TOY FAIR: Disney Sneak Peek: ‘Monsters University,’ ‘Planes,’ ‘Sofia the First’ and More

Just ahead of the 110th annual American International Toy Fair kick-off this Sunday, Disney Consumer Products has shared a sneak peek at just some of the toys coming later this year, representing some of its iconic properties. From Monsters University, Oz the Great and Powerful and Planes to ‘Sofia the First’ and ‘Jake and the Never Land Pirates’ to proven franchises such as Minnie Mouse, Disney Fairies and — of course — the princesses, these toys represent some a new take on classic play, often integrating cutting edge technology to enhance the experience.

On Monday, Disney will give an invited audience an exclusive look at some of the upcoming merchandising from Disney/Pixar’s Monsters University. To celebrate the announcement (which may or may not include a look at the new trailer), the film’s stars John Goodman and Billy Crystal will join director Dan Scanlon in providing a sneak peek and some insight into the highly anticipated prequel.

While we can expect plenty more from Monsters University such as action figures, vehicles, playsets, plush figures, preschool, remote control items and more to help kids recreate key moments from the film through innovative and fun features, Disney is providing a first look into a couple of the coolest items from Spin Master, who recently released several products for Monsters Inc.

Children will be able to recreate the fun, action and adventure of the film during playtime with products such as Scare Off Sulley from Spin Master, a feature plush that utilizes life-like animatronics and sound and light detection technology to change play modes and sense the environment. Kids can start their Scare Training as Sulley teaches them everything he knows. But once he feels they’re ready, prepare for a Scare Off! Scream loud enough and Sulley will fall backwards in fear! Scare Off Sulley is the most interactive Monsters University toy delivering Scare Training, Speed Scare, Scare ‘O Meter, Room Guard and the Scare Off Challenge! Ages

The Monsters University Sulley Monster Mask transforms kids into real monsters! It’s 100% kid powered. As your jaw opens, closes or moves side to side, the Sulley Monster Mask’s eyebrows and lips move too – creating fun, scary and memorable faces.

From Disney Toon Studios — and inspired by Disney/Pixar’s Cars — Planes tells the story of Dusty Crophopper in the pursuit of his dream. Toys set to be released in support of the film include an all-new collection of die cast vehicles, play sets and the ‘Planes Tilt and Fly’ and ‘Planes Air Race Trackset’ from Mattel, anchoring the Planes toy line. Planes fans can also recreate their favorite moments from the film with the deluxe remote control U-Command Dusty from Thinkway, complete with an infrared remote control feature allowing kids to program this Dusty with over 1,000 action combo sequences. Mattel will also offer the innovative Planes Pilot Pal Dusty Remote Control Plane which allows children to control Dusty by attaching the wing-shaped controllers to their own arms.

Disney Junior’s newest sensation, ‘Sofia the First,’ will no doubt be topping the must-have lists of every aspiring princess in the upcoming year. While Disney Store has already launched a limited line of products that are near impossible to keep in stock, look for other companies like CDI and Mattel to up the ante. Featured here are CDI’s Talking Magical Amulet which not only allows the child to wear Sofia’s Amulet of Avalor, but will teach valuable lessons as well. Mattel will introduce the Magical Talking Castle which interacts by playing actual phrases from the television series.

Also representing the Disney Junior fans will be brand new DUPLO sets from LEGO including Jake and the Never Land Pirates’ Bucky set. Fisher-Price will also be introducing Cheering Minnie who speaks 13 different phrases as well as dances and cheers to the classic rock anthem ‘Hey Mickey.’

Mattel will also be updating its Disney Princess Ultimate Dream Castle. This time around, instead of a flying carpet, it’s Rapunzel who lends a hand hair to serve as the 3-story castle’s elevator. Not only does the castle come with 30 accessories, but Mattel is also introducing the Disney Magic Mirror app for Apple iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad that will help create several augmented reality experiences.

This year will also be the year of The Little Mermaid, Ariel. In support of The Little Mermaid: Diamond Edition on blu-ray on October 1, look for special merchandise to commemorate the classic film and the Disney princess it gifted us.

Below is a gallery of the items mentioned above as well as several more that are coming soon to a toy store near you. Be sure to follow us on Twitter as we will bring highlights of other Disney toys at the American International Toy Fair in New York City beginning Saturday at the Hasbro preview event, followed by the LEGO event, the Monsters University event and much, much more!

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