Honestly, the doll world shifted a bit when Mattel took back the Disney license. If you've been following the Descendants franchise since the beginning, you probably remember the Hasbro days. They were fine, sure, but the new Mattel Disney Descendants: The Rise of Red fashion doll lineup feels like a total reset. It’s not just a toy; it’s a piece of the new era where Red and Chloe take center stage.
The core of this collection is Red, the daughter of the Queen of Hearts. She’s edgy. She’s rebellious. She looks like she stepped right out of the 2024 movie and onto a shelf. Mattel released these on July 1, 2024, just before the film hit Disney+, and the hype hasn't really died down.
What Makes These Dolls Different?
Most people think a doll is just plastic and hair. That's a mistake. When you hold the Red doll, you notice the "Petite" body type Mattel is using. It’s different from your standard Barbie. It makes her look more like a teenager, which fits the VK (Villain Kid) vibe perfectly.
The articulation is a massive win here. We’re talking 11 bendable joints. You can move the neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, and knees. Why does that matter? Because if you want to recreate the "Red" music video choreography, you need a doll that can actually strike a pose.
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- Hair Quality: It’s soft. No weird "glue head" feel that sometimes plagues budget dolls.
- Accessories: Red comes with her signature pocket watch. It’s the key to the whole time-travel plot, so it’s a nice touch that they didn't skip it.
- The Fit: Her jacket has actual texture. It’s not just a printed pattern on cheap nylon.
Why the Mattel Disney Descendants: The Rise of Red Fashion Doll Matters
Kinda crazy to think about, but this line represents a huge comeback for Mattel. After losing the Disney Princess license to Hasbro for years, they’ve come back swinging. You can see the influence of their Monster High expertise in these dolls. The face sculpts actually look like the actors—Kylie Cantrall (Red) and Malia Baker (Chloe) are clearly visible in the plastic.
There’s also a "Singing Red" version. If you press her torso, she blasts the title track "Red." It’s loud, it’s catchy, and it’ll probably get stuck in your head for three days. But for a kid who wants to perform, it’s basically the gold standard.
Comparing Red and Chloe
Chloe Charming is the polar opposite of Red. Where Red is all fire and rebellion, Chloe is "royal champ" energy. Her doll comes with a sword accessory because, as we saw in the movie, she’s not just a princess; she’s a fighter. Her hair is a vibrant, electric blue that really pops next to Red's crimson curls.
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The price point is pretty fair, too. Most of the standard fashion dolls retail around $17.59 to $24.99 depending on where you shop. Target and Walmart usually have them on the lower end, while "Deluxe" versions like the Queen of Hearts (Brandy’s character) or Cinderella (Brandy’s rival) can run up to $34.99.
The Surprising Details Fans Miss
You’ve probably noticed the shoes. Honestly, they’re one of the best parts. Red’s boots have these little heart details that aren't just painted on—they're molded into the plastic.
Then there’s the Sorcerer's Cookbook play pack. This is Mattel leaning into the "unboxing" trend. You get a doll (Red or Chloe), but she’s hidden. You have to mix "fizz" and "slime" to reveal her. It’s messy. It’s fun. It’s very much a 2026-era toy experience where the process is just as important as the toy itself.
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The Breakdown of the Collection
- Standard Fashion Dolls: Red, Chloe, Bridget (Young Queen of Hearts), and Uliana (Ursula's sister). These are the bread and butter of the line.
- Singing Dolls: Specifically Red and Bridget. They play snippets of the movie's soundtrack.
- Deluxe Collector Dolls: These are taller, usually with more intricate gowns, like the Queen of Hearts in her petal-layered rose dress.
- Reveal Sets: The aforementioned Sorcerer's Cookbook.
Is It Worth the Hype?
If you’re a collector, yeah, it is. The transition from Hasbro to Mattel brought a level of detail that was missing. The "face printing" technology Mattel uses now is much more precise. You don't get as many "wonky eyes" where one eye is trying to escape the doll's head.
For parents, these dolls are durable. They can handle being shoved into a backpack or dropped on a driveway. They don't stand alone, which is a bit of a bummer, but that's standard for fashion dolls these days unless you buy a separate stand.
What really happened with the Mattel Disney Descendants: The Rise of Red fashion doll launch was a perfect storm of movie success and toy nostalgia. The film broke streaming records on Disney+, and the toys followed suit. It’s rare to see a doll line capture the "edge" of a character without making it feel like a costume, but Mattel pulled it off.
Actionable Tips for Buyers
- Check the Joints: Before you rip the box open, look at the wrists and elbows. The articulation is the selling point, so make sure everything looks aligned.
- Hunt for Sales: These dolls go on clearance often. Since there are so many versions (Singing, Reveal, Standard), stores like Target frequently rotate stock.
- Hair Care: If the hair gets frizzy, a little fabric softener mixed with warm water works wonders on this specific type of synthetic fiber.
- Displaying: Since they don't come with stands, look for "Kaiser" brand stands or generic 11-inch doll stands if you're planning to keep them on a shelf.
If you’re looking to start a collection, start with the core Red doll. She’s the anchor of the whole story. From there, Bridget (the young Queen of Hearts) is a fan favorite because of her soft pink aesthetic and sugary cupcake accessory. It’s a complete world in plastic, and it’s honestly just fun to see these characters come to life.