Kinect Disneyland Adventures review

Kinect Disneyland Adventures was one of my main reasons for buying an Xbox360 Kinect sensor. My family and I are avid Disneylanders visiting Disneyland at least once a year every year of my life, and then some. Fortunately, we only live about 3 hours away and save to buy annual passes so we can visit the park about 3 times a year or more. For some people, getting to the happiest place on earth isn't that simple. I highly recommend this game to people who love Disney and Disneyland, but cannot get there as often as they would like. It's also a pretty great work out believe it or not.

The next best thing to actually visiting Disneyland, this game takes place in nearly an impressively accurate replica of the Disneyland Park in California as it stands today, with noticeably less physical discomforts such as crowds or lines and way more interaction with your favorite characters.

You play as a child, free to roam the park to your heart's content without the need to wait in any long lines, wade through heavy crowds or stick close to virtual parents. After choosing an appearance for your in-game avatar, you're greeted by a talking golden ticket who becomes your guiding companion in the park. He encourages you to introduce yourself to Mickey Mouse, who stands nearby. When you walk up to Mickey and wave, you're given the first of many quests the Disney characters have for you. Meet and greet your favorite Disney characters; dance with them, hug them, ask for their autograph or even pose for a photograph. Some characters offer quests to find missing items, among other tasks, that lead you into the attractions and different areas of the park.

The attractions themselves are extremely fun and good exercise. Many of the popular rides have been transformed into fun multi level adventures that are immersive and a work out without you even realizing it. Each attraction is composed of a different levels, that get you moving in different ways. For example, on the Matterhorn (which is the first attraction the game leads you into) you ride in a bobsled for part one, leaning from side to side to steer. In part two, Goofy is kidnapped by Yeti’s and you must snowball fight (making real throwing motions to throw) in order to knock the yeti’s out and get him back. Escape the Yeti’s in part three as you and goofy are on skis; leaning from side to side to steer, jumping or ducking to avoid objects and pumping your arms to go faster. I found myself smiling and laughing often. Some of the attractions that were not made into these adventures are available for you to sit in and ride as you normally would at Disneyland.

I am planning on having a Kinect Disneyland Adventure night. My friends and I will enjoy churros, popcorn, frozen lemonade and more as we travel around virtual Disneyland and play.