Our house is filled with girly, girl toys. Pink, princesses and more pink – with a little purple thrown in for good measure. Every time I try to step out of the mold and introduce my daughter to something more gender neutral, she rebels complaining that it is too “boyish.” The only exception to the rule appears to be Toy Story toys. (Her Toy Story Bath Toys, also still a hit.)
I was a little apprehensive presenting the girls with a Toy Story Zing-Ems Rocket Rumble Playset for Valentine’s Day. (The day of pink and purple, uber girly hearts, and mom wanted to go gender neutral!) I thought it looked like a fun toy, but essential it is a race track. Would my over-the-top princess declare it to be a “boy toy?” She did not. In fact, it was a total hit! Hallelujah, we bridged the gender gap! (At least with this toy.)
Perhaps it is because this toy is so unlike anything in our house, you won’t find any race tracks in our princess land, both girls are all over it. Of course, little sis loves everything K does, so it was no surprise when she reached over, picked up the playset and tried to walk off with it. But what made me even happier was when she “asked” to play with it while K was at school.
Note: This toy is intended for ages 4+ because it contains small parts that could be a choking hazard. But as any parent of multiple kids knows while you can protect the first-born from toys with small parts, subsequent children are surrounded by small objects. I do keep this toy where little sis cannot reach it, but under supervision she loves it.
An important thing you need to know about the Toy Story Zing-Ems Playset is that it only comes with one Zing-Em (Buzz). Unfortunately, to really get the full-effect and fun of this toy you need a minimum of three characters. That means you are gonna have to shell out for an additional pack of toys. Zing-Ems come in two-packs, so you only need one more set (but your kiddo might want to collect them all!). Pack characters include Slinky with Rex, Woody with RC, Jessie with Trixie and Buzz with Zurg.
Once you have three Zing-Ems, the Zing-Em playset works very much like a pinball machine. Pull back the lever and shoot your Zing-Em into space. As your Zing-Em rolls down one of three ramps an obstacle will be mastered – knock down the Zurgbot (the little yellow flap on the dark blue ramp shown flattened in pictures above), knock a character off the treacherous asteroid field (middle) or knock a character off the ramp (light blue). (See why you need at least three guys?)
Over and over and over again.
We’ve all had fun knocking off the Zing-Ems, as we fended off little sis from stealing the Zing-Ems mid play!
My one complaint is that it is very lightweight. The toy snaps together easily, but the pieces are so light that you have to hold it with one hand and pull the lever with the other. It take s little coordination for my four year old to do, another reason I am sure the box says 4+. That aside, it’s a fun toy.
The best price I found for this toy is on Walmart.com for $12.97 (it is not yet available in stores, but you can order online for free in-store pickup). The Zing-Ems action packs appear to only be available from Amazon at this time for $11.99 each (shipped free with orders of $25 or more or Prime.
I am a Mattel Disney Insider and toys were provided to facilitate this review, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rochel S. says
My son would love the Toy Story Slide ‘n’ Surprise Playground Playset
Eloise C says
My daughter would love the Toy Story UNO Card Game. Thanks so much for hosting this great giveaway!
furygirl3132[at]comcast[dot]net
Janet W. says
My grandson would like the Toy Story 3 Deluxe Woody with Kite Collectible Figure.
Patricia Wojnar Crowley says
We would love the Toy Story 3 Uno game!
Mary C says
The Toy Story Uno game would be a great addition to my classroom games!
Tamar says
Toy Story Color Splash Buddies Winged Buzz and Ducky 2-Pack by Mattel
Dominique says
my son would love Toy Story Color Splash Buddies Winged Buzz and Ducky 2-Pack
Ashley S says
Toy Story Slide ‘n’ Surprise Playground Playset looks like something my son would love!
Veronica R says
The Slide and Surprise Playground looks fun!
Amy Orvin says
Disney / Pixar Toy Story Operation Escape Posable Action Figure Slinky Dog Mattel
Keely Hostetter says
They would like the Mattel Toy Story Sparks Action Figure
brian says
toy story uno!
Jennifer H says
My son just saw the Toy Story Zing EMS on a commercial and hasn’t stopped talking about them yet!
Ani says
I think my kids would like the Toy Story Slide ‘n’ Surprise Playground Playset .
Tami Vollenweider says
The Chunk Action Figure
Louis says
I love the Toy Story Deluxe Bullseye Figure
Thank you for hosting this giveaway
Louis
pumuckler {at} gmail {dot} com
Trisha W. says
They’d like a Toy Story 3 Deluxe Woody with Kite Collectible Figure.
Donna says
The posable Rex would be a hit.
Jamie Brigham says
awww I love the TOY Story – See’n’Say – WOODY
Stefanie T says
My son just seen this on a commercial and says he wanted it! He loves Toy Story!
Amanda says
My son loves toys like the 3 pack of Woody, Rex, & Slinky Dog. The small size makes them perfect for carrying along on his many adventures.
Heather Hayes Panjon says
Toy Story Party-Saurus Boat Playset
Kelly D says
I like the Toy Story Party-Saurus Boat Playset
Stephen N. says
Disney / Pixar Toy Story Operation Escape Posable Action Figure Slinky Dog Mattel
Donna L says
The Toy Story Slide ‘n’ Surprise Playground Playset would be great for my grandson.
Dianna Thomas says
I think the four littlest one would love Toy Story Slide ‘n’ Surprise Playground Playset
Darlene Jones-Nelson says
Hot Wheels Toy Story Bucket O speed die cast vehicle
Heather R says
They would love the Mattel Toy Story 3 Uno Card Game
Sonya says
Toy Story Slide ‘n’ Surprise Playground Playset
Kristen says
Definitely the
Toy Story Deluxe Bullseye Figure
by Mattel
steve weber says
The Toy Story Uno Game.
Megan Parsons says
Rocket Through The Galaxy With Buzz Lightyear – Toy Story Buzz Lightyear Spaceship CommAnd Center
tina reynolds says
My little guy would love the Toy Story Color Splash Buddies Winged Buzz and Ducky 2-Pack
ELIZA ELLIOT says
my son would love anything with woody – he’s such a huge fan!
Cassandra Eastmanan says
They would love the Inspired By The Hit Disney/Pixar Toy Story Films – Toy Story Party-Saurus Boat Playset as well!
Edna Williams says
We would love The Toy Story Uno Game. Thanks for hosting this giveaway!
natalie nichols says
My son would like the rex action figure
Jan Lee says
I think they would like the Toy Story Party-Saurus Boat Playset 😉
dawn k says
My grandson would love the bullseye figure. He has a stuffed one that he adores!
Kate F. says
Toy Story RC’s Race Buzz Lightyear Vehicle
Laura Jacobson says
Oh Carter would also love the Toy Story Color Splash Buddies
Virginia Rowell says
My grandson would love the Toy Story Chunk Action Figure.
Lauren E says
the Toy Story Slide ‘n’ Surprise Playground Playset
Susan Chester says
My grandson would love the Toy Story Color Splash Buddies Bullseye and Slinky Dog.
Sue Hull says
The Toy Story Slide ‘n’ Surprise Playground Play Set. Thanks 🙂
Sabrina says
Toy Story Uno!
Katie Roch says
I think they would like the Toy Story Color Splash Buddies Winged Buzz and Ducky 2-Pack
Heather says
My son would love the Toy Story Buzz Lightyear Ultimate Arm!
Jenny Lloyd says
i think my son would love the toy story party-saurus boat playset
http://www.amazon.com/Toy-Story-Party-Saurus-Boat-Playset/dp/B007RTFZJ8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1361998111&sr=8-2&keywords=toy+story+mattel
julie says
my daughter would luv the DELUXE BULLSEYE FIGURE:)
jmatek AT wi DOT rr DOT com
michelle says
my son loves Uno he would adore the toy story uno game, so cool
Wendi S says
I think he would really like the Toy Story 3 Action Links Sunnyside Breakout Stunt Set
Brooke Adametz says
Evil Dr Porkchops Attacks Set
ReggieMann says
My niece would love to have the Toy Story Deluxe Bullseye Figure
Elizabeth Young says
Toy Story Slide ‘n’ Surprise Playground Playset
Ellie W says
My grandson would like the Toy Story 3 Action Links Evil Dr. Porkchop Attacks Stunt Set.
debbie j says
My son would love the command center
JoAnn F. says
Toy Story Party-Saurus Boat Playset
jofo120 at yahoo dot com
Jessica says
My daughter would love the TOY Story – See’n’Say – WOODY
Stephanie C says
My 3 year son says he must have the Rocket rumble. Pleayset.
Paula Michele Hafner says
My son would love the Toy Story Color Splash Buddies Hat Tip Woody and Captain 2-Pack
Angela P says
My kids would love the See N Say Woody
Erica C. says
The Toy Story UNO game is nice too.
Paula Tavernie says
The Slide and Surprise Playground Set!
ptavernie at yahoo dot com
Valerie Taylor Mabrey says
Toy Story Slide ‘n’ Surprise Playground Playset
vmkids3 at msn dot com
Karen Gonyea says
See N Say Woody 🙂
Katie says
My boys would enjoy the Toy Story boat playset because they both love playing in the bathtub.
susan smoaks says
our son would love to get the Disney / Pixar Toy Story 3 Exclusive Deluxe Talking Limited Edition Action Figure 2Pack Woody Buzz Lightyear
Vikki Billings says
My grandson would love the Product Details Mattel Toy Story 3 Buddy Figure Assortment
Dawn Reid says
The Slide and Surprise Playground Set
mightynaynay(at)cs.com
Breanne says
Toy Story Slide ‘n’ Surprise Playground Playset
Stacey A Smith says
my Nephews would like Toy Story RC’s Race Buzz Lightyear Vehicle
Michelle Tucker says
I like the Toy Story 3 Action Links Evil Dr. Porkchop Attacks Stunt Set.
Shelley P says
The kids would love the Toy Story Party-Saurus Boat Playset.
melissa says
my twins would love this
Andrew L. says
I think the Rocket Rumble Playset.
Jennifer H. says
My son loves Toy Story. Definitely a good Chrismtas present for him!
Christy Colln says
this looks so cute and reminds me of an awesome memorable toy that I used to play with !
Lisa Brown says
the colors are great and the figures are adorable, so fun for the kids.
Keely Hostetter says
Very cute, I think this toy would be great to entertain my niece.
Catherine Shaw says
This would occupy my greatniece for hours, I’m sure!
alicia k (Petite Pilates Pixie) says
the little buzz lightyear is so cute
keely hostetter says
Such a fun toy, my youngest would enjoy this.
courtney b says
my daughter would love this because of its little pieces 🙂 she loves things like this…
Sarah Hayes says
this is so cute. I love that it is toy story and would be so fun for any child to play with.
courtney b says
i love this but i can see my daughter destroying this very quickly. 🙂
ANN*H says
The grand kids all love Toy Story they have all of the movies and watch them alot. My great grand daughter would love this – her favorite is Buzz LightYear. She would enjoy playing with this . thanks for the info
Erin Knack says
My 20 month old loves anything that moves and I think he would adore this. It would entertain him for at least 20 minutes!