Archive for February, 2009
Picture yourself at Walt Disney World, pushing a stroller around, possibly on a multi-generational family trip, and you find nap time is quickly approaching - For Everyone. You just want a little Me Time. There’s nothing wrong with that. Parents need to stay sane and take advantage of down time, or even treat themselves to a visit to the parks WITHOUT the kids. Family travel can get crazy, so why not ask a family member to watch the kids, so you and your spouse can have a few moments of adult time.
Did you know here are nearly 400 places to dine across Walt Disney World Resort? And that’s not counting the portable food carts. In all, more than 6,000 different food items are available. And chances are, if they aren’t in the Magic Kingdom, they just might have an adult beverage to enjoy. If wine is your poison of choice, then you’ll want to know that more than 600 sommeliers have been awarded the Court of Master Sommelier Introductory Certificate at Walt Disney World Resort, with more than 300 sommeliers currently in restaurants.
With so many restaurants and dining choices, where should you go for that “special” drink? Here are just of few of our top choices for a cocktail, beer, or wine while at Disney World.
Epcot’s World Showcase
United Kingdom – The Rose and Crown Pub and Dining room brings visitors into Victorian England with its etched glass panels, dark mahogany bar and authentic dart board. If you are looking for hearty ale, this place offers specially designed ale warmer can heat your Guinness to 55 degrees, the temperature favored by Brits.
Mexico - The pavilion features a festive and colorful celebration of the beauty and culture of Mexico that is fun for guests of all ages. “Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros” is an excursion by tour boat through the vibrant, eye-filling sights and lively music of Mexico. This will get you in the mood to grab a delicious margarita from one of the nearby stands. If you are looking for a tequila bar, TravelingMamas.com hears that’s in the works for 2010.
Japan - In the Matsu-no-ma Lounge, visitors see a majestic view of Future World across the lagoon while sampling sushi, Japanese pickled vegetables, tempura and exotic specialty drinks.
Germany - Biergarten, an indoor German “courtyard” featuring a German Oktoberfest buffet. At lunch and dinner time, yodelers, dancers and other lederhosen-clad musicians perform an Oktoberfest dinner show. Guests are invited onstage to join in the musical fun. The wine nearby offers samples of Ice Wine for a few bucks. Definitely worth a try.
Other Venues
Victoria Falls at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge - Down a flight of stairs from the lobby, this mezzanine lounge serves wine and spirits imported from Africa, including Windhoek beer from Namibia and Imoya Brandy from South Africa. The specialty drink is a Victoria Falls Mist, with tangerine, melon and banana liqueurs. Animal Kingdom Lodge has the largest offering of South African wines anywhere in the US. Be sure to check out Jiko, The Cooking Place, too!
The Wave at Disney’s Contemporary Resort - Trendy cocktails are served for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Start the day with a Pomegranate Splash (vodka, pomegranate liqueur, cranberry juice and soda water) or the Ultimate Bloody Mary (organic vodka, Bloody Mary mix and a dash of red chili sauce). The Pure-tini mixes organic vodka with organic mango and passion fruit liqueur. The Antioxidant Cocktail features wild berry vodka, black raspberry liqueur, açai juice with agave, lychee, aloe juice and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Tune-In at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, next door to 50’s Prime Time Cafe, looks like a family den from the ’50s, with black-and-white TVs and campy retro furniture. You can choose kitschy drinks from “Dad’s Liquor Cabinet” like Uncle Tim’s Melon Margarita, Scooter’s Long Island Iced Tea or an Electric Lemonade. Beer and wine is offered, too.
Dawa Bar adjacent to Tusker House Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom - Sit in the shade and sip a hard-to-find Tusker Beer from Africa or Safari Amber, brewed just for Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. South African wines are on the drink menu, too, along with cocktails like Lost on Safari with rum and fruit juices.
Mizner’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa - A live orchestra plays nostalgic Big Band sounds just outside the doors of this lounge tucked away on the second floor of the hotel. The lounge’s namesake is architect Addison Mizner, whose designs launched a “Florida Renaissance” in the 1920s, so the sophisticated drinks are apropos: champagnes, caipirinhas, mint juleps and cosmopolitans, along with nine vodkas, seven different single malt scotch whiskeys and after-dinner cognacs and ports.
There are more than 50 lounges in Walt Disney World hotels and three theme parks (no alcohol in Magic Kingdom. Again I stress. No alcohol in Magic Kingdom), making this list just a sampling of the many great place for big kids like parents to have their own magic time at Walt Disney World. If there’s a place you like us to know about, be sure to leave a comment, helping our readers discover new places to try a libation.
If you find yourself wandering around looking for a place to buy a drink, all you have to do is ask one of the friendly cast members, who can point you in the right direction. Be sure to drink plenty of water while you’re in the parks also, as alcohol is dehydrating. Designate a driver or take advantage of Disney’s Resort transportation. Cheers!
Source: CajunMama
The Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Maryland is a recently expanded property conveniently located near Washington, DC, Bethesda, and Rockford. The new expansions make it a great place to hold a conference or wedding reception.
The Bethesda North Marriott is so excited about their expansion and proximity to Washington, DC, they are giving away a one night’s stay, as well as a set of Marriott Revive Linens, to one TravelingMamas.com reader, so that they can experience the history and attractions the area has to offer.
All you have to do is leave a comment, stating what size you would prefer your linens, and what one attraction you would like to visit in DC. If you can’t think of one right off, you can check out these Washington, DC, resources.
To find out more about Bethesda North Marriott or to book a stay, visit BethesdaNorthMarriott.com.
Good luck, and remember TravelingMamas.com standard rules apply (US Resident, no immediate family members, 18 yrs or older). Contest ends midnight Tuesday, March 3 (EST) with a winner being announced on Winning Wednesday. Check back to see if you are the winner of this randomly chosen giveaway!
Source: CajunMama
More than 200 people entered to win a set of two Nintendo DS games from American Game Factory. The lucky commenters are #28 and #217 (determined via random.org).
So, lorene, who likes Super Mario Brothers and Pac-man and Terri L who’s favorite video game of all time is Centipede, you’re our winners!
I’ll email you both (hopefully you left your addresses on your comments; if not leave it below) to get your snail-mail info. Congrats!
Source: MountainMama
I saw this from Spa Week and you may be in competition with me, but I just had to share it with all of you. I’m off to make a video with my Flip:
Spa fans, show us what you’re made of! We want to know why you and a few of your friends deserve a day of relaxation at the spa, courtesy of Spa Week. This includes: a facial or a massage, mani-pedi and lunch at a spa in your hometown! Anyone can participate and it’s so easy.
In your own creative way, make a video telling us why you should win, upload it to YouTube and send the link to videos@spaweek.com. Sing it, dance it, make puppets, include your friends – the limits are endless.
Just follow these steps:
1. Create a 2-3 minute video on why you deserve to win a day of beauty courtesy of Spa Week
2. Upload your video to your YouTube account (if you don’t have one, make one. It’s free & easy)
3. Email the link to videos@spaweek.com
4. We’ll add our favorites to the Spa Week YouTube Channel and if you’re chosen we’ll let you know.
5. The video with the most views wins, so tell everyone to watch!
Video:
Link to the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLd1fOG0xFw
Source: CajunMama
As the Traveling Mamas, one of our missions is reminding our fellow mamas about the 
importance of taking care of themselves on the inside and outside. If you read Traveling Mamas regularly you will see us occasionally talking up spas, pampering and finding time to rejuvenate - and for good reason. Being a mom is hard. Physically, the challenges start with pregnancy and continues as we pick up our infants (and chubby toddlers) from the crib, lifting them (and strollers) in and out of cars. Even when they get too big to be picked up we find ourselves swinging sports bags filled with bats and balls into the minivan or SUV. And don’t forget those sleep deprived nights when our children get sick. Emotionally, we worry constantly about their safety and well-being.
Parenthood is a full-time, and sometimes draining, job.
While a massage is absolute heaven to a mother’s body, we mamas need to remember to take care of ourselves mentally and emotionally, too. When I visit a spa resort I love to look at the week’s programs and see what workshops or presenters are being featured and always try to stop in for a little soul nourishing.
February is Authors Month at Miraval here in Tucson. The resort is only a few miles from my home, which made it easy for me to sit in on Author Janis Altman’s workshop about her “personal philosophy on healing and heartfelt insights” taken from her best-selling book Being Naked - A nine week journey towards self-awareness.
As Janis pulled stories from Being Naked about her past clients (Janis is a practicing psychotherapist) and entertaining personal experiences, the attendees (all women) drew from her stories and related them to their own lives. The ladies then shared their personal challenges and I saw how women have a need to share, relate and ultimately grow. Miraval just happens to be the perfect place to have such an experience (many of the ladies where at Miraval with their girlfriends and sisters for an entire week). By the end of the program, Janis (who is one of the warmest people I have ever met) had convinced each woman they are worthy and deserving of living a happy life - and she’s right.
Next time you’re at Miraval be sure to check the schedule - you may end up leaving with a lot more than you brought.
Source: DesertMama
“Ice Hotel” (or “Hotel de Glace”) sure sounds like a chic, swanky, luxury hotel, doesn’t it? Well, the “real” Ice Hotel in Quebec, Canada, certainly can be described as swanky and the fur pelts on the beds are absolutely chic but luxury is pushing it a bit - unless you are an extreme camper.
Last month CajunMama toured the hotel and instead of opting for a night in the cold she enjoyed life in the lap of luxury - spa style - and instead issued a challenge to me…to spend in the night in the Quebec Ice Hotel. I decided to take the challenge.
The Ice Hotel is build out of 15,000 tons of snow and 500 tons of ice - and if you like your hotel room cold at night, this is the place for you. The freezing bedrooms range in temperature between 23 and 26 degrees Fahrenheit. The hotel is open every January through March then bulldozed down and rebuilt into an original design nine months later.
I’m not kidding when I say everything inside the hotel is made of ice, including the furniture. Here is one of the chairs that sits on at the hotel’s entrance and donned with a reindeer pelt. The Ice Hotel welcomes over 65,000 visitors and 4,000 overnight guests each year. Fun Fact: Each year over 3,200 people get their tongues stuck to the hotel’s walls . Okay, it’s not a fact but that was fun. In truth, it’s impossible to get your tongue stuck to the walls because oxygen has been removed from the ice blocks which explains A. Why the ice looks so clear and B. Why I saw people licking the walls left and right and no one was screaming in agony to get them unstuck. If I had, I would have posted a photo of that, too.
Each room is uniquely themed (see the each room’s walls in the photos) and the bed frames are made of ice with a mattress on top (guests sleep in a mummy sleeping bag brought into the rooms at 9pm). I know what your next question is: What do you do when nature calls? The bathrooms are not built into the hotel. Instead, community restrooms are in a heated structure located near the outdoor hot tubs which are adjacent to the rooms. Showers are located in the locker rooms inside the main office - with hairdryers.
My first experience at the Ice Hotel included a tour of the grounds during daylight hours with some fellow travel writer friends. We cruised through the rooms, oohing and ahhing over chiseled walls, columns and chandeliers. The hotel is open all day to visitors but the rooms close in the evenings to visitors to 
accommodate the sleepover guests. Next, we made our way to the Ice Bar (open until midnight) where I indulged in vodka cranberry cocktails with their too cool not to experienced ice cube glasses. After a couple of those tasty beverages we headed over to the ice slide where I tapped into my inner child and slid down, squealing every time. If you decide to ride the slide, I recommend slick snow pants or else you won’t fly nearly as fast or maybe at all and there is a good chance your butt will end up with a long-lasting chill. Fortunately, I was wearing the good stuff (thanks, CajunMama for the ski pants).
When others got word I was going to spend a night in the Ice Hotel a few adjectives passed my ears including: brave, adventurous, fun and down right crazy.
I also received some great tips - such as to put my clothes at the bottom of my sleeping bag and a warning that my boots would be very cold first thing in the morning. Fortunately, my Colorado based parents had sent me a pair of foot warmers that I put in my boots to keep them warm through the night and stuffed a pair of socks on top. They worked great! (Thanks, mom and dad!)
Would I do it again? Not this year, I need a good 12 months to recover, but next year when there’s a “new” hotel I might just have to, or at least stop in for an icy drink.
Source: DesertMama
My husband and I are devouring the HBO series John Adams on Netflix. I’m loving the period dress and lifestyle of Boston residents during the Revolutionary War (though that live smallpox inoculation was nasty). Along the way, we’re re-learning the events leading up to the war and the founding of our country, which is bringing me back to middle school and which got me to thinking about present-day Boston, Massachusetts. What an absolute treasure-trove it is for visiting families to learn about the birth of the United States. Beantown is also home to several museums and other attractions that appeal to kids. They’re enjoying educational activities and don’t even know it!
Here are five attractions you should check out with your children on your visit to the capital of Massachusetts:
While walking the 2.5-mile red-brick or red-painted trail throughout downtown Boston, visitors can stop at 16 different historic sites and monuments, including Paul Revere’s House dating back to 1680; the Old North Church, where lanterns hung to signal the “British are coming!”; and the Old South Meeting House, where colonists gathered just before ceremoniously dumping crates of tea into Boston Harbor, one of many protests against Great Britain that eventually led to the Revolutionary War.
Walk all or part of trail at your own pace for free (donations are appreciated at the various sites). If you’re going it alone, a good place to start is the Visitors Information Center on Boston Common, where you can pick up maps and guides for a nominal fee. Or take a guided tour from a knowledgeable docent dressed in 18th-century attire; these animated folks keep school-age children spellbound with tales from colonial times. The Freedom Trail Foundation’s 90-minute tours cover part of the trail and only involve a mile or so of walking. They run May to November and also start at the Visitors Information Center.
“Old Ironsides,” docked in Boston Harbor, is the oldest commissioned warship still afloat today. This means that after more than 200 years of service, including a stint in the War of 1812, she remains an active-duty Navy ship.
One of the highlighted sites along the Freedom Trail, this majestic tall ship and its nearby museum merit more than just a quick look-see. Free tours, again with costumed docents, are held on board every 30 minutes throughout the warm-weather months. Daily raising and retiring of the flag, at 8 a.m. and sunset, include cannon fire, which, naturally, most children find quite impressive.
Aspiring marine biologists, or anyone who thinks sharks, penguins and moray eels are pretty neat, will love Boston’s New England Aquarium at Central Wharf. Its centerpiece is the Caribbean Coral Reef Exhibit, also known simply as the “Giant Ocean Tank,” holding 200,000 gallons of water, sea caves, coral and a stunning display of ocean life.
Another aquarium highlight ranking high when it comes to the “cool factor,” is the on-site medical center, where visitors can actually watch veterinarians treat sick or injured animals. Video monitors allow even closer views of live procedures—from vision exams to inoculations. The aquarium also features an extensive penguin exhibit and IMAX theatre. Whale-watching tours and harbor cruises, available April through October, are available.
Permanent exhibits at this beloved Boston institution range from “A Bird’s World” and “Beyond the X-Ray” to “Mathematica” (on display since 1981) to “Welcome to the Universe.” Traveling exhibits bring fresh material to the museum several times a year, and plenty of interactive activities keep kids fully intrigued.
Live presentations also engage visitors with such topics as “Frankly Franklin,” where actors tell tales of the statesman’s contributions to science, and “Electricity!” in which staff members produce live, indoor bolts of lightening. An IMAX theatre, planetarium and laser show offer still more ways to spend a morning, afternoon or full day at this museum.
Geared for children up to age 10, the museum gives them opportunities to climb and crawl, pound with hammers, get messy with art, weave on large-scale looms and much more. The “Arthur and Friends” exhibit, based on the beloved Arthur books written by Marc Brown and television cartoon produced by a Boston station, allows preschoolers to interact and role play with the characters, The authentic Japanese silk merchant’s home and “Boston Black: A City Connects” engages adults as well as children.
Younger kids will just like blowing the quacking whistle (pay extra for this joy) and riding around in the WWII-style amphibious vehicle (all of the originals have been retired). But school-age kids who have some knowledge of our country’s history might appreciate all of the historic Boston landmarks you’ll see on this tour. I took the tour with my children (then ages six and eight) last year, and most of the history and the driver’s funny jokes went right over their heads. The highlight for my children was taking the wheel after the “Duck” plunged into the Charles River. Each kid got a turn, and made for some great photos (unfortunately, my camera went missing right after this trip).
Readers, are there any great educational activities in Boston for kids that I missed? I know I listed the “biggies,” but perhaps there are some lesser-known gems out there? We’ll be making our annual trip back East this summer, and likely our agenda will include at least one day in Boston, so I’d love to hear your suggestions.
Source: MountainMama
This is the craziest thing ever! You’ve gotta watch and listen for Goofy’s message at the end. Insane! What do you think of this?
Source: CajunMama
Traveling Mamas isn’t all about the kids, as we like to say. Hard working moms need, and deserve, to treat themselves right. A long weekend away, with or without the rest of the family, can be just about perfect. And when it comes to the “without the rest of the family” type of trip, well, you can’t beat a girlfriend getaway. Us Mamas love when we can all get together for a few days, bond, and laugh ourselves silly. But we know how hard it is (from experience) to plan and budget any vacation, let alone girlfriend getaways. That’s why we can’t keep this travel contest to ourselves! It’s the “Vegas Break” travel contest, sponsored by VisitLasVegas.com. The contest asks for a video showing why you need a Vegas break - under a minute long, please.
You can find the contest at this YouTube link, and it’s not too hard to enter (though not too easy either; you need a Flip or other digital camera with simple upload capabilities). Scroll down a little from the top of the page to see the travel contest entry form. Video entries are accepted up through March 16. Three finalists will be selected by a team of Las Vegas experts - we don’t know who these mystery experts are, though. Maybe someday!
If you click on “View,” then you can see some of the contest entries already submitted. This is fun, and can give you an idea of what’s already been done. Can you win a trip to Las Vegas? Well, who knows - but it sure seems fun to try. And on a personal note, I would be so happy if one of the regular Traveling Mamas readers/community won this contest. It would bring a tear of joy to this Mama’s eye. Too sentimental? Could be true. I’d be happy to discuss this over drinks, in Las Vegas!
Source: MudslideMama
Who’s traveling with the family over their kids’ spring break? (MountainMama raises her hand.) I don’t know about you, but I am not hesitant to keep my kids entertained in the car, plane or train with an electronic, hand-held game. Yes, I can play “spot all the states on license plates” with the best of them, and my kids always have flash cards and activity books in their travel backpacks. But there are times when we’re on the road — especially busy times during family spring break travel periods — when I’d like them to quietly entertain themselves for long periods without my assistance, and that’s when the trusty Nintendo DS comes in.
If you’re like me, you might surprise your kids with new video games just before the trip. Here are a couple from American Game Factory that we got to sample recently:
Build-A-Bear Workshop: I thought for sure this would appeal to my eight-year-old daughter, but my six-year-old son took to this game (and he’s usually a Mario/Lego Indiana Jones/Lego Star Wars type of adventure player). It’s actually created for kids as young as preschool age (3+) and users can customize their own characters like Pink Poodle, Playful Puppy and Sassy Kitty.
Rubik’s World: This one is designed for kids ages 6+, and my third-grade daughter reported that the puzzles and quizzes (including the classic Rubik’s Cube solving game) were “kinda hard.” Her favorite was the game where she could make music and play it back, as opposed to the more abstract and challenging games.
Do you have a Nintendo DS? (It’s not out of the question; my local mama friend does, with a pink bling-filled case). If so, you might consider packing these two new games, designed just for women:
Zenses Ocean: If your kids are driving you nuts en route to your destination, put on a pair of headphones and plug into this game, which has the best calming soundtrack. (Think chillax massage background music.) Play beach-themed puzzle games (like “memory” with differently shaped shells that have been washed away by an ocean wave.
Zenses Rainforest: Just like Zenses Ocean, this game has its own soothing soundtrack, and games infused with raindrops, flowers and lush trees. Seriously, if you’re uneasy about flying or just want to escape prior to your vacation, this is the game for you. It would also make a nice gift for anyone heading to Belize, South America or Costa Rica!
Here’s the fun part: American Game Factory is giving away a Rubik’s World & Zenses Ocean set, as well as a Build-A-Bear & Zenses Rainforest set.
All you need to do is leave a comment below with your favorite video game of all time — can be anything from vintage Ms. PacMan to Wii bowling. U.S. residents (only) can enter by commenting by 6 p.m. (EST) Tuesday, February 24; we’ll pick two lucky commenters via a random number generator and announce them on Winning Wednesday, February 25. You’ll get your games in time for your family spring break vacation!
Source: MountainMama