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The toys are back — and this time, they’re smarter.
Ahead of the June 19 release of “Toy Story 5,” Disney Store is rolling out a sprawling slate of merchandise that leans heavily into the sequel’s central theme: “toys meets tech.” Timed to Disney Consumer Products’ “Roundup Reveal Week,” the new collection blends classic characters with upgraded, interactive features designed to make play feel more lifelike. The new rollout will be officially available to shop at major retailers starting April 26.
At the center of the launch is Mattel’s Playscale Interactables line, a new generation of figures that don’t just talk, but respond. Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, Forky and newcomer Lilypad are all equipped with signature phrases and character recognition, allowing them to “communicate” with one another in real time. That interconnected approach extends to one of the line’s more ambitious pieces: the Giddy-Up Bullseye RC, a remote-control horse that integrates with the Playscale figures. Kids can saddle Woody, Jessie or Buzz for a ride complete with motion, sound and character-driven reactions.
Willy Lew
Elsewhere, the lineup taps into familiar “Toy Story” mechanics with fun updates. A pull-string Running Woody recreates the cowboy’s on-screen sprint, while the Critter Talk Jessie figure introduces a new narrative beat from the film (her ability to “speak” to animals), complete with yodeling sounds and a companion pig character.
Higher-end offerings skew toward nostalgic collectors. The Ultimate Action Woody and Buzz Lightyear figures, both 16 inches tall, feature an “Alive Mode” that brings animatronics into the mix: synchronized mouth, eye and neck movement, alongside clap and pose recognition. Buzz, for example, triggers flying sound effects when lifted — and can even detect when Woody is nearby, prompting interactive dialogue between the two.
For younger fans, the assortment stretches wide. There are Small Stars mini figures packaged in reusable backpack keychains, plush character lines, and a “Ginormous” Bullseye designed as a statement cuddle piece. A multipack featuring seven core characters aims squarely at scene re-creation, while a “What Is a Wedding?” playset recreates Forky’s wedding — one of the film’s more surreal new plotlines.
The merchandising push also expands beyond traditional figures. A Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Laser Gauntlet introduces wearable role-play, complete with vibration effects and sound, while a suite of Hot Wheels tie-ins — including a Buzz-themed launcher and track sets — brings the franchise into the die-cast racing space. Even UNO gets a Toy Story 5 refresh, with a colorful deck inspired by the new installment.
All the new releases will be available to shop on major retailers starting April 26.
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