Mattel's Dora Links Doll is the "tween" version of the popular Dora the Explorer preschool television character. Mattel totes the doll as being age appropriate and giving parents of older girls a friendly option from other dolls that might not be suitable. This new line of dolls and toys is geared to Dora the Explorer fans, ages 5-8, who have outgrown the preschool show. The Dora’s Explorer Girls collection was created as an answer to parents’ requests for a way that the lovable preschool Dora character can grow and interact with their children as they grow older.

The Dora Links collection features the interactive Dora doll as a slightly older girl and her four best friends: Naiya, Emma, Kate and Alana. Together, they live in the online world of Puerto Verde and they get involved in their community, help friends and work together to keep their home clean and green.

Merchandise in the Dora Links product line includes Dolls, Fashion Packs, Accessory Packs and Playsets. All of these items come with a Secret Explorer Girl Code which opens up fun locations, activities and more in the online Dora Links world.

Dora: Dora is the grown-up version of the popular Dora the Explorer television character. She loves laughing, singing, playing with her brother & sister, helping others and of course solving mysteries! She is the official leader of the Explorer Girls.

Alana: Alana is the sporty girl of the group who enjoys playing soccer, sports and running. Decked out in her comfy purple tracksuit, she is ready for lots of exploring adventures. She has a love for animals and helps out at the PAWS shelter. She also likes to organize activities and hopes to run for Student Council this year.

Emma: Emma loves music and books. She plays the violin and guitar. Emma enjoys performing in the school band, writing songs, opening a new book for the first time and the smell of bow resin from her violin! She loves being an explorer girl.

Kate: Kate is the dramatic girl in the group who loves singing, acting, and putting on a show. She also has a wonderful flair for fashion and enjoys trying on new clothes and hairstyles. Kate has a creative side as well and writes poetry and stories.

Naija: Naija is super smart.  She loves Natural Science class, solving puzzles, computers, her telescope, reading and learning new things.  She is also proud of her Mayan culture and hopes to learn a new language this year.

You can plug the Dora Explorer Girl doll into your home computer and have access to her online world. There, you can help Dora and her friends solve mysteries through game play that affects change in Dora’s world.

You can change Dora's hair, eye color, jewelry and more online and watch those changes magically appear on your Dora doll.

Meet the Explorer Girls at their online café to help them solve mysteries. Explore new locations, get involved in community & charity functions, meet new friends, play games, and even receive D-mail. Your Dora Links doll will even alert you when there’s a new online mystery available.

In addition to the Dora Links Doll you can also purchase the Kate, Emma, Naija and Alana dolls.

When you purchase one of these Dora Links dolls, you can unlock their room online, decorate their bedroom and play games online.

Other items offered in the Dora Links product line are Fashion Packs. There are currently four different fashion packs to choose from.

• Surf & Sand
• Movie Night
• Sports Styles
• Charity Concert

Each Fashion Pack comes complete with 1 outfit and 5 related fashion accessories for Dora and her explorer friends to wear. Enter in the Secret Explorer Girl code included and unlock a fashion, activity and location in the Explorer Girls' world. All fashion accessories can be used online and offline and appear in Dora's closet when online.

These outfits will fit all of the dolls in the Dora Links line. Your daughter will have fun dressing up and pretend playing with her Dora Explorer Dolls and accessories.

Dora Links also has a line of Accessory Packs to add even more fun to your Dora Explorer Dolls and online experience. There are three Accessory Packs currently available:

• Pet Parlor
• Tech Tunes
• Stylin' Salon
• Photo Pack

Each accessory pack comes with several play pieces, one of which has an RFID tag. Bring the accessory close to your Dora Links doll and it will appear in her online world!

Puerto Verde School: Comes complete with Desk, Chair, Chalkboard, Locker, Pencil Cup, Pencils, Scissors, Plant, Garbage Can, Trophy, Books, and a Globe.

School Art Room: Art Room comes with the following accessories: Art Room Background, Easel, Canvas, Stool, Pottery Wheel, Pot, Art Caddy, Pallet, Notebook, Book, Paint Brush Cup, 2 Paint Brushes, Pencil Cup, 2 Pencils, and 2 Tubes of Paint.

School Cafeteria: Cafeteria comes with Cafeteria Background, Food Display Counter, Cash Register, Table, Chair, Menu, Food Pieces, Bowl, and Spoon.

*Each Playset includes a Secret Explorer Girl Code to unlock a new location and activity.

Dora and her friends will have so much fun visiting all of the fun locations in Puerdo Verde. They can get their hair done at the Beauty Salon, play soccer with Coach Carlos, learn dance with Christina, go shopping at the Clothing Store, decorate their bedrooms with cool items purchased from Esmeralda, visit the local Pet Shop and more!

• Rosalinda : the Florist
• Jacinta : the Jeweler
• Marisela: Clothing Store Owner
• Esmeralda: the Home Decor Owner
• Miguel: the Newsboy
• Francisco: the Music Clerk
• Belicia: the Beauty Salon Owner
• Solymar: Surf Shop Owner
• Christina: Dance Teacher
• Senora Lucia: the homeroom teacher
• Rodrigo: the Lifeguard
• Coach Carlos: the Soccer Coach
• Eloisa: the Pet Shop Owner

Since I am a children's birthday party planner, I did a search to see if their were any party supplies available to host a Dora Links theme birthday. I found some sellers that are beginning to offer custom party supplies for this theme.

You can purchase standard candy wrappers, Hershey miniatures wrappers, custom party favor boxes, and cupcake picks.

I will keep my eyes open for more Dora Links party supplies and add them to this page if I come across any.

Looking for more Dora the Explorer birthday ideas & supplies? Please visit my Dora the Explorer Birthday Party or my Fairytale Princess Dora party page!

I also recently set up a fun Fairytale Dora Gifts page.  This page features a large selection of unique Princess Dora items including pillows, blankets, rocking chairs, wall clocks, name prints, light switch covers, wall clings, boutique apparel, costumes, toys and more.