Disney Consumer Products sent me some information on what they hope will be some of the top holiday gifts of 2013. They run the gamut of Disney’s franchises as DCP goes into their first holiday season with Lucasfilm’s licensing efforts under their purview.
The first item is the “it’s a small world” Animator’s Collection doll series which will be available at Disney Store and DisneyStore.com in October. Each doll is based off the designs of Disney Legend Mary Blair and is dressed in a traditional costume and signs in its native language.
Disney Junior is an important franchise to Disney, as Bob Iger has mentioned on several occasions. It is Disney’s gateway in to a younger market in the same way Disney Channel has broadened the brand into the tween set. Sofia the First is an important property to Disney Junior as it is currently the reigning cable show for kids 2-5. So it is not surprising that Mattel has the Sofia the First Magical Talking Doll. This 10 ½” doll can interact with her included animal friends; Clover the Rabbit, Robin the Robin, and Mia the Bluebird. Just like in the show, when the animal gets close, Sofia’s amulet glows and she talks with her forest friends like a true Disney princess does.
Hasbro is offering young Star Wars fans the chance to relive that special moment from the saga….. When Anakin falls to the dark side and turns to Darth Vader. This toy, available August 1, changes the Jedi Knight to the Dark Lord of the Sith with a few quick changes. Of course, the lightsabre changes from blue to red as the toy turns to the dark side in addition to some neat sound effects. As the dark side is very seductive to younglings, the toy is recommended for ages four and up.
EB Brands brings us the Flying RC Iron Man which will be available in the Fall. The 19” armored avenger can soar up to 300 feet in the air for 6-8 minutes per charge. I think, if it was only powered by an arc reactor it could last for years. But that notwithstanding, you will believe a toy can fly. (Do NOT tell Buzz Lightyear).
From the creators of Dance Star Mickey, Fisher-Price, comes Cheerin’ Minnie. And what would a cheerleader Minnie cheer to? “Hey Mickey”, of course. This toy is so fine, so fine it blows my mind. Ages three and up.
I love LEGOs! And before I got to play with them, I played with their tot version; DUPLO. This next toy falls in the “I wish they had it when I was a kid” category; the DUPLO Jake’s Bucky Pirate Ship from Jake and the Never Land Pirates. It comes with 56 pieces, a Jake figure, and Captain Hook. Of course, it also comes with some gold doubloons. Let’s count them! Ages two and up.
The Cars franchise reaches for the skies this summer with the release of Planes. It is no secret that Cars has been very successful with toys and I am sure Disney hopes Planes follows that course. Mattel hopes so as well as they are releasing Planes Pilot Pals Dusty Crophopper Remote Control Plane. The toy is a role-play RC with wings that the child uses to control the wings of the toy. Sounds like fun. It also features sounds and phrases. Insert Jon Cryer joke here.
You may be familiar with Hallmark’s Story Buddies line. They are stuffed animals that come with a book and CD. As the stories are told, the stuffed animal responds. This November, Hallmark Gold Crown stores will have a Winnie the Pooh interactive story buddy. I have previous editions of this toy, and I am excited that there will now be a Disney licensed version.
In today’s world, not all toys are physical. On July 25, the Disney Princess Hair Salon App will be available in the Apple App Store for iOS devices. There is an enchanted princess party and it is up to the user to make sure their favorite Disney Princess looks their best. I really like the idea of having apps act as toys. It allows kids to be entertained and use their imagination at an affordable price point.
This is just a sampling of what Disney has to offer this holiday season. It is easy to be crass and look at these offerings with cynicism. We are all Disney fans and familiarity sometimes builds contempt. But for a moment, remember the fun of getting your Christmas presents and the thrill of being able to spend some time with your favorite characters. Disney Consumer Products allows kids (and adults) to be creative and spend time with their friends that have come to known through Disney stories. Do yourself a favor, dump the cynicism and play with some toys.