) are!! Long story short, back in February 2015, there were rumors on the Disney doll forums that a Helsa (Hans x Elsa) set would be released at the D23 Expo this year, as well as 'regular' Limited Edition sets of Hans x Elsa, Kristoff x Anna, Ariel & Ursula, Snow White & the Old Hag, Rapunzel & Gothel and Peter Pan & Hook.
Of course, I wanted the D23 Helsa set, because for D23, Disney makes the set 'special' somehow and very limited. (Usually only 500 - 1000 worldwide) But if the 'regular' set was so much less costly, but nearly identical, I might settle for that one to save money. I was in a bit of a muddle as to decide which to buy.
In April, a photo of the D23 Helsa set was leaked and it was gorgeous! In their Coronation outfits, with sceptre and orb, even!
Everyone thought that meant the 'regular' limited edition would be the same, just without the sceptre and orb accessories, since their clothing colors were already correct. (Often, the D23 exclusives have odd colors for their outfits/etc)
So, since then, I had been wondering to myself how much an orb and sceptre would be worth to me, knowing that the D23 set always goes for $400-1200 since it's such a limited small release.
The regular 'limited edition' would be $130 (If I'm lucky to get retail before they sell out, which I think I will be...hopefully...) so I thought then.....maybe I'll just go for the regular limited edition when it comes out in Sept/Oct and make an orb/sceptre for her....
But then, last week, official photos of the 'regular limited edition' releases were posted on Disneystore.com's blog and the 'regular' LE Helsa set IS COMPLETELY DIFFERENT than the D23 Exclusive LE set!
:faints:
For the first time ever, Disney made the D23 exclusive set totally different (not just a coloring variant) but with new original portrait/artwork, original clothing, hair and more! Hans and Elsa got two sets! I was like
then 
then (Because I love this pairing so much, I was super happy, but then, a bit 'yikes! Where will I put them and how much will I have to pay for both sets?! and can I even GET a D23 set?!? Then back to 'I will! Somehow, I will!")So, then I knew...no matter the cost of the D23, I'd have to buy it, too. It wasn't just a missing sceptre and orb---it's absolutely a different set! I needed both! But how? I had tried to bid on an eBay auction for the D23 set that would be purchased at the con by someone attending, but it went to $1000!
Previously, back in April/May, my sister had begged a member of the Disney forum who said she was going to the expo herself, to pick one up for me, but the member didn't confirm, until she was actually at the con a few days ago, and asked about $450 for the set. (S/h included)
My sis didn't hesitate once she offered, quickly paid her, and the kind member who attended the Expo bought the set, and shipped it the next day! So I received it (as a very early birthday gift) yesterday! My sister is just too nice to me! :laughs: I got #459 of 1023.
So, once I received it, I (yes, did the unthinkable to a D23 exclusive) and opened it up, retouched their faceups to have more accurate eye shape, pastel shading, lower eyelashes, pearlescent eyeshadow for Elsa, more delicate freckles, and thinned Elsa's head a little with my string method. (DS has a lovely Elsa sculpt, but it's a bit too broad. Just a tad, so I have to 'fix' it to be her correct head shape.) Then, I did something even my sister was hesitant to do....I detest the DS male bodies, so....I cut Hans' head off, and mounted him on a Mattel full jointed fashionista body. He's soooooooooooooooooo much more 'him' now (slimmer hips, longer neck, more graceful) and I am absolutely in love with him!
I loved him before, but I knew I'd never be completely satisfied until I made him as movie accurate as possible!
Okay, I destroyed the value by my modifications but I'll never sell anyway! :laughs: I want them just right, rather than 'good, but...'
So here we go! Onto the photos! They are soooooooooooooooooooo supremely lovely and the embroidery on their outfits is to die for!
Before: (As arrived, with factory faceups and bodies)
After: (Once I repainted/retouched their faceups, thinned her head and replaced Hans' body:)
I didn't take Elsa out (just painted her in place) but since I rebodied Hans, I snapped a few photos of him out of the box so you can see his gorgeous embroidered outfit!
And two nice shots of the outer sleeve box:
I just adore them now! I put Hans in a more debonair pose as well, holding his hand out for Elsa.
Now, just to get the regular release of the Helsa set (in her Ice Queen outfit and his regular Prince of the Southern Isles outfit) and the Kristanna set in November!!!
