With the live-action Moana remake out now (it was released in theaters on July 10), it's no surprise Moana merchandise and collectibles are making a comeback this summer. And as a fan of the storyline and someone who spent my childhood at my school’s American Girl Club (making crafts, learning to sew, and bonding over the dolls' stories), I'm genuinely thrilled to see this new particular release.
American Girl and Disney collaborated to create two Moana drops. The first is an 18-inch Moana doll ($145) with a soft cotton body as well as a posable head and limbs. Her pretty waves are adorned with a hibiscus flower clip (like her character wore as a baby), and she’s dressed in an outfit inspired by what the princess wears in the film: a cream-colored top and a grass skirt with a red covering and sash, along with a teal pendant necklace that reveals a sea star once opened (in the film, Moana receives a sea star from her 3-year-old little sister, Simea).
The second is a set that includes the exact same 18-inch Moana doll and clothing, but she also comes with a Wayfinder outfit (an orange and yellow Lei Po‘o, a red top, and a three-tiered grass taffeta skirt). Also included is a plush baby sea turtle, reminiscent of the little guy Moana saves from frigatebirds as a toddler. Because of the additional outfit and plush, this option costs $65 more at $210.
If you’re an AG Rewards member, you’ll get a $25 reward when you spend at least $150—making the Wayfinder set a better value buy. (And if you’re not a member, you can sign up for free.) Alternatively, you could buy the Wayfinder attire and turtle plush separately for $65.
Additionally, you can shop Simea as a 10.5-inch doll. She’s dressed in similar attire as her older sister and comes with an adorable hermit crab accessory.
While American Girl has released other Moana dolls in the past, I find these launches the most exciting, because they feel and look as close to her character as ever before.
