Disney’s Animators’ Collection Adds Lilo and Stitch

Posted on February 7, 2016June 7, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

The Animators’ Collection from Disney has been a popular line of dolls and interactive plush characters. The dolls depict some favorite characters as they were as children, and in Lilo’s case, a little younger child. The line first began with the Disney Princesses, and then expanded to Tinker Bell. Then joining Anna and Elsa was Kristoff and then Aladdin became the second male in the series. Besides the dolls, the line added several interactive plush toys. The latest and greatest to join the Animators’ line are Lilo and Interactive Stitch.

Lilo is truly irresistible. Just looking at her will put a grin on anyone’s face. She comes dressed in her traditional red dress. Her carryall bag is slung across her body and she holds a small satin Scrump. She has a cute expression of whimsy and innocence, with a touch of mischief. The little Hawaiian girl stands 16 inches high with movable arms and legs. While her legs move so she can sit on a shelf or bed.

Byron Howard designed this doll for the collection. Howard has worked on character design and animation for several Disney films, including the 2002 movie Lilo and Stitch. He also worked on Mulan and Brother Bear, among others.

Lilo is a doll for playing with or for displaying. She’s great for little kids to hug as well as collectors to exhibit. The Animators’ Collection Lilo is for ages 3 and up. She sells for $24.95.

The newest Interactive Plush from the Animators’ Collection is Stitch. He is definitely a mischievous little fellow who will have everyone chuckling as he talks and moves. Just press the button on his foot and he says several words and phrases. Stitch explains the meaning of “Ohana” and tells you that you are his Ohana. He also talks about his badness level and how loud he can be. Stitch responds to your voice when you talk to him and he has an on/off switch for times you want to, well, shut him up. And when he hasn’t been talked to in awhile, he will shut himself off. Stitch reacts to your voice, and responds specifically to five words and phrases (Hello, Punch Buggy, What does Ohana mean? Naughty Stitch. I’m not touching you.) He’s a fun little fellow for young and old and will put a smile on everyone’s face.

Stitch shrugs and makes small movements while talking, which adds to his cuteness level! He is huggable for ages 2 and up. He sits 11 inches high and includes 3 AAA batteries. Stitch sells for $34.95.

Each of these toys comes in a box worthy of displaying, with character sketches covering the sides. Stitch can sit on his own. If you want to put Lilo on a stand, the Kaiser Doll Stand #2601 fits her perfectly.

Bring Aloha into your home with the new Animators’ Collection Lilo and Interactive Stitch. They are sold separately but make a great pair.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, travel, and entertainment. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

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Disneyland Resort Spring and Summer 2016

Posted on February 3, 2016August 12, 2025 by Francine Brokaw

What’s in store at the Disneyland Resort as the weather warms up? Plenty. The Diamond Celebration continues at both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.

In Disneyland, Super Hero HQ is the place to find out more about several Super Heroes and meet them in person.

Chewbacca and other Star Wars characters visit the Star Wars Launch Bay, which has a Star Wars – themed cantina and replicas from the film. And speaking of Star Wars, Space Mountain has been transformed into Hyperspace Mountain with a new soundtrack, putting guests right into an X-Wing battle.

Even more Star Wars fun is waiting for guests at ‘Star Tours – The Adventures Continue” with a journey aboard a Starspeeder 1000. And a short film, “Star Wars: Path of the Jedi,” shows several iconic scenes from the films with a new perspective. A reimagining of the “Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple” interactive show is hosted by Darth Vader.

The theme park is under construction for the new Star Wars land. While the Disneyland Railroad is currently closed (temporarily), there are other limited time experiences aboard the Columbia and Mark Twain Riverboat throughout the year, and the train stations host some interesting exhibits.

The “Paint the Night” parade is the updated “Main Street Electrical Parade” that was popular for so many years. This new – and bright – experience will continue through September 5, 2016, as will the amazing “Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular. This is worth the ticket to the park. It’s the most remarkable, inventive, and immersive display ever, with surprising projections in several locations in the park as the music plays and the fireworks erupt.

Disney California Adventure just celebrated its 15^th anniversary. Yes, this park has been around for 15 years and has experienced some major changes throughout those years, including the addition of Cars Land, which is now the home of Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters. Guests will ride in 1950s style micro cars as they dance and move along to the music. Each car has its own special routine, so each experience is different.

A new musical based on the film Frozen, brings a live adaptation of the story to guests, with production numbers and all the fun of the movie. The production will premier in late Spring and play at the Hyperion Theater.

“World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney” continues to dazzle guests with spectacular lasers, colorful fountains, and the story and history of Walt Disney.

Dining in the two parks as been ramped up with themed food and new offerings. Plus the Disney characters join guests for several meals including the “Minnie & Friends Breakfast in the Park” at Plaza Inn in Disneyland and the Disney Princesses dine at Ariel’s Grotto in Disney California Adventure.

Southern California Residents get a treat with special pricing through May 19, 2016. For details, visit https://Disneyland.com/flex.

Disneyland is always changing. It is limited only in imagination, and let’s face it, the imaginations of the folks at Disney never fail to come up with new and exciting experiences. Marilyn Monroe sang, “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend.” But girls aren’t the only ones who are enjoying this Diamond Celebration. And according to James Bond, “Diamonds are Forever.” But the Diamond Celebration is not. Enjoy 2016 at Disneyland Resort this spring and summer with all the fun and new experiences, and the limited run of the spectacular night shows.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter

The Dyson Humidifier

Posted on January 27, 2016June 7, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

Dyson has come out with a humidifier that does double duty. In the winter (and in the summer too) it humidifies the air to keep the correct humidity in your house and in the summer it is also an air cooler. Dry air is responsible for a variety of problems, including dry eyes, sore throats and noses, and even dry skin. By adding humidity back into your environment, these problems are lessened, making breathing easier and skin softer.

By using their patented “Air Multiplier” technology that is present in their fans and heaters, the Dyson Humidifier is safe for little kids. There are no places for tiny fingers to get caught and the design allows for even flow of the air. This is a quiet unit that comes with a remote control and the capability to run for 18 continuous hours.

In the winter the air inside homes is dry. With the windows shut and the heaters turned up, as well as fireplaces running, the humidity drops rapidly. Think about that. With dry air, nasal passages often feel sore and throats feel dry and scratchy. Water is the source of life and essential for our survival. It’s also essential in our air.

The Dyson Humidifier uses Ultraviolet Cleanse technology to clean the water and eliminate over 99.9% of bacteria from the water before it ejects it into the atmosphere. This in itself is an important element in this unit. Another benefit to the Dyson is that it measures the temperature and humidity in a room and adjusts itself to keep the optimum of each.

Where is the best place to keep your humidifier? The nursery is definitely important for babies. Putting the unit in the family room where the fireplace is is another great location. And sleeping with humid air will keep your nasal passages moist and lead to a better night’s sleep.

When I was little we had a humidifier we used only when someone in the house had a cold or the flu. This heated the air and spewed out steam. I can only imagine all the bacteria that it also spewed out. Then came the cool humidifiers, which we also used only for times of colds or flu. Today’s humidifiers are not only for those days, they are for all days, because science has found that moisture in the air benefits all areas of our bodies.

According to Popsugar.com, humidifiers help relieve sinusitis, speed up recovery from colds, asthma and allergies by keeping nasal passages lubricated, help prevent nosebleeds, alleviate snoring (think about that one!!), and moisturize skin.

Times have changed. Instead of using a humidifier only when we are sick, they are now an everyday product that benefits the entire body. Sure, they are great when someone is suffering from sinusitis, a cold, or the flu, but they also moisturize the inside and outside of your body all the time. And because this unit kills 99.9% of the bacteria that could escape into your environment, the Dyson is definitely a beneficial humidifier for the entire family. The bottom line is it’s quiet, has great health benefits, and safe to have around kids.

The Dyson AM10 Humidifier comes in three colors: white/silver, iron grey/blue, and nickel/black. They each list for $499.99 from Dyson.com.

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