The Disney Princess Designer Collection Proves Too Popular, Temporarily Halted

– September 21, 2011Posted in: News, Outside the Parks

Courtesy of Disney

The Disney Princess Designer Collection has been temporarily halted and future dolls will be rescheduled. This comes after Monday morning’s incident where Snow White was oversold online. There’s no telling how many customers were led to believe they had purchased a doll but later found out that there was no doll available for them.

Unlike the Limited Edition Vinylmation figures which are limited per order or by guest, the Disney Princess Designer Collection has had no such limitations. The lack of limitations is even more unbelievable since the dolls have become immensely popular. Each doll sells out in less and less time than its predecessor so that the last two dolls have sold out in less than an hour after being released. This has led to complaints of people hoarding dolls online or in person. Store employees are also accused of holding dolls for guests not present when they are first released in the morning. Jim Fielding, President of Disney Store Worldwide, released a statement that they will “reevaluate our process to ensure that all guests have a fair opportunity to purchase these highly coveted dolls.”

Snow White is currently selling for as much as five hundred dollars on Ebay and a complete set of all ten dolls, sold in limited quantities at the D23 convention, is offered for two thousand dollars.

An update, including the new release dates, is expected this Friday. Tiana was supposed to be available for purchase on this upcoming Monday.

Courtesy of Disney

Find out more about the collection by reading my previous article:
New Disney Princess Collections at the Disney Store

Meet Erica Freeman

I was born and raised in Florida where I still live. I graduated from the University of Tampa and love movies. I also have a passion for writing, reading, photography, television and history.

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Tags: Disney Princess Designer Collection, disney store, Snow White

Brenda Helmick

I would’ve liked to get all the dolls in this collection, but as you mentioned, they sold out too quickly for me to have a chance to purchase them online. It’s a shame that people are buying them up and then reselling them on ebay for huge profits. I hope Disney finds a way to solve this problem. I’m guessing there’s no way to get the ones that have already sold out from Disney. (I wish they would release those dolls again!) I just refuse to pay those high prices on ebay!
- http://ericadawn16.deviantart.com/ Erica Freeman
  
  Well, at least we do have one bright spot…with Disney, there’s always a new awesome doll set just around the corner…
Bessey

Dolls were limited to 2 per person (online and in store). There was so much abuse online with people opening multiple accounts. The Snow White release was such a fiasco. I thought I was getting a doll but noticed that a few hours later that the status on my odered said “closed” even though I had received a confirmation of making the purchase. Two days later I got the “I’m sorry” email.
- http://ericadawn16.deviantart.com/ Erica Freeman
  
  I’m sorry that happened to you but you’re the first person to mention a limit.
Corrie

Any news about whether or not this will effect the release and sale of the Animators Collection dolls? I want to get a couple of those for my daughter for Christmas and now I’m starting to think I’m going to need to drive to the Disney Store the morning of release just in case. Though I suppose maybe those won’t be as insanely popular or at least produced on a larger scale?
- http://ericadawn16.deviantart.com/ Erica Freeman
  
  The Animators Collection dolls are produced on a much larger scale. In the first shipment alone, most stores will have at least 24 dolls of each princess and the shipments will come in throughout the holiday season.
  
  However, they have decided to release them earlier so they go on sale next week. Also, if you’re really worried and ask nicely, the employees might hold one for you.
juanita

DO you happen to know if a lilo toddler doll will ever be released? my daughter loves lilo and stitch but there isnt really any dolls sold for lilo except for the plush stitch.
- http://ericadawn16.deviantart.com/ Erica Freeman
  
  There are plush Lilos though. I’ve seen some cute older ones before and there’s a new plush on the Disney Store site where she’s dressed up for her dance class:
  http://www.disneystore.com/disney-store-official-site-for-disney-merchandise-hawaii-lilo-plush-doll-14-h/mp/1290647/1000267/?Nr=pPublished:1&D=Lilo&Ntk=All_Shopping&Nu=pProductID&Ntt=Lilo&Dr=pPublished:1&Ntx=mode%20matchallpartial&Dx=
  
  I love the belly button, it makes me laugh.
  - Juanita
    
    Omg! I love it! It’s new. I’ve been waiting for any type of LILO doll. Thank you so much for lettin me know
    - http://ericadawn16.deviantart.com/ Erica Freeman
      
      Yay! I’m glad I could help.
Amy

I have seen the Animators Collection dolls on e-bay…how is this possible? They aren’t even released yet. UGH! I am hoping to just be able to buy one at the Disney Store.
- http://ericadawn16.deviantart.com/ Erica Freeman
  
  The stores have received their first shipments so it is possible that someone snuck one or two out…
  
  However, they are NOT limited and will go on sale next week. If you’re really worried, ask a cast member at your local store NICELY to have one reserved for you.
Amy

Thank you for the reply. I am glad that they are not limited. the folks at our local Diney Store are fantastic, I may give them a call in a few days.
- http://ericadawn16.deviantart.com/ Erica Freeman
  
  Make another reply once you get one, I can’t wait to see which one you get! I’m thinking about getting Mulan myself.
Bessey

Apparently some of the large volume stores got a shipment yesterday. My store didnt any of the animator dolls but another store 30 miles away did and sold out. All stores should have them on Monday though. Its not limited though so at least they’ll keep on coming.
- http://ericadawn16.deviantart.com/ Erica Freeman
  
  Yeah, they were told NOT to sell them yet. It was supposed to start next week.
  - Amy
    
    Well, I ended up ordering two dolls (Rapunzel and Belle) online, which I figured was easier than trying to get to a mall sans kids. I will have to narrow it down to just 1 for Christmas. The other one will be put away for a birthday or something. I personally love Mulan, but I know my 4 yr. old will love either Rapunzel or Belle….of course had Lilo been a choice, that would have been the winner in her eyes!
    - http://ericadawn16.deviantart.com/ Erica Freeman
      
      I really hope Disney takes notice of everyone wanting a Lilo toddler doll. I’m thinking of getting Mulan for myself.
      - juanita
        
        yes me too! my fingers are crossed for Lilo. I still have hope! I just hope its before my daughter out grows her! =)
      - Amy
        
        Maybe now that the Hawaiian resort/hotel is open there will be some Lilo things…though I hope they won’t only be available in Hawaii!
Corrie

I got three dolls on Saturday at a store 30 minutes from my parents. I purchased Cinderella and Rapunzel for my daughter for Christmas. I also got Ariel for a pre-Disney surprise before our next trip. I would have bought Belle but they receive her (or Snow White) and it was actually terribly tempting to get Aurora too. (I didn’t as there has to be a limit on how many princess dolls a three-tear-old needs, right?) They were selling briskly already and the store was restocking the display when I arrived midday. Still thinking about buying Belle online, but I don’t want to go overboard. I just think the dolls are so sweet and like them better than the “Barbie- style” dolls for my preschooler. I opened the box to peek more closely at Cinderella and I am very impressed with the quality for the price. I am hoping that I can find some other fashions to fit the dolls as my daughter loves dress up. Going to have to try to eyeball the measurements on some other similar dolls. Thanks for the tip about the release date being moved up.
- http://ericadawn16.deviantart.com/ Erica Freeman
  
  They are a lot better in size for a preschooler than a Barbie with a lot less small parts.
  
  As for outfits, you could try the Disney Princess and Me doll outfit line at Toys’r'Us. I think the doll size might be similar enough to work but you should keep the receipt and try it before giving it as a gift. If it doesn’t work, you can still return it for something else or store credit…or you could just try doll clothes of a similar size. Now for plush animals, I’ve found that baby and toddler clothing can sometimes work but I’m not sure those will work here or not.
  
  I got a Toddler Rapunzel they released last year where she has her nightgown so I’m tempted to buy Mulan from this line.
  
  I’m so glad you found your dolls!
Amy

The Animators Collection Rapunzel and Pocahontas dolls are “sold out” at disneystore.com. I wrote them to ask if there would be any more Pocahontas dolls and they sent me a vague answer. The first line said they were no longer available online. Then it went on to explain that some times things sell out and sometimes things are re-ordered….they did not say if Pocahontas was going to be “reordered” or not…confusing!
- http://ericadawn16.deviantart.com/ Erica Freeman
  
  I’m sorry but it’s most likely that they will not have more and if you really want them, you’ll have to find other means.
Amy

Thanks for the reply. I was just curious, and surprised that they sold out so soon. I hate to see a children’s toy selling at inflated rates on e-bay.
- http://ericadawn16.deviantart.com/ Erica Freeman
  
  Yeah, I’m sorry, all the dolls sold out in about an hour or so.
- http://ericadawn16.deviantart.com/ Erica Freeman
  
  Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t catch before that you meant the toddler dolls. No, those will have more in supply. In fact, I saw both of those dolls last time I went to my closest Disney store.
  - Amy
    
    Oh good! There are still way too many shopping days before Christmas for them to be sold out already! Thanks!
Bessey

Really about the Animator Rapunzel & Pocahontas? I’ve been too focused on completing the designer set that I havent paid much attention other than getting the Snow White Animator for my 4yr old before they put them out (I asked the cast member when I was paying for my other things and she was nice enough to bring out out from the back for me) But yes, that is a confusing answer from Disney.com. From my understanding they should have more. I was at my local Disney store today but didnt bother to check. I just might have to go and check. You dont have a DS near you Amy?
Amy

Bessey, Actually I live not far from Disneyland and will be near there soon, so I may check at the store in Downtown Disney. I had a coupon for disney.com and was considering buying the Animators Collection Pocahontas, which is when i discovered it was sold out. Quite honestly I’ve already purchased Rapunzel for my 4 yr old and she really doesn’t “need” any more of anything, so I’ll just let it go. I was just surprised/sad to see them sold out because I am sure many little girls are going to be asking for these for Christmas. Disney should just keep them coming and offer them year round, they would sell easily. Little girls love dolls all year long
Bessey

Amy, believe it or not someone on EBay is selling the Rapunzel Animator doll claiming “sold out”
- Amy
  
  That is sad, there are some things about e-bay that I just don’t like. While they are currenty “sold out” online, Hopefully the dolls will be available again soon.
  - Amy
    
    I saw two listings for Animators Collection Rapunzel on e-bay. One said “Retired: Out of Production” and another said “Sold out everywhere” i wonder if they actually checked “everywhere”!
    - http://ericadawn16.deviantart.com/ Erica Freeman
      
      Yeah, I just checked my closest store yesterday and they both Rapunzel and Pocahontas. I have noticed before that items will be sold out online but easily found at a physical location. Toys’R'us has that happen a lot, too.
Kati

I love the toddler dolls and have purchased 2 for Xmas. Do you know where I can find more outfits?
- http://ericadawn16.deviantart.com/ Erica Freeman
  
  Unfortunately, I can’t think of any Disney clothes the right size so you will have to look for regular doll clothes or possibly baby clothes, 3-9 months would probably be about right.
Corrie

I heard a rumor that Disney plans to produce clothes for them next year.
- http://ericadawn16.deviantart.com/ Erica Freeman
  
  Are you referring to the toddler dolls?
  - Corrie
    
    Yes. So sorry not to clarify. I was Googling about clothes that might work with the dolls. (My daughter is getting 2 for Christmas and loves dressing up her dolls as fancy as possible.) On a Disney doll site a commenter with lots of posts stated that they would be releasing accessories for the dolls next year. I really hope it is true since the dolls are proving to be extremely popular, I think it would make sense to release some additional outfits along the same line as the Princess and Me collection. I’m disappointed that we won’t see anything before Christmas. I’ve been wandering the internet trying to compare dolls with clothes virtually, which isn’t so effective, lol.
    - http://ericadawn16.deviantart.com/ Erica Freeman
      
      Interesting, I can picture them doing that but yes, it would be something for 6-12 months down the road to sustain the playability of the dolls and have more items for next Christmas.
      
      As for clothes, I’ve had a better look and I don’t think the Princess & Me collection would fit. However, I think there should be doll clothes that could work out there. I also think infant clothes in the 3-6 month range might be able to fit also, perhaps even some 9 month outfits.
      
      If you’re concerned about prices, there are plenty of clearance baby clothes out there or even those that still look nice enough at thrift stores. I’ve purchased some before for animals from BuildABear although they require larger clothing, more like 6-12 months.

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The Disney Princess Designer Collection Proves Too Popular, Temporarily Halted

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