Disney Unveils New "The Princess And The Frog" Toy Line

Disney Consumer Products - February 2009
 

Disney Marks Newest Princess in 10 Years with Princess Tiana Debut
Mattel to Become European Master Licensee for Disney Princess dolls in 2010

As the Disney Princess royal court prepares to welcome its newest member, Princess Tiana, star of the upcoming Walt Disney Pictures animated theatrical release, The Princess And The Frog, Disney Consumer Products (DCP) in collaboration with Mattel (NYSE: MAT) and CDI, a division of JAKKS Pacific (NASDAQ: JAKK), today unveiled a dazzling and magical toy line inspired by the film and its colourful characters at the American International Toy Fair in New York City. The new line of Princess Tiana dolls also marks Mattel’s first collection of Disney Princess products to launch as a result of a new agreement between Mattel and DCP Europe. The Princess And The Frog movie will be released in Winter 2009/2010 in Germany. The Princess And The Frog is a magical fairytale set in New Orleans that marks Disney’s return to musicals and the warmth and grandeur of 2D hand drawn animation. Embodying the timelessness of Disney’s storytelling heritage, the film also introduces Disney’s newest princess in more than 10 years, Princess Tiana. The Princess And The Frog toy line is inspired by the magical elements and characters featured in the fairytale, including the beautiful Princess Tiana, Frog Prince Naveen, a trumpet-playing alligator and a love-sick Cajun firefly. The toys boast vibrant colours such as purple, green, gold and blue, with decorative elements reminiscent of New Orleans and the bayou. New playthings include stunning dolls, imaginative playsets, fun role-play items and costumes and colourful accessories that offer plenty of Disney magic and hours of play for little girls everywhere.

Tony Award-winning actress/singer Anika Noni Rose, the voice of Princess Tiana, unveiled the toy collection at a sneak preview event which also marked the first time that Ms. Rose and Toy Fair attendees were able to see the toy line. Mattel presented a one-of-a-kind Princess Tiana doll created specifically for Ms. Rose in celebration of her role.

“The Princess Tiana doll, the role play dresses and the rest of the toy line is absolutely gorgeous,” said Rose. “I’m thrilled and honoured to have the opportunity to give a voice to this very special character. I grew up loving Disney Princess fairytales, and to work with Disney’s creative team and bring this wonderful story to life has been a truly amazing experience.”

Mattel’s licensing agreement with DCP will now also include the development and distribution of Disney Princess fashion and mini dolls across Europe* from 2010.

Disney Princess fairytales have been enchanting girls since Snow White first graced the screen in 1937. However, only recently has Disney brought these beloved characters together in a collection of fantasybased girls' entertainment and products — the Disney Princess brand. With the introduction of a new princess, the Disney Princess franchise continues to grow as a powerful lifestyle brand, which today accounts for $4 billion in global retail sales and touches every aspect of girls' lives around the world. Disney Princess' successes span around the globe with merchandise, theatrical releases, home videos, books and magazines, television, theme park attractions, a website, radio air play and live entertainment. Product offerings extend across categories, including toys and personal electronics, apparel, home décor, stationery, food, personal care, publishing, and interactive games.