At a toy and entertainment industry event earlier this week in New York City, special guests Sharon Osbourne and David Arquette joined Mickey and Minnie Mouse to promote Disney Junior’s new toy line and 24-hour channel for kids ages 2-7 years. The new channel, an offshoot of the Disney Channel, airs March 23.
Sharon voices Mama Hook and David voices Skully on the Disney Junior hit show Jake and the Never Land Pirates.Guests watched snippets from the primetime special Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Peter Pan Returns where Peter Pan made his first-ever appearance on the series.
Sharon and David participated in a roundtable with a small group of mom bloggers for a Q&A session. They spoke about how they enjoyed the characters they played in Jake and the Neverland Pirates. David, a father of one, and Sharon, and grandmother-to-be, could relate to moms about wanting to find entertaining shows for preschoolers like those found on Disney Junior.
Guests viewed a new line of over 130 toys inspired by four series on Disney Junior: Jake and the Never Land Pirates, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Minnie's Bow-Toons, and new series Doc McStuffins.
Highlights under each series include:
Jake and the Never Land Pirates— In 2011, Jake and the Never Land Pirates ranked as the #1 cable TV series for boys age 2-5. The new toy line releases in June and will include plush, role play, and accessories from Just Play and action-oriented play sets and figures from Fisher Price.
- Jake's Pirate Ship (MSRP $44.99, national retailers, June 2012) – This fun pirate ship brings the animated series to life. The ship rocks and rolls as kids push it along a surface. Skully perches on the lookout as pirate-themed phrases and songs add extra fun. Kids can even shoot water out of the cannon or concoct a surprise croc attack.
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse — A classic made for a new generation,Mickey Mouse Clubhouse rated as last year's #1 preschool telecast for kids ages 2-5. Fisher Price has created a new line featuring fun and interactive play sets, figures, and vehicles inspired by the upcoming Mickey Mouse Clubhouse special this fall called Mickey and Donald Have a Farm. They have also designed a dancing Mickey who has some smooth moves.
- Mickey's Farm Play Set (MSRP $44.99, national retailers, Aug. 2012) — Old McDonald is not the only one with a farm! Mickey’s Farm Play Set Kids features realistic animal sounds and fun farm music. Kids can play with character figures and animals on the play set complete with a silo and windmill.
- Master Moves Mickey (MSRP $69.99, national retailers, Aug. 2012)—Remember last year’s Christmas hot toy Rock Star Mickey? Now a new dancing Mickey is available to show off hip break-dance moves and even does a handstand. The interactive Master Moves Mickey features original music tracks with funky beats.
Minnie's Bow-Toons —Minnie has her turn to shine with Minnie’s Bow-Toons, a series of shorts featuring Minnie and Daisy Duck running Minnie's Bow-Tique specialty shop. The series highlights friendship, fashion and travel. The new line of Minnie Mouse toys includes kitchen and fashion-themed role play from Just Play and dolls and accessories from Fisher Price.
- Minnie's Kitchen (MSRP $74.99, national retailers, Aug. 2012) – This pink multi-level play set includes Minnie's voice and realistic kitchen sounds. The kitchen features multiple 'flipping' functions such as a sink that flips to a hidden cutting board and a dish rack that flips to a hidden blender. Girls can flip a Minnie-shaped pancake in the frying pan and flip through a recipe book for mealtime ideas.
Doc McStuffins – This new series launches next month and features six-year-old Doc McStuffins who communicates with and heals stuffed animals and toys out of her backyard playhouse clinic. A unique aspect of Doc McStuffins is that unlike many animated characters today, this one is African-American. A range of corresponding toys from Just Play includes many doctor-related toys.
- "Time for Your Check Up" Doc Doll (MSRP $34.99, national retailers, Aug. 2012) – The Doc McStuffins doll comes to life by speaking more than 10 phrases. She can bring her friend Lambie to life by just using her stethoscope which activates with lights and sounds. Kids can sing along to the 'check-up' song with Doc.
For more information about Disney Junior, please visit disney.go.com/disneyjunior.
Disclosure: Author did not receive compensation for this post. Author did attend the industry event in New York City to preview Disney Junior’s newest ventures. All opinions expressed are solely those of the author.
Excerpts in this article are republished with the permission of Maria Adcock, the NY Motherhood Examiner and founder of BiculturalMama.com.
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