Now that you’ve seen Marvel Studios’ Black Panther at your local cinema, it’s time to get all the toys. This is Disney we’re talking about, of course there will be toys. The Wakanda people have the technology to build some amazing vehicles and an armory… Read More »Marvel Studios’ Black Panther – Must Have Toys
It must be a pretty heady experience to get discovered by Hollywood these days. One day you’re singing at school, the next day you’re holding a doll of the character you’ve been providing the voice of for an animated Disney film. That’s the world of… Read More »Auli’i Cravalho poses with Moana doll, movie directors
It’s a whole new world of miniature figures with a Disney twist from LEGO. We were excited to learn that Disney LEGO Minifigures will be available in stores and at the parks starting May 1st. In the meantime, here’s a creative look at the whole… Read More »Iconic Disney Characters soon available as LEGO Minifigures
The LEGO company has this great website where fans can upload ideas for LEGO brick kits that they would like to see built. Anyone can then create a free account and vote for that project if they would like to see it in stores. I’d… Read More »Help get this LEGO brick model of Disneyland’s it’s a small world produced
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Bravo Sports and Disney have issued a voluntary recall of Disney branded pogo sticks due to a fall and laceration hazard. The bottom rubber tip attached to the pogo stick frame can wear out prematurely, posing a fall hazard to consumers. Also, the end caps on the handlebars can come off, exposing sharp edges. This poses a laceration hazard to consumers.
About 159,000 pogo sticks are being recalled so check you garage and closets.
Bravo and the Consumer Products Safety Commission have received 82 reports of the bottom tip wearing out on the pogo sticks, including five reports of injuries. A 9-year-old girl suffered a skull fracture and chipped a tooth. Another 9-year-old girl cut her lip and chin, requiring stitches. Other injuries included scrapes, hits to the head and teeth pushed in.
This recall includes pogo sticks in various colors and designs. The models included in this recall are the Disney Hannah Montana Pogo Stick, the Disney/Pixar Toy Story Cruising Cool Pogo Stick, the Disney/Pixar Cars Pogo Stick, the Disney Princess Pogo Stick and the Disney Fairies Cruising Cool Pogo Stick. The pogo sticks have Disney labels between the handlebars. The manufacturing date codes between 01/01/2009-022CO and 11/30/2010-022CO are on a clear label on the stem of the pogo stick near the foot pedals.
Pictures and details on how to return the pogo sticks below the jump:
Read More »Bravo Sports Recalls Disney-Branded Pogo Sticks Due to Weak Rubber Tip
Toy importer G.A. Gertmenian and Sons is recalling a Pixar Toy Story 3 Bowling Game licensed by Disney due to violation of the lead paint standard. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Gertmenian and Sons, today announced a voluntary recall of the… Read More »Disney/Pixar Toy Recall Alert
Custom ‘Rides’ are assembled by RideMakerz store staff.
A new store has popped-up for a limited engagement in Downtown Disney Westside at Walt Disney World that aims to make model remote control cars as customizable and fun as build-a-bears — Ridemakerz. Not a coincidence since the same company is an owner of both store concepts. A Ridemakerz shop has been open in Downtown Disney in Anaheim, since 2009 and is looking to expand its offerings there.
The Ridemakerz experience invites guests into the ultimate car customizing shop where they can build a one-of-a-kind radio control car or “RIDE”. Between bodystyles and colors, tires and wheels, lights and sounds, accessories and decals, Ridemakerz estimates there are more than 649 million possible build combinations, not including individual decal placement.
CEO Larry Andreini presents a check to the Boys & Girls Club, some of whom were invited to make their own cars at the grand opening
“Ridemakerz delivers a high-octane experience and one-of-a kind fun,” said Downtown Disney Vice President Keith Bradford. “We’re excited to add Ridemakerz to our existing portfolio of unique offerings at Downtown Disney. It fills a niche our guest’s have been looking for.
CEO Larry Andreini and Downtown Disney Vice President Keith Bradford cut the ‘chain’ to officially open the store. (Denny Hamlin raced car in the background)
The store occupies the old Virgin Record Mega-Store location, which has become something of a showcase location for temporary exhibits. The space isn’t really made for that sort of role. So eventually they’ll have to totally remodel this location for a new long-term tenant. But in the meantime, this is a better use than to just let it sit empty.
The good thing about occupying the huge space is that they can add something of a mini-auto show for full size cars. Eight world-class show cars are on display, including a Chevrolet C5.R racecar built by Pratt & Miller Engineering for General Motors. The display also features an F150 NASCAR Pace Truck and Dodge Ram from the personal collection of legendary car customizer Chip Foose, as well as a MINI Cooper from the private collection of famed movie car designer Fireball Tim Lawrence.
Chip Foose (l) and Fireball Tim Lawrence were at the event and later suggested designs for the cars and signed autographs, a nice touch.
“The Ridemakerz brand and this shop, in particular, are close to my heart,” said Foose during an autograph session at the grand opening on March 25th. “I learned about car customizing from my Dad, and now I get to help pass that experience on to fathers, sons and families across America.” Foose also serves as an advisor to Ridemakerz.
“The Ridemakerz experience is pure fun, and the process is designed to spark creativity, encourage collaboration and build confidence,” says Ridemakerz ZEO (CEO) Larry Andreini.
A sample of some available ‘Ridez’ styles.
In a nod to real-world car culture, Ridemakerz has agreements with several automotive manufacturers to offer versions of today’s most popular cars in its line-up. Guests, or “Customizers” can choose from the Ford Mustang and F-250 Super Chief Alternative Fuel Concept Truck, Chevrolet Corvette C6.R and C6RS, Dodge Ram, Challenger, and Viper, MINI Cooper S, and Scion xB. Retro hot rods, fire engines, racecars, cab-over tow and dump trucks, and many more favorites are also available.
Many more options are available.
Complete RIDEZ range in price from $10 to $32, depending on body and paint style chosen. Radio remote control can be added for an additional $25, and custom accessories range in price from $2 for grill guards, spoilers and hoods scoops to $15 for themed kits that include a wide range of complementary accessories. RIDEZ measure approximately 12 inches long, or 1:18 scale, and are easy to assemble with snap-in, snap-on components that do not require glue.
I had quite a bit of fun with testing out the remote control cars for myself. The controller provides a decent amount of control for the price and the cars are very durable. Of course, this was indoors, your mileage may vary on surface streets. The prices are very affordable considering what you get. The question for visitors will be how to get their custom Ridez home.
More photos of the store below the jump:
Read More »Build-A-Car store RideMakerz Debuts at Orlando Downtown Disney