Review & Giveaway | Disney Junior dvds...Mickey, Minnie and Handy Manny

"Its the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse...come inside, it's fun inside! M-I-C-K-E-Y  M-O-U-S-E..."

Oh, how many times have we sung along to this? Both Seth and Eme have been fans of the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse for as long as I can remember, and its on in our house nearly every afternoon at 5pm (thanks Austar and Disney Junior).  They love Handy Manny too, and Seth takes great delight in telling me that the voice is Fez from That 70's Show...every.single.time. lol. So, imagine their surprise when a set of dvds turned up in our letterbox to review...yay!!

These days, Seth's viewing is more likely to consist of Spongebob, Ben 10 or Pokemon, but there's always room for Mickey Mouse, and Eme was thrilled that there was a girlie dvd featuring Minnie! Let's visit each one...ladies first...

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse - Minnie's Bow-tique

"Packed with all the coolest bows and bow-ties you could imagine, including a mood bow that magically changes colours and a flutter of beautiful butterfly bows, Minnie’s pulled out all the stops to ensure her boutique has something for everyone. But don’t forget to bring your Mousketools because the Clubhouse gang will still need your help to find the perfect gift for Pete’s Aunt Mabel!"

In this dvd, Minnie is the star for four episodes! Minnie's Pajama Party, Minnie's Bow-tique, Minnie's Bow Story and Minnie's Picnic.  In each episode, Minnie and her friends engage in a series of problem solving exercises. I love that Disney are sneaky that way...the kids don't even realise they're learning!  I personally loved the Pajama Party episode, where they learn about fractions...from dividing up the sleeping space, to sharing out the pie evenly.  The episodes are colourful and fun, and Eme loved dancing along to the catchy tunes. In the last couple of weeks, this dvd has been watched approximately 5+ times. I'd say that makes it a winner!

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse - Road Rally

"It’s time to rev your engine for a journey that will have you movin’ and groovin’ all the way to the finish line! Everyone’s favourite mouse is back in an all-new full length movie that takes the Clubhouse gang, and you, on a wild ride through Mickey Park, the dessert, Mistletoe Mountain and even the depths of the jungle! Jump on board to find the special ‘Mickey Markers,’ see the sights and meet new friends."

Here, Mickey, Donald and all your favourite characters participate in a road rally (if the title didn't already give it away...lol). Like all Mickey Mouse Clubhouse episodes, this one follows the same pattern.  There's problems to solve and hidden learning (colours, counting, memory building), as well as positive messages about friendship, patience and good sportsmanship.  I love that the characters ask the audience to help decide which "mouseketool" to use...the kids always yell their answers at the tv.  I also like that the characters have to work together and it encourages a bit of resourceful thinking.  This one was a winner too and would be played more often, if we could get Eme to give up Minnie for a little while! lol.

Handy Manny - Big Race

"It’s back to Sheetrock Hills for more high-speed fun with our favourite handyman, Manny Garcia! Join Manny and his team of trusty talking tools as they try to turn a broken down old car into the fastest four wheels on the road, and win Wood Valley 500 race! But before they can cross the finish line to victory, it will take a lot of teamwork, a “can do” attitude and your help!"

Its thanks to Handy Manny (and Dora) that I stopped understanding what Seth was talking about when was a toddler, because he started speaking Spanish to me! lol.  Seth adored Handy Manny when he was a bit younger, but he tells me he's outgrown it a bit now.  Just between you and me, he still loves watching it if its on...especially if it means cuddling up on the lounge for some tv time. Eme loves it though...all the talking tools just crack her up!  Like Micky Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Manny has loads of hidden lessons for the kids about friendship, working together, and family. Its a great watch and we loved singing along with Handy Manny and his tools. This dvd suits the 3-5 age bracket, and is definitely worth a viewing. I'll be passing it down to my nephew (nearly one) when he's a little older so that he can enjoy it too (you're welcome Beth. lol).

Thanks to the good people at Disney Junior and Porter Novelli, I have a dvd pack to giveaway containing all three dvds!  Mickey's Road Rally, Minnie's Bowtique and Handy Manny's Big Race...

To enter, leave a comment which Mickey Mouse character is your favourite and why.

Entries close midnight, 19 August 2011 and the winner will be chosen at random.

For extra entries, become a follower of this blog and my fb page. Share the news of this giveaway on twitter, facebook and/or your own blog! Make sure you leave a separate comment if you do so. If tweeting, please use @heyLisaWarren so that I can keep track.

btw - I personally adore Donald Duck, but if anyone can explain to me why Donald Duck doesn't wear pants, but everyone else does, I'd really appreciate it.  Also, why is Pluto a pet, but Goofy isn't...and what animal is Goofy anyway? lol.

Disclosure: I received complimentary DVD review copies courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment and Porter Novelli via Digital Parents. No financial payment was offered nor accepted for this post. All opinions expressed are purely my own.