For the second time in 12 months, I was faced with the fun, yet terrifying task of planning a trip to Walt Disney World. We strategically planned a visit in 2017 before my twins turned 3 to maximize their free tickets and free character meals (details here). When my husband signed up for the 2018 Dopey Challenge as part of the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, I knew I would need to plan this year a bit differently. There are a few ways to prep for Disney - you can put yourself in the hands of a Disney Vacation Planner and let them take care of your hotel, meals and in-park plans (and checkbook), or you can grab a tour book and start a spreadsheet for a bit of number crunching and itinerary planning. I planned day-by-day Disney itineraries as a young girl, so scheduling our days and maximizing our savings was definitely more my speed. Having gone through the motions twice now, I have a few tips for a smooth and affordable trip.
Editor Reviews
My family found ourselves on a chilly Sunday morning over a holiday weekend needing to burn a little energy. My friends have raved and raved about a new indoor playground for months and when faced with another cold day indoors at our house I thought this would be the perfect morning to try Kanga's Indoor Playcenter. We started out with free time in Prelude's imaginative, Montessori-inspired playroom stocked with wood toys, baby dolls, building blocks, and puzzles, and then we were summoned to the music room where the rest of the magic took place. The video speaks for itself - lots of rhythm-making, hand clapping, singing, dancing, and playing, all the while enjoying a beautiful bond with our children and each other. We ended each class with a calming music & rocking exercise, special snuggle time with our little ones, and complimentary snacks for our group, courtesy of Prelude.
For convenience, I grabbed a box of Krusteaz Gingerbread Cookie Mix from H-E-B so my girls could make cookies for Santa this year. Krusteaz wouldn’t have been my first choice. The box is kind of dull and the cookies on the photo look average. However, this was the cookie mix on the end cap of the frozen foods aisle, so we snagged a box on a whim on the way to the check-out line. We usually leave out sugar cookies or chocolate chip cookies for Santa, but I recently scored a new gingerbread man cookie cutter set in a White Elephant gift exchange, and I was anxious to put it to work.
I often hear friends say that there' is just no point in taking little kids to theme parks - that it's a waste of money and preschoolers are so young they won't remember a thing. When researching for our Disney trip last year, one phrase stuck out to me - take trips while your kids are young for the memories you'll have of your children, not necessarily the memories they'll have of the experience. Using that mantra as my guide, I'm here to tell you it is never too early to take your youngest kids to a theme park! We found Six Flags Fiesta Texas more than accommodating for our family of two 3 year olds and one 5 year old, and during this most magical time of the year, Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Fiesta Texas is filled with enchanting experiences that will help capture the holiday spirit.
My family just returned from an amazing, festive two days at SeaWorld San Antonio's Christmas Celebration. They're making spirits brighter than ever this holiday season, through January 2nd, with the largest lighting display in the state of Texas - over eight million sparkling lights! If you've ever thought your kids were too young to enjoy or remember a theme park, my experiences with two 3 year olds and a 5 year old have shown there is so much magic and sparkle revealed with younger kids.
A reader asked for recommendations on the best nail salon for Mommy & Me mani/pedis, and we've got your answers below!- Ella reports Today Nails & Spa at 8000 McBeth Way Ste. 120 has a bear and Hello Kitty chair for kids
- Elizabeth and Brandi are fans of the Mommy & Me room with Hello Kitty chairs at LUSH & Co. Spa at 8633 W. Rayford Dr. Ste. 400
- Tasha reports Nails of America Creekside at 26400 Kuykendahl has a Mommy & Me room
- Stacie reports PL Nails & Spa inside H-E-B at 3601 FM 1488 has a Hello Kitty chair
- Gossip & Co. Nail Spa at 12603 Louetta Rd. Ste. 100 has a Mommy & Me room
My kids are huge fans of Hot Wheels and Monster Jam trucks at home. The smashing, the crashing, the soaring down ramps and into my walls. For years I've noticed Monster Jam rolling through town and wondered, what's the best age to bring my kids? Can my oldest handle the noise? The stimulation? The late night? The crowds?
Waco is a sleepy town that Chip and Joanna Gaines have brought an explosion of attention to with their popular HGTV show "Fixer Upper." The Silos are ground zero for all things Magnolia, home to Magnolia Market, Joanna's garden, Magnolia Seed + Supply, several food trucks surrounding a faux lawn and Silos Baking Co. Grab your girlfriends, mom or spouse and make the 2.5 hour trek from the Woodlands for a Waco day trip!
