My heart skipped a beat when I first saw the two Ultimate Collection packs at Target in 2020. Colleen and I unexpectedly found the dolls while we were on our way to an eye doctor appointment. I wanted to stop into Target to get cleaning supplies that I was having trouble finding at our local Walmart. Of course we did the "adult" thing and looked at the toys! I was so tempted to buy this set right away, but I resisted the urge. I knew I could get it on some sort of offer/sale. It turns out I didn't have to wait long because I was able to save 25% when I found an online offer! There are actually two Ultimate Collection packs--the Merbaby one shown here, and Diva's pack. I already had a handful of dolls from the alternative set (Diva, M.C. Swag, and Queen Bee). Most of my favorites were in this Merbaby pack anyways (although I was sad about Baby Cat and Hoops MVP being in the other set).
I love it when toy companies decide to capitalize off a doll brand's popularity. It doesn't do MGA any financial favors to have people over paying for Series 1 L.O.L. Surprise dolls on eBay. It makes sense to jump on the bandwagon and re-release the dolls themselves. Sure, it makes collectors mad because it "devalues" their originals. But for those of us who don't collect for value and who missed out on the first waves, it is an exciting prospect. Plus I LOVE that there is no surprise when it comes to the Ultimate Collection sets. It tells you on the back of each box which dolls are included. I could do without the wasteful surprise ball packaging though. These dolls create so much waste and trash that it makes me cringe. Although they did come with tissue paper instead of little bags to hide their clothes/accessories. The tissue paper is something I was able to reuse for other projects.
My favorites from this set are definitely Merbaby, Royal High-Ney, Glitter Queen, and Rocker. But obviously Colleen and I adore them all! She was especially excited about Teacher's Pet (and who could blame her...Teacher's Pet melts my heart)! They are identical to the original versions with the exception of their enlarged pupils and lack of color change features (for the dolls that were color change originally of course). There are a few subtle color variation too, but all in all you are getting the same essence of the character.
I love how they came complete with their drink cups and other little accessories! These faces are so iconic to me because they are featured time and time again on L.O.L. Surprise merchandise. Look at the background behind them--I got familiar with them while putting these stickers and party decorations on the cardboard! It feels unreal getting the actual dolls. As a kid, there weren't many pack dolls available, unless it was Barbie sister sets or mini Disney Princess ones. Ginormous packs like this one didn't exist, but I would have LOVED them!!! I think it's my inner child that always lures me in to spending the money on such sets. Plus, they fondly remind me of when the "1st Edition" Bratz were re-released in a large gift set, and Dad bought me them just because one night. I'm so glad I didn't previously own any one of these ladies because it made this set all that much more exciting!