Category Archives: Family Fun

Save 25% on Tickets to The Harlem Globetrotters 2018 World Tour

My kids are going to be super excited when I tell them we are going to see the Harlem Globetrotters soon. We saw them a couple of years ago, and we all loved it. Now, that they are older, I think they will be even more excited to see them and experience the action.

The Harlem Globetrotters are traveling around the country during their 2018 World Tour. Their star-studded roster featuring Big Easy Lofton, Ant Atkinson, Hi-Lite Bruton, Thunder Law, Bull Bullard and Cheese Chisholm – plus female stars TNT Lister, Ace Jackson and Hoops Green – the Harlem Globetrotters’ show is unrivaled in the world of family entertainment.

 

Their 2018 World Tour will showcase incredible ball handling wizardry, rim-rattling dunks, trick shots, hilarious comedy and unequaled fan interaction. After the game, Globetrotter stars will sign autographs and take photos with fans.

If you would like to see them, you will be happy to learn, you can SAVE 25% on tickets for ALL Harlem Globetrotters Games with promo code FUNFAM. For Tickets click HERE!


3 Comments

Filed under Attractions, Entertainment, Family Fun, USFG

Discover Woodloch-The #1 Family Resort in the Pocono Mountains

Even though, we were knee-deep in our entire home renovation project, we managed to go on a quick getaway  at the end of August. Fitting in a special trip before school started was just what we all needed.  We were pleasantly surprised to learn that Woodloch, the #1 Family Resort in America according to Tripadvisor was just 40 minutes from our house!

From the first moment of our arrival, the staff was so friendly and made our stay so much fun. Woodloch is a true family resort reminiscent of the resort portrayed in Dirty Dancing. In fact, most of the families we met on our trip, return year after year to this pristine Pocono Mountain resort. It is no wonder why, there is so much to do and activities are plentiful for kids and adults of all ages.

The meal plan is spectacular and gets the family around the table 2 or 3 times a day. There is no shortage of food and everything we ate was expertly prepared and delicious. If you have specific dietary needs, all you have to do is let them know.

When you check in, you are assigned a table in the main dining room. That table is yours for the duration of your stay, and you will enjoy all your meals there, unless you chose to eat at one of the other restaurants on site. We had a table in front of the windows overlooking the lake.

As you enter the dining room for each meal there is a character meet and greet. That was a really nice touch and just one of the many things Woodloch does to make their guests feel welcome and entertained. Every morning at breakfast, a new activity sheet is placed on each family’s dining table.

The lake has a thrilling water slide, and our kids had to try immediately after our arrival.

They did allow us to stop off at our beautifully appointed suite that had all the amenities we needed. There are laundry facilities on site, perfect for ensuring you don’t return home with bags of dirty laundry.

Everything is very structured and you can literally be doing something from them moment you wake up until you go to bed. If you prefer, you can lay out by the lake or the indoor or outdoor pool. There is a very nice outdoor splash/wading pool for younger kids and the indoor waterpark type splash zone and slide was another favorite.

The indoor pool and water slide was perfect when one of the days we were there was unseasonably cold. My kids had so much fun in the large indoor pool, splash zone and water slide. Soft, fluffy towels are provided near every pool and by the lake.

Woodloch had terrific entertainment at night. We participated in a “Block Party” on the grounds complete with carnival type games that we could play with the coupons we were given and win prizes.

There were games even little kids could play and win. We saw an amazing Billy Joel cover band that was just phenomenal! The magician and dog trainer put on great shows that entertained kids and adults alike.

We loved walking the grounds from our room to the main dining hall and activities. Woodloch also has shuttles that run all day to transport guests around the property.

 

They have go karts for bigger kids and adults, as well as Jr. Go Karts my little ones could drive themselves. The Jr. Go Karts were a huge hit. The indoor bumper cars were fun entertainment for everyone in the evening. A pontoon boat tour of Lake Teedyuskung with a boat captain who was a riot, was another highlight.

There is just so much to do! They have the signature Woodloch game of skill throughout the grounds and my husband had to make sure he mastered it before we left. There are kayaks, sailboats, paddleboats and stand up paddle boards that guests can take out on the lake. Bingo games, lawn games, trivia games, mock game shows, arts and crafts and so much more are available to guests.

Bumper boats, petting zoos, a gymnasium where they have fun family activities, an indoor play structure, arcade and more make for very exhausted kiddies at the end of the night. There were so many activities, we did not even get to experience everything. I guess we will have to make another trip there. Now I see why families come back every year.

The resort makes you feel so at home, you do feel like family and returning is like going home again. They do not treat you like a number, their enthusiastic and friendly staff is so genuine and they really take time to get to know you. I cannot believe how lucky we were to have discovered this jewel so close to where we live. My kids are still talking about our time there, and asking when we can go back.

They have lovely gift shops and stores on site, there are other restaurants including a deli. We stopped off at the gift shop and picked up sweatshirts, Woodloch logo toy trucks, coffee mugs, t-shirts and more to remember and celebrate our time there.

Thank you so much to Woodloch for arranging this wonderful and much-needed mini vacation for our family. Erica coordinated our trip and no detail was overlooked. If you are looking for a fun, family resort to spend some quality time with your family, Woodloch should be at the top of your list. 

We have more videos on our YouTube Channel and will be adding even more.  Check them out, they will give you an up close and personal look at this spectacular family resort. If you have any questions please ask in the comments, I will do my best to answer them, and if I cannot, I will reach out to the staff for you.

If you would like to book your own family getaway at Woodloch, you will not be disappointed. They have fun activities no matter what season you plan to visit. You can learn more and book your stay on their website as well as, connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, InstagramPinterest and YouTube.

So, what do you think of Woodloch Family Resort? Let me know if you have great Woodloch memories of your own.  We certainly created a multitude of memories at Woodloch this past summer!


8 Comments

Filed under Attractions, Family Fun, recreation, Travel

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament-An Exciting Family Evening

We recently went to Medieval Times in Lyndhurst, NJ for Dinner and a Tournament. My husband had been to Medieval Times in another state years ago but, it was the first time for myself and our kids. We were greeted at the door and given red and yellow crowns which were the color of our knight.  After that, we were escorted to our seats and then given a “goodie bag” of special merchandise.

We had great seats at the front of the arena. We sat at a long desk type table allowing us to eat, while not missing any of the action. The waitstaff was great and brought our drinks, soup, main course, dessert and coffee to us. The food is selected so you do not need utensils to eat it. Being able to eat with their hands was a real treat for our kids.

There were also flashing swords and other things you could buy to cheer on your knight. We bought the kids 2 of the flashing LED swords.

When the tournament started all of our eyes were glued to the action. We thought our knight was going to win. Our knight did not win, but he made it to the very last battle. Regardless of the outcome, the evening was still entertaining and fun. Upon exiting the arena, we were able to take photos with the knights as well as buy souvenirs.

After buying some towels and other items, we headed home with great memories. Have you ever been to Dinner and a Tournament at Medieval Times?

As a blogger with the USFG, we received free tickets to Medieval Times. As always my words and views are 100% my own.


Leave a Comment

Filed under Attractions, Family Fun, Travel, USFG

Disneynature Born In China on Blu-ray Combo Pack-#Giveaway

We love the Disneynature films, so when I saw Disney’s Born In China, I knew we had to have it. Born in China is the seventh theatrical release from Disneynature, which brings the world’s top nature filmmakers together to share wildlife stories that engage, inspire and educate. The breathtaking footage and high-definition quality picture is captivating for audiences of all ages and is a must-add to the in-home collection. Disneynature’s newest true-life adventure film “Born in China” journeys into homes on Digital and Blu-ray™ Combo Pack on Aug. 29.

This film is narrated by John Krasinski, it transports audiences to some of the world’s most extreme environments of China where few people have ever ventured to witness wildly intimate and adorable moments in the lives of three animal families – a doting panda bear mother, a 2-year-old golden snub-nosed monkey, and a mother snow leopard.

Furthermore, the in-home release comes packaged with all-new bonus features that take viewers deeper into the making of a true-life adventure film, showcasing the extreme measures it took to travel, film, observe and encounter these amazing animals in their natural habitats in the far northeast China; Showcases how Disneynature and the Disney Conservation efforts behind these films have helped make a difference around the globe; and features the full music video by “American Authors” end-credit song “Everything Everything.”

The film is directed by accomplished Chinese filmmaker Lu Chuan and produced by Disney’s Roy Conli and renowned nature filmmakers Brian Leith and Phil Chapman. The film features an orchestral score composed by Emmy®-winner Barnaby Taylor that incorporates authentic Chinese flavors.

Visit the Disneynature website HERE to download a FREE Educator’s Guide and Activity Packet to go with the film.

BONUS FEATURES (Blu-ray & Digital)*: 

Panda Suits & Bamboo Shoots – Join the team as they struggle through an almost impenetrable bamboo forest in an effort to capture footage of pandas in the wild.

Walking with Monkeys – The shivering crew bundles up to film the adorable golden snub-nosed monkeys engaged in a surprisingly human activity.

Masters of Camouflage – Go behind the scenes as the filmmakers set out on a quest never before achieved: to find and film a snow leopard family in the wild.

Wading Through Wetlands – A crew travels to far northeast China to catch the first moments of a red-crowned crane chick’s life.

“Everything Everything” Music Video Performed by American Authors check out the full music video of American Authors end-credit song “Everything Everything.”

Disneynature: Get Inspired, Get Involved –Join Disneynature and the Disney Conservation as they thank our audiences and the animals who star in the films for helping to make Disneynature and its conservation efforts a success.

DISC SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Product SKUs:                                                     Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray+DVD+Digital), Digital HD/SD, and On-Demand
  • Feature Run Time:                                             Approximately 79 minutes
  • Rating:                                                                  G in U.S., G in CE, and G in CF
  • Aspect Ratio:                                                      1080p High Definition / Widescreen 1:78:1
  • Audio:                                                                   English Audio 5.1 DTS-HDMA
  • Languages/Subtitles:                                        Blu-ray = English SDH, Spanish and French

Would you like a chance to win this great Blu-ray combo pack of Born In China? If so, enter our giveaway below.

Giveaway:

Walt Disney Studios is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win their own Born In China Blu-ray combo pack! Thank you Walt Disney Studios for the review movie and for sponsoring this amazing giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US Residents in the contiguous 48 states.
Born In China Blu-ray Combo Pack Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:
Enter below using the Rafflecopter Widget. Good Luck!!!

Continue reading


19 Comments

Filed under Disney, Family Fun, Giveaway, Mommy Ramblings, Movies

“The Lion King” ROARS To Its Rightful Place In The Walt Disney Signature Collection

I remember taking my oldest 2 children to see The Lion King in the theater when it made its debut many years ago. It became a favorite of theirs and of my third child, who at the time was just a baby. Since then, we have added 2 more children to our family, and believe it or not, I don’t think they have ever seen The Lion King.

Well, that will change this weekend as I have just received, The Walt Disney Signature Collection version of The Lion King on Blu-ray. We are going to have a family movie night this weekend with this coming of age masterpiece, filled with humor and heart, breathtaking animation and soul-stirring Academy Award winning music. You can get it to0, The Lion King roars to its rightful place in the Walt Disney Signature Collection on Digital Aug. 15th and on Blu-ray™ Aug. 29th.

Audiences will fall in love all over again with the treasured classic, and a new generation of fans will laugh with Timon and Pumbaa, cry with Simba and Mufasa, burst into song, and find their place in the “Circle of Life.” The Walt Disney Signature Collection release includes over three hours of classic bonus material and exclusive, brand new features inviting viewers to sing along with the film’s award-winning music, observe recording sessions, step inside the story room, witness the evolution of a villain, and join Nathan Lane (voice of Timon) and Matthew Broderick (voice of Adult Simba) for an extended conversation regarding the legacy of “The Lion King.”

Bonus Features:

BLU-RAY, DIGITAL*:

  1. Brand New Sing-Along Version
  2. Audio Commentary – View the film with commentary by producer Don Hahn and co-directors Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff.
  3. Visualizing a Villain – Against a backdrop of live dancers and the animated “Be Prepared” sequence, artist David Garibaldi paints a masterpiece of evil.
  4. The Recording Sessions – Watch rare footage of the actors recording their roles, matched with the final animation. Intro by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff.
  5. Nathan and Matthew: The Extended Lion King Conversation – Nathan Lane (Timon) and Matthew Broderick (Adult Simba) offer candid and hilarious insights into their Lion King experiences.
  6. Inside the Story Room – Co-directors Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff present archival footage of five original story pitches.
    1. Circle of Life – See how color creates emotion and meaning in the film’s iconic opening.
    2. Simba & Nala – See how elements proposed in story meetings evolve into what appears onscreen.
    3. Simba Takes Nala Out to Play – …And, sometimes what seems funny in story meetings never makes it into the film!
    4. Hakuna Matata – Co-directors Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff sing, act and dance their hearts out as they pitch the “Hakuna Matata” sequence.
    5. Rafiki and Reflecting Pool – Co-directors Roger Allers & Rob Minkoff pitch a sequence that became the emotional heart of The Lion King to Producer Don Hahn.
  1. Music & More – Sing along to your favorite songs from the movie!
    1. “Circle of Life”
    2. “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King”
    3. “Be Prepared”
    4. “Hakuna Matata”
    5. “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”
  1. Galleries
    1. Visual Development – Explore a gallery of striking artwork that inspired the movie’s look and feel.
    2. Character Design – Trace the development of the film’s unforgettable characters through early concept art drawings.
    3. Storyboards – Examine storyboards created in the development of “The Lion King.”
    4. Layouts – Feast your eyes on layouts created in the development of “The Lion King.”
    5. Backgrounds & Layouts – Journey through a gallery of landscape paintings that shaped the world of “The Lion King.”
  1. Classic Bonus Features (Digital Only) – These offerings from prior home entertainment releases include hours of bonus material, such as bloopers, audio commentary, deleted and alternate scenes, and in-depth journeys into the music, film, story, animals and stage show.

DISC SPECIFICATIONS:

  • Product SKUs: Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray, DVD, Digital Copy), Digital HD/SD, DVD
  • Feature Run Time: Approximately 89 minutes
  • Rating: G in U.S. and Canada
  • Aspect Ratio: Blu-ray Feature Film = 1080p High Definition / 1.78:1

 

 

What are your memories of The Lion King? Are you excited about this new release?

 


2 Comments

Filed under Disney, Entertainment, Family Fun, Movies, Review

“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” is Available Today-We Take You Behind The Scenes

If you ask my kids, they would say, one of the best perks about their mom being a blogger, is that we get new Blu-ray releases before they hit the store. My kids were out of their minds last week when they opened a package to discover, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 inside. There was about one nanosecond before it was projected in our living room via our Epson projector. Absolutely no waiting for a family movie night, they had to watch it immediately. They loved it, they could not even tell me a favorite part because they said it was all cool! When I pressed them, they said they got a kick out of little baby Groot and a giant squid.

If you are excited to watch this movie, you are in luck, because Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2  is out today on 4K UHD & Blu-ray! To celebrate I have some great Rocket and Groot bonus clips to share with you that show a behind the scenes glimpse of what it was like designing and creating the phenomenal digital characters of Rocket and Groot on set alongside the other actors.

Rocket & Groot-Click HERE for your behind the scenes video.

Baby Groot Stand-In

Designing Baby Groot- Click HERE for another behind the scenes video.

Rocket In The Trees- Click HERE for another behind the scenes video.

So do you have plans to buy Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 ? Let me know what you think if you do.

 

 


Leave a Comment

Filed under Attractions, Family Fun, Movies, Review

Discover “Destination” Fun at Darien Lake

How is your summer going? We are in the middle of an entire home renovation. Thankfully, we live on a lake so afternoon swims happen daily when the weather is good. We have some small trips lined up for August when things should be mostly completed. Other than that, we are taking day trips and doing what we can, without totally coming unhinged.

Darien Lake is one of the places we are going as a family this summer. Their wide range of entertainment has made it “destination fun” since 1964. That is longer than I have been alive! Darien Lake is located just 45 minutes from Niagara Falls between Buffalo and Rochester, N.Y.

Today the park boasts more than 50 rides, including six world-class roller coasters, dozens of family friendly rides, the regions largest water park complete with a wave pool and 20,000-seat performing arts center. Everything is operated by Live Nation; and  world-class in-park entertainment.

The Viper is celebrating its 35th year at Darien Lake. Okay, I am older than the Viper, but not anywhere near as old as Darien Lake.

Click HERE to schedule your visit today! Have you ever been to Darien Lake? I would love to hear about your experience in the comments.

This is a sponsored post, as always my words and views are 100% my own.


Leave a Comment

Filed under Attractions, Family Fun, recreation, Travel

A Stork’s Journey Available on DVD July 4th! Giveaway Added!!!

Have a fun, family movie night with A Stork’s Journey from Lionsgate with your family, available July 4th!

Get ready to soar on this grand adventure, featuring the vocal talent of Drake Bell, Justine Ezarik and Jane Lynch.

Watch The Trailer Below:

  

A Stork’s Journey follows Richard, a sparrow orphaned at birth and raised by storks who believes that he is a stork, too! But when winter comes and the storks prepare to migrate to Africa, his stork family must reveal his true identity and leave him behind in the forest with the other sparrows since he would not survive the long journey. Determined to prove he is a stork after all, Richard ventures south on an epic adventure, accompanied by friends big and small, to unleash his true potential and be reunited with his family.

This family-friendly, feature-length animated adventure will be available on DVD, Digital HD, and On Demand on July 4th! The Dove Foundation awarded A Stork’s Journey with 5 Dove’s, their best rating, “due to it’s originality and fun storytelling,” The film is Dove “Family-Approved” for all-ages and is “entertaining and fun for the entire family.”

DVD/Digital HD Special Features

“Giving the Characters a Voice: At the Recording Studio with Drake Bell, Justine ‘iJustine’ Ezarik and Jane Lynch” Featurette

PROGRAM INFORMATION
Type: Home Entertainment Premiere
Rating: PG for some mild peril
Genre: Family
Subtitles: English, Spanish
Feature Run Time: 84 minutes

Would you like a chance to win this DVD? If so, enter below.

Lionsgate is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win their own  A Stork’s Journey on DVD! Thank you to Lionsgate for the review DVD and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.

A Stork’s Journey on DVD Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

Continue reading


4 Comments

Filed under Family, Family Fun, Giveaway, Movies

Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom in Nearby Allentown, PA

We have been having a lot of rain lately, so we really lucked out when we picked Saturday, June 3rd for our day trip to Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom. We planned this family trip to celebrate my birthday on the 4th. Originally, I had wanted to go on the fourth and my daughter suggested the third. It was a very good idea, because it was raining buckets on the fourth.

Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom is located in Allentown, Pennsylvania. During the month of June, Dorney Park is  joining Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation in their Lemonade Days to help make an impact in the fight against childhood cancer. During their Lemonade Days a portion of the proceeds from online ticket sales will go to the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. To learn more about this great cause click HERE.

Check out the additional Summer Events & Attractions below:

• Coca-Cola Share a Coke – June 9-10
• Father’s Day Beef & Beer – June 18
• Independence Day Fireworks – July 4
• Christmas in July Breakfast with Santa – July 25
• Food Truck Rally – August 26-27

My kids love Dorney Park, my older kids love the roller coasters and thrill rides. My younger ones love Planet Snoopy and so do I! There are rides we all love to go on together as a family like that Road Rally where you get to drive gasoline powered “race cars” on a track. That is a must-do attraction for all of us every time we visit. My son Ethan was so excited to drive all by himself this year!

 

We have such a blast at Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom and make lifetime memories. Check out our video compilation of our day there below.

If you live within driving distance or will be visiting the area, you should seriously consider a visit to Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom. We can’t wait to go again. If you have been to Dorney Park, let me know what you love most in the comments.

 

This post is sponsored by Blog Meets Brand and Cedar Fair. As always my words and views are 100% my own.

 


1 Comment

Filed under Attractions, cause, Family Fun, Travel

“Max 2: White House Hero” on Blu-ray Combo Pack #Giveaway

**“Warner Bros. Home Entertainment provided me with a free copy of the Blu-ray I reviewed in this Blog Post. The opinions I share are my own.”**

Finding quality family films can be a challenge. If you are looking for a good movie for a family movie night, Max 2: White House Hero is now available on Blu-ray from Warner Bros Home Entertainment. Get the Blu-ray Combo Pack Today!

This brand new, original film features Max on a new assignment that takes him to Washington D.C. to work on a highly sensitive mission that will push Max’s specialized skills, intelligence and loyalty to the test.

Max 2: White House Hero is an adorable film the whole family will enjoy! We have three dogs who are members of our family and we love to watch movies that feature talented canine actors.

Play Run Game

I want to share an amazing game called Max 2: White House Hero Run Game, where you can help Max save TJ and Alex.

You can visit the Max 2:White House Hero website and follow Max 2: White House Hero on Facebook to stay in the loop about all things relative to this movie release. How would you like a chance to win a Max 2:White House Hero Blu-ray combo pack? If you would, enter below using the Rafflecopter widget.

Giveaway

Max 2:White House Hero Blu-ray Combo Pack Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:
Open to US Residents. Enter below using the Rafflecopter Widget. Good Luck!!!

Continue reading


13 Comments

Filed under Family Fun, Giveaway, Movies