The new Dora the Explorer DVD has a winning theme – parties feature in three of the four episodes. Just like the other Dora DVDs featured on Parenting Without Tears this one was an instant hit with Toby. Daisy had been introduced to us in a previous Dora DVD when she needed Dora's help at her soccer game, in this episode Daisy celebrates her 15th birthday (a coming of age milestone in Latin culture).
The mambo dancing in this DVD was particularly popular with Toby and the big piñata and carnival themes work well for both genders. The piñata episode had lots of colour recognition and counting which had Toby participating happily as the viewer is asked questions within the games - one of the strengths of the Dora concept. He was also happy to see Daisy's brother Diego reappear when Dora and Boots visited the jungle during their quest. The mix of adventure, familiar formula and characters in Dora continues to be highly successful.
Daisy, la Quinceanera
Dora's cousin Daisy is turning 15, and Dora and Boots are looking forward to doing the mambo at Daisy's party. Daisy calls to remind Dora to bring Daisy's crown and special shoes so that the party can start. Dora and Boots must travel through a farm and a rain forest to get to the party in time.
The Big Piñata
Dora and Boots are excited to go to the carnival that has come to town. When they find out there is a big piñata as a grand prize for winning the carnival games, they navigate the Ferris wheel and the merry-go-round and play games along the way to collect enough tickets to win the piñata.
There are also two bonus episodes:
Surprise!
It's Boots's birthday, and Dora is planning a party for him at her house. In order to get to the party, Dora and Boots must climb stairs and outwit the mean troll who guards the bridge near Dora's house.
The Fix-It Machine
Poor Boots has a hole in the bottom of one of his boots. Dora is certain that the “super-duper fix-it machine” can solve the problem, but first she and Boots must go through Crocodile Lake and deal with the troll again to get to the machine.