The expansion has come at the expense of most of Mickey’s Toontown Fair, which had to be removed to make room.
Adjustments were made, to the expansion plans, after early proposals were criticized for being too feminine. They ramped up the testosterone, just a bit, and feel that the revised expansion, announced in January, will offer a well rounded, family experience.
Under the Sea, the new dark ride, will take passengers into the Little Mermaid’s world. Travelling through Ursula’s Lair and Ariel’s Grotto, guests will hear “Poor Unfortunate Souls” and “Part of Your World.” The contours of the landscape will establish a unique feel to the environment, “Water and trees and slopes are extremely important,” said Chris Beatty, the creative director of the expansion.
Beauty and the Beast will set the theme for dining in the new and improved Fantasyland. The Be Our Guest restaurant will accommodate 550 patrons in three very different atmospheres. The opulent ballroom will seat 300. Additional seating will be in the Beast’s art gallery and in his “foreboding,” west wing.
Tales with Belle will, “give you a 40-minute immersive experience,” and an innovative new way to meet characters, said Beatty. He predicts the exhibit will be, “the sleeper attraction of the expansion.”
Gaston’s Tavern will be, “all about Gaston,” Beatty said. Our favourite strapping young man will feature himself in the artwork inside and out. And, yes, he’ll use antlers in all of his decorating.
After some refreshments, it’s back to work on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. The cars on this roller coaster will rock from side to side as it goes over hills and through a dark ride in the middle.
The renovation will result in a revamp of the Dumbo ride, doubling its size, and the Barnstormer, which will now feature the Great Goofini. Throughout, Fantasyland will have a more up-to-date, re-imagined look.
Features of the expanded Fantasyland will start to open next year. The whole renovation should be complete by 2013. – Jen R, Staff Writer
SOURCE Details of Walt Disney Fantasyland Expansion Revealed
Walt Disney Imagineering unveiled details of the planned Fantasyland expansion, during the D23 fan club event, celebrating the 40th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort.
The expansion has come at the expense of most of Mickey’s Toontown Fair, which had to be removed to make room.
Adjustments were made, to the expansion plans, after early proposals were criticized for being too feminine. They ramped up the testosterone, just a bit, and feel that the revised expansion, announced in January, will offer a well rounded, family experience.
Under the Sea, the new dark ride, will take passengers into the Little Mermaid’s world. Travelling through Ursula’s Lair and Ariel’s Grotto, guests will hear “Poor Unfortunate Souls” and “Part of Your World.” The contours of the landscape will establish a unique feel to the environment, “Water and trees and slopes are extremely important,” said Chris Beatty, the creative director of the expansion.
Beauty and the Beast will set the theme for dining in the new and improved Fantasyland. The Be Our Guest restaurant will accommodate 550 patrons in three very different atmospheres. The opulent ballroom will seat 300. Additional seating will be in the Beast’s art gallery and in his “foreboding,” west wing.
Tales with Belle will, “give you a 40-minute immersive experience,” and an innovative new way to meet characters, said Beatty. He predicts the exhibit will be, “the sleeper attraction of the expansion.”
Gaston’s Tavern will be, “all about Gaston,” Beatty said. Our favourite strapping young man will feature himself in the artwork inside and out. And, yes, he’ll use antlers in all of his decorating.
After some refreshments, it’s back to work on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. The cars on this roller coaster will rock from side to side as it goes over hills and through a dark ride in the middle.
The renovation will result in a revamp of the Dumbo ride, doubling its size, and the Barnstormer, which will now feature the Great Goofini. Throughout, Fantasyland will have a more up-to-date, re-imagined look.
Features of the expanded Fantasyland will start to open next year. The whole renovation should be complete by 2013. – Jen R, Staff Writer
SOURCE
The expansion has come at the expense of most of Mickey’s Toontown Fair, which had to be removed to make room.
Adjustments were made, to the expansion plans, after early proposals were criticized for being too feminine. They ramped up the testosterone, just a bit, and feel that the revised expansion, announced in January, will offer a well rounded, family experience.
Under the Sea, the new dark ride, will take passengers into the Little Mermaid’s world. Travelling through Ursula’s Lair and Ariel’s Grotto, guests will hear “Poor Unfortunate Souls” and “Part of Your World.” The contours of the landscape will establish a unique feel to the environment, “Water and trees and slopes are extremely important,” said Chris Beatty, the creative director of the expansion.
Beauty and the Beast will set the theme for dining in the new and improved Fantasyland. The Be Our Guest restaurant will accommodate 550 patrons in three very different atmospheres. The opulent ballroom will seat 300. Additional seating will be in the Beast’s art gallery and in his “foreboding,” west wing.
Tales with Belle will, “give you a 40-minute immersive experience,” and an innovative new way to meet characters, said Beatty. He predicts the exhibit will be, “the sleeper attraction of the expansion.”
Gaston’s Tavern will be, “all about Gaston,” Beatty said. Our favourite strapping young man will feature himself in the artwork inside and out. And, yes, he’ll use antlers in all of his decorating.
After some refreshments, it’s back to work on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. The cars on this roller coaster will rock from side to side as it goes over hills and through a dark ride in the middle.
The renovation will result in a revamp of the Dumbo ride, doubling its size, and the Barnstormer, which will now feature the Great Goofini. Throughout, Fantasyland will have a more up-to-date, re-imagined look.
Features of the expanded Fantasyland will start to open next year. The whole renovation should be complete by 2013. – Jen R, Staff Writer
SOURCE 6 Cool Gadgets for Feeding Baby On-The-Go!
Parents of young children know how tough it is to feed their little one while away from home. Carrying jars and utensils can be difficult while traveling as they can add a lot of weight your bags and are sometimes hard to find if you are visiting a foreign country.
After having 2 kids that were raised on homemade food, I have a list of must-haves for feeding on the go. A couple of the items on this list will help you make due with ‘adult’ food, while the rest help make feeding purees a cinch!
1. Boon’s MUSH ($25) – Perfect for a week away, this human-powered chopper turns fruit, veggies, and boneless meats into magnificent meals. No need for batteries or plugs, just pull the handle to make the blades spin.
2. Boon’s SQUIRT ($10) – Don’t worry about fumbling with bottles while on the plane or at the restaurant. Just fill squirt beforehand, squeeze and GO. You get easy, one-handed feeding. Pop on the cap to seal food on-the-go.
3. KidCo BabySteps Deluxe Food Mill ($20) – Every parent should have a mill for quick and easy meals for their baby. KidCo’s BabySteps Deluxe Food Mill comes in a convenient travel bag that also includes a snap-on lid and a 4-oz. feeding cup.
4. Plum Organics Pouch with Dispensing Spoon($5) – Last year Plum Organics teamed up with Boon inc to create an easy twist on spoon that makes feeding with their pouches a dream. Firstly, Plum Organics has a fabulous line of baby food that on it’s own is perfect for travel, but once you add Boon’s dispensing spoon you have an item that allows for easy one-handed feeding. LOVE it!
5. Beaba’s babypote($15) – Made of easy-to-squeeze soft silicone with a removable, snap on lid, Beaba’s babypote is perfect for homemade purees and yogurts. The large neck allows for easy filling and cleaning, while the narrow spout ensures that your child doesn’t get their snack all over. It’s squeeze and go design is convenient for planes or trips in the vehicle. PLUS it’s BPA-free and dishwasher safe.
6. Wean Machine($19) – When my son was 6 months old I carried the Wean Machine with me everywhere. It’s easy to use design made feeds while we were out a cinch. All you need to do is place what you want ‘smushed’ in the hopper and press. The fruit and veg comes through like play-doh and you can feed the baby directly from it. The unit comes with 2 different grills. One with small hole for infants just being introduced to solids and a second with bigger holes for older babies who can chew.
1. Boon’s MUSH ($25) – Perfect for a week away, this human-powered chopper turns fruit, veggies, and boneless meats into magnificent meals. No need for batteries or plugs, just pull the handle to make the blades spin.
2. Boon’s SQUIRT ($10) – Don’t worry about fumbling with bottles while on the plane or at the restaurant. Just fill squirt beforehand, squeeze and GO. You get easy, one-handed feeding. Pop on the cap to seal food on-the-go.
3. KidCo BabySteps Deluxe Food Mill ($20) – Every parent should have a mill for quick and easy meals for their baby. KidCo’s BabySteps Deluxe Food Mill comes in a convenient travel bag that also includes a snap-on lid and a 4-oz. feeding cup.
4. Plum Organics Pouch with Dispensing Spoon($5) – Last year Plum Organics teamed up with Boon inc to create an easy twist on spoon that makes feeding with their pouches a dream. Firstly, Plum Organics has a fabulous line of baby food that on it’s own is perfect for travel, but once you add Boon’s dispensing spoon you have an item that allows for easy one-handed feeding. LOVE it!
5. Beaba’s babypote($15) – Made of easy-to-squeeze soft silicone with a removable, snap on lid, Beaba’s babypote is perfect for homemade purees and yogurts. The large neck allows for easy filling and cleaning, while the narrow spout ensures that your child doesn’t get their snack all over. It’s squeeze and go design is convenient for planes or trips in the vehicle. PLUS it’s BPA-free and dishwasher safe.
6. Wean Machine($19) – When my son was 6 months old I carried the Wean Machine with me everywhere. It’s easy to use design made feeds while we were out a cinch. All you need to do is place what you want ‘smushed’ in the hopper and press. The fruit and veg comes through like play-doh and you can feed the baby directly from it. The unit comes with 2 different grills. One with small hole for infants just being introduced to solids and a second with bigger holes for older babies who can chew. The Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort Launches New “Family Caribbean Getaway” Package
Even though the economy is still working to rebound a recent study showed that families are still vacationing but are more conscious about how they spend their money. Recognizing this, the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort has created a very attractive getaway package for parents that includes lots of extras without breaking the bank.
Known as a premier family-friendly resort in the Bahamas, the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort continues to attract parents and children because of its reachability, affordability and unique Caribbean flavor.
Perfect for families booking now through December 31, 2011, the “Family Caribbean Getaway” package includes:
- Children (12 & under) eat free*
- Complimentary welcome snack
- One in-room movie per night
- Complimentary non-motorized water sports
- *Children 12 and under eat free with the purchase of an adult meal in our restaurant.
- *Subject to availability and length of stay restrictions may apply
In addition to offering this exciting new package for families seeking fun in the sun, the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort has also expanded its Love Your Family Program with unique and innovation initiatives.
The only Starwood Caribbean property with an on-property Director of Fun, Kirkwood Mckenzie has now begun incorporating a full roster of new family activities, evolving into a true “Director of Family Fun.” Some exciting initiatives launched already – and coming later this year – include a new Director of Family Fun YouTube channel, which will showcase family-friendly aspects of the resort, snippets from family activities and more, as well as a Director of Family Fun Twitter platform, where parents and kids interested in the resort can learn about upcoming specials, packages and activities. By following the Director of Family Fun on Twitter once they arrive on property, families can stay tuned on unique activities taking place throughout their visit. In addition, travelers can now meet the resort’s Director of Family Fun in person during a line-up of scheduled lobby meet-ups. At that time, he will share tips for families on making the most of their vacation.
“We strive to offer vacations full of fun, entertainment and long-lasting memories for every family that stays at the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort,” said Director of Family Fun Kirkwood Mckenzie, who oversees the Love Your Family Program. “These new twists on our family program are designed to encourage families to spend quality time together – and sometimes, apart – as well as offer the opportunity to enjoy experiences that are native to Nassau and its famed Cable Beach area, like the Junkanoo Jamboree.”
As part of the Love Your Family program, families can also continue enjoying dive-in movies, where the latest family-friendly flicks can be viewed poolside while enjoying freshly popped popcorn; fireside storytelling; stargazing; and even participate in Bahamian Idol, a talent competition featuring local folk songs.
Additional Love Your Family Program offerings include:
- Parents’ Night Out – Parents can take a guilt-free night off while their children enjoy their own big night out, dining with other kids and enjoying fun and festive counselor-led activities.
- Added Guestroom Amenities & Services – Families are guaranteed a host of family-friendly amenities including connecting rooms, child safety accessories and a minimum of at least one family television station, like the Disney Channel or Cartoon Network.
Our Family Visit To California ~ LEGOLAND California Water Park
This past month, we had the luxury of joining my husband on a business trip to San Diego, California. As we were taking our two young children with us (ages 2.5 & 3.5), I thought I should look in to activities we could do while we were there.
After some internet research, I discovered LEGOLAND California.
On our first day at the park we explored DUPLO Village, Playtown, Funtown and the LEGO factory. Day 2 took us back to some favorite areas, and the SEA LIFE Aquarium.
On my third day, the kids and I returned for a visit on our own. This time we drove and parked at the Park. I thought $12 for parking was a little excessive, especially considering the cost of admission. This is also when I found out that if you arrived in a Volvo, you got Preferred parking.
Luckily the lot wasn’t too busy by the time we arrived. It opened at 10:00 and we were there by 10:40. The unfortunate part was that I needed to get in to the park to rent a stroller again, and had to cart the kids and their bags by myself. Our intention was to hit the Water Park, but I opted to leave our swim gear in the trunk and come back later, weather permitting.
We picked up the stroller for the third day and then headed off to prior-day favorite fun spots, as my son recounted every ride he had already experienced.
I thought a weekday would be quieter, but it ended up being busier than the weekend had been. Apparently it was still Spring Break in California. The lineups still weren’t too long, but it was early in the day. After a ride or two, we decided the weather was warm enough for the Water Park.
After a quick trip to the car to get our swim gear we headed to the Water Park, located at the rear of the park.
Thank goodness they let me leave the park with the stroller. I don’t think I could have managed, walking back to the car with the kids, and carrying them and our bags back in.
When at the gate, I realized that although my daughter(2) had free admission to LEGOLAND, it was $3 to get her in to the Water Park.
The water slides could be seen from a distance, as they towered like a castle above the rest of the park. My son was excited to finally get there. Once inside we found ample lockers and change rooms big enough for the 3 of us and the stroller. Not knowing where to go, we headed towards what I presumed to be the toddler area, parked the stroller at nearby lawn chairs and asked a staff member where the best place for little ones would be. Luckily, this was it.
Lifejackets were hanging on a stand nearby, and I confirmed that they were free to use. Nice (especially since we left ours in the car)! So I got the kids all set to go, but the wading pool was currently closed. They close down the pool once every 2 hours for 10 or 15 minutes and encourage parents to take their little ones for potty breaks or snack breaks. Great idea! After a short wait, it opened and the kids went nuts.
I say ‘wading pool’, but it was so much more than that. The Duplo Slash Safari had a bottom that was made from recycled rubber, so it was nice and spongy. The pool gradually got deeper towards the back, getting maybe 3 feet at the deepest spot. The shallow area had animals (an elephant, crocodile and a polar bear) that spouted water and had a steering wheel that controlled that water. They were permitted to sit/climb on the crocodile, as it was low to the ground but the other two were about 4 feet tall, so too dangerous for climbing. The kids danced in the sprinklers and screeched with delight.
The deeper end of the pool had three small water slides-just perfect for kids this age. My daughter, the younger of the two, was brave enough to try one out. She loved the slide, but got a shock when she went under the water at the bottom! My son thought Kid Creek was more his speed. The kids (under 42”) had their own lazy river, where they climbed aboard inner tubes (with bottoms, so they don’t fall through), and floated around the river path with Mom walking along side.
After a couple times around, they wanted to play more. The waded and splashed and pretended to swim on their tummies; they really had a blast. My daughter was cold (it wasn’t the warmest day), so I called it a day. My son cried because he wanted to stay all day and swim more. But we got changed and headed out.
We never explored the rest of the Water Park. There was much more to see – private cabanas for rent, restaurant/grills, shops, and of course the ‘adult’ side of the Park, with soakers, water slides, build-your-own Lego rafts and so much more. The toddler area was all that we needed for the day.
This was our last visit. We got to enjoy 3 days at LEGOLAND, and loved every minute. Had we known it would be such a big hit, we would have spent our whole trip in the area, and used the pass every day. If we ever have the opportunity to return to California, LEGOLAND will be at the TOP of our list! We have been home for a couple weeks, and my son is still telling me he is sad, because he didn’t want to leave LEGOLAND. Our Family Visit To California ~ LEGOLAND SEA LIFE Aquarium
This past month, we had the luxury of joining my husband on a business trip to San Diego, California. As we were taking our two young children with us (ages 2.5 & 3.5), I thought I should look in to activities we could do while we were there.
After some internet research, I discovered LEGOLAND California.
On our first day at the park we explored DUPLO Village, Playtown, Funtown and the LEGO factory.
Day 2 took us back to some favorite areas, and some new ones.
When I originally decided on LEGOLAND back in the planning stages, we had toyed with the idea of SeaWorld. Being that our kids were so young, we felt they wouldn’t get much value out of such a big experience, and SEA LIFE would give them a taste of fish tanks and sharks, etc. My expectations weren’t huge going in to SEA LIFE. But I thought the kids would enjoy it.
Well, I was pleasantly surprised. After a short introduction video, we headed in. The kids saw some small tanks and some large ones. There were Lego divers and Lego submarines in the tanks, with sharks and stingrays swimming all around. Then the path took us outside, and I thought we were done. But outside was a little interactive area where the kids could reach in and touch urchins, starfish, etc. After a whole lot of “no, I don’t want to”, we continued on and found that we weren’t done at all. The aquarium continued, tank after tank, with Jelly Fish (my son’s favorite) and other various sea creatures at every turn. The best part was the spots the kids could crawl under and come up into a bubble that put them in the middle of the actual tank. Sharks swam around their heads as they had a fish’s eye view of the sea.
The aquarium actually had a second floor, with more fish tanks, a tank of stingrays, and a viewing window where you could see down into the tanks you viewed below. There was one more interactive area for the kids to touch creatures and then the exit into a café, where you could rest, snack, or exit into the giftshop.
The kids loved the aquarium. I was impressed at how much it had to offer. We visited again the next time, and saw things we had missed the first time. There was even a small theatre that showed a Lego people movie where divers discover the Lost City of Atlantis (which, by the way, is a Lego display in one of the tanks).
After a great day the time had come for the kids to have their naps. So we headed back to our hotel for the night with plans to return for a third time to visit the Water Park. More on that tomorrow!
When I originally decided on LEGOLAND back in the planning stages, we had toyed with the idea of SeaWorld. Being that our kids were so young, we felt they wouldn’t get much value out of such a big experience, and SEA LIFE would give them a taste of fish tanks and sharks, etc. My expectations weren’t huge going in to SEA LIFE. But I thought the kids would enjoy it.
Well, I was pleasantly surprised. After a short introduction video, we headed in. The kids saw some small tanks and some large ones. There were Lego divers and Lego submarines in the tanks, with sharks and stingrays swimming all around. Then the path took us outside, and I thought we were done. But outside was a little interactive area where the kids could reach in and touch urchins, starfish, etc. After a whole lot of “no, I don’t want to”, we continued on and found that we weren’t done at all. The aquarium continued, tank after tank, with Jelly Fish (my son’s favorite) and other various sea creatures at every turn. The best part was the spots the kids could crawl under and come up into a bubble that put them in the middle of the actual tank. Sharks swam around their heads as they had a fish’s eye view of the sea.
The aquarium actually had a second floor, with more fish tanks, a tank of stingrays, and a viewing window where you could see down into the tanks you viewed below. There was one more interactive area for the kids to touch creatures and then the exit into a café, where you could rest, snack, or exit into the giftshop.
The kids loved the aquarium. I was impressed at how much it had to offer. We visited again the next time, and saw things we had missed the first time. There was even a small theatre that showed a Lego people movie where divers discover the Lost City of Atlantis (which, by the way, is a Lego display in one of the tanks).
After a great day the time had come for the kids to have their naps. So we headed back to our hotel for the night with plans to return for a third time to visit the Water Park. More on that tomorrow! Our Family Visit To California ~ LEGOLAND California Pt.1
This past month, we had the luxury of joining my husband on a business trip to San Diego, California. As we were taking our two young children with us (ages 2.5 & 3.5), I thought I should look in to activities we could do while we were there.
After some internet research, I discovered LEGOLAND California. I can’t say that I’d actually ever heard of LEGOLAND, but my son is at an age where he is IN LOVE with his little ‘Megablock Man’ ,as he calls it. (These are little, and I mean tiny – maybe an inch tall, Lego people, that his Gramma introduced him to. She actually still had one of his Daddy’s old childhood Lego men, and lets the grandkids play with them.) So when I saw LEGOLAND, I raised my eyebrows and gave it some attention.
The park is located in Carlsbad, California (only 25 minutes from San Diego). It boasts 3 parks: LEGOLAND, LEGOLAND Water Park and SEA LIFE Carlsbad Aquarium. It appeared to have rides, shows, and other age-appropriate activities for my kids, so I looked at pricing. Regular admission for the park was $69 adults (13+), $59 for my son (3-12), and under age 3 was free. You could upgrade to the extra two parks or buy a Park Hopper ticket, best value at $89 & $79, respectively. I lucked out into 5-day Park Hopper tickets for the price of 1-day. I looked high and low on the internet and couldn’t find a better deal than that, so I grabbed it. Pre-purchasing the tickets saves you having to stand in line at the park. I printed my tickets and we were ready to go.
We found a Sheraton property right at the resort and spent our night there. The property had its own private LEGOLAND entrance where we could walk right into the park. It took us in the ‘back door’ and the kids immediately found the Hideaway, which was a multi-level play structure where they could run around, climb ropes, slide, etc.
They didn’t want to leave the Hideaway; they would have been happy there all day, but we had a whole park to discover and we needed to go find a stroller, or we’d never make it through the day. So we sat down and looked at the map. Ugh! Stroller Rentals were at the main entrance! And we were all the way at the back of the park L. So we wandered towards the front of the park. In hindsight, it’s probably not really that far, it just seemed like it the first time we walked it with 2 kids.
When finally at ‘The Beginning’, as they call it, we found the stroller rentals. We grabbed a double for $14 (plus $2 deposit). They weren’t brand name or fancy strollers; it was a double-wide molded plastic seat with a canopy (not quite a wagon), that they could just climb in and out of. They did have a seatbelt, but they didn’t have any brakes. They served a purpose – my daughter even slept in it sideways, but brakes would have been nice (she rolled away once or twice).
Then off we were to explore the park. Most of the rides had a 36” or 40” height requirement. Some of them had an age requirement of 4, which saddened my son. He was tall enough, but when the man asked him how old he was, he held up 3 fingers. Sorry Buddy, telling the truth is the right thing to do, but doesn’t always get you what you want.
There were lots of rides, and things made out of Lego everywhere! We went on a Safari Jeep ride, and all the animals were made of Lego. Giraffes turned their heads, elephants even sprayed water! It was quite something to see. The lineups weren’t awful; I think the longest we waited was in excess of an hour (horrible with toddlers), but that wasn’t average. And the lines that tended to be longer, all had little Lego play areas where the kids could build while their parents waited in line. Once you were near the front of the line, there was a gate for the children to re-join you. What a great idea!
We wandered around the different areas of the park. Each area had its own unique offerings. Duplo Village had a splash area where little ones could squirt water guns or run in sprinklers or play musical fountains. Duplo Playtown was another popular area for my kids. It was a town of little houses and buildings where they could just run around and have playtime. (They didn’t want to leave this area either.)
In FunTown, my son got to drive a car and get his very own little LEGOLAND Driver’s license. The ride was nicely broken out into a course for ages 3-5 and 6-13, so the little ones weren’t getting pummeled by big kids. LEGOLAND is sponsored by Volvo, so all of the vehicles were branded Volvo. (On this note, Volvo vehicles get premium parking in the lot at entry). There is even a life-sized Volvo XC90 on display, built on an actual chassis, made entirely of Lego!
We toured the Lego factory, and ended up in the store (of course). However, in that store was a table there for kids to build their own little ‘Megablock Men’. Mix & match bottoms, tops, heads, hair/hats and accessories. My kids were in heaven. Every combination you could imagine. And there was a promotion to buy a set of three and get the second set free, so we came home with 6 spanking-new Lego people. (Try keeping track of those in a hotel room).
There were so many other areas to see. Miniland USA had several little villages, mock-ups of cities (New York, New Orleans, Vegas) – everything made of Lego! New this month was the Star Wars exhibit. All episodes represented with miniature Lego displays, quite intricate, from battle ships to life-sized characters.
We saw as much as we could and called it a day and returned for naps. Unfortunately, returning the stroller meant heading back to ‘The Beginning’ and then walking back to the back-door to return to our hotel.
The next day, we found out that the hotel had a shuttle that would take us to and from the front entrance, so we didn’t have to walk to the stroller rental. So after breakfast, we checked out and did that. It was a different experience this way. Photographers waited for visitors at the entrance to snap pictures for later viewing (and purchase). The main entrance was also flashier than the subtle back entrance. You experience more of the ‘feel’ of what the park had to offer.
More tomorrow on Day 2. Feature Review: Quinny Zapp Xtra
We are a Quinny family! We have purchased a number of Quinny products and love them all! Having the original Quinny Zapp I was beyond excited and eager to try out the Quinny Zapp Xtra.
In our opinion there were only a couple of flaws with the original Zapp, the biggest two being that the seat didn’t recline and it had zero storage. I’m happy to report that Quinny has recently launched the new Zapp Xtra with an abundance of great new features; including a reclining reversible seat, bigger canopy, car seat compatibility and a storage basket!
Installation:
The Zapp Xtra is probably one of the easiest strollers I’ve assembled. Out of the box all I needed to do was open it up, pop the wheels on attach the basket and I was ready to go. Wheel installation is very easy – you just need to insert them into the holes until you hear a click.
Getting started:
Opening the stroller is pretty straight forward. The frame is extremely compact and can be folded/unfolded by following a simple 1, 2, 3 button procedure with the numbers clearly marked on the stroller so even the most unhandy parent can open it easily. The seat then clicks into place securely and voila, one assembled or folded stroller.
Features:
The seat on the Quinny Zapp Xtra is a unique egg shape making the seating area quite large (13” wide with a 22” seatback and a measurement of 24” from seatback to canopy) easily fitting a child up to 50lbs. It has an adjustable, padded, 5-point harness that’s easy for parents use.
The new seat has a one-handed button on the back that reclines the seat to three different positions: upright, halfway back and fully reclined. In parent facing mode the seat can be fully flat or semi-reclined and in a forward facing position you can use all three recline positions. The seat is adjusted by simply pressing the button and tipping the seat to the next position in a nice smooth motion which is ideal for when baby dozes off.
The handlebars are not adjustable but they are taller measuring about 39-40” from the ground to handlebar. As a taller woman I didn’t have an issue with the height of the handlebars and didn’t find myself kicking the wheels or frame.
The hood on the original Zapp is small and tends to blow back in strong winds, whereas the hood on the Zapp Xtra is much larger (twice the size!) and better quality in comparison. It gives much more shade and protection from the elements than the original design. The canopy has a narrow viewing window on the back to see in at your child and the window extends down the sides of the canopy so that your child can see out when the canopy is fully extended.
Quinny also improved the functionality of the Zapp Xtra by making it car seat compatible. With the use of the adapters included you can easily attach any infant Maxi-Cosi car seat.
Another improvement on the original Zapp is that the Zapp Xtra now comes with a shopping basket included. Due to the compact design of the stroller you are never going to be able to fit a substantial amount in the basket but it is certainly handy to hold a small to medium diaper bag, a couple shopping bags or other baby essentials.
In Use:
I was a little concerned that the Zapp Xtra wouldn’t handle as nicely as its three wheel predecessor, but I’m happy to report that when it comes to maneuverability the Zapp Xtra performs just as well as the original. The compact design of the Zapp Xtra makes it perfect for nipping around the stores and it can certainly get you down aisles that many larger strollers can’t.
The original Zapp and the Zapp Xtra both have the same issue when it comes to more rough terrain, as would be expected with any stroller not designed for off road use. The Zapp Xtra has improved suspension on the rear wheels and the front wheels lock into place which makes bumpy roads more manageable, but it definitely prefers smoother pavements and flat surfaces.
The rear wheels have a one-step brake system that is ‘flip-flop’ friendly and super easy to do. Step on the red button to lock and step on the grey button to unlock.
To fold the stroller you follow the same three-step process as opening it, keeping in mind that you need to remove the seat for it to fold. Once you remove the seat and the frame is folded down, there is a manual locking strap to keep the frame closed. I would have liked to see an automatic lock to avoid this additional step.
The extra weight of the Zapp Xtra compared to the original (4lbs difference) is a blessing in disguise as the extra weight gives the Zapp Xtra enough stability to hang a light bag or purse on the handles without the stroller toppling. (Please note: Quinny does not recommend hanging anything on the handles)
We bought our original Zapp because it is so easy to travel with (travel bag included) and while I haven’t had the opportunity to take the Zapp Xtra on a vacation yet, I think that it will be a great option because it’s still compact and light weight. I do however, wish that the Zapp Xtra came with a travel bag like the original making it that much easier for airplane travel.
The Zapp Xtra is available in Rebel Red, Brown Boost, Pink Emily, Electric Blue, Natural Mavis, Rocking Black and a Limited edition: Curious Color. The stroller comes complete with a rain cover and adaptors for the Maxi Cosi infant car seat and retails for $299.
I’m really loving the Quinny Zapp Xtra, its compactness and maneuverability are fantastic, the upgraded features including reclining reversible seat, giant canopy and car seat compatibility make it an excellent options for parents on the go or those of us looking for space saving options.
Like:
*Thank you to Quinny for sending us a sample for review*
In our opinion there were only a couple of flaws with the original Zapp, the biggest two being that the seat didn’t recline and it had zero storage. I’m happy to report that Quinny has recently launched the new Zapp Xtra with an abundance of great new features; including a reclining reversible seat, bigger canopy, car seat compatibility and a storage basket!
Installation:
The Zapp Xtra is probably one of the easiest strollers I’ve assembled. Out of the box all I needed to do was open it up, pop the wheels on attach the basket and I was ready to go. Wheel installation is very easy – you just need to insert them into the holes until you hear a click.
Getting started:
Opening the stroller is pretty straight forward. The frame is extremely compact and can be folded/unfolded by following a simple 1, 2, 3 button procedure with the numbers clearly marked on the stroller so even the most unhandy parent can open it easily. The seat then clicks into place securely and voila, one assembled or folded stroller.
Features:
The seat on the Quinny Zapp Xtra is a unique egg shape making the seating area quite large (13” wide with a 22” seatback and a measurement of 24” from seatback to canopy) easily fitting a child up to 50lbs. It has an adjustable, padded, 5-point harness that’s easy for parents use.
The new seat has a one-handed button on the back that reclines the seat to three different positions: upright, halfway back and fully reclined. In parent facing mode the seat can be fully flat or semi-reclined and in a forward facing position you can use all three recline positions. The seat is adjusted by simply pressing the button and tipping the seat to the next position in a nice smooth motion which is ideal for when baby dozes off.
The handlebars are not adjustable but they are taller measuring about 39-40” from the ground to handlebar. As a taller woman I didn’t have an issue with the height of the handlebars and didn’t find myself kicking the wheels or frame.
The hood on the original Zapp is small and tends to blow back in strong winds, whereas the hood on the Zapp Xtra is much larger (twice the size!) and better quality in comparison. It gives much more shade and protection from the elements than the original design. The canopy has a narrow viewing window on the back to see in at your child and the window extends down the sides of the canopy so that your child can see out when the canopy is fully extended.
Quinny also improved the functionality of the Zapp Xtra by making it car seat compatible. With the use of the adapters included you can easily attach any infant Maxi-Cosi car seat.
Another improvement on the original Zapp is that the Zapp Xtra now comes with a shopping basket included. Due to the compact design of the stroller you are never going to be able to fit a substantial amount in the basket but it is certainly handy to hold a small to medium diaper bag, a couple shopping bags or other baby essentials.
In Use:
I was a little concerned that the Zapp Xtra wouldn’t handle as nicely as its three wheel predecessor, but I’m happy to report that when it comes to maneuverability the Zapp Xtra performs just as well as the original. The compact design of the Zapp Xtra makes it perfect for nipping around the stores and it can certainly get you down aisles that many larger strollers can’t.
The original Zapp and the Zapp Xtra both have the same issue when it comes to more rough terrain, as would be expected with any stroller not designed for off road use. The Zapp Xtra has improved suspension on the rear wheels and the front wheels lock into place which makes bumpy roads more manageable, but it definitely prefers smoother pavements and flat surfaces.
The rear wheels have a one-step brake system that is ‘flip-flop’ friendly and super easy to do. Step on the red button to lock and step on the grey button to unlock.
To fold the stroller you follow the same three-step process as opening it, keeping in mind that you need to remove the seat for it to fold. Once you remove the seat and the frame is folded down, there is a manual locking strap to keep the frame closed. I would have liked to see an automatic lock to avoid this additional step.
The extra weight of the Zapp Xtra compared to the original (4lbs difference) is a blessing in disguise as the extra weight gives the Zapp Xtra enough stability to hang a light bag or purse on the handles without the stroller toppling. (Please note: Quinny does not recommend hanging anything on the handles)
We bought our original Zapp because it is so easy to travel with (travel bag included) and while I haven’t had the opportunity to take the Zapp Xtra on a vacation yet, I think that it will be a great option because it’s still compact and light weight. I do however, wish that the Zapp Xtra came with a travel bag like the original making it that much easier for airplane travel.
The Zapp Xtra is available in Rebel Red, Brown Boost, Pink Emily, Electric Blue, Natural Mavis, Rocking Black and a Limited edition: Curious Color. The stroller comes complete with a rain cover and adaptors for the Maxi Cosi infant car seat and retails for $299.
I’m really loving the Quinny Zapp Xtra, its compactness and maneuverability are fantastic, the upgraded features including reclining reversible seat, giant canopy and car seat compatibility make it an excellent options for parents on the go or those of us looking for space saving options.
Like:
- Reversible / reclining seat
- Fixed 5-point harness
- Abundant fabrics / style combinations to choose from
- Extremely generous canopy
- Smaller, lightweight frame makes it easy to stow.
- Very easy set-up
- Excellent maneuverability
- No Cup Holder
- Small Basket
- Wish a travel bag was included
| Weight | 19.18 lbs |
| Seat to Canopy | 24″ |
| Seat Back | 21″ |
| Seat Width | 15″ |
| Seat Depth | 9″ |
| Drop Foot rest | 11″ |
| Seat to Ground | 17″ |
| Width | 23.5″ |
| Length | 26″ |
| Height | 40″ |
| Folded (chassis only) | 27″ x 7″ x 13″ |
Ten Tips to Make Traveling With Babies and Toddlers More Pleasant
Anyone who’s done it will tell you; travelling with infants and young children can be challenging. TOTSY, an invitation only site designed to provide the best possible deals on essentials for parents, infants and children, has partnered with family travel expert Deb Geigis Berry, to compile a list of 10 tips to help parents smooth out the bumps in the road to a happy family vacation.
1. Don’t worry too much about shelling out for expensive venues, everyday of your trip. Your children want quality time and that can be found at beaches, parks and playgrounds, just as easily as at a pricey amusement park.
2. Do some research ahead of time, to find out about any free community events that will be taking place in your destination city, during your stay. This is the time of year for free concerts and festivals. A local event may turn out to be the highlight of your trip.
3. Even if a location touts itself to be “family friendly,” phone ahead to ensure that they have the amenities you’ll need, i.e. cribs, high-chairs, etc. Always have a selection of toys with suction cup bases, to keep little ones occupied in restaurants and other, more mature establishments.
4. A stockpile of toys is essential when traveling with babies and toddlers, but some of them can be noisy. Some are down-right obnoxious! Make sure each toy passes the ‘mommy/daddy irritability test’ before you pack it for the trip.
5. I’ve said this for a long time and the experts have just confirmed it. Don’t bring your child’s most important toys on vacation. The loss of a favourite stuffy or blanky could cause long term devastation. Bring along some less important substitutes and bear in mind that your child is likely to accumulate new toys over the course of his travels.
6. Keep a variety of toys accessible, especially in the car. There’s nothing worse than being caught in a traffic jam and realising the toys are locked in the trunk. When things start to get hairy, you need to be able to distract, distract, distract.
7. At this point, I’m the last person left on Earth who doesn’t have a smart phone. If you have one, the experts say, use it to entertain your children. Load it up with apps that will entertain your baby, like animal pictures with sounds or flashcards with shapes and colors. Keep you device safe, in your child’s hands, by using a durable case and neck strap.
8. Trim dollars from your travel budget and avoid mammoth restaurant portions by packing picnics for the road. Make sure to store foods safely or stick to imperishables. Keep a waterproof blanket on hand, in case your al fresco experience is soggy.
9. Plan activities that will keep kids moving. Cycling, hiking (with baby in a carrier) or a spin on a merry-go-round are all activities that should keep kids calm and happy.
10. Introduce your kids to some new animals by visiting an animal park, fish hatchery or by taking a nature walk. Any new local will have loads of new sites to take in and animals are usually a hit with kids.
A little research, before you arrive at your destination, will turn up all sorts of cool and affordable options. Keep your eyes peeled once you’re there, too. You never know what you’ll discover when you’re traveling with kids. – Jen R, Staff Writer
SOURCE Families Are Making Summer Vacation Plans Inspite of Rising Costs
Summer is just around the corner and vacation planning is in full swing. A recent survey conducted by Orbitz found that despite the still sluggish economy and the stratospheric price of gas, most families are forging ahead with their summer vacation plans, this year.
Parents can’t afford to throw caution to the wind, however. Most families (60 %) are looking to keep their holiday budget under the $1,500 ceiling, while a further 14 percent are willing to open the skylight and venture up to $2,000.
The jaw-dropping serge in gas prices has affected the cost of both road trips and airfare, though the average hotel rate, in certain major markets, has come down slightly.
Overall, it’s going to cost a little more to travel this year but 81 percent of survey respondents are making vacation plans anyway.
“Even with gas prices skyrocketing, Americans still see summer travel as a necessity, especially for families that may have cut back in the past few years due to the economy,” said Marita Hudson Thomas, Orbitz Travel Insider.Maintaining a reasonable travel budget, involves carefully selecting your destination. Domestic travel is often an affordable option. As a result, Cancun, Mexico is the only destination outside the United States to breach the Top Ten Summer Destinations 2011 list. The list includes: 1. Orlando, Florida 2. Las Vegas, Nevada 3. Seattle, Washington 4. Los Angeles, California 5. Denver, Colorado 6. New York, New York 7. San Francisco, California 8. Chicago, Illinois 9. Cancun, Mexico 10. Boston, Massachusetts One sure fire way to save on the cost of travel is to take fewer people along. Interestingly, 70 percent of respondents had no qualms about leaving their kids behind to take an adults only vacation. Women (71%) were even more likely than men (67%) to shake off the guilt of travelling without their children. Why not? Parents need a break too. All-in-all, one thing is obvious. Americans feel they need to recharge their batteries and, this summer, they’re going to do it, one way or another. – Jen R, Staff Writer
Jellies – Coming to Shedd Aquarium, Chicago
Anyone, passing through the Chicago area, will want to make time to take in a unique exhibit at the Shedd Aquarium. Jellies, brought to you by the good people at Walgreens, is a special exhibit of more than 10 different species of sea jellies.
People tend to flee from the ocean, at the mere sight of jellies. Their sting gives them a bad rep.
These aquatic invertebrates are too maligned, however, according to Mark Schick, collection manager at Shedd,
Jellies are truly extraordinary and worth a closer look. Did you know they have been around for 500 million years? Another surprising fact; jellies consume enough food to double their size in a day. I know a couple of people who have tried that and failed.
There are thousands of species of jellies out there and more are being discovered all the time. They vary in structure and appearance, each one beautiful in its own rite. The smallest jelly can rest inside a contact lens and the largest is a monster that wouldn’t fit in a minivan.
People tend to flee from the ocean, at the mere sight of jellies. Their sting gives them a bad rep.
These aquatic invertebrates are too maligned, however, according to Mark Schick, collection manager at Shedd,
“Sea jellies are one of the most misunderstood animals in the ocean. We’re excited to bring this rare glimpse at these amazing creatures through this intimate and up-close experience. The highlight of Jellies is the wide variety of jelly species that guests will be able to see; however, the engaging exhibit will also offer educational interactives and programming that allow guests to experience a deep dive into the dark and mysterious world of jellies.”Schick says that, through the exhibit, “We hope to cultivate a sense of understanding and appreciation for these graceful animals.”
Jellies are truly extraordinary and worth a closer look. Did you know they have been around for 500 million years? Another surprising fact; jellies consume enough food to double their size in a day. I know a couple of people who have tried that and failed.
There are thousands of species of jellies out there and more are being discovered all the time. They vary in structure and appearance, each one beautiful in its own rite. The smallest jelly can rest inside a contact lens and the largest is a monster that wouldn’t fit in a minivan.
“This visual exhibit will be a feast for the eyes and the mind with larger-than-life images and models, spectacular video, and a variety of jellies on display,” said Bryan Schuetze, VP of Planning and Design at the Shedd Aquarium.This not-to-be-missed exhibit is on now and extends through May 28, 2012. – Jen R, Staff Writer SOURCE