McDonald's Spirit Riding Free Toys: 2020 Collector's Review
Spirit Riding Free Toy Set Breakdown
Having rehabilitated rescue horses myself, I understand the challenge of finding authentic equine toys. McDonald's 2020 DreamWorks Spirit Riding Free collection offers six stylized figures, but how do they hold up for play and display? After examining each figure's mechanics and build quality, here's what collectors and parents should know.
Chapter 1: Design and Authenticity
McDonald's collaboration with DreamWorks delivered visually striking horses inspired by the animated series. The figures range from 2.5 to 3.5 inches tall, with Spirit being the largest. While not anatomically precise, the vibrant paint applications capture each character's personality. As a former horse owner, I appreciate the distinctive markings like Boomerang's patches and Governor's regal stance.
The packaging included miniature sticker sheets with saddles, trophies, and horseshoes – a thoughtful touch for customizing play scenes. However, these paper accessories tear easily, limiting long-term use.
Chapter 2: Functionality and Gimmicks Tested
Spirit (Spring-Action Figure)
Pressing the tail launches the horse upward. No internal spring exists – momentum alone creates the jumping effect. While imaginative, the loose leg joints feel fragile during repeated play.
Chica Linda (Curtsy Mechanism)
Pushing the front leg makes the horse "bow" via a clever lever system. This is the most sophisticated gimmick, though real horses don't perform this exact movement during training.
Governor (Head-Shake Feature)
Wiggling the tail causes the head to sway laterally. Our testing revealed inconsistent spring tension – some units lock mid-motion as mentioned in the video.
Mystery & Spirit (Brushable Tails)
These figures include plastic combs for grooming synthetic hair tails. The bristles snag easily, and the hair quality varies between figures.
Gimmick Durability Comparison
| Figure | Mechanism | Play Value | Durability Concern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spirit | Tail-press jump | Medium | Loose leg joints |
| Chica Linda | Front-leg curtsy | High | Lever durability |
| Boomerang | Head shake | Low | Spring alignment |
| Governor | Button-activated | Medium | Locking mechanism |
Chapter 3: Collectibility and Value Insights
Beyond their fast-food origins, these toys represent a unique licensing moment. The 2020 release coincided with Spirit's streaming resurgence, making sealed sets desirable. However, three key factors affect long-term value:
- Gimmick reliability varies significantly – Governor's mechanism fails most frequently based on collector forums
- Hair-fall plagues combable figures – synthetic tails shed after minimal brushing
- Sticker sheets are often missing from secondhand sales, reducing completeness
For display purposes, the figures shine. Their dynamic poses create engaging shelf arrangements without needing batteries or complex setups. But if you seek interactive play, temper expectations – these are display-first collectibles.
Collector's Action Guide
- Inspect joints before purchasing – Gently test Spirit's legs and Chica Linda's lever
- Preserve sticker sheets – Laminate or scan them for reproductions
- Display vertically – Use clear acrylic stands to showcase jumping poses
- Avoid combing – Use soft makeup brushes for dusting hair tails
Recommended Resources
- Spirit Riding Free: Season 1-3 (Netflix): Contextualizes character personalities
- EquestrianCollectors.com forum: Trading hub for replacement parts
- McHistory.net: Archives McDonald's toy release dates
Final Verdict
These Spirit figures excel as visual tributes to DreamWorks' animation but function best as display pieces. The set's true strength lies in its cohesive aesthetic rather than play innovation. For under $15 on secondary markets, they offer charming shelf presence for horse enthusiasts.
Which figure's design best captures your favorite Spirit character? Share your display setup in the comments!
