The holiday season is here, and for many of us, that means lots of gatherings with our friends and family. As a huge fan of board games, and with my family being huge fans of Disney, I make it a point to bring Codenames: Disney Family Edition to all of our parties.
What is Codenames: Disney Family Edition?
Codenames: Disney Family Edition is a “sequel” of sorts to the award-winning party game, Codenames. Like Codenames, the game is very simple: twenty-five “Treasure Cards” (all Disney-Pixar themed) are laid out in a 5×5 grid. Splitting up into two teams, each team nominates a “cluemaster.” Taking turns, the “cluemaster” will give their teammates a unique clue, referring to one of the twenty-five “Treasure Cards.” The other members of the team then have to figure out which card, or cards, match that clue. The game ends when one team guesses all of their clues correctly!
Game Overview
Codenames: Disney Family Edition comes with 200 unique “Treasure Cards,” each depicting an iconic scene, location, or character from classic Disney-Pixar movies. The game is built to support 2-8 players. However, there are rule variants to make the game playable for 2-3 players. Codenames: Disney Family Edition is recommended for ages 8 and above. The estimated time for each game is fifteen minutes. You do not need to own Codenames in order to play Codenames: Disney Family Edition.
Game Play
Each of the “Treasure Cards” features two different sides to the card: a word side and a picture side. For example, the rose from Beauty and the Beast is pictured on a card, and the other side says “rose.” You can play with either the word side facing the players, the picture side, or both to mix it up!
It is recommended that when giving, or guessing, a clue that you think about all of the cards on the table. If you happen to guess wrong and the “Treasure Card” actually belongs to the other team, your turn ends and you give away a point to the opposing team.
There is also an easier version of the game, where you play with sixteen cards in a 4×4 grid. If you are new to the game, try playing this way first!
Final Thoughts
Codenames: Disney Family Edition happens to be one of my favorite party games. Ever. The game requires a lot of cooperation, creative thinking, and problem-solving. It’s also incredibly competitive, which is great when playing with a lot of close friends or family.
I also find it difficult, even in the middle of a game, to not pick up one of the many “Treasure Cards” and admire my favorite Disney characters or moments. I smile a little every time I see Dug’s (Up) card, or the Mad Hatter (Alice in Wonderland) having a tea party.
Currently, Codenames: Disney Family Edition is retailing for $19.95 and can be bought at your local game store. You can also purchase Codenames: Marvel Edition on shopDisney.
I highly recommend adding this game to any family’s collection of board games. If you pick up a copy, leave me a comment below and let me know what you think! For other Disney themed games, I also recommend checking out our review of Disney’s Villainous.
The game sounds great and I’m doing to add it to our roster of Disney Games. I just bought Villainous and will be playing that with the family after Christmas when Sants delivers it. LOL! I have one question: on CodeNmaes, what do the two words above the title mean? I thought they were a clue for the game but I can’t work it out.
That’s the name of the designer. The game orginated in the Czech Republic.
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgamedesigner/789/vlaada-chvatil
Thanks for another review, Alicia. It’s funny to me that you are reviewing board games for WDWNT, and not Megan (from Dad vs Daughter Youtube). Either way…keep up the great work and keep cranking out reviews.