The Great Mouse Detective

   On our recent trip to "The World", my family and I did something not a whole lot of people know about, Disney's Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure. This fun, interactive game is designed to draw kids to the part of EPCOT most parents believe is not geared toward kids, World Showcase. My kids, though young, would love to go to some of these countries for real (going to WDW was WAY more affordable than going to each individual country for real :D) so this was a great way to introduce them to each country without the experience being preachy or boring. They are also into games where you have to figure out a problem and solve it to win. This was perfect for them! Though we have maybe seen one episode of Kim Possible in their lifetime, it is clear that you don't need to know the characters to enjoy this game. When I first told my son about it, he was a bit on the fence and thought it was a "girls game" by the title. I then explained about the missions and that you got to carry around a cell phone (Kimmunicator) and he was hooked. On the other hand, my daughter thought it was a cool "girls game" and carrying around a cell phone was a bonus :D.
   So, what's all this then? Well, when I was planning my trip, this was a hard thing to research (more info has started to come out now). At the time, I could only find a small paragraph in the travel book I had purchased PassPorter's Walt Disney World (though not affiliated with the travel company I work with, I recommend this guide experience highly!) and I was hoping it was not an attraction that would be leaving before we got there. After seeing all that was involved with this, it's hard to think they will be removing it any time soon.
   This is what you do: bring your "key to the world" to any kiosk located at either Innoventions or any recruitment center throughout World Showcase, listen to the instructions the cast member gives you about how to use your Kimmunicator and your off to start your first mission (it is suggested one per family, but if your kids are prone to arguing, it might be cool to break off into teams and see who can finish first, just explain that to the cast member at the kiosk and, though I can't guarantee they will give you two, if it's a slow day and you get there early {WS usually opens at 11AM}, they will probably let you). We did have some issues with battery life and my kids did drop it a few times. Not to fear! These phones have kids in mind and have a cover on them so it won't break when dropped. The battery issue was an easy fix, we just exchanged the dying one for a new one and, because they swiped our "key to the world" card, the new Kimmunicator knew where we had left off and we were back into spy mode.
   What do I mean when I say "mission"? Kim and her team will explain what to do in each of the seven countries involved with this game (Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Japan, France, and the United Kingdom). I don't want to spoil anything about any country, but if you complete certain tasks correctly, something cool happens (my favorite: zombies by a railroad station...must be that "eating people for lunch" part of me showing :D). I do have to say, though one of the hardest countries, China gives an extra bonus by having different missions and endings, depending on your zodiac year. All you really have to do is have fun with it, defeat the "bad guys" from doing "evil" deeds, and enjoy your day :).

   If you've already been fortunate to do the Kim Possible Adventure Game in EPCOT, how about giving the newest feature on the newest Disney Cruise Line ship (Disney Dream) a try. It's called The Enchanted Art Adventure Game (again, this link is not an official affiliate with the travel company I work for, it does has some text and an informative one minute video about the art adventures that I found useful though).
   We have not yet been able to go on this cruise so obviously/unfortunately, I don't know specifics about it. It does look like something not only my kids would enjoy, but I would too! It's not just for kids so, even if they are off doing one of the many other activities geared toward just them (supervised activities from newborn to teen--even a whole deck devoted to it!), grab a card and be a detective yourself!

   "But," you say, "I want something MORE adventurous". "That can be arranged", I say (slowly stroking my chin with my fingers and a sinister look in my eyes). How about giving the England and France-Cities of Nights and Lights-Family Vacation a go? Once again, I have not yet been able to do this myself (curse you debt! {shaking fist}) but I know 100% that my whole family would LOVE this! I could go into the whole trip, but my focus in this blog is about adventure games, and this trip has one! While in Paris, your guided tour of the Louvre splits adults from kids for one specific reason, kids think museums are boring. The ABD (Adventures By Disney) tour guides make this one fun for kids by sending them on a scavenger hunt throughout the museum to not only look for the famous masterpieces, but to learn about them in without even realizing they are doing it. Don't worry, they are supervised so they won't destroy anything (hopefully :D) or get in other guests way.

   There are bits of detectives and spies in all of us, so shoot me a quote request via the http://www.mickeyvactions.com/ web site (don't forget to click my name, Shannon Provost, as the agent you are working with...or email me at shanz679@gmail.com) so I can make you and your family Great Mouse Detectives! :)