Dora Links Doll: Dora the Explorer Grows Up

Dora the Explorer, Boots the Monkey, Backpack and the villainous Swiper the Fox are familiar characters to anyone who has had contact with children in the past decade. The Dora Links Doll is the answer for children who have outgrown the original Dora the Explorer but still love her. Last fall, the silhouette of the tween version of Dora the Explorer caused quite a fuss, many accusing Mattel of trying to make Dora too sexy. Many parents' fears were put to rest when the actual doll was still Dora, just a little older.

What is the Dora Links Doll?

Besides being the tween version of Dora the Explorer, the Dora Links Doll will be able to get made over and changed simply by plugging into a computer. Through Dora's interactive online world, girls (or boys) will be able to change her hair jewelry and eye color online and in person. Besides being able to magically customize the Dora Links Doll, tweens and children will be able to explore Dora's online world, talk or chat with characters, earn currency and solve mysteries. The activities will be uploaded daily and the Dora Links Doll will "notify" the doll when new activities are available online. Creepy? Not sure yet.

Where to Purchase the Grown Up Dora the Explorer Doll

Tween Dora the Explorer is supposed to begin shipping September 29 and according to i4u.com, it is available for preorder at Amazon.com.

What's Next for Dora the Explorer?

As a parent of a child that adores Dora the Explorer, I'm excited about Dora Links. It's sad to see her outgrow Blues Clues and Barney, and would've been a shame to have to leave Dora and the gang behind as well. Yet, with all of the Dora toys that are available, including Dora Princess, Dora Mermaid and Dora and the twin babies, I can't help but wonder what could be next. Does Dora become a mommy? Does she get married?

I also wonder what happens to her beloved friends and what role, if any, they'll play with the new Dora Links Doll. After all, an older version of Backpack is just a beat up school bag with a broken zipper. Does Boots the Monkey grow a moustache or decide to wear something besides boots? He's not really Boots then, but simply an fka.

Whatever Mattel and Nick Jr. have in store for Dora the Explorer's future, I'm sure for now, the new Dora Links Doll will be at the top of the list this Christmas for children's toys.

Read about another big children's toy this year, Zhu Zhu Pets.