Lights! Cameras! Action!...Hundreds of Bermudian bedrooms seem set to explode into a dazzling Disney landscape this Christmas. For movie blockbusters Pocahontas and The Lion King have spawned an eye-catching line of toys which are lighting up Bermuda store shelves. In fact, Barbie-sized dolls based on film characters -- and animals, of course -- are currently all the rage.

"There is certainly a lot of spill over from the films,'' says manageress of Hamilton's Jack `N' Jill's Toy Shop, Ms Meta Davidson, with barely-disguised glee. "Barbie-type dolls are in great demand all over the world.'' Not that manufacturers keen to exploit the silver screen had just dolls in mind. For instance one Pocahontas toy, a so-called basket of jewellry and face paint, tantalises youngsters with the chance to be as pretty as the film's central character. Targeted for three-year-olds and older, it comes at $34.75, and would certainly make for a colourful festive season. Meanwhile, for The Lion King fans there is the opportunity of getting acquainted with the purr...fect Christmas companion to complement all those traditional teddies and other furry favourites. Give Purring Sinbad a gentle hug and he can purr like any cat, the advertising logo boasts. And it does work! For parents hoping to stifle demands for a family pet, Sinbad could be just the answer at an affordable $35. Of course, browsers through Jack `N' Jill's on Park Road will come across much more familiar items on the shelves, including the ever-popular Barbies -- and not those created by the cinema. From the high stepper horse that really walks, the $96 prancing horse and carriage set, to the starlight Barbie bed set, there is plenty in this category to grab the eye. Budding hairdressers, for instance, may try their hand at the Cut and Style Barbie. For $21.75 -- a mere snip, you could say -- children can while away their holiday trimming Barbie's hair and, according to the blurb, "magically make it long again''. Among the more novel toys this year -- and one sure to appeal to American sports fans yearning to imitate their heroes of the diamond -- is Disney Goofy Bubble Baseball. Hours of fun are in prospect for youngsters as they try bursting bubbles with a bat. And already it has scored a hit with early Christmas shoppers, says Ms Davidson. Still on a sporting theme, older kids may be interested in the Street Jam line of basketballs, or, should their sporting prowess take them to the water in the warmer months, how about Morey's intriguingly-titled Boogie Board wave jammer? For would-be Michael Schumachers and Damon Hills, meanwhile, who get a buzz from land speed, the battery-operated Power Wheels could be just their thing this Christmas. These model cars are large enough to hold a child -- sometimes a passenger, too -- and seem guaranteed to send kids crazy. Take the Hot Wheels Lamborghini; It captures the thrill of living in the fast lane, boasting realistic race sounds, including screeching tyres, acceleration and horn blasts. Not that the Power Wheels are just for speed merchants. The Super Sound Jeep, for instance, is for those drawn to the idea of driving across tough terrain. Holding two passengers, it also has real engine sounds with startup and acceleration, and features a CB microphone and full high-back seat. Another rugged vehicle is the Lil Jake Front Loader, designed for outdoor construction fun. "These really are quite excellent, and the prices are good as well,'' stresses Ms Davidson. While the new and exciting Christmas toy may be what many parents have in mind, there is a lot to be said for plumping for old favourites. Such tried and tested toys range from See `N' Say Storybooks on Aladdin and The Lion King, to Alphabet Alphie, Mickey Mouse and his musical guitar, and building blocks. And don't forget the family game.

Christmas 1995 may be upon us, and the millennium not far behind, but there's no beating the oldie goldies...scrabble, dominoes, monopoly and bingo. As Ms Davidson points out: "You'd be surprised. They are as popular as ever.'' toys in stock including Cut and Style Barbie and Hot Skatin Barbie. Also popular this year is Baywatch Barbie -- a lifeguard version of the original Barbie. Dutch Barbie and Bubble Angel Barbie are also popular dolls this festive season. ASSORTED FAVOURITES -- Talking Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh and life-size dolls are always well received by young children. Also pictured here is the Snack Center baker's oven, a favoured gift for cooking pundits.

HOT STUFF -- Model cars and bikes are now being created to look and sound like real vehicles. Big Joe, the Honda motor bike and the Playskool toy bike shown here are just samples of what toy shops have in store for children this Christmas. Most of them are designed to hold a child and sometimes a passenger and seem guaranteed to send kids crazy. DISNEY DOLLS -- Movie blockbusters like Pocahontas and The Lion King have generated a host of new toys this year.

And Barbie-sized dolls based on film characters have become all the rage.

Pocahontas, which comes with face paint and jewellry, is a popular item as is The Lion King, which is available as both a stuffed animal and a See'n Say Talking Storybook. SPORTY THEMES -- Older kids may like to receive the Street Jam line of basketballs this Christmas. Or if they like the water, the Wave Jammer Boogie board is a popular choice. And already a hit with youngsters is the bubble bat as well as the Aviva toy blasting guns.