A night in with Moana
Until last year, if you had asked me what my favourite Disney movie was, I would have told you, without a moments hesitation, The Lion King. And yet last year, having taken the girls to the cinema to watch Moana, knowing very little about the film beforehand, I completely and utterly fell in love with this movie. I think I would go as far as saying that this has become, not just my favourite Disney movie, but one of my favourite movies of all time!
For me, a good Disney movie needs three things, it needs a strong, likeable hero or heroine, a storyline that draws you in and holds your interest, and a soundtrack that gives you goosebumps, and Moana has all three in abundance.
When we were invited to take part in a #MoanaNightIn, I couldn’t have accepted fast enough, because as much as I love Moana, the three youngest love it even more. And I say the three youngest but, last week, I caught Lewis singing one of the songs and he confessed that actually, he thought it was “alright for a Disney film!”.
We were very lucky to be sent the Moana DVD, a Moana doll and the all important necklace, carrying the heart of Te Fiti. And to say that the children were excited would be a serious understatement!!
The children went crazy over the singing Moana doll, dressed in her outfit from the movie, with movable arms and legs and long hair that the girls were itching to brush! Also included are Hei Hei the chicken and Pua the pig.
When you push Moana’s shell necklace she says twelve phrases from the movie and also sings the iconic song, How Far I’ll Go, as her necklace magically lights up. I love that there is such a range of phrases as toys like this can often become tiresome if you’re hearing the same phrase on repeat.
I was very grateful that Moana came with the other characters as, after Harry’s very short turn with the doll, he was left with just Hei Hei and Pua, not that he minded too much!
The unboxing of the Moana necklace was met with so much excitement from the girls, and plenty of arguing over who would have the first turn. The necklace, holding the heart of Te Fiti, is their favourite thing about the film and they have been begging for this necklace for months!
The necklace lights up when opened to reveal a soft green glow, and at the push of a button will light up when it is closed too.
There was a great deal of “Ooohing!” and “Aaahing!” as they took it in turns to open the necklace, and had I known just how happy it would make them I would definitely have bought it months ago.
After waiting impatiently for his turn, Harry couldn’t get it on fast enough, much to the amusement of Megan!!
With the doll unboxed and the necklace on, it was lovely to snuggle down together and watch Moana again, and it was just as wonderful the second time as it was the first!
With a RRP of £34.99 for the doll and £9.99 for the necklace, these toys don’t come cheap. That said, there are plenty of offers on the doll if you take the time to look on-line, and given how happy it made the children, and how much we love the film, they were worth every penny.
We are huge Moana fans Maisie really believes she is Moana lol on Easter Monday will all sat down and watched it again it’s the new frozen here great post Laura #triumphanttales
Haha mine too! It’s a relief to have a break from Frozen isn’t it?! xx
We thought Moana was rather good too! It’s the sort of film you can watch over and over again 🙂 sounds like you had a good movie day! #DreamTeam
It has the best sound track ever!! Can’t stop singing it today! xx
They look so happy with the toys. I bet it was lovely all snuggled up together like that. I love watching movies as a family.
#TriumphantTales
Me too Ali, although they always tell me to stop singing! xx
we really liked that one too. Its on the list for her birthday. #triumphanttales
The doll is fab, the children haven’t put it down! xx
The Lion King was always one of my favourite films to watch as well but I have yet to see Moana although I would like to. I agree that strong heroine is needed to make a good movie x
Ooh I’m sure you will love Moana then Ana, she is such a strong character!
I totally would have loved that necklace when I was a little girl. That is so cool. Movie night was a treat growing up. And nothing says family quite like Disney!
Me too! It’s lovely to have a night together where we all snuggle down to watch the same film, it doesn’t happen often! xx
It’s SUCH a great film isn’t it. Dangerously catchy tunes. Beautiful setting. Brilliant characters… Love the Lion King as well though! #dreamteam
Yes! The music is my absolute favourite, I can’t stop singing the songs! xx
My daughter is too young to sit and watch films at the moment, but my niece is obsessed with Moana so I can see the appeal to slightly older children. She’d love the doll too!
The doll is fab, the three youngest are obsessed with it! I’ve had to allocate them turns to play with it so all hell doesn’t break loose! xx
I’ve been putting off watching Moana for the longest time. Too many good movies recently. Think i’ll catch it this weekend.
Oh you really should, it’s fantastic! xx
I’m ashamed to say we haven’t yet seen Moana but it’s massively on our list…it looks like you guys had a blast on your Moana night in! x
Whaaaaat? Oh Talya what have you been doing all this time?!! Get on it, it’s amazing! xx
So many people are raving about this yet I’ve still not seen it! I must get around to it as me and Hubby are massive Disney fans! i love that all the kids enjoyed the doll and necklace!
Thanks for sharing this with us at #TriumphantTales. Hope to see you back next week.
Oh yes you should! It’s fantastic! xx
I’m totally ooing and ahhing. The doll and necklaces are just lovely. Proper quality toys instead of some of the rubbish that gets churned out. We loved Moana when we went to see it.
I agree, the doll is such a good size, not like some little dolls the girls have! I’m really pleased with our bundle! xx
It looks like Moana is another well loved princess! It’s so nice that you didn’t only get a doll but her necklace as well.
Yes they LOVE the necklace, it’s their favourite toy at the moment! xx
I really enjoyed the film and it would be nice to get the DVD for when the kids come over to visit. I’m sure they’re going to love watching it over and over.
Definitely, they never tire of these films, although I am sure I’ll reach a point where I will!! xx
My grandson and I just watched Moana a few weekends ago .. and I agree it’s close to the top of the list of great Disney movies. I love too some of the toys that are released around the same time .. something for kids to remember it by
It’s fab isn’t it! Megan took the necklace to bed last night! xx
The toys look fab. I’ve not seen the film yet however I did by bit yesterday so planning on watching it today.
Oh yay! Enjoy! xx
I haven’t seen this film yet, I really must watch it with my eldest soon. The toys look great, the necklace seems really cool!
Oh you will love it Fi, its amazing! xx
I can’t wait for Sophie to be old enough to sit through a Disney film! So far we have managed 10 minutes lol. Lookin forward to seeing this one 🙂
Oh no! One day! xx
What a great way to watch a movie, by having the main characters as toys, close by to play with them. I haven’t seen Moana yet but I do like the Disney movies. The doll is really nice, with all the accessories that can recreate scenes from the movie.
It’s lovely having a movie night like this, the kids loved it! xx
We haven’t seen Moana as our kids aren’t into Disney 🙁 but maybe Chris and I will watch it without them
Hahah yes, you’d love it I’m sure! xx
I always thought it was remarkable how Disney are able to create this incredible plots and movies that can move things forward like they do. Its amazing.
Me too! Where do they keep coming up with these plot lines! Amazing! xx
Haven’t heard about Moana before (no kids around haha) but the toys are lovely, specially the doll is really cool x
Ohh it’s so good! No kids needed! xx
My son got to see this for a special treat through school, a reading award. He loved it. I am in awe of the graphics and think it looks fabulous. Loving the themed toys, always nice have if you love the film.
Ahh that’s so lovely of the school!! It’s a great film, I love that there are toys to go with it too. xx
We love moana here. It’s an amazing film. We have the necklace and love it. The doll looks great x
It’s a fab film isn’t it? My favourite! xx
A light up necklace! That sounds so cool. This looks like it was something they enjoyed a lot. And yes, all Disney movies must have a good soundtrack!
You can’t beat a Disney song! xx
I rented this movie on sky box office at a gamble for my two year old last weekend and i regret it lol! My daughter literally when at home watches or could watch it a million times over lol! plus she takes this big Maui into bed with us, Im sure i caught her singing ‘you are welcome’ in her sleep
Haha it’s one of those films that you just want to watch over and over! You’re welcome is one of my favourites! xx
My daughters both love the film as well, and I agree it’s a great story from Disney. We have a few of the toys, but I have to say that necklace might need to join them
They love the necklace, it’s such a huge part of the film! xx
I’ve not seen this film but have heard nothing but good things about it. This looks like a great little night in treat for the kids! I love that line ‘It’s alright for a Disney film!’ Bless him! Thanks so much for linking up to #TriumphantTales. xx
Hahah it’s the best I can get from a thirteen year old! xx
I haven’t seen the movie yet but my friends daughter is crazy about Moana. Love the pictures your posted, the expressions are priceless.
Ahh thank you. It’s a great film! xx
Ah i’ve not seen it – The Lion King is my favourite too – closely followed by Frozen now! I must try watch this, sounds like your children love it! #DreamTeam
It’s FAB Susie, you will love it I’m sure! xx
Oh how cute – looks like the kids really enjoyed unboxing Moana! I haven’t seen the film but looks fantastic and I’m sure Emma would love it too. Thanks for linking up to #dreamteam xx
Oh you have to see it!!! Emma will love it – and you too! xx
They looks so happy with toys 🙂 I am happy too to read your write up.
Thank you! It’s a fab film! xx