Lowest Price Dora Links School Playset

Copied from comments on another review, since they pertain to WHY/HOW we went through so much to get it working:

Our problems began 1/18/10 - the code for the school was acknowledged as entered, but it just won't recognize the physical locker being plugged in (it connects via USB, just like the Dora Links doll. A little frustrated after having spent the money, got the school, unpacked it all (and it made me long for Amazon's "frustration free packaging!"), entered the code to set it up . . . and the school is still 'locked' online. Bummer. Alas, their customer service department is closed for MLK (which I respect, it's just tough to explain to my daughter why she'll just have to wait to play with such a large portion of her birthday present!).

She's loving the doll, and the physical school (she's really enjoying playing with the desk, etc, and so far it looks like it will hold up well), and the components of the online world she can explore. I just know that the school will add so much to the whole thing . . . once we can get it working!

Update since I spoke with CS today (1/19/10): Still not working. Replaced the batteries (even though the 'old' set was working for the audio, just in case). Tried the reset button (on the top of the back of the locker). Shut down and restarted the software, to no avail. We were able to tell that the code is in (tried re-entering it and got a message that it's already active) and that the component is hooked up (through our XP control panel, it recognizes and shows the device as active), but the school still shows as 'locked' for us. Apparently it is being escalated and they'll call me back within 48hrs. Hopefully we can get it working, because she's REALLY loving the doll and online world!

Update 1/22/10: After a bit of phone tag w/ CS (they called yesterday, I wasn't able to call back til today), they took some more info about my computer and are emailing me a return label to send the locker back to them. Apparently their engineers want to look at it and determine the source of the problem. I'm not entirely clear on whether they will immediately send out a new replacement (certainly my preference, seeing as we've had this now for over a week already and haven't been able to use it yet), or whether they will wait to determine the problem, fix it, and then send it back. The CS folks have been *incredibly* nice, but I'll admit I'm getting annoyed at all the delays - it's a $20 toy that we'll be waiting weeks to actually play with!

Update 2/11/10: So, the mailing label arrived via email on 1/25/10, and it was shipped back 1/30/10 (couldn't get to the USPO til then, as I needed to go to the PO to get an official stamp from them that I had in fact given it to them for shipment). Called CS today and learning that they had received it 2/4/10. However, they apparently open packages by date received (makes sense) and they are currently "on 1/22/10" - which means it will be several more days til they get to my package. At that time, the CS rep said they will send out a new School Set to replace ours.

Granted 5 days of delay are my fault, since it took me that long to get to the USPO (couldn't just drop it off or have it picked up), but all said and done we're looking at well over a month without a toy that we've already paid for and that my daughter has been waiting to play with (as patiently as a child can!).

Update 2/15/10: Got an email from FP today telling me that my request had "been received and is being processed." And that I "will receive an additional email, including shipment information and an estimated delivery timeframe, once your order has shipped."

Update 2/23/10: The good news is: I finally received the replacement school yesterday. The BAD news is: it does NOT seem to want to work either. I've reset it, replaced the batteries, verified that the USB port is recognizing the HID (ie. the computer knows it's plugged in), re-entered the code (only to be told it's already there) . . . and yet, the school remains locked and unplayable. This is feeling more and more ridiculous with each passing week!!! I will call customer service (again), but they're not yet open for today . . ..

And, for the final update - now that it's finally up and working! After MUCH messing with the locker, and lots of back and forths with FP and our Fios service, it still didn't seem to work . . . until I gave it one more shot, and it 'miraculously' worked. Hadn't done anything different, but sort of like 'reboot' it seemed to do the trick (no matter how illogical it may have been). It's worked for weeks now w/o problem (the software has done another 'update' once when we signed on, so maybe that rectified something?). Anyway, the school is now unlocked and my daughter is LOVING it.

The accessories do add up - but keep an eye out for sales. We got the doll on an Amazon Lightning Deal, and the school and 2 school sets (cafeteria and art room) locally on clearance sales (after Christmas). The other accessories are often on sale locally too (the small accessory sets for 5, outfits for 8, the 'friend' dolls for 15, etc). There are also other sets still to be released - a library and dance studio 'room' as well as other outfits (ballet and charity ball). As much as she's enjoying playing with it, I can easily see this being an ongoing holiday/birthday idea.Get more detail about Dora Links School Playset.