Monsters University: Mike Wazowski 3D Print

On Monday, my nephew Jack surprised me with a 3D print he did of Mike Wazowski from Monsters University! I thought that was really cool and thoughtful of him (he's really into 3D printing these days—it's his main hobby) and I just had to document it here on my blog as part of my Pixar collection.

Mike stands at about 3.5" tall. According to my nephew, he printed it using Rapid 3D Model Resin using THIS model. He said he also used an air brush technique to give the model some texture. I'm going to leave this unpainted, as I love the raw/unfinished look to it (plus any paint job I could do would look so awful it would ruin it anyway). Right now it kind of reminds me of a more textured version of a Pixar maquette (a clay model sculpted during a film's pre-production by character design artists/sculptors).

What do you guys think!? This whole 3D printing thing fascinates me; you can make just about anything! It's crazy, the tools kids have access to these days.

Monsters University: Disney Parks Exclusive Limited Edition "Opening Day 2013" Dangle Pin

Check out this scare-riffic Monsters University "Opening Day 2013" dangle style pin—a Disney Parks exclusive, limited edition of 2,000! This commemorative pin was released on June 21st, 2013 (the day MU arrived in theaters). My good friend Gabby was nice enough to gift this to me recently and I was SO excited when I saw how cool it is. I'm not a huge pin collector, so it wasn't on my radar to track down or anything all these years later, but man am I happy to have it now as part of my collection. It went right on my Pixar pin board and looks fantastic.

I love the character art here (which ended up being on many MU products at the time), designed by the amazing Eric Tan at Disney Consumer Products. He's one of my absolute favorites! All the characters on this pin— Mike Wazowski, Sulley, Don, Art, Squishy and Randall— are adorably stylized.

What are your thoughts? Do you have this pin in your Disney/Pixar pin collection? If you're wanting to snag it, you can find it very easily on eBay for almost nothing these days. Let me know any comments or questions you might have down below and stay tuned for more right here on the blog daily!

Monsters University: Disney Parks Young Mike Wazowski Plush

ROOOAAARRR! Tonight I'm taking a look at this Monster University Mike Wazowski plush, sold now exclusively at Disney Parks! I found this guy while I was visiting Walt Disney World last October and couldn't say no to picking it up. Mike is one of my favorite Pixar characters and this has to be one of the cutest plush versions of him to date!

Now that I'm reading more into this, I can't tell if this is suppose to be little Mike from the beginning of Monsters University or if it's just a cute/stylized version of the character in general. On the Shop Disney Parks app, he's called simply "Big Feet Mike Wazowski", nothing about him being the young version or from MU. Either way though, his cuteness is certainly inspired by little Mike from MU— even down to the crooked smile (though no braces). Regardless, this plush is extremely adorable (love the sparkly eye) and incredibly extra soft! Young fans will absolutely enjoy cuddling this monster.

His size is 13" tall (from bottom of feet to top of horns) x 8" wide (about 19" if you count the arm span). Retail is $26.99.

I purchased this at the "Merchant of Venus" shop in the Magic Kingdom (Tomorrowland), but I saw him all over the place. If you're going to Disney World soon, you can view all the locations this plush is currently in stock at by using the Shop Disney Parks app. Note: I'm not sure if this is also available at the Disneyland parks. Anyone know this?

For all you fans of Monsters Inc./University, I can't recommend this enough! Have you picked this up for your Disney/Pixar plush collection? Shout out your thoughts down below.

Pixar Socks in Pixar Ball Ornaments (Holiday 2018)

Just this past holiday season, the Disney Store (and ShopDisney.com) released an excellent series of six Pixar inspired adult crew socks—all brilliantly packaged in Luxo ball ornaments! These were on every Pixar fan's "must have" list for Christmas, I'm sure, and made for perfect stocking stuffers (which is exactly how I got mine).

The two pairs I decided to go for are the ones I felt were the more masculine (or neutral) designs: The Toy Story cloud pair (based on Andy's iconic wall pattern) and the Monsters University "MU" pair (which totally captures the college/letterman feel). The other four designs that were released were based on Coco, Up, The Incredibles (specifically Edna) and Inside Out (see them all HERE).

Each Pixar ball ornament is clear plastic with a satin ribbon for hanging. They open easily in half to remove the socks and snap right back together. Original retail was $9.95, but they did eventually go on sale as well.

Check out ones I got in more detail!

Toy Story Clouds Socks

A fun surprise (what they don't tell you on the tag) is that one of the Toy Story cloud socks has "Andy" written on the bottom in his signature way (like how it's written on the bottom of Woody's boot). This was such a perfect touch!

Monsters University MU Socks

I tried both pairs on and they're soft, comfortable and stylish (well, as far as Disney/Pixar style goes). Love them! I believe these are the first pairs of Pixar inspired socks I've ever had, so that's pretty neat. I'm definitely glad I went for them and I'm excited to wear them with my Pixar outfits to complete my ensembles.

These have since sold out online, but you may still be able to find them at your local Disney Store. If you missed these originally and want to add them to your collection, be sure to check out THIS DIRECT LINK to current eBay listings (there are a few up as of right now). Highly recommend!

Did you pick any of these up? Which design is your favorite? Let me know your thoughts down below.

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Monsters University: Disney Parks "PNK" Baseball Cap

Inspired by the PNK (Python Nu Kappa) sorority as seen in Pixar's Monsters University, here we have this official Disney Parks exclusive baseball hat for women! This was released this past January at the parks and ShopDisney.com, along with the OK (Oozma Kappa) cap which I reviewed back in March (seen HERE). It was fun to be able to grab the Oozma one for myself and this one for my wife, so that we could wear something corresponding (which doesn't happen too often) during our trip to Disney World last month. Plan achieved!

Here are some of the magical details you can expect:

• "PNK" plush applique (the three letters on the front are soft and fuzzy)
• Structured front panel 
• Mesh back panels with embroidered athletic stripes 
• Curved  brim
• Adjustable strap back

The front and bill are 100% cotton and the mesh sides and back are polyester. Since it's adjustable, it will fit most adults. My wife really liked how it felt and fit! I think it looks great as well and really captures the spirit of MU.

You don't have to be a sorority girl to get this hat, just one at heart. If you're fun, spunky and vicious (just like the Python Nu Kappa sisters), then this is the hat for you! Whether you're hitting the gym, studying on campus, competing in the scare games or vacationing at Disney, this is the perfect way to cap off a subtle Monsters University ensemble. Pick it up during your next Disney Parks trip or online HERE before it's gone! Retail is $21.99

Be sure to let me know your thoughts and any questions you might have in the comments below.

Monsters University: Complete Tsum Tsum Collection

Let's hear a BIG roar because Monsters University Tsum Tsums are finally here! Released right around July 4th in the UK, these started hitting select Disney Stores in the US a couple weeks after that and finally on the US ShopDisney.com site last Monday (August 6th). Perfect timing with back to school time right around the corner! I've been hoping for MU Tsums for years, so I couldn't be more thrilled with this assortment.

The six monstrously cute characters included in this lineup are MU Mike Wazowski, MU Sulley, Randy Boggs, Art, Sherry Squibbles (Squishy's Mom) and Squishy. The details and embroidered features here with these are as adorable as ever! They're just as I always pictured they would look. I love the fabrics and materials used (especially the hair on Art), Mike's tiny MU hat (notice the corner of the brim has a little chunk out of it just like his hat in the film?), his and Sulley's MU jackets and Squishy's Oozma Kappa shirt.

These plushies are part of the Tsum Tsum "mini" collection and are the standard 3 1/3" size. Like usual, they're super soft and retail for $5.95 each.

Take a closer look at each one below!

MIKE WAZOWSKI

SULLEY

RANDY BOGGS

ART

NOTE: One year ago, I posted on the Japan exclusive Ms. Squibbles with micro Squishy Tsum set (which was released last year in celebration of Mother's Day). This new version of Squishy's mom might seem the same as that one at first glance, but they're actually quite different when you compare them side by side. This new one has rosy cheeks, a bit more of a muted pink color scheme, a larger side horn, and a totally different take on the design of her signature floral housecoat (among other differences).

SHERRY SQUIBBLES (SQUISHY'S MOM)

SQUISHY

Mike, Sulley and Art are my top three favorites here, but they're all so cute! I do wish they would have finished off the OK fraternity by adding Terry & Terri and Don though, but the set is what it is and I'm grateful for who we got. I'm just glad Art (one of my absolutely fave characters in the film) made the cut!

If you're wanting to add these to your Disney/Pixar Tsum Tsum collection, call ahead to your local Disney Store to make sure they have them in stock. The one I work at never actually got them, so you'll just want to confirm before making the drive over. You can always just pick them up online as I did (right HERE on ShopDisney.com), but the only bummer is that Mike has already sold out.

I can't recommend this set enough for all you Monsters University fans out there! Have you picked any of these up? Which one do you like best? Shout out your thoughts down below.  

Monsters University: Disney Parks "OK" Baseball Cap

Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone! You know me, I had to be festive today and post on a green item. I don't want to get pinched! Hope you're all having a fun and safe holiday.

Inspired by Mike Wazowski's Oozma Kappa ("OK") hat seen in Monsters University, check out this new baseball cap available right now at Disney Parks and ShopDisney.com! This was released back in mid January along with a Python Nu Kappa hat (PNK) for women (which I'll also be reviewing here soon, so stay tuned).

I love Monsters U and the products inspired by the film. I literally wear my MU cap (the one released in 2013, see my post HERE) at one point or another almost every day. It's so cool to finally have a new hat to mix it up now and then! And you know I love when certain animated props from Pixar's films become a reality. I was thrilled when my parents picked it up for me during their most recent trip to WDW! A big thanks to them.

I like my hats with some distress and a nicely curved brim, so I really dig that this one has both. It fits and feels great (and I'm picky when it comes to hats)! The front OK letters are felt and "Oozma Kappa" is embroidered on the back. The hat is fully adjustable to fit most, if not all, adults.

If you're a Disney nerd with heart and want to show off your Oozma Kappa pride, be sure to pick this up next time your at Disneyland/World or snag it online HERE while it's still in stock. It has my high recommendation.

Let me know what you think in the comment section below!

Monsters University: Disney Store "PNK" Mini Bean Bag Plush

A year ago right around this time, I reviewed each of the 2013 Disney Store Monsters University fraternity/sorority mini bean bag plush—that is except the "PNK" (Python Nu Kappa) sorority since they were the only ones I had a real issue tracking down. I was finally able to snag this full set of them on eBay recently (for a great price I might add) and couldn't be happier that my collection is now complete! It's very difficult to find a set of all six of these girls together these days.

Since it's been a while, you may want to refresh your memory and check out the other reviews I posted from this collection last year: "ROR" fraternity, "HSS" sorority, "JOX" fraternity, "EEK" sorority and the "OK" fraternity. You can also visit my posts on the mini bean bags of Archie the scare pig and Claire & Brock, which are essentially one offs from this same collection.

Remember in Monsters University, there are six fraternities/sororities that compete in the Scare Games: Roar Omega Roar (ROR), Jaws Theta Chi (JOX), Oozma Kappa (OK), Python Nu Kappa (PNK), Slugma Slugma Kappa (EEK) and Eta Hiss Hiss (HSS). There are six members in each "house", meaning of course there are 36 Scare Games competitors total. In 2013, the Disney Store released every single one of them (yes, all 36) as a mini bean bag plush (one set of six every week for six weeks straight during that summer—each character was sold separately). I didn't collect them at the time (which I regretted), so I've spent the last year and a half finding them through online sellers.

This Python Nu Kappa sorority set includes members Naomi Jackson, Crystal Du Bois, Britney Davis, Taylor Holbrook, Carrie Williams (leader) and Heather Olson. They all measure about 11" tall and originally retailed for $9.95 each.

Check 'em all out below! 

Like usual, these Disney Store plushies are quality stitched, have embroidered features (not the best likenesses, but decent) and are made from a variety of soft materials. When I first got these a week or two ago, the hair on each one was a GIANT MESS (they were "used" after all; you know how doll hair gets if it's neglected). So one afternoon, my wife and I took the time to wash/ condition them, brush them and even trim them. Lastly I picked up some plastic hair ties to tie their hair back and... voila! We got them looking more than half way decent. You really should have seen them before we fixed them up (I should have taken some "before and after" shots)—they were not looking so hot.

If you're a Monsters University fan, I definitely recommend trying to track these down (little girls especially might love these). This whole collection of fraternity/sorority bean bags is a lot of fun! I really love how unique most of these characters are (I mean, have you ever seen any other products of Taylor, Heather or Britney?). Very cool.

Be sure to check out current eBay listings using this direct link if you're interested! Let me know your favorite(s) and any questions you might have in the comment section below.

Monsters University: "Cute-Ma Kappa" Pink Mike Wazowski Plush

"Let's hear it for Oozma Kappa—the most adorable monsters on campus."

Ready for something monstrously unique? Check out this OFFICIAL Disney Store Japan exclusive "Cute-Ma Kappa" Mike Wazowski plush! This was originally available in early 2015, though I just picked it up on eBay this past fall. It's something I've been meaning to show you guys for months now, so I'm excited to do this post!

Remember the scene in Monsters University when Oozma Kappa is pranked by the ROR fraternity who dumps colorful paint, flowers, glitter and stuffed animals on them? It's completely hilarious and memorable, so I'm sure you do. Well this plush is straight out of that moment! As shown in the screen shot below, the photo of [the dubbed] "Cute-Ma Kappa" (with a pink Mike front and center) is then spread throughout the school newspaper and posted all over the campus quad (even on t-shirts). Humiliating right?

I was lucky enough to get this plush new with tags. It's not the easiest one to come by these days! The size is 13" tall (toes to top of horns) and 18" wide (fingertips to fingertips). He's nice and soft with some great embroidered details.

There was also originally suppose to be a Cute-Ma Kappa Sulley plush released as well (as seen HERE), but it seems that one was canceled. What a shame!

If you're looking to add this one to your Disney/Pixar plush collection, be sure to check eBay periodically. Listings do pop up every once in a while! I snagged this one for $17 and free shipping, so prices don't get too outrageous.

Let me know your thoughts and/or any questions you might have in the comment section below!

Events: Monsters University In Store Toy Release (2013—FLASHBACK FRIDAY)

"Wait a second...it's 2017. Coco merchandise just came out, not Monsters University!" Maybe you're thinking that and your confusion is valid. I know this post may be random, but I've been focusing a lot on the Coco and Cars 3 merch lately—so I thought I'd mix it up today! It's getting late here and I'm down with a super bad cold, so ultimately I just couldn't get to taking pictures and doing a full review of anything new tonight. I figured it was the perfect night to type up a quick little "Flashback Friday" post.

With all the fun of toy hunting for the new Coco products this past week, it's brought back some classic memories for me of tracking down the Monsters University toy line back in 2013 (still one of my favorite collections—I can't believe that was almost 4 1/2 years ago). I then realized that I never did any documentation here of the MU stuff on store shelves back in the day! You know I like to do that. Anyway,  I went into my photo archives and found these few pics. This was the year I started this blog (in fact, the Monsters U toys were some of my very first posts), so this line is special for me in that sense too.

Here's me and the Monsters University toy section at Target back on May 10th 2013...

And then here are some pics I took at Walgreens around that same time!

What do you think? Does this bring back some good memories for you as well? If you have any related stories you want to share in regards to this release or any Pixar product release over the past few years, shout it out in the comments below!

Monsters University: "MU 1313" Crest T-Shirt (Fifth Sun)

Check out this roaringly awesome Monsters University men's tee from Fifth Sun! This heathered royal blue tee (fantastic color by the way) features the MU symbol/school crest front and center and even the year the university was "founded"—1313. *Sigh* My alma mater...those were the days. 

If you've followed along with my T-shirt reviews, you know how I like them: soft, thin (yet quality) fabric and nicely fitted. Check, check and check! This is a solid tee for me all around. Plus it's the perfect way to show off my MU pride—along with my hat seen in the pic above!

This shirt is currently on sale for only $15.96 (regular $19.95), so get yours asap (RIGHT HERE) if you're interested in this for you Disney/Pixar tee collection! Sale ends 9/25.

Shout out your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to share this with an MU fan! 

Monsters University: Ms. Squibbles / Squishy Tsum Tsum Set (Japan Exclusive)

Konichiwa! A few days ago I finally received my Monsters University Ms. Squibbles/Squishy Tsum Tsum set..a Disney Store Japan exclusive! Since this set was never released in the US, I had to resort to a Japanese eBay store. It took a while to arrive but, as a massive Pixar Tsum Tsum collector, I couldn't be happier with this purchase. It was yet another "must have" for me. I mean, who doesn't love Squishy and his mom?

This was released back in April in honor of Mother's Day along with three other non-Pixar sets including: Kanga & Roo (Winnie the Pooh), Duchess & Marie (The Aristocats) and Dumbo's mom & Dumbo. This Ms. Squibbles, AKA Sherry, is your standard mini Tsum Tsum (about 3 1/2" long) while Squishy is the new micro size (scaled down and about 2" long). They're actually sewn together (which I was surprised about, I thought they were separate and just stacked), but I suppose you could cut them apart if you feel so inclined.

As usual with Tsum Tsums, the magic really is in the details. Just check out Squishy's little OK shirt, hat and fuzzy hair sticking out. It's just too cute! They even included their little horns (Squishy's mom's is being blocked by one of her "curls"), which was a nice touch that I'm glad they didn't leave out. Sheri's signature outfit and her multicolored hair curlers are captured perfectly as well!

If you're interested in picking this set up yourself, definitely visit this direct link to current eBay listings (typically selling for around $20 these days).

This really makes me want a full Monsters University Tsum Tsum set, which I assume they'll get to eventually (especially since we got a Monsters Inc. collection last year). It's only a matter of time! I would love to see MU Mike, Sulley, Art, Terri & Terry, Don, Randy and Johnny Worthington included. Who would be on your wish list?

Shout out your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to follow along here daily for more from my ever expanding Pixar collection of merch and memories!

Monsters University: Mousepad (Disney Store—Customizable)

I recently picked up this Monsters University themed mousepad from the DisneyStore.com for my new home office desk! My desk is of course all covered with Pixar collectibles, so I knew I needed to add a Pixar mousepad for that final touch. Narrowing down which Pixar film I wanted represented on the pad was the hardest part, but I ultimately decided on MU once I saw this one.

I like the simple, non-busy design here and the idea of a mousepad being "Property of MU" just seemed to fit with the whole computer desk aspect. I almost went for other designs from Up and Wall·E, but this one just made the most sense theming-wise. It's almost like it was taken right out of one of the computer labs at Monsters U. Love it!

You can pick this up (and countless other customizable designs from many of Pixar's films) on the DisneyStore.com (powered by Zazzle) HERE. From the background color of the pad to the position of the graphics/art to even adding text and additional images...there are literally endless design possibilities! I chose one of their pre-made designs, but you can really go all out and have some fun with it if you want.

All the mousepads are a standard size of 9.25" L x 7.75" W and retail for $12.95. The print definitely looks to be high quality, not to mention it's described as durable and dust and stain resistant. Highly recommended! Which design might you go for (or have gotten already)? Let me know in the comments below.

Monsters University: Disney Store Mike Wazowski & Sulley Plush

Hello everyone! I wasn't suppose to be off from the blog this weekend, but a pretty big thing came up in my family. It's good news no doubt, so I'll be excited to share it with you soon! For you dedicated readers, thanks for hangin' in there.

Back in November of this past year, I started my reviews of the 2013 Disney Store Monsters University plush collection beginning with the "medium core" size characters. The Oozma Kappa gang was my first write-up (check out that post HERE) and I then took a look at the Mrs. Squibbles plush a few weeks later (seen HERE). Today I'm wrapping things up with the final two characters that were released in this medium core line...and what better way to end these posts than with everyone's two favorite scarers— Mike Wazowski and Sulley!

I really love both these plush. Mike Looks fantastic (his MU cap with the "worn" bill is great, not to mention his shiny retainer detail) and this is the best Sulley plush I've seen Disney produce (for a look at all the "derp" Sulley plush out there, check out the bottom of my post HERE). I'm very picky when it comes to Sulley plush and, though this one isn't perfect, I feel his face is definitely close enough to the character and is pretty cute overall. I wonder why Sulley is so hard for them to get right in plush form?

Sulley's size is 14.5" H x 10" W and Mike measures 13" H (when standing) x 7" W. Both originally retailed for the normal medium core price point of $19.99. Note— see them back in the day when they were on store shelves in my throwback post HERE!

Let's move in for a closer look...

The Disney Store's standard "Genuine Original Authentic" patch can be found on the bottom of both these characters.

Once again, these are quality plush toys with solid stitching, vibrant colors, detailed embroidered features and are made from soft materials (especially Sulley). If you're a Disney/Pixar plush collector or if your little one just loves these characters, these are the ones to track down if you haven't already. You really can't go wrong here!

Sulley has since been re-released at the Disney Store and is currently available online HERE or in stores. This particular Mike has since been long gone, but can be found on eBay using this direct link. Both can also be found on Amazon using the links below.

Finally, be sure to check out all the other sizes of MU plush I've posted about:

• "Small core" size [$14.95] Dean Hardscrabble
• "Mini bean bag" size [$9.95] Archie the scare pig, Claire & Brock, "OK" fraternity, "ROR" fraternity, "HSS" sorority, "JOX" fraternity and the "EEK" sorority  

  Have fun and happy scaring!