FROM: Vinylmation 360 Published Mondays

The Joy of Vinylmation

Collecting is the most personal of hobbies, and we typically collect things that hold memories important to us. For Kelly Firth, collecting Vinylmation is a way to relive magical moments from Disney trips she took as a child. She shares some of them.

- by Kelly Firth, May 22, 2011

The last couple of weeks I have been talking about issues within Vinylmation. This week, we'll take a 180 degree turn and look at what makes Vinylmation such a joy for me (and for many others) to collect.

In an earlier column, I discussed the various reasons for collecting Vinylmation. I collect it because I love Disney. Whether it's the parks, the movies, or Walt himself, I have a great appreciation for most everything Mouse-related.

After running out of space to keep adding to my Walt Disney Classics Collection collection (talk about a mouthful!), Vinylmation gave me a way to still collect Disney figures without taking up a ton of space. Of course, that was before I began to enjoy collecting 9" vinyls, but details, details, right?

Memories

My favorite things about Vinylmation are the memories they represent. Disney World trips are very much a family tradition for me, and I have spent many nights watching fireworks shows with my family over the course of my lifetime. Whether it was Fantasy in the Sky, or the newer Wishes, each show holds for me different and special memories.

The Park 1 3" Fireworks vinyl reminds me of many happy times with my family, memories I will always cherish.

The Park 5 9" Fantasmic! holds similar meaning. I remember the first time I saw Sorcerer Mickey appear at the top of the mountain to set off the fireworks. That's something you never forget.

The Park 5 Tower of Terror 3" vinyl reminds me of the first time I worked up the courage to go on that ride! I thought I would be terrified, but I laughed during all of the drops.

I could relate similar stories for each of the Park Series vinyls.

The character-based vinyls also hold memories. Being a child of the 80s, I grew up watching the Disney Afternoon stable of cartoons, in particular DuckTales and Chip n' Dale's Rescue Rangers. When I was little, I wanted to BE Scrooge McDuck. Who wouldn't want a money bin full of gold to swim through?

The Disney Afternoon series is mostly hard to obtain for out-of-towners, but they are still excellent sets. I hope Disney continues making more sets for each show.

Artwork

A lot of folks do seem to think of Vinylmation as a toy. That's fine for them, if they want to treat them that way, but I see them as collectibles.

I have always loved artwork and design, so I have a particular appreciation for what the artists are able to do with the blank, standard Mickey canvas. It is a great example of creativity and imagination, something for which I have always had deep respect.

It's Just Plain Fun!

I've been collecting something or other all my life. I am always up for a new collectible.

I enjoy slowly getting the vinyls I want, watching my collection take shape, and making room for new releases. It's a fun project, and I hope Disney will continue for a long time.

Why do you collect Vinylmation, and what memories do individual vinyls hold for you? Leave a comment and let us know!

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, May 27
Disney Afternoon Chip n' Dale's Rescue Rangers 2-pack 3" vinyls scheduled for release at D-Street WDW and D-Street DLR. LE 1000. Retail price: Unknown. Likely $26.95.

On the last Sunday of every month, I'll devote this column to your questions and my answers. You can leave questions here as comments or else send them directly to me.

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