Gabby Gabby just wants to be loved

Posted on August 5, 2020August 5, 2020 by Francine Brokaw

For those who saw Toy Story 4, Gabby Gabby was introduced as a vintage doll with a minor defect. She is supposed to be a villain in the show but actually she is not. All this little girl wants is to be loved. Now, with this adorable and very soft plush Gabby Gabby from Disney, kids can give her what she has always wanted – love.

In this time of Covid 19, with separations and strange circumstances, kids are in a state of flux. Parents are doing whatever they can to reassure their families that things will be all right, but for the time being life as we knew it is on hold. Knowing Gabby Gabby just wants to be loved is something reassuring for kids because this is something they can do. They can give her all their love and hugs. And hugs help relieve stress. This is a stressful time for all of us.

Gabby Gabby is dressed in her little cheerful yellow and white polka dot dress and wears yellow satin shoes. Her red hair is coiffed in her iconic pigtails and tied with yellow bots. Her wide blue eyes and facial features are embroidered so there is nothing for little hands to pull off. This adorable little plush sits at 11 inches high. Just looking at this sweet little face will melt hearts. She just wants to be loved.

Gabby Gabby will be a true friend for kids for years. Especially in this time of chaos and upheaval in our lives, this plush is going to be a source of comfort, joy, and love. She lists for $22.99 but is currently on sale for $12 at shopDisney. Now is the time to adopt this adorable little girl and make her part of your loving family.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, books, 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, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. Follow her on Twitter.

Frozen 2 Doll Set of 2 Queens and Costumes for Girls

Posted on November 30, 2019 by Francine Brokaw

Fans both young and old have adored the beloved sisters from Frozen for years. Now they are starring in Frozen 2 and they have new gowns and new roles. Spoiler Alert!

The new Anna and Elsa Doll Set from the Disney Stores and shopDisney.com is truly a dream set for girls as well as collectors. Elsa’s iconic blue dress from the first film has been replaced with her new Snow Queen outfit with a spectacular white and purple dress over ice blue leggings. and Anna (SPOILER ALERT) is now Queen Anna and her new dress of teak with a beautiful cape as well as her crown fit her new role.

The dolls are each 11 1/2” high and poseable. Elsa’s white hair is coiffed down and Anna’s red hair is in an updo, which accentuates her green eyes and freckles. Plus her crown is her crowning glory! ($34.95)

The gowns are spectacular and quite frankly, when I saw the movie I thought Elsa’s new dress was even prettier than her original blue dress. And Anna’s regal dress is not only exquisite but is befitting a young queen.

Because the sisters come together in a set, this is a great gift for the holidays. And since Frozen 2 is sweeping the nation, it is hard to find a young girl who isn’t a fan of the sisters.

There are also matching outfits for young girls to dress like their favorite Frozen sister. These come in a variety of sizes ranging from 3 to a 9/10. ($79.99 each)

Now with Elsa the Snow Queen and Anna the Queen of Arendelle, both sisters are regal Disney Queens and delightful in their own right.

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Disney introduces Origins series to Animators’ Collection

Posted on November 12, 2018 by Francine Brokaw

One of the most popular lines of dolls and animals from the Disney Store and shopdisney is the Animators’ Collection. The latest in this line is the Origins series. These dolls are for ages 2+ and depict the adorable characters as babies. The original Animators’ Collection dolls were geared for ages 3+ and the characters were depicted as toddler age. The Origins are smaller in size and much younger characters. They are babies.

At this time there are three different dolls in the new Origins Series: Aurora, Belle, and Mowgli. Each doll has a soft body with poseable soft plastic legs and moveable soft plastic heads as well as rooted hair. They are each 12” long when lying down.

The boxes are designed for each character. They are decorated to fit they story of the children and Baby Aurora’s box says, “Inspired by the character design from Disney’s Sleeping Beauty, this young interpretation recaptures the gentle nature of the original character. Her dreamy face it accented by her signature crown and blonde curls.” As a matter of fact, this little baby looks exactly like the baby Aurora in the animated movie, although she was only seen for a short time. That baby Aurora endeared herself to audiences of all ages. Aurora is dressed in a beautiful pink dress with matching diaper. She has a soft crown that can be removed. Her violet eyes and sweet smile will touch the hearts of adults and collectors, but she will be loved and played with by youngsters for a very long time.

Belle’s box says, “Inspired by the character design from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, this young interpretation recaptures the kindness of the original characters. Her eyes sparkle with curiosity and compassion foretelling her true beauty.” Baby Belle is dressed in her signature yellow dress with a rosette on the front. She comes with a soft plush rose rattle that she can hold and when shaken it really does rattle.

And little Mowgli’s box says “Inspired by the character design from Disney’s The Jungle Book, this young interpretation recaptures the joyfulness of the original character. His smile and fun-loving attitude warm the hearts of his jungle family.” Baby Mowgli is really endearing with his sweet smile and his very wide eyes. He is eager to explore and to be loved. Mowgli comes with a soft plush prickly pear rattle that he can hold it does make noise. He is dressed in a loincloth and also comes with a green blanket in the shape of a leaf. Mowgli’s little face will melt everyone’s heart. He is so loveable that everyone, boys and girls, young and old, will enjoy having him around. His “skin” and “body” are dark tan and this little jungle boy is ready to be loved. It’s great to have this little boy in the collection.

Each doll in the new Animators’ Collection Origins Series can sit and lie down. They have soft bodies for little hands to hug and all three are completely adorable. Collectors will love to have them in their collections, but more than that, kids will love them and they will undoubtedly be favorite sleeping pals and best friends to little kids. They’re small enough to take in the car and for play dates, and especially to bed. This new series is a wonderful addition to the Animators’ Collection. Just one look and they’ll steal your heart.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about books, 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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Disney Furrytale Friends – the latest line of Disney Merchandise

Posted on May 7, 2018 by Francine Brokaw

They’re here! Disney’s Furrytale Friends have arrived at your local Disney Store and shopDisney.com. With the adorable characters from the Aristocrats and Lady and the Tramp, there are plenty of items to delight toddlers and youngsters.

Let’s start with the plush animals, of course. These fun furry pals are about eight inches high. There’s a sweet Lady, with her big eyes and eyelashes that will enchant everyone in the family. She is adorable with a loveable little half smile and floppy ears. It’s hard not to smile yourself when you look at her little face. And let’s not forget about Tramp. This little fellow sports a cunning grin and has folding ears. Finally, there’s a purrfect little Marie, with her eager and loving feline smile. These plush pals are soft and feel like velvet. They make great sleeping buddies and are definitely going to be coming along in the car with your little tykes. And if you have both Lady and Tramp, well, just expect two more for dinner when you serve spaghetti! ($12.95 each)

Next there is a cute Furrytale Friends Aristocats Family Pack Playset. Included are four felines, each about 2 1/4 inches high. The cats are Toulouse, Duchess, Thomas O’Malley, and Berlioz. Besides these kitties, the set includes two double food bowls. After all, a cat has to eat, right? The cats have hard heads covered in a soft material and soft bodies. They are flocked molded plastic and easy to hold. They have been created to sit on a table or anywhere by themselves. Because of the size of the bowls and the cats, this set is for ages 3+. ($16.95)

Now, of course the cats need a house. There are several houses along with their individual animals. Currently there is a Jock Starter Home, a Marie Starter Home, a Colette Starter Home, a Lady Starter Home, and a Tramp Starter home. Of course, the animals can visit and stay in their friends’ homes, and the homes can attach to make a little neighborhood. Putting them together is like creating a street where they can all play and visit. The homes open up to create play yards for the gang. It’s like having a bunch of dollhouses, only these are for the little animals. The four cats from the Aristocats Family Pack are also welcome in the neighborhood! This is an ingenious idea. Now all the animals can mingle together and kids will be occupied for hours. (I would have loved this when I was a kid!). Because of the pieces, these are for ages 3+. ($12.95) They are about six inches high and each have unique colors and details.

But Disney didn’t stop there. They have a Furrytale Friends Tony’s Restaurant Deluxe Playset. This is where Lady and Tramp can dine out. Or, you can have the entire gang come for dinner. This Playset is adorable and, the fun part is it can join the rest of the neighborhood. As a matter of fact, the houses can stack up to make this a two-story establishment. The neighborhood can expand in a variety of formations, limited only by your child’s imagination. ($24.95)

Besides these great toy items, there is a Furrytale Friends Lady and the Tramp Rolling Luggage, so your child can travel in style, or just go off to grandma’s house for a night. ($44.95) Girls will love carrying the Lady Plush Backpack. The face is the same as the small plush Lady. ($18.95)

Plenty of apparel items with the Furrytale Friends are also available, including a Marie sleep set ($19.95), a Marie dress and leggings set ($24.95), Marie buckle sandals ($19.95), a Lady dress ($29.95), and a Tramp short set for boys ($24.95).

The little neighborhood homes and the restaurant are my picks of the collection. Even if you only get one home or just the restaurant, there is a lot of fun to be had with these items. And, if you have more than one, well, imagine all the fun your kids and these furry friends will have together.

The entire collection is fun, whimsical, and something new for kids this summer. For more information, go to their website.

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.

Follow her on Twitter

Disney Dollhouses are awesome

Posted on November 19, 2017November 22, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

When I was little I thought my dollhouse was really great. It had two levels and several rooms. But it was a simple house. There was nothing special about it. Little kids have some great dollhouse options this year from the folks at shopDisney.com.

The Frozen Arendelle Palace Dollhouse is nothing short of amazing. This three-level palace is filled with the amenities any doll would love. There are beds for Anna and Elsa, a dining room, a fireplace, chandelier, fabric curtains, and a grand staircase. The five rooms inspire plenty of creativity in the spirit of Frozen. With the furniture and the architecture of the land, this dollhouse is a piece of Arendelle. It measures 54 ¼” high, 3 ¾” wide, and 15 ¾” deep. The dolls are not included but the 12” Anna and Elsa dolls will be comfortable in this Palace. (Ages 3+ $149.99)

The Frozen Ice Crystal Palace Dollhouse is spectacular. For a change from their Arendelle Palace Dollhouse, Anna and Elsa (dolls not included) will enjoy this stunning palace decked out in blues, greens, and purples. With two staircases, three levels, and four rooms, and furniture, the detail in this palace is a remarkable homage to the palace in the movie. This dollhouse measures 53 ¾” high, 37” wide, and 16 ½” deep. (Ages 3+ $259.95)

Ariel’s Land to Sea Castle Dollhouse includes the best of both worlds. First, the lower level is her home “under the sea.” With her father’s throne room and Ariel’s grotto, life in the sea is represented to its full extent. There’s even a place for all her “thingamajigs.” The two upper floors represent Eric’s castle. Furniture, a balcony, a staircase, and the details on the walls inside and out bring the magic of Ariel’s life right into your own home. This dollhouse measures 58 ¾” high, 37” wide, and 12 ½” deep. The 12” Ariel doll is not included. (Ages 3+ $169.99)

Belle’s Enchanted Dollhouse brings the magic of the Beast’s castle to your home. Three levels, a staircase, balconies, furniture, and many of the enchanted characters from the film spur young imaginations. With the artwork on the walls and the included furniture and accessories, everyone who loves Belle and the Beast will cherish this dollhouse. It measures 46 ½” high, 30 ¾” wide, and 20” deep. (Ages 3+ $149.99)

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Bring home ‘Vampirina’

Posted on October 19, 2017October 19, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

Disney Channel and Disney Junior simulcast the launch of the new animated series Vampirina in October and it ranked #1 with preschoolers. It was also seen by all ages and has quickly become a “must see” show for kids and families. Combining aspects of The Munsters and The Addams Family (from decades ago) with the fun flair of an adorable Disney animated character, Vampirina is a fun-filled show with plenty to interest kids and parents. Now 5 episodes are available on a DVD with some great stories for everyone.

The show centers around a young vampire named Vampirina, aka “Vee”. She is a sweet little girl who has moved to Pennsylvania from Transylvania with her parents. She desperately wants to fit in with the other kids, but that proves a little difficult at first. But her kindness and friendship wins out and she finally feels like she belongs.

There are plenty of adorable little references in the show. For instance, their computers access the World Wide Cobweb, and her mother starts a Scare B and B. Vampirina has a pet named Wolfie that turns into a werewolf when the moon is full. The characters are all endearing and it’s a cute little show for kids, who have already embraced it as a favorite.

Besides this DVD that will be played over and over again, there are plenty of consumer items to go along with the show. Kids will love the plush Vampirina. This cuddly little doll will be a great bedtime partner. She’s 13 inches high and dressed in “Vee’s” web-inspired dress. This is the dress she chose to wear to her first day of school. With her batwing pigtails, her large smile with her two little fangs, and her large eyes, the Vampirina plush will make anyone grin and embrace this little gal. The stitched accents make her a sturdy as well as a soft best friend for kids to cuddle and carry.

Other plush dolls include a smaller version of “Vee” with her wings. Did I mention that Vampirina turns into a bat from time to time? There’s a fluffy Wolfie plush, shirts, and plenty of other items available from the Disney Store.

Ghouls, vampires, ghosts, and goblins aren’t just for Halloween. With Vampirina, they’re a fun gang all year round.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 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.

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Moana Saves a Turtle – Disney Animators’ Moana Mini Doll Play Set

Posted on February 18, 2017February 19, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

For anyone who has seen the film Moana (and that includes most people), a memorable part of the story is in the beginning when a very young Moana discovers the ocean. This adorable little girl is filled with a kind heart and when she sees a baby turtle trying to crawl over the sand to get to the water, she takes a large palm frond to shelter it from predator birds. She wobbly walks next to the turtle shielding it until it is free in the ocean.

The new Disney Animators’ Moana Mini Doll Play Set lets kids play out their own scene with little Moana and the turtle, as well as put their imaginations to work creating other situations for her, the turtle, the water, HeiHei the rooster, and Pua the pig. This newest play set includes all of these as well as an amulet. They come in a plastic carrying case so kids can easily take them from one place to another.

Little Moana is about 5 inches high but with her wave hairstyle, she is almost an inch taller. Remember back to the film when the water pulled her hair high above her head? That’s what this doll represents. That first encounter the little girl had with not only the turtle, but with the ocean. Moana means ocean and this character has a unique relationship with the ocean. Moana has a pink flower in her hair, wears her shell necklace, and a sweet smile on her face. She is more than adorable. She’s precious and articulated with moving legs, arms, and head. This little Moana can stand on her own.

Pua measures almost three inches high and is a bobble head representation of Moana’s pet pig. HeiHei, the crazy chicken, is about two inches high.

The palm frond is sculpted with a little handle to let Moana hold it while protecting the turtle. Plus, there is a five and a half inch-high sculpted wave. After all, what would Moana be without water?

With all of these elements included in this set, young imaginations will be entertained for hours. And the case makes it great to take along in the car or to a play date. The dedication to detail is amazing. On the handle of the case are sculpted shells.

Due to the size of some of the objects, this play set is for ages 3 and up. This Disney Animators’ Mini Doll Play Set lists for $19.95.

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