Truth. I got super nice costumes on Amazon for $44. They are ebuddy brand. I had just like you dolls that filled the roles just fine. Add in Olaf beanie baby and it’s super cute for $50
I think the brand is evolving & fantasy and imagination are very important in a child’s life. It helps them to grow up to be a creative and empathetic person . Even Pleasant R. has bailed and is living in a mansion. Personally the Historical AG line is a personal favorite. Though I am a Disney girl at heart & didn’t grow up with AG as a small child. I am sure AG knew this was a money maker, lol! I do enjoy seeing my childhood favorites come to life with AG. I just don’t even know what I am going to do if faced with Merida, Snow White, & Sleeping Beauty at the same time!!!! My wallet may pass out! I can only afford the play line & MUST come up with a strategy!
Hi Kyla, Thanks for this review. I do see how the Disney collab seems to stray from Pleasant Rowland's original intention. Having said that it is a business and they have to roll with what sells I guess. There are so many Disney fans out there so in a way it was a good choice for Disney to align with another beloved brand. I wish they had been more transparent about the LE dolls versus playline. They could continue their annual LE line with Crystal dolls and keep Disney Princesses playline for the kiddos. You are right that Mom's should not have to choose between a $300 doll and a $135 doll for their children if they have more than one child who may like a different character. I love the Disney princess line myself but will only purchase my very favourites, not the Limited ones. I will probably get Cinderella eventually and if they do Snow White I would love her too.
I do agree with you. I feel like what Americangirl should do is keep the collection line, but make duplicates make one for adult collectors, and for kids to play with. Because Americangirl recently made another Rapunzel, but this Rapunzel is for play purposes. So I feel like they should make double one for kids one for adults.
The regular Disney Princess and her other outfits are $245 as opposed to the Frozen Doll @ $310. The Princess doll makes more sense for a kid for sure. It’s a shame that these two, who kids love, are not really play dolls.
This was a great video, very well said. I agree that it is especially confusing and not fair to parents. I am guessing they will release cheaper/normal versions of all (or most) characters eventually. However the marketing strategy does feel bit sneaky.
I'm happy for the people who are very passionate about Disney, but I agree, it is a pass for me. I just hope that they take these massive profits from all the Disney dolls and use that money to make the historical line even better!
I haven't collected AG in a long time, because I can no longer afford it, but to me I kind of struggle to see the Disney AG collaboration as anything except a cash grab. Are these dolls really worth the same as a a 300 dollar handmade collaboration? This is a mass produced doll. Her face is painted in the factory and her dress is machine made. You aren't paying for the time and labor of a single artist to do this. And at 300 dollars AG can't even be bothered to give Belle all of the ruffles on her dress or give Elsa a rhinestone bodice instead of a sequence bodice. I also don't think the swarvoski crystals justify this. In my experience, products that have swarvoski crystals tend to be dirt cheap or prohibitively expensive. There's no consistency. So I am skeptical of any claim that insists the price is driven by just that. They look like play line dolls and feel like playline dolls. I think the reason that these dolls are 300 dollars has nothing to do with any quality. It's just like this because AG can charge that much, therefore they will. The Disney Store Limited Edition dolls and the Mattel Creations 12 inch collector disney dolls have experience similar price hikes. It just leaves a sour taste in my mouth. Because you're absolutely right. If a kid asks their parent, why Belle costs more than Tiana, there really is no way to explain it. I also agree that this collaboration feels like the wrong direction for AG. To me it feels like AG is being taken in the same direction as Barbie and other playline dolls. The themes are all fantastical and whimsical and girly rather than grounded in reality. Also with an upcharge. The way these are being sold also feels very Barbie like. The princess dolls come all dressed up in their ball gowns, and then the playline dolls also come with some extra outfits. Other AG characters usually just come with their basic outfit and then you get other things like their party dress later. I can't help but feel that in a different time, AG would have just sold the princess dresses as something you could put on truly me dolls. That might be too optimistic though. :/
I agree with your commentary. I purchased Tiana because of the price point , and at some point I might get Ariel, but I’m marked safe from purchasing the Frozen collection . I’ve never seen Frozen , so I’m not a big fan, but folk’s love them, and I’m disappointed for them because of the price . Lastly I agree AG , and the collaborations is a bit much especially the Barbie limited edition doll , but it’s Mattel’s influence plain and simple.
I'm sorry, WHAT?? 300+?? Are they insane?? No no i completely agree with you about this! Don't get me wrong I love disney movies and the princesses especially, and I have entirely too many disney barbies to prove my point😂 but ag has basically given up their original values and barbie-fied everything now to where they're not unique with well thought out dolls, books, characters and accessories, there's nothing that sets them apart from all the other doll lines out there anymore because all the other 18 inch doll lines also do brand collaborations and unicorn themed outfits and all the other modern stuff too, and usually for a lot cheaper. What used to set ag apart was that they put care and love into their products and made learning history fun and relatable to kids. What I loved about them and what got me interested in them was that they were different from my barbies and bratz. They made history fun and I could see it through their eyes. I dressed my barbies up in long dresses and pretended they were pioneers sometimes, but ag was different because they had whole worlds to immerse yourself in with beautiful outfits and accessories that looked like what you'd see in history books. I'm sorry to everyone who loves the princess collaboration, but I think it would have been better if they hadn't done it at all because the pricing is ridiculous and most people can't actually afford to spend that much on something, especially in a multi kid household. This is just ridiculous
I think the price went up for these dolls because the price went up for all character dolls, it's a $10 mark up from last year and that's how much more they are this year. I think the Frozen sisters will be coming out in Playline soon, maybe closer to the holidays or next year, there were some boots that looked alot like Elsa's being sold via that person that sells excess AG items on eBay a couple months ago, and they looked like playline quality. While I do think the Disney Princess collab is pretty cute I really wish AG would put as much effort into the historical girls as they are with all these collaborations. 😕 I really miss when that was the main focus, but sadly, AG stopped being a continuation of Pleasant Rowland's vision yeeeerars ago and I doubt it's going back any time soon, if at all. 😥 I do have to say though, the features AG used for Anna are absolutely fantastic and while I'm not really a big Frozen fan I want her just for her combination, she is an absolutely stunning doll!! 😍
I agree, the Disney line feels wrong for AG. I was so put off by the playline release (even though it makes more sense than the collector series) that I couldn't talk about AG for months without getting majorly worked up. That being said, I absolutely used a stash of points I had to get Anna. I have ZERO problem separating these sisters and only getting one 😂 I find the Anna doll to be so strikingly different and interesting. It's not even really about the source material for me, I just think she's captivating. If i hadn’t been able to get the doll for virtually half off, though, I doubt it would have happened. I also adored Belle, but couldn't afford her at the time, and i still regret missing that chance. Pretty sure that's also why I jumped on Anna's preorder so quickly. Timing!
I just bought Elsa I couldn’t help it!! I don’t even want the fancy dress I just really like the doll 😂 I’m so happy Anna didn’t y have the white streak but I can afford 650$ worth of dolls so
I agree this Disney thing is…well is. I mean for a while AG was in trouble things weren’t selling. I guess people like Disney Princesses an easy sell. But yes, it is AMERICAN GIRL not DISNEY GIRL. I don’t understand why they pick some Disney princess Princesses to be covered in crystals to demand a $300+ prices while others are “playline” that just have extra outfits. I understand the Christmas thing but this is something different. I don’t like it myself no book for one. Wasn’t AG made to encourage girls to read and learn about history? Disney doesn’t cut it. Only Pocahontas and Tania took place in the U.S.
Exactly! Not to mention, many people give the collector dolls to children, and now they're asking if American girl will service them at the doll hospital. It's confusing, truly. In my opinion, this collab is a mess.
I love the Frozen dolls, but I. AM. NOT. PAYING. $300+! I know Frozen is popular, but in my opinion, you can make your own Anna or Elsa.
Truth. I got super nice costumes on Amazon for $44. They are ebuddy brand. I had just like you dolls that filled the roles just fine. Add in Olaf beanie baby and it’s super cute for $50
@@ParadespcYes! I've even had the idea to take Corinne and turn her into a snow princess.
Yep, Saige was my Anna for years.
@@ellenhantzsche-yk6lw she was our Anna too 😂
Exactly! I remember trying to do Anna's coronation hairstyle on her SO many times on mine. @@DeniseGambino-GG
I think the brand is evolving & fantasy and imagination are very important in a child’s life. It helps them to grow up to be a creative and empathetic person . Even Pleasant R. has bailed and is living in a mansion. Personally the Historical AG line is a personal favorite. Though I am a Disney girl at heart & didn’t grow up with AG as a small child. I am sure AG knew this was a money maker, lol! I do enjoy seeing my childhood favorites come to life with AG. I just don’t even know what I am going to do if faced with Merida, Snow White, & Sleeping Beauty at the same time!!!! My wallet may pass out! I can only afford the play line & MUST come up with a strategy!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Kyla!
Hi Kyla, Thanks for this review. I do see how the Disney collab seems to stray from Pleasant Rowland's original intention. Having said that it is a business and they have to roll with what sells I guess. There are so many Disney fans out there so in a way it was a good choice for Disney to align with another beloved brand. I wish they had been more transparent about the LE dolls versus playline. They could continue their annual LE line with Crystal dolls and keep Disney Princesses playline for the kiddos. You are right that Mom's should not have to choose between a $300 doll and a $135 doll for their children if they have more than one child who may like a different character. I love the Disney princess line myself but will only purchase my very favourites, not the Limited ones. I will probably get Cinderella eventually and if they do Snow White I would love her too.
I do agree with you. I feel like what Americangirl should do is keep the collection line, but make duplicates make one for adult collectors, and for kids to play with. Because Americangirl recently made another Rapunzel, but this Rapunzel is for play purposes. So I feel like they should make double one for kids one for adults.
The regular Disney Princess and her other outfits are $245 as opposed to the Frozen Doll @ $310. The Princess doll makes more sense for a kid for sure. It’s a shame that these two, who kids love, are not really play dolls.
Right? My nieces would have loved Anna and Elsa, but they're out of the question.
This was a great video, very well said. I agree that it is especially confusing and not fair to parents. I am guessing they will release cheaper/normal versions of all (or most) characters eventually. However the marketing strategy does feel bit sneaky.
I'm happy for the people who are very passionate about Disney, but I agree, it is a pass for me. I just hope that they take these massive profits from all the Disney dolls and use that money to make the historical line even better!
I haven't collected AG in a long time, because I can no longer afford it, but to me I kind of struggle to see the Disney AG collaboration as anything except a cash grab. Are these dolls really worth the same as a a 300 dollar handmade collaboration? This is a mass produced doll. Her face is painted in the factory and her dress is machine made. You aren't paying for the time and labor of a single artist to do this. And at 300 dollars AG can't even be bothered to give Belle all of the ruffles on her dress or give Elsa a rhinestone bodice instead of a sequence bodice. I also don't think the swarvoski crystals justify this. In my experience, products that have swarvoski crystals tend to be dirt cheap or prohibitively expensive. There's no consistency. So I am skeptical of any claim that insists the price is driven by just that. They look like play line dolls and feel like playline dolls. I think the reason that these dolls are 300 dollars has nothing to do with any quality. It's just like this because AG can charge that much, therefore they will. The Disney Store Limited Edition dolls and the Mattel Creations 12 inch collector disney dolls have experience similar price hikes. It just leaves a sour taste in my mouth. Because you're absolutely right. If a kid asks their parent, why Belle costs more than Tiana, there really is no way to explain it.
I also agree that this collaboration feels like the wrong direction for AG. To me it feels like AG is being taken in the same direction as Barbie and other playline dolls. The themes are all fantastical and whimsical and girly rather than grounded in reality. Also with an upcharge. The way these are being sold also feels very Barbie like. The princess dolls come all dressed up in their ball gowns, and then the playline dolls also come with some extra outfits. Other AG characters usually just come with their basic outfit and then you get other things like their party dress later. I can't help but feel that in a different time, AG would have just sold the princess dresses as something you could put on truly me dolls. That might be too optimistic though. :/
I would like AG to bring back Belle with extra outfits and accessories. I missed out on her. 🙁
I agree with your commentary. I purchased Tiana because of the price point , and at some point I might get Ariel, but I’m marked safe from purchasing the Frozen collection . I’ve never seen Frozen , so I’m not a big fan, but folk’s love them, and I’m disappointed for them because of the price . Lastly I agree AG , and the collaborations is a bit much especially the Barbie limited edition doll , but it’s Mattel’s influence plain and simple.
I'm sorry, WHAT?? 300+?? Are they insane?? No no i completely agree with you about this! Don't get me wrong I love disney movies and the princesses especially, and I have entirely too many disney barbies to prove my point😂 but ag has basically given up their original values and barbie-fied everything now to where they're not unique with well thought out dolls, books, characters and accessories, there's nothing that sets them apart from all the other doll lines out there anymore because all the other 18 inch doll lines also do brand collaborations and unicorn themed outfits and all the other modern stuff too, and usually for a lot cheaper. What used to set ag apart was that they put care and love into their products and made learning history fun and relatable to kids. What I loved about them and what got me interested in them was that they were different from my barbies and bratz. They made history fun and I could see it through their eyes. I dressed my barbies up in long dresses and pretended they were pioneers sometimes, but ag was different because they had whole worlds to immerse yourself in with beautiful outfits and accessories that looked like what you'd see in history books. I'm sorry to everyone who loves the princess collaboration, but I think it would have been better if they hadn't done it at all because the pricing is ridiculous and most people can't actually afford to spend that much on something, especially in a multi kid household. This is just ridiculous
I think the price went up for these dolls because the price went up for all character dolls, it's a $10 mark up from last year and that's how much more they are this year.
I think the Frozen sisters will be coming out in Playline soon, maybe closer to the holidays or next year, there were some boots that looked alot like Elsa's being sold via that person that sells excess AG items on eBay a couple months ago, and they looked like playline quality.
While I do think the Disney Princess collab is pretty cute I really wish AG would put as much effort into the historical girls as they are with all these collaborations. 😕 I really miss when that was the main focus, but sadly, AG stopped being a continuation of Pleasant Rowland's vision yeeeerars ago and I doubt it's going back any time soon, if at all. 😥
I do have to say though, the features AG used for Anna are absolutely fantastic and while I'm not really a big Frozen fan I want her just for her combination, she is an absolutely stunning doll!! 😍
I agree, the Disney line feels wrong for AG. I was so put off by the playline release (even though it makes more sense than the collector series) that I couldn't talk about AG for months without getting majorly worked up.
That being said, I absolutely used a stash of points I had to get Anna. I have ZERO problem separating these sisters and only getting one 😂
I find the Anna doll to be so strikingly different and interesting. It's not even really about the source material for me, I just think she's captivating.
If i hadn’t been able to get the doll for virtually half off, though, I doubt it would have happened. I also adored Belle, but couldn't afford her at the time, and i still regret missing that chance. Pretty sure that's also why I jumped on Anna's preorder so quickly. Timing!
I just bought Elsa I couldn’t help it!! I don’t even want the fancy dress I just really like the doll 😂 I’m so happy Anna didn’t y have the white streak but I can afford 650$ worth of dolls so
I agree this Disney thing is…well is. I mean for a while AG was in trouble things weren’t selling. I guess people like Disney Princesses an easy sell. But yes, it is AMERICAN GIRL not DISNEY GIRL. I don’t understand why they pick some Disney princess Princesses to be covered in crystals to demand a $300+ prices while others are “playline” that just have extra outfits. I understand the Christmas thing but this is something different. I don’t like it myself no book for one. Wasn’t AG made to encourage girls to read and learn about history? Disney doesn’t cut it. Only Pocahontas and Tania took place in the U.S.
Exactly! Not to mention, many people give the collector dolls to children, and now they're asking if American girl will service them at the doll hospital. It's confusing, truly. In my opinion, this collab is a mess.