I'm kind of a sucker for Sangria on a menu. Perhaps it brings back memories of our trip to Spain with the Kids a few years ago, or maybe it's just because it's so delicious on a warm day. It feels like I've ordered Sangria in restaurants around the world, and I've seen lots and lots of creative variations. Still, I was surprised to see this glass show up sprinkled with Cinnamon (it was delicious). I'm wondering whether this is a regional idea in Florida? Or just something cooked up by the chefs at Frency's Beach Cafe? Has anyone else ever had Sangria with Cinnamon on top?
Related Links
Clearwater Beach with Kids (City Guide)
What is Photo Friday?
- Post a travel photo on your site. It can be about any topic, as long as it is G-rated.
- The focus of the post should be on your photo.
- You don't need to be a professional photographer (I'm not), but do showcase your best work, and make it big enough to see well!
- It's nice to include a few sentences about the photo, but it is not required.
- Link back here so that your readers can see all the other great Photo Friday posts.
Featured Family Travel Deal
Alaska Air and Hawaiian Air are offering fares as low as $159 each way to Hawaii from the west coast. Read more about Oahu with Kids
Disney's new Aulani Resort on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu is offering a 5th night during specific dates. Travel must be booked by December 16, 2011 Click here for details. Wondering whether Aulani is for you? Check out my Aulani reviews and information.
Featured Travel Gear Deal
Buy a Britax Boulevard Carseat and Get a Free Rolling Travel Cart
. This is a nice deal if you need a new carseat - the rolling travel cart can be used to roll your carseat through the airport, to baggage claim, and right up to your rental car. The car seat latches in using the seat's latch mechanism.
If you're looking for a deal, this is the best time of year to buy a new camera! Here are some of the great deals on well rated point and shoot cameras:
Featured Giveaway
Whistler Tourism is giving away One all expenses paid month in Whistler. The giveaway includes airfare, accommodation, lift passes, ski/ snowboard equipment, plus a series of experiences. For more about what to do in Whistler with kids, check out my guide to Whistler With Kids
Trekaroo is giving away A 3 night stay at the San Juan Marriott in Puerto Rico. Here's my guide to Puero Rico with kids and the San Juan Marriott
Weekly deals always represent a savings over standard rates or represent a special package that is attractive to families. Advertisers may purchase a listing in DeliciousBaby's weekly deals, and I verify that the deal is available at press time and that it would be attractive to DeliciousBaby readers. Some links may be affiliates links, which means that I receive a small commission if you make a purchase at the site (don't worry, it doesn't cost you more) If you are interested in information about being listed in DeliciousBaby's weekly deals post, please send me email: debbie AT deliciousbaby DOT com.
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Posted on October 27, 2011 |
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Personal commitments kept me from attending the LEGOLAND grand opening in Florida last week, but I'm so lucky to have an East Coast friend with kids who was able to check it out and write about her experience! Kristen Stewart is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in Parenting, Parents and AARP: The Magazine, and I feel very lucky to have her writing here. Kristen's kids are 13, 10 and 6.
As promised here is the second post about our recent trip to Legoland
Florida. (You can find part one of the story about LEGOLAND Florida's Grand Opening here.)
I had planned to write it all as one entry but there were so many
aspects to discuss it got too long. In a funny way this challenge in reporting
on the park was actually a real benefit to our park experience. Mileage
may vary with older kids depending on their likes and dislikes but for us
there was a nice variety of attractions to keep everyone occupied.
Highest on my kids’ radar were the four roller coasters and they didn't
disappoint. Two are the same in Legolands Florida and California—the
Dragon and Test Track (note the Florida park map calls it Test Track but
the actual sign on the ride says Project X)—while the Flying School and
Coastersaurus are unique to the Florida location (note there is a roller
coaster named Coastersaurus at Legoland California but despite the same
name it's a very different ride in intensity).
One nice thing about the coasters was they were all very different from
each other so what the park may have lacked in quantity (compared to
Six Flags for example) it made up for in quality. My oldest enjoyed the
Coastersaurus the most, appreciating that it had multiple drops that were
all relatively good in size. My younger two, on the other hand, went with
the "go big or go home" philosophy and chose the Test Track as their first
choice. As my 6 year old said, "It had the biggest drop I've ever been on!"
Here is the family on Flying School…
However, the park is much more than just the roller coasters. The FORD
Driving School gave the kids a chance to practice their skills maneuvering
on city streets complete with signs and stoplights. Unlike any other car
driving type rides I've seen there were no tracks guiding these vehicles. The
kids were actually fully in control to go wherever they wanted—for better
or worse! (As a nice touch two versions were created--a more elaborate
one for older kids and a simpler type for the little ones.)
Other highlights included the Boating School where kids could drive
parents, the Island in the Sky ride which offered a 360 degree view of the
park and the Rescue Academy where families could work together to move
their rescue vehicles and spray water to put out a "fire." The Lost Kingdom
Adventure (riding in small cars while shooting lasers at targets through an
old-time Egyptian landscape) was also a hit.
No visit would be complete without a stop in Miniland. Seven city replicas
(plus a pirate adventure section) all built out of Legos made up this area. It
was particularly fun for us as we had been to all of the cities represented
and the kids were able to point out landmarks they remembered.
Cities include Las Vegas, Washington, DC, New York City, a San Francisco/
Hollywood theme and Florida (Kennedy Space Center, the Daytona
Speedway and a few other highlights). Even for families who have not
visited the cities, however, Miniland can be mesmerizing. Between the
incredible detail and the fact that vehicles are driving around many areas
we had to remind ourselves to keep moving or we could have stayed at
each display indefinitely.
Here’s my daughter in New York City…
And my son at Cape Canaveral…
Keeping in mind their pledge to cater to kids starting at age 2, Legoland
also had a variety of things for the younger set. Since my youngest is 6 we
did not take advantage of this but there are several playgrounds, a DUPLO
Village section with small rides and even a two-story carousel.
Finally, Legoland Florida had a couple things that made it pretty unique—
a Lego pirate-themed water ski show and a beautiful garden area. Both
these attractions were holdovers from Cypress Gardens, the original theme
park on this location. We really enjoyed the water ski show—my youngest
got to shoot one of three water canons and I spent a fair amount of time
wondering how people could actually waterski wearing the head-to-toe
Lego costumes.
We also appreciated the peaceful winding trails, impressive botanical
display and southern plantation feel of the gardens. Having only ever
lived in California and New Jersey it was fascinating to see all the different
kinds of greenery. Most amazing, however, was an enormous Banyan tree
(planted as a seedling in a 5-gallon bucket in 1939 according to the press
information).
My family tends to like food on the simple side so we didn't explore most
of the restaurant offerings but we did enjoy lunch at Fun Town Pizza &
Pasta Buffet. The food was surprisingly good for theme park food—various
kinds of pizza, garlic bread and a salad bar. It was quick and easy too. But
perhaps my favorite thing (in a "mom" sort of way)--they had special
silverware dispensers where you pushed a lever and your plastic fork came
out of an enclosed container. No more one fork per plastic bag polluting
the environment or my big pet peeve of a hundred grubby hands reaching
into the open silverware bin.
I should note despite our overall enjoyment of the experience the preview
day was not without its glitches. We enjoyed the Flying School roller
coaster so much we went back later in the afternoon only to find it was
closed due to technical difficulties. Ditto for the Island in the Sky (here’s
a picture of Island in the Sky taken from our seats at the water ski show
earlier in the day when it was operational…)
I also wonder if the Boat School will need some tweaking. Many people
(including us) were having trouble controlling the boats. There were
quite a few 360 degree turns going on in what was designed to be a pretty
straightforward course. Fortunately an employee was on land offering
instructions and another was in the water to help move/hold the boat. No
one was stranded but I think it was a little more challenging than it was
probably meant to be.
I find the older my kids get the faster life seems to be flying by. In that light
I do see Legoland as having a limited lifespan for our family and likely for
most families with teenage kids. However, I'm happy to say we are not
quite there yet.
Related Links
LEGOLAND Grand Opening Part 1
Orlando With Kids
LEGOLAND California with Kids
Clearwater Beach Florida with Kids
Kristen was invited by LEGOLAND to cover the grand opening celebration for DeliciousBaby. LEGOLAND paid for many (but not all) of her family's expenses on this trip. LEGOLAND did not request that Kristen express any particular point of view, and the opinions in this article are her own.
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Posted on October 26, 2011 |
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Me trying to get Eilan in the airplane seat: "let's see if your seatbelt fits. Does your seatbelt fit? "
Eilan: "no," and then climbing in my lap "mommy fits"
Related Links
Flying with Babies, Toddlers and Kids
Helping your child sleep on a plane
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Posted on October 25, 2011 |
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Personal commitments kept me from attending the LEGOLAND grand opening in Florida last week, but I'm so lucky to have an East Coast friend with kids who was able to check it out and write about her experience! Kristen Stewart is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in Parenting, Parents and AARP: The Magazine, and I feel very lucky to have her writing here. Kristen's kids are 13, 10 and 6.
A couple years ago we could have been the poster family for the new
Legoland Florida theme park.
We love Legos so much my older son has a big shelf devoted to his
creations (and my husband built an entire 5,000+ piece Millennium Falcon
replica).
We also love theme parks. Between living in New Jersey, visiting family in
California and enjoying Disneyworld enough to visit every couple years we
have seen our fair share of amusement attractions.
Naturally when Debbie contacted me to see if we could visit and review the
latest Legoland extravaganza we jumped at the chance. And yet for the
first time in our amusement park-attending history I wasn't entirely sure
how it would go.
Right on their website Legoland Florida describes it as "specifically geared
for families with children ages 2 to 12." My kids are 13, 10 and 6 so they're
nearing the top of the age range but my even bigger concern was their love
of roller coasters. Big rollercoasters.
This hasn't always been the case but in the last couple years the older two
have embraced the need for speed with a vengeance. And now that he's
48" tall (barely) the little guy is following his brother and sister into the
exciting world of dizzying corkscrews, loops and drops.
So I had to wonder—would there be enough to keep them satisfied at
Legoland Florida?
I'm happy to report the answer was a resounding yes!
I will be posting a more complete description of our time at Legoland
Florida soon but in the meantime here are a few pictures to give you a feel
for our experience.
It seemed like everywhere we went there were replicas of people and
animals built out of Legos. Here is my little one enjoying a break with a
new "friend."
Built on the site of the old Cypress Gardens theme park, Legoland Florida
has tried to keep a bit of its southern plantation feel…
Of course it’s also about the rides (big and small)…
And simply making memories together…
Related Links
LEGOLAND Grand Opening Part 2
Orlando With Kids
LEGOLAND California with Kids
Clearwater Beach Florida with Kids
Kristen was invited by LEGOLAND to cover the grand opening celebration for DeliciousBabyLEGOLAND paid for many (but not all) of her family's expenses on this trip. LEGOLAND did not request that Kristen express any particular point of view, and the opinions in this article are her own.
Filed Under:
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Posted on October 24, 2011 |
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I'm not usually in the room when Darya wakes up in the morning, so there's something precious about experiencing those first few moments with her when we travel. On this day, already long awake, I grabbed my camera to record that groggy look. It probably ruined the moment, but when I look at it I remember all the other lazy mornings we spent waking up together in a hotel room.
Related Links
Sleeping In
Co-Sleeping on in a Hotel Room
Photo Friday: Sleeping Beauties
What is Photo Friday?
- Post a travel photo on your site. It can be about any topic, as long as it is G-rated.
- The focus of the post should be on your photo.
- You don't need to be a professional photographer (I'm not), but do showcase your best work, and make it big enough to see well!
- It's nice to include a few sentences about the photo, but it is not required.
- Link back here so that your readers can see all the other great Photo Friday posts.
Featured Family Travel Deal
Disney's new Aulani Resort on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu is offering a 5th night during specific dates. Travel must be booked by December 16, 2011 Click here for details. Wondering whether Aulani is for you? Check out my Aulani reviews and information.
The warm and spacious
Honua Kai Hotel on Maui is offering 50% Off and a 5th Night Free on all studio, one and two bedroom suites for fall travel. Want to learn more about this hotel? Here's my
review of Honua Kai with Kids
Featured Travel Gear Deal
If you're looking for a deal, this is the best time of year to buy a new camera! Why? Because as the camera manufacturers release their new cameras for the holiday shopping season, stores are closing out on last year's models. If you don't care about having the latest and greatest features, and (like me) are the kind of person who just wants a well made and reasonably priced camera that you will use for several years, there are great deals to be had.
I just bought this Nikon COOLPIX P300
for $249.00 including shipping, that's $80 off of the original retail price. The Nikon COOLPIX was the top rated camera in Consumer Reports rankings and was generally in one of the first several spots in other camera reviews and rankings.
Other cameras that rank well in review after review are the Canon PowerShot S95
- now $339 ($59 savings) and the Panasonic Lumix
for $206 ($192 off of retail!)
P.S. I'm loving my new camera, and you'll start seeing better pictures on DeliciousBaby soon!
Featured Giveaway
Mother of All Trips is giving away a $400 flight voucher in her easy to enter giveaway.
Weekly deals always represent a savings over standard rates or represent a special package that is attractive to families. Advertisers may purchase a listing in DeliciousBaby's weekly deals, and I verify that the deal is available at press time and that it would be attractive to DeliciousBaby readers. Some links may be affiliates links, which means that I receive a small commission if you make a purchase at the site (don't worry, it doesn't cost you more) If you are interested in information about being listed in DeliciousBaby's weekly deals post, please send me email: debbie AT deliciousbaby DOT com.
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Posted on October 20, 2011 |
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Visiting a new place is tricky - pack too much, and you're ready to swear off all vacations before you even reach the hotel, pack too little and you'll spend a big part of your vacation budget buying what you should have brought from home. So, what should you bring on a trip to Disney's new Aulani Resort in Hawaii (or any beach resort)? Here are my best tips.
What Not to Pack
- A travel crib The Aulani Resort provides a pack and play complete with a clean fitted sheet in each room. For other hotels, call ahead to find out whether the hotel provides a crib or pack and play. Most hotels don't provide a properly fitted sheet, leaving you to fold a king sized sheet to cover the mattress. If you'd like a (safer) snugly fitting sheet, you'll want to bring your own from home.
- Fresh fruits or plants If you've brought along, for instance, a banana for your toddler to eat in flight, it's best to make sure he or she finishes it - that way you won't slow down your entry with trip to the Agricultural Inspection Counter guidelines for traveling from the US mainland to Hawaii. Manufactured products (i.e. a snack bar or commercial baby food) do not need to be declared.
What To Pack
- Shade for the beach. Beach umbrellas can be rented for $20 per day at Aulani, and would provide shade for the entire family. Still, if you are staying for several days or plan to use public beaches away from your hotel, it might be less expensive to bring along your own shade. The Pea Pod can be used as a toddler bed.
- A baby raft would be nice for floating safely down Aulani's lazy river or floating in a deeper pool. Otherwise baby can wear a lifejacket and sit in your lap on one of the resort provided inner tubes. Here are two different styles that would work well:
Baby Spring Float Sun Canopy
or
Intex Tropical Shade Float
- Waterproof Shoes The poolside and beach can get hot for sensitive little feet. Bring a waterproof slip on shoe (not flip-flops which are a trip hazard for young kids). There are no escalators at Aulani, so Crocs or a water sports shoe would work well. Here are two choices that I like: Aquatik Aqua Water Shoes - Beach Shoes
and
Crocs
- Disposable Sippy Cup
Eilan and I loved the easy to find ice water dispensers at Aulani! If your child needs a sippy cup, Take & Toss Spill Proof Cups
are the easiest to transport and clean while you're traveling. I tossed one in my beach bag each day, and cleaned it out in my hotel room sink each night.
- Plenty of Diapers and Swim Diapers Diapers are expensive at any resort, and you always run a risk that they'll be sold out of your child's size or brand. If you do run out, or need other baby gear, Toys R Us is about 20 minutes away in Aiea.
- Favorite non-perishable snacks A small convenience store in Aulani's lobby, and a somewhat larger convenience store across the street stock fresh fruit, milk, and popular snack items. However, if your child has a favorite snack, you prefer organics, or if you want to avoid higher Hawaiian prices, it's a good idea to bring snack foods from home.
- Beach Shovels and an inflatable Beach Ball Aulani does not have beach shovels, buckets, or other beach items to borrow. They are available for purchase, but you'll save a lot of money by reusing your gear from a previous trip. Don't have these items? Here's the durable set that we own: Kidoozi Castle Bucket Set
and here's a cool set made from recycled plastic milk containers Green Toys Sand Play Set
- A Few Quiet Toys The time in Hawaii is 3 hours earlier than the west coast, meaning that when your child wakes up at 7am west coast time, it will be *gasp* 4am Hawaii time. You'll need a few quiet toys that he or she can play with in your room until the pool opens at 8. Need ideas? Check out my favorite travel toys for every age
Want more information about what to pack for a beach vacation? Read my post on Sun Protection for your little traveler
Optional Items
Your suitcase is probably heavy enough already, but here are a couple of fun ideas that you might want to include.
- Glow Light Stick Bracelets
are fun for a nighttime trip to the beach or pool.
- Eilan loved dressing up in his Mickey Mouse costume and roaming the resort. If your child has a special Disney costume, and you have room in your bag, they'll probably enjoy wearing it in the evenings after things cool down.
Related Links
Packing lists for travel with kids
Sun Protection for your little traveler
Favorite Travel Toys
Other Aulani Stories on DeliciousBaby
Your Questions about Aulani Resort Answered
What to do at Aulani Resort with a Toddler
Honolulu and Greater Oahu with Kids (City Guide)
Aulani Resort in Pictures (Part 1)
Aulani Resort in Pictures (Part 2)
The Littlest Mouse (Part 1: At Home)
The LIttlest Mouse (Part 2: Aulani Resort)
Reader Question:What did I miss? What do you bring on a beach vacation with kids?
Disclosure: Making a purchase using one of the Amazon links on this site doesn't cost you more, and I receive a small commission from each purchase. Those commissions help me keep this site going.
Filed Under:
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Posted on October 18, 2011 |
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With a few exceptions, we normally avoid "just for kids" cruises and other activities that don't seem like they'd be as much fun for us as they are for the kids, but somehow on our trip to Florida, Darya and I found ourself on Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise. I sometimes feel guilty that we don't do more of this sort of thing so it was reassuring to know that she doesn't enjoy this sort of rambunctious and noisy adventure any more than I do. Still, I'll have to admit, she's the cutest pirate on the high seas... the pictures almost make the noisy ride worthwhile.
Related Links
Clearwater Beach with Kids (City Guide)
What is Photo Friday?
- Post a travel photo on your site. It can be about any topic, as long as it is G-rated.
- The focus of the post should be on your photo.
- You don't need to be a professional photographer (I'm not), but do showcase your best work, and make it big enough to see well!
- It's nice to include a few sentences about the photo, but it is not required.
- Link back here so that your readers can see all the other great Photo Friday posts.
Featured Family Travel Deal
The warm and spacious
Honua Kai Hotel on Maui is offering 50% Off and a 5th Night Free on all studio, one and two bedroom suites for fall travel. Want to learn more about this hotel? Here's my
review of Honua Kai with Kids
Featured Travel Gear Deal
2010 Models of the
Quinny Zapp are on sale at Amazon for the closeout price of $176. That's $43 less than retail!
buy a Quinny Zapp on Amazon
Featured Giveaway
Ciao Bambino is running a giveaway that's just too good to keep to myself. Enter to win one of
three vacations at a family-friendly Four Seasons Resort
Weekly deals always represent a savings over standard rates or represent a special package that is attractive to families. Advertisers may purchase a listing in DeliciousBaby's weekly deals, and I verify that the deal is available at press time and that it would be attractive to DeliciousBaby readers. Some links may be affiliates links, which means that I receive a small commission if you make a purchase at the site (don't worry, it doesn't cost you more) If you are interested in information about being listed in DeliciousBaby's weekly deals post, please send me email: debbie AT deliciousbaby DOT com.
Filed Under:
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Posted on October 13, 2011 |
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