Bring the party home now that the hit animated comedy, The Angry Birds Movie is available from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment! I took my daughters to go see this opening weekend with my husband and we all loved it! The Angry Birds Movie is based on the most downloaded app of all time (nearly 3.5 billion downloads). The film that catapulted to #1 at the box office in the U.S. and more than 50 others countries takes us to an island populated entirely by happy, flightless birds – or almost entirely. In this paradise, hot-headed Red, speedy Chuck, and the volatile Bomb have always been outsiders. But when the island is visited by mysterious green piggies, it’s up to these unlikely outcasts to figure out what the pigs are up in order to save their home. Boasting an “A” CinemaScore (viewers under age 25) and featuring even more of the breakout, fan-favorite Hatchlings, don’t miss the film that quickly became one of the highest-grossing video game based films of all time. Pick up your copy on Amazon today!
Family Friendly Humor
My entire family loved this movie. There were some jokes that went totally over my young daughters’ heads (ages 3 and 5) but that my husband and I found ourselves laughing at so hard we had tears in our eyes. There was a lot of family friendly humor as well – and of course some fart jokes that had us all giggling. The Angry Birds Movie is a must see for families that like to laugh!
The Voice Cast
The all-star voice cast includes Jason Sudeikis (Horrible Bosses) as Red, Josh Gad (Frozen) as Chuck, Danny McBride (This is the End) as Bomb, Maya Rudolph (Bridesmaids) as Matilda, Kate McKinnon (Ghostbusters) as Stella, Sean Penn (Milk) as Terence, Tony Hale (“Veep”) as Ross, Keegan-Michael Key (“Key & Peele”) as Judge Peckinpah, with Bill Hader (Inside Out) as Leonard and Peter Dinklage (“Game of Thrones”) as Mighty Eagle. Rounding out the flock are Hannibal Buress (Daddy’s Home), Ike Barinholtz (Neighbors), Tituss Burgess (“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”), Jillian Bell (22 Jump Street), Billy Eichner (“Billy on the Street”), Danielle Brooks (“Orange is the New Black”), YouTube stars Smosh (Ian Hecox and Anthony Padilla) and Latin music sensation Romeo Santos.
Bonus Content
Bonus content on THE ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE Blu-ray, DVD and digital formats includes a bonus scene; the Blake Shelton Music Video “Friends;” Symphony Mode, which allows viewers to play the movie without all the squawking, just the music; a Character Sketch Gallery, where fans can see drawings and renderings of the birds, pigs and environments from the film; and Music Vignettes with Composer Heitor Pereira. Blu-ray and digital exclusive content includes the all-new short “The Early Hatchling Gets the Worm”, deleted scenes and a series of fun mini-movies featuring the Hatchlings. There are also five additional featurettes including “Dance Along Birds and Pigs,” where fans learn the line dance from the movie; “Crafty Birds,” where viewers learn how to build their own piggy tower; and three featurettes where fans can “Meet the Birds,” “Meet The Pigs” and “Meet the Hatchlings.”
Additionally, fans can unlock more content by syncing the Angry Birds Action! app with the audio on the Blu-ray or Digital version of the movie. The Angry Birds Action! app movie integration will also extend to retail where fans can unlock an augmented reality Hatchlings selfie feature by scanning “bird codes” on in-store signage.
My girls love the super popular PBS Kids show WILD KRATTS and so they were thrilled to get the DVD “WILD REPTILES.” We actually went to see the Wild Kratts live once and it was an amazing experience! We all had so much fun – even my husband and myself. I love this show because my girls learn a ton about animals. Sometimes, I am totally surprised by the facts about animals and their habitats that come out of my daughters’ mouths. This DVD has a great collection of Wild Kratts episodes and has quickly become a favorite in our house.
“WILD REPTILES” will be available on DVD August 23, 2016.
Synopsis:
When Martin and Chris Kratt find themselves in a jam, they turn to wild reptiles to help them save the day! Reptiles have some seriously amazing adaptations and incredibly awesome creature features. Learn about the gecko’s ability to climb walls as the Kratt Brothers try to foil Zach Varmitech’s attempt to steal their Miniaturizer. And uncover some fascinating facts about rattlesnakes as Martin and Chris search for a new supply of crystals in the Sonoran Desert to power the Tortuga. Nothing’s better than exploring natural habitats with the Wild Kratts and learning about the incredible “creature powers” of the animals they meet! Purchase here.
The episodes included on this DVD are listed below.
“The Gecko Effect”
There’s a mystery to be solved, as the Wild Kratts team wonders how a gecko lizard climbs up smooth surfaces and can even climb upside down. The gang uses their Miniaturizer to shrink down and discovers it’s all about physics: all objects have electrical charges that attract one another and the gecko’s marvelous toe pad structure charges so much that they can walk on surfaces as smooth as glass. But in the meantime, Zach has stolen their Miniaturizer and imprisoned them in a glass terrarium. Martin and Chris activate the new gecko powers of their Creature Power Suits and must retrieve the Miniaturizer before Zach shrinks all the animals in the creature world.
“Crocogator Contest”
A pop creature quiz challenge about the differences between crocodiles and alligators turns into a full-blown “crocogator” contest to find out what actually is different about these two similar creatures.
“Rattlesnake Crystal”
After the Tortuga crash lands in the Sonoran Desert, Koki discovers that the Tellurium crystals have run out of power and they need a new supply. Martin and Chris volunteer to go out into the desert to find this important source of energy and discover more than they were expecting!
“Chameleons on Target”
Aviva’s special ring chip invention is stolen by a mysterious lemur! Chris and Martin set off after it, with a little help from the amazing creature powers of the chameleon.
WILD KRATTS transforms the Kratt Brothers, creators of the award-winning “Kratts’ Creatures” and Emmy-winning “Zoboomafoo,” into animated versions of themselves, allowing the real-life zoologists to visit wild animals in their little-seen habitats and showcase key science concepts along the way. From elephants using physics to suck gallons of water with their trunks to a fleet of peregrine falcons that harness the force of gravity to speed through the air, each episode of WILD KRATTS presents age-appropriate science inspired by the natural abilities of the animals that the Kratt Brothers – and young viewers – meet. WILD KRATTS airs daily on PBS KIDS (check local listings).
About Kratt Brothers Company
Kratt Brothers Company, founded in 1993, has created and produced more than 220 episodes of television, including award-winning series: KRATTS’ CREATURES, ZOBOOMAFOO, “Kratt Brothers: Be The Creature” and WILD KRATTS. Through its full service animation studio, Kratt Brothers Company is currently in production on its fifth season of the Emmy-nominated hit WILD KRATTS. www.krattbrothers.com
About PBS KIDS
PBS KIDS, the number one educational media brand for kids, offers all children the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television, digital platforms and community-based programs. Kidscreen and Webby-award winning pbskids.org provides engaging interactive content, including digital games and streaming video. PBS KIDS also offers mobile apps to help support young children’s learning. The PBS KIDS Video App is available on a variety of mobile devices and on platforms such as Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Xbox One and Chromecast. For more information on specific PBS KIDS content supporting literacy, science, math and more, visit pbs.org/pressroom, or follow PBS KIDS on Twitter and Facebook.
This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.
Finding the right car seat for your child can be tough, especially if you don’t have a useful reference to look back to. There are so many options and I know it can be overwhelming. I have been through it twice and I know the stress it can cause. There is a lot of pressure because if you don’t choose the right one, there can be dire consequences. Before you even think about the car seat, you need to make sure you have sufficient insurance to cover you in the event of an accident. Check out Mercury auto insurance to get a quote and learn about the different types of insurance available. Getting the right car seat is going to help you if you ever get into a car crash. It can help soften the blow and hopefully stop any serious damage. If you’ve been involved in a car crash then you should get a lawyer involved. If you are unsure about who to use then you could always take a look at these prime lawyers Sydney to give you a better idea. Anyway, what’s important now though is getting the right car seat. Below are 5 tips that I hope will help you find the perfect car seat for your family.
Grows with your child
Save money and time by finding a car seat that will grow with your child. I highly recommend convertible car seats because they usually will work from birth to age 7 or 8 – basically they will be the only car seat you ever need. If you and your child take good car of it, there will be no need to have to shop car seats again!
Fits in your car
Measure your car before you start looking at car seats. Find out how much room there really is in the back seat. Measuring the space that you have from the back seat to the back of the drivers or passengers seat is important too. You don’t want to have to drive on top of the steering wheel just to fit your car seat in the back. Search for the latches so that you know where they are when it comes time to install your new car seat as well.
Well known brand
I know that generic brands are usually cheaper. But you want the best for your child. Be sure to choose a well known brand that you trust. Make sure that they pass all safety regulations.
Read Reviews
Read reviews on store websites and on blogs. I cannot stress this enough. You want to know what parents thought about these care seats once they got them home, got them installed, and started using them. Did it take them 5 hours to install in their car? Is that something you are willing to do? Does their child say the seat is comfortable? Are the straps easy to adjust?
Find the Best Price for you
I am not saying buy the most expensive car seat you can find, but they are an investment. Don’t break the bank, but do remember that this is something that should stick with your family for a long time. What is your child’s safety worth – it’s up to you.
One of the places you can shop is The Baby Cubby (they even put together their own article about choosing the right car seat here). This store is for every parent out there who has ever felt overwhelmed or discouraged about becoming a parent. The Baby Cubby team is made up of parents who have been there, so they know what it is like and are passionate about encouraging, inspiring, and reminding parents how amazing they are and how important their role is. They find the best and safest baby gear and provide it to parents with a fun shopping experience such as test strollers on a stroller track, price match everyday – even amazon, offer free shipping nationwide on purchases over $49, and actively engage with parents via social media and the cubby community blog to discuss some of those hard topics of parenting. They do the research, so you don’t have to – that is what makes them so different. I value their opinion and the research they have done. I know that if they offer a car seat, it must be safe for my little ones.
Welcome to the 2016 Ultimate Birthday Gift Guide (for Kids)! Mama Smith’s is bringing you ideas to help give your little one a great birthday! Each item on this guide was personally tested and/or approved by Mama Smith’s. Please enjoy and remember to keep coming back because new items are added daily!This guide may contain affiliate links.
Choose from dozens of layouts and designs and personalize with your photos and embellishments for the perfect invitations and cards for any occasion. These cards and invitations are easy to create – and everyone will be impressed. Personalize your child’s birthday invitations and cards with CVS and you will not regret it.
Teach My Preschooler is the multi award-winning all-in-one learning kit for preschoolers age 3 years+. Requiring no screens, the kit has everything for teaching preschoolers the basics. Teach My Preschooler is divided into four sections: Reading, Printing, Numbers to 100, Adding and Subtracting. Developed with education consultant, Judith Rowlands, M Ed., Teach My Preschooler is designed to give preschoolers a head start, develop fine motor skills, encourage parent/child interaction and increase school readiness skills. Teach My also has these kits for Baby and Toddler available as well as bathtime kits! Check them out a Target near you!
Row, row, row your boat with Pinkie Pie and her awesome Row & Ride Swan Boat! She’s poseable for rowing action and as the boat rolls, the music plays and she rows! When you scan your Pinkie Pie figure’s necklace into the My Little Pony Friendship Celebration app (device not included), you can unlock her character in the app! It’s going to be a great day at the park with Pinkie Pie and her Swan Boat!
This unique Robotic Arm is hand powered and can pick up and relocate items using four degrees of freedom and an articulated grabber hand. The whole crane can rotate 360 degrees, allowing this miniature robot to perform the complex actions of its real life counterpart. Kids and robotics enthusiasts alike will have fun building this STEM-based kit that pays special attention to important scientific principals including gear reductions and power transfer through the robotic arm’s intricate gearing techniques. HEXBUG hopes to inspire future generations of engineers and designers by allowing them to explore this exciting field through the fun of hands-on creative play.
The Best of Two Worlds. The Nintendo 2DS system brings the power of two systems together into a single, affordable package. Play all games both Nintendo DS and Nintendo 3DS in 2D. Connect with friends, other players, and wireless hotspots using the wireless StreetPass and SpotPass communication modes to unlock exclusive content for games and download other entertainment. From games to photos and beyond, Nintendo 2DS is the ultimate 2D gaming experience.
Tap into big fun with the amazing, all-in-one LeapStart interactive early learning system for Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten, jam-packed with key school and life skills for curious 2-4 year olds. The system works with a library of replayable activity books (sold separately) and comes with a Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten sampler book. The Leap Start interactive learning system is designed to help build key skills and challenge kids to get ready for their next step in learning. Get kids excited about everything from counting to creativity, phonics to problem solving, and shapes to social skills with replayable activity books bursting with fun on every page.
Tap into big fun with the amazing, all-in-one leap start interactive learning system for kindergarten and 1st grade, jam-packed with key school and life skills for inquisitive 5-7 year olds. The system works with a library of replayable activity books (sold separately) and comes with a kindergarten and 1st grade sampler book. The leap start interactive learning system is designed to help build key skills and challenge kids to get ready for their next step in learning. Get kids excited about everything from STEM to social skills, reading comprehension to Communication, and problem solving to scientific thinking with replayable activity books bursting with fun on every page.
From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes a comedy-adventure set in the modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia. Determined to prove herself, Officer Judy Hopps, the first bunny on Zootopia s police force, jumps at the chance to crack her first case even if it means partnering with scam-artist fox Nick Wilde to solve the mystery. Bring home this hilarious adventure full of action, heart and tons of bonus extras that take you deeper into the world of Zootopia. It’s big fun for all shapes and species!
KUNG FU PANDA 3 is “a beautifully rendered, lovingly constructed action-comedy that’s sure to please kids and adults alike,” proclaims Gary Goldstein of the Los Angeles Times. James Vernier of the Boston Herald asserts that KUNG FU PANDA 3 is “spectacular.” And Bill Bregoli of CBS Radio News declaresKUNG FU PANDA 3 is “non-stop action, thrills and laughs!” Kick off the summer with the KUNG FU PANDA 3 Awesome Edition on Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital HD. Featuring more fun, funny andaction packed bonus features including 2 all-new Kung Fu Panda animated shorts, Everybody Loves A Panda Party Karaoke with Po, Make a Panda Party Paper Pal and more!
The exciting Pie Face game is filled with fun and suspense, and somebody’s bound to get splatted! Just put some delicious whipped cream from home or the wet sponge on the “hand” of this hilarious game unit and start turning the handles. It could go off at any time, so keep your fingers crossed and hope you’re not the one who gets a splat in the face! You score a point for every time you turn the handle without getting pie-faced, and the one who scores 25 points wins. Take some risks and hope for the best in this hilarious Pie Face game! This is a favorite in our house – my girls just laugh and laugh whenever we play. Definitely a family favorite!
Enter a realm where magic reigns and the world’s elements are creatures with mythical abilities! On your turn, you will look at 2 of the face-down Elemons on the table, revealing them to all players. When you find a pair of Elemons, you will earn them and also invoke their unique special power, giving you an advantage for the rest of the game. Every three of the same Elemon you find, will summon the corresponding Gigamon to your side. And when you have 3 Gigamons, you win the game! Gigamons is a game artistically designed to engage the player’s imagination and carry them away to a new world. This game is a blast for the whole family! The Elemons are adorable and my girls just love them!
The Zootopia Police Station is the headquarters for all ZPD officers. It’s where Judy Hopps gets her assignments, where Chief Bogo’s office is, and where Clawhauser eats his donuts. This large playset comes with 3″ Clawhauser Figure that features poseable arms, neck, and legs, a 1″ safety squirrel that fits into the included mouse Helicopter. A projector simulates a computer monitor with three images, and the Police Station comes to life with lights and sounds of sirens and dispatch announcements and the sliding elevators create multi-level play. Get ready for jailbreak action as the sirens sound and the jail door flies open!
The WatchMinder is a simple wristwatch that can easily be programmed to set up discreet vibrating reminders throughout one’s day. Invented by a child psychologist, the WatchMinder was designed to aid children and adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (AD/HD) and others with special needs in staying focused, managing their time, and modifying their thoughts and behaviors.
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment provided me with a free copy of the DVD I reviewed in this Blog Post. The opinions I share are my own.
I am a total comic book nerd, and that is something I am working hard to pass on to my young daughters. My favorite female comic book characters include Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy, so I was thrilled to receive DC SuperHero Girls: Hero of the Year! The day this showed up on my doorstep, the girls and I opened it up and watched it. My 5 year old was super into it – and OK, so was I. What a great movie! It even held my 3 year old’s attention all the way through. It was funny, cute, and has a wonderful lesson it teaches. As soon as it ended, my oldest asked to watch it again. This is already a huge hit in our house and I recommend it for anyone with little girls. It will teach them that they can be a hero too! Grab your copy when it hits stores everywhere this Tuesday – August 23, 2016!
Synopsis
Move over boys! It’s time for the girls to take flight in this all-new ground-breaking franchise. Join Wonder Woman, Supergirl and Batgirl along with fellow gal pals Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn, Bumblebee and Katana. Enrolled at the esteemed Super Hero High, the teens in training practice their unique abilities and master the fundamentals of becoming super heroes. As the students compete for the annual Hero of the Year prize, the ominous Dark Opal and his mysterious partner-in-crime target the girls and the school in their plot to rule the universe. Join the DC Super Hero Girls as they discover that the real power lies within each and every one of us!
SPECIAL FEATURES Six Animated Shorts:
Hero of the Month: Wonder Woman
Fall into Super Hero High
Hero of the Month: Bumblebee
Hero of the Month: Poison Ivy
Clubbing
Saving the Day
About the DC Super Hero Girls
These young Super Heroes discover unique abilities, develop powers, and combat an abundance of overwhelming, exciting and awkward moments to master the fundamentals of being a hero – one day at a time! The group includes:
Wonder Woman was raised on Themyscira, a paradise island overflowing with female leaders. This natural born leader has super strength, the power of flight and a magic lasso that forces anyone to tell the truth.
Batgirl is crazy smart – she was accepted to Super Hero High based on her brainpower alone (she wasn’t born with super powers). But this crime-fighting sleuth may be the most influential of all! Her unparalleled intellect, expert martial arts skills, photographic memory and legendary detective skills are a formula for an incredible Super Hero.
Supergirl is the most powerful teen on earth, but also incredibly clumsy. She has super strength, super hearing and super speed but will need to be sure she doesn’t trip over her own two feet en route to saving the world.
Harley Quinn is the resident class clown who lives for jokes and over-the-top pranks. Nonetheless, this quick-witted gymnast is sneaky and full of surprises.
Bumblebee has the ability to shrink, allowing her to sneak around without being spotted. She makes sure her team is never surprised by any villains or enemies up to no good.
Poison Ivy, got caught up in a botched lab experiment, and now has the ability to control and summon plants. She’s gradually adapting to her amazing new powers and blossoming into her new life.
Katana is an artist with an edge – this fearless martial arts fashionista is up for any crime-fighting test and is never without her sword.
Together, these seven fearless Super Heroes prove that we all have the power to make the world a better place – even while school is in session!
I am a huge Star Wars fan and I have been waiting for Rogue One since I found out about it. I am so excited to finally see it in just a few short months (December 16th to be exact!). My husband and I will, for sure, be seeing it the first day it is out – quite possibly at the midnight showing! I think that it looks great, and I cannot wait to see what Gareth Edwards (director) has in store for us. The official trailer was just released during the Olympics and WOW! It looks incredible. I don’t want to give much away because I want you to watch it for yourself, but the very last second – AH! I screamed out loud when I saw it. This Star Wars Fan Girl can’t wait for December.
About Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Lucasfilm’s ROGUE ONE, which takes place before the events of Star Wars: A New Hope, tells the story of unlikely heroes who have united to steal plans to the dreaded Death Star. The cast includes Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Ben Mendelsohn, Donnie Yen, Jiang Wen, Mads Mikkelsen, Alan Tudyk, Riz Ahmed, and Forest Whitaker. ROGUE ONE is directed by Gareth Edwards, produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Allison Shearmur, and Simon Emanuel, executive produced by John Knoll and Jason McGatlin, and co-produced by John Swartz and Kiri Hart.
ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY arrives in theaters everywhere on December 16th!
Disclosure: I was provided with this experience from Disney Cruise Lines. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.
Recently I was super blessed with the opportunity to sail the seas with Disney Cruise Line. I knew it was going to be an amazing time (because – Disney) but I had no idea what I was in store for. I brought my 3 and 5 year old and my mother with me and we made memories that will last a lifetime. My husband and I were already researching a Disney Cruise when I got the invite to go. I admit, we had been nervous that our daughters were too young so this was sure to be a great tester to find out. I immediately discovered that they are not, by any means, too young. Disney makes sure that there is something to do for everyone – and I mean everyone. From 0 to 100, everyone is sure to have the time of their lives on a Disney Cruise. But if you are planning a cruise with preschoolers, here are some tips that I learned aboard the Disney Dream.
Download the Navigator App
Before you get on the boat, be sure to download the Disney Cruise LineNavigator App. It was our go to for activity times, character meet and greets, and even dining options the entire cruise. Every morning, I would pull up my app to see what events we would like to try to be at. I would mark them as a favorite and my app would remind me of them about 15 minutes before they were happening (complete with the deck number they were on!). My favorite feature of the Navigator app however, is the chat function. When you sign in to the app on board, you are given a chat number. Pass that on to the rest of your party or friends you meet on your cruise, and you can stay in touch easily. This is great when members of your party split up or you want to meet a friend for a show. My mother and I split up with the girls a couple of times and this came in handy when we were trying to find each other again. Best of all – it runs on free Wi-Fi, so don’t worry about any charges you might incur using it, there won’t be any!
Every night, your stateroom host or hostess will leave you a paper Personal Navigator. This includes a schedule of the events that will be going on the following day. We did use this, but when traveling with kids, sometimes it is hard to pull out a piece of paper and take a few minutes to look at it without kids trying to pull it out of your hands. That is why I loved the Navigator App. I could search easily by character appearance, family fun, or kids events – and trust me it was a lot easier to browse while holding a tired 3 year old than a piece of paper. I did let my 5 year old carry around the paper schedule and it made her feel very important. It is nice to have both on hand, but I ended up using the app a lot more.
Bring an Autograph Book
My daughters and I were shocked at the amount of characters we saw on the Disney Dream. We expected to see Mickey and Minnie Mouse, but we also got to meet Donald and Daisy Duck, Goofy, Pluto, Cinderella, Snow White, Rapunzel, Captain Hook, Mr. Smee, Peter Pan, Doc McStuffins, and so many more! I wish we had brought an autograph book along with us because we would have started collecting autographs from the moment we stepped on board. We did pick one up later on, but we were a day behind on the autographs. In my opinion, bringing along an autograph book – maybe even a personalized one – is a must!
We have been to Walt Disney World many times and I have autograph books with the girls’ names and the dates of the trips on them. I usually get the kind where you can add the photos with the characters next to their signatures – or I just add in the photos myself with a little glue and/or tape. We always have so much fun looking back at them – they are something we will treasure forever. I wish I had a personalized one for this cruise – but I will be prepared for the next time, that is for sure!
Every night is show time at Walt Disney Theatre, an elegant, 1,340-seat palace onboard the Disney Dream that is equipped with advanced theatrical technology and state-of-the-art sound, lighting, staging and set design. Premiering on the Disney Dream and headlining the musical repertoire is Disney’s Believe, an original stage spectacular that combines a heartfelt story about a father and daughter with a captivating musical score, a comical and insightful performance by Genie from Disney’s Aladdin and appearances from more than 20 of Disney’s most beloved characters. (Gene Duncan, photographer)
Don’t Miss the Shows
The shows we saw aboard the Disney Dream were incredible. I am a huge fan of Disney Villains and one of the shows was called Villains Tonight!– so I knew it was one I did not want to miss. In fact, I had dinner reservations at Palo, Disney Dream’s adult only restaurant, right in the middle of the shows, but I made it work. The first one started at 6:15 and the second at 8:30 – my dinner was 7:00 – 9:00. My family went to the first show and left around 6:45, I dropped the kids at The Oceaneer Lab and was off to dinner. Right after we finished off dessert, we grabbed the kids and headed back to the Walt Disney Theater – we happened to walk in during the exact song we had to leave during, perfect timing! So no matter what, make the shows work. The kids will LOVE them. My girls were completely entranced with the characters and the musical numbers.
Villians Tonight! is hosted by the Lord of the Underworld himself, Hades, and was a very interactive show. My girls loved booing the villains as they appeared, laughing at Pain and Panic’s jokes, and helping Hades fill up his Evilometer. The comedy was great, and there was even some adult jokes slipped in there. They update the jokes to stay current, for example we heard some about Taylor Swift and Donald Trump that made me laugh out loud! On our final night, we watched Disney’s Believe, which was one of the best Disney Shows I have ever seen – and I have seen a lot. I felt a little sappy when I teared up – not just once, numerous times. I don’t want to ruin it, but if you have seen it, I am sure you know what part really got to me being a mom of two little girls (I am literally tearing up as I write this). This show is interactive as well, and one of the dancers even ran off the stage and gave my girls each a bead necklace (which they have treasured and tell everyone about) during the song with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen. At one point, Belle is on stage – we were in the second row – and she waved at my 5 year old. The look on her face alone made the entire trip worth it. I have never seen her smile so big before and I swear I saw tears in her eyes.
As the only cruise line to feature fireworks at sea, Disney Cruise Line lights up the sky to dazzle guests with the largest, awe-inspiring fireworks extravaganza presented aboard a cruise ship. The skies above the Disney Dream explode with brilliant colors during Buccaneer Blast! a pyrotechnic spectacular choreographed to a dramatic score featuring songs from the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, Peter Pan and the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction at the Disney theme parks. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)
When I chatted with Trent, the Cruise Director of the Disney Dream, he let me know these shows are specific to the Disney ships (some crossover – for example Disney’s Believe is on both the Dream and Fantasy, however Villians Tonight! is only on the Dream). The shows are updated every now and then, but they usually have a run of 6 to 8 years. That is just one reason to check out all of the ships that are a part of the Disney Cruise Line! Besides these two shows, there were some great deck parties, and even a Buccaneer Blast show on the deck, followed by some incredible fireworks over the ocean. The fireworks did not start until about 10:45, but the girls stayed up and boy am I glad they did – they loved the show and the fireworks display.
Trust me, they will sleep well at night when they skip a nap.
Don’t Make Them Nap
Traveling with little ones can be tough. If they fall asleep part way through the day and you have some downtime, great, let them rest. But I made the mistake of letting my 3 year old nap on our last day and she was so mad that she missed running around the boat and solving a Mickey Mouse Detective mystery – I don’t think she will ever let me forget it. I say let them power nap in your arms as you wait for things – or at shows if they must (but I highly recommend trying to wake them up so they don’t miss the magic). There is so much to see during your cruise and naps are overrated. You know your kid though, and if you think they need a nap to be able to stay up late, then play it by ear. I discovered that by forcing them to have a specific nap time, they were missing out on things they would love and actually ended up taking a long time to fall asleep – making our downtime longer than we wanted. On our second day, if I had made them lay down during their normal nap time, they would have missed meeting Captain Hook & Mr. Smee as well as the Jake and Sophia Pirate and Princess dance party! Now, we can’t have that, can we?
If you are going on a 3 day cruise especially, you want all the time that you can get. They can sleep on the way home I say! My husband and I have had the girls doing 15+ hour days with us at Disney World before, and we never regret it. They always get a second wind – and honestly, they sleep better at night when they are up most of the day. There is so much for the kids to see on board the ship – from special shops (check out Vanellope’s Sweets and Treats on the Disney Dream – amazing!), to helping Mickey Mouse solve mysteries on board the ship, to shows, to character meet and greets, to becoming a princess (or pirate!) at the Bippity Boppity Boutique, to activities and fun at The Oceaneer Club! In fact, I highly recommend flying in the night before if you can, that way they can sleep in late and be ready to experience everything that first afternoon on board. My girls wanted to take a nap when we first got on the boat because they had to wake up early – and that bummed me out because I wanted to explore the ship with them. You can even stay at Disney Wold hotels and get free transportation to Port Canaveral in the morning (there is free transportation from the Orlando airport as well)!
Andy’s Room inside The Oceaneer Club
Utilize the Oceaneer Club and Lab
It might seem strange to go on a family vacation and then leave your kids with “strangers” for part of the trip. I know my husband and I said there is no way we would do it during a cruise, but trust me, everyone in your family will love the time the kids spend at The Oceaneer Club and Lab! These areas are for kids ages 3 through 12 (they must be fully toilet trained) but there is the It’s A Small World Nursery for those 3 and under (or not fully toilet trained). There is so much to do in this kids area, I was blown away when I saw it. So much, in fact, thatI will be writing a full article just on the club & lab soon, so stay tuned for that. I had to literally pull my girls out practically kicking and screaming when I wanted to spend time with them!
There is nothing to worry about when leaving your kids, the staff is handpicked by Disney, so you know they have the experience that you want them to when watching your little ones. Plus, every cabin is equipped with two wave phones. These can be used to keep in contact when families split up (especially useful when older kids are traveling with you) but also to be notified if your child wants to be picked up, or if there is an emergency. When at dinner at Palo one night (more on that later too) I received a text that my youngest wanted to be picked up. When I got there, however, she didn’t want to leave because she was making cookies with a chef that had come in to visit the kids. The cast members there told me that this happens quite often – and that doesn’t surprise me one bit.
A very cool fact that I learned on board, the 5th deck (where the Club, Lab, and Bippity Boppity Boutique are) has a lower ceiling than any other deck on the boat – all to make the little ones feel more safe and at home. Take advantage and let your kids have a blast while you have some much deserved adult relaxation (and fun!) time – the kids will even thank you for it!
Overall, there is truly something for everyone aboard the Disney Cruise Line ships (check out what my friend over at Candypalooza misses about the cruise already). Also on the cruise with me was Jessica from Young at Heart Mommy – read her 10 Reasons to Sail on the Disney Dream here – and Juan from Juan of Words – read about his Disney Dream adventure here! You are sure to have a blast no matter your age. Don’t let traveling with young kids scare you, it is worth every second seeing their faces. I hope I helped you make the decision to take your little ones aboard a Disney Cruise. I will have lots more tips and information coming (this is just the first article in an eight part series), so be sure to check back each week. Go ahead and book your Disney Cruise today – we have already booked our next one!
We are a Disney family through and through. One of our favorite newer Disney movies is Zootopia. I think the message is great for kids – you can be who you want to be. The movie itself is funny, entertaining, and great for adults as well as kids. My mom was recently visiting us and she hadn’t seen it, so of course we watched it. She laughed, she cried – she really enjoyed it. Because this is one of their favorite films, my girls have several Zootopia figures. They love their Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps, as well as little Toot Toot. Recenly, thanks to TOMY, we got the new Zootopia Police Station Playset – and boy were they excited. They now had a place to play with all their figures and the scenarios they come up with are amazing.
I love watching them play because I can tell they are really using their imaginations. There are so many interactive parts to this playset that help spark their storylines. My favorite is the jail cell – and when someone hits the button to open the door, the alarm goes off! So you can imagine how many Zootopia residents have broken out of jail and had Judy Hopps chase them down! There is a large elevator for larger residents and a small elevator for small ones. Another great feature is the computer desk. When a button is pushed, it flashes mug shot photos of wanted criminals (these can be rotated through using a small wheel – the perfect size for little fingers). My girls have already had hours and hours of play with this, and I know it will be a hit for a long time to come!
The Zootopia Police Station Playset hit Target shelves earlier this month. It is the headquarters for all ZPD officers, where Judy Hopps gets her assignments and Clawhauser eats his donuts. It features lights and sounds – and so much more. The playset includes Officer Clawhauser and Safety Squirrel figures, plus a mouse-sized helicopter with spinning rotor. There are many other characters sold separately. At the Target I went to, they were placed right next to the ZPS playset. If you know someone who is a Zootopia fan, this playset would make a great surprise!
Epic Pictures Group will release SPACE DOGS: ADVENTURE TO THE MOON in select cities on August 26, National Dog Day. The film is the sequel to the beloved global hit Space Dogs 3D, which grossed over $30M worldwide. The announcement was made today by Epic Pictures Group CEO Patrick Ewald and Co-Founder Shaked Berenson.
Directed by veteran Disney animator Mike Disa (Tarzan, Pochantos), SPACE DOGS: ADVENTURE TO THE MOON is a family-friendly adventure film inspired by the first dogs in space, Belka and Strelka. Featuring two female leads – Alicia Silverstone (Clueless) as Belka and Ashlee Simpson (7th Heaven) as Strelka, the film delivers laughs and thrills while seeking to encourage children to develop a healthy interest in science and technology. Appropriate for families and children of all ages, the film is rated G by the MPAA and recognized with the Dove Family-Approved Seal.
The story blasts off on an out-of-this-world star-studded adventure with teenage astronaut, Pushok (Samuel Witwer, Being Human, Smallville), who is determined to find his missing astronaut father. Against all odds, Pushok stows away on a US rocket ship to the moon but soon finds he is not alone, as he is reunited with his mom and encounters a macho monkey and a baby alien. Together, the furry heroes learn the true meaning of teamwork as they join the search for Pushok’s dad.
“With humor, family-friendly action, top-notch animation and a positive message that fosters a curiosity in science and exploration, SPACE DOGS: ADVENTURE TO THE MOON is a perfect summertime film for families and animation lovers of all ages,” commented Epic Pictures CEO Patrick Ewald.
Epic Pictures Co-Founder Shaked Berenson added, “Helmed by master animator Mike Disa, SPACE DOGS: ADVENTURE TO THE MOON ramps up all the elements – state of the art animation, out of this world adventure and zany humor – that made SPACE DOGS 3D such a beloved film around the film. We can’t wait to bring the latest edition of this great franchise to audiences across the country.”
SPACE DOGS: ADVENTURE TO THE MOON is the second feature film installment of the Space Dogs series. SPACE DOGS 3D, the first installment, premiered in Russia in March 2010. Following its success there, the film was released in over 150 countries around the world.
About Epic Pictures Group Established in 2007 by Patrick Ewald and Shaked Berenson, Epic Pictures Group has grown to become one of the most creative and dynamic independent studios, focusing on filmmakers’ vision driven projects, shaping them from script to worldwide sales.
Throughout the past 8 years, Epic produced many hits including “BIG ASS SPIDER!,” Darren Lynn Bousman’s “11-11-11,” “VIKINGDOM” starring Dominic Purcell, Craig Fairbrass, Jon Foo, and Natassia Malthe and more recently the 2015 Sundance premieres “ENTERTAINMENT” and “TURBO KID” and all-star horror anthology “TALES OF HALLOWEEN.” Recent releases include “JERUZALEM” and FrightFest Best Film Winner “NINA FOREVER.”
Epic Pictures Group seeks out relationships with exceptional producers and talent in order to secure A-level, high-quality projects. Epic Pictures Group actively develops a full range of new relationships and strategic alliances with financiers, independent production companies, producers and studios both domestically and in Europe and Asia.
I will admit it, I used to watch Power Rangers when I was younger. In fact, for a while, it was my favorite show. I love that several new seasons and shows have come out since then so that I can share my love of them with my daughters. My 5 year old is actually really into the show and that makes me one proud mama! She was thrilled when I handed her not one, but two!!, complete seasons on DVD. Power Rangers Megaforce: The Complete Season and Power Rangers Super Megaforce: The Complete Season arrive on DVD (plus Digital HD) on August 16 from Lionsgate. We were thrilled to get a sneak peak at these DVDs. We spent hours and hours binge watching them and I think I enjoyed the episodes just as much as my girls did. I couldn’t even choose a favorite if I was asked to.
About Power Rangers:
Five teenagers with attitude use their unique skills to battle evil and ultimately save the world in these top-rated seasons. With an ever-growing fan base, Power Rangers Megaforce: The Complete Season and Power Rangers Super Megaforce: The Complete Season are 5-disc DVD sets that will be available for the suggested retail price of just $14.98 each.
Power Rangers Megaforce: The Complete Season Synopsis:
When the evil Warstar aliens plot a massive invasion of our planet, Earth’s supernatural guardian, Gosei, mobilizes a team of five extraordinary teens with the talent and attitude to oppose them: the Power Rangers Megaforce! Purchase here.
Power Rangers Super Megaforce: The Complete Season Synopsis:
In order to stop ruthless Prince Vekar and his massive alien Armada, the Rangers have only one hope: to unlock the special keys — and harness the amazing powers of Legendary Rangers of the past! Purchase here.
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