Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Star Wars Galaxy Hunt Game Review

In anticipation of the upcoming film Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Wonder Forge has released new games featuring characters and starships from the film.  I was given two of the new titles and today I'll tell you about Star Wars Galaxy Hunt Game.

Star Wars The Force Awakens, Star Wars Galaxy Hunt Game

From the box: "Navigate the galaxy, dodging the First Order's fleet of vessels while gaining orbital support from Resistance forces.  Every move you make could lead closer to victory... or unleash an explosive enemy attack."

Star Wars The Force Awakens, Star Wars Galaxy Hunt Game

Galaxy Hunt is a strategy game intended for ages 6 and up.  We played this game with my girls who are 4 and 6 and the little one did just fine.  To play the game, all of the pieces are loaded into the game tray and then you release the red arm to provide tension.  On your turn, you spin and then remove that shaped piece.  Here's where the strategy comes in.  You want to remove pieces that will not make the arm move and points are earned based on what number is indicated on the piece.  Resistance pieces count for you and First Order pieces will subtract points from your overall score.  

Star Wars The Force Awakens, Star Wars Galaxy Hunt Game


BTW my photos are missing the "Space Battle Panel" that is supposed to go on the red arm.  My kids were in such a hurry to play that we missed getting that set up for a good portion of our playtime.  It looks much cooler with the panel in place but didn't impact game play.  

This is a good game for a wide range of ages.  Older kids and adults can get competitive, trying to earn points and remove just the right piece to keep the arm from moving.  It's like a disguised lesson in geometry and physics.  When the younger ones want to play along, the rules relax a little and they will enjoy it when they do make the pieces pop out of the tray.  There is an educational element for the littles too with practice in identifying shapes and adding and subtracting their points.


The Star Wars fans in your life will enjoy the starships and galactic symbols on the game but this is a game for everyone.  Even if you had never heard of the movies (lived under a rock, perhaps?) the strategy elements of this game would be appealing.  

Star Wars Galaxy Hunt will be available soon at Walmart for $16.99 and I'll add a link here when it is available.  I don't make anything off the link; it is just for your convenience.  

Thank you to Wonder Forge for sending me this game to review.
Click here for my full disclosure statement.  

PhotoFlashback! Fall is in the Air... and Fireworks!


 Fall is in the air.  The nights are getting cooler and Halloween costumes are being bought for our next trip to Walt Disney World.  This year the entire Growing Up Disney family will be attending Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party.  Ridge and I attend MNSSHP last year.

WDW Magic Kingdom Pumpkin Decorated Lamp post
Magic Kingdom lamp post in it's Mickey Pumpkin best

MNSSHP Happy Hallowishes Fireworks Magic Kingdom
Happy Hallowishes Fireworks and Castle show are fantastic

MNSSHP Happy Hallowishes Fireworks Magic Kingdom
Fireworks and Cinderella Castle with lighting

MNSSHP Happy Hallowishes Fireworks Magic Kingdom
Firework and Cinderella Castle in the dark
Tink and Minnie (my granddaughters) don't know about the trip and going to MNSSHP yet.  Amy is packing their Halloween costumes for a little Trick or Treat Magic Kingdom style.

--DisneyDad

Let us know if you are going to MNSSHP this year.

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Photo Flashback! EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival

The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is just around the corner.  It is celebrating 20 years. 
This year the dates are September 25 - November 16, 2015.  The Growing Up Disney family will be there in October once again.   This year the theme is:
Taste Your Way Around The World
Embark on a culinary adventure celebrating 20 years of culture and cuisine with the finest wine and beverage offerings at the Epcot Food & Wine Festival, presented by CHASE®.

This year they have, as described by Disney's website, over "30 unique market places.  I've looked over the list and there are some old favorites as well as some new marketplaces that will be favorites.

In 2007 the theme was "Tastefully Inspired" and featured Oklahoma.  This fit well as Amy and her husband of 2 years lived in Owasso, Oklahoma at the time.  

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
Mom and DisneyDad

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
Tastefully Inspired

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
Oklahoma's Marketplace

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
A little Seared Buffalo anyone?

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
Some of Oklahoma's Famous residents
Somehow Amy didn't get her picture taken with her husband, but she did make sure I took her picture with Toby Keith.

--DisneyDad
Thanks for stopping by Growing Up Disney

Friday, September 4, 2015

Force Friday Giveaway: Star Wars: The Force Awakens™ - Star Destroyer Strike

Are you excited about the next installment in the Star Wars series? Star Wars: The Force Awakens won't be out until December but you can get your hands on some really fun merchandise today, as this day has been declared as "Force Friday" and all sorts of toys and games have been released.  

Star Wars: The Force Awakens game

The awesome folks at Wonder Forge have created a really fun new game to burn your nervous energy while you wait for the theatrical release.  And get the whole family involved in the fun because it's recommended for ages 6 and up.  Ok, stop with your Jedi mind tricks.  I'll tell you what it is.  

 Star Wars: The Force Awakens™ - Star Destroyer Strike
Choose carefully or the enemy will strike!
Strategy and suspense collide in this exciting
escape game! Advance your Resistance
heroes toward safety, but move fast—the Star
Destroyer Finalizer is on your tail. The spinning
starship of the dreaded First Order can aim in
any direction, and you may be in the line of fire!
Bounce the beam off the mirrored deflector
shield toward your enemies, and evade the
surprise laser blasts! It’s fast-moving, family fun
in a galaxy far, far away!

Star Destroyer Strike is available now at Target.   The retail price is $24.99 but Target is running a Force Friday special so I'm sure you can get it for less.

And one lucky Growing Up Disney reader will be getting this game for free.  To get stared with earning entries, leave a comment on this blog post and let me know which Star Wars character is your favorite.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Photo Flashback! Kidani Village


Amy has posted about our upcoming trip to Walt Disney World.  We are staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge - Kidani Village.  In 2012 I took these pictures when we went to SANAA for dinner one evening.  

I know Tink and Minnie will love watching the animals from our room.  Ridge has stayed here on previous trips and said you not only see the animals, but you smell them too.  I'll have to see what the girls think of that.

Walt Disney World Kidani Village
Kidani Village entrance to the fire pit

Walt Disney World Kidani Village
You get some wonderful views from here

Walt Disney World Kidani Village
The savanna is beautiful

Walt Disney World Kidani Village
Kidani Village balcony's over looking the savanna


Walt Disney World Kidani Village
On our day of arrival we have lunch scheduled at Sanaa.


--DisneyDad
Thanks for stopping by to visit with us at Growing Up Disney.