If you are anything like me, you always keep your eyes open for the latest Disney merchandise. And while I usually do my treasure hunting in the Parks, this time around, I scoured the show floor of the D23 Expo to scope out the most extraordinary goods to share with all of you! And even though the expo has come to a close, I’ve gathered the best merch from the show that will mostly be available in the parks and on shopDisney. So, if you didn’t go to D23 Expo this year, you’ve still got your chance. Get your wish list ready. Here we go!
Disney Munchlings
The scented Disney Munchlings were definitely some of the more popular pieces of D23 Expo merchandise. They were released on September 9, the first day of the expo, AND on shopDisney. You can also find them now at the Disneyland Resort and then at the Walt Disney World Resort later this month.
These plush toys come in two sizes, the 15-inches for $34.99 and 5-inches for $16.99 (we will get to the latter in just a moment).
I didn’t have a hands-on opportunity with the smaller plushes as they are hidden inside mystery boxes, but I can tell you that the large ones are therapeutically soft and squishy. And beyond huggability, the exterior incorporates different textured fabrics, adding even more tactile pleasure.
As for the 5-inch plushes, they are hidden in themed mystery boxes. So far, the themes are Sweet Treats with Mickey and his pals as candies, Baked Treats with Disney characters like Stitch and Baymax as baked goods, and Frozen Treats with villains like Oogie Boogie and Hades as ice cream and popsicles.
You can also look forward to “special drops” and chef collaborations in the future, which will cost $19.99. Here’s a look at the D23 Expo-exclusive Munchling plush, for example, a Minnie Mouse Chocolate Apple. She was bundled with an actual chocolate apple matching the plush toy’s design.
Aristocats Artist Collection Series by Ann Shen
Ann Shen’s Aristocats Artist collection was added to shopDisney yesterday. These whimsical housewares have a dainty feeling befitting the kitties from the Aristocats.
Some items, like the tiered tray, are subtle in their reference to the characters, while others, such as the figural planter shaped like Marie, are more obvious.
Funko
Funko’s booth at D23 Expo sold exclusive merchandise and the first releases of several games.
Here are some of the exclusive figures from the Expo, which are available for purchase while supplies last on the Funko online store.
The booth also sold the latest Funko Pop! figures, like the different Disney villains from this Pop! Trains series.
We discussed Disney Kingdomania way back when it was announced, but the expandable board game made its debut at the D23 Expo. On display were the mystery figures (plus their “glitched” chase variants) that are hidden inside the Game Balls.
Another new title was A Goofy Movie Game, where players join Max and Goofy on a whirlwind road trip.
Loungefly
On the other side of Funko’s D23 booth was its sister company, Loungefly. They are primarily known for their mini backpacks and other accessories, and that is exactly what they sold at the expo!
Like Funko, Loungefly’s D23 Expo merchandise is available online while supplies last. They had many clever designs: Beauty and the Beast Enchantress Mini Backpack, Funko Pop! by Loungefly Big Hero Six Baymax Battle Mode Cosplay Mini Backpack and Wallet, The Incredibles Jack-Jack Light Up Cosplay Mini Backpack, The Emperor’s New Groove Devil Kronk Cosplay Mini Backpack and Angel Kronk Cosplay Wallet.
There were also designs that were introduced at the Expo. This Nightmare Before Christmas Jack Glow Pumpkin Crossbody Bag is perfect for the Halloween season.
But my favorite of the offerings at the Loungefly booth was this Caterpillar Crossbody Bag from Alice in Wonderland, which is not yet listed online. This accessory is part of the Stitch Shoppe by Loungefly, so I suspect we may see a matching outfit to go with it.
McFarlane Toys
McFarlane Toys‘ booth at the D23 Expo was dominated by Avatar’s characters, flora, and fauna. They have a whole collection of toys for the film and its upcoming sequel, Avatar: The Way of Water. This collection is listed online for preorder (expected to ship this October).
An innovative detail included in this collection is the fluorescent accents used on the figures that appear under black light, as seen on the wings of this Banshee figure.
This effect is used not only on the figures in these World of Avatar blind packs but also on the base (which initially serves as the casing for the mystery goods). These packs can be purchased individually or in a case of 24.
This diorama incorporates some of the blind pack figures and those from the Omatikaya Rainforest set, Neytiri and Banshee set, Tsu’tey and Direhorse set, and others.
But if you prefer your figures to be larger, the Avatar Collection also includes this Amp Suit, 7-inch figures of Jake Sully and Neytiri, and a trio of Banshees (sold separately).
The next wave of McFarlane Toys’ Disney Mirrorverse action figures was also displayed at their booth. This wave, which includes Captain Hook, Maleficent, Baymax, and Anger, isn’t available for preorder just yet but will release sometime this year. I loved the detail on Baymax, especially the decals on his armor.
Ravensburger
The highlight of Ravensburger‘s booth was their upcoming trading card game, Disney Lorcana. While Disney Lorcana may not be launching until 2023, you could tell by expo attendees’ enthusiasm that Ravensburger already has a fanbase growing.
I spoke with Ryan Miller, the Brand Manager and Co-Designer for Disney Lorcana, and learned just how much time, effort, and love went into this game’s creation (spoilers: a heaping dose of all three). Disney Lorcana has been in the works for two and half years and play-tested for about two years, ensuring that both trading card veterans and greenhorns can enjoy it. And much like the theming of Disneyland’s many lands and attractions, immersion was also a factor in the game’s design.
We still don’t know anything about actual gameplay or even what all the symbols and phrases on the cards mean, but I am certainly eager to take a crack at Disney Lorcana in the near future.
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Speaking of cards, D23 Expo was the first chance to purchase the cards created for the game. These Expo exclusives were specially-marked foil art variants of cards that will be available in the first set, “Disney Lorcana: The First Chapter.”
The promotional card from Ravensburger’s booth, “Mickey Mouse – Brave Little Tailor,” will also be included in “Disney Lorcana: The First Chapter,” but without the D23 Expo and 1st Edition markings.
Steiff
Originating in Germany, Steiff is well-known for its high-end, high-quality plushes. They had an impressive variety of delightful Disney character plushes for sale at the D23 Expo, most of which can be found on their website.
I was especially impressed by these plushes:
The Piglet and Eeyore look like they stepped out of the movie “Christopher Robin.” I adore their classic look, especially Eeyore’s. I really regret not buying the pessimistic donkey at the Expo.
How can you not love Timon and Pumbaa? Steiff’s rendition of the comedic pair uses their original look while infusing that feel of an heirloom toy.
While Belle’s ballgown is lovely, this magnificent Beast plush blew me away! I loved the layers of fabric on his outfit, the finely-detailed face, and the usage of a mixture of different textures.
And while many of these toys have a hefty price tag (like the ones seen above), they also have a line of Disney-licensed plushes that are more wallet-friendly but don’t sacrifice any of the quality Steiff is known for. My favorite of these is Baloo plush, but the Eeyore one is also positively precious. Which character do you like most?
Super7
Super7 displayed a blend of new figures, fan favorites, and upcoming releases.
Let’s start with this downright dazzling Supersize Rock n’ Roll Stitch figure. With his coiffed mane and sparkly Elvis get-up (complete with ukelele), this alien is ready to bring the house down. He’s unavailable online at present, but keep your eyes peeled for this guy.
Other Supersize figures at their booth included Ebeneezer Scrooge, the Queen of Hearts, and Sox from Lightyear.
We previously covered the Lightyear Early Enlistment Recruit Bundle, but this is the first time we’ve seen the figures out in the wild.
Fun fact: The Lightyear’s Early Enlistment Recruit Bundle was inspired by a similar bundle created for the first figures made for the original Star Wars, a film that was an inspiration for Lightyear. Each item included is a riff on the Star Wars bundle’s contents, right down to the cardboard diorama and recruit card with “coupon.”
An upcoming addition to Super7’s made-to-order Disney ULTIMATES! figure line is Prince John from Robin Hood. The inclusion of Sir Hiss, especially the strangled version, is a fun touch.
There were also some not-yet-released figure series on display, the first was based on the “Two-Gun Mickey” short, and the second was the Muppet band, Electric Mayhem.
Don’t Miss The Rest of the D23 Expo News!
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Let’s Hear from You!
What did you think of the merchandise we selected? See anything you’ve just got to bring home? And if you attended D23 Expo 2022, what was your favorite piece of merchandise from the event? Let us know in the comments below!
Major Disney Parks News
There are plenty more announcements from the Disney Parks panel at D23 Expo this year. To find out what has been announced for all of the Disney Parks worldwide, check out the following articles:
Is It Enough? New Disneyland Attraction Announcements & Revelations!
Walt Disney World – New Villains Land, Zootopia, Figment, and More!
https://www.micechat.com/333425-international-disney-parks-news-d23-expo-2022/