I’m as much of a Barbie fan as my four year old daughter is. I love the pinks and purples of the Barbie world along with all the glitter and glamour of the fantasy land. So when we first saw the commercial for Barbie’s Mariposa we were both captivated.

Mariposa is a butterfly fairy from the new Barbie Mariposa DVD. She stands 11 ˝ inches tall. Each wing spans 12 inches high at its tallest point and 7 ľ wide at its widest point. The wing colors are beautiful when opened. The material is lavender and black but covered with beautiful glitter that does not flake off. The back sides of the wings (which you also see while the wings are closed) are a beautiful shade of purple trimmed in black which gives the look of actual butter fly wings. (They really are beautifully made)

Mariposa’s hair is a soft blonde with an ever so slight pink stripe toward her face. She wears a plastic removable crown on her head that is made of butterflies and roses. Simple to remove but does not fall or slip off on its own.

Her removable, dress is a light rich purple and black trimmed mini with butterflies and sparkles. Straps of the shimmering dress are clear to give the impression that it is strapless. She has Barbie’s typical non-removable panties in the same shade of purple as her dress. She also has a type of ‘half’ dress that ties around her waist. It covers the back side of Barbie and leaves the front of her dress displayed.

Her jewelry is a painted on tattoo like necklace that drops from her shoulders down to the top of her dress.

The shoes that Mariposa wears are quite fitting for the ‘type’ of Barbie. Each shoe easily slips onto Barbie’s feet then wind up the doll’s legs like a purple vine.

How Barbie works is that on her back is a little plastic device (kind of like a back-pack) where you snap the wings into place. It is not removable and it is not easy to get the wings on. (Not for a 4 year old or for a 39 year old. Takes a little practice but after a few times it’s a bit easier.) Once the wings have been snapped in place, in the center, top portion of the ‘backpack’ is a small button. Simply press down on the button and Mariposa’s wings instantly expand into their beautiful, sparkling, beautiful width that is very pleasing to look at.

The two problems we have had with Barbie’s Mariposa are…

1) The doll is made for a 3 and 4 year old, but it is not even remotely possible for one of that age to snap the wings into place AND have them work properly.
2) Barbie’s arms must be in one specific position in order for the wings to transform. The wings are so large that her arms can not even be down at her side when you press the button. We actually have to stretch them out in front of her to give the wings ample space to snap open. If we don’t, the wings just do not open. Kind of ruins the ‘magical’ effect of transformation.

In spite of the two problems we have had with her, Mariposa is a great doll. She’s beautiful, fun to play with as well as all parts being sturdy. My daughter has (yet) to break any part of her (unlike another new Barbie, but that is another review in the near future). Even at my age, I enjoy the colors and sparkles of Mariposa. While watching my daughter play with her, I can see how she too likes the way the doll looks, not just how the doll’s wings expand, but really seems to enjoy the shimmering wings and their size. Mariposa is a bit pricey but she is durable and beautiful. That’s a great combination for a 4 year old who refers to her self as a “pretty princess super hero”. :o)

Another bit of info......Doll comes with a free movie poster and $3 coupon for upcoming Barbie Mariposa DVD that is scheduled to be released this Spring (2008). Mariposa cost $16.83 at Wal-Mart. (We found it at Goodwill for $4.99)











Recommended:
Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 4.99
Type of Toy: Other
Age Range of Child: 3 to 5 Years