Disney To Open 2 Parks For 24 hours On Leap Day

Lisa Arneill
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Disney To Open 2 Parks For 24 hours On Leap Day
Leap year only happens once every 4 years and Disney plans to celebrate it by keeping two of its theme parks open for 24 hours straight. For the first time ever, both Disneyland Park and Magic Kingdom Park will be open for one day for 24 hours straight starting February 29 at 6:00 a.m. So there is no stress about seeing everything.  Heck you could probably do two parks in one day if you are visiting at that time.  Just visit the other park first and then hop over to Magic Kingdom or Disneyland Park after closing time! Tom Staggs says about the new announcement:
“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.
Disney Parks.com is also giving away a vacation package every day beginning January 1, 2012, until February 29, 2012. For details on how to enter please visit disney.go.com/memories/

Featured Review: Joovy Groove Lightweight Stroller

Lisa Arneill
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Featured Review: Joovy Groove Lightweight Stroller
When I heard the Joovy Groove was improved I jumped at the chance to test it out.  The great thing about redesigned models is they have been around long enough for the manufacturer to know which features to keep and what areas need tweaking.  I think Joovy has got this model perfect! The look of this stroller is sleek and modern.  The new frame is made from rectangular aluminum as opposed to the traditional tube shape framework.  I like that aside from the fabric all parts are gray in colour, giving this travel stroller a unique, fresh appearance.  The super durable 600D fabric comes in Blueberry, Greenie, Orangie and Black and will be sure to hold up to anything your little one throws its way.  There is light reflective material for added safety and peace of mind. Out of the box I simply popped the wheels and the canopy and was ready to roll. The Groove is for babies 6 months to 55lbs so it will accommodate your travel stroller needs for many years. My 40lb 6 year old has had a couple rides in it when very tired and he fits quite comfortable with his feet up on the footrest.   To ensure your little one is comfortable it has a padded 5-point harness and a recline that goes back to 146 degrees (almost flat for a sleeping baby).  I like that I can lay it back while my son is sleeping using the one handed strap mechanism without disturbing him.  Unlike some other travel strollers, the Groove has a solid board backrest which helps prevent your child from slumping or slouching.  Joovy had parents’ comfort in mind when designing this stroller too.  The foam rubber padded handle bars are a great height at 42 inches from the ground and both my 6’6” husband and 5’5” me find it to be a comfortable push height. Speaking of the push, the Groove is the smoothest I have experienced with a travel stroller thanks to the 6 ½ inch rubber wheels with sealed bearings.  It easily handles most surfaces like a dream and for times when you need to multitask it steers great with a one handed push. I love that Joovy thinks of the extra things for parents and children alike.  The two mesh pockets in the seat are a great place to hold my toddler’s sippy cup and favourite toy while we are out on walks and he can access them himself.  For the parents the back of the stroller has a zippered pouch great for things like tissue, keys or a wallet.  Above the pouch are two cup holders great for bottles or cups with lids or even used as an extra pocket for little items or a tube of sunscreen.  The basket is quite large for this size stroller and I can fit my large diaper bag in it without any trouble, although it is tricky to access when fully reclined so just remember before laying the seat back to get anything out you may need. The removable canopy on the Groove has your baby covered and covered, yes I said it twice! It is a fair size canopy that extends down for even more protection in direct sunlight.  A roll open peek-a-boo window lets you keep an eye on what your baby is doing without having to stop and look around which I admit I have done several times with my stroller that doesn’t have the window. This is by far the easiest stroller to get in and out of my trunk as I quickly learned I could open it and fold it with one hand.  To open you simply pop the lock latch and step down on the frame support bar on the back – it literally takes a couple of seconds and I have done it many times with a squirmy toddler in my arms.  Closing is just as easy, step down on both back wheel brakes, pull up on the bar handle and step or push down on the release bar and it folds down and locks all by itself with very little effort on your part.  At 17lbs it is surprisingly easy to lift in and out of our car and truck with one hand using the rubber carry handle. At $199 this Joovy Groove is a great value for a travel stroller with extra features. ~ Lisa Fox Specs:
  • 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

Lisa Arneill
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Traveling This Winter? AARP has Tips to Stay Safe on the Road
The holidays mean food, family, and friends for many it also means long trips through snow, sleet, ice, and fog.  No matter how many years of driving experience you have under your belt, these conditions present a wide variety of challenges.
“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:
  1. Winterize your vehicle to make sure your brakes, wipers, defroster, headlights and heater are all working properly.
  2. Stop gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
  3. Turn on your headlights to increase your visibility to other motorists, and keep your lights clean and free of ice or debris.
  4. 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.
  5. Stay alert. Look ahead to give yourself more time to react safely to situations without suddenly braking or skidding.
  6. Before driving, clear all snow and ice from your vehicle’s hood, windows and roof.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
Driving to see family is the most economical option in most cases, but not if your vehicle is damaged due to bad driving conditions.  Plan to stop every so often for breaks, take a hotel if you get tired and make sure you have your car tuned up before a trip that is 5 hours or more. SOURCE

RECALL: 139,000 Target Circo Childrens’ Travel Cases Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

Lisa Arneill
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RECALL: 139,000 Target Circo Childrens’ Travel Cases Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Target Corporation, has announced a voluntary recall of about 139,000 Circo 17” Children’s Travel Cases because the surface coating on the travel cases contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard. image of recalled Target Circo suitcase The Circo brand label is found on the fabric handle attached to the top of the travel case. The girls’ version has a heart/butterfly/daisy pattern on either a pink or teal background with a plush butterfly attached to the zipper pull. The boys’ version has a pattern of three jet planes in red/blue/green on a red or blue airplane-patterned background with a blue plush jet plane attached to the zipper pull. Travel cases covered by this recall include: image of recalled Target Circo suitcase *Date codes can be found on either the round Circo hang tag underneath the UPC bar code or on the second white tag sewn inside the cover of the zippered main compartment of the travel case. The recalled suitcases were sold exclusively at Target stores nationwide and Target.com from April 2011 through August 2011 for approximately $21. Consumers should stop using the product immediately and return it to any Target store for a refund. For additional information, contact Target at (800) 440-0680 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.target.com

Put Your Getaway on Ice at the Hôtel de Glace

Jen R
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Put Your Getaway on Ice at the Hôtel de Glace
I’ve had my fill of mainstream hotels, with their weird green carpet, multi-coloured/multi-stained bedspreads and TV remotes screwed to the nightstand. Enough I say! I want something different. I want an experience, not just a bed, and when I wake up in the morning…I want to feel glacier fresh. Answering the call is the crystal palace known as the Hôtel de Glace in Quebec City. The Ice Hotel is open from January 6th to March 25th, 2012, giving you the opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful cities in North America, while experiencing truly unique, world class accommodation. This amazing hotel is literally sculpted from ice, in its entirety; the structure, the beds, the cocktail glasses, even The Grand Ice Slide – which sounds like it would make the trip worthwhile all on its own. The creative team behind the Hôtel de Glace have done a total redesign for this year’s construction. The theme this year, built into the hotel and featured in the suites, is biodiversity in all its forms.
“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

Jen R
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Review: Bugatti Urbin Travel Bag
I’ve always been a backpack girl. I’ve had a love affair with backpacks for years. They’re cool, practical and, if you get the right one, it’ll last forever. Best of all, traveling with a backpack entitles you to refer to yourself as a “backpacker.” Even once you’ve traded up from the youth hostel to the Waldorf Astoria and even when you’ve morphed from a solo traveler to a stroller pusher – if you’ve got a backpack, you’re a backpacker. But, in recent years, I’ve had to concede that carrying my world on my shoulders is not always a heap of fun. I’m tired and my back hurts and it is really hard to be graceful when you’re trying to carry your purse, your backpack, someone else’s backpack and hold a four-year-old’s hand all at the same time. I need to put something down! So I was ecstatic when I received my new Bugatti Urbin travel bag. Wheels! It has wheels! The Urbin’s 13 x 19 x 10/12” size makes it ideal for weekend travel or as a carryon bag. It offers sturdy construction, resilient polyester fabric, and heavy duty zippers that aren’t going to snap off a week from now. The bag is quality through and through. The telescopic handle and padded straps feel strong and comfortable in the hand. The in line skate wheels make the case stable as it rolls over the smooth floors of a train station or as it trundles down the sidewalk. The black and blue details make the exterior of the bag stylish enough that I feel like one of those fancy ladies clip clopping through the airport, in a designer suit, with her travel bag rolling effortlessly behind her. Yet, there is no pretence about the Urbin. It is incredibly practical. The case has multiple access points. The first is a nice deep compartment at the top front, providing handy storage of the goodies you need, while in transit. A flap on the front opens to allow access to the first compartment of the bag’s interior. That first compartment can also be accessed from the inside, or the partition can be rolled back to allow for one large open space. The case is expandable too. My family of three was able to pack for a recent overnight getaway using only this bag; and that included our jammies, fresh cloths, swimsuits and beach towels. Now, I can hear you saying, “That’s all well and good to have a cool wheely bag Jen, but sometimes I need both hands and can’t be pulling my luggage around.” Well, times like that are when this bag goes from good to great. My son thinks of the Urbin as a Transformer (backpacks in disguise). Thanks to a compartment in the back, that conceals the shoulder straps, the bag easily converts from a conventional suite case, into a backpack, in mere moments. Listen! Do you hear it? It’s a choir singing hallelujah. This is the perfect bag. The Urbin retails for just under $130 and can be purchased through the Bugatti website.– Jen R, Staff Writer

Disney World Expands Disney Vacation Club Next To Grand Floridian hotel

Lisa Arneill
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Disney World Expands Disney Vacation Club Next To Grand Floridian hotel
It official! There will be another Disney Vacation Property next to the Grand Floridian Hotel. In March the entertainment giant submitted a permit application to the South Florida Water Management District describing a six- to seven-story, T-shaped building that will be connected via a covered walkway to the existing Grand Floridian.   It was speculated at that time that the addition would be a new Disney Vacation Club property, but that could not be confirmed by Disney. Claire Bilby, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Vacation Club, said in a prepared statement.
“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!

Lisa Arneill
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Legoland Florida Announces Waterpark Expansion!
Just six weeks after its official grand opening, Legoland® Florida today released details of its first expansion – Legoland Water Park. Scheduled to open in time for summer 2012, the water park will feature a wave pool, Build-A-Raft lazy river, tube slides, body slides and an interactive water-play structure – Duplo® Safari.
“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).

Shop the Island of Cape Breton by Following the Artisan Trail Map

Jen R
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Shop the Island of Cape Breton by Following the Artisan Trail Map
Most of my vacations involve some road tripping at one stage or another. I’ve endured a lot of “scenic drives” that were, in reality, very boring and forgettable long-cuts to the destination. But there have been a few that far exceeded my expectations. The Cabot Trail is one of them. I’ve done it more than once. In truth, I could spend a week or two on Cape Breton Island every summer for the rest of my life and be very content. Just nix the black flies and it would be perfect. Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia is a rugged hunk of granite lodged in the Atlantic. Its ancient mountains heave to offer spectacular perspectives of the tiny painted houses and the crashing sea below. The Cabot Trail is a legendary loop that runs along the coastline of Cape Breton and offers some of the island’s most photogenic moments. It’s a fun drive, with switchbacks up steep inclines, opportunities to pull over and snap a few pics, plenty of challenging hikes and cool little restaurants to stop at along the way. The people of Cape Breton seem to take inspiration from the beauty of their surroundings. Artistry is woven into every aspect of life. The art is often functional, always captivating and never pretentious. The Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design has an Artisan Trail Map that makes shopping the Cabot Trail, and other routes on the island, easy as pie. Among the artist’s studios and shops you’ll find potters, iron sculptors, woodworkers, photographers and glass and textile artists. Those interested in Nova Scotia’s heritage should stop by the Gaelic College where they will find the school’s kiltmakers and weavers. A hand tailored kilt is an impressive souvenir. Shari MacLeod Studio is the place to find handmade baskets, furniture and fibre art that incorporates accents like antlers, stones, tree bark, shells and wool. These are truly one-of- a-kind pieces that won’t be found elsewhere. Proud to be Hookers is a tongue-in-cheek name for a pair of serious rug hookers. These sisters learned the traditional art of rug hooking, growing up in Cheticamp. They invite visitors to stop by, watch them work and even try a little hooking themselves. This is just s small selection of the art and artists that can be found on Cape Breton Island. Along the Cabot Trail there are more than 20 artisans listed. Throughout the island there are nearly 40 locations to find that perfect memento or gift. It’s really just a matter of finding out what interests you most. Have fun exploring the island and all it has to offer. – Jen R, Staff Writer

The CAA Winter Festival of Lights is on in Niagara Falls Ontario

Jen R
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The CAA Winter Festival of Lights is on in Niagara Falls Ontario
Heart shaped Jacuzzis, casinos, water leaping off a cliff to its death; Niagara Falls can seem like a bit of an adult destination, but the CAA Winter Festival of Lights, on now through January, is all about family fun. This is a beautiful season to experience the falls. The days are shorter and the festival takes full advantage of the extra evening hours to enhance the drama that is inherent to the spectacle of Niagara Falls. The falls are illuminated with changing colour through the evening and fireworks explode above, every Friday at 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. At this time of year, everything surrounding the falls is covered in a slowly accumulated shell of frozen mist; the trees, the buildings, the railings, everything – and that sometimes includes the sidewalk, so tread carefully. They do their best to keep the walkways clear, but it’s a bit of a losing battle. Some stairways and walks will be closed off during the winter months. They are not being maintained and are treacherous when covered in snow and ice so respect the signs. Beautiful as the falls are, there’s more to the festival than spotlights and fireworks. Lace up the skates and take a spin around the TD RINK at the Brink. Open December 1 to February 29, this public skating rink is located just steps from the precipice of the Horseshoe Falls. You can’t beat the view. The rink offers Free Skate Mondays, selected weeks only, otherwise tickets are $7 for adults, $6 for children. Skates can be rented for a fee of $5. Tickets and skate rentals can be secured in advance of your visit, on the website. There are a variety of shows and concerts associated with the Winter Festival of Lights, including, music concerts, stand-up comedy and dinner theatre. Check the Calendar of Events to find entertainment to round out your evening. But the festival is all about the illuminations and over 120 colourful Christmas light displays are located around the city, predominantly along the Niagara Parkway, the Fallsview Tourist Area and Cummington Square. The Enchantment of Disney Display is the most renowned and features many of Disney’s best loved classic characters, including the princesses and Mickey Mouse. The kids are sure to be impressed. Other displays include The Dufferin Island Displays which feature scenes of “The Great Canadian Outdoors,” the Winter Wonderland Displays and the World Religions Displays. There is no charge to view the lights, though a suggested donation of $5-$10 per car is accepted at the exit of the Dufferin Islands. Niagara Falls, Ontario is more than a summer destination. The falls, in winter, are a spectacle all their own. Come and discover the CAA Winter Festival of Lights for yourself.  It may become a family tradition. – Jen R, Staff Writer
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