The calendar may say summer, but last week, it was more like the start of the holiday season in NYC. It was then that I had the opportunity to meet with both Disney and LeapFrog to see what’s on tap for this Christmas, and from the looks of things, there will be plenty of toys on the top of Santa’s list this year. For starters, we were excited to see our favorite movie franchises in full form. From Cars 2, boys will surely be all revved up for Bomb Blastin’ Mater, that talks and moves, and Lighting McQueen Alive! that zooms all over the room. Both are available in the fall. Our favorite was the Big Bentley Playset (pictured here), packed with over 700 (!) pieces and 7 characters that will let kids re-enact the rescue scene from Cars 2. Toy Story fans haven’t been forgotten, thanks to the Buzz Lightyear Spaceship Command Center Rocket. This ship transforms into a command center with plenty of play space for more than one astronaut. If you’ve got a little princess in your house, she’ll surely set her sights on the Disney Princess Ultimate Dream Castle. It features 9 rooms, each devoted to a specific princess. (We loved Ariel’s bathroom, especially that clamshell tub!). Little girls who love their baby dolls will have a new one to add to their family: My First Disney Princess Singing & Storytelling Doll reads aloud her favorite Beauty and the Beast story and can use a microphone to sing some little ditties. It will be in stores in September. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! Stay tuned to The Talking Walnut for what’s in the works with LeapFrog
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