shopDisney

Nana – The newest Disney Baby with Pouch – product review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

We all love our plush animals. The Disney Babies Plush in Pouch collection is perfect for ages 0+ because there are no eyes or items that can be pulled off. These 10-inch plush characters represent favorite Disney films and are soft and furry and ready to hug or display.

The newest addition to the collection is baby Nana. She’s the doggy nursemaid to the Darling kids: Wendy, Michael, and John. She’s there when Peter Pan comes to take them to Never Land. Baby Nana represents the adult Saint Bernard (some think she is a Newfoundland) with her little white cap and blue strap with a bow. She looks like she is anxiously waiting to grow up so she can take care of the Darling children.

Baby Nana’s pouch is also soft, with a hidden Velcro closure. This velour fabric depicts Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Never Land, and Big Ben in a soft lilac colored background. There is a loop on the pouch to easily hang it from a hook or bedpost. Nana’s eyes are expressive and her entire appearance will make you say “aww.” She’s sweet and definitely loveable. Every thing on Nana is embroidered so little fingers won’t be able to tug and pull off items.

Once unhooked, Nana comes out of her pouch and is ready for hugs and play. She is super soft, and even her embroidery is soft. Whether she is tucked into her pouch or on her own, Baby Nana is a huggable little puppy.

Dog lovers, fans of Peter Pan, Disney Babies in Pouch collectors, and those who simply love huggable plush animals will delight with Baby Nana. Wouldn’t it be fun to have a caring dog as a nursemaid? Peter Pan was released in 1953, with several incarnations and spinoffs. This film caught the imaginations of viewers around the world. Now when your family gathers to view the movie again or for the first time, kids can hug Baby Nana and take her off to bed with them.

There are other characters in the Disney Babies in Pouch collection. Check out your favorite…but don’t forget about Nana!

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.

Grogu Plush and Pins

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Grogu, aka The Child, from Star Wars: The Mandalorian, has captured the hearts of viewers of all ages. This little fellow is the highlight of the Disney+ series. The Disney Store and shopDisney have a limited release series of plush and pins for fans of the show and lovers of the little tot.

There are four different Grogu options in the series. The first is Grogu holding a one-eyed frog. Will he eat it? If he’s anything like his onscreen character he will. But in this case he is simply holding the soft green frog and possibly contemplating whether to keep it as a pet or have it for dinner.

The second Grogu is holding his cup waiting for something to drink or some broth. His expression is a delight and he looks like he is hoping to get the cup filled with something delicious.

Grogu #3 holds a bowl full of delicious squid. Yummy. He is a hungry little guy and is anxious for his dinner. If you know a chef, think about giving him/her this little fellow.

The fourth Grogu is sitting quietly in a Zen position. His eyes are closed and he looks like he is in deep thought. Ommm. Ommm. This little fellow is at peace and inspires a feeling of calm. He would make a great gift for anyone who practices yoga.

Each of the beanbag plush is soft and huggable. Grogu wears his tan robe with Sherpa collar and cuffs. The expressions on each of the four are different. And for little kids who just want a plain Grogu to sleep with, an adult can easily snip off the cup, bowl, and frog.

There are also four unique cloisonné pins in the collection that match the plush characters. The first one has a moveable cup that can slide up to his mouth for a drink. The second one, well, he is actually swallowing the frog! The frog’s legs are also moveable. Pin #3 is a peaceful Zen Grogu. And the fourth Grogu holds a moveable bowl filled with tasty squid. Because they are moveable, with the exception of the peaceful Zen child, these pins are cuter than a simple Grogu pin, especially for collectors.

The three standing plush measure about 7 ½ inches high. The sitting Grogu is about 5 ½ inches high. The pins are substantial, measuring approximately 1 ½ to 2 inches high.

These pins are $15.99 each and the plush Grogus are $16.99 each.

The Child, named Grogu, is a beloved character and has a fan base of young and not-so-young. Let’s face it – he’s adorable!

 


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.

It is indeed a small world

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

As the citizens of the planet Earth have discovered during this Corona Virus pandemic, it is a small world.

The latest edition of the Minnie Mouse: The Main Attraction collection highlights “It’s a Small World.” Each month Minnie Mouse dresses in a different outfit to focus on an attraction in Disneyland. This month she is touting the memorable and beloved boat trip that takes guests on a trip around the world. This is “the happiest cruise that ever sailed” as guests see children singing and dancing in their native outfits and languages. And for anyone who has been on this attraction, the song is unforgettable…literally!

Minnie is dressed in a colorful dress in teal, pink, yellow, and purple. She has a teal bot on her head and a smile that says she loves the way she looks. Minnie is a fashion icon and there’s no doubt she is happy with her special attire.

To go along with this specially dressed plush Minnie Mouse, there are other items in the collection. A pink Hip Pack from Loungefly is perfect for when guests are allowed back in the park. It is small but can hold a phone, some money or credit cards, and of course the ticket to the theme park.

A coffee mug is also part of the collection. It is also done in pink with colorful designs depicting the entrance to the attraction. A special Minnie Ears headband matches Minnie’s real ears. A pin set rounds out this month’s collection.

The newest collection for the Minnie Mouse: The Main Attraction Disney It’s a Small World will be available beginning April 18, 2020 from shopDisney. Items are limited so get your favorite soon!

And if you want to relive the fun of that memorable cruise around the world, click here.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 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, 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 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.

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.

Disney Wisdom Jiminy Cricket

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Every third Saturday of each month during 2019, the folks at Disney release a new set in their Disney Wisdom Collection. These are different each month and include several items, each with an inspirational quote from a classic Disney film.

This month the focus is on Pinocchio. The saying from The Blue Fairy, “Always let your conscience be your guide” is something every age should follow.

The plush ($26.95) for the July release is a bright green Jiminy Cricket, complete with his tie, jacket and signature hat. This fellow has a broad smile and all his features are stitched on, so there is nothing for small hands to pull off. He is a true plush – soft and cuddly. Yes, even a cricket can be cuddly!

His bright green hat is embroidered with the phrase from the Blue Fairy, with the emphasis on the word “conscience.” The back of his coat is stitched with the Disney Wisdom patch and the words “Series 7 of 12.” This is what makes him official and unique among other plush animals.

Besides the plush Jiminy, the collection includes a bright green mug ($18.95) with the wise quote on the front and a picture of Jiminy and Figaro the cat on the back. It is a great way to start the day. Fill it with your favorite coffee or tea and you are off to a good start, keeping the words of wisdom in your mind.

Also in this collection this month is a set of three pins ($16.95): Jiminy, Figaro, and a plaque of the quote. They are all done in bright green. There is a book ($16.95) as well, with the quote on the front and blank pages so it can be filled with your own quotes, or maybe a shopping list or honey-do list.  And there is a T-shirt  ($26.95) for adults with the wise quote on the front. The shirt is white but the quote is emblazoned in bright green. What else?

The star of the series is definitely the plush Jiminy Cricket. He stands about 15 inches tall and is about 12 inches when sitting. Just looking at his face will make anyone smile. He is filled with love, happiness, and the whimsy that makes these characters adorable for all ages. He definitely put a smile on my face when I opened the package.

This little fellow is so darn cute and cuddly. Adults will want to display him as a collector’s item, however kids will definitely want to hug him and play with him. And he might even get the whole family singing “When You Wish Upon a Star.”

As the folks at Disney say, “Celebrate the timeless wisdom found in Disney films with our special edition Disney Wisdom Collection…Collect them all to add color to your life and revel in the everlasting wisdom taught by classic Disney films with this magical rainbow collection.”

Everything in this collection is limited so make sure you get the item or items of your choice by going to the Shop Disney 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, 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.

Disney Summer Fun clothing collection for families

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Summer – the time for family reunions, get-togethers, vacations, and just having a great time. Disney has a new line of summer clothes for the entire family. Everyone can show their family unity and Disney spirit with these new fashions. The Summer Fun collection is whimsical and also pretty classy!

 

For moms (sizes XS-XXL) there is a button down shift dress that can be worn as a dress or even as a cover-up over a swimsuit. For girls (sizes 2- 9/10) and girl babies (0-24 months) there is a free-flowing dress with shoulder straps that are topped off with a bow. Fathers (sizes S-XXL), boys (sizes 2-9/10), and boy babies (sizes 0-24 months) get button down shirts with patch pockets on the left chest. Pair the shirts with white, tan, blue, red, or any color slacks or shorts, and they make a fun and colorful ensemble.

Beach balls, ice cream, Mickey and Minnie, along with cacti and some other colorful items on a crisp white background combine to create a fun summer pattern.

The clothing is all 100% cotton so it will keep you cool in the hot summer. They might tend to wrinkle just a bit however I found some pressing with your hand will loosen up the wrinkles and the items will look fresh and new.

They all have a white background with chambray pockets. The girls’ dresses have white lining, chambray straps, and a chambray hem.  The material is soft to the touch, and since the design is not embroidered there are not rough areas inside the dresses or shirts to irritate sensitive skin. The dress for babies comes with a matching diaper cover, so everyone will be well dressed this summer.

If the entire family isn’t into matching outfits, perhaps you will simply want to dress the kids in matching clothing. Or mothers and daughters are adorable when they wear matching outfits. There are plenty of options with this new line of clothing. Maybe fathers or mothers might want to dress like their sons or daughters for a special event at the office.

Are you planning a Disney cruise or a trip to Disneyland or Walt Disney World? Definitely take these items along. Show your family unity and your whimsical Disney side with the Summer Fun collection.

The Mickey and Minnie Mouse Summer Fun dress for girls lists for $29.95, the shirt for boys lists for $22.95, the dress for babies lists for $24.95, the shirt for boys lists for $19.95, the dress for women lists for $49.95, and the shirt for men lists for $39.95. They are available at the shopDisney website. Don’t wait. Get yours while they have your sizes and before they are all gone.

 

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, 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

Disney Wisdom Collection

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

During 2019 on the third Saturday of each month Disney will release a new character in their special Disney Wisdom Collection. January’s Dumbo sold out quickly and February’s Mushu was just as popular. March has the loveable bear Baloo from The Jungle Book.


With each release in the Wisdom Collection, there will be one plush animal with a quote from a Disney film. The plush animals each have the quote embroidered on their bodies, and there are pins, mugs, and notebooks to go along with each month’s inspirational quote.

As the folks at Disney say, “Celebrate the timeless wisdom found in Disney films with our special edition Disney Wisdom Collection…Collect them all to add color to your life and revel in the everlasting wisdom taught by classic Disney films with this magical rainbow collection.” Who would have thought that so much inspiration and wisdom could come from animated films? Well, the folks at Disney did, and this collection is great for the young and the not-so-young.

For the time being, the future animals are a secret, only to be revealed with the public when the product is released, making it a fun thing to look forward to.

The March release is Baloo and the quote embroidered on his paunchy tummy is “Forgot About Your Worries and Your Strife” which is of course from the song he sings in the jungle. He looks for the bare necessities, and teaches little Mowgli to do the same.

 

My suggestion is to display the colorful plush characters together, or add some of the other Disney characters to join with their friends. The Disney Animators’ Collection Mowgli doll from their Origins series is a perfect match to go along with Baloo.

Baloo stands (or sits) about 13 ½ inches high. His body is made of soft green with a corresponding lighter green on his paws and stomach, with the colorful phrase embroidered front and center. He has a happy open smile. This fellow is very huggable, and when paired with Mowgli, they make an adorable setting on any bed, table, or bookshelf.

If you only want to collect the wisdom mugs, they also make a fun and colorful display.

Enjoy the fun of Disney infused with memorable and inspirational quotes to brighten your days.

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, 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

Disney introduces Origins series to Animators’ Collection

Posted on 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.

Follow her on Twitter

Disney Furrytale Friends – the latest line of Disney Merchandise

Posted on 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