February and Toy Fair 2011 are still a ways off, but Disney wants to take center stage before any other company, so who are we to stop them? Here's what's on tap from the house of mouse...
CARS : Defying all expectations, Disney-Pixar's Cars has proved to be a runaway success since its theatrical release in 2006, quickly becoming a leading boys franchise for DCP with year-round opportunity for merchandise at retail. As the theatrical release of Disney-Pixar's Cars 2 zooms into view this summer, the Cars franchise continues to rev up the excitement of playtime for kids. A robust
new line of more than 300 toys showcases the new stories and characters in the film and captures the fundamental vehicle play pattern alongside the themes of racing, humor and friendship that makes the Cars property a favorite among boys.
Star racecar Lightning McQueen and the incomparable tow truck Mater take their friendship to exciting new places in Cars 2 when they head overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix to determine the world's fastest car. But the road to the championship is filled with plenty of potholes, detours and hilarious surprises when Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage. Adding to the fast-paced fun is a colorful new all-car cast that includes secret agents, menacing villains and international racing competitors.
With more than 130 million die cast vehicles sold to date, fans will not be disappointed with a
new collection of die cast Cars, playsets and a few surprises from Mattel anchoring the Cars 2 toy line. With system and DUPLO sets, Cars fans can build out their favorite characters and scenes from both films with a
new line of construction playsets from LEGO. A
new collection from Spin Master showcases leading RC and Air Hogs technology that will rev up vehicle play.
Ridemakerz will introduce a system of customized Cars vehicles allowing kids and collectors alike to put their personal touch on their favorite characters. And for the first time a
new Wood Collection will take kids back to classic play.
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN : Jack Sparrow is back this spring in a new adventure that will rock the boat in the fourth installment of the film franchise, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, which captures the fun, adventure and humor that ignited the hit franchise - this time in Disney Digital 3D™. Captain Jack Sparrow finds himself on an unexpected journey to the fabled Fountain of Youth when a woman from his past forces him aboard the Queen Anne's Revenge, the ship of the formidable pirate Blackbeard.
Bringing the action from the high seas to the home and proving that 'not everything is what it seems' is a captivating line of
new toys including figures and playsets with a special reveal from JAKKS Pacific. Just in time for Halloween,
CDI and Disguise will introduce a robust new line of role play to inspire pirates of all ages to explore, discover and hunt for hidden treasure.
New construction sets and character mini figures from LEGO will bring both new and classic characters and scenes to life. Fans will have to snap up all the sets to complete their collection of favorite characters in LEGO form.
Mattel will offer true-to-film dolls with exquisite detail.
DISNEY PRINCESS : The Disney Princess brand will continue to dominate the doll aisle and inspire the imaginations of young girls. In the fall, the Disney Princess cast will officially welcome its newest member, Rapunzel, into the royal court at a regal ceremony. During the holiday season, the newest heroine from Disney's Tangled proved to be a favorite among young girls who clamored for dolls and role play items to live out their favorite adventures from the action-packed film. Fans will be treated to a
new Rapunzel light-up doll and small tower playset.
Across all categories, 2011 will be a year for "Disney Princess Fairytale Celebrations," giving girls endless ways to play with their favorite Disney Princess characters including inspired
role play from CDI and transforming fashion dolls and the ultimate Disney Princess castle playset from Mattel. Girls can also experience new characters and accessories from the popular baby and toddler doll line from Tolly Tots and
Princess & Me friend doll collection from JAKKS Pacific.
PRESCHOOL : This year, Mickey Mouse will keep on dancing as the holiday hit Dance Star Mickey continues to delight the preschool set. But get ready to rock
in the fall when Rock Star Mickey from Fisher Price hits the stage with fresh music and new moves.
Minnie Mouse will also make her mark with a new line of dolls, role play and dress up inspired by Minnie's Bowtique, a special Mickey Mouse Clubhouse episode on the new Disney Junior on Disney Channel programming block.
There's a rumbly in the tummy of Pooh fans in anticipation of the
summer theatrical release of Winnie the Pooh, the new film starring everyone's favorite lovable bear and his friends from the Hundred Acre Wood. A
new line of classic and interactive plush, figures and play sets from Fisher Price will be sweeter than a pot of honey for a new generation of young Pooh fans.
TOY STORY : Toy Story 3, the highest grossing animated film of all time, proved that you can't take the toys out of the Toy Story. The story continues in 2011 with a
new assortment of figures and play sets from Mattel that will continue to spark imaginative play, bringing the characters to life in new adventures. Disney has also announced
continuing short-form content featuring Woody, Buzz and the rest of the gang.
FAMILY GAMING : Family game night is one trend that never goes out of style. This fall, fans of all ages can test their Disney IQ with the
new Trivial Pursuit: Disney For All Edition from Hasbro. The game features a colorful game board bursting with favorite Disney characters and new question styles that allow the whole family to join in the fun.
Sad sad sad there's no Marvel news included in this!
