Smithsonian Welcomes Buzz, Merida To Enter Disney Parks

In the first Toy Story, Buzz Lightyear found out that he wasn't actually a space ranger. However, that turned out to not be entirely true, as an actual Buzz action figure made its way to the International Space Station back in 2008, and stayed there for 15 months, helping astronauts conduct some research. If Buzz were human, he'd hold the record for having stayed the longest time in outer space.

A few years have passed since the 12-inch space ranger went up into space, and Disney and Pixar have decided to donate our little plastic hero to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Washington DC, where he will be displayed this coming summer. Pixar and Buzz must be very proud.

- - -

People around the world will also be able to visit another Pixar character starting in May. Merida, the studio's first ever female protagonist and the hero in Pixar's upcoming film Brave, will now be greeting guests at the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts in Anaheim, California and Orlando, Florida respectively. By the looks of the concept art, it looks like meeting with Merida will be quite a remarkable experience! Head on over to the Disney Parks Blog for more info.

Will you be visiting either Buzz or Merida (or both)?

More 'Cars Toon' Die Cast Cars Coming Soon!

We haven't seen a whole lot of new Cars Toon die casts in a while, since all the new Cars 2 merchandise took over back in May. However, it looks like the popular line of Cars Toon collectibles will be returning in a bit, and this time with some of the newer Tall Tales.

Take5aDay has got a nice picture, which you can have a look at above, of a fine-looking Moon Mater die cast car. I really can't wait for this to come out, I have several other Cars Toon die casts, and they are all awesome collector's items.

I also hear there's some new Cars 2 die casts coming up, so keep your eyes peeled for those as well!

Cars 2 Races Into The Toy Fair!

Every year, the spectacular Toy Fair is held in New York City. Of course, Pixar was there to celebrate all the new toys coming this year, including an all new line of Cars 2 toys!

Present at the Fair were Emily Mortimer (voice of Holley Shiftwell) and Sir Michael Caine (voice of Finn McMissile). Director John Lasseter was unable to make it to the event this year, however, he sent a taped message, which was screened there so that everyone could hear what he had to say.

Mr. Lasseter claims that Cars 2 is "not a parody of a spy movie. It is a spy movie."

Both Mrs. Mortimer and Sir Caine came up onto the stage for a talk. Emily Mortimer talked about her experience of working with Pixar, and Michael Caine told the audience how he just loved the name Finn McMissile the moment he heard it.

What's a toy fair without the revealing of new toys? Check out these three collectible cars of McQueen, McMissile, and Shiftwell that will join the popular die-cast collection of Cars toys. I am personally a big fan of these Cars collectibles, and I collect some of these myself, so I am eager to get my hands one these! I hope they also make a John Lassetire one!

Not only were these miniature versions of the characters revealed, but also, a life-size replica of the British spy Finn McMissile was shown off at the Toy Fair! It is said to tour the US this year, along with the replicas of Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater.

Photo credit: Stitch Kingdom

Also, check out what The Pixar Blog and The Pixar Times have to say on the topic. The Pixar Blog has a video of footage which you can also see below, and The Pixar Times has got a bunch of high-resolution images from the event!

All the awesome Cars 2 merchandise and toys hits store shelves this spring!

Toy Story 3 Danglers

If you're a Pixar fan and you like to collect little Pixar items (like me), than you are definitely going to want the new 'Toy Story 3' danglers! You may have seen them at the mall lately in one of those machines that give you a little egg if you put a coin in it. They make great decorations for your cell phone, your DS, or even your Christmas tree! If you see them at your local mall, you shouldn't pass up the chance to collect all eight! (I already have the Green Alien and Hamm!)

Toy Story Collection "Bullseye" Now on Disney Store

Another addition has been made to the 'Toy Story Collection', and this time it's Woody's beloved horse, Bullseye (details here)! Bullseye is one of my favourite characters from the "Toy Story" series, specially because he is so loyal to Woody. This awesome replica is exactly like the one seen in the movies, and like all other toys in the 'Collection', it comes with a "Certificate of Authenticity". I'm looking forward to finding him at 'Toys R Us' soon and bringing him home.

Additions to "Toy Story Collection"

Finally, the new additions to the Toy Story Collection are coming to stores! These toys are none other than Jessie The Yodeling Cowgirl, Mr Potato Head, and Toy Story 3's all new character Lots-O'-Huggin' Bear! Same as the old ones, these are beautifully made by Thinkway Toys. They are the exact same characters you know and love from the Toy Story films. Too bad they're a little on the expensive side. I have Woody, Buzz, RC Car, and the Green Army Men already, and I can't wait to get these ones! Check out some more details at DisneyStore.com

The Pizza Planet Truck

Did you know that the Pizza Planet truck is featured in every Pixar feature film (except the The Incredibles)? It's true. In some it may be easy to spot (Toy Story/Toy Story 2) but in other Pixar movies it is really tricky to find it! My guess is that it will once again be in Toy Story 3. Apparently Pizza Planet is always busy delivering pizzas! Also, there are real Pizza Planet restaurants both at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Paris. Below is also a picture of the toy Pizza Planet Truck from the collection of the little Cars figures.