Disney Consumer Products previews fall merchandise for tweens at D23 Expo

At the recent D23 Expo, Disney fans could find something new and fantastic to experience everywhere they looked. Despite all the temptations, though, my almost 11-year-year-old daughter zeroed in on the Disney Consumer Products pavilion and spent a good chunk of her day there. Rightfully so, too, because there were great preview products and giveaways that certainly were designed to appeal to tween girls.

Before we had even arrived in California for the event, my daughter had determined that she wanted to experience the Tinker Bell bun bar and the Minnie Lounge for an adorable mouse manicure. Both complimentary salon services were being offered in the Disney Consumer Products pavilion to guests of all ages as a means to promote new Tinker Bell and Minnie Mouse-themed merchandise.

Both marketing ideas were popular with the crowds, too. My daughter happily waited an hour in each line for her turn with the professionals. At the bun bar, a hair stylist created the signature Tinker Bell topknot using a bun donut sponge and bobby pins and then decorated it with pony-tail holder with a gold bow, all of which each recipient was allowed to keep.

Nearby, fairy lookalikes could peruse a selection of Tinker Bell merchandise. There were boots, flats and sandals inspired by Tink’s look, plus apparel. Another case displayed already-released Tinker Bell jewelry. (I wish we had gotten a preview of future Pandora charms!) In addition, several pairs of blank white canvas slip-on shoes were decorated with Tinker Bell’s likeness by Disney artists.

In the Minnie nail bar, D23 Expo attendees were invited to select a design from four choices and it would be applied to one nail on each hand. Similar to the neighboring Tink bar, the Minnie nail bar also displayed Minnie Mouse-inspired apparel and Pandora charms, plus large-scale storyboards showing how to draw Minnie Mouse. At the nearby Disney Store, a new line of Minnie Mouse-themed home goods and apparel was introduced. It will be available to the public this fall.

The Disney Consumer Products pavilion had plenty of other areas of interest for tween girls, as well. Among them:

** Whisker Haven Tales with the Palace Pets. This display introduced fans of the royal animals to a secret realm deep in a fairy-tale land between the Disney Princess kingdoms called Animal Royal Kingdom of Whisker Haven, where the Palace Pets characters can meet up with their friends, play, and save the day. New products were on display. (Giveaway for attendees: collectible buttons)

** Star Darlings. Disney introduced its new original brand: a diverse group of girls who dream of being able to grant the wishes of others to reclaim the wish energy that powers their beloved planet, Starland. More about this franchise can be found in my previous blog post. (Giveaway for attendees: bookmarks)

** Disney’s Descendants. Participants got an exclusive look at the wicked world of fashion and toys inspired by the new hit Disney Channel movie. Plus, the cast did a meet-and greet. (Giveaway for attendees: Pose in Maleficent’s shadow)

** Frozen. New merchandise, of course! For me, the most notable item was finally seeing normal-size Snowgee plush animals. The Disney Store sold tiny Snowgees attached to Olaf plush animals right after ‘Frozen Fever’ debuted. (Giveaway for attendees: large-scale photo op in Kristoff’s sleigh with Sven waiting to pull.)

** Disney Princess craft. Attendees were invited to “unlock their inner princesses” by leaving empowering messages on a special Keys to the Kingdom gate.

The D23 Expo offered lots of sneak peeks of merchandise and crafts and fashion items that Disney-loving tweens will appreciate, and soon they will see these and more on store shelves. The temptations, and the choices, will be many — and just in time for the holidays.

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