In honor of the 55th anniversary of the opening of “It’s a Small World” at Disneyland, Bill Vollbrecht shares with us the story behind his stunning LEGO replica of the iconic ride, where his inspiration comes from, and the risks of carrying a large MOC down a staircase...
Read MoreWhen an AFOL thinks about a“con,” they may think of “friends” or “MOCs” or “games.” With this year’s Bricks LA virtually in the books, I wanted to focus on the nerdly little details that the Very Important Builders (VIBs) in attendance may have overlooked. This is the third year that registered BricksLA participants received custom con kits designed by Tim Heiderich. The development of these kits involves some head-of-the-class Nerd Skillz. Not just run-of-the-mill nerdity like NPU (nice parts usage). We’re talking archival research and city planning and font detail. Super-duper-uber-BrickNerd fodder! Put on your highest prescription reading glasses to learn more.
Read MoreShe's an absolute icon, and synonymous with all things Disney. She started every TV show and ends the fireworks show at Disneyland. She is if course Tinkerbell. This rendition by reticence is instantly recognizable and absolutely magical. Fun fact: the first lady to make the flight as Tinkerbell was the legendary Tiny Kline, a 70 year old circus performer. The best part is how she ended every flight, by slamming into a mattress held by two dudes.
I love Disneyland almost as much as Christmas (or is it the other way around?) so when the two are combined I am automatically happy. If you've never visited Disneyland during the holidays you're missing out, it's the most magical time of the year at the happiest place on earth, plus they have gingerbread men. Toy soldiers have been walking in the parade since the early 60's and are always a crowd favorite. Thanks Swan Dutchman for a little holiday and Disney cheer!
It's one of the first things you see when you enter the Magic Kingdom, a dinging bell, the clomping of a draft horse and the bright shining faces of those aboard the trolly. These rides have been operating since 1955 and have carried countless passengers over the years. This version by builder TJJohn12 captures the look perfectly, and that's Danny pulling the car if I'm not mistaken. The augmented horse figure and bridle are absolutely brilliant.
You all know what a Disneyland fan I am and whenever LEGO meets the happiest place on earth you instantly have my attention. To this day when I pick up a classic LEGO wavy flag I don't think castle, I think Disneyland. So this recreation of the classic Disneyland sign along with all these other fantastic MOCs by builder TJJohn12 makes my geek heart go pitter patter. Look for this and many other Disney inspired MOCs in the latest issue of BrickJournal, including some instructions by me!
Me and Mrs BrickNerd were considering visiting Disneyland this weekend, but then this showed up in the mail. Yes, thanks to a little Disney magic, pixie dust and LEGO generosity we're bringing Disneyland to us. Yes, technically this is from Magic Kingdom in Florida, and we're west coasters, but we love Disney World too, just can't get there as often. This is going to be an epic build, so we're going to split it into two days. Starting this Friday, Sept 16th at 9am PST and continuing on Saturday at 9am PST we're going to tackle this mighty but magical set, join us!
We all know what a Disney geek I am, we go to Disneyland all time despite the fact that it's over three hours away. And as much as I love Space Mountain, I rarely ride it. The line is always long, and when you're a frequent visitor like us, we just don't do long lines (it'll be there next time). Plus there's something about the geometry of the ride vehicle and my body, it just beats the crap out of me every time I ride. I never rode the one in Orlando though, and I didn't realize the cars were different, as illustrated here in this absolutely brilliant MOC by jtheels. So perhaps on my next visit to Florida I'll give it a go. And now I want to be at Disneyland...
My wife and I were talking about Disneyland just this morning, and then I happen across this wonder maze overlay by builder Oky - Space Ranger. There's several recognizable rides and attractions here, from Sleeping Beauty's Castle to the Haunted Mansion, and it looks like a magical good time to play. I'm totally OK with the omission of Mickey's Toon Town, but this thing's gonna need a major overhaul when Star Wars land opens.
This one hits me right in the feels. You all know what a Disneyland geek I am, well this was one of my favorite rides, and it's gone. The People Mover was a Tomorrowland staple from 1967-1995, when it was replaced by the ill-fated Rocket Rods which opened and pretty much closed two years later. This lovely brick built tribute by Andy Baird is also in one of it's original colors, and so perfectly done I just want to climb aboard for a fun sixteen minute tour of Tomorrowland.
Via Yesterland
You all know what a Disneyland nerd I am, and no trip to the Magic Kingdom is complete without a visit to our favorite spooky attraction, the Haunted Mansion. This MOC by kjm161 not only captures the look and feel of the exterior of my favorite residence of New Orleans Square, but it has a fully detailed interior. The inside is absolutely packed with details and homages to the attraction, from madame Leota to the hitchhiking ghosts, to the rest of the 999 happy haunts. Now, look alive, and click through for many more pictures.
Ever since it opened in 1987 Star Tours has been thrilling millions of travelers. When it reopened as Star Tours The Adventures Continue it had a new speeder, the 1000, with a spiffy new red color scheme as seen here in this MOC by nobu_tary. The ride makes me super barfy, but I still have to get my Star Wars fix from time to time. And it just has a special place in Disneyland, which already has a special place in my heart.
I love Disneyland, I was just there last weekend and I'm ready to go back. And seeing this beautiful MOC by builder Swan Dutchman makes me want to go back even more. This is the gateway to Disneyland, just past the entrance where we leave the real world behind and go "inside the berm". Sharp eyed fans will notice something a little amiss, because that's a Florida train at the California station. We'll just call it a magical mashup.
Everyone knows what a huge Disney geek I am, so just about any MOC from the parks makes me swoon. But this Omnibus by Sir Nadroj is particularly spectacular. I know what a Disney fan Jordan is and it shows with the attention to detail and proportions on this vehicle. The use of the curved stairs at the back is particularly inspired, and I'm guessing a major catalyst of this build.
Here at BrickNerd we like to look back from time to time, and have a few adventures. In honor of my visit to Disneyland today I'm posting this awesome MOC from Fat Tony 1138 of one of my favorite rides, Indiana Jones Adventure, Temple of the Forbidden Eye.
I've been missing Disneyland. You all know I'm a fan and frequent flyer, but we're taking a hiatus (passes expired and we're waiting to renew) so I haven't been in a few months. So in addition to listening to park music and ride-throughs, I'm perusing Disney MOCs. And this StarSpeeder 3000 by Sir Nadroj is one of my all-time faves. Clean lines, clever construction and perfect attention to detail. It just doesn't get much better than this.
Here at BrickNerd we like to look back from time to time, and also to yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy. I'm going to Disneyland today, and this is one of my favorite rides, Big Thunder Mountain. This interpretation by Fat Tony 1138 is wonderful. I won't be riding any rides today though, it's time for MouseAdventure!
If you happen to be going to Disneyland today too and spot me, I'll give you a Nerdly promo brick and sticker!
I love Disneyland. In fact, I might even be there tomorrow. I only ride Space Mountain on special occasions though. It usually has a longer line than I'm willing to stand in, and it has a tendency to beat the crap out of me. I'm digging this MOC though, it captures it perfectly.
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