DisneyStore Limited Edition 17" Dolls Discussion

[amm3]

So I guess those display cabinets with lights in them aren't such a great idea then? I don't have space for something like that now, but I've always thought they look nice. I never really thought about the lights in the cabinet being so close to the dolls.

 

[cxn4689]

LMB925, thanks for sharing your experience and that's very helpful!

 

[Elphaba]

You could have a switch and turn on the lights in the cabinet only when you're looking at them.
I want something like that for my dolls too, and also my mineral specimens, which are also UV-sensitive.

 

[rabbitunderground]

thanks for all your comments, everyone! it's really helpful to read about how to preserve the dolls. i currently have my cinderella sitting on top of my bookshelf since my curio is filled with snow globes. urgh i wanna move it somewhere though. it's too high up to see.

i do think regardless of how you take care of it, the doll's appearance (box and doll) will deteriorate over time. it's just levels of deterioration that differ.

 

[LMB925]

I think all threads in this section should be blocked for guests. Of course they can just sign up but some won't be bothered.

I was a guest long before I signed up. I'm just not talkative by nature and didn't feel I had anything to contribute. I think you're going to see an increase in viewing on a release hour because it naturally draws attention. I've always watched this thread because I enjoyed the feeling of not being alone and reading what people were going through, but I've never gotten the link to buy from here. It was always on Facebook first and FB is easier to refresh and not have to go through all the posts.

I don't think this contributes that much to the scalpers. They already know the secret to getting the dolls, and getting multiples. I think the dolls get a lot of attention because of SQ Elsa on Ebay and naturally the popularity is growing. That's going to be reflected here. I think it's mostly doll collectors, like me, have found the forum and many may just be using it to get the dolls for themselves. I could be wrong, and I'm sure there are a lot of people buying to sell, but I hope it's not most of them. The only thing that is going to stop the scalpers is if Disney make more dolls to accommodate consumers, but they won't do that because they like the marketing aspect of the prestige this kind of situation brings them. They should triple the number of some of these dolls. They would not lose money on them. I find it very odd people get concerned Disney will not make LE dolls if it doesn't immediately sell out. I know of no other doll line that does this.

Please don't think I'm being negative or argumentative. All is being said with respect and no ill intent. Simply to discuss and express opinion. I'm just stating the way it was for me, so maybe we can give people the benefit of the doubt. I'd hate to have been excluded in the past when I just lurked, or to think people thought less of me, like I was just after something, for being new to the game, so to speak. It was nice not to feel alone at 3:00 am (I live alone and work from home, so this is probably more important to me than most), and see people expressing the same things I was feeling. It's also intimidating to post when so many people already have been around so long and seem to have built friendships and go back and forth only to each other in the thread. You almost feel as though you intrude if you post something. Although, I honestly don't get offended if I'm ignored. I just feel less the need to post my thoughts.

 

[rabbitunderground]

I was a guest long before I signed up. I'm just not talkative by nature and didn't feel I had anything to contribute. I think you're going to see an increase in viewing on a release hour because it naturally draws attention. I've always watched this thread because I enjoyed the feeling of not being alone and reading what people were going through, but I've never gotten the link to buy from here. It was always on Facebook first and FB is easier to refresh and not have to go through all the posts.

I don't think this contributes that much to the scalpers. They already know the secret to getting the dolls, and getting multiples. I think the dolls get a lot of attention because of SQ Elsa on Ebay and naturally the popularity is growing. That's going to be reflected here. I think it's mostly doll collectors, like me, have found the forum and many may just be using it to get the dolls for themselves. I could be wrong, and I'm sure there are a lot of people buying to sell, but I hope it's not most of them. The only thing that is going to stop the scalpers is if Disney make more dolls to accommodate consumers, but they won't do that because they like the marketing aspect of the prestige this kind of situation brings them. They should triple the number of some of these dolls. They would not lose money on them. I find it very odd people get concerned Disney will not make LE dolls if it doesn't immediately sell out. I know of no other doll line that does this.

Please don't think I'm being negative or argumentative. All is being said with respect and no ill intent. Simply to discuss and express opinion. I'm just stating the way it was for me, so maybe we can give people the benefit of the doubt. I'd hate to have been excluded in the past when I just lurked, or to think people thought less of me, like I was just after something, for being new to the game, so to speak. It was nice not to feel alone at 3:00 am (I live alone and work from home, so this is probably more important to me than most), and see people expressing the same things I was feeling. It's also intimidating to post when so many people already have been around so long and seem to have built friendships and go back and forth only to each other in the thread. You almost feel as though you intrude if you post something. Although, I honestly don't get offended if I'm ignored. I just feel less the need to post my thoughts.

i kind felt like that too in the beginning and still sort of do at times, although i kind of stopped caring.

i remember going into the chat for the first couple of times and in those instances, someone asked me "why are you on this forum if you don't collect pins?" i still don't. i didn't collect dolls before cinderella either so i felt like whenever i commented, i had to put a disclaimer that "i don't collect ___ so i might be out of line, but here is what i think". i am pretty sure most of my comments on here have something along those lines.

yeah i don't collect these (my focus being mostly on snow globes and occasional merchandise that catches my attention, and hopefully soon, art) but it's still fun to follow the progression of a line (whether dolls or movie merchandise or pins) and everything about them. i love disney and i love art.

when i had that conversation with a lovely person while we were both waiting in line for the cindy dolls, i was actually surprised that i can hold a conversation and how much i knew about dolls because of this forum and the one that was closed. it was like of like "wow", so it's definitely fun.

i don't think that will change things either. if scalpers are dedicated enough to stand in line or wake up in the middle of the night to buy dolls, they will do something small like sign up.

 

[LMB925]

LMB925, thanks for sharing your experience and that's very helpful!

It was my pleasure. I was a little embarrassed at seeming a little like a long winded crazy person. I just really like my dolls and do all I can to reduce any preventable damage, and I'm happy to share my personal experiences that might help people.

 

[LMB925]

i kind felt like that too in the beginning and still sort of do at times, although i kind of stopped caring.

I guess that is normal to feel that way. I understand people build up special friendships, so I really don't hold it against anyone. I just feel less like I'm contributing anything. I do still enjoy reading about everything.

i remember going into the chat for the first couple of times and in those instances, someone asked me "why are you on this forum if you don't collect pins?" i still don't. i didn't collect dolls before cinderella either so i felt like whenever i commented, i had to put a disclaimer that "i don't collect ___ so i might be out of line, but here is what i think". i am pretty sure most of my comments on here have something along those lines.

yeah i don't collect these (my focus being mostly on snow globes and occasional merchandise that catches my attention, and hopefully soon, art) but it's still fun to follow the progression of a line (whether dolls or movie merchandise or pins) and everything about them. i love disney and i love art.

Yes, I understand that feeling too. I found this thread by accident, and in the rest of the forum I feel I have nothing to add at all. I don't collected pins either. I'm a doll collector first, and secondly a Disney collector and then only of certain lines/characters. I love the Disney Enesco showcase figures. I love art too, and really appreciate the art history of Disney. I remember being 6 years old and being amazed at Sleeping Beauty just based on the visual aspects. I could have watched it all day with the sound off. I'm still amazed at the detail of the earlier films when I watch them. I would love to have some of the Disney art I've seen, but it doesn't fit into my budget at the moment (thanks to my doll addiction). It's the art that makes me love Disney, and dolls in general.

I agree about watching the progression of the lines. It really kind of fascinates me in weird way. I find myself really interested in what's happening with lines in which I have no interest in acquiring or supporting in any other way.

when i had that conversation with a lovely person while we were both waiting in line for the cindy dolls, i was actually surprised that i can hold a conversation and how much i knew about dolls because of this forum and the one that was closed. it was like of like "wow", so it's definitely fun.

That's so cool. It sounds like it made the whole experience so much better. I've used the information (not LE dolls, other lines and movies and such) I've found here to hold conversations with my nieces and nephew (ages 6,7, 11), and they are so impressed with my vast wealth of knowledge. Seriously, they think I know everything.

 

[SewingRaisin]

The only thing that is going to stop the scalpers is if Disney make more dolls to accommodate consumers, but they won't do that because they like the marketing aspect of the prestige this kind of situation brings them. They should triple the number of some of these dolls. They would not lose money on them. I find it very odd people get concerned Disney will not make LE dolls if it doesn't immediately sell out. I know of no other doll line that does this.

Contrary to some posts I've seen here, these dolls do cost real money to produce. After the prototype work is done in California, there is a significant amount of work on each of these that can only be done carefully by hand, one stitch or rhinestone at a time. Making a line bigger is not simply waving a wand and making it so.
Additionally, as anyone who owns more than a few of these can attest, these dolls take up space. Increasing an edition size or sitting on unsold dolls is going to be difficult to accommodate.

In looking at how Disney has experimented with edition sizes over the years, it seems pretty clear that numbers aren't fixed and they're kind of constantly experimenting, but the high edition size of Wedding Rapunzel isn't necessarily the answer.

 

[amm3]

It's also intimidating to post when so many people already have been around so long and seem to have built friendships and go back and forth only to each other in the thread. You almost feel as though you intrude if you post something. Although, I honestly don't get offended if I'm ignored. I just feel less the need to post my thoughts.

I was a guest for a very short while before I signed up too. I totally understand the feeling of intimidation. It was the same way for me. I felt incredibly awkward at first just jumping in to post something. I imagine most people feel like an outsider in the beginning and some may post a few things and then go away because of it. But I think the more you post then people start getting used to you and you get more familiar with others on here as well.

 

[cambridge1066]

First look at LE Wedding Cinderella in person posted by someone on Facebook/Youtube for anyone who's interested. The material of the dress does look nice and the doll does look much better in person but I still personally think $500 is a lot for the doll and definitely believes the low edition number had a big play in the price tag.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWi1xGTAySk&feature=youtu.be

I think you're right about the price tag, although after watching this review I will say I've gotten a lot more respect for the quality for the doll than I did when she was first announced.

My opinion that this doll is only $500 because she is limited to 500 hasn't really changed, though. Don't get me wrong, she looks BEAUTIFUL and I am very happy for anyone who wanted her and was able to get her, but minus the unique box design and maybe a small increase in production cost (probably for the veil and skirt of the dress, which are also my personal favorite features of the doll) there is nothing that really distinguishes her from any of the other LE dolls in terms of cost, fabrics, or overall appearance. This is even more noticeable with Blue Cinderella (because I'm willing to argue that her dress is just as gorgeous as Wedding Cinderella's any day of the week). One could make the same argument that she could have been priced $500 too...after looking at her box and the COA, not to mention the fabulous doll herself, I think it probably cost more to make her than the typical 17'' doll as well. But she is still the regular LE price plus $10 (for Lily James's royalties, as others have said). Why? Well, the only huge difference in quality/quantity between the two dolls is the edition size.

And all that said, I really don't think Disney will make a regular habit of making their LE dolls $500. They are still getting some backlash for raising the prices by $20 without any significant change in quality, after all, and Disney while hungry to make as much money as they can historically won't give up customer loyalty to do it. This Wedding Cinderella was probably just their way of making a Harrods-type doll (without the quality boost) for a special occasion; maybe they'll do it again if there is a Wedding Belle whenever Beauty and the Beast comes out, but I'm 99% sure that price won't show up for, say, the Aladdin dolls or other animated Disney characters down the road. And they tried to play it down, but they definitely heard a lot of complaining about the price not just from some of us but also non-collectors who just happened to read the announcement from FB or other places on social media.

 

[blueglasses]

Not to get off of the topic of Cinderella, but how would most of you rate the Kristoff 17" doll? For whatever reason, I have taken a big interest in him and I am really considering putting him on my list of dolls to buy along with the new Cinderella doll. From previous posts, it seems like most people are happy with him, but I was wanting a second opinion.

He is definitly an eye-catcher

 

[blueglasses]

Not to get off of the topic of Cinderella, but how would most of you rate the Kristoff 17" doll? For whatever reason, I have taken a big interest in him and I am really considering putting him on my list of dolls to buy along with the new Cinderella doll. From previous posts, it seems like most people are happy with him, but I was wanting a second opinion.

He is definitely an eye-catcher You will not regnet buying him.

 

[amm3]

I think you're right about the price tag, although after watching this review I will say I've gotten a lot more respect for the quality for the doll than I did when she was first announced.

My opinion that this doll is only $500 because she is limited to 500 hasn't really changed, though. Don't get me wrong, she looks BEAUTIFUL and I am very happy for anyone who wanted her and was able to get her, but minus the unique box design and maybe a small increase in production cost (probably for the veil and skirt of the dress, which are also my personal favorite features of the doll) there is nothing that really distinguishes her from any of the other LE dolls in terms of cost, fabrics, or overall appearance. This is even more noticeable with Blue Cinderella (because I'm willing to argue that her dress is just as gorgeous as Wedding Cinderella's any day of the week). One could make the same argument that she could have been priced $500 too...after looking at her box and the COA, not to mention the fabulous doll herself, I think it probably cost more to make her than the typical 17'' doll as well. But she is still the regular LE price plus $10 (for Lily James's royalties, as others have said). Why? Well, the only huge difference in quality/quantity between the two dolls is the edition size.

And all that said, I really don't think Disney will make a regular habit of making their LE dolls $500. They are still getting some backlash for raising the prices by $20 without any significant change in quality, after all, and Disney while hungry to make as much money as they can historically won't give up customer loyalty to do it. This Wedding Cinderella was probably just their way of making a Harrods-type doll (without the quality boost) for a special occasion; maybe they'll do it again if there is a Wedding Belle whenever Beauty and the Beast comes out, but I'm 99% sure that price won't show up for, say, the Aladdin dolls or other animated Disney characters down the road. And they tried to play it down, but they definitely heard a lot of complaining about the price not just from some of us but also non-collectors who just happened to read the announcement from FB or other places on social media.

After seeing the video and photos from collectors, I agree the wedding doll is beautiful and looks so much better than in the stock photos (big surprise, right?). From the video, the material of the dress looks like it is a really nice quality and there are several layers to the skirt. I do think a price increase was justified, but believe around $250 -$300 might have been a fairer price. The other $250 I feel was for the edition size. Of course, having not actually seen the doll in person, it is truly hard to say, so maybe I'm wrong. It really doesn't matter anyway because the doll sold out in two minutes online and now I see a few people have already paid over $2000 for her on eBay. So I suppose the doll is worth whatever collectors are willing to pay for it. The doll of course is going to be worth more because she is a small edition size and collectors are competitive. People will always want to have something hard to get that others don't have and by Disney making her such a low LE they knew they could drive up the price and the doll would sell. And to be honest, I don't think Disney cares about the complaining --- as long as the dolls sell, they will keep releasing them for whatever they can get away with. I wouldn't be surprised if there are more dolls released at this high price point in the future.

 

[SnowQueen674]

I was a guest long before I signed up. I'm just not talkative by nature and didn't feel I had anything to contribute. I think you're going to see an increase in viewing on a release hour because it naturally draws attention. I've always watched this thread because I enjoyed the feeling of not being alone and reading what people were going through, but I've never gotten the link to buy from here. It was always on Facebook first and FB is easier to refresh and not have to go through all the posts.

I don't think this contributes that much to the scalpers. They already know the secret to getting the dolls, and getting multiples. I think the dolls get a lot of attention because of SQ Elsa on Ebay and naturally the popularity is growing. That's going to be reflected here. I think it's mostly doll collectors, like me, have found the forum and many may just be using it to get the dolls for themselves. I could be wrong, and I'm sure there are a lot of people buying to sell, but I hope it's not most of them. The only thing that is going to stop the scalpers is if Disney make more dolls to accommodate consumers, but they won't do that because they like the marketing aspect of the prestige this kind of situation brings them. They should triple the number of some of these dolls. They would not lose money on them. I find it very odd people get concerned Disney will not make LE dolls if it doesn't immediately sell out. I know of no other doll line that does this.

Please don't think I'm being negative or argumentative. All is being said with respect and no ill intent. Simply to discuss and express opinion. I'm just stating the way it was for me, so maybe we can give people the benefit of the doubt. I'd hate to have been excluded in the past when I just lurked, or to think people thought less of me, like I was just after something, for being new to the game, so to speak. It was nice not to feel alone at 3:00 am (I live alone and work from home, so this is probably more important to me than most), and see people expressing the same things I was feeling. It's also intimidating to post when so many people already have been around so long and seem to have built friendships and go back and forth only to each other in the thread. You almost feel as though you intrude if you post something. Although, I honestly don't get offended if I'm ignored. I just feel less the need to post my thoughts.

Thanks for posting- I agree with you all the way down! For me, scalper paranoia on here takes the fun out of doll collecting almost as much as scalpers themselves, and the only reason I joined this forum was because I collect dolls and I wanted to be able to share my experiences with other people who love the same thing. But I feel like I've been stuck in the new member corner and even though no one has been rude to me, I feel like new members are discouraged from participating at all or from asking questions, and it's sad. I don't know, I understand both points of view. It's just sad that scalpers have made this happen, y'know?

 

[llm23]

I was a guest long before I signed up. I'm just not talkative by nature and didn't feel I had anything to contribute. I think you're going to see an increase in viewing on a release hour because it naturally draws attention. I've always watched this thread because I enjoyed the feeling of not being alone and reading what people were going through, but I've never gotten the link to buy from here. It was always on Facebook first and FB is easier to refresh and not have to go through all the posts.

I don't think this contributes that much to the scalpers. They already know the secret to getting the dolls, and getting multiples. I think the dolls get a lot of attention because of SQ Elsa on Ebay and naturally the popularity is growing. That's going to be reflected here. I think it's mostly doll collectors, like me, have found the forum and many may just be using it to get the dolls for themselves. I could be wrong, and I'm sure there are a lot of people buying to sell, but I hope it's not most of them. The only thing that is going to stop the scalpers is if Disney make more dolls to accommodate consumers, but they won't do that because they like the marketing aspect of the prestige this kind of situation brings them. They should triple the number of some of these dolls. They would not lose money on them. I find it very odd people get concerned Disney will not make LE dolls if it doesn't immediately sell out. I know of no other doll line that does this.

Please don't think I'm being negative or argumentative. All is being said with respect and no ill intent. Simply to discuss and express opinion. I'm just stating the way it was for me, so maybe we can give people the benefit of the doubt. I'd hate to have been excluded in the past when I just lurked, or to think people thought less of me, like I was just after something, for being new to the game, so to speak. It was nice not to feel alone at 3:00 am (I live alone and work from home, so this is probably more important to me than most), and see people expressing the same things I was feeling. It's also intimidating to post when so many people already have been around so long and seem to have built friendships and go back and forth only to each other in the thread. You almost feel as though you intrude if you post something. Although, I honestly don't get offended if I'm ignored. I just feel less the need to post my thoughts.

I have also been just a "watcher" even after I signed up and too am not very talkative and didnt feel the need to contribute because I simply enjoyed reading about other people's posts which made me feel not alone in my collecting. I understand now the importance of contributing. On another note, I also live in Florida and can relate to the bug/light/ heat issue.

 

[Sara12]

I am 18 and have always wanted to collect the dolls every since they came out! I remember when the LE Tangled doll came out and seeing it in the shops. My mum promised to bring me back to buy it but when we did it was gone! At the time I didn't really understand how it all worked and feeling so upset when they were out of stock! I remember being 12/13years old trying to search the web to find out but I never could. ( I wasn't very good with the internet I only used to look at the first two searches that came up lol) When the Frozen dolls came out I saw it on facebook and I knew I had to have since I had the chance (I had some money saved) At the time I wasn't able to get SQ Elsa as I only brought Coronation Anna but when I purchased Coronation Elsa I was able to swap with a lady for SQ Elsa! ( I did buy Coronation Elsa near retail price later on!) After the Frozen set of dolls I definitely think that the interest around LE dolls has increased dramatically. The lady who I swapped dolls with was shocked when she wasn't able to get Coronation Elsa online because she had been collecting dolls and couldn't believe how fast they went out of stock. I usually queue up at my Disney store from around 4am onwards to make sure I get them and don't miss out and I don't really like relying on other people to give links. If you really want something it's best to do it yourself! I joined this forum last year and I really like how informative it is and i'm really happy that there other people who share the same interest. ( I don't know anyone who is the same age or collects LE dolls where I live! ) I usually talk about it loads to my mum who I think has had enough of my talk-alot-otisis. (My sister is fan of Doc Mcstuffins so has "diagnosed" me with talk-alot-otisis) lol

 

[Rae]

Thanks for the input (especially to your post LMB925). I think I'm going to continue to leave them on the shelf so I can look at them. Although, I think I will now grab a new microfiber cloth to dust them with. The added info also made me look at ebay listings a bit differently. Lots of people have no return policy, and its good to ask how they will pack the doll when they send it ( ie. Newspaper-would never have thought about the possibility of newsprint ink getting on the box).

 

[Niels94]

This is a little bit random, but I reallyyy hope more people will upload pictures of their collection in the sticky thread. I would love to see everyone's collection!

 

[JPM3]

For those who display their collectibles / art without any UV-resistant covers or cases, switching to LED bulbs is another way to minimize photodegradation aside from keeping clear of sunlight. Traditional incandescent and florescent (CFLs) emit significantly more UV radiation than LEDs. Color fading will happen and the best we can do is to take measures to drastically slow down the process.

I do keep my posters and artwork behind 4 mm UV-protected lens covers, but I feel like my dolls look much better and more presentable without being obstructed by additional cases, enclosures, etc.

 

[Babybaby]

So in my local store today they still had 5 blue LE Cinderlla dolls, 3 LE Kristoff and randomly 1 Designer Fawn doll. I spent ages looking at them as I'd not seen any of them before. I really liked the look of Cinderella though, she looks like a good quality doll and you get your monies worth with her.

 

[starry_solo]

That is a nice video. There are butterflies on the dress!

 

[sheldoal]

I usually talk about it loads to my mum who I think has had enough of my talk-alot-otisis. (My sister is fan of Doc Mcstuffins so has "diagnosed" me with talk-alot-otisis) lol

This made me laugh because, for the most part, I don't have many people in my life interested in dolls, so I will talk to my husband about new releases and the drama in doll collecting world. His eyes start to glaze over after a few minutes or so, and I have to stop.

 

[rabbitunderground]

This made me laugh because, for the most part, I don't have many people in my life interested in dolls, so I will talk to my husband about new releases and the drama in doll collecting world. His eyes start to glaze over after a few minutes or so, and I have to stop.

hahahaha, this is so funny because that's the same thing that happens with some people when i talk about my collectibles. my mom is mote willing to listen and ask questions but i showed her cindy and she looked at the doll but didn't look look at the details and stuff. i get it though. there will be things that interest one person but not their significent other, but i think it's about respecting what the other person likes to do and finding middle ground (ie. listening and supporting them if it's important). have courage and be kind, right? lol

 

[amm3]

This made me laugh because, for the most part, I don't have many people in my life interested in dolls, so I will talk to my husband about new releases and the drama in doll collecting world. His eyes start to glaze over after a few minutes or so, and I have to stop.

Hahaha, I do the same thing with my boyfriend and my mom. I don't even attempt talking about dolls with my friends because none of them get my doll or Disney obsessions. They just think I'm weird. LOL. I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have this forum. It's also always a lot of fun to be able to talk to collectors while waiting in line for a doll. It makes the wait time go faster, and it's just nice to talk to another doll collector in person, face-to-face, about dolls for a change.