Featured

Snowed in? Beat the indoor blues with these activities!

January 24, 2016 by Jennifer Leave a Comment

The east coast was blanketed with snow this weekend thanks to Winter Storm Jonas. Thankfully, we were able to get out and enjoy it these past couple of days since the storm hit in NC first.

I know others may have not had the opportunity to get out and the kids may be “bored.” Thanks to Juicy Juice, we have two activities that the kids can enjoy inside!

Let it “Snow”-men Launchers

Recycling Styrofoam is good for the environment, doing crafts with your kids is good for the soul. Kill two birds with one stone and create these Styrofoam cup snowmen with your little ones in minutes. Then let them play with them and launch “snow” (cotton balls) even when it’s unseasonably warm!

Click here for the complete directions.

Juice Box Snowmen

What’s cooler than a refreshing juice box? An ice cold refreshing Juicy Juice box snowman! Try this fun and easy craft activity to dress up your kids’ juice like a charming snowman for lunch. Inspire them to build their own to take out in the snow!

Click here for the complete directions.

We are so thankful Juicy Juice is made with 100% juice and does not contain high fructose corn syrup, cane sugar or any artificial sweeteners. For even more even more activities and recipes, visit www.juicyjuice.com.

Why am I so excited?

January 20, 2016 by Jennifer Leave a Comment

I love the four seasons. The different seasons are the main reason why we enjoy living in NC. If I didn’t see snow in a given year, my feelings would be hurt. This girl loves her snow. The snow from today is just a tease to what is coming this weekend. We can expect at least a foot of snow starting Friday. Time will tell how much we will fall here in western NC. I say bring it on Winter Storm Jonas. We are ready.

Of course, I had to let the child in me enjoy sledding this evening. It’s a promise there will be more sledding fun this weekend. We’ll be sure to share our adventures!

I’ll leave you with this precious video of our shih tzu, Kingston, enjoying his favorite winter activity this evening.

LEGO KidsFest Stops in Charlotte, NC (Win Tickets)

January 13, 2016 by Jennifer 7 Comments

LEGO building was a favorite pastime when I was a young child. My youngest daughter, L, shares the same love for this great toy. Creativity can go on for hours when it comes to LEGOs. It is one toy that does not need batteries and kids can use their imagination to create all types of buildings. If you have a LEGO fan in your family, you will be so happy about the LEGO KidsFest.

The LEGO KidsFest national tour stops at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, NC, from February 19 – 21, 2016, for the very first time, bringing all of the creative hands-on, minds-on fun of LEGO building and experiences together in this three acre activity- and entertainment-packed family event.

LEGO KidsFest is for children of all ages and builders of all skills and interests.

Among the many LEGO attractions, families will find:

* LEGO Model Museum: life-sized models made entirely from LEGO bricks
* LEGO Master Builders: live demonstrations and activities from the crew who get paid to play
* Race Ramps: build a custom car, then race it down the ramp against friends and family
* LEGO Star Wars: build and display a Star Wars model
* LEGO Disney Princess: create a princess scene to add to a LEGO story book
* LEGO Super Heroes: pose with a life-sized Spiderman model and more
* LEGO DUPLO: younger visitors can explore imagination through building
* LEGO Retail: purchase LEGO merchandise and official KidsFest tour goods
* LEGO Friends: build for the five empowered friends from Heartlake City
* LEGO Ninjago: spin the way to being a Spinjitzu member
* LEGO Mindstorms: build and program robots and snakes
* LEGO Technic: get hands-on with the cool, realistic vehicles at the booth
* Creation Nation: build your own creation to add to a custom map of the U.S.
* Brick Pile: a gigantic pile full of LEGO bricks for creative play and enjoyment
* Monochromatic Builds: bricks of a single color foster group creativity

“Our 2016 LEGO KidsFest tour is going to delight both new and returning audiences,” said Vince Rubino, Events Manager for LEGO Systems, Inc. “We’ve still got some favorites on the show floor, like the Big Brick Pile, Creation Nation and the Race Ramps. There are also many new and unique activities designed for building, learning and fun.”

Five sessions – all identical and 4 1/2 half hours in length – are held at each tour stop. LEGO KidsFest tickets can be purchased at www.LEGOkidsfest.com. Tickets are $19 for the Friday and Sunday afternoon sessions, and $22 for both sessions on Saturday and the Sunday morning session.

WIN!

One lucky reader will win two tickets to the opening night session, Friday Feb 19 (4-8:30pm). Please leave a comment below telling us who you would like to take to the opening session. Contest Ends Monday, January 18, 2015. Good luck! Giveaway winner: Scarlet

16 Reasons 2016 will be an Unforgettable Year at Walt Disney World Resort

January 12, 2016 by Jennifer Leave a Comment

Do you have a Disney World vacation scheduled this year? If so, you will be part of an unforgettable year at the resort. If you do not have a vacation planned for this year, you may be booking a vacation after you read these 16 reasons 2016 will be an unforgettable year at the resort. This list was compiled by our friends at Disney Social Media Moms.

Grab a drink, notepad and a pen. You will want to take notes.

1. The Galaxy Is Sweeter Than Ever Before: New Star Wars Experiences Debut

STAR WARS LAUNCH BAY -- In the heart of Tomorrowland, Star Wars Launch Bay is the central locale for guests to celebrate all things Star Wars. Disneyland park guests are welcomed to this multi-sensory space with the iconic phrase, ÒA long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.ÉÓ Once inside, they may encounter beloved Star Wars characters, play the latest Star Wars interactive video games, explore galleries full of treasured memorabilia and authentic replicas of large-scale Star Wars artifacts, step into a Star Wars-themed cantina, and have access to Star Wars merchandise. (Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland Resort) — STAR WARS LAUNCH BAY — In the heart of Tomorrowland, Star Wars Launch Bay is the central locale for guests to celebrate all things Star Wars. Disneyland park guests are welcomed to this multi-sensory space with the iconic phrase, A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. Once inside, they may encounter beloved Star Wars characters, play the latest Star Wars interactive video games, explore galleries full of treasured memorabilia and authentic replicas of large-scale Star Wars artifacts, step into a Star Wars-themed cantina, and have access to Star Wars merchandise. (Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland Resort)

Starting Jan. 5, Disney’s Hollywood Studios launched its latest Star Wars-inspired experience with the addition of the “Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party.” As the enthralling fireworks show lights up the sky, guests can enjoy out-of-this-world desserts and specialty drinks in this separate ticket offering until March 19. This experience complements all of the other new ways to experience Star Wars in the park, including Star Wars Launch Bay, which takes guests into the Star Wars saga, including the newest movie adventure, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, with special exhibits and peeks behind-the-scenes, special merchandise and opportunities to encounter Chewbacca and Darth Vader.

2. Light Up The Night With “Rivers of Light” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom will come alive at night with new nighttime entertainment and experiences, the most spectacular being the “Rivers of Light” show debuting this spring. With a waterway as its stage, the innovative new show will feature entertainers, floating lanterns, water screens and swirling animal imagery in a performance that truly brings the animal kingdom to life at night.

3. Explore Kilimanjaro Safaris at Night

Starting in spring, guests will get to experience the African savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in a whole new light: amid the orange glow of the setting sun. During the nighttime adventure, guests can extend their travels on the safaris into the evening.

4. Experience Frozen Ever After at Epcot

The new “Frozen”-inspired attraction will open its doors in the Norway pavilion at Epcot in spring. In it, guests will be transported to the Winter in Summer Celebration where Queen Elsa creates a special day for the kingdom. Guests also will travel to Elsa’s Ice Palace, the ice-blue world of the North Mountain, and the Bay of Arendelle.

5. Stop By The New Frozen Character Greeting Location at Epcot

Guests can meet the royal sisters Anna and Elsa at Epcot at a new character greeting location in the Royal Sommerhus at the Norway pavilion starting in spring.

6. Experience New Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen at Magic Kingdom Park

This new, themed restaurant opens in December 2015 and gives guests the chance to experience “World Famous Jungle Cuisine” in one of several unique dining rooms, including a crew mess hall and a once-hidden secret meeting room of the famed Society of Explorers and Adventurers. The restaurant is staffed by friendly Jungle Cruise Skippers, known for their clever jokes.

7. Try New Dining Offerings at Disney Springs

Disney Springs will continue to grow in 2016, with plans to add new eateries including STK steakhouse, The Edison, Sprinkles, Blaze Fast Fire’d Pizza, as well as two new restaurant concepts by chefs Art Smith and Rick Bayless.

8. A Shopper’s Paradise at Disney Springs

As Disney Springs nears completion with the opening of Town Center, 2016 will bring some new, must-do retail shops to Disney Springs, including Edward Beiner, Lilly Pulitzer, L’Occitane en Provence, PANDORA, Tommy Bahama, UGG, UNIQLO and Zara.

9. Staying Fit While Having Fun With runDisney Events

The 2016 runDisney racing season kicks off Jan. 6-10 with the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. This will be the first of four racing weekends held at Walt Disney World Resort in 2016, which include:

Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend Feb. 18-21
Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side April 14-17
Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend Nov. 4-5.

10. Save On A Magical Stay at Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

Guests visiting early in 2016 can take advantage of a special Disney resort h
otels offer for stays most nights Jan. 2 – April 13 and save up to 25 percent on rooms at select Disney resort hotels. Guests can book the offer by visiting DisneyWorld.com/special-offers or by calling (407) 939-7709.

11. Enjoy Walt Disney World’s Springtime Events

Epcot will be in full bloom this spring when the , with its colorful topiaries and dozens of Outdoor Kitchens, returns for 90 days starting March 2 through May 15, the longest the festival has ever run. And, more fun grows at Disney Springs with St. Patrick’s Day Festival March 17.

Epcot will be in full bloom this spring when the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, with its colorful topiaries and dozens of Outdoor Kitchens, returns for 90 days starting March 2 through May 15, the longest the festival has ever run. And, more fun grows at Disney Springs with Raglan Road’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival March 17.

12. Soarin’ Around The World at Epcot

Guests onboard the popular Soarin’ attraction will journey to far-flung lands and fly above some of the world’s most unique natural landscapes and man-made wonders when the new Soarin’ Around the World makes its debut at Epcot in 2016.

13. Dine at Tiffin’s at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

The parks’ newest eatery will open its doors this spring to offer a menu inspired by the places the Imagineers traveled to when developing Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Open for both lunch and dinner, Tiffin’s will celebrate the art of traveling and include waterfront views from both indoor and outdoor seating areas. “Tiffin” is an Indian English word meaning midday meal or type of container used to carry food while traveling.

14. Celebrate The Invictus Games at ESPN Wide World of Sports

The Invictus Games will come to the United States for the first time ever in 2016. The games celebrate our wounded servicemen and women from around the world competing in a variety of sports events at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex May 8-12.

15. Experience Club Villain at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Grown-up guests can party with the Disney Villains in a soiree led by Dr. Facilier from Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog” at the new Club Villain at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The fun starts Jan. 16 and is a separate ticket event. Tickets to Club Villain can be purchased for $99 per person, tax and gratuity included. Reservations can be made online at DisneyWorld.com, or by calling (407) 939-3463.

16. Share An Unforgettable Fall & Holiday Season

A new year means the return of festive fall events, including The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and more.

Carowinds Expands Waterpark to Largest in the Carolinas

January 6, 2016 by Jennifer 1 Comment

Construction is underway at Carowinds to expand the existing waterpark. Yes, it will be completed in time for the 2016 season. The Carolina Harbor Waterpark will be included with park admission and will offer guests relaxing moments of tranquility and refreshing thrills by the “shores”, plus delivers a best day ever guest experience. Your children will be pleading with you to go back time after time after they experience their first day.

The transformation is part of the park’s commitment to celebrate Carowinds’ heritage as the place where the Carolinas come together, creating an “aquatic playground” with thrilling new attractions, new amenities and a new coastal name – Carolina Harbor. The addition is the latest phase in a $50 million plus multi-year expansion at Carowinds, an effort kicked off by building the world’s tallest and fastest giga coaster, Fury 325, as well as new park food offerings which are regionally relevant. “

We listened to our guests and have made a promise to bring them more family-friendly attractions,” said Mike Fehnel, Carowinds vice president and general manager. “And we’re happy to be delivering on our promise with the addition of Carolina Harbor – a guaranteed ultimate waterpark experience. Carowinds is growing by leaps and bounds and continues to put the park on the map as the premier entertainment destination of the Carolinas.”

Carolina Harbor will feature a combination of thrills, relaxation and family fun, including twice the number of water slides than the current Boomerang Bay.

Carolina Harbor will feature many of the park’s current popular waterpark attractions, while introducing a variety of new ones:

Blackbeard’s Revenge is a thrilling new six story tall water slide complex that features three exhilarating attractions and a total of six thrilling slides:
Pirate’s Plank will send guests plummeting down a nearly vertical free fall where the floor drops out from underneath.
Cannonball Drop will twist and turn riders through an enclosed chute with four intense 360- degree turns.
Captain’s Curse shoots guests down a series of intense drops and turns. A new two-acre family area will include many new activities to enjoy together:
Seaside Splashworks, a multi-level children’s water spray ground, will feature over 80 countless play elements including a giant 423-gallon tipping bucket.
Kiddy Hawk Cove and Myrtle Turtle Beach are two areas specifically geared with the little squirts in mind. These toddler areas will include jets of water spraying up from the ground surrounded by a charming garden atmosphere.
Surf Club Harbor will be our newest wave pool, creating up to six foot waves in 12 different wave patterns, mimicking the high surf of the Atlantic Ocean.

Carolina Harbor will also feature many new amenities:

New Entrance – A separately gated entrance convenient for guests who wish to enter the waterpark only.
New Restaurants – Harbor House a new restaurant featuring two 2,400-square foot outdoor seating patios. The restaurant will serve various Carolina favorites including BBQ and seafood. Schooners will be a full-service bar.
Sand Volleyball Courts – New professional style sand volleyball courts will allow both casual and competitive play.
Additional Plush Cabanas and Seating – Over 40 new cabanas will be added at both wave pools and the new family area. An additional 1,100 lounging chairs will also be available for guests to enjoy some fun in the sun.
Upgraded Facilities – Current family changing areas will be upgraded. New restroom facilities and a bath house will be built.
Starbucks!

Carowinds has recently been named one of the nation’s top amusement parks by the Travel Channel and Fodor’s Travel, and TripAdvisor’s family travel site has named it one of the country’s 10 Best Amusement Parks for Families.

Stay tuned to OneMomsWorld.com to see updates and pictures. To see Carolina Harbor illustrations, construction photos and more, visit http://www.carowinds.com/carolinaharbo.

Featured

Footer