Disney Descendants
If you hop in a time machine and travel into the future, you can meet the children of Disney royalty and their villainous foes in Disney Descendants, the hot new Disney Channel Original Movie and animated short series. Stepping into this “Wicked World” was a fun departure from the more juvenile fun offered by Frozen and Disney Princess.
With the success of the film came a successful line of dolls, which were available in their Isle of the Lost and coronation fashions. Based on an episode of the new animated web series, the Genie Chic collection introduces Jordan, daughter of Genie from Aladdin, and Freddy, daughter of Dr. Facilier from The Princess and the Frog. Along with Mal, Evie and Audrey, these two new characters round out the Genie Chic collection.
Freddy fans will be happy to know that she will also be coming soon in her signature look from the series. She will also be joined by signature Ben, who was previously only available in his Auradon Prep look. Two other new characters, CJ (daughter of Captain Hook) and Ally (daughter of Alice) will make their doll debut with wave two of the Signature collection.
In an upcoming episode of Descendants: Wicked World, Auradon will host a Neon Lights Ball. Hasbro is well prepared for the event with a collection of dolls in light-up fashions. When illuminated, the dolls look like the stepped out of the Mad T Party at California Adventure. Mal and Evie look awesome in their new party styles and Ally is a key player in the Neon Lights Ball storyline. Lonnie, Freddy and Jane complete the party when this doll line debuts this fall.
Elena of Avalor
A new princess is coming to Disney Jr. in 2016 when Elena of Avalor debuts, a spin-off of Sofia the First. Heralded by Disney as their first Latina princess, Elena toys will be hitting store shelves right around the time that Disney launches the series (release date is still TBD).
Not much is known about the character or the series, but in terms of toys it appears that Elena will be available in her standard look (hair down), royal look (hair up, tiara on) as well as a possible musical doll (maybe she plays the guitar?). Her younger sister, Princess Isabel, will also be available in a two-pack as well as one of the three jaquines from the series, which are magical creatures that help Elena on her adventures.
Moana
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana comes to theaters next winter and I couldn’t be more excited for the film. Being so far away, Hasbro isn’t ready to showcase the entire toy collection just yet, but they did give us a first look at the Moana doll. She’s more articulated than most 12-inch dolls and feels like a cross between a doll and an action figure. The god Maui, voiced by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, will also be available in what has to be the thickest doll ever made. Both characters look like they will be a lot of fun to play with and I’m very pleased with the way Moana’s adventurous spirit was translated into doll form.