The making of Walt Disney Classics Collection Sculptures

Do you love all things Disney? Are you interested in collecting WDCC figurines? Perhaps you're looking for some interesting fun facts? If you answered yes to any of those questions, this article is for you! I'm chatting about the highly sought after and much-loved Walt Disney Classics Collection Porcelain Figurines. Keep scrolling for 5 highlights from this collection!
1. How it all got started:
1. How it all got started:

In the fall of 1991 Disney put out their first teaser describing their new line of collectible porcelain figurines. These would be the first figurines that Disney produced and sold on their own, making the Walt Disney Classics Collection highly sought after from the start. It all began with three sculptures, Bambi, Cinderella, and Fantasia’s Sorcerer Apprentice Mickey Mouse. These three unassuming figurines kicked off 22 years of WDCC. 

In the fall of 1991 Disney put out their first teaser describing their new line of collectible porcelain figurines. These would be the first figurines that Disney produced and sold on their own, making the Walt Disney Classics Collection highly sought after from the start. It all began with three sculptures, Bambi, Cinderella, and Fantasia’s Sorcerer Apprentice Mickey Mouse. These three unassuming figurines kicked off 22 years of WDCC. 

2. Fun Markings on Each Piece

2. Fun Markings on Each Piece

From the beginning, these collectibles were stamped with a unique symbol marking the production year. The first marking was the Wheel in honor of Mickey Mouse’s debut in Steamboat Willie. In 1993 the production mark changed to the treble clef. This symbolized the music in Silly Symphonies and paid tribute to the ways Walt Disney expanded the animated word. The dancing flower is my favorite mark, ‘cause how fun is a dancing flower :) It was selected to represent the first color cartoon ever created – Disney’s Flowers and Trees. Curious which year your Walt Disney Classics Collection sculpture was produced? The chart below will answer that question.

From the beginning, these collectibles were stamped with a unique symbol marking the production year. The first marking was the Wheel in honor of Mickey Mouse’s debut in Steamboat Willie. In 1993 the production mark changed to the treble clef. This symbolized the music in Silly Symphonies and paid tribute to the ways Walt Disney expanded the animated word. The dancing flower is my favorite mark,‘cause how fun is a dancing flower :) It was selected to represent the first color cartoon ever created – Disney’s Flowers and Trees. Curious which year your Walt Disney Classics Collection sculpture was produced? The chart below will answer that question.

3. Crafting Porcelain Moments
3. Crafting Porcelain Moments
Creating a WDCC figurine takes more than most people realize. First the artists investigate the original drawings and films, searching for the scene that defines the essence of a character. Once the moment is selected, artists sketch, revise and finalize the vision of each piece. Next a sculptor gets involved, ensuring the figurine captures the character from every angle. 


With the sculpture finalized, the plaster molds are made, and the sculptures poured. From there, each piece is painted by Disney artists, perfectly replicating the colors from the film. Plussing is the last step for many designs. In this stage crystal, precious metals, or blown glass are added. Once complete, the sculptures are packed with care and sold to Disney fans around the world. 

Creating a WDCC figurine takes more than most people realize. First the artists investigate the original drawings and films, searching for the scene that defines the essence of a character. Once the moment is selected, artists sketch, revise and finalize the vision of each piece. Next a sculptor gets involved, ensuring the figurine captures the character from every angle. 


With the sculpture finalized, the plaster molds are made, and the sculptures poured. From there, each piece is painted by Disney artists, perfectly replicating the colors from the film. Plussing is the last step for many designs. In this stage crystal, precious metals, or blown glass are added. Once complete, the sculptures are packed with care and sold to Disney fans around the world. 

4. Getting Organized

4. Getting Organized

The thousands of unique collectible figurines and hundreds of characters and films represented, may just cause your head to spin. To help you see straight, we've categorized the figurines into a few groups. 

Timeless Treasures – These are the early films worked on by Walt Disney himself. Popular movies in this group include Cinderella, 101 Dalmatians, Bambi, and the Jungle Book.


Modern Movies – This includes movies from 1970 until 2013 when the WDCC line was discontinued. Figurines from Lilo and Stitch, the Aristocats, Fantasia, Mulan, and the Lion King (among others) are included in this group.


Touchstone & Pixar – These movies were produced by Touchstone Pictures & Pixar. Toy Story, Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, and Cars are all favorites of 90’s kids and included in this group.


Cartoon Classics – This is one of the largest groupings featuring early animated shorts. The Delivery Boy, The Brave Little Tailor, Magician Mickey, Mr. Duck Steps Out, and Pluto’s Christmas Tree are just a few of the favorites.


Theme Park Attractions & Miscellaneous – Disneyland, Fantasyland, Haunted Mansion and more served as the Theme Park inspiration for many figurines. WDCC also includes figurines from their cruises, the Mickey Mouse Club, Members only display bases and more. 

The thousands of unique collectible figurines and hundreds of characters and films represented, may just cause your head to spin. To help you see straight, we've categorized the figurines into a few groups. 

Timeless Treasures – These are the early films worked on by Walt Disney himself. Popular movies in this group include Cinderella, 101 Dalmatians, Bambi, and the Jungle Book.


Modern Movies – This includes movies from 1970 until 2013 when the WDCC line was discontinued. Figurines from Lilo and Stitch, the Aristocats, Fantasia, Mulan, and the Lion King (among others) are included in this group.


Touchstone & Pixar – These movies were produced by Touchstone Pictures & Pixar. Toy Story, Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, and Cars are all favorites of 90’s kids and included in this group.


Cartoon Classics – This is one of the largest groupings featuring early animated shorts. The Delivery Boy, The Brave Little Tailor, Magician Mickey, Mr. Duck Steps Out, and Pluto’s Christmas Tree are just a few of the favorites.


Theme Park Attractions & Miscellaneous – Disneyland, Fantasyland, Haunted Mansion and more served as the Theme Park inspiration for many figurines. WDCC also includes figurines from their cruises, the Mickey Mouse Club, Members only display bases and more. 

5. The Walt Disney Collectors Society

5. The Walt Disney Collectors Society

The Walt Disney Collectors Society was created to build excitement around collecting WDCC sculptures. Launched in January of 1993, this Society was the first official fan club created by Disney. Members gained access to members only WDCC sculptures, received Sketches Magazine and Newsflash- a quarterly newsletter. Plus, they had Personalized membership cards and a membership pin. If you’re hoping to join the fan club, I’m afraid I’ve got a bit of bad news, The Walt Disney Collector Society was suspended on December 31, 2009. 
The Walt Disney Collectors Society was created to build excitement around collecting WDCC sculptures. Launched in January of 1993, this Society was the first official fan club created by Disney. Members gained access to members only WDCC sculptures, received Sketches Magazine and Newsflash- a quarterly newsletter. Plus, they had Personalized membership cards and a membership pin. If you’re hoping to join the fan club, I’m afraid I’ve got a bit of bad news, The Walt Disney Collector Society was suspended on December 31, 2009. 

I hope this week’s blog post gave you some fun insights into Walt Disney Classics Collection Figurines. If you’re looking to purchase a few, you can see which ones we have in stock here. You can also see all our Disney figurines, crystals and more here. Plus, we’ve got hundreds of unique Disney stuffed animals. No matter your Disney obsession, we’ve got you covered!


Thanks for learning about Disney Classics with me! I’m so thrilled you’re here 😊 

I hope this week’s blog post gave you some fun insights into Walt Disney Classics Collection Figurines. If you’re looking to purchase a few, you can see which ones we have in stock here. You can also see all our Disney figurines, crystals and more here. Plus, we’ve got hundreds of unique Disney stuffed animals. No matter your Disney obsession, we’ve got you covered!


Thanks for learning about Disney Classics with me! I’m so thrilled you’re here 😊