All day long, I've been getting e-mails from JHM readers
about "Frozen Summer Fun: Live at Disney's Hollywood Studios," which
kicks off on July 5th and then runs straight through September 1st. What people
most seem to want to know is this really Disney's response to The Wizarding
World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley (which — not-so-co-incidentally —
officially opens to the public on July 8th)?
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Inc. All rights reserved
Well, while I enjoy a good Disney / Universal feud as much as the next theme
park enthusiast, the fact of the matter is that what's going at DHS this summer
isn't really about battling the boy wizard. But — rather — it's all
about the Mouse finding additional ways
to cash in on the No. 1 top grossing animated film of all time.
Behold the
too-cool-for-school, must-have toy for the 2014 holiday season: Bandai's
Big
Hero 6 Deluxe Flying Baymax. Photo by Nancy Stadler
Don't believe me? Okay. Then let me take you to the Level at
NYC's Metropolitan Pavilion. Which — earlier this week — was where Disney
Consumer Products was holding its annual Holiday Showcase. Sure, there were
products on display here like the truly cool action Big Hero 6 action depicted
above. But to be honest, most of the 5th floor of this building was devoted to
Disney "Frozen."
Photo by Nancy Stadler
As you might expect, there were Anna & Elsa themed pajama sets & hats
on display. Also lots & lots of dolls. Those ran the gamut from Anna &
Elsa who were ready to ice skate ….
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Inc. All rights reserved
… to toddler sized version of these characters who would
have undoubtedly said "Yes!" if you asked "Do You Want to Build
a Snowman?"
Photo by Nancy Stadler
And speaking of snowmen … Given that Disney Consumer
Products has identified Olaf as "Frozen" 's breakout character, you
should get ready for an avalanche of snowman merch this coming holiday season.
Photo by Nancy Stadler
These Olaf-related items range from a 3 foot-tall
velcroed-together bean bag snowman to a "Frozen" Sing & Swing
Olaf (which would be a perfect pairing with the "Frozen" sing-along
storybook).
Photo by Nancy Stadler
If you're not sure which version of Olaf you liked from this
Walt Disney Animation Studios production, I guess you could always pick up a
copy of Frozen Mix 'Em Up Olaf.
Photo by Nancy Stadler
Or if you're in the mood for an icy treat while you're watching Disney
"Frozen" for the umpteen millionth time, you could always purchase an
Olaf Snow Cone Maker.
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Inc. All rights reserved
Or if you prefer to watch "Frozen" before you fall
asleep, I guess you could get dressed in some Olaf PJ Pals and then slip on
some Olaf Slippers.
Photo by Nancy Stadler
Or if you're looking for more of a group activity before bed, you could always
break out your copy of Hide-and-Hug Olaf. Which — according to the side of the
box — will be "A Fun Family Experience" when it finally goes on sale
this Fall.
Photo by Nancy Stadler
I will say this much: Were I to squeeze into that
"Frozen" Olaf costume depicted below …
Photo by Nancy Stadler
… I'm betting that I make one pretty Abominable Snowman.
Photo by Nancy Stadler
And just so you know: This is just the start of the new
"Frozen" Olaf merchandise. According to what I was told just last
week in Las Vegas at the 2014
Licensing Expo, there's a second wave of Olaf-themed merchandise coming in 2015
which will key off of that film's "In Summer" number.
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Inc. All rights reserved
Believe it or not, a lot of this stuff would be beachware —
towels, swimsuits & the like. So if you're an Olaf fan … Well, all I can
say is you should try & snag this snowman stuff while it's hot.