from Cars nuts from these two states and reach Completion!! Ta Dah!

http://www.CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Disney Pixar Cars - I'll Be Twittering Live At The Kmart Cars Event On 10/18/08

Great minds do think alike! My friend who publishes Take5aday has been playing with Twitter and wants to "Tweat" Live as we're at the Kmart Cars Event this Saturday, October 18th. I've been messing with it for a few weeks and attempted to embed a widget on Alternator Valley, but encountered some bugs. That doesn't mean we can't use it for Live feeds from the Kmart event.

If you have yet to hear about Twitter, it is what is called a "Micro-Blogging" site. Basically, you setup a Free account and can type 140 character "What are you doings" directly from the site, or text message updates from your cell phone to your profile. I thought it was stupid as hell! Twitter even says it seems stupid in their video intro. Why would I care what a friend is doing at any time, especially if it is mundane!

BUT, in the case of being at a LIVE event, such as the Kmart thing this weekend, it can be very useful indeed!

What my friend at Take5aday and I intend to do is to give our readers Live updates by the minute about the crowd, the number of cases the store we're in received, how the event is being conducted, what we got, and more! This will help you adjust your strategy and be better prepared to get what you want. I'll be starting the day since I'm on the East Coast in Florida. If you wish to be part of this Live Feed, I'd strongly suggest you get your account setup with Twitter ASAP. Don't wait until Saturday morning. You can "Follow" me by searching for my Twitter Id which is orlandogken. You'll click follow and then can read my updates Live. Good Luck on Saturday!

http://www.CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Alternator Valley Readers from Around the World!

It is incredible to see where Alternator Valley readers come from! I've looked at my tracking stats for months, and am happy and amazed to see the global reach Disney Pixar Cars has! I thought I'd list the many countries from around the world you come from on the blog. The list was compiled from just the last week of visits, and amounted to 32 different countries from the United Kingdom to Japan!



I then compiled a list for the United States, and again, in just the last week, I had visitors from 34 States! I'll keep adding to the list until I have all 50 States, Puerto Rico and Guam! I can't wait to see how many different countries I'll eventually list!

I hope you continue to enjoy this blog and thanks for visiting!

http://www.CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com