Mom Behind a Blog: Travel

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Gatorland holds a special place in my heart and for that reason I was very excited to take my kids on this adventure. I have only been to Gatorland one other time in my life and that happened to be when I was 3 years old but it obviously left a good impression on me because at that young age of 3, I remember my time spent there. I was hoping to give that same experience to my children.

Gatorland was more exciting then I could have expected.

Travel Trip to Gatorland

by marissa on 4:38:00 PM

Gatorland holds a special place in my heart and for that reason I was very excited to take my kids on this adventure. I have only been to G...

I was in a skeptical mood this day I must say because the only time I ever see legos is when I am pealing them off the bottom of my foot, while screaming enough to wake the dead. However, my mood quickly turned to me being blow away by what them little boogers can create. Not to mention, this is an amusement park and who doesn't love amusement parks!

As we walk into the park and look at the different statues and creations surrounding us. We found ourselves closely examining each one making sure our eyes are not playing tricks on us. Sure enough, our eyes were indeed seeing the truth. What we were gazing on was most certainly made from Legos. How amazing are some of these!

Lego Mini World

Those are just a few amazing pieces there to view. However, like I said this is an amusement park, so there are tons of rides and my favorite park is there are rides for all the little ones that as a parent you think wont be able to ride much because they are to small. There is also a indoor play area for these little kiddos who my be tired of walking around the park. This spot is a great area to cool off and let the kids play while you rest a minute.

Legoland

by marissa on 4:36:00 PM

I was in a skeptical mood this day I must say because the only time I ever see legos is when I am pealing them off the bottom of my foot, w...

I could not miss out on sharing my family's adventure to the "happiest place on earth." Truly a magical place!

After reading, talking to people, and researching all I could to make a memorable Disney World Adventure, my husband and I finally rounded up the kiddos and headed to Florida. With so much to see and do, I wanted to have a good plan of action.

With our youngest children being 4 years old and 1 years old, my husband and I decided to just do Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. I was blown away by everything that is Disney. The Disney parks do not do anything half way. They go above and beyond for everyone to feel "the magic", even adults.
I love taking my kids to amusement parks, but Disney is steps above your typical amusement park. The first thing my family did was meet a few characters as we entered Magic Kingdom. As we are walking into meet Tinker Bell, the surroundings make it seem as though you are shrinking into the world where Tinker Bell lives. She was absolutely beautiful; and although it was only for a few minutes, our private time with Tinker Bell was magical.

Before moving on, I have to stop and talk about the main attraction. The Castle! Who doesn't love Cinderella's Castle! I love it, you love it, we all love it! Yep, still takes my breath away.
It is really hard for me to make only a few suggestions of what to make sure you see and do because I am going to be honest, my honest opinion is to make time to see everything! Stay that extra day or 2 to give you the time you need to move around the park or parks.

As all of you know, I have 4 children and their ages are from 1 to 10 years old. So you can image the time and effort it takes to plan, pack and budget for food and fun. That is one awesome thing about Disney. They give you all the options you need and can afford to make your trip as smooth and unforgettable (in a good way) as possible. My personal recommendations (speaking from complete experience) is to do all your booking, purchasing and planning straight with Disney. In the long run, trying to cut any corners will only cost you more time, more money, and more headaches then it was ever worth.

It is very important to take advantage of the huge discounts on tickets for extra days to spend at the Disney parks. With so much to see and do you really do want to give yourself plenty of time to ride each ride, see the parades and watch the shows. You will not regret spending more days at Disney! You're more likely to have a harder time wanting to leaving the parks.

One thing I definitely want to mention is Disney Fast Pass. Get on their website, set up your account and take advantage of your Fast Pass. Who is the Fast Passes for you say? You! Everyone is able to set up fast pass times to enjoy not having to wait in line to ride their favorite ride or see their favorite character. However, make sure to schedule yours as soon as you are able to or it may be fully booked.

For my family I brought my double side-by-side stroller and packed the bottom with on-the-go snacks and drinks, not to mention all the necessities such as: first aid kit, diapers, wipes, sun screen, a change of clothes for little ones, and a small battery operated fan. (It's Florida people!)

My Families Favorites at each park:

Ride                           Character                         Attraction/Show
Jeremy-
Marissa-    Great Movie Ride                Aurora                           Cinderella's Castle
Payton-     Pirates of the Carribean       Woody                          Indiana Jones Stunt Show
Alyssa-           Peter Pan                       Rapunzel                         Light Show on Cinderella's Castle
Colton-        Toy Story Mania            Mickey Mouse                  Indiana Jones Stunt Show
Easton-         All of them                Scared of all of them            All the ones he didn't sleep through

To watch a slideshow of this adventure Click Here

Walt Disney World

by marissa on 7:54:00 AM

I could not miss out on sharing my family's adventure to the "happiest place on earth." Truly a magical place! After readi...

I am so pleased to share Crown Reef Resort with you! My family and I had the pleasure of staying with Crown Reef and with so many fun and accommodating features, it is hard for me to know where to start. The ocean front view from my balcony absolutely took my breath away and our room was more than accommodating to my family of 6 and with a full kitchen 3 beds and sofa-bed, and 2 tvs we were able to enjoy a home away from home. I was pleased with the Crown Reef's location, it is ideal for my family. Located right down the road from Myrtle Beach's main strip, we were able to enjoy the activities with out having the constant crowd right outside our door.

"Crown Reef Resort, which opened its first tower in 1994, is located at 2913 South Ocean Boulevard along the south end of Myrtle Beach. An oceanfront resort just minutes from the Myrtle Beach airport, Crown Reef offers the most oceanfront rooms (514) in Myrtle Beach, a large conference center, indoor and outdoor water amenities, on-site dining and more. For more information, visit www.CrownReef.com or call (855) 997-4257."

This was the first time seeing the ocean for my 4 children and having the straight access to it made their experience that much more enjoyable. In addition to having walk on beach access, Crown Reef offers a beach front water park with a 575 foot lazy river, 2 four-story enclosed water slides, 11 indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis, 125-foot pool, indoor pool, 3 kiddie pools, and a splash zone for children with kiddie slide. The part momma loves most, the water park in NO additional charge! It is complimentary for all Crown Reef guests!

In the evenings after our stroll down the main strip or beach we would dine on an ocean front patio provided by Crown Reef's Loco Gecko Restaurant. A must have would be their Carolina Burger and pizza! Right next to Loco Gecko is the game room. instead of coins and tickets load your card up with however much money you want to spend and wipe it through the game machine. Your points (tickets) load directly onto that card as well.

Crown Reef Resorts friendly staff, remarkable location, and comfortable rooms made for a memorable ocean getaway. My family not only recommends this location but will be visiting Crown Reef Resort Myrtle Beach again.

Crown Reef Resort in Myrtle Beach

by marissa on 12:00:00 AM

I am so pleased to share Crown Reef Resort with you! My family and I had the pleasure of staying with Crown Reef and with so many fun and...

Easter at the Zoo! The Indianapolis Zoo has so much to offer a family looking to enjoying a day out with their loved ones. For the Easter holiday they held an "Egg Hunt" (egg shaped signs hidden all over the park). You were given a card to fill out every time you found an egg. At the end of your day, you turned in your card for a free prize. My children had a blast finding the eggs while traveling the park to see the animals.

I have to tip my hat to the ladies hosting the Dolphin Show. Their hard work with these animals is definitely paying off. The Dolphin show is amazing and my favorite for sure! It has made quite the impression on my daughter as well. She now wants to pursue a career in Marine Biology.

I am very impressed with how well The Indianapolis Zoo is set up. You have a clear view of each of the animals as opposed to looking from a distance and searching for where the animal might be hiding in the exhibit.

I hope you are enjoying the photos of the zoo that my family took. I want to make sure to mention the butterfly pictures are taken in the Butterfly House, as my children call it. White River Garden's Hilbert Conservatory allows you to walk through a beautiful indoor garden while 40 species of butterflies flutter around you. The first time I went to this exhibit I was 18 with my mother and I was so disappointed that my camera could not focus on close up pictures of the butterflies. Now over a decade later I finally got my close up shots.

* I was provided complimentary admission to the Indianapolis Zoo. All opinions are my own.

Easter at The Indianapolis Zoo

by marissa on 9:17:00 AM

Easter at the Zoo! The Indianapolis Zoo has so much to offer a family looking to enjoying a day out with their loved ones. For the Easter...

Kings Island, a family tradition that started when I was a child. Every fall we purchase season passes to enjoy Kings Island the following summer. We go as often as time and expenses will allow. Although this is probably frowned on and doesn't happen very often, I have been known to let my kids skip a day of school to have a fun filled day with mom at the park.

Our fun begins on the drive to Kings Island where we play our traditional game of "who can see the Eiffel Tower first". Kings Island's Eiffel Tower is one-third the size of the one in Paris, France. The height makes me a nervous wreck but gives an awesome view of the park!
We typically have our day planned out so that the kids can ride all their favorites. However, now that my oldest 2 can ride most of the adult rides we have had to switch things up a little; but no matter what the ages are Boo Blasters on Boo Hill has been on our must ride list every year. I still remember when it was The Enchanted Voyage (a.k.a. The Smurf Ride).

Around lunch time, you can find us at eating pizza at Festhaus where we enjoy the live singing and dancing. After eating lunch, we ride the Viking Fury and then make our way through Oktoberfest and Coney Mall riding all the rides we can until we get to Rivertown. By this time we are ready for a snack, and our favorites are filling our Icy souvenir cups and getting Gumbo Fries from Potato Works. By this time, the kids are hot enough and tired enough to enjoy the train ride to the water park. The water park is filled with different areas for children to play, swim, and splash. After the train ride back, we head to the kiddie park to cover any rides they have not ridden or would like to ride again. At this time, I can usually judge to see if they are going to be able to make it until the fireworks that Kings Island has every night at closing time.

I have so many fond memories of Kings Island as a child, and I hope I am giving my children the same memories.

Favorite Rides

Payton's Favorite ride:    Scrabbler
Alyssa's Favorite ride: Dropzone
Colton's Favorite ride:    Linus Beetle Bugs
Easton's Favorite ride:    Boo Blaster's ( he's a baby)
My Favorite ride:           Shake Rattle N Roll