Hi Michelle,
You've stumbled into something considered quite addictive in my household:
Vinylmations! These delightful little Mickey figures are collectables in which different artists created a design for the figures that vary from Disney movies to attractions from the parks to free designs.
The sizes of the figures vary, but the traditional size is 3 inches. These figures are then comprised of sets that are typically in boxes where you don't know what you are purchasing. The thrill of the purchase then comes to see what figure you have found with hopes of getting the Chaser, a unique-hard-to-find vinylmation, or one of the variants, a twist on a regular design. And don't worry, if you get a figure you already have or one you don't care for, throughout the Disney parks and Disney Stores are trading stations. You also have the option to purchase some that are in open-boxes, so you will know what you are buying from the start.
If you'd like to read more about the Vinylmations, the trading procedures, and the various sets, Disney has loads of a helpful information at the
Vinylmation FAQ site. I also visit www.vinylmationkingdom.com often to follow updates. If you think your children would like to do some Vinylmation collecting and/or trading, you may want to visit the
Disney Store's Vinylmation page; I check it regularly looking for sales and then buy some to trade on future trips.
Finally, I have to make sure to let you read about
Moms Panelist Erin who is the sage of Disney Vinylmations!
Please let us know if we can help again.