Cars land is officially open, and I was lucky to visit with my husband and three kids during the Californa Adventure Grand Reopening Celebration! I wanted to share a few pictures and early thoughts. I'll be sharing more stories this week, culminating in a giveaway next Monday for four passes to Disney's California Adventure so that you can check it out for yourself!
Darya and I were in such a rush to get out in the morning, that we forgot how cool California mornings can be. She's wrapped in my windbreaker, but happy as a clam!
Carsland Entrance at Disney's California Adventure Park
If you follow me on Instagram, you already know that my kids hadn't seen the Cars Land movie. A hastily scheduled movie night the weekend before our trip, was just what the doctor ordered... It's the travel blogger version of cramming for exams. The upside of all that "hard work" was that the movie was fresh as we walked on what felt like a real-life set straight out of the movie. Honestly, having an animated world come to life in such vivid detail was a strangely disorienting feeling.
Entrance to Radiator Springs at Cars Land in Disney's California Adventure Park
Darya and Everest pose in front of Lightning McQueen at Carsland
Sarge's Surplus Hut sells Cars Land Memorabilia
A massive rockwork serves as the backdrop to Cars Land. It's hard to tell the scale in pictures, but this is 280,000 square feet and 125 feet tall at its peak. For me, it was an element that transported me back to our own family road trips through New Mexico and Arizona. In the early evening it reflects the warm glow of the sun to an absolutely beautiful effect.
Rockwork backdrop for the Radiator Springs Racers Ride at Cars Land
The rockwork isn't just ornamental though, it's the race track for Cars Land's "E-ticket" ride, the Radiator Springs Racers. Even if you're not up for the fast moving ride, there are benches where you can sit and watch as the cars roar by, or grab a bite to eat at Flo's V8 Café which overlooks the track.
If the Rockwork and the Radiator Springs Ride are your ultimate destination, Route 66 is the route you'll take to get there. And along the way, you'll see many familiar sites, reworked to house the essentials of a Disney attraction.
Route 66 markers on Cars Land's main street
Fillmore’s Taste-Inn offers fresh fruit and snack foods
Radiator Springs Souvenir Shop at Cars Land
Flo's V8 Cafe
The Cozy Cone Motel is here too. Somehow these cones just seem to cute to be real, and as we approached them, I heard Darya let out a deep breath and say "ooooohhhhhh, mommy, look, there's something inside."
The Cozy Cone Motel has been reworked as a series of takeaway food stands
Each cone houses a different fast-food option (served in a cone of course). I thought these pretzels were too adorable to pass up.
Pretzel bites served in a cone (of course) at the Cozy Cones in Cars Land
Somehow the rockwork and the retro color scheme work together to create an environment that's very pleasant to be in. The incredible level of detail adds to the experience too. No element is too insignificant to be overlooked.
These flowers look as if they're made from old taillights
Even the handicapped ride entrance gets the Cars Land treatment
I'm sure I've never seen more adorable restroom signs
At nighttime, the neon lights on Route 66 flicker to life and together, signs like this one
Cozy Cone Neon Sign at Carsland
Create an effect like this
At night the neon in Cars Land flickers to life
I hope I've given you a good visual taste of what it feels like to be in the new Cars Land. Up next: I'll post about the rides inside Cars Land!
Disney paid for my flight to Orange County, a hotel room at the Grand Californian Hotel, and gave us advance admission to Disney's California Adventure so that we could check out all the new attractions that have been added over the past few years. They did not ask that I express that any particular point of view.
I'm on an emotional high tonight, and I want to share something that I've been keeping as a surprise... When we went on our trip to Zambia, Expedia sent along a videographer to film our visit to the libraries you helped build. I'm just in love with the video they put together, and I hope you'll take a moment to watch it.
I must have 50 photos of my kids on or next to the big "piggy bank" that stands in front of Seattle's Pike Place Market. Here are a few of my favorites.
Darya needs some help staying seated on the Pig at Pike Place Market
I'm always excited when I can give away a prize that provides real value. This week I am giving away a two-night stay for two at a Home2 Suites by Hilton property of the winner’s choice.
Dates are based on availability. Blackout dates are Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Winner is responsible for transportation to and from the hotel including flights and airport transfers. To redeem, winner must contact the property they wish to stay at and make a reservation at least 30 days prior to the desired stay date.
Home2 Suites Studio Guest Room
More About Home2 Suites
Home2 Suites hotels are located in Fayetteville, NC; Layton, UT; Baltimore, MD; West Valley City, UT; San Antonio, TX; Lexington Park, MD; Charleston, SC; Jacksonville, NC, Nashville, TN, and Biloxi/D'Iberville, MS. More than 70 additional hotels are in the works in the US and Canada.
Each hotel features
Spacious and stylish suites
Budget friendly pricing
Complimentary breakfast and Internet
In-room kitchens
Outdoor spaces at every property
Environmentally friendly practices including recycling centers, bulk bath amenities, dual flush toilets and Energy Star appliances
How To Enter
One lucky reader can win. If you would like a chance to win, leave a comment telling me what questions you have about family travel by Monday June 18th at 11:59PM PST Please fill in the email field of the comment form (your email isn't shared with anyone, and I will not send you email unless you win).
Other Ways to Win
There are several additional ways you can get entries in this contest. Each takes only a few minutes!
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Winners All entries must be received by Monday June 18th 2012 at 11:59PM PST I will choose a winner randomly and announce the results here by Friday June 22, 2012.
Rules
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A purchase will not increase your chances of winning. Void in Puerto Rico and where prohibited or restricted by law.
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Last year when I went to TBEX, I was surprised to find a room packed with other family travel bloggers. I came home, and got everyone's help in creating a list that we could use to find one another. Almost a year has gone by, and it's time for an update. If you enjoy reading about family travel, go explore the list, I bet you'll find a family doing something you never thought possible!
More Stats and Details
We also collected some helpful stats that don't quite fit on this page. Those stats include:
email address, monthly unique visitors (AUV), Twitter followers, RSS Feed size, closest airport, Facebook Fan Page URL, whether the blogger has a newsletter, whether the blogger accepts advertising, topics covered, other outlets (print and online), professional affiliations and accolades, whether the blogger produces audio or video. We also included information on whether the blogger will be at TBEX and whether they plan to participate in Passports with Purpose 2012
For the full list with all the bloggie details, click here (this list is automatically refreshed as new bloggers add their sites)
To receive the family travel bloggers list in spreadsheet format as an email attachment, send me email: Debbie AT deliciousbaby DOT com
DeliciousBaby - Making Travel with Kids Fun Twitter: @deliciousbaby @tripdoc - DeliciousBaby is about traveling with young kids. It includes inspiration, travel tips, city guides and product reviews
Walkingon Travels Twitter: walkingontravel - When you won't let the kids stop your wanderlust this is the place to go.
Wandering Off Twitter: @wandering_off - Family-friendly adventures in and around Las Vegas
Special Needs Travel Mom Twitter: @ionMyAdventures - Resources and advice for family travel with a special needs child.
The Carey Adventures Twitter: pwcarey - We love chocolate. And we travel. Father and daughter adventures with plenty of pictures.
Adventures by Daddy Twitter: @AdventuresbyDad - Expert family travel advice and escapist fun from Dad's perspective.
Travel 50 States with Kids Twitter: @Travel50States - Parent-to-parent ideas and tips for traveling to all 50 states with your kids
Travels with Children Twitter: @minnemom - Budget-friendly family travel reviews, large-family and road trip focus.
Arrows Sent Forth Twitter: @arrowssentforth - Adventures at home (Indiana) and away with kids.
Mini Globetrotters Twitter: @miniGTs - Mini Globetrotters provides indispensable gear reviews so you know what to pack, tips for keeping you and your family sane while traveling, as well as trip reports of family friendly places to visit, all over the globe!
Pit Stops for Kids Twitter: @pitstopsforkids - Family travel hotel and resort reviews, experiences, adventures, pit stops, and tips for any parent who's heard, 'Are we there yet?' one too many times.
Mo Travels Twitter: @monique_rubin - Globetrotting wife & mom isn't content to travel the world, wants to run it too. Expat in Holland. Also blogs for Traveling Mom and Flying Blue Running.
Albany Kid Family Travel Twitter: @SandraFoyt, @AlbanyKidNY - Fun and educational family travel; based in New York, inspiring lifelong learners to travel the world.
All Things Lifestyle Twitter: @karonwarren, @allthgslifestyl - Covering all things lifestyle, including family travel
The Vacation Gals Twitter: @karasw, @thevacationgals - Expert advice on destinations for family travel, as well as romantic escapes and girlfriend getaways, plus travel gear and tips.
Gone With The Family Twitter: @GoneWithFamily - Personal trip reports, travel tips and news from a family that has been traveling with kids for more than 15 years - one trip at a time.
the travelling mom Twitter: @travelling_mom - "thetravellingmom offers a modern mom's guide of travel sanity tips and destination information to get the most out of travelling with your family.
"
Go BIG or Go Home Twitter: @GoBIG_GoHome - What happens when a small-town family visits the World's Largest... whatever!
To Europe With Kids Twitter: @toEuropeWithKid - I invite you to share my enthusiasm in planning a trip to Europe with your kids!
Trekaroo Twitter: lcavalletta - We provide reviews of kid-friendly hotels, activities, and travel tips for family fun.
The World Is A Book Twitter: @worldbooktravel - Cruising and exploring the world with kids and sharing our tips to save time, money and sanity along the way.
Have Baby Will Travel Twitter: @hvbabywilltrvl - Have Baby Will Travel's mission is to inspire, motivate, and help families travel with babies, toddlers, and young children.
Red Eye Family Twitter: - Traveling around the world with my husband and two small children.
Wandering Educators Twitter: @WanderingEds - A travel library for people curious about the world.
The Family Adventure Project Twitter: @familyonabike - Ideas and inspiration for families looking to make life active, adventurous, interesting and fun; from the everyday to the once in a lifetime.
A King's Life Twitter: - "We are a family of four (with a 4 & 2 yr old) that sold our suburban stuff in order to live our dreams of travel, adventure and new experiences in different cultures.
Family Travel. Rich Experience. Happy Life. "
Family Rambling / Ireland with Kids Twitter: @iatraveler - "Family Rambling shares destinations, travel tips and reviews of items that make travel easier with kids! The majority of destinations are around the Midwest, though you'll find a few farther flung locations scattered throughout the site.
Ireland with Kids is the only site online devoted entirely to family travel in Ireland. Where to stay, what to do and ideas to keep the kids believing in the magic of the Emerald Isle."
Travel with Teens and Tweens Twitter: @travelwithteens - Reviews, resources and inspiration for parents planning vacations, college visits and other travel involving their teens and tweens, as well as younger siblings.
Worldschool Adventures Twitter: @worldschooled - Traveling slow with the little ones in tow and letting the world be our teacher!
Two Kids and a Map Twitter: @twokidsandamap - Traveling with our kids and sharing our stories
Frisco Kids and Jersey Kids Twitter: @friscokids, @jerseykids - "Your guide to kid-friendly events and trips around the San Francisco Bay Area...and beyond.
Your guide to family-friendly day trips in New Jersey, New York...and beyond."
This Is My Happiness Twitter: @thismyhappiness - A love of travel, art, and living in the moment
Budget Travel Adventures Twitter: @budgettravelsac - Budget traveler who finds destinations, experiences, and sports to share my passion with the world.
Trekaroo Twitter: trekaroo, doubleadventure - Trekaroo is a leading family travel website featuring user generated reviews, family travel tips, product reviews, travel guides, and first hand accounts from our team of talented writers and reviewers.
Livin On The Road Twitter: @livinontheroad - RV travels around Australia with four kids since 2009.
Wandering Photographer Twitter: @wanderingphotos - Capturing the timeless memories around Australia, with four kids since 2009.
The Culture Mom Twitter: theculturemom - For moms not ready to give up sushi for hotdogs.
Ciao Bambino! Twitter: @CiaoBambino - Ciao Bambino is an award-winning family travel blog and comprehensive guide to the best hotels and resorts with kids of all ages in the world's top destinations.
WeJustGotBack.com Twitter: @SuzanneWJGB - WeJustGotBack.com is a multi-award-winning family travel site that makes planning vacations easier, cheaper and less stressful.
Sophie's World Twitter: @SophieR - Sophie’s World is about showing how the exhilarating world of travel need not diminish once you have children. In my experience, children and travel can easily be combined.
Field Trips with Sue Twitter: @suerodman - Field Trips with Sue is a family travel blog about things to do in Atlanta and the Southeast with kids, as well as places to visit easily accessible from Atlanta.
TravelRink Twitter: travelrink - An online family travel resource center featuring kid friendly travel tips, destinations, articles and advice from a dad's perspective.
Stumble Abroad Twitter: - The adventures and misadventures of a country-hopping family of four currently exploring Indonesia, South East Asia and beyond.
Child Mode Twitter: @ChildMode, @TravelerMode, @NadiaCarriere - Child Mode is an online lifestyle, product and travel magazine for families.
Hudson Valley Good Stuff Twitter: girlgumption - Where to eat, play, and relax in New York's Hudson Valley
Atlanta Moms on the Move Twitter: @AtlMomsonMove - Atlanta's resource for family friendly things to do, events and family travel.
Fulltime Families Twitter: FulltimeFamily - A full service website for families who full time rv or want to!
weelife Twitter: @jackieatweelife - I blog about the things I love: creating, learning, reading, playing, cooking and travelling. And other wee stuff.
Discover Share Inspire Twitter: @rdenning, - Family of seven travels overland from Alaska to Argentina, inspiring others to LIVE DELIBERATELY.
Mommy Travels Twitter: @MommyTravels - MommyTravels is for anyone who travels with kids, covering destinations all over the world, includes travel tips, travel deals, ways to save money on trips and military travel.
Baby Loves to Travel Twitter: @BabyLuvs2Travel - Offer mums and dads helpful travel tips, as well as reviews and advice on activities for kids in all of the destinations we have visited.
www.FamilyTravel.com Twitter: @lohayes; @FamilyTraveldotcom - Your trusted source for all things Family Travel.
Adventures for Families Twitter: FamilyTreks - Tips, news, and reviews from a professional family travel advisor.
weninchina.com Twitter: @weninchina - Helping regular families discover Chinese & East Asian culture, show them what to expect in Asia, & inspire them to take that trip!
The Dropout Diaries Twitter: @dropoutdiaries - Tales from a toddler-toting street food-obsessed traveler trying to find her feet in Asia.
Newschool Nomads Twitter: @girlhero - Family of four traveling the US in an RV.
Autisticglobetrotting Twitter: @autiglobetrot - The website created by a family with two special needs kids to inspire and encourage autistic travel
WanderMom.com Twitter: @wandermom - Inspiration for the family that travels. Tips, advice and stores on international and around-the-world travel for families.
R We There Yet Mom? Twitter: @rwethereyetmom - Family Fun Activities for Central Texas and Beyond....
South America Living Twitter: @mollymchugh - Travel guides, country guides and living abroad information for South America travelers and expats.
Culture Every Day Twitter: @justineickes - Tips, resources and real-life stories for exploring the world´s diverse cultures
Mom's Guide To Travel Twitter: @worldtravelmom, @momguide2travel - Mom's Guide To Travel encourages and helps families strategize traveling with young kids via videos, ideas, tips, and reviews.
Two Wishes Twitter: @tara_blogs - Formerly Tulip Family Travels, now wrapping family travel material into my longstanding personal blog for better exposure. Also freelance travel writer.
Family on bikes Twitter: @familyonbikes - We believe in living your dreams and help inspire others to do the same!
Raising Miro on the Road of Life Travel Blog & Podcast Twitter: @ilainie - A single mom & son's travel blog & podcast, chronicling their nomadic adventures as they travel around the world together; Raising Miro on the Road of Life.
500 Places With Kids Twitter: @500placeswkids - Trying to see all "500 Places to Take Your Kids Before They Grow Up."
Travel Mamas Twitter: @TravelMamas - Tips, packing lists, giveaways and stories for anyone who wants to travel with children...and stay sane!
FindandGoSeek Twitter: @MissMagpieFGS - Vermont's Insider Guide to Fun
Emerald City Kids Twitter: helloterumi - Seattle-based mom who likes to eat, shop and travel with twin boys and hubby in tow.
SixSuitcaseTravel Twitter: @6suitcasetravel - Helping big families find accommodations that fit their needs worldwide. Big family travel.
Touring Tots Twitter: - We're young and poor but cool! Our families travels and opinions.
GoingAnyway Twitter: - Five children, a wheelchair and a serious case of wanderlust...
Kinderjet Twitter: @KinderJet - KinderJet is stories, tips, destinations and inspiration to help families travel the world and close to home.
ianandwendy.com Twitter: @ianandwendy - We started traveling together in 1995. 54 countries and 2 kids later, we continue to explore our world.
Kidventurous Twitter: @kidventurous - Kidventurous is for moms and dads who want to make family travel both educational and fun.
With 2 Kids In Tow, It's Backpacking We Go Twitter: @with2kidsintow - Mom, Dad and their 2 pre-schoolers backpack through SEA, India and Sri Lanka on a shoe-string budget for 12 months in 2011.
World Wandering Kiwi Twitter: @NvGtravels - Adventurous travel doesn't stop with kids! Exploring the world with my three-year-old daughter.
When I filmed my video about Seattle for Expedia, the new Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum wasn't yet opened, and everyone (including the kids and I) was peeking through gaps in the landscaping and trying to get a view inside. So it seemed only fitting to go back and visit the museum for this post, which was also commissioned by Expedia as part of their Kids in the City campaign. (Check it out - the website has advice from 12 top family travel bloggers about what to do in each of their home cities)
Unpacking the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum in Seattle Center
I'll admit, I got a few worried looks from other visitors as I entered Seattle's new Chihuly Glass Museum with three-year-old Eilan. This museum is not something I would have attempted with all three kids in tow, but with just one it's easier to adjust our pace or leave on a moment's notice.
Eilan wasn't worried for a minute though. He had been peeking in through the landscaping too, and absolutely could not wait to see all the beautiful colors.
A handy "kids guide" gives kids something to do besides touching the art
Even though he was way to young for the activities, Eilan just loved this full-color kids guide to the museum. It was fun for him to match what he saw with the photos in the booklet, and it gave him something to refer back to on the car ride home.
But what about the glass?
Eye popping colors and delicate designs at the Chihuly Museum in Seattle Center
Feeding on my energy, Eilan was cautious at first
I've got my guide and I'm ready to go!
But the colors and lights were just magical for him, and he really took the time to absorb every detail. Each room was like a magical world for him to immerse himself in. Even at Disneyland, the most immersive place I can think of, he'd never seen anything quite like this.
Mille Fiori at Chihuly Garden and Glass in Seattle Center
or this
Float Boat Exhibit at the Chihuly Glass and Garden
By the time we'd seen the entire exhibit, Eilan was mentally tapped out. It's a lot of stimulation for a little guy!
Chandelier at the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum in Seattle
And what I'd expected would be a cautious but spirited run through the Conservatory and Garden, ended up being a quiet stroller ride instead.
Glasshouse at Chihuly Garden and Glass - Wouldn't you love to be married here?
Hello old friend! A view of the Space Needle through the Chihuly Glasshouse
I'll have to come back with the big kids (preferably one at a time) because I'm pretty sure this is the fairy garden Darya has been looking for
I paid for my own admission to the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum and nobody there knew I was a blogger. Whenever I accept a sponsored product or service, I will always let you know.
The thing that really impressed me when I first moved to Seattle was how the combination of a) lots of hills b) lots of water and c) lots of greenery makes for great views in so many parts of the city. Now that I've lived here for a while, it has all become commonplace, but every once in a while I remember to take a look around as I drive between errands. Here are a few of my favorite "everyday views"
Seattle's Smith Tower was once the tallest building on the West Coast
Traffic Jam in the Arboretum... There's a reason Seattle is called the Emerald City
As part of Expedia's Kids in the City campaign, I created a video about things to do in Seattle with Kids. This was fun to put together and I hope you enjoy it!
Everest is 7 years old now, which means that we've explored Seattle for seven summers, collecting activities and favorite spots as we went. Here are my favorite spots that are off the beaten path for out of town visitors, but still close-in enough to enjoy if you visit Seattle with kids in the summertime.
International Fountain at Seattle Center
International Fountain at Seattle Center
For me, this is the iconic Seattle summer destination. This huge fountain is perfectly designed for all ages to run and splash in. And if you haven't been to Seattle Center in a while, you'll be excited to see that they're in the process of revamping the food court in the Center House (hello Eltana and Pie)
2 Year old Everest snacks on an ice cream cone at Seattle's Madison Park Beach
Madison Park is one of my favorite spots for a lazy afternoon in the sun. The kids can climb on the playground, ride bikes, or head down to the waterfront, and with several food options in walking distance, I know I won't have to pack up and head out just because I've run out of snacks or it's getting to close to dinnertime.
Here are more ideas about what to do in Madison Park Seattle with Kids
Alki Beach, West Seattle
View from Seattle's Alki Beach at Sunset
Seattle doesn't have the wide endless beaches that the West Coast is known for, except for Alki Beach. This is a great place to ride bikes, play in the sand or enjoy the view. For bonus points, take the Water Taxi from downtown.
Old School Frozen Custard
Old School Frozen Custard is my kids favorite ice cream shop in Seattle
School may be out of session, but my kids never mind a trip to Old School Frozen Custard. Sold soft-serve style, its the smoothest, creamiest ice cream I've ever eaten. After your treat, we run off our sugar at nearby Cal Anderson Park. Here are more suggestions about what to do in Seattle's Capitol Hill
About Me I'm Debbie, mother of three delicious kids and I write about traveling with little kids. That's my daughter in the backpack and my son in Paris on Halloween.
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