June 9th is Donald Duck’s birthday and this year I’m switching out celebratory birthday cake for a plush puppet! Folkmanis has a magical line of Disney, Pixar, and Marvel puppets (you’ll find them detailed here), which includes one for our favorite web-footed friend. Let’s take a closer look at the Donald Duck puppet from Folkmanis!
[Note: I was provided with this sample by Folkmanis. All opinions are my own. Also, I want to thank my ever-patient Mother for modeling this puppet for me.]
The Duck is in the Details
Before we take the puppet for a spin, let’s examine the many facets of this big guy (and I mean “big,” the fellow is 22 inches tall).
The eyes are are soft blue with black appliqué pupils that contrast well with Donald’s white body. They are made of soft, smooth fabric not found anywhere else on the puppet.
Donald’s beak is stiffer than the rest of him (which I imagine is to help keep its shape) but it is still malleable enough to move the mouth around as needed.
What would Donald Duck be without his sailor suit? Naked, that’s what! The puppet’s hat is stuffed rather firmly. On Donald’s left side, a velvet-like ribbon dangles from the hat. I could not make it straighten out but I think I like it better slightly bent, giving the illusion that it has seen some wear over the course of long day of Donald losing his temper.
The shirt portion of his outfit has embroidered stripes along the collar and the cuffs with appliqué “buttons” down the front. His black bow is securely sewn to the front (I gave it a few tugs to test it). Interestingly, it holds its cartoony shape without being stuffed, even while the puppet is being manipulated.
This puppet has a very plush bottom, which for some reason, I find amusing. And just look at his teeny tail! This is another one of the details that captures the character’s original design.
Donald’s feet are large, but proportionate to the character, and even have a bit of extra stuffing closest to the leg. Like Donald’s beak, sailor hat, and shirt, his feet and legs are made of a velveteen-like fabric. It has a some give in it which is just what you would want for a puppet that could potentially be flailing about and whatnot. 
The pile of the boa fabric on Donald’s body is long enough that when you run your hands through it, it extends higher than your fingers. Not only does this help give the illusion of Donald having feathers, but it is also just a delight to touch. The fabric used is pleasantly soft and doesn’t have a greasy feel, which some fabrics of that type and length have.
The Puppet In-Practice
You’ll find puppet “how-to” diagrams printed on the tag. You can choose to manipulate Donald’s mouth and head or his wings.
To control the head/face portion, you stick your hand through a pocket hidden underneath the back of Donald’s shirt. You would not even know it was there if you didn’t pull up his shirt.
The cavity is pretty deep. A whole quarter of my arm would need to be inserted to use him properly.
The wings, on the other hand, are tiny. I could only fit three fingers in (and I have small hands). It is possible to maneuver the head and along with one of the wings or only the wings but not all three.
Here’s a better look at Donald while in-use:
To Sum Up
Folkmanis has another gem in this Donald Duck puppet. For a toy based on a character with an overall basic design, they have included so many thoughtful details. And like the majority of their plushes, Donald also doubles as a plush and makes great cuddle buddy. I highly recommend this toy.
The Donald Duck puppet from Folkmanis is available to purchase now for $85.99.
Happy Birthday, Donald! Hope it’s a good one.
Party Favors (Other Merchandise Reading)
If you liked this article, you’ll want to check out my earlier review on another Folkmanis Puppet creation, Zero from The Nightmare Before Christmas:
Trick or Treat? Folkmanis Nightmare Before Christmas Zero Puppet
Avengers Campus opened in Disney California Adventure last week and MiceChat has a breakdown of the land’s shops and merchandise:
Avengers Campus Merchandise NOW AVAILABLE at Disney California Adventure!
Let’s Hear from You
What do you think of this Donald Duck puppet? Would you purchase him? Do you have a birthday message for Donald? Let us know in the comments below!