Looking back at the first half of 2010, it is difficult to say it has been a disappointing year for family movies, with Alice and Wonderland, How To Train Your Dragon and Shrek Forever After showing box office dominance. But coming off a year where we had one quality family movie after another, anything would look pale in comparison

At first glance of the Summer movie schedule, it might appear to be light, but don’t let the perception of a lack of tentpole family films fool you – there really is something to see every week through July, and with the right marketing and word of mouth there’s bound to be a few new franchises born.

If there is one sure thing, however, it’s Toy Story 3. The franchise that not only built Pixar but saved Disney in the process is getting it’s long-awaited follow-up, which was once in development by a new CGI company created by Disney before the Pixar acquisition. And if there is a match made in marketing heaven, it’s Toy Story 3 and Toys ‘R’ Us.

Actually, it’s probably Toy Story 3 and The Disney Store, but we digress…

This summer, walk into your local Toys ‘R’ Us or Babies ‘R’ Us store and you’ll be immediately greeted by Buzz, Woody and the gang with signage and promotion to last throughout the Summer. Both Toys ‘R’ Us and Babies ‘R’ Us will create specialty boutiques with exclusive toys, room decor and other merchandise to celebrate the return of the Toys. Here’s an MDIAG! important note: Babies ‘R’ Us will be the place to find the Toy Story 3 Imaginext line, for Mommy and Daddy Geek who want to share the excitement of the new film with their toddlers but are just too young to bring to the theaters.

The best part of this promotion? Leading up to the theatrical release of Toy Story 3 on June 18, Toys ‘R’ Us will be offering a free ticket to the movie with a $25 purchase of Toy Story merchandise. So be sure to get your Toy Story toys ahead of the movie – your kids will thank you later in life.

Click here to read the full press release.