Sale on Disney Storybook Apps {Road Trip Fun}

I have been doing a lot of research lately on Road Trip Fun for my kiddos - from games to books to smart phone apps - and found a GREAT deal on some Disney books.  Disney Publishing is running a Mid-May Madness Sale on all Storybook apps!  From celebrated heroines in Cinderella, Tangled, and Brave to loveable creatures in Monsters, Inc. and Finding Nemo – these apps foster reading skills and dive into the back stories of these beloved characters.

The sale runs from May 17 – May 21 and all Storybook apps below will be $4.99 only!

• Wreck-It-Ralph Storybook Deluxe – Relive the incredible story of the Disney animated film Wreck-It Ralph – and, create and race your very own kart against other racers in the film!  Wreck-It Ralph longs to be as beloved as his game’s perfect Good Guy, Fix-It Felix, Jr.

• Cars 2 Storybook Deluxe – Experience the action-packed story of Disney/Pixar’s Cars 2 in this supercharged children’s book app filled with vibrant art, professional narration, exciting music and sound effects, plus A-list celebrity voices from the film. 

• Finding Nemo Storybook Deluxe – Through engaging narration, authentic underwater sound effects, and original graphics from the Academy Award winning movie, families can explore the Great Barrier Reef, Sydney Harbor, and the world of reading together.

• Brave Storybook Deluxe – Experience the magic of Disney/Pixar’s Brave as an interactive storybook app.  Read along and discover beautiful art, stunning animation, and special effects.  Even hunt for hidden arrows and take aim in a Medieval-style archery game!

• Monsters, Inc Storybook Deluxe – Relive the incredible story of the highly acclaimed film classic Disney-Pixar Monsters, Inc. and find hidden Scare cards throughout the story.  Navigate your way through a Monsters, Incorporated scare simulator training room to collect scream energy!
  
  
• Tangled: Storybook Deluxe – Disney’s “Tangled” is re-imagined  in this interactive app.  Read along and explore the magical world of Rapunzel through vibrant animated scenes with interactive tap-and-play surprises!  Multiple reading modes include Follow Along, Read and Explore, Record Your Own Voice.

• Cinderella: Storybook Deluxe – Disney’s Cinderella has enchanted generations with its spellbinding story, charming music, and endearing characters that live in your heart forever. The Cinderella: Storybook Deluxe app includes a full retelling of the film with fresh illustrations, engaging narration, music and sound effects, as well as whimsical interactivity on every page.

Hurry! Sale ends Tuesday, May 21, 2013!

Natural Bridge Caverns Canopy Challenge & Zip Lines ~ New Braunfels, TX

As if Natural Bridge Caverns needed even more reasons to love them, they recently opened up an amazing ropes course and zip line.  The Canopy Challenge & Zip Lines is a fun way to stretch yourself, test your fear of heights, and have a ball doing it.

The Canopy Challenge is a 60-foot, four-tiered adventure course filled with 47 different obstacles.  You are fitted in a harness and clipped in throughout the entire challenge.  The obstacles include tightropes, small beams to cross, and other rope challenges as you work your way up to the top and towards the zip line.

Every participant is fitted in a harness and checked multiple times to ensure you are safely strapped in.  And then you are off! You have 30 minutes to make your way to the top.  Both of my older two really enjoyed the challenge, but they are fearless and raced their way to the top.

I, on the other hand, felt that if you concentrated on what you were doing and not where you were, you could relax and take on each challenge for what it was.

I love that they have a Canopy Kids Course for kids who are under 48 inches tall.  It is perfect for toddlers and children under 6.  They are strapped in, just like the older kids, and can go through their “challenge” as many times as they like – it’s only a few feet off the ground. Mom or Dad can walk along side them (required).

You have the option of taking one of the four zip lines down for an additional price.  The zip lines are open depending on the weather.  You can always take the stairs down from the top of the Canopy Challenge if you wish.

A few things to know about the Canopy Challenge:

• Participants must be at least 48 inches in height or be chaperoned by another responsible member of your party.
• A chaperone can be another adult or older sibling at least 17 years old
• All Canopy Challenge Zip Line participants must weigh over 60 lbs.
• The minimum weight requirement can change due to wind or weather conditions daily.
• Both the challenge & zip line have a maximum weight limit of 300 lbs and maximum height of 6’ 8”.
• No flip flops or open heeled sandals are allowed.

We felt the cost was minimal for a fun climb.  It will get HOT during the summer, so our best advice is to try the challenge when they first open at 10:30 am.  Also, visit during a weekday to avoid bigger crowds. You can always visit the Canopy Challenge without touring the Caverns, though the Caverns are amazing and should definitely be seen if you haven’t yet.

Other great things to check out in New Braunfels:

Top 10 Reasons to Go to Schlitterbahn
Yes! You Can Take a Toddler to Schlitterbahn
Natural Bridge Caverns

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch
McKenna Children's Museum

Snake Farm
Landa Park Aquatics Complex
The Gristmill

Texas Travel Facts for the Natural Bridge Caverns:

Location: Exit 175 off I-35, Natural Bridge Caverns Rd

Hours: Mon-Sun: 9 am - 4 pm (closing hours vary in the summer)

Admission: Canopy Challenge Adventure Course $ 17.99  

                    Canopy Challenge Zip Lines (one Tower, two Zip Lines) $ 17.99  

                    Canopy Challenge Combo – Adventure Course and Zip Lines $ 27.99  

                    Add a second Zip Line Tower (two more Zip Line rides) $ 9.99  

                    Canopy Kids Adventure Course $ 4.99

Recommended Time: 2+ hours

Good to know: closed toe shoes, snack bar on site, free parking

Website:http://www.naturalbridgecaverns.com/

Disney on Ice at the Cedar Park Center ~ May 16 - 19, 2013

This evening I took my little man to a show - his first show to be exact - we saw Disney on Ice at the Cedar Park Center up in Cedar Park.  And he loved it.  It was the perfect "first show" to take him to!

Initially, I thought Disney on Ice would be all about the Princesses - I couldn't have been more wrong.  There was a perfect balance to entertain both the boys and the girls at this show.

It started with my household's favorite - Cars.  My little one is all about Lightning McQueen and Mater - so he was in awe of the life-sized characters rolling around on the ice.  And they packed the ice with the cars - it was adorable.

Next up was The Little Mermaid - amazed me that even though the movie came out over 20 years ago, I still knew all the words to the songs - you want thingymabobs? I've got twenty.....

The next act featured Tinkerbell and all her Pixie Hollow friends - so precious to see all the girls going crazy over these adorable fairies.

But the last bit was the BEST.  The Toy Story crew came out much to the delight of everyone in the audience.  Ken & Spanish Buzz completely stole the show - I don't want to tell you much more than that (wouldn't want to spoil it for you).  But again, Disney does an excellent job in entertaining both young & old.

 The show is fantastic - so well done.  And we absolutely love seeing it at the Cedar Park Center.  I live up north, so obviously, I love the convenience of the Center.  But I also enjoy the intimacy of it as well.  There is not one bad seat in the house here - and the sound is terrific.  On a side note, we saw The Killers here last week and it was a terrific concert for those 2 reasons - great seats and great sound.

Lots of fun souvenirs to be had at the Disney on Ice show too - from snowballs served in fancy Disney cups to programs to t-shirts and spinny-lighty thingys (my son's word, not mine).  I saw gifts at all different price points, so something for everyone.

It's an adorable show in a terrific venue y'all.  One that your kiddos will be talking about for a long time - at least my chatterbox will.   There are six more showings this weekend with plenty of tickets left.  You should take the kids - here's the website, could I make it any easier?

Disney on Ice at the Cedar Park Center

Friday, May 17, 2013 at 7:30 pm

Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 11:30 am

Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 3:30 pm

Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 7:30 pm

Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 1:30 pm

Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 5:30 pm

http://cedarparkboxoffice.com/cedar-park-center-tickets.php

My family and I were invited to see the show and were provided tickets. I was not financially compensated for this post.  All opinions of Disney on Ice and Cedar Park Center are strictly my own based on my experience. 

Friday Daydreamin': My Youngest Traveler

Happy Friday friends! Time for Friday Daydreamin'! 

Join us each Friday by linking up your favorite travel post of the week and I will do my best to see them all over the weekend.  I hope you will take a few minutes and visit some of the link ups too.

I love this link-up party because I get to learn & see so much travel through the eyes of all my fellow travel bloggers.  I have learned so many amazing things and seen some gorgeous pictures thanks to y'all sharing your travels here.  I hope you continue to do so.

My youngest traveler turns 4 this weekend.  He is by far the easiest kid I ever had - maybe cause he's my third - maybe cause we have drug him all over since he was an infant - whatever it is, he's the best little traveler.  

And he's seen a lot in his 4 short years....

 From the beaches of the Pacific Northwest....

 to southern Florida......

He's slurped soup from a bowl with no spoon....

 And sampled some of Texas's finest ice cream....

 He's fed goats, and pigs, and stingrays and giraffes.

 And he braved the bitter cold when we took him skiing for the first time this year (though truth be told, he had a terrible stomach bug the whole trip that he barely left the condo).  We'll go again little man.

Happy Birthday to my youngest traveler! May you always enjoy new experiences and new places as much as you have in your few short years!

Are you Daydreamin' about somewhere cool?? Show me by posting your favorite travel post of the week below!

Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort Adds Nice Upgrades

Looking for a fun place to have a quick get-away this summer??  Look no further than the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa.  One of our favorite Central Texas resorts has added some really nice upgrades this past winter and are ready for a busy summer season!

I was recently invited out to see the changes made at the Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa - all designed to make your summer visit that much better! 

Guest Rooms
The guest rooms at the resort went through a major overhaul - from new wall coverings to new carpet, to new mattresses and bedding, the rooms take on a whole new feel.  The look is very natural, Texas-pine inspired and it is beautiful.  I have always felt that the resort resembled a quaint Texas retreat and now the rooms really reflect that feel as well.

Crooked River Water Park
I never thought the water area at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines needed any upgrades, but they have them now! The splash pad was updated, the sandy beach was widened, and the slide was repainted.

Additionally, the resort installed an all new food & beverage area at Old Buck's Place, making it even more convenient to enjoy lunch or dinner by the pool.

Family Fun
One of our favorite things we did as a family last summer during our stay was to watch a movie under the stars.  The resort has moved the location of the nightly movies to the amphitheater with the beautiful Colorado River as the backdrop - this accommodates even more families.

The special event planners have added even more fun events to their daily plan, getting the whole family involved in Family Olympics and Scavenger Hunts.  I like the idea of mom & dad putting their cell phones down and playing with the kids!

And the Wild Hare Spa for our sweet kiddos has been moved to a special location in the Spa Django.  Look at this adorable set up for mommy & me pedicures!

Restaurant Upgrades
Both Firewheel Cafe & Sheller's Barrelhouse Bar have undergone some beautiful renovations to their decor.  The subtle changes gave them both a great facelift.  

Additionally, last year Hyatt introduced the "For Kids, By Kids" menu where children have healthy but fun options to choose from like waffle dipping sticks, make your own breakfast taco, and build a sub sandwich.  They are in control!

Summer Activities
As usual, the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort has some great summer fun in store for us!

Celebrating dad here for Father's Day should be easy with Daddy & Me pedicures at Wild Hare Spa, golf packages, and a yummy Chop House Buffet on Father's Day.  The National Day of the Cowboy will be celebrated in July with Cowboy-themed activities, an animal parade, and roping demonstrations.    And there is always the Lost Pines Kids Outfitters Package to take advantage of as well.

Lots of great reasons to head to the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort this summer.

More Information on the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa:
Water Fun at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines
A Night at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines
More Fun at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines

Kemah Boardwalk ~ Kemah, TX

Houston doesn’t lack in fun attractions for the whole family – in fact they have some very unique places to visit.  The Kemah Boardwalk, about 20 minutes south of downtown Houston, is a great place to spend the afternoon or evening with the entire family.

Reminiscent of an Atlantic boardwalk, Kemah Boardwalk has amusement rides, carnival games, beach shops, and great restaurants.  We visited on a a weekday summer evening and found the crowds to be light, with small waits at the restaurants.

Upon first site, my kids were attracted to the rides.  There are rides for all ages.  My 3 year old enjoyed the Double-decker Carousel, the train, and some of the other “kiddie” rides, while the older ones braved the Drop Zone and the Boardwalk Bullet – the wooden roller coaster.  Each ride can be ridden with a single purchase ticket or you can buy an all-day pass.  The pass seems to make the most sense, but it doesn’t include the midway games.

Another fun attraction at Kemah Boardwalk is the Boardwalk Beast.  This high-speed boat ride gives thrill-goers a fun look at Galveston Bay in a unique way.  It is a pretty pricy tour, but looked like a ton of fun.

We really enjoyed just walking up and down the boardwalk – we saw jellyfish and seagulls. We could smell the salty-air.  It was the closest we got to the “beach” without going down to Galveston.

But what fascinated my kids the most?  We happened upon a Kemah Boardwalk employee tossing a pizza crust he found on the ground into the water.  The fish went crazy over it – thousands of them jumping out of the water to get to it – and it was gone in a matter of seconds.  My kids thought it was great.

And we didn’t pay a dime for that entertainment.

Overall, would I recommend Kemah Boardwalk for the family?  Yes.  It was a unique atmosphere and something fun to do for the evening.  It was July and very hot in Houston, but being by the water that evening, it was very pleasant.  Put it on your Houston to do list.

Here are some other great places to visit in Houston:

Space Center Houston

Children's Museum of Houston

Houston Zoo

Houston Museum of Natural Science

Omni Kids Fantasy Suite

The Woodlands Resort

Texas Travel Facts for Kemah Boardwalk:

Location: 215 Kipp Ave, Kemah, Texas

Hours: Sunday - Wednesday: 10:30 am - 9:00 pm 

             Thursday - Saturday: 10:30 am - 10:00 pm         

Admission: Free - amusement rides/games individually priced          

Recommended Time: 2-3 hours 

Good to know:  stroller friendly; garage and lot parking for a fee; No outside food or drink allowed

Website:http://www.kemahboardwalk.com/

10 Fun Things to do at the Fort Worth Museum of Science & History ~ Fort Worth, TX

For a fun afternoon of hands-on exhibits and creativity, the Fort Worth Museum of Science & History is the place to go.  Located in the Cultural District of Fort Worth, just west of downtown, FWMSH has plenty of fun things for ALL ages to enjoy.  From the Children’s Musuem, to the DinoDig to the Planetarium, all of my kids (and mom) really liked this museum.

Here are TEN Fun Things You can do at the Fort Worth Museum of Science & Nature:

1. Lie on a Bed of Nails – It’s not everyday you can say you comfortably laid on a bed of nails – find out how you can do this at the Innovation Studios.

2. Find a fossil in the DinoDig – In an outdoor garden, find all the tools you need to uncover a few dinosaur fossils.

3. See the Stars with Elmo - The Noble Planetarium features fun shows that run daily.  We enjoyed “One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure” which was perfect for my 3 year old.  But I would have opted for “Our Amazing Solar System” for the older ones, had he not been with us.

4. Rustle up some steer – The Cattle Raisers Museum teaches you the history and science of cattle ranching. We enjoyed learning how to herd cattle while sitting on a horse in an interactive game.

5. Take a “bath” in a dino foot print – The DinoLabs exhibit gives children hands on representation on how scientists study dinosaurs and fossils.  You can’t miss the life-sized Paluxysaurus jonesi, the Texas State Dinosaur.

6. See a Movie on the “Big Screen” – At anytime, you can view a great movie in the Omni Theater, IMAX Dome.  There are great educational shows and current movies playing here.  Check here for current offerings and showtimes.

7. Power Up a City – We loved learning how different forms of energy can be used to power a city.  Watch how wind can be used to light up a baseball field in this fun model.  Found in the Energy Blast Exhibit.

8. Fly a Plane – My son wanted to stay the whole time in the Air Park – where he could build a paper airplane and fly it, see what materials create the best parachute, or make a windmill out of tinker toys. It was his favorite spot in the museum.

9. Drive an Ambulance – The Fort Worth Children’s Musuem is the special area of FWMSH dedicated to children from birth to 8.  With a shopping area, train-table, life-sized bus, and many more fun things, it’s the perfect spot to catch a quick rest and let the little ones play.

10. Check out the Traveling Exhibition - When we visited in January, we saw the Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition and it was fantastic. Coming up May 25, CSI: The Experience where you can be a forensic scientist.  Sounds fun!

And here's a quick look at all of the fun we had at the Fort Worth Museum of Science & History!

Other Fun Things to Do in Fort Worth:

Fort Worth Museum of Science & History

Fort Worth Zoo

Cowboy Stadium Tour

Grapevine Vintage Train

Cowtown CattlePen Maze

Log Cabin Village

Texas Travel Facts for Fort Worth Museum of Science & History:

Location: 1600 Gendy St.  Fort Worth, Texas

Hours: Monday-Saturday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

             Sunday: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm           

Admission: Adults (13+): $14.00

                    Children (2-12): $10.00

                    Special Exhibits, Planetarium, IMAX are additional charges                 

Recommended Time: 3-5 hours 

Good to know: Admission is good for all day; weekdays may have school groups; full service cafe; no food or drinks; gift shop; stroller friendly

Website:http://www.fwmuseum.org

My family and I were invited to visit the museum and were provided admission. I was not financially compensated for this post.  All opinions of Fort Worth Museum of Science & History are strictly my own based on my experience.