December 10 UPDATE: These are out in the stores – note, they are all plastic but for me, resistence was futile – they were too damn cute and I had to buy the ones I saw.
The updated on what shipped and what’s coming is here.
2008 UPDATE Checklist is here.
Only 4 of the 7 sets are out so far …
ORIGINAL POST
Apparently Mattel has taken a look at our bank accounts and decided that we can skip a few meals and skimp on heating oil or there’s no real need for your last kid to go to a real college 😉
Yes, an entire NEW line of CARS, the CARS MINI ADVENTURES & POCKET PLAYSETS to own and cherish … emphasis on the word ‘own.’
Part of it is of course, you want to strike while the craze is hot … and part of the decision to go ahead with a mini line is that Mattel can see Hasbro’s success with the Star Wars Galactic Hero line …
How can anyone resist cute?
It’s great on many levels – it perfect for kids and of course, hardcore collectors will probably want them anyway and what started as a “casual” attempt to reach younger kids with about 4 Star Wars Galactic Heroes, we now have about 100 of them along with 10 playsets – I was tempted for about 20 minutes to collect the Star Wars Galactic Hero but realized it would be never-ending – much like the Kenner/Hasbro line …
But step back, CARS will attempt to out Starwars Star Wars.
And what’s great for Mattel, a younger kid’s line doesn’t have to be slavish to the source … as you can see by some of the offbeat and wacky colors and paint schemes.
You saw Chick & Lightning McQueen at the top. (Nice job on the Chick Hicks … damn you, Mattel … now I’m hooked and you’re reeling me in …)
The CARS are repainted in different themes for younger kids (police, fire, military, etc al)
I think this is Doc Hudson on the police force along with Doc & McQueen as volunteer fire CARS in Radiator Springs.
This is mini Red and Sarge as a member of the fire department.
Here is McQueen in night vision & camo, the Sheriff & Deputy Mater.
Of course, what CARS line would be complete without a fistful of Ramones? Here’s Yellow Ramone, and Camo Red Ramone – as part of the (next photo) military theme set, the Sheriff has MP painted on his door … and I’m presuming Fillmore is the peacenik agitator 🙂
Here’s Red on military duty (psst, don’t tell the kids he’s there to suppress Fillmore rioting/protesting 😉 … and Sarge in both version – regular Sarge & MP Sarge.
This is of course, Mater, Sally & Flo in “unique deco” as Mattel is calling it. Each playsets (see below) will include one of these unusually colored mini CARS.
Here’s the rest of the fire brigade of Radiator Springs – Fillmore, the Sheriff and Sally … along with Flo in regular teal plus … hey, is that another and different Ramone? Yep, looks like Old School/Hydraulic Ramone … MINI style.
Recap Overview
And yea, there’s also Blue Ramone & Blue Flo … along with Dinoco Chick & Dinoco McQueen …
Evil Mattel? 😦
Or maybe each mini CAR will come in a variey of random colors … COLLECT THEM ALL! Kids will just pick the color they like best but completists MUST own them all … The regular line has to adhere as close as possible to the characters from the movie, an honest mistake or two here and there and maybe some savings on no mirrors but maybe since these are for younger kids, Pixar is giving them leeway so welcome to VARIANT CITY, gateway to GIVE ME ALL YOUR MONEY VALLEY, just outside of GIANT MONEY PIT CANYON …
PLAYSETS
Mattel says “… Pocket playsets with all new proportion smaller scale mini CARS characters to recreate your favorite movie scenes or make up new stories! Each inspired environment has a special feature and includes an unique deco Mini vehicle. Rev up for fun in Radiator Springs!”
I think each playset comes with two MINI CARS …
Dinoco Pit Stop
There’s the Dinoco stand from the Piston Cup races (this is clearly a hand painted protype as paint splotches are everywhere). I believe you get Dinoco McQueen & Dinoco Chick Hicks with this set.
Drag Strip
I believe you get McQueen & The King.
Flo’s Cafe
Definitely not from the movie …
Submarine Car Wash
I must’ve missed this scene somehow …
Pricing?
Not firm. I know the Drag Strip is around $15.99 to $19.99 retail but I believe the other playets are under $10 retail. As for the Mini CARS, no firm word yet but it looks like they are in 2-packs – less spendy than the regular CARS, I think probably under $5 – my guess is regular retail is probably $4.99 but WM & Target will sell it for less (but I’m just taking a guess based on wholesale costs).
Summary
It will all depend on the final release … they do look awfully cute but sometimes the final release might be a bit too sloppy or too plasticky … and if Mattel is really going to release a bunch in a rainbow of colors … so personally, I’ll wait and see. I’m sure they’ll hit eBay first as scalpers strip the shelves clear but I also suspect Mattel will ship the living daylights out of these … The Drag Strip set looks pretty cool but the other playsets seem less interesting … but hey, come December or January as I’m standing there at TRU, I’m sure I will think, “I have an empty cart, I have a credit card – it can all be mine, mine, mine …”
What do you think?
OUR OTHER POSTS:
THE BASICS
If you want a recap of the Mattel Pixar CARS line from the beginning.
Mattel Pixar Cars Checklist: It’s What to Collect
Unlike other toys/hot items that stay hot for a few weeks or months – this Mattel Pixar CARS diecast line has pretty been SIZZLING for 16 months – not just rare but almost un-heard of.
The post below outlines why the line is so difficult and some solutions. There is a list of the main retailers, some online options and for international customers,s ome options.
Mattel Pixar Cars: I Want to Buy But Where?
BUYING CASES & WHAT’S NEXT
First, one way to skip the driving around is to buy sealed cases, here is a brief rundown on what that is AND what are the CARS coming this holiday season (the last two months of 2007):
Mattel Pixar Cars Checklist: New Sealed Boxes
And what’s coming in 2008 by the sealed case:
Mattel Pixar Cars Checklist: New Sealed Boxes Holiday 2007 & 2008
Or what’s the latest on the shelf cards & CARS look like?
Mattel Pixar: What’s in Stores Now
If you wish to plot out what CAR will make its first appearance & in what box in 2008, a friend of 2aDay has thoughtfully provided a spreadsheet you can download or it’s also been added to our online checklist/spreadsheet.
HOW TO COLLECT
For those on the intermediate & advanced stages of this obsession (yes, I has the fever! I has the fever 🙂 ) … you’ll want a “field guide” to spotting what’s what:
A Basic Checklist (in spreadsheet form)
The checklist offers a few versions on how you like your poison 😉
Then of course, a more indepth guideline on how to collect them – just one of each? one of each available on a different card?
Mattel Pixar Cars Checklist: How to Collect
As you progress further, you might need or want a guide to understanding what do the three different designs on the front indicate and how complete of a collector you want to be:
Mattel Pixar Cars Checklist: Card Backs
Info on the Blu-Ray Dinoco “Blu” CAR
The LIMITED & EXCLUSIVE Disney Blu-Ray “Blu” Dinoco McQueen
MORE INFORMATION THAN NORMAL
Of course, by now, you’ll want to know everything and plan your budget carefully … Mattel will definitely release 35/36 of the Piston Cup Racers in one massive collector’s set but will they release them in smaller sets? Our speculation on why rioting is probably not necessary:
Mattel Pixar Cars: All the Piston Cup CARS-Speedway of the South Box Set
If you prefer to see some of the cardbacks in a larger file size or to view the two posters for a visual look at the CARS to collect, our FLICKER page is here.
Did you know the Blu-Ray DVD (for HDTV’s) will include a “name-spotter” feature that will let you see the names of 217 CARS within the movie?
Mattel Pixar Cars Checklist: It’s What to Collect-Part II – 217 CARS?
And while we’re at it – pure speculation on our part as to what might be coming next?
Mattel Pixar Cars: What’s Coming in 2008 or 2009
Mattel Pixar Cars: What’s Coming in 2008 or 2009? Part II
Mattel Pixar Cars: Mia & Tia – All the Possible Variants
Whether you want a nice display case or a plastic box to keep it night and sealed/unopened, here are some links that should point you in the right direction.
How to best display your CARS?
Here’s what my collection looks like so far … just on a bookcase now because I’m too scared to look at another “easy assemly” instruction 🙂 though that Ikea glass case looks like nice and at a great price
MORE USEFUL INFORMATION
Details on the Mattel sponsorship & CARS charity auction for CAAF (Children Affected by AIDS Foundation):
Mattel Pixar Cars & Children Affected by AIDS Charity Auction
While Frank the Combine on eBay seems enticing, you might want to know that he’s very small and all plastic but there are some other options …
Mattel Pixar CARS Movie: Frank the Combine – eBay Warning
The 2006 Mattel Factory Set …
The Scoop & Our opinion of it and thanks to Noel, some great unboxing photos …
Too much money in your bank account – starting collecting the other CARS line …
NEW Mini Adventures CARS & Playsets
The Sarge Recall:
Mattel Recalls Pixar CARS Sarge Diecast Metal Car
Nothing very insightful about what’s coming but still good to know that CARS is bringing in money and everything is looking smooth.
Mattel Pixar Cars: 3rd Quarter 2007 Earnings-Financial Numbers
CARS 2, THE SEQUEL?
Yes, more speculation & answers on our part but the stars and other things seem to be syncing up for a 2011 sequel:
TWO A DAY 
YAY. First comment!
I think they’re really cute, but the colors? Eh, mabey they’re making a second cars movie that while introduce baby cars with random colors. I might buy a few that i think are cool.
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Nice toys 😀
I might but a few cars too 🙂
I saw Cars movie. Very cool , Pixar rox.
Hope for second part of that positive movie.
i hope my kids dont find out about this.ill go broke!
SO Mater is apparently coming out of the closet? All this and I’m still debating if I have to have the entire “World of Cars” series or just the new cars……hmmmmmmm BTW I just found a brand new Case A at Wal Mart and got all the “freshies” whoo hoo
(METROXING: Yea, Mattel needs to make up for slowing Barbie sales …)
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I spotted the first four 2-packs today at KMart. And they sure are cute. I have two of everything released in the regular scale (one for me, one for the kids- of course). I had the clerk price check it and it was $5.50 each 2-pack. I resisted the urge to get all four. I might pop in tomorrow for the Fillmore/Pink Sally 2pack and try, try, try to stay hippie-centered with this series and not go nutso gotta-get-em-all like I am with the regular series. Still looking for an extra Dale Jr. and Barney Stormin’.
any word on the walmart exclusives?I’ve found cactus mcq. the blimp,and ghostlight ramone..otherwise i haven’t seen any..?I go 3x’s a week and they always say what they have on the shelf & in the bin is all they have.
(METROXING: It was surprising they got a re-shipment but the odds are slim they will be get another shipment – it does seem strange that the first 4 were restocked at least once and they also seem to be part of the “Wal Mart Christmas CARS bin” and is part of the Sam’s Club Value Pack … but NOT the 2nd four … odd …).
There now selling these on ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/Disney-Pixar-The-World-of-Cars-Mini-Adventures-Sarges_W0QQitemZ140190269327QQihZ004QQcategoryZ142333QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
So bruiser,barney stormin,kori,tj will not be available in stores anymore?..and i still haven’t seen any sign of pit crew guido..
(METROXING: There’s no absolute word but it seems unlikely … if you can find a cheap eBay auction, that is probably the way to go for the WM ones you’re missing … PC Guido should just be hitting this week … good luck being at the store just at the right time …).
The TJ series showed up pretty good. The Barney Stormin’ wave came later and didn’t hit too often. I think you’ll have an easier time finding these after the holidays and if you hit the store in the morning on a weekday. Once the TJ series showed up in good numbers the scalpers cooled off and those became easier to find. Same will happen with the others. It’s a long way from China to here.
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I found about 4 of the mini adventure sets and the dirt track set where you get The King and Lightning and they shoot through the movie screen. These are great toys for my 5 year olds.
(METROXING: Yea, the King/Lightning Dirt Launcher seems pretty cool).
I thought there was only 7 sets of the mini adventures. We have 6 of them. Can’t seem to find the Doc Hudson and Red one. Any idea where to find it?
(METROXING: Haven’t seen that one either – most stores are not getting shipments for tiys for a few weeks for inventory – anything missing should be back by the end of January).
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Help – you have got my 5yr old daughter TOTALLY obsessed with Mini Tie-dye Mater that she saw here. You are the devil. (lol)
I have read all over this site but I can’t find where or when you think this one will be released. HELP! I think I could get her to get a job at a sweat shop if I could promise her this car! BWA HA HA HA
Well actually her birthday is in March and it would be cool. OHHHHHH we have the mini car wash but it is blue! She loves it and pretends it is a robot. xoxo
(METROXING: Cute! 🙂 I believe it will called PEACE CORP MATER but I’m not positive. It does not seem to be on the list of releases through June though … Mattel sort of implied the “fun” color versions would be out as part of a playset but it’s defnitely not out as part of the first wave of playsets … so sorry to say, the only real answer is there is no definite answer as to when it will be coming out … um, how are your painting skills? 🙂 )
How did you get the pictures of all the new mini cars?
(METROXING: They’re from Mattel’s Comic Con display – last year).
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Disney-World-of-Cars-Mini-Adventures-Dinoco-Garage_W0QQitemZ290203574187QQihZ019QQcategoryZ141639QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
The minis have hit UK shelves. So far I’ve only seen them in the Disney store. They had 3 2-packs (Dinoco McQueen/Dinoco Chick, Mater/Sheriff and McQueen/FHH). These were all priced £5.00.
They also had 3 playsets which came with one car each, priced £10.00. The Dinoco garage came with the King, Flo’s Cafe with Radiator Springs McQueen and the Submarine Carwash with yellow Ramone.
The only other difference is the back of the boxes. The logos used are different to the picture above eg in place of ‘Parade of Classics’ there is a picture of Doc with red and yellow flags coming out of him.
I decided to go for the Dinoco set, snapping up the garage and Chick/Mcqueen. I’m really tempted to start collecting these now, especially as the new diecast Car releases have been delayed / shrouded in mystery!
Jon
On second thoughts, Flo’s Cafe could actually have come with Cruisin McQueen if I remember correctly!
J
I just found a Mini Adventures pack of Flo and Ramone the problem is that this pack has two Flo’s in it and no Ramone.
Does anyone know if this is a recignizeable variant or just a packaging error?
The pack is mint and has no sign of being tampered with.
(METROXING: Just poor quality control … happens pretty often … see our “Collectors” post for some photos of poor packing …).
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i am in the U.K. and over heer the price is £3.97 for the two packs and £4.97 for the small playsets and £16.97 for the dirt track king/mcq play set.
so far i have only got the flo’s V8 cafe and sherrif+mater deputiy.
i think this is nice and cheap and the toys are cooool 🙂
on ebay i have seen guido and luigi mini for the fillmore festival pach. guido has stripes on him and luigi has coloured wheels
Luke, where have you seen those prices?! I’ve never seen a playset cheaper than £10, and the two packs are always £4.99 every where I look.
Jon
jon, i found these at tesco. this tesco was at cleethorpes near Grimsby. eney other tesco’s i dont know what the prices are.
good look in finding them:)
Hi again!
Can i ask what set that green/normal colour Chick Hicks is from?
Thanks!
(MET: Chick is generally available as a single/solo CAR but he has been packed in several box sets, are you asking for specific boxes or are you just looking for Chick in general?)
I just wondered what Mini Adventures set u got the green Chick Hicks in?
i’ve got him in Dinoco colour (i got that one of him in the ‘Dinoco Dream’ motif set)
Becky,
I think the Cars pictured here were from a Comic Con and some haven’t been released yet or have been changed. There hasn’t been a green Chick yet, only the Dinoco one. There is another post on here called “Mattel Disney Pixar Cars: Cars Mini Adventures Ultimate Visual Checklist” from March ’08 that has a May ’08 update. It’s got great pictures on it and is more accurate. Up at the top of this post is a link to the update. Enjoy 🙂
(MET: You’re asking about the MINI and not the regular line? Any MINI without a background is out (at least in the US) – those with backgrounds are from trade shows and are just shown as to what’s coming next – that checklist is here – hope that makes sense).
Thanks for the help MET and Sarah, i’ll check it out^^