Sneak peek: Disney toys to debut at American International Toy Festival 2013

Want a sneak peak at what you may be buying for kids’ birthdays and holidays later this year, Disney fans? The American International Toy Fair 2013 begins Sunday in New York City, and plenty of Disney toys will be displayed before making it to store shelves soon.

Perhaps the most extensive Disney toy collection at the show is from the upcoming animated movie, “Monsters University,” which is a prequel to the popular 2001 Pixar feature “Monsters, Inc.” “Monsters University,” from Disney-Pixar, tells how Sulley and Mike met at University of Fear before they became friends.

Sulley Monster Mask

Disney Consumer Products has created action figures, vehicles, play sets, plush figures, preschool and remote control items to help kids re-create key moments from the film. For example, Scare Off Sulley from Spin Master is a plush animal that uses animatronics and sound-and-light detection technology to change play modes and sense the environment. The Sulley Monster Mask from Spin Master is powered by children during play, reflecting their movements with its movable mouth and eyebrows.

“Monsters University” will be in theaters in June.

Another robust line of toys tied to an upcoming animated film is that from DisneyToon Studios’ “Planes,” which is due out in August. “Planes” is a comedy packed with action and adventure starring a crop-duster named Dusty, a small-town dreamer who longs to enter the most epic around-the-world air race despite his fear of heights.

Disney Planes Pilot Pals Dusty Crophopper Remote Control Plane

Disney Consumer Products has said this merchandise will be much like the kind in the “Cars” franchise. It will introduce die-cast vehicles, play sets and the Planes Tilt and Fly and Planes Air Race Trackset from Mattel. “Planes” fans also can take to the skies with the deluxe Dusty Plane from Thinkway, complete with an infrared remote-control feature that allows kids to program action sequences.

Glinda’s Signature Tiara and Light Up Wand

Toys based on the much-anticipated “Oz The Great and Powerful” have been designed with the fantasy and colorful characters of the film in mind. The new product line features role play items, such as Glinda and Wicked Witch costumes for adults; Glinda and China Girl costumes for girls; fashion accessories, such as Glinda’s Tiara and light-up wand; designer fashions and shoes; and Oz collectible dolls. “Oz” has a March release date.

“The Lone Ranger” has inspired six new LEGO sets that will be for sale in April. The building sets will include iconic characters, such as John Reid (aka The Lone Ranger), Tonto and the Lone Ranger’s white stallion, Silver.

Sofia the First Talking Magical Amulet

Moving from the big screen to the small one, Disney Channel will debut toys from its well-received children’s programming block, Disney Junior. New toys will feature characters from “Jake and the Never Land Pirates,” “Minnie Mouse Bow-toons” and “Sofia the First.” Be on the lookout for Minnie’s Pet Salon and Cheerin’ Minnie from Fisher-Price; pirate LEGO play sets; and dress-up costumes, including Sofia’s magical amulet, from JAKKS Pacific.

Tink’s Tikki Treat Stand

Popular brands Disney Princess and Disney Fairies will have new offerings, as well. Tinker Bell and her friends go on a tropical vacation in Palm Tree Cove this spring. JAKKS Pacific has created a new 4.5″ doll line and play sets, featuring pool and beach accessories, Rosetta’s Beach Buggy, Tink’s Tikki Treats Stand and Tink’s Pixie Paradise Pool.

Disney Princess Ultimate Dream Castle

In June, Mattel will unveil the Disney Princess Ultimate Dream Castle with a bedroom for Rapunzel and a spiraling hair “elevator.” It also features fairy tale-themed rooms for Ariel, Aurora, Belle, Cinderella, and Snow White that come to life with the Disney Magic Mirror App. When girls scan labels on the castle with an iOS device, they unlock and trigger activities in each princess’ room and around the outside of the castle. Last month, it was revealed at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas that such technology will play a large role in the next generation of Disney-branded toys.

Finally, expect a new line of Ariel-themed merchandise in the fall when “The Little Mermaid” Diamond Edition is released on Blu-ray DVD.