A Mom and The Magic from January 2013

SeaWorld’s Aquatica offers families water park fun with marine life

January 31, 2013 by AllEars

Walt Disney World may have revolutionized themed water parks here in Orlando, but SeaWorld has created its own unique and kid-friendly version, too, that is equally as fun. Over the last several months, my family and I have explored Aquatica, and we have been impressed with what it has to offer. Until recently, my experience … Continue reading "SeaWorld’s Aquatica offers families water park fun with marine life"

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Simple ways to create Disney valentines and where to find character sweets

January 29, 2013 by AllEars

When it comes to ideas for creating clever, yet simple, valentines for kids, Disney Family.com is my go-to resource each year for Disney-themed crafts. With two weeks left until Valentine's Day, it's time for us to get to work!

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Fulfill your need for speed at Test Track 2.0 in Epcot

January 26, 2013 by AllEars

My family and I finally got to ride the new Test Track at Epcot last weekend, and -- though we all still enjoy the ride -- we're divided on whether we prefer the new version or the previous one. For those who haven't read about Test Track 2.0 since it officially reopened on Dec. 6, the popular thrill ride was closed for more than half of 2012 while the inside of the attraction was re-imagined. Though the actual track for the cars remains the same, it feels altogether different with the new minimalist storyline, new futuristic imagery inside the attraction and new interactive concepts for guests to enjoy while waiting in line.

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Tell your kids about their heritage with personalized books sold at Epcot

January 24, 2013 by AllEars

Deanna Bufo Novak A new retail stand at Epcot shares the same mission as the World Showcase portion of the Walt Disney World park — to educate visitors about countries around the globe. In this case, though, the nations are those that make up an individual child’s heritage. At kidsHeritage, Inc., guests design personalized books … Continue reading "Tell your kids about their heritage with personalized books sold at Epcot"

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Disney World’s reworked Habit Heroes attraction opens

January 22, 2013 by AllEars

Habit Heroes, an exhibit at Epcot's Innoventions that teaches guests about healthy lifestyles, reopened on Friday. It soft-opened in February 2012 but quickly was closed after widespread criticism about the game's insensitivity to overweight children. The story and the focus have changed. Childhood obesity is not the overall theme; instead, it's healthy living for everyone. And rather than entering a 100-year-old gym, visitors now prepare for a futuristic battle against the bad guys who contribute to unhealthy lifestyles: The Scorchers, whose goal is dehydration; The Zappers, who aim to distract people from being physically active; and The Blocker Bots, who block guests from getting the nutrients they need. Visitors learn to fight these villains with a different method in each room as they prepare to become Habit Heroes.

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Disney Infinity marries Skylanders-style video game with beloved Disney characters

January 19, 2013 by AllEars

This week, Disney Interactive Studios officially announced it will jump on the Skylanders craze with its own version of the interactive video games called Disney Infinity. Judging by the popularity of the Skylanders franchise and the Disney brand, gamers probably are going to have a difficult time waiting until the June release date. For those … Continue reading "Disney Infinity marries Skylanders-style video game with beloved Disney characters"

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Tips for families attending SeaWorld’s Just For Kids festival

January 17, 2013 by AllEars

SeaWorld Orlando's Just For Kids festival returns again this year on four Saturdays -- Jan. 12, 19, 26 and Feb. 2. I recently spoke with Muffett Baker, the theme park's entertainment production manager, to get her thoughts on the what not to miss at Just For Kids. Here are her recommendations for making the most of the festival and my tips for families.

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Build-a-Bear introduces Disney bear with Princess Weekend

January 15, 2013 by AllEars

There was a little bit of Disney magic happening at Build-A-Bear Workshops across North America this past weekend, and my eight-year-old daughter and I dropped in at our local store to check out the festivities. To celebrate the new Disney Princess bear, which was released on Friday, Build-A-Bear invited girls to learn to curtsey and … Continue reading "Build-a-Bear introduces Disney bear with Princess Weekend"

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Disney Cruise Line offers Miami excursions on debarkation days

January 12, 2013 by AllEars

Despite living in Orlando for almost two decades, I haven’t really spent any time in Miami. Sure, I’ve driven through the area on my way to the Florida Keys, but I haven’t taken the time to explore the city. That’s about to change for me this spring when my family plans to visit some of … Continue reading "Disney Cruise Line offers Miami excursions on debarkation days"

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Creativity, technology bring new Disney toys to life in 2013

January 10, 2013 by AllEars

Playtime can be serious business for The Walt Disney Co. The news coming out of Disney World this week about MyMagic+ and the coordinating MagicBand has many Disney fans excited about the application of radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology in the parks that will allow them to customize their vacations. But that isn’t the only high-technology … Continue reading "Creativity, technology bring new Disney toys to life in 2013"

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