Toy Story 3 Action Links Party

When MomSelect informed me that I had been chosen to host a party for Toy Story 3 Action Links, a new line of toys based on Disney's bestselling movie, I have to admit that I didn't really know whether my boys would go for it or not. They love Woody and Buzz, but they haven't even seen Toy Story 3, so they wouldn't be able to recreate any of the scenes. Still, I kept an open mind, because MomSelect has always been spot on when partnering me with products to host a party with. And 3Po and Jammy love having a bunch of their friends over for these parties, because everyone has a great time playing together, and everyone gets to take something fun home with them.

And once again, MomSelect was right -- these toys are a hit! Toy Story 3 Action Links playsets are action playsets that kids can set up to perform a specified stunt. Play figures jump, spin, shoot and twirl, and when a stunt is completed, it triggers another one. You can even connect multiple playsets for one giant action sequence!



The stunts are based on action scenes from the Toy Story 3 movie, but even though my boys have not watched the movie, they love these toys. You don't need to know what happened in the movie to have fun seeing a tall pole (with Buzz Lightyear at the top) smash into Dr. Porkchop's car, which splits into 2 pieces. It's so much fun to see a little green alien travel on a conveyor belt, then fall into a pit that triggers a giant claw with Lotso Bear in its grasp, that swivels around and smack into Woody, who shoots into the air.... you get the picture. It's like a Hot Wheels stunt set with Toy Story 3 characters instead of cars, that you can actually play with after the stunt is completed.

For this party, we received pretty much the entire Action Links line, including Dr. Porkchop Attacks, Buzz Saves the Train, Jessie to the Rescue, Junkyard Escape, Sunnyside Breakout and Dump Truck -- so we had quite a layout assembled for the kids to enjoy. There were slides, chutes, coveyor belts, tracks, cables and more for the little play figures to navigate.

I realize that most households are not going to be able to afford to get each and every playset (prices range from $9.99 to $29.99 for a play set), so be warned, the action is probably not going last long. Most of the stunts are over in the blink of an eye! I actually like the stunts that take the longest to complete, like the conveyor belt, because it gives the kids time to see what's going on -- and when the stunts are arranged in a neverending circle, they have time to set the stunts back up again.

But honestly, I don't think you need the whole huge shebang for your kids to have fun (that's the other thing -- the playsets don't pack up well, so get a big storage bin!). The kids had just as much fun setting up the stunts as they did after it was all set up and they settled back to watch the action -- which I really liked, because I'm not a fan of passive toys that do their thing while kids watch. For me, the real value in these playsets comes after the action has stopped and the kids have tired of watching the action, and want to create some action of their own. At that point, it becomes a Toy Story 3 playset and the kids' imagination takes over.

Disclosure: I received an assortment of Toy Story 3 Action Links playsets and play figures from MomSelect in order to host this party. I incurred all other party expenses (food, drink, etc...). I have not been paid to review the product or give my opinions. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.