Credit: Carissa Joy

Daytripping Mom contributor Carissa Joy, got a sneak peek at the Disney Nature Chimpazee and shares all about this fantastic movie!

We recently got back from a really fun family adventure to the El Capitan theater in Hollywood. My husband and I had ventured up there for various Disney releases, but this was the first time we got to go as a family of 3. Usually we try to take the Metro/Metrolink up there as it lets you off right across the street @ Hollywood/Highland, but since we saw an early showing, we decided to drive in instead. It took us just over an hour from the Corona/Riverside area. Parking is available across the street from the El Capitan, under the Hollywood/Highland shopping center. Parking is free the 1st 2 hours and then the El Capitan will also validate for you. I think we only ended up paying $2.00 to park and we were there for over 4 hours.

This movie was the first time we’ve taken our daughter to the movie theater. She was in awe of the El Capitan – from the pipe organ playing Disney songs, to the ornate details of the ceiling and walls, to the big screen in front of her. Prior to entering the actual theater we grabbed some popcorn and lemonade and she was so thrilled to have her own treat for the movie! Another highlight of our experience was meeting some animals from the Wildlife Nature Center. Prior to the movie starting, we got to see an artic fox, a porcupine, a baby hedgehog, a giant tortoise and an alligator. How fun to see these animals up close and to learn a little bit about them!

To be honest, I wasn’t really sure what to expect of Disney’s new movie “Chimpanzee” as I hadn’t seen any of the other movies that Disney Nature has produced. I was so pleasantly surprised with this movie! If  you have an animal lover in your house, you are sure to LOVE this movie! Chimpanzee follows a sweet little baby chimpanzee named Oscar as he grows and learns how to be a chimp. From the moment you see Oscar you will be captivated by his sweet face and his love for his Mom, Isha. Oscar’s curiosity and mischief are apparent from the get-go and he is so much fun to watch.  Tim Allen is the voice of the movie and he does an excellent job of narrating the film.  I found myself glued to the screen to see what would happen next.

Our family loved this movie and we are so thankful for such a fun opportunity! My 3 year old hasn’t stopped talking about the “Timpanzazee” movie and is still asking about Oscar and his friends! When asked about her favorite part, she said, “when the timpanzazees swung from vine to vine to vine”. This movie definitely increased her love for animals and I feel a zoo trip coming in our very near future so we can watch the chimps!

If you see this movie at the El Capitan, be sure to stop into the Disney Soda Fountain restaurant next door for some yummy ice cream or sweet treats! Hollywood/Highland is full of characters to see and things to do. Enjoy walking down the Walk of Fame, seeing the stars of all your favorites, take a sightseeing tour, and just have fun exploring…I know we did!

Carissa is a blessed Mommy of a pretty amazing 2 1/2 year old. She works part-time as a Child Life Specialist in the Pediatric Emergency Department at a local children’s hospital. She is  excited to share with you some great places she has found and hopefully help provide some really fun family days for you and your little (and big) ones!