Local Love

Top 10 Reasons To Love Legoland Florida

by Amanda on February 21, 2012

in Local Love,Travel

Legoland Florida

After months of living just an hour from the new Legoland Florida, we finally had a free day to venture over to the new park. Apparently, I’ve been depriving my children of some serious fun! Legoland was built on the former site of Cypress Gardens  (Florida’s first “theme park”) The park does a great job of combining old and new preserving some of the old Florida style of Cypress Gardens.

DUPLO play area

And now, the top 10 reasons to love this place!

1.)   Tons of shady spaces to relax and let toddlers run around.

2.)   Fun rides (I mean really fun) and attractions perfect for kids 2-12.

3.)   Big, clean bathrooms with lots of changing stations.

4.)   You won’t break the bank feeding the family at Legoland.

5.)   While considered a Florida theme park, it still feels small – in a good way.

6.)   We were there on a holiday (President’s Day) with a lot of other people off of school and work. It never felt crowded.

7.)  Not once did I look at my watch and wonder… How can I bribe them to leave. No lie. I had a ton of fun.

8.)   Lots of toddler/preschooler play areas near “big kid” rides for parents waiting with little ones.

9.)   There aren’t souvenir stands around every corner, but cools shops if you want to pick up a Lego memory.

New York City recreated out of Legos in Miniland USA

10.)You don’t have to be a Lego lover to love Legoland. I can vouch for that!

Attention to detail is the theme at Legoland. It shines through in all attractions, rides, exhibits and even the staff . This is definitely a great day trip from Orlando and a must visit attraction for visitors to the Sunshine State.

For ticket prices and park hours visit the Legoland website. Kids under three are free!

 

 

I received complimentary tickets from Legoland for our visit. However, as you all know, all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

 

 

 

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I have FABULOUS news for Central Florida families who love the Orlando Science CenterThe Walmart Foundation, has announced the next “Walmart $5 Day” will be THIS Sunday, February 12. All guests to the Science Center on February 12 will enjoy exhibits, films and live programs for $5! General admission fees are usually $17 for adults and $12 for kids (ages 3-11).

Orlando Science Center

Orlando Science Center

This Sunday, guests can participate in the fifth annual Mission Nutrition featuring displays and demonstrations on medical technology, nutrition and fitness. There will even be chefs will be on hand to host cooking demonstrations for healthy eating. Returning this year is the Physical Challenge Arena with activities like Wii Sports active video games and hula hooping.

The new exhibit, Bob the Builder – Project: Build It! is definitely worth mentioning and seeing! Catch laugh-out-loud Animalopolis or the spellbinding Arabia on the giant screen film in the Dr. Phillips CineDome.

For more information on Walmart $5 Day call 407.514.2000 or visit www.osc.org.

See you there my fellow scientists! (I stole that from Sid)

 

 

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TurtleTrek Is Coming to Sea World

by Amanda on January 27, 2012

in Local Love,Travel

The news of Sea World’s TurtleTrek, opening this spring, excites our family more than you could ever know! Turtles have always been a beloved creature in our home. Not that we don’t love all creatures, but the turtles hold a special place in our heart.

TurtleTrek will walk Sea World guests through the life of a Sea Turtle. From hatching on a sandy beach to their extremely long life journey. The cool part is that you’ll be viewing the journey in a giant 360 degree dome and in 3D! (The first ever of its kind in the world!!) The film goes way beyond the concept of high definition – think 26 million individual pixels at 60 frames per second. Yeah… That’s some serious reality there. Want to be a hero for the turtles? This new attraction will tell you just how you can do that.

I’ll pipe down now and let you enjoy a sneak peek in the webisode below.

 

Sea World's TurtleTrek

 

 PS~ Sea World is offering a Pre-School Pass this year for children under five! Yes, that means a free annual pass for your kiddos to enjoy TurtleTrek any time they want.

 

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There’s still time left to enjoy one or even two of these events around town! Check out my Top 10 List of Orlando Holiday Activities at SheKnows.com City Guide.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LIST!

 

Holidays in Orlando!

 

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Kicking off 2012 in Central Florida, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® will present DRAGONS! at the Amway Center Jan. 12-16. Honoring the “year of the dragon,” performers from the farthest reaches of the earth will converge on Orlando to showcase truly amazing acts of bravery and astonishing athleticism. Basically be ready to be wowed!

Get tickets for just $12 (plus facility and handling fees) by using promo code MOMMY at checkout on Ticketmaster.  The offer is valid for the following shows: Friday at 7:30 pm; Saturday at 11:30 am and 7:30 pm; Sunday at 5 pm; and Monday (MLK Day) at 5 pm. The discount does not apply to Circus Celebrity, Front Row and VIP tickets.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents DRAGONS!

Or… you could just WIN a family 4-pack here! Entering is simple. Leave a comment below letting me know your favorite circus memory. I’ll pick a random winner on December 19… Just in time for Christmas!

We’ll be attending on Jan. 12 so stay tuned for a review!

If you’re looking for the full meal deal,  the VIP Family Four Pack, which includes 4 VIP tickets, 4 small Lemonades, 4 small Popcorn Boxes, and 4 jumbo Lollipops. The package is $170 and is a savings of over $50! To get this package use promo code FAMDEAL at Ticketmaster checkout.

In exchange for my time reporting my opinion, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events. Rest assured The Mamma Mia opinion is 100% no doubt my own.

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More Spooky Fun in Orlando!

by Amanda on October 28, 2011

in Local Love

There’s one more Halloween event in Orlando worth checking out! Wendy’s is hosting a Halloween get together on Halloween (Monday) at Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte between 4-9 pm. Wendy’s has “rebuilt” their cheeseburger (ie. fresher toppings) and wants Central Florida to weigh in and celebrate Halloween. There will be trick-or-treating around the park and if you come early you can meet Wendy herself. Yes, Wendy is a real person… a mom of 4 teenagers, and she and owns 33 Wendy’s locations. Cranes Roost is a beautiful location so come on out and get your trick-or-treating on!

Cranes Roost Halloween

 

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Halloween Fun in Orlando

by Amanda on October 27, 2011

in Local Love,Travel

Still looking for something to do this Halloween weekend? Fear not, Orlando has tons of fun activities going on for you and your family!

Sea World Spooktacular

Sea World Spooktacular  This Friday, you’ll find us at Sea World to trick-or-treat with the creatures of the sea. We go every year with our annual passes, but for those of you without an annual pass, kids are half price! For more information visit the Spooktacular website.

 

Flick or Treat With Orlando Magic

Flick or Treat Orlando Magic   The Orlando Magic are holding a free Flick or Treat event at the Amway Arena on Sunday, October 30 from 2-5 pm. Guests can enjoy a fanfest on Church Street, trick-or-treating inside the arena, mingling with Magic coaches, playing at Stuff’s Magic Castle and more.

History Center Trick or Treat Safe Zone

Orange County History Center A historically spooky event is taking place Saturday, October 29 from 11 am to 4 pm. This is a free event filled with trick-or-treating fun through three floors of the downtown History Center, pumpkin decorating and scavenger hunt.

Happy Haunting!

 

 

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PLAYGROUND Fall Issue

by Amanda on October 10, 2011

in Local Love,PLAYGROUND

The fall issue of PLAYGROUND is available all over town! Pick up a copy for tons of fall tips, fashion and fun in Central Florida.

Parenthood comes with lots of joys, but also just a “tiny bit” of stress. Moms need a workout that is not going to add extra stress to that “tiny bit” they already have. The perfect fix…paddleboard yoga. It’s fun, it’s outdoors and it offers a great workout. Pick up the latest issue of PLAYGROUND magazine or click through the online edition to read my latest article – Time for a PADDLING.

PLAYGROUND Fall 2011

 

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Nemours Central Florida Lets Community Choose

by Amanda on September 13, 2011

in Local Love

Central Floridians have all heard about the new Nemours Childrens Hospital slated to open in September 2012. But, I don’t think anyone knows that WE, ie the community of Central Florida, have a chance to  vote on how best to use a $500,000 grant from the Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation of Winter Park issued to the new facility.

Nemourstook a look at their programs and identified three that could be enhanced with this grant.  Now through September 26,members of the community can go to the Nemours Facebook page and vote.

Vote For The Program Of Your Choice

Take a stand (from the comfort of your laptop of course) and vote!

If Facebook isn’t your thing, patients can also vote utilizing paper ballots at the Nemours Children’s Clinics in Orlando, Lake Mary and Viera.

The three potential programs include:

 

KidsTRACK Care Coordination  Imagine your child has just been diagnosed with a medically complex condition. When you have so many questions, where can you turn for answers and trusted advice? Through Nemours KidsTRACK (Teaching, Research, Advocacy, Community and Knowledge), a care coordinator will provide a single point of contact for families. Whether it’s helping set up doctors’ appointments and talking to insurance agencies, or prepare families to return home by providing training on proper use of medication, our care coordinators will be there for families every step of the way, ensuring a smooth transition from hospital to home life.

Hospital Healing Gardens   What if a hospital stay could also mean an inspirational and transformative healing journey for a child? Our Discovery Garden will create an enriching experience for patient families with an acre of interactive outdoor areas devoted to the five senses – sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch. Children can explore in a garden filled with herbs and vegetables, create music on the xylophone benches and free-standing drums, experience a wide variety of fragrant flowers, and even find their way through hedge mazes and colorful sculptures.

Sanctuary    Can a trip to the Emergency Department be made less stressful for families? The Emergency Department at the new Nemours Children’s Hospital will do just that, making the entire experience easier and more calming for your family. While you wait for test results, escape and relax with your child in one of our “soothing sanctuary” play areas or enjoy interactive entertainment like educational games, videos and activities. Our Emergency Department will also include a child-life specialist who will talk to families and their child, using technology to help explain information that can often be difficult to understand.

 

 

 

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Disney on Ice Giveaway Orlando

by Amanda on August 9, 2011

in Giveaways,Local Love

Disney on Ice Dare To Dream is coming to the new Amway Center September 9-11. The newest additions to the Disney Princess entourage, Tiana and Rapunzel, will be on hand along with some long time favorites. This show could also be called “Mia’s Heaven.”

Dare to Dream

Mamma Mia is giving away four tickets to the Orlando Disney on Ice Dare To Dream show! If you don’t win this giveaway, there’s still an opportunity to win by using promo code: MOM11 at Ticketmaster or the Amway Box Office to get $11 tickets.

To enter:

  • Leave a comment with the name of the Disney Princess you most relate to. (Gotta have a little fun with this.)

Additional entries:

  • Post this giveaway to Facebook and let me know so in a comment
  • Tweet this giveaway: Win 4 tickets to Disney on Ice Dare to Dream @mammamiafl
The show will take place Sept. 9-11. 7:30 pm on Friday, 3:30 pm and 7:30 pm on Saturday and 1 pm and 5 pm on Sunday. The giveaway will run through August 24. $11 ticket offer is not good on VIP or front row tickets. 

I am a Feld Family Ambassador, and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events. However, all opinions are those of The Mamma Mia Blog.

 

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