Spot It! Disney Frozen Game Review

Don't you love it when an educational game is really fun? And simple? And includes favorite Disney characters?  Well, this game is all of that.  

Spot It! Numbers and Shapes Disney Frozen Olaf (long name, good game) is the newest game in the Disney-themed Spot It! line from Blue Orange Games.

About a year ago, I reviewed Spot It! Words Disney Princess.  Tink really enjoys that game but since you have to be able to read, it is too advanced for the preschool set.  However, the Numbers and Shapes version of the game is perfect for ages 3 and up.

The Spot It! games all work on the same idea.  Each card matches one image/word/number/shape with one image/word/number/shape from each other card.  Minnie enjoys Spot It! Numbers and Shapes and since you can play with 2-6 players, the whole family can play this game together.

There are several variations on the basic game to keep the challenge going but the idea is always to find a match between two cards.  I know that sounds really easy but sometimes it's surprisingly tough to find the match!  

The game comes packaged in a durable tin so you can easily toss this one in your bag to play anytime.  If you need to keep a smaller child occupied while a older child is in a practice or lesson this fall, start up a game of Spot It! and the little one will be secretly practicing their letters and numbers while having fun and enjoying some time with you. And I love that each card works with all the others.  If you lose one, it won't make much difference in game play.  Your youngster can look for a match with these cards on a road trip and if one disappears, no worries.   

The Spot It! games cost around $10.  I've seen them a little more and a little less, depending on where you purchase.  They are available at independent toy stores and the big name stores like Amazon and Target.  

Have you tried any of the Spot It! games?  There are lots of themes available, both Disney and non-Disney options.   The version we played included Olaf and some of his favorite things from summer. 

Thank you to Blue Orange Games for providing this game so we could play it and share with you.  

Star Wars Star Destroyer Strike Game Review

I have another Star Wars game review to share with you.  Star Destroyer Strike is a fun new game from Wonder Forge and is based on characters from Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Here's the official description of the game: 

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!

The Star Destroyer is really the star of this game.  It's in the middle of the playing area and starts each round of play.  Each player gets four characters, one each of Chewbacca, Rey, Poe and Finn, and the goal is to move one of them to the safe zone at the end of the arm.  To begin playing, spin the Star Destroyer to start the timer.  It plays some really fun music from the movie and I have a video below so you can hear it and see the laser.  Before the timer runs out, players take turns completing actions from the cards, either a Resistance action that benefits yourself or a First Order action that impacts another player.  When the alarm sounds, play stops and you see if any of the heroes are taken out by the laser fire.  It took us a couple of times playing through the game to get the hang of it but once we understood the rules, we had a really good time.  

This video below isn't the greatest as I was still trying to defend my heroes.  But I really wanted you to see and hear the Star Destroyer to get a feel for this game.  Only my husband and I were playing because my four-year-old was too young for the game and the music scared my six-year-old.  Star Wars music can be rather ominous and Tink really didn't like it.  I think older children and Star Wars fans will love this game.  I'm giving my copy to a friend and her husband and ten-year-old boy are huge Star Wars fans.  Once I get their thoughts, I will update this post.  

The official suggestion for this game is ages 6 and up.  I would agree with that for most six-year-olds.  Tink would have been able to follow along if she hadn't been scared by the music.  My four-year-old thought the Star Destroyer was awesome and just wanted to play with that, so I don't think most kids would be bothered.

Overall, I think Star Destroyer Strike is a game that you will actually enjoy playing with your kids.    They have to practice a little strategy in choosing which pieces to move and which actions to take on their turn.  It's a fast-moving addition to family game night that is enough fun for it to be played with again and again but doesn't necessarily take up a ton of time like some board games.  

This game is exclusively available at Target.  Here's a link.  (It's not an affiliate link, just for your convenience.)  

Thank you to Wonder Forge for providing this game for the review.  (Disclosure)

(The video may not work on a mobile device but is viewable on a desktop/laptop.)

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.

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."

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.  

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.

Magic Kingdom lamp post in it's Mickey Pumpkin best

Happy Hallowishes Fireworks and Castle show are fantastic

Fireworks and Cinderella Castle with lighting

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.

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.  

Mom and DisneyDad

Tastefully Inspired

Oklahoma's Marketplace

A little Seared Buffalo anyone?

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

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.  

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

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.

Kidani Village entrance to the fire pit

You get some wonderful views from here

The savanna is beautiful

Kidani Village balcony's over looking the savanna

On our day of arrival we have lunch scheduled at Sanaa.

--DisneyDad

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

I'm Going to Disney World!

The whole Growing Up Disney family is preparing for another trip to Walt Disney World this October.  While Old Key West will always be our home away from home, I am really excited to stay at Kidani Village this time.  I always love Animal Kingdom Lodge when we visit for dining.  Speaking of dining, we have reservations at all of the Animal Kingdom Lodge/Kidani Village restaurants—a welcome lunch at Sanaa, both a dinner and a breakfast at Boma, and a date night for my husband and me at Jiko.  

Waiting for lunch at Sanaa in November 2012 and wearing my ever-present camera bag (see below)

I cannot wait to have my morning coffee on our savanna view balcony.  A Disney vacation is filled with so much activity that those quiet moments are extra special.  Tink and Minnie are really looking forward to seeing the animals from our room and checking out the children’s water play area.  At least one night, we plan to enjoy the campfire and some toasted marshmallows.  We did this at Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort but they were much younger then.  I expect the campfire to be a bigger hit this time around.  

Tink with her Daddy and Minnie with mine at the campfire at DVC Hilton Head

My girls are now 6 and 4.  This will be Tink’s ninth WDW visit and Minnie’s seventh.  Tink’s first trip was to celebrate her first birthday and Minnie’s was at 11 months old.  We have been through all sorts of stages during our Disney travels.  I am so thrilled to finally have a trip with no diapers or pull-ups!  My babies are now kids and we are ready to have fun. 

Tink (with DisneyDad) on her first WDW vacation

Minnie's first WDW vacation (with DisneyDad and Tink)

My loves in the summer of 2015

I have posted here in the past about what I have carried in our Disney diaper bag/backpack for infant and toddler stages.  Now that I have a preschooler and a first grader (gasp!) I will be able to carry a lot less.  Using my previous list as a starting point, here is what I plan to take with us in the parks.

•   Sippy cups (I use them mostly for water.  I got burned once when a cup of milk opened in my bag and leaked.  Try cleaning up a moving bus...it's not fun.)

•   Hand wipes

•   Clorox wipes (A must for cleaning tables.)

•   Tissues

•   Band aids (Just a couple. No need for a first aid kit.  That's what the first aid centers are for.)  

•   Comb

•   Ponytail holders

•   Small snacks

•   Notebooks, stickers and multi-color pens

•   Light up toys (maybe)

•   Candy (small packs of M&Ms or Smarties can buy time and aren't messy)

•   Wallet (smaller than I use at home)

•   Camera

•   Sunglasses 

•   Poncho (dollar store variety)

•   Clif bag (This is a small bag that packs into its own pocket.  It's great to be able to throw all those extra things you accumulate into before hopping on the bus. Mine just happens to have a Clif logo on it.)

•   Sunblock

•   Cellphone

•   Phone charger

•   Lip gloss

•   Camera battery

•   Business cards

•   Thin towel

•   Changes of clothes (I have carried these every time, 8 trips with kids, and have never used them.  But I want to let them play in the splash areas if they want so extra clothes go under the stroller.  This is also the thing most likely to be cut from my list.)

•   Visor/hat for me 

•   Light up toys

•   Large thin blanket (great for covering the stroller during naptime)

As for the bag itself, I most often carry a LoweproPassport Sling to Walt Disney World.  It's convenient for my DSLR camera and has plenty of room for other gear.  I've had this bag for over three years and find it to be comfortable to wear.  There are several variations on the bag now, with more options in size and color.  I have tried backpacks both in camera and non-camera styles, but I go back to the sling for both the ease of accessing my stuff and due to the fact it's cooler than having a bag on your back on a hot day.  Since the girls are older, I won’t carry everything on this list around all day.  Some of it will go in a cheap drawstring backpack and stay under the stroller unless needed.  Nothing of real value should ever be left unattended with the stroller. 

As for the stroller, I am pleased to say that I’ll be using a stroller from Amusement Park Rentals.  They rent single and double City Mini GTs and Bob Revolution strollers, as well as cribs, highchairs, and practically anything else you could need for baby.  Amusement Park Rentals also rents scooters and wheelchairs so don’t let a mobility issue keep you from getting out and having fun.  They have a great deal for August on the City Mini Double with a $50 flat rate.  I’ll do a full review post when we return from vacation giving you the scoop on how easy the company is to work with, condition of the stroller, ease of pick-up and return, etc.  Amusement Park Rentals promises excellent service and clean, convenient strollers.  (BTW, I know my 6-year-old is too old for a stroller at home but not at Walt Disney World.  Especially for longer days or larger parks, it will be worth it to have a seat for both kids.)

I bought tickets to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party but I am keeping that a surprise from the girls.  Airline tickets have been purchased and Disney's Magical Express reserved.  Dining reservations have been mostly made and some FastPasses as well.  I think we are in great shape for our upcoming trip, other than actually getting in shape.  I'll be walking/jogging regularly leading up to the vacation.  

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Disclosure: I'm sure you guessed this but the link to Amazon above is an affiliate link.  If you buy something after clicking on that link or any other Amazon links on our site, we will get a little bit of help with the operating costs.

Photo Flashback! Art at Flower and Garden

Today's Photo Flashback takes us back to the 2014 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.  While the festival is not specifically created for children, I think it really makes Epcot more interesting for smaller kids.  My girls love the multiple playgrounds added to the park in the spring.  

Dear Walt Disney World, PLEASE keep at least one of these play areas year round.  

Thank you, All Parents who love Epcot

Today's set of photos comes from the Gardener's Palette which was located near Innoventions in Future World.  This area teaches gardeners how to use more color in the landscape.  For kids there was, appropriately, an area to color and a sand art table.  My girls really enjoyed making their sand art and still have them displayed at home.  As you can see, we didn't fill the bottles enough to keep the contents from shifting.  When one of the kids showed her art to a Cast Member near The American Adventure, the CM told us to go into Liberty Inn and add sugar to top off the bottles.  I followed her instructions and the sand art survived the rest of the day at Epcot and the trip home.

What is your favorite part of the Flower and Garden Festival?  (I love Epcot's festivals.  We are wrapping up our plans now for a trip to Walt Disney World in October for the Food and Wine Festival.  I can't wait!)