Daddy’s Movie Day – The Secret World of Arrietty

 

While Shelley was out of town, I was very excited to be able to take Zoe for a Daddy/Zoe date to see a preview of The Secret World of Arrietty.

Now I am going to begin this review with a preface.  The Secret World of Arietty, which opens today in theaters, although a very good movie may not be appropriate for smaller children as it more serious and has some emotionally intense content…You’ll see what I mean in a moment…

The story begins with Shawn, a small sickly boy, coming to his family’s house in the country to get the care that he needs.  While there he discovers Arrietty, a borrower, on her first borrowing.  Borrowers are tiny people who live under the floors and “borrow” the things they need to survive from the people where they live.  They only take the things that won’t be missed, a cube of sugar, or a single tissue.

The story follows Shawn and Arietty’s friendship developing as they share the experiences and struggles of their lives.  Through their adventures together they learn that fear cannot rule their lives and that there are things worth fighting for.

The story is sad and sweet, and has positive messages about courage and caring for others.  The story does tackle some more serious issues that could bring up some uncomfortable conversations with your children if they are not ready.  There is a lot of conversation and allusions to Shawn and Arietty’s mortality and the fear of death, but the story does end with a positive message about courage and fighting for what you care about.

The animation painted a beautiful landscape, and the story was complex and well developed while mixing in enough comic moments to keep the children involved.  Although the story tackled some serious issues, it was surrounded by messages of hope, love and trust making for a wonderful time.

Overall it was a sweet story about friendship and love that ended on a very positive note, and I would recommend The Secret World of Arriety to both fans of the genre and casual movie goers.

httpv://youtu.be/VlMe7PavaRQ

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Briana Alessio’s Look At Dole Whips…

I have to give a special shout out to Briana Alessio who is my special guest writer today! She is an awesome gal, and I can’t thank her enough for her post!!!

The Dole Whip.  Just saying it brings a smile to the face of many.  Whether you are a fan of fruit or not, this is definitely worth a try.  Located in The Walt Disney World Resort, you can get one at either Captain Cook’s at the Polynesian Resort or at the Magic Kingdom’s Aloha Isle in Adventureland.

Aloha Isle’s menu of assorted Dole Whip treats consists of two different treats: The Dole Whip Soft Serve in pineapple, vanilla, orange, or swirl ice cream for $3.49, or the Pineapple Float which is a pineapple Dole Whip served with pineapple juice for $4.49.  Aloha Isle also offers a Coca Cola or Barq’s Root Beer Float served with vanilla Dole Whip for $4.19.  They also have various other beverages and a couple of additional snack offers.  (Note: The Magic Kingdom does not serve alcohol so you will not find any here or anywhere throughout the park.)

Captain Cook’s is a 24 hour eatery located inside on the 1st floor of the Polynesian Resort.  They offer breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and snacks in portions for both adults and children.  (For a lunch or dinner recommendation, a few friends of mine highly suggest trying the Adult Grilled Cheese Sandwich.  Using a mix of cheddar, blue, and Swiss cheeses along with frisee and tomato, this is served on sunflower multigrain bread with specialty Poly chips.  All for $7.99!).  When I get distracted discussing food, I lose train of thought…right, the Dole Whip!  Captain Cook’s offers a Dole Whip self-serve machine which you can access at any hour of the night.  I, along with a few great friends, went there at midnight last year and had a Dole Whip party.  Even at small places like these, you can have memories which will last a lifetime!!

Personally, I think they are super fantastic.  My first one was this past October.  I tried the soft serve pineapple from Aloha Isle with my friends James and Tammy.  I devoured the whole thing in about five minutes flat.  I had the next one the day after that at Captain Cook’s, where I made myself a soft serve swirl.  I cannot decide which one I enjoyed more!!  It is seriously the best frozen treat which I, and many others, have ever had.

I cannot wait to return in May to have one again!!!  Or two.  Or three.  Or….

Briana and her Dole Whip!
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