At the beginning of November Disney announced its 2009 “Most Wanted Holiday Toys,” including 12 reasonably-priced toys, labeled “A Dozen Deals Under $25.” The dozen deals list is as follows:
*Disney Fairies Tink’s Balloon Playset
*Disney Fairies Secret Jewelry Box
*Handy Manny Flicker The Flashlight
*Mickey’s Mouse-Ke-Tag Game
*Minnie Mouse Cupcake Set (Disney Store exclusive)
*Disney Princess: The Princess and the Frog Princess Tiana Cooking Set (Disney Store exclusive)
*Disney Princess Tiana Classic Doll (Disney Store exclusive)
*Disney Princess Tiana Just One Kiss Doll
*Disney-Pixar’s Cars Die-Cast: Neon Light up and Lenticular collections
*Disney-Pixar’s Cars Toons assortment
*Disney-Pixar’s Toy Story Buddy Packs
The remaining six toys on the Most Wanted List are the “Six Disney Standouts”:
*Disney Netpal by ASUS PC
*Disney Pix Twist Digital Still Camera
*Disney Princess Tiana Deluxe Costume (Disney Store exclusive)
*Disney-Pixar Toy Story Definitive Collection
*Disney-Pixar Toy Story Ultimate Buzz Lightyear robot
*Handy Manny’s Repair Shop
Some of these toys do look cool. The Disney Netpal is a notebook computer designed specifically for children. Its features include customizable built-in web safety, applications like Radio Disney, and a desktop with visual instructions that make it fun and easy for kids to use their computer.
Disney has always provided a wide range of fun toys that allow children to continue playing along in the worlds of their favorite movies. When I was young the Disney Store seemed like a magical place where I could find myself surrounded by stuffed-toy versions of beloved characters like Simba, Mickey Mouse, and Winnie the Pooh.
.jpg)
Now, although I’m not as enchanted by the Disney Store, I do still enjoy owning some shirts and stuffed animals that show my continuing love for the worlds of Disney. But I had a hard time dredging up any enthusiasm when I first saw the 2009 Most Wanted list.
Everyone knows the Disney brand is everywhere, from the typical toys, clothing, DVD’s, and video games to lesser-known franchises such as trendy home furnishings and wedding attire. So why does Disney need to release a Holiday Most Wanted list? Publishing a yearly listing of its newest and flashiest toys with what seems like the sole intent to drive kids crazy with want, feels like a new low.
Maybe I’m being too unrealistic, but I wish everyone would tone things down just one notch when it comes to the consumer culture of Christmas. The tradition of giving gifts won’t go away just because we’re not completely inundated with messages on how important those gifts are to Christmas. Of late, Disney seems to be one of the worst offenders.
I made it clear how excited I was for the “Prep & Landing” special, and while I still enjoyed it, I was disappointed by one of its main themes. The cartoon asserts that a child’s Christmas might be ruined not just now, but for years to come, if Santa does not deliver young Timmy his toy. As far as heartwarming holiday messages for the family go, that’s rather cold.
Between that unappealing plot and the unsavory Most Wanted List, Disney doesn’t seem like a bastion of family-oriented holiday spirit this year. For someone whose Christmases used to never feel right unless I watched the Disney Christmas Day parade, it’s a sad realization.
Related Articles:
Introduction to Disney Addiction
The Ongoing Saga of the Christmas Hamper
Christmas Showdown: Parents vs. Toy Packaging
Is Your Toddler Clingy? It Could Be the Holidays
*(This image by Franklin Samir is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 License.)
