LPWire: Playskool Sets Sail with Disney Cruise Line

PLAYSKOOL Sets Sail with Disney Cruise Line

Hasbro's Playskool Products to be Integrated into Children's Activity Centers on Disney Cruise Ships
Initiative Further Extends Alliance with Walt Disney World Parks & Resorts

Hasbro, Inc. and Disney Cruise Line announced today that new PLAYSKOOL products and Hasbro activities such as a PIRATE MR. POTATO HEAD game and the PLAYSKOOL AGES AND STAGES system will board the line's two ships, further integrating Hasbro products into the fleet's entertainment programs for infants, children and families. The initiative is part of a long-term arrangement between Hasbro and Walt Disney Parks & Resorts.

"This program is such a natural fit as both PLAYSKOOL and Disney are about sparking imagination and discovery," said Lorrie Browning, general manager of infant/preschool at Hasbro. "The introduction of PLAYSKOOL toys and related activities in the ship's play centers translates to fun for kids and trust for parents. We expect that kids will enjoy the fun and comfort of playing with PLAYSKOOL toys that they already have at home while also discovering new play experiences that will stay with them for years to come."

Children aboard the 2,700 passenger Disney Wonder and Disney Magic ships will engage with PLAYSKOOL products at various levels of discovery and play. The Little Mermaid themed Flounder's Reef Nursery, for infants ages three months to three years, will be even more exciting, stocked with brand new PLAYSKOOL toys such as WEEBLES, GLOWORM, BUSY BASICS, and WHEEL PALS, all perfect for play time.

Additionally, Flounder's Reef counselors will have the benefits of the PLAYSKOOL AGES AND STAGES system designed to help make the best choices about what toys are most appropriate for an individual child based on their age, development and play levels. For example, the LET'S PLAY TOGETHER stage is ideal for children in a group environment as it teaches them to take turns, share, follow rules, cooperate, and be a good friend. It also encourages soothing and connecting types of play to help children feel secure as well as fantasy and physical play to help children explore and feel independent.

For children ages 3-7, the ship's Oceaneer Club, full of adventure resembling Peter Pan's Never Land, houses activities that are designed to inspire imagination and exploration such as a PLAY-DOH and Disney themed play session and a PIRATE MR. POTATO HEAD-branded scavenger hunt.

"Ensuring that there truly is something for every member of the family to enjoy aboard Disney Cruise Line means our youth activity areas must be top notch," said Meredith Renard, Director of Youth Activities for Disney Cruise Line. "Taking our partnership with HASBRO to a new level by integrating these PLAYSKOOL products into themed activities and incorporating the PLAYSKOOL Ages and Stages system onboard creates an exciting new experience and level of entertainment, offering even more activities and programs for our younger cruisers."

Hasbro's existing relationship with Walt Disney Parks & Resorts encompasses a myriad of licensed toys, games and activity-based entertainment such as Downtown Disney's "build-your-own" retail playground featuring MY LITTLE PONY and MR. POTATO HEAD, as well as special Disney theme park editions of classic board games including MONOPOLY and CLUE.

--Posted June 22, 2006
Source: Hasbro, Inc & Disney Cruise Lines