New D23 and Disney Gallery Added to Alternator Valley

Today is a good day to bring two new sites I've added to Alternator Valley to your attention. The first was just announced yesterday...Disney Twenty•Three! Disney's First Official Community for Disney Fans! It is a paid membership that includes all I've listed below directly taken from the site. You get some nice things such as the magazine, a mystery gift and other goodies. I personally like the WDCC exclusive of Walt and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit!

Visit D23 at this link Disney Twenty•Three
to read all about the Community and to join!

A one-year D23 Charter Membership* includes:

• Disney ''twenty-three'' Quarterly Publication: A one-year subscription (four issues) to D23's exquisite collectible magazine, filled with stunning photography, dazzling illustrations and the ultimate Disney insider perspective. It's your all-access pass to discovering the magic of Disney's past, present and future!
• Membership Card and Certificate: Your membership card and personalized, suitable-for-framing charter member certificate feature many of Disney's most beloved characters drawn by Disney Master Artist David Pacheco.
• Surprise Collectible Gift: A collectible just for D23 members. You'll receive a gift you'll cherish from the new Walt Disney Archives Collection.
• Exclusive Special Events and Merchandise: D23 offers its members unique special-event opportunities throughout the year, as well as access to exclusive, limited-edition merchandise and collectibles.
• D23 Expo: It's the ultimate Disney fan experience, taking place in Anaheim, California from September 10-13, 2009. This can't-miss event will feature guest speakers, celebrity appearances, breathtaking exhibitions, sneak peeks, film screenings, one-of-a-kind merchandise, and so much more! Admission will be discounted for D23 members.
• Subscription to bi-weekly D23 FanFare e-newsletter with breaking news and special offers. (You may opt out of receiving FanFare after your first e-newsletter arrives.)

Plus, stay connected to D23 every day at Disney.com/D23, featuring up-to-the-minute Disney news, feature stories, event info, merchandise and more.

*Join by December 31, 2009 to be a D23 Charter Member

D23 memberships are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Visit Disney Gallery at this link Disney Gallery
for the latest Events, Product Releases & Promotions !

Disney Gallery is the site for all collectors and fans! You'll find Special Events listed for both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Did you know they recently sold out a Haunted Mansion 40th Anniversary event in Anaheim? You would have if you visited Disney Gallery. Have you heard about the latest collecting craze...Vinylmation?! I didn't, until I went to Disney Gallery and got the lowdown on the Mighty Muggs style concept! Get a load of the Kermit Vinylmation figure to the right. Do you love Figment? Do you collect Walt Disney Classics Collection pieces? Do you love Figment and collect WDCC? Well, there's a special Limited Edition piece being released at Disney World on April 25th! You'd know about it if you visited Disney Gallery!

Will there be any Cars stuff on either of these sites? There could very well be at some time! I'm still working on getting Disney World to do a Cars merchandise event. I firmly believe they will eventually do one. If they do, it will be listed on Disney Gallery. Alternator Valley is a resource beyond news! Our list of sites and important phone numbers is here for your convenience!

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http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

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!

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Disney Pixar Cars - Upcoming Cars Pin Sets

I know a lot of you collect pins in addition to Cars die cast toys. I thought I'd let you know about a few Cars pin sets that may interest you. You can supposedly order both sets I'm going to show you. I personally like the Mystery Tin Set.

The first set is being released on March 24, 2009 at Disney World. It is an Open Edition Starter Set and will retail for $24.95. You get four pins...a Lightning McQueen, a Mater, a Chick Hicks, and a pin with Guido and Luigi. You also get a lanyard and the set comes packed in a plastic pouch. You can check it out at this link Cars Pin Set

The second set will be released on March 27, 2009 at Disneyland. It will be a Limited Edition Set of 2000. This set will contain ten pins...a Sheriff, a Sally, a Ramone, a Luigi, a Guido, a Mack, a Lightning McQueen, a Mater, a Sarge and a Doc. They come packed in a metal tin, and you get four (4) randomly packed pins in each tin. Each tin will cost $32.00. You can check out this set at this link Cars Mystery Tin Set

Hopefully, I'll have some pics of some upcoming releases for you you this week!

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http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Disney Pixar Cars - Disney Shopping Presidents' Day Sale

DisneyShopping.com is having a Big Sale!

Everyone likes to save money. Today I saw that
DisneyShopping.com started a Presidents' Day Sale
and they have Disney Pixar Cars stuff! Here are a
couple of things you may want to add to your stash...

Cars Mack Truck Carrier

Cars Tire Shaped Carrying Case
for 1:55th Die Cast Toys

I haven't seen the Lightyear Tire Carrying Case before. I've seen a similar Hot Wheels Case. About two years ago, I spoke with a Manager at Once Upon a Toy at Downtown Disney in Orlando, he claimed a huge Cars Carrying Case was coming that would hold 35 Cars. That never materialized! This case looks like a DisneyShopping.com exclusive. Happy Shopping!

Don't Be Left Out! Subscribe to Alternator Valley and Stay in the Know!

http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Disney Pixar Cars - The Transportation of the Toys from China to Walmart

Today I stopped in a number of Walmarts to look for Wally the Hauler. While at one of the Walmarts, I asked a nice department manager for help. She actually headed up Sporting Goods, but was glad to help me. She had one of the Walmart scanner guns that gives you all sorts of great info. She knew nothing about Cars, but was able to tell me the Haulers were Direct Imports from her computer access. She was more than happy to tell me how their system worked.

The interesting thing is she gave me insight into the Distribution problem we're all fedup with! She told me getting popular things could take up to four weeks minimum, regardless of the department. She felt the problem with so many things that are "OUT," has to do with the transportation of goods. As we've all joked, but are unfortunately correct about, Cars are literally on a slow boat from China!!

A Slow Boat from China Delivers Cars Toys to the U.S.

Trains transport the Containers to the Distribution Centers

Trucks also haul the Containers to Distribution Centers

The Walmart Distribution Center Sorts & Redistributes!

A rousing Yeah! as Shoppers Descend Upon Walmart

All that to get a toy to the United States and in your waiting hands! Well, now you are bit more enlightened as to the Distribution problem, and why releases are weeks behind in showing up in stores. Let's hope things speed up and are a bit more efficient.

http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Disney Pixar Cars - The Cottage Industries

Whenever anything becomes popular, "Cottage Industries" (An industry where the creation of products and services is home-based, rather than factory-based) pop up around the thing that is popular. I thought it would be interesting to discuss the many Cottage Industries that have developed around the popularity of Disney Pixar's Cars. Some make a few hundred dollars, while others may make tens of thousands of dollars!

A first example would be Cars blogs and collector web sites. Most are done out of pure joy and rarely make money. If they do, it is through Google AdSense or other ad based revenue.

Another example is Card Guards that were made to protect your die cast toys in their original packaging. These Card Guards keep the cardboard from becoming dog eared, bent and otherwise damaged.

We've also seen people making Cars Display Cases primarily out of plexi-glass that hold various numbers of Cars for display and protection.

We are all highly aware of people selling all sorts of Cars merchandise from the die cast toys to posters on Ebay. The "Secondary Market" is always critical to sustaining collector interest and product longevity.

Finally, we've seen people making what many refer to as "Customs," which I've written about at length. Those I feel are legal, and those I've pointed out infringe on copyrights.

Just how long these "Cottage Industries" generate profits, is determined by the size and popularity of the Primary Industry. Once the Primary Industry is damaged, or the consumer loses interest, you can expect to see the Cottage Industries die very quickly.

The Cars "Cottage Industries" have done fair to poor. No one is making a killing on these things. But, who knows what is around the corner!

Subscribe to Alternator Valley, and get the latest Cars News Faast!

http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Disney Pixar Cars - Frank's First Showing in the Buff

Here's a "Special Look" at Frank in his raw metallic state! You rarely get to see this step of the die cast process, but today is your lucky day! Frank looks weird without his intimidating eyes staring down his rotating blades. Kinda looks naked doesn't he? Just a step along the way to toy immortality!

Watch out Chick! You're gonna be mince meat!

Frank doesn't look so tough with a Pink blade!

Looks like Lightning is gonna escape Frank's wrath!

Frank is expected to be released on May 1, 2009! Now, we all know that the key word is expected! We will just have to wait and see what happens when the slow boat from China docks, unloads, and the trucks deliver him to the warehouses. The good thing...we finally get a die cast Frank!!

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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 - Jibbitz Crocs Shoe Charms

Here's a cool thing you may not know exists...Jibbitz Cars Charms for Crocs! I came across them while sailing on the Disney Magic through the Panama Canal in May of last year. They attach to the holes in the comfy shoes, and add a fun personalization to them. Kids certainly love them and they definitely caught the eye of this big kid as well! I only saw Mater, Lightning McQueen and Guido while aboard the ship. Now, they have an entire selection to choose from! Click on this link to see them all... Cars Charms

You can even get this cool Display Board in case you just want to collect them! The detail is incredible and they are reasonably priced! See a need, fill it, and you may be the next millionaire!

http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Disney Pixar Cars - MattyCollector.com March 17th Preview! Lightning McQueen 1:24th Plussed

In a little over five weeks, MattyCollector.com will be dusted off, the power will be turned on, and you should be able to buy the first release since Lightning Storm McQueen! Originally, the New Releases were going to be called the "Plussed" line. Now, the working name is, "The John Lasseter Signature Series." This has yet to be confirmed and greenlit. Today, I'm happy to give you a Special Preview of the First in this New Series...Lightning McQueen in 1:24th Scale!

The detail is going be unparalleled! Lightning in the 1:24th
Scale will be approximately 9 inches in length. He will be attached to a molded black base that will look like asphalt.

The undercarriage will show more detail,
but look at the tread on the real rubber tires!


Here's where you can really appreciate the detail!
Look at the camera lens on the left tail light.


A close look at the real rubber tires shows you a rim pin
striped in yellow, painted lug nuts, and even the brand label!
Do you like the painted exhaust pipes done in Silver?

To reiterate and further inform you...

1. The expected release date is March 17, 2009 on MattyCollector.com
2. There will be a Matty exclusive with the Real Rubber Tires that is expected to sell for $45.00
3. There will be a Direct Retailer exclusive with Plastic Tires that is expected to sell for $40.00. Target and Direct Sellers are the other expected distribution
4. I've been told the Edition Sizes are expected to be 5000 on MattyCollector.com and 5000 through Direct Retailers
5. Again, Lightning will ONLY be attached to a black molded base made to look like asphalt. Finally, he will NOT come with a clear cover, and come in a shipper.

More great previews to come! If you haven't, subscribe to Alternator Valley to get the latest News First!

http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Disney Pixar Cars - Mater The Greater 1:55th Scale Die Cast Toy Preview

Ladies and Gentlecars,
Welcome to our "Mater The Greater" Preview!

Cars Toons- Mater The Greater - The best free videos are right here

First, get a snack and watch the Shooooo!

What a bunch o' fun! Now, imagine taking
those cool images and turning them into three
dimensional die cast toys! Here ya go...A la Presto!

Mater The Greater and his Patriotic Pittys!

Mia and Tia are decked out wearing buck teeth and tow hooks while watching nervously as Mater The Greater Performs!

Mater The Greater got a bit singed from the
gun powder while being shot out of the cannon!

Shooot! Nothing a little bit of rubbing
compound can't clean right up!

Mater The Greater to Flight Control!

Mater The Greater is ready for take off!

Mater The Greater dons his snorkel and diving mask as he readies to jump from a tall tower into a pool!

Mater The Greater gets set to take on Carburetor Canyon!

Just about ready to light the fuse and make history!

Well, Mater The Greater will let his pal
Lightning McQueen attempt history first!

What incredible workmanship! These will be on display at the Mattel Booth at the New York City Comic-Con from February 6th through the 8th. They are Expected to be released in the Spring in the 1:55th scale! The packaging will be different from the "Mainline." I'm certainly anticipating the pictures for the rest of the Cars Toons line! How cool will the Bulldozer be from "El Materdor?!" How about the stylin' Cars from "Tokyo Mater?!!" This gives collectors something great to look forward to adding to their collection.

http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Disney Pixar Cars - Collector Frustration and Loss of Momentum

I've always had my finger on the pulse of collecting, and am a fairly good barometer of how collectors feel. Have you been frustrated with the lack of supply of the new releases over the last few months? I know I have! For the first time in three years, my collecting has become discombobulated. I'm not even sure what I need to be up to date with my collection, and feel like I've hit a wall. I know I need Impound Snot Rod, Greta, Hank, Tumbleweed McQueen, White Walls McQueen and Race Damaged King. The problem is, who knows what's out?! Distribution is so screwed up, that some parts of the country are just getting T Cases that came out four to five months ago, while others are seeing Impound DJ! Can you relate?!

How about the economy? Are you starting to buy just one Car instead of two of each character? I've started to curtail my spending. Especially in light of the pathetic supply. We all ran around like a bunch of goofballs during Black Friday through Christmas looking for New releases and Haulers that never showed up! I don't know about you, but I'm tired and over it all! Ever visit MattyCollector.com? This is what you hear...Chirp, Chirp, Chirp, Chirp!! So, is it any surprise that Mattel comes out with a lousy earnings report? As I've said in the past, Mattel blames retailers, while the retailers blame Mattel. Passing the proverbial buck doesn't matter to customers. We want service, supply and not some artificial scarcity! Doing some stupid promotion to get us to buy up "Peg Warmers" to get a racer in a case is losing it's appeal. People ordered three to five Sidewall Shines, then only ordered one to three N2O Colas. Buying all those Cars that we don't want or need is getting old fast.

Well, I guess we'll see what happens. The Haulers are finally showing up and Dustin Mellows is making appearances. New singles are still pathetically scarce, and who knows where all the Chase Cars are. Mattel has no excuse for poor earnings. They can print money by simply getting their act together and meeting consumer demand for the hottest toy line in the world...CARS!

Coming to Alternator Valley: The Mater the Greater Prototypes will be Previewed SOON! Subscribe to Alternator Valley and get the Hottest Cars News before anyone!

http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com

Disney Pixar Cars - Second and Third Level Characters are Key to Cars Success

Imagine if you could only collect the original twelve Cars characters and that was it. You would have completed your collection two years ago and would have gone on to something else. But here we are into the third year since Cars was released and collectors are hungrier than ever for the next NEW character!

What has made this line so successful is that John Lasseter wants us to have the entire cast of characters. How great is it that you can get characters such as Van, Yeti, and even Marco the Jet! To the reader who asked me if Mrs. Van (a.k.a Mini) would be available...I was told absolutely yes! Martin called her Mrs. Van, but what the hell does he know! I was told when all is said and done, that over 400 Cars characters will have been done in the 1:55th die cast "Mainline!" That is incredible and wonderful.

With all this happy stuff, I want to point out some things that make collecting a drag. It is when a company releases too many of the "Main" characters. Haven't we all said, "Not another McQueen!" I know I just can't take it when Disney runs a popular character into the ground. This is very evident with Disney pin trading. They'd release Tinker Bell angry, sitting, pouting, looking pretty, over the shoulder, blah, blah, blah...until you got so sick of Tinker Bell you wanted to vomit pixie dust! Let's hope Mattel doesn't make us want to puke up pistons and distributor caps.

Tell me you can't wait for Elvis?!! How about Sven the Governator?!! Who'd like a die cast Frank?!! Gimme a T! Gimme an O! Gimme a D! Gimme another D! Who does it Speeeeeell?! TODD, TODD, TODD! Who isn't waiting for Mr. Pizza Planet himself? I know a guy in Emeryville who probably has a few prototypes sitting in his office!

Man! Jay Limo is coming! Can't wait for Big Al! You are even gonna get the Spark Plug Aliens!!! Yessirree! This is the reason Cars is going to be hot for another five or six years! Great art, turned into great toys, done in high quality die cast. Martin, you and your team better take your vitamins and do your exercise in that Mattel gym. You got a lot of work to do my friend.

Coming Tomorrow: Photos of more New stuff!

http://CarsDieCastToys.Blogspot.com