We welcome back Cindy Russell today with an update on Disney Big Figures. She is recognized as the best source of information on these favored collectibles and we are happy to be able to share her knowledge with you here!

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New Big Figs and Return of Life-Sized Big Figs  - by Cindy Russell

 

Hello again! It has been awhile since my last column but my love of our big fig friends has not changed. While there has been a lot going on with the economy and the effect on collectibles, the popularity of these continues to be very strong. In fact, many first time Big Fig collectors now search out the older releases.

The Parks still have new releases on a regular basis. The most recent editions at Walt Disney World proved to be very popular. However, they are now limited to 300 pieces in each new edition. Pictured below is the Bambi and Thumper new release. These are smaller than previous big figs - averaging 16 inches but very detailed!

Another new favorite is this great Big Fig of The Splish Splash scene from Dumbo in the Water Bucket - complete with the Crows and Timothy Mouse with the Magic Feather!

Then of course there is the last final in the Disney Star Wars Big Figs Series set of four being released at WDW in June one each weekend.  See the pictures and release dates below. These have been a tradition for three years now. These are available at the Art of Disney 1-407-828-3929. Rumors have the next set to be the Wizard of Oz. 

Disney Star Wars Big Figs Final Set

Mickey Luke Big Fig, Minnie Leia Big Fig, Goofy Chewie Big Fig, and Donald in Carbonite Big Fig will each have an edition size of 600 and will be released around the second week in June.

500 of each Disney Star Wars BIg Figs will be available at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, with the remaining 100 of each being sent to Disneyland. Retail price is expected to be $195.  

Once again the power of the Force and the magic of Disney will combine for four consecutive weekends of out-of-this-galaxy fun as Star Wars Weekends returns for 2009. Celebrity guests and events are still being determined, and we'll share those details as soon as they're ready, but for those who want to start planning their summer fun now, here are the dates for the event:

May 22-24 -- May 29-31 -- June 5-7 -- June 12-14

Star Wars Weekends are held at Disney's Hollywood Studios © at the Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando Florida.

 

 

 

And Disneyland, has not forgotten Big Figs either! There is a new Peter Pan sailing over Neverland in his very own ship (complete with a lighted lantern on the stern) from Peter Pan’s Flight, just in time for the 54th Anniversary of the attraction in Anaheim.

 

 

 

  

 

On to Disney shopping who has brought back a  big favorite the Life Sized Big Figs and they are going fast. So let us look back at where they first began Disney Auctions.  Available right now are Sorcerer Mickey and Steamboat Mickey at disneyshopping.com. Here is a look back at the first release was the 3 foot Pie-Eyed Mickey who also came in a limited gold edition.

 

Next came Life Sized Jessica at 5 feet 7 inches tall!

followed by Jack Skellington

and Captain Jack Sparrow.

For those of you that where lucky enough to get them early, you now have a rare find. These are hard to come by, even on the secondary market.

              

 

When Disney Auction closed we thought that was the end of the large Big Figs, but they brought them back! There have been some great releases, but they go fast. Since the first Mickey there has been Dopey, Sorcerer Mickey with bucket and brooms, Donald with two heads Angry and Happy and the newest release 80th Anniversary Steamboat Willie. They are all great designs. The packaging has been addressed and now they are arriving in great condition. They have been very popular with collectors and they even find room for these really Big Figures.

 

 

 

 

Well that's all for now! I hope to be back soon with more on what’s happening with the Disney Big Figs as well as Disney collectables in general.

Thanks to everyone who has been in touch and asked about the Guide to Disney Big Figures. At the moment, the priority remains issues related to my health but I hope to be back at work on this much anticipated book soon!