Original merchandise from The Little Mermaid.
Pictured above, are the very first dolls and figurines that were sold in stores/McDonalds, to coincide with the 1989 release of The Little Mermaid.
Top photo: Ariel doll by the now defunct company, Applause. A human version of this doll, wearing a pink satin and lace dress was also sold. These dolls were put on the market circa November of 1989. Right before the film’s release.
Middle photos: Ariel fashion doll by Tyco. This was the first doll to be sold in major toy stores. The Applause dolls were usually found at smaller Ma and Pa style toy stores, or at card shops. This doll had a removable fin and could be played with as a human. She came with her “Tour the Kingdom” dress. She was also released in late November of 1989.
Next to her is the McDonald’s tie-in Happy Meal toy. The Happy Meal toys were available in late November, 1989. There were 4 toys, a new one was released each week. First week was Flounder, week two was Ursula, week three Prince Eric, and of course Ariel was week four.
Bottom row photos: These are figurines that were also released by Applause. They were available in three distinct poses. Interesting to see that these were the only pieces of original merchandise that had red hair. The first dolls and the McDonald’s toy have orange hair, as did the Ariel face character that was in Disney parks at that time.
