2014 Designer Dolls - Fairytale Collection Part II

[Matthewlondon]

It's always interesting to see that there are so many different opinions on the very same (pictures of the) dolls.
Longer waiting means you have more time to put money aside for her

Yes that is a good point, longer left to save! Just get very impatient lol.

 

[Orchestral]

So, I am hoping to get the Cinderella and Mulan set from this release!

 

[disneykid85]

The bad news is that I can't get these beauties due to work so I'll be staying up late to purchase them. But if I can get them it'll be worth losing sleep over lol!

 

[Ebascetta]

They are Beautiful!!! I love Cindy's dress!

 

[Ebascetta]

what date are these releasing online?

 

[Polaris]

It's a little quite on the forums lately. I wonder if that is a reflection of people starting to lose interest in these dolls? I mean these are a continuation of last year meaning that it is nothing new or surprising and it is another line that involves the princesses again (this is the third year to have designer dolls based on the original 10). I mean Disney is doing exactly what they should not do and that is constantly give us the same thing over and over again as opposed to giving us something different and new. So I wonder if Disney will move to something new next year especially if this year's line does not do as well? Either that or just listen to us and release designer dolls based on different characters as opposed to the same 10 princesses.

 

[Esmeraldapascal]

I like these dolls, but I have to admit, they're not as good as last years, don't get me wrong, I still need these ones in my life, but they should have just released them all at the same time rather than separating them, but I do want to see them doing characters that aren't always featured, like Esmeralda and Meg, Disney can't make these strong characters then just do nothing with them again

 

[lordofanime]

It's a little quite on the forums lately. I wonder if that is a reflection of people starting to lose interest in these dolls? I mean these are a continuation of last year meaning that it is nothing new or surprising and it is another line that involves the princesses again (this is the third year to have designer dolls based on the original 10). I mean Disney is doing exactly what they should not do and that is constantly give us the same thing over and over again as opposed to giving us something different and new. So I wonder if Disney will move to something new next year especially if this year's line does not do as well? Either that or just listen to us and release designer dolls based on different characters as opposed to the same 10 princesses.

I think it's because of the lack of information.
As soon as we get a glimpse of the LE aurora this forum will light up like a Christmas tree.

Also, as soon as Disney announces the release dates and the merchandise.

 

[Polaris]

I don't think it is because of the lack of info, I honestly think it is because in the previous years there was so much speculation over what the new line will be, this year we knew it would be a continuation.

Also the LE Aurora is a completely different line to the designer line, to be honest I think the Sleeping Beauty LE dolls will overshadow the designer dolls mainly because of the fact that whilst this line is amazing it really isn't something we haven't seen before. As I have said before Disney really needs to realise that using the same characters over and over again and the same concept will make it dull and repetitive. This is just a case of doing some similar instead of something new, therefore people are feeling the seen it before feeling.

In my opinion the biggest glaring issue here is the fact that all the more popular princesses were utilised last year which makes me believe that they really didn't intend for this line to begin with but due to the demand for it Disney decided to go through with it. If not it really shows poor planning on Disney's end as there is an imbalance in the release.

That being said having the less popular princesses in one line may make the ones who are usually overshadowed to shine in this line. For example Pocahontas and Mulan seem to be very popular in this year's line so in a way it is good in that it gives the others a chance.

 

[sheldoal]

I like these dolls, but I have to admit, they're not as good as last years, don't get me wrong, I still need these ones in my life, but they should have just released them all at the same time rather than separating them, but I do want to see them doing characters that aren't always featured, like Esmeralda and Meg, Disney can't make these strong characters then just do nothing with them again

Personally, I am glad they did not release them all in same year. At $130 (plus tax) per doll, I could never have afforded to buy all 10. That would be $1300 plus, in my case, $65 in tax. No thank you! The original Designer dolls were only $60.

I am waiting with baited breath for the Designer Anna, Elsa, and Merida. After that, bring on the other ladies. I'd love to see a Jane and Esmerelda. And I would be over the moon if they would make a Robin and Marion. *sigh*

 

[sheldoal]

. . . because of the fact that whilst this line is amazing it really isn't something we haven't seen before. As I have said before Disney really needs to realise that using the same characters over and over again and the same concept will make it dull and repetitive. This is just a case of doing some similar instead of something new, therefore people are feeling the seen before.

I agree with the repetitive statement. Beyond the fact that Tiana is in the Bayou dress yet again, even though they could have made a beautiful version of her blue ball gown, even the dresses were reused in Fairytale Couple line. Why did Aurora's dress have to be same style as Ariel's? I get that the animated Ariel's town dress is really a borrowing from Briar Rose's peasant dress. I mean the panel of cloth in the split skirt. They did not have to use that same split panel for Briar Rose. They should have left the dress one piece of cloth with the embroidery. That would have been lovely. As others have already said, that floral piece of cloth just seems out of place. It clashes with the other colors of the dress. But some do like it. It is clearly a preference issue. I just don't like the similarity of the two dresses within same line. Briar Rose/Aurora is still lovely.

As for giving us something new, I wonder how much of a market the lesser Disney ladies would have? Disney knows the princess line has been a cash cow for it. Will a designer Esmerelda or Jane make the sales that the princesses do? The hard core collectors will buy, but will the regular public? They could try an exploratory release of a few dolls to test the water. Just give me a designer Anna, Elsa, and Merida first!

 

[LittleMermaidAriel]

I also agree that Disney needs to come up with a new concept for the designer lines in upcoming years. The princesses will always be very popular and sell, but there are so many characters the public would love to see in designer glory that have not received that treatment. I think we can expect Disney to do something different soon as many folks have been requesting the Heroines line, among others.

 

[lordofanime]

With the right edition number, everything will sell.
If they make a designer Heroines with an edition number of 3000-4000 they will sell. And price tag of $50 or $60.

 

[LordTremaine]

I'm not really digging this collection /: I think last years was a lot better personally. Cinderella/Charming are the only ones I really like and would consider getting. Cindy looks stunning and I love the lighter midnight blue shade of her dress and her hairstyle. She actually reminds me of the historically accurate drawing of her. I think Charming looks good in the black as well. After that it kind of goes down hill for me. Tiana looks really pretty but I wish they did something different for her. There really is nothing unique about her look imo. Same old same old. And Naveen looks kind of strange. His head shrunk. And he is one of the most good looking princes. Mulan's dress is really nice but I really dislike her face sculpt. Way too overdone. Shang looks ok.

Pocahontas and Aurora are the biggest disappointments for me. I actually really like Poca's face but there is just way too much going on with her outfit. On the opposite end of the spectrum John Smith looks as bland as can be. I am a big Pocahontas fan she is one of my favorites and part of me wants to get her simply because I love her and there is such little merchandise for her. Especially limited edition merchandise. But I don't want to spend that much money on something I don't love.

As for Aurora ughh. She has the prettiest concept art but it just did not translate well at all. Her face is ok but very Barbie-esque. Her dress is awful. So bulky and blah looking. I love how flowy and pretty it is in the concept art but I just don't think it looks good on the doll. And Phillip is like Snow's prince last year. He looks nothing like himself. My ranking:

1. Cinderella/Charming 5/5
2. Tiana/Naveen 3.5/5
3. Mulan/Shang- 3/5
4. Pocahontas/John Smith- 2/5
5. Aurora/Phillip 2/5

 

[NightmareMermaid]

This is my ranking of these sets, which is solely based upon how well I think these dolls sets turned out and not on my personal preferences toward the characters:

1. Pocahontas and John Smith
2. Cinderella and Prince Charming
3. Mulan and Li Shang
4. Aurora and Phillip
5. Tiana and Naveen

Before we saw pictures of the concept art or the dolls themselves, Aurora and Phillip seemed to be the couple that people were looking forward to the most. I have to say the one that disappointed me the most was Aurora and Phillip. This is SB's Diamond edition year, so I had high hopes for this set. The top half of her dress is fine, but the bottom half is a mess with the ugly fabric in the middle of the skirt and the poorly placed rhinestones. Then there's Phillip. He's this year's Snow White's prince. He doesn't look like himself at all. For me Tiana and Naveen are the worst set simply because there is nothing new about it. Plus Naveen seems to have the smallest head and the worst expression of all of the princes.


I really do hope that we see a Designer Heroines collection. The one character that would need to be included to guarantee a purchase from me is Kida. It would be nice if they would make a collection that included both Kida and Elsa since they were both princesses that became queens in their films.

 

[Selithiel]

It's interesting to see all of the different rankings that everyone has - I am having a hard time picking myself!

Going to have to go with...
1) Aurora & Phillip - Not 100% happy with Phillip but I am too enamored with Aurora to care.
2) Pochontas & John Smith - Pocahontas is absolutely stunning, and she is a VAST improvement over our last designer Pocahontas.
3) Mulan & Shang - Very lovely, I would have liked Mulan in a different outfit but I still think the set is beautiful.
4) Tiana & Naveen - My only issues with this set are Tiana being in the same old dress and Naveen's weird face sculpt :/ Tiana is gorgeous!
5) Cinderella & Charming - Nice set, and I love the dress on Cinderella. Just not my favorite!

Either way I'm getting all five to go with my other five. I was panicking but it looks like my mother will be buying my set for me *.*

 

[Polaris]

As for giving us something new, I wonder how much of a market the lesser Disney ladies would have? Disney knows the princess line has been a cash cow for it. Will a designer Esmerelda or Jane make the sales that the princesses do? The hard core collectors will buy, but will the regular public? They could try an exploratory release of a few dolls to test the water. Just give me a designer Anna, Elsa, and Merida first!

That is the thing though yes characters like Jane, Esmerelda and Meg may not be as popular as they are not princesses but that is the same case as Mulan, Pocahontas and Tiana but because they are princesses and included in the princess line this still helped with their sales.

This is why I think that next year if Disney were smart they would do a designer leading ladies or heroines line that would include characters like Anna and Elsa so that it will bring up the popularity of the line. I mean the same thing could be said for this year's designer line, this line is probably filled with the least popular princesses, so if Disney could do a line featuring characters like Mulan, Pocahontas and Tiana then why couldn't they do the same for the other characters? Especially if they execute them well enough then it doesnt matter on the popularity of the character because the amazingness of the doll will be its selling point.

 

[ImNotBad]

characters like Jane, Esmerelda and Meg may not be as popular as they are not princesses

if Disney were smart they would do a designer leading ladies or heroines line that would include characters like Anna and Elsa so that it will bring up the popularity of the line.

it doesnt matter on the popularity of the character because the amazingness of the doll will be its selling point.

I agree. They can now easily do another ten-doll series going back to the 2011 concept. Adding Anna, Elsa and Merida will support the line, while other female lead characters don't Have to be extremely popular. People wanted the Princes, so I think Disney tried to accommodate that need - but the Princes wouldn't have sold on their own, so they came as a Fairytale Couple set. It makes sense but it was a little early for more Princesses, and a two year run of them. Now that Princes are done next year will be the real surprise. Who knows where they will take it. As long as the dolls look great, they will sell.

 

[Polaris]

I agree. They can now easily do another ten-doll series going back to the 2011 concept. Adding Anna, Elsa and Merida will support the line, while other female lead characters don't Have to be extremely popular. People wanted the Princes, so I think Disney tried to accommodate that need - but the Princes wouldn't have sold on their own, so they came as a Fairytale Couple set. It makes sense but it was a little early for more Princesses, and a two year run of them. Now that Princes are done next year will be the real surprise. Who knows where they will take it. As long as the dolls look great, they will sell.

Exactly next year will be a lot more interesting due to the fact that the release will be unknown and unexpected, therefore there will be more speculation and anticipation with next years line. It really gives Disney an opportunity to reboot the line so hopefully they will hear our cries for something different and something new and will give us characters that have not undergone the designer makeover.

Personally for me I would love to see them do the following characters next year:
- Elsa (Frozen)
- Anna (Frozen)
- Merida (Brave)
- Megera (Hercules)
- Alice (Alice in Wonderland)
- Esmerelda (Hunchback of Notre Dame)
- Jane Porter (Tarzan)
- Kida (Atlantis)
- Jessica Rabbit (Who Framed Roger Rabbit)
- Nani (Lilo and Stitch)

Not sure if they will do another 10 characters again but even if they don't it would be awesome if they do at least the first 6.

 

[lordofanime]

I think the perfect line up would be:
-Meg (LE4000)
-Alice (LE4000)
-Kida (LE2000)
-Esmeralda (LE2000)
-Jane (LE2000)
-Elinoy (Black Cauldron) (LE2000)
-Wendy (LE3000)

I want Alice and Wendy to be tweens and not adult.

I don't think Disney will ever risk making a Jessica Rabbit doll due to her proportions.
I don't think they will release Anna and Elsa and Merida with heroines. I think they might be saving them for something.
For all we know, we could have another disney princess line next year with just those 3 princesses.

 

[Polaris]

There is no way that they are not going to release Anna and Elsa during an expo year just because we all know that designer releases tend to do better during expo years because of the hype it builds and if they don't release them next year then they might as well just bury the designer line because releasing a line like you proposed above would be suicide because there are no big characters that will draw people to the line. Yes it stays true to the whole heroines theme but who's to say that the next line would be called heroines, like I said if Disney releases a line showing women who are empowering then wouldn't characters like Anna, Elsa and Merida fit that match? Also Meg and Esmerelda are know to hold their own, even Alice could fit in a line like that. I mean they did call the line a princess line and fit characters like Mulan and Pocahontas into it and we even asked for princes and what did they do? they gave us the fairytale line featuring princesses with their prince (unfortunately highlighting the princesses moreso than the prince) but still Disney found a way to give them to us. So it would not surprise me if Disney finds a way to do the same next year.

Also if Disney does not release them next year then I would consider that is an opportunity missed for Disney, not only will people lose interest in the line but it would mean that they would have to wait another two years for the next expo to do a big release and by then people would probably have lost interest in the Frozen girls and moved on to something new. I just think that introducing the Frozen girls into the designer line would be a great way for Disney to reboot the designer line with the something new that it needs to keep the interest alive.

Yes Jessica Rabbit is a bit risque but didn't Disney already walk that line when they released Ursula and QoH in their thinner designer versions?

 

[xkaokaox]

I was looking forward to purchasing Aurora and Cinderella, but after seeing pictures will be passing on this line. Hopefully the 17" dolls capture my interest.

I agree with another poster, Aurora looks nothing like the concept art and more like a generic Barbie :/

 

[iantheelephantboy]

I was looking forward to purchasing Aurora and Cinderella, but after seeing pictures will be passing on this line. Hopefully the 17" dolls capture my interest.

I agree with another poster, Aurora looks nothing like the concept art and more like a generic Barbie :/

Yup! And Prince Phillip looks like frickin ken!

 

[ImNotBad]

I don't think Disney will ever risk making a Jessica Rabbit doll due to her proportions.

Yes Jessica Rabbit is a bit risque but didn't Disney already walk that line when they released Ursula and QoH in their thinner designer versions?

I was thinking the same with a Jessica doll - that they would use the regular doll body like they did with Ursula and Queen of Hearts. I'd LOVE it if Disney did a doll of Eilonwy or Kida, I don't know that I'd buy them but it would show they are taking a risk and making some collectors really happy. My thoughts on who can be released is:

1. Anna
2. Sgt. Calhoun (Wreck-it-Ralph)
3. Sally (Nightmare Before Christmas)
4. Megara
5. Alice
6. Jessica
7. Esmeralda
8. Merida
9. Jane
10. Elsa

Elsa would have the D23 exclusive doll. They can do the different edition sizes again since I don't think there will be a dollmageddon repeat - making the lesser known characters the lower editions. I'm obviously biased but I think Jessica's other Designer merchandise would sell, like the mugs, journals, shirts, etc. However characters like Jane, Esmeralda and Megara can be grouped onto a shirt with Alice or Anna and that would sell.

I think they tried to "enhance" the Princes a little. They did somewhat with the first Designer Princess dolls, but they still looked recognizable. Prince Charming and Phillip don't look like themselves. They both slightly remind me of celebrities who I can't think of their names. I'm glad Disney listened to people and tried to incorporate the Princes, now hopefully they will move on to new characters - Unless they give us Designer Villains Couples lol.

 

[Matthewlondon]

Everytime anything Aurora is released she gets called barbie! The first designer doll people said it and I thought she had the nicest face. Aurora does resemble barbie slightly anyway and no matter what she will always look slightly like barbie. But in no way if someone showed me a pic of the designer couples Aurora would I think barbie. She looks exactly like Aurora. To me Cinderella is more unrecognisable.

I get that Phillip looks like ken and not himself but in the movie I always thought Phillip looked like a vintage ken lol.
I must have odd taste as Snows prince was my favourite from the first line and Phillip this time.