Common Sense Media Review
By Claire Crossman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fantasy open-world game brings a new age of Disney to life.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Disney Dreamlight Valley
What's It About?
DISNEY DREAMLIGHT VALLEY is an open-world simulation game that features many of Disney and Pixar's most popular characters. You, the player, are dropped into Dreamlight Valley (presumably because you are sleeping, and the world you are now in is a dream) and greeted by Merlin the Wizard. He explains that Dreamlight Valley has been overtaken by a force called "The Forgetting," which makes all of the village's inhabitants forget their friends, their past, and the purpose of the town. The Forgetting has overtaken the town with purple haze and mysterious thorns. It's your job to clean up the town and restore the memories of the friends you make along the way. Quests, levels, chores, and customization are frequently featured in this game. Players can explore Dreamlight Valley or venture into other realms, which are the homes of characters from Disney and Pixar films, like Ratatouille, Moana, and WALL-E.
Is It Any Good?
Fans of simulation and open-world games will latch on to this adventure easily. Disney Dreamlight Valley provides an incredibly unique and innovative set of inclusive avatar customizations, making sure that every player can live out their own life in the Valley, if that's what they wish. The user interface is very easy to navigate, despite its seemingly endless system of maps, guides, tutorials, tools, and point systems. Dreamlight Valley provides the navigation for players to explore and experience the world it has built without the stress of forgetting where something is or which button does what -- the game repeatedly reminds you of how to play it.
Additionally, while this game can easily be enjoyed by any age group, it's a perfect open-world introduction for younger players, with an unintimidating (but spacious) map to explore. Life skills are constantly being taught, from kindness to the importance of friendship and doing deeds simply because it is the right thing to do -- not because you receive a reward. These skills, coupled with the extensive world for players to craft into their own, make Dreamlight Valley a dream in itself for parents and kids alike.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the importance of helping others. Disney Dreamlight Valley encourages players to assist the town's residents with various tasks frequently. Why are being kind and being generous important character traits?
Sometimes good deeds can be done just to help others, without the benefit of a reward. What's an example of something selfless you can do to help out another person?
Game Details
- Platforms : Nintendo Switch , Xbox One , Xbox Series X/S , PlayStation 5 , PlayStation 4 , Windows , Mac
- Pricing structure : Paid ($29.99)
- Available online? : Available online
- Publisher : Gameloft
- Release date : September 6, 2022
- Genre : Simulation
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic , Fairy Tales ) , Adventures , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Teamwork
- ESRB rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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