News & Press Releases
Disney Consumer Products Unwraps its #DisneyDozen Gift List for the 2013 Holiday Season
Receiving more awards and accolades than ever before, this holiday toy list showcases imaginative products for all ages and budgets featuring Disney, Marvel and Star Wars characters.
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Paint & Play app by Disney Publishing Worldwide
Glendale, Calif. (October 15, 2013) –It's the holiday season and Disney Consumer Products has magical gifts for all ages and budgets in its #DisneyDozen gift list inspired by favorite Disney, Marvel and Star Wars characters and stories. This award-winning assortment includes 12 entertaining and innovative holiday gifts – plus some additional "must-have" items – that tap into The Walt Disney Company's rich history of storytelling, while offering enduring play value and transforming playtime into a truly magical experience that Disney is known for.
With products inspired by popular Disney properties such as Disney Junior's Sofia the First and Doc McStuffins along with Disney's Planes and Disney Infinity, the #DisneyDozen products are being recognized by more national retailers, toy experts, industry organizations and media outlets than ever before, including: Toys "R" Us, Walmart, Kmart, TimetoPlayMag.com, The Toy Insider, Parents magazine and more. There's something for every budget with toys ranging from $5.99 to $189.99, and digital apps ranging from FREE to $4.99.
The #DisneyDozen gift list includes:
- Angry Birds Star Wars TELEPODS (Hasbro)
- Cheerin' Minnie (Fisher-Price)
-Amazon's 2013 Holiday Toy List - Disney Infinity (Disney Interactive)
-Amazon's 2013 Holiday Toy List
-TimetoPlayMag.com's "Most Wanted" toys for 2013 and "People's Play Award" nominee
-Toy Insider's "Hot 20" toys for 2013
-Toys "R" Us 2013 Holiday Hot Toy lis - Disney's It's A Small World Animator's Collection (Disney Store)
-Family Choice Awards 2013 Holiday Gift Guide Winner
–Parents magazine "Top 10 Favorite" for November 2013
-TimetoPlayMag.com's "People's Play Award" nominee - Disney's Planes Wing Control Dusty Crophopper RC Plane (Mattel)
-Amazon's 2013 Holiday Toy List
-National Parenting Publications Awards 2013 Children's Products Honors Winner in the Toys category
-TimetoPlayMag.com "People's Play Award" nominee
-Toy Insider's "Hot 20" toys for 2013
-Toys "R" Us, Walmart and Kmart's top holiday toys lists - Disney Princess Palace Pets (Blip) and Palace Pets app (Disney Publishing Worldwide)
-Amazon's 2013 Holiday Toy List
-TimetoPlayMag.com's "Most Wanted" toys for 2013 and "People's Play Award" nominee - Disney Princess Ultimate Dream Castle (Mattel) and Magic Mirror App (Disney Publishing Worldwide)
-Amazon's 2013 Holiday Toy List
–Parents magazine "Virtual Reality" Top Toy Pick 2013 - Doc McStuffins Get Better Check Up Center (Just Play)
-TimetoPlayMag.com's "Most Wanted" toys for 2013 and "People's Play Award" nominee
-Toy Insider's "Hot 20" toys for 2013
-Toys "R" Us, Walmart and Kmart's top holiday toy lists - LEGO® DUPLO®-brand Jake and the Never Land PiratesTM construction sets (LEGO)
- Iron Man Flying RC Extreme Hero (EB Brands)
-Amazon's 2013 Holiday Toy List
-TimetoPlayMag.com "People's Play Award" nominee - Sofia the First Magical Talking Doll with Animal Friends (Mattel)
-Amazon's 2013 Holiday Toy List
-Kohl's Top 25 Dream Toys list
-TimetoPlayMag.com's "Most Wanted" toys for 2013
-Toy Insider's "Hot 20" toys for 2013Additional "must-haves" items:
- Disney Baby The Lion King Simba Drop N' Roar (Fisher-Price)
-Amazon's 2013 Holiday Toy List
–Parents magazine "Best for Babies" Top Toy Pick 2013 - Disney's Frozen Anna & Elsa dolls (Disney Store)
- Marvel Creativity Studio Deluxe Stylus and App (eKids)
- Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Paint & Play App (Disney Publishing Worldwide)
-National Parenting Publications Awards 2013 Children's Products Gold Winner in the Virtual Products category - Winnie the Pooh Interactive Story Book Buddy (Hallmark)
From the loveable characters of hit Disney Junior shows and new characters discovered on the big screen, to soaring Super Heroes and angry Darth Vader birds (and pigs), the best-of-the-best products from the world's leading entertainment company are available now at national retailers including Toys "R" Us, Walmart, Kmart along with other mass and specialty retailers, as well as Disney Store retail locations and DisneyStore.com, and the iTunes and Google Play stores.
Best for Baby
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Disney Baby The Lion King Simba Drop N' Roar (MSRP $34.99; Amazon.com, Target.com and Walmart.com)
Surprise baby with different reactions via drop-through ball play with The Lion King Simba Drop 'n Roar, which includes sound effects and an original song, 'I Just Can't Wait to Be King.'Winnie the Pooh Interactive Story Buddy (MSRP: $34.95, available exclusively at Hallmark Gold Crown stores starting November)
Bring story time to life with Hallmark's Winnie the Pooh Interactive Story Buddy that uses Hallmark's I Reply® Technology – the plush Winnie the Pooh Story Buddy chimes in when key phrases from the book are read aloud.
Preschool Picks
Cheerin' Minnie (MSRP: $44.99; available at mass retailers)
Watch every girl's friend, Minnie, raise her pom poms high while she cheers for her favorite mouse, singing and dancing to the hit song "Hey Mickey"!
Doc McStuffins Get Better Check Up Center (MSRP: $79.99; available at mass retailers)
The Doc McStuffins Get Better Checkup Center has everything kids need – from the Big Book of Boo Boos to other doctor "tools" and accessories – so they can imagine they are healing toys and giving healthy checkups right along with Doc McStuffins!
LEGO® DUPLO®-brand Jake and the Never Land PiratesTM construction sets (MSRP: $14.99, $24.99 and $39.99; available at mass and specialty retailers)
Build your own pirate fun – from Jake's Treasure Hunt, to the Never Land Hideout, to Jake's Pirate Ship Buckey; a swashbuckling adventure awaits young Jake and the Never Land Pirates fans!
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Paint & Play app by Disney Publishing Worldwide (app is $4.99; available on iTunes and Google Play)
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Paint & Play is a magical 3D coloring book that lets kids create the Clubhouse world. With unlimited combinations of tools, colors, patterns, stickers, and more, kids paint everything they see – even Mickey and Minnie! A magic wand brings the Clubhouse to life as a fully-animated 3D world.
Sofia the First Magical Talking Doll with Animal Friends (MSRP: $39.99; available at mass retailers)
Dressed in her signature princess gown and very special amulet from the King, Sofia can recognize and talk with three of her best animal friends. With multiple character-specific phrases, it's endless interactive friendship fun with everyone's favorite princess-in-training!
Boys Toys
Angry Birds Star Wars TELEPODS (MSRP: $14.99 – $39.99, available at mass retailers; app is $0.99 available on iTunes and Google Play)
For the first time ever, TELEPODS lets you teleport your Rebel Bird and Imperial Pig figures into the new Angry Birds Star Wars II app so you can choose who you launch. You can also launch your Rebel Bird figures in real life to destroy iconic Angry Birds Star Wars structures and topple the evil Pig Empire!
Disney's Planes Wing Control Dusty Crophopper RC Plane (MSRP: $39.99; available as mass retailers)
Kids can have fun recreating the action seen in Disney's Planes with this RC vehicle that offers role-play remote control, which means the plane moves when they do!
Iron Man Flying RC Extreme Hero (MSRP: $79.99; available at mass retailers)
Experience the thrill of controlling the world's first flying Iron Man. The Extreme Hero banks, soars dives and climbs, just like the real Iron Man and offers high performance yet easy enough for a beginner as it soars up to 300 feet in the air.
Marvel Creativity Studio Deluxe Smart Stylus and App (MSRP: $34.99, available at Apple Stores; app is FREE, available on iTunes)
A truly creative gift for any Marvel fan or budding artist, the Marvel Creativity Studio features a "smart" stylus that magically transforms into a pencil, marker, crayon, brush or stamper, for an immersive art experience on iPad devices. Through engaging activities and assembling your own action stories, kids of all ages can draw, color and activate their favorite Marvel Super Heroes to create their own customized artwork and storytelling.
Gifts for Girls
Disney's Frozen Anna & Elsa dolls ($39.95 each; available at Disney Store locations and disneystore.com)
From Disney's Frozen, these beautiful dolls begin to sing their own signature songs triggered by motion-activation – Anna ("For the First Time") and Elsa ("Let It Go").
Disney Princess Palace Pets and Palace Pets app (MSRP: $5.99 – $29.99, available at mass retailers; FREE app, available on iTunes)
Inspired by the love for animals the Disney Princess characters display in their classic stories, the Disney Princess Palace Pets app and product collection enable children to play with, nurture and love their Palace Pets, just like their favorite Disney Princess characters. The product line includes figures, "plush" stuffed animals and playsets.
Disney Princess Ultimate Dream Castle and Magic Mirror App (MSRP: $189.99, available at mass retailers; $3.99 for app or FREE with Castle purchase, available on iTunes)
The Disney Princess Ultimate Dream Castle and Magic Mirror app merge physical and digital to create magical interactive experiences both in and around the castle themed to girls' favorite Disney Princess characters. Special spots in each room trigger activities including baking with Snow White, popping bubbles with Ariel, sewing beautiful dresses with Cinderella, and singing songs with Aurora. With so many areas of play, more than 30 accessory pieces, and the new augmented reality app, it's the ultimate castle for any little princess to call home.
Under the Sea Surprise Ariel (MSRP: $29.99, available at mass retailers)
When is placed in water, Ariel's fin lights up, creating a magical rainbow of color; she also sings and says phrases from favorite movie moments in both English and Spanish.
Family Fun
Disney Infinity (MSRP: $74.99 starter pack, available at mass and specialty retailers)
Disney Infinity is an all-new video game starring the beloved characters from Walt Disney Studios' and Pixar's most popular franchises. Players can place real-world toy versions of their favorite Disney characters onto a device called the Infinity Base and transport them into the virtual game worlds of Monsters University, The Incredibles, Cars, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Lone Ranger and Toy Story in Space as well as into a giant Toy Box where they can create their own adventures.
Disney's It's A Small World Animator's Collection ($29.95 each, available at Disney Store locations and disneystore.com)
Celebrate our "small world" with a new collection of dolls inspired by the original Fantasyland attraction, "it's a small world," and one of the best-known Disney tunes of all time. Each doll is dressed in traditional costume and sings in its native language.
News & Press Releases
New Updates and Exclusive Content from Jim Hill Media: Disney, Universal, and More
Boy oh boy, do I have some exciting news to share with all of you.
If you’ve been following our journey at Jim Hill Media, you know we’re all about peeling back the curtain to reveal behind the scenes insights, news, and history that surround the world of entertainment and theme parks.
And today, I’ve got a treasure trove of updates to share. So, grab your popcorn, and let’s get into it.
A New Chapter on Patreon
As many of you know, we recently made the big leap over to Patreon, and let me tell you, it’s been quite a rollercoaster ride. This move was driven by your requests for more exclusive content (and the easy to use RSS feed and app is a BIG bonus).
I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering support. Your enthusiasm and engagement have been the driving force behind our passion for delivering the best of Disney and Universal content.
Moving to Patreon has opened new avenues for us to connect more deeply with our listeners, offering exciting perks and benefits that allow us to tailor our content more closely to your interests and preferences. It’s been an incredible journey of crafting special content, such as the launch of our video podcast series, [Disney Unpacked].
[Disney Unpacked] – A Video Podcast Series Like No Other
Imagine sitting down for a chat with a Disney Imagineer who’s helped shape your Disney experiences for over three decades. That’s what we’re bringing to the table with [Disney Unpacked]. Alongside the legendary Jim Shull and my partner in crime Len Testa, we explore Disney’s storytelling, sharing how beloved rides and attractions were created, through the eyes of an Imagineer like Jim Shull who personally contributed to these projects.
It’s a rare opportunity to host a video show with Jim Shull, a Disney Imagineer who’s worked on projects like Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Toontown for over 33 years. If you’re curious about Jim and his work, check out our “Meet Jim Shull” video.
But that’s not all – as a patron, you’ll gain access to even more exclusive content. Our “Carry On” podcast, where Jim Shull and I explore stories that didn’t quite make it into the main episodes, offers a fascinating glimpse into the creative process behind [Disney Unpacked]. Plus, our regular Q&A sessions give you the chance to get answers to all your burning questions about the show.
Beyond the Podcast: Photos and Artifacts from an Imagineers Personal Collection
And if that wasn’t exciting enough, let me introduce you to our brand-new monthly video show, “Picture This.” Hosted by yours truly alongside Jim Shull and moderated by Lauren Hersey, “Picture This” offers a behind-the-scenes look at Jim Shull’s personal collection of over 60,000 photos and artifacts from his 33-year career at Disney. From rare behind-the-scenes shots to exclusive glimpses of Disney history, this show is a must-watch for any serious Disney fan.
The History of the Pixar Place Hotel
Recently, it was announced that Disneyland’s Paradise Pier hotel would be reopening as the Pixar Place Hotel.
Curious about the backstory behind this decision? Join Jim Shull and me as we delve into the history of the Pixar Place hotel. Explore its fascinating origins and gain insights into the inspirations drawn from Jim’s leadership on the Toy Story Hotel project at Shanghai Disney.
This YouTube documentary-style video offers a look into the creative process behind one of Disney’s iconic hotel projects.
Debut of “I Want That Too” Video Podcast
Introducing our newest podcast addition, “I Want That Too,” where Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive deep into the fascinating world of Disney products. From toys and collectibles to apparel and home goods, we’re here to unpack it all.
But we’re not just about the merchandise – join us as we explore the rich history and untold stories behind your favorite Disney goodies. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting your Disney journey, there’s something for everyone on “I Want That Too.”
This show drops bi-weekly as a Podcast and a Video over on the Jim Hill Media YouTube Channel.
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts today.
Welcoming Universal Fans with “Epic Universal” Podcast
And for all you Universal enthusiasts (or Universal Curious) out there, we’ve got you covered too! Introducing “Epic Universal,” a bi-weekly podcast hosted by Eric Hersey and yours truly.
Join us as we dive into the latest news, interviews, and trip planning tips from the Universal universe. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about what’s happening at Universal Studios, we invite you to join the conversation and stay updated with “Epic Universal.”
A Look Ahead: The Future of Jim Hill Media
Phew! It’s been an exhilarating few months at Jim Hill Media, with our Patreon move and new show launches, all dedicated to bringing you top-notch theme park news, insights, and history. Your support and enthusiasm have been the driving force behind our efforts, and we’re incredibly thankful for it.
Looking ahead, we’re excited about the future, with more content and partnerships on the horizon. Whether you’re into Disney, Universal, Marvel, or Merch, we invite you to stay engaged and subscribe for more updates.
A huge thank you for being part of our journey.
News & Press Releases
Disney Will Bring D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event to Anaheim, California in August 2024
Expanded Disney Fan Experience Will Feature New and Exciting Events Across Multiple Locations, Including a D23 Takeover of the Happiest Place On Earth, Evening Entertainment at the Honda Center, D23 Day at Angel Stadium, and Much More
Fan Favorites Including Exhibits, Panels, Shows, and Shopping Will Dazzle Disney Enthusiasts at the Anaheim Convention Center
D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is a one-of-a-kind fan experience like never before with spectacular shows, new venues, and multiple days of entertainment that will bring together the best of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and more!
Highlightswill include:
- Sunday, August 4: D23 Day at Angel Stadium, where D23 fans are invited to attend the Los Angeles Angels vs. New York Mets game.
- Thursday, August 8: D23 kickoff celebration at Disneyland Resort.
- Friday, August 9 – Sunday, August 11: Shopping, exhibits, panels, and presentations will take place at the Anaheim Convention Center during the day, with the fun extending into the evening at the Honda Center, the bigger home to marquee shows.
Tickets for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event will go on sale in Spring 2024, with ticketing options to be announced later for access to the Anaheim Convention Center and the Honda Center. Admission for D23 Day at Angel Stadium and the D23 kickoff celebration at Disneyland Resort will be available as separate ticketed events. Additional details for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event will be announced in early 2024.
You can get updates by staying connected to D23 via social media (@DisneyD23 on Facebook, Instagram, X), D23.com, and our weekly D23 FanFare email (sign up for free as a D23 General Member at JoinD23.com).
About D23
The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s nearly 100-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic year-round through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; the latest news and stories on D23.com; member-exclusive offers and discounts; the popular D23 Inside Disney podcast; and special experiences for D23 Members throughout the year.
Fans can join D23 at Gold Membership ($99.99/year), Gold Duo Membership ($129.99/year), and General Membership (complimentary) levels at D23.com. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube.
News & Press Releases
Star Wars Spoof: Space Robots in Outer Space Ep X: Battle for the Halcyon: The Last Starcruiser
Sure, Star Wars is cool and all. But let’s not forget about that other multi-part sci-fi cinematic spectacular, “Space Robots in Outer Space.” In fact, Hank Lonely (Hollywood’s ultimate hyphenate — actor / producer / director / writer / guy who makes sure the Porto Potties are kept squeaky-clean) just announced that there’ll soon be a 10th installment of this … Well, not exactly beloved. How about we say “admired from afar” instead? … series coming to a theater near you. In fact, here’s the highly anticipated teaser trailer for that project. Which is supposed to be titled “Space Robots in Outer Space X — Battle for the Halycon: The Last Starcruiser.”
Okay. Now the real story … In honor of Star Wars Day (i.e., May 4th. As in “May the Fourth Be With You”), Len Testa and I are sharing something that we produced with the help of all the nice folks who joined us last month aboard the Halycon.
We turned the Galactic Starcruiser as well as Black Spire Outpost into the backdrop for an affectionate send-up of all things Stars Wars. We hope that you (more importantly, the legal team at Lucasfilm) take this faux trailer in the spirit with which it was intended. Special thanks to Aaron Adams for so skillfully stitching all of this footage together. Also thanks to the team at Storybook Destinations, Touring Plans and the talented cast & crew aboard the “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser” for making this “Disney Dish” fan event so memorable.
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