Finding yourself inside and unable to go to school can be difficult for everyone. Parents are worried and stressed about, well, everything right now and know that your kids are also feeling some of that worry as well. While little minds may not be able to understand everything that is happening, they do know that their daily lives are being disrupted with not being able to go to school, not playing with friends, and not seeing family members outside of their own house. Times like these call for good old fashioned family time to make everyone feel a bit better. I've compiled a list of some of my favorite movies currently on Disney+ that you can enjoy with your family. . .either just for fun or with an educational component! Check them out!
Lady and the Tramp
I loved this remake of the animated classic, probably even more than I liked the original. Here is my review of the film if you're wondering if it's right for your family. Looking for a way to turn this into a family fun night? Why not set up your own Tony's restaurant! Your kids can design menus including pasta, breads, salads, and drinks. They can take orders and add up a bill to practice some of those math skills. Then your family can enjoy a night of spaghetti and meatballs while watching Lady and the Tramp come to life in your living room!
Toy Story is one of my favorite movie franchises in entertainment - not just in the wonderful world of Disney / Pixar. So when I first heard of Toy Story 4 in the making I ran through a number of emotions. I was first excited at the idea of another adventure for Woody and Buzz, but then found myself questioning why they were making another movie when Toy Story 3 seemed to have the perfect ending. As the time for release drew nearer, I followed some of my favorite bloggers who had the privilege to attend the press junket and see advanced screenings of the movie. As they shared excitement around the film, I was literally ready to burst when June 21st came and it was time to load the family in the minivan and head to the movies. But was it everything I wanted it to be? Before I answer, let's take a look at what we knew from Walt Disney Studios ahead of the release.
Woody (voice of Tom Hanks) has always been confident about his place in the world, and that his priority is taking care of his kid, whether that’s Andy or Bonnie. So, when Bonnie’s beloved new craft-project-turned-toy, Forky (voice of Tony Hale), declares himself as “trash” and not a toy, Woody takes it upon himself to show Forky why he should embrace being a toy. But when Bonnie takes the whole gang on her family’s road trip excursion, Woody ends up on an unexpected detour that includes a reunion with his long-lost friend Bo Peep (voice of Annie Potts). After years of being on her own, Bo’s adventurous spirit and life on the road belie her delicate porcelain exterior. As Woody and Bo realize they’re worlds apart when it comes to life as a toy, they soon come to find that’s the least of their worries. Directed by Josh Cooley (“Riley’s First Date?”), and produced by Mark Nielsen (associate producer “Inside Out”) and Jonas Rivera (“Inside Out,” “Up”), Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story 4” ventures to U.S. theaters on June 21, 2019.
I'm just going to say it, I wanted to love this one more than I did, but that's not to say I didn't enjoy parts of it. It was awesome to see Bo back in action and more independent than you can imagine. Proving that you don't need a kid in order to have a purpose, Bo Peep is a woman on a mission and knows how to get the job done. I though Ducky and Bunny were hysterical and great additions. Duke Caboom is another welcome face in the Toy Story family and the saying "Yes we Canada!" has already become a catch phrase in our house just hours after the film. Forky was an acquired taste. I wasn't keen on the character in the first part of the film, but he had grown on my by the end.
Photo Credit: Walt Disney Studios
On the flip side, Gabby Gabby and her dummies terrified me. After seeing Child's Play as a kid, I've always had a weird phobia about creepy dolls and these just fed into that. Without spoiling the story, let's just say I wasn't keen on the Gabby Gabby storyline - particularly her interaction with Woody. I also missed the connection between Woody and Buzz in this movie. I didn't feel like they worked together as much in this one - and maybe that's part of the point of the film, but I loved that pair and wish they shared more of this adventure together. And then there's the ending. I've got mixed feelings on it. There is part of me that is happy for Woody, but I also didn't see this coming and was a little surprised to see things wrap up this way. While Toy Story 3 still has me crying at the end every single time, I felt extremely satisfied with how that ended, and I can't say the same here.
Overall, as a Toy Story fan, I'm glad I saw the movie, but I would honestly rank it as my least favorite of the Toy Story franchise - with Toy Story 3 being my favorite, followed by Toy Story, Toy Story 2, and now Toy Story 4. My seven year old also asked a few times throughout the movie how much longer it was going to be - maybe it's just because he ran out of candy, but he didn't seem very engaged.
So I'm anxious to hear your thoughts on the film! Share them in the comments below - I know my opinion is in the minority in the Disney universe right now and welcome the feedback on where you disagree with me. In the meantime, don't forget that you can download FREE family activities here to enjoy and follow Toy Story 4 on social media. To the movie theaters and beyond!
That's right, the toys are almost back in town and the "BUZZ" around the movie is huge! If you haven't been following #ToyStory4 on social media, you have been missing out on a lot of excitement this weekend. The press junket met at the Walt Disney World Resort for a super advanced screening of the film and a chance to interview the stars - Tim Allen, Tom Hanks, Keanu Reeves, and many, many more. Let's just say that I've been looking forward to this film since it was announced, and now I'm even more excited. I mean, check out this trailer!
Did you see that Bo Peep is back and cooler than ever?!? But for those of us that didn't get to hang with Woody, Buzz, and friends this past weekend, we have a few fun things we can do in the days ahead before the movie is released. Whether you are a 2 or 102, you're always a kid at heart and these activities have the whole family in mind!
1. Build a Forky - So Forky is just one of the new characters from Toy Story 4. When word of this new character was released, there was a big question - is he even a toy??? Well, if you have little ones like me, we all know that even an empty toilet paper roll can become the coolest toy around so I have no doubt that Forky is going to be a hip addition to the toy crew. One of the best things about Forky parents - you can make him instead of shelling out money at Target to make one! Check out this cool tutorial from Patty over at A Mother's Random Thoughts and have fun making this craft with your kids! Maybe you can even bring Forky to see the movie with you!
2. Visit the Toy Story 4 Summer Road Trip - That's right! Toy Story 4 fun is hitting the road and those of us in the Mid-Atlantic have a few opportunities to join the fun. The Toy Story 4 Summer Roadtrip is traveling coast-to-coast hitting cities such as Los Angeles, Miami, Denver, Dallas, and Philadelphia. If you live in the DC / Maryland area, the Road Trip will make it's stop at Silver Spring, MD on Thursday, June 13. It's open to the public from 10AM - 2PM and can be found in Downtown Silver Spring at 900 Ellsworth Drive. The Toy Story 4 Summer Road Trip features photo ops, film-themed prizes, carnival games and a lot more family-friendly fun! Keep up on all the fun by following #ToyStory4 #SummerRoadTrip and #GoRVing on social media.
Media Image for Toy Story 4 Summer Road Trip
3. Have a Toy Story Marathon - The Toy Story franchise has been around for a long time and it may have been a while since you've checked in on your favorite toys. Setting up a Toy Story movie marathon is the perfect way to relive the entire adventure from the beginning. Looking for fun ways to theme the evening? Try ordering pizza for the family just like Andy visits his favorite hangout Pizza Planet in the original Toy Story. While you're watching, you can have your kids color and complete some of these FREE downloadable activities. And don't forget to cap the night off with a super cool dessert. How about trying this Forky cupcakes that are from Desert Chica over on Pinterest?
4. Disneybound as Toy Story Characters - Anyone who follows me know I love a good Disneybound! If you're unfamiliar with the term, it's where you take regular everyday clothes, and turn them into something pixie dusted by dressing "inspired" by your favorite character. Challenge yourself to see if you can pull off some Toy Story inspired Disneybound looks or, better yet, gain some inspiration from my Pinterest board and see if you can get the whole family Disneybounding for your viewing of Toy Story 4 when it opens in theaters.
If this doesn't get you even more pumped up about the release of Toy Story 4, I'm not sure what will! These movies have been some of my favorites featuring heartwarming moments, laugh out loud memories, and, yes, lots of tears (here's looking at you Toy Story 3). While I haven't seen the film yet, I've heard from many that the ending of this one is the emotional powerhouse we've now come to expect from Toy Story films and that fans are walking away giving these toys two thumbs up! Toy Story 4 opens everywhere June 21. Don't forget to follow the social media channels below for the latest updates and information regarding the film!
