Disney has BIG Plans for 2012
Disney To Open 2 Parks For 24 hours On Leap Day
“We’re honored that so many guests have shared their Disney memories with us as part of ‘Let the Memories Begin’, and I’m pleased to announce that the campaign will continue throughout 2012. To celebrate, for the first time ever, the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Parks will remain open for 24 hours on Leap Day, so that our guests can take advantage of every minute of their extra day to make memories with friends and family.”In addition to the extra time, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California will feature a special offer:
- Guests get one more day and night of memory making, free when they buy a 3-night/3-day non-discounted Walt Disney Travel Co. room and ticket package at select Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort hotels. The package offer is good for arrivals most nights Feb. 26 – March 10, 2012 and must be booked by Jan. 31, 2012.
Featured Review: Joovy Groove Lightweight Stroller
- Folded – 16.5” H x 13.5” W x 42” D
- Assembled – 42.5” H x 20.75” W x 30.5” D
Thank you Joovy for sending us the Groove for review.
Traveling This Winter? AARP has Tips to Stay Safe on the Road
“Understanding how to drive safely in harsh weather conditions can protect you, your passengers and your vehicle,” said Bob Gallo, AARP Illinois State Director. “Like many Illinoisans, I will be traveling this holiday season as well – and I definitely plan to take a few moments to review these tips and hope others do as well so we can all arrive at our destinations safely.”AARP offers the following tips for staying safe on winter roads:
- Winterize your vehicle to make sure your brakes, wipers, defroster, headlights and heater are all working properly.
- Stop gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
- Turn on your headlights to increase your visibility to other motorists, and keep your lights clean and free of ice or debris.
- In unfavorable driving conditions, reduce your speed and increase the distance between your car and the one in front of you. Remember that it takes more time to stop on icy roads.
- Stay alert. Look ahead to give yourself more time to react safely to situations without suddenly braking or skidding.
- Before driving, clear all snow and ice from your vehicle’s hood, windows and roof.
- Use snow or all-season tires or chains for better traction and smoother slowing. Remember that even with snow tires, you should use extra caution while driving in inclement weather — no tires allow you to drive on snow or ice at normal speeds.
- Take extra precautions on bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas, which can freeze first, and remain icy longer than roadways. A road on which ice and snow are completely frozen is pretty slippery, even though it provides more traction than a road with melting ice.
- In wet driving conditions, do not drive faster than the windshield wipers can clear water from the windshield. Make sure your wiper blades are in good shape, and replace them yearly.
- Equip your car with emergency supplies, such as blankets, food, water, spare fuses, a flashlight with batteries, an ice scraper, flares and a first-aid kit.
RECALL: 139,000 Target Circo Childrens’ Travel Cases Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard
Put Your Getaway on Ice at the Hôtel de Glace
“Guided by the echo of the new site, this artistic performance will offer the visitors various universe and habitats inspired by the cohabitation of all forms of life, stimulating at the same time a new vision of the notion of biodiversity,” says Serge Péloquin, Artistic Director.Nestled in the pristine wilderness of one of Quebec’s loveliest parks, but located only ten minutes from the city centre, the hotel strikes the perfect balance between the beauty of winter in “la belle provence,” and the excitement and history of the capital. While fabulous in the summer months, Quebec City is also a lively destination throughout the winter. You can plan your visit to coordinate with the internationally renowned Carnaval de Quebec (January 27-February 12) or the thrills of Red Bull Crashed Ice (March 20th). Introduce the kids to Bonhomme Carnaval himself, or watch adults hurtle down ice-covered hills on skates; who doesn’t love that? Winter doesn’t have to mean hibernation, but if you’re going to hibernate, you might as well do it surrounded by the sculpted reliefs and diamond like sparkel of the Hôtel de Glace. An accommodation definitely worth remembering – Jen R, Staff Writer
Review: Bugatti Urbin Travel Bag
Disney World Expands Disney Vacation Club Next To Grand Floridian hotel
“We continually look for ways to expand Disney Vacation Club by creating resort experiences that our members will love. With the continued popularity of Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, we are thrilled to offer our members and guests a new resort option along the monorail system with easy access to the Magic Kingdom Park, as well as a variety of shopping, dining and recreation experiences.”The press statement notes that Disney Vacation Club plans to build an estimated 147 villas as part of a previously announced expansion of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. Estimated to open in late 2013, this new resort experience is slated to be the 12 th Disney Vacation Club property and will be located near the spa and wedding pavilion at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. In addition to villa accommodations, plans for the expansion include a children’s water-play area and other amenities.
Legoland Florida Announces Waterpark Expansion!
“We’re very excited to share plans for this amazing new attraction,” said Legoland Florida General Manager Adrian Jones. “True to our mission, the water park attraction has been designed for families with children ages 2 to 12 and will add hours of water play to an already full day and move Legoland Florida into a multi-day experience for vacationers. The additional also adds another great value proposition for our Annual Pass members.”Key areas of LEGOLAND Water Park attraction include:
- LEGO Wave Pool – Families can catch a gentle wave or simply cool off in this perfectly sized wave pool where the waves are just big enough for all ages to enjoy
- Twin Chasers – Friends ride tubes 375 feet down an intertwining pair of enclosed water slides before plunging into a refreshing pool below
- Splash Out – The thrill seekers of the family can ascend to the tallest point of the water park attraction and choose from one of three unique slides, then speed down a 60-foot drop and “splash out” into the water below
- Joker Soaker – A fun, interactive playground with various lengths, heights and types of slides that offer something different for every member of the family. Guests can wade in the surrounding pool and be surprised with a torrential spill from a 300-gallon bucket
- Build-A-Raft River – Families can imagine, design and build a unique LEGO vessel and set afloat on a maiden voyage around the 1000-foot-long lazy river, set amongst playful LEGO Friends, flowering vegetation and palm tree
- Duplo® Splash Safari – Toddlers will rule at this water play area with shorter slides and interactive, larger-than-life Duplo creatures
“This newest attraction is just one of many ways we will continue to evolve LEGOLAND Florida over the next several years,” said Jones. “Creating a multi-visit proposition for families adds another dimension to the LEGOLAND Florida offering. Adding the water park attraction will fulfill this criteria as well as offering a unique attraction in Central Florida.”Admission to the water park attraction is included with an all-new Legoland Premium Pass($149 kids 3-12 & $179 visitors 13+), which offers 12 months admission to Legoland Florida and seasonal access to the Legoland Water Park. Single-day Legoland Florida($65/75) guests may upgrade to a water park attraction ticket for an additional $12 per person (children under 3 are $3).