The benefits of Play

Every so often, I will be asked by a reader to explain the importance of play.
I've been a toy tester for over 20 years and have overseen hundreds of focus groups  in all age groups form infants to teens.

All children are different and no two children learn in the same order. Not even twins.
While it is important to be sure kids are having fun with the toys they play with, it is just as important to make sure they are strengthening their own personal skills.
When we test toys at TOY TIPS,  we test them in 4 categories but these categories split into many individual skills.

-Emotional Development- Is your child using self-expression and developing self confidence during play?
-Physical Development- Is your child using fine and gross motor skills? Are they learning to work any physical challenges?  
-Cognitive Development- Is your child using creativity, imagination and problem-solving skills? What about developing language skills and vocabulary?
-Social Development/ Character Building- Is your child learning to share, take turns, or work with others?

It's best to watch your child as they play and know what skills are of most important for them to work on at each specific stage of development.

What a child played with a month ago, they may master by now and also be bored with in a few weeks.

Change your toys often and reintroduce some they love. There is never a need to have a lot of toys. Just be sure to look for toys that develop new skills.

-Marianne

TOY TIPS VALENTINE'S DAY GIFT GUIDE

February celebrates a month of love. Although we celebrate the love for our children everyday, Valentine's Day is the day we provide a little extra something special. Whether it is a handmade card, a greeting card, an e-card, a chocolate kiss or a gift, TOY TIPS reviewed all sorts of ideas that were sent to our office for consideration in this guide.

Now, while I really don't think it is necessary to spend a lot of money on any gifts for V-day, these products that TOY TIPS reviewed stood out for those parents and grandparents who are looking for yet another reason to spoil their loved ones.. with love! Happy Valentine's Day!

-Marianne

FOR KIDS

Loving Messages Personalized Pillowcase
Candy Conversation Hearts imprinted on a white pillowcase with a personalized printed name. What a fun way to put your loves to sleep! 
$14
http://www.personalizationmall.com/Personalized-Kids-Pillowcases-Conversation-Hearts-i19268.item?productid=5131&sdest=Search&sdestid=19741918

Build A Bear Workshop Trading Cards
Each set comes 3 trading cards, a tattoo and an online code for further play. Super simple to pack in a school lunch.
$2
http://www.buildabear.com/shopping/productBrowseNewSite.jsp?question=Fun%20pack

Safari Ltd. Insects, Reptiles and Sealife
A whole tube of 24 mini-collectibles bugs, reptiles and sharks.. What better way to say, love?
$15
http://www.amazon.com/Safari-Wild-2-mega-Toob/dp/B000H6CHEY

Personalized Metal Bubble Wand
$34
I love this! So unique! So personal and who would ever think you could have your own bubble wand? Just in time for Spring. Pair it with your favorite bottle of bubbles, this makes an amazing keepsake  gift for a baby shower.
http://www.lisaleonardonline.com/whimsical-bubble-wand-P300C29.aspx

The World Market Steenland Mesh Hearts
29 Milk chocolate coins decorated  in silver and red with heart designs all in a mesh bag. Perfect to pair with school valentine's.
$3.99
http://www.worldmarket.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12504937


FOR THE FAMILY

HASBRO Scrabble
$14.99
In honor Valentine's Day, try playing this classic crossword puzzle game only using words pertaining to love and Valentine's Day. Fun for the whole family and customize the gameplay with topics that make sense for the ages of the players in your family.

Georgetown Cupcake
Red Velvet Cupcake
* customize with special icing colors  like bubblegum pink!
This is  the most delicious red velvet cupcake I ever tasted!
$29 dozen ships overnight
http://www.georgetowncupcake.com

Edward Marc Gourmet Chocolatier
Melt My Heart Pop
Milk/ Dark Chocolate
$2.50
A good chocolatier can be your best friend! These are great on their own or cute on a cupcake for dessert.
http://www.edwardmarc.com/products/view/44/1.5-oz-Melt%20My%20Heart%20Pop%20Milk/Dark

Lindt Lindor Chocolate
The smoothest chocolate ever! They come in a package already to give.
$28 for 2 (19 ounce) boxes
http://www.lindtusa.com/product-exec/product_id/11/category_id/18/nm

Mr. Prindables Chocolate Covered Apples
Triple Chocolate Jumbo Caramel Apple -Milk, white and dark chocolate envelope an extra fancy, extra large apple.  1.25 lbs. Serves 8-10.  Who says a slice of a chocolate apple can't be served for breakfast on Valentine's Day?
$22.95
http://www.mrsprindables.com/store/item.asp?rectype=gourmet&item_id=23&department_id=34

Sweet Sally's Heart Shaped Fudgy Brownies
These fudgy brownies are perfect with a glass of chocolate milk after school.
6 hearts for $18
https://www.sweetsallys.com/product_info.php?cPath=43&products_id=94

TIVOLI SONGBOOK
The AM/FM clock and alarm radio clock plugs into an ipod and a home hi-fi system. It can fit in a briefcase for travel and it has great sound. Your college-age child always appreciates a surprise gift from Mom.
$199.99
www.tivoliaudio.com/products/portables/the-songbook-high-gloss-yellow-silver.html

FOR THE POOCH
Wacky Walk'r
A rubber leash that alleviates the "jerk" your pet pooch may be used to on other leashes. Get one in RED to show your love to your pet. Then,  plan a nice long Valentine's Day walk with your pooch!
$25+ (comes in different sizes to fit all breeds)
http://wackywalkrstore.com/

The American International Toy Fair is held once a year in New York City and it is the largest toy trade show in the world.  This year marks the 109th year of its existence!
The show is closed to the public and closed to children but open to buyers from all over the world and confirmed toy media (that's me).
30,000 guests are expected and exhibitors will include everyone from Mattel and Hasbro to brand new exhibitors showing their new toys for the very first time.

Here I will see thousands (and I mean thousands) of brand new toys that will making their way on to retailer shelves throughout the year.

I'm going on a toy hunt and will bring back as many new fun toys that Toy Tips can test! I'll be on the search for everything from the newest board game crazes and dolls that do this and that to super cool science activity kits and reborn retro classics.

This will be my 20th Toy Fair and while it is a jam packed busy 3 days, it is also the most fun 3 work days of the year.
I will be playing in toy aisles and booths, attending a Disney party announcing something new, seeing industry colleagues, meeting inventors, conducting television media interviews on my finds and twittering live from the show (twitter.com/toytips).

I'll be loading daily posts on the most interesting finds leading up to Toy Fair on my TOY TIPS Facebook page. So, be sure to LIKE the TOY TIPS page if you want to be in the know on the latest and greatest. I may even offer a prize or 2!

The toys.
How many does Santa bring?
How many need batteries?
How many have to be assembled RIGHT away?
How many are returned?
How many are lost and forgotten and never played with?

All questions to think about before making that toy purchase for the
special children in your life.

After 20 years of testing toys, I have a few secrets to share.

1. That "HOT " toy isn't hot for everyone. Make sure that you match toys to a child's
chronological and emotional age level. What this means is that all children learn at their own pace. It's best to buy toys that a child can play with now rather than grow into. Toys are not like clothes and once a child sees a new toy, all they think about is ripping open the packaging to play.

2. Skills.  Toys teach. They are meant to teach something but many toys teach more than you think. A simple doll with a cute outfit is fun to hug and hold. But, did you know by changing that outfit on and off again strengthens fine motor skills, hand eye coordination and thinking. Some children love to change dolls outfits over and over again and some just like them the way they are. Regardless, the play value of a doll enhances character and nurturing skills with each play experience.

3. Interest.  Kids change their interest in toys constantly. One minute, it's a train set, then Hot Wheels, then the action figure of whatever movie character is on the top of the box office list.
Know the interests of the children you buy for. Nothing is worse than watching a child open a toy with half of a smile because they don't think it will be fun. The easiest way to guage interest is to look at what they already have and play with and either build on the idea of something that is always used (ex: A new LEGO set) or find something that falls into a skill set of a theme they like (ex: A new board game).

4. Craft sets.. Buyer beware. Sometimes craft sets look fun but make something that is not really useful and require lots of other "ingredients."  The tip here is to look for value.
Don't spend $20 on an activity set that can make a craft that would otherwise cost a dollar (made).  These sets are meant to enhance creative expression and artistic ability.
The best ones are the kind that teach a new skill so kids can learn it. Find sets that teach looming, painting, illustrating and cartooning.  Opt out for any that do not list non-toxic ingredients on the package.

5. Frequently visit toytips.com.  The site is a free  tool to help you navigate the choices of toys and to find the best ones for the loves of your life!

Take a look at some of our suggestions in the December Issue of Metro Parent Magazine, www.milwaukeemoms.com/metroparent/

Happy Holiday Shopping everyone!
-Marianne

If you are looking for a fast last-minute treat to take to a party or as an activity with the kids at home, TOY TIPS tested out some
easy-to-make ideas with store bought treats as starters.

1. Dip Ice Cream Sandwiches (the ice cream part)  in Red and Blue Colored Sugar or red, white and blue jimmies.

(Don't spend money on colored sugar... make it yourself.. add a few drops of food color to white sugar and mix until you get the color you are looking for)

2. Dip Strawberries in Cool Whip and re-dip in  Strawberry Pop Rocks.

3. Red White and Blue layered drinks..

You need ICE and sugared drinks with varying amounts of sugar. This one is fun because you actually need to read the labels for sugar content. Whichever one has the most sugar content should go first and the one with the least goes last.

I used Minute Maid Cherry Juicy Juice, Blue Gatorade and Invisible Kool Aid packs with very little sugar added). I don't like giving Diet soda to children but you can use Diet Sprite for the "white" part.

Fill a clear glass with lots of ice (to the top) add 1/3 red juice, (make sure the glass is still filled with ice) add 1/3  blue gatorade (check for more ice) layer the white drink with the least sugar on top..(in my case it is the Kool Aid Invisible Drink)

Voila... it's red  blue and white or red white  and blue  or however you color your layers but it will only stay like that for a short time ....so add a straw and start sipping.

4. Little Debby Strawberry Shortcake Rolls... unwrap... push in a piece of licorice cut to the appropriate size and voila... a firecracker

4. Rice Krispie Treats... I used a store bought box of 18 because they come  perfectly sized.  Just push on a popsicle stick in the Rice Krispie Treat then  dip the end in melted Nutella and decorate with colored sugar or Pop Rocks.

(You can melt this in the microwave or melt real chocolate instead.  If you melt on the stove, I prefer a cooper saucepan. Copper pans have much better heat conduction for melting, in my opinion.

5.  Poke a lemon and cute a small hole in the side. Stick in a Candy Cane (Break off the handle)  or Peppermint Stick .. the citric acid of the lemon will hollow out the candy and it becomes a straw to deliver a sweet and sour treat. These are just plain fun. Use them at birthday parties!

6. Cupcake Shooters.. You will need plastic push up pops .. layer 2 mini store bought cupcakes with colored frosting and add the lid. Super cute.. I chose cupcakes with red and blue frosting with red sprinkles.

Happy 4th of July!
Marianne

School is almost out and these are the things that remind me that summer is almost here:

1  Sunscreen
2  Sand
3  Popsicles
4  Lemonade Stands
5  Magnolia Trees
6  Scooters
7  Sailboats
8  Swimming Pools
9  Convertibles
10 Lightening Bugs
11 Sunglasses
12 Water Balloons
13 Sprinklers
14 Tennis Lessons
15 Streetlights
16 Ice Cream Trucks
17 Picnics
19 Shells
20 Frisbees
21 Hula Hoops
22 Chalk
23 Watermelon
24 Waterskiing
25 Rummage Sale Signs


Happy Summer
Marianne

Back to school shopping is my most favorite time to shop all year. There is just something about the smell of crayons and notebooks down the aisle that reminds me of the excitement  in children's eyes of starting the new school year. When you head out with your school supply list in hand, you may not  enjoy the mayhem of it all but you will enjoy scoring all the great deals/prices that you only find at this time of year.

Prices change week to week and it's better to shop a few retailers if you are looking for the best deal.  Don't be surprised if  the item you are looking for is sold out... that happens. When teachers ask for specifc brands, they usually appreciate when you buy them. I made the mistake of buying the wrong glue sticks when my son was in kindergarten and the teacher asked me to return them.

I'll be reporting on back to school supplies and fashion all month long.. here are 2 segments from this week.

Back to school for college kids:
http://www.fox6now.com/news/wakeup/toytips/

Back to school supplies:
http://www.themorningblend.com/videos/99470669.html

Happy school supply shopping!
Marianne

I just returned back from my 19th trip to Walt Disney World.  Yep, next year, it'll be the
big 2-0!  I started going to WDW pre-children, mostly for Toy Tips business, speaking at
conferences.  But, when Maxx was born, a trip south took a whole new role.  Just to see the smile on his face was worth every second.
When my daughter was born, toting two kids could have been a challenge but we quickly learned to balance our time and fun with
age-appropriate entertainment.

I've been documenting each trip as a parent with ideas on the best things to pack, best parks to visit, and
the best rides to go on with kids and without them.

Below is my personal opinion on how to "DO" Disney!

Pre-plan:
Start by reviewing resources, advice and tips, on-line, in
books, or from the advice of experienced friends. WDW can be overwhelming and is geared
for all ages, so you want to be sure to do things you really want to do, but still make time to
discover the rest!

In today’s economy, parents need to carefully determine  a realistic  budget for a family
vacation, knowing there will be last minute changes to plans wherever you go.

Allow your school-age children to help with the planning. The more excited they are and the
more input they give will reduce stress once you get there. For kids, waiting in line for rides may not seem as long  
if they are the ones who can't wait to do what "they" planned. And, splurge for the Park Hopper Pass. You can visit more than one  Disney theme park in the same day. There is free transportation between the parks and you usually can get at least two in! Three is pushing it.

Once you  determine  travel dates, airline reservations and the number of days you plan to
spend in the WDW parks (I never recommend less than 4), decide if you will stay at one of the WDW properties.
If you do,  you can  avoid having to rent a car  (that is a nice expense to save on) any avoid
worry about directions or  finding your way through the  WDW property.

Worth the Read:
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Walt Disney World
(idiotsguides.com)
By Doug Ingersoll
The 2010 edition has current up-to-date information on the most recent changes to the parks. I
liked the advice about the  3 "R's" -rides, resorts and restaurants.  

Disney MOMS panel.
The Mom’s Panel is a chat room  on the WDW.com website where you can log-in and ask
questions of the members, who are professional Disney-goers.  You can also search for
answers to many commonly asked questions that are kept in their database and arranged by
topic or keyword.  You won't find advice from a first time parent but you will find advice on
questions that many parents would like to know ahead of time. I found this to be a wonderful
way to ask those real-life parent questions to other parents. Ex: What do I do if I have  3  older
kids and a baby? How can the kids ride on a ride even though I can't?

Answer...  The ride--option is to wait in line, but don't get on. Just wait on the other side when
they get off. If you really want to ride, you can do an adult swap parent switch so no one
misses out on the fun.

ACCOMODATIONS:
On site? Off site? Or both?
Well, this depends on how long you stay, how many people are with you, if you want to rent a
car or not, and if you plan to do things in Orlando outside WDW.
Personally, I love staying at the resorts. Each has a theme and a great pool, which you will
learn quickly, needs to be factored into the day (or night). Most pools are open late but parents
must be there to supervise.

I love this part. If you are staying at a WDW resort, there is never a need to rent a car. WDW
buses will pick you up and pick your bags up too! You need a reservation for this and it is free
but don't forget to make it at least a week in advance. You can do that online at wdw.com


Dining & Character breakfasts:
I recommend you make advance reservations for character breakfasts, and other dining
reservations. (It's easy to program the dining reservations number into your cell phone.)You
can either choose a Dining plan or simply "spend as you go". We did the budget and ate as we
went. Although we didn't choose the dining plan this trip, it is not too expensive. It offers
flexibility, especially with younger children (they may not be hungry, can share a meal with you,
etc.)

Cinderella’s Royal Table –This is a "must see" for any princess at any
age.  You will be able to see all the princesses and get photographs and signatures. Grandmas love this as much as 4-year-olds!
Make reservations but if you are not able to get one, it never hurts to ask again once you arrive.
You  just may be surprised. On a whim,  we literally walked up, asked if there was any possible openings for the
day and she took us in 2 minutes! Thank goodness for the people  who cancel. So, if you are
not able to get a reservation, don't give up hope.  You may also try the dinner at Epcot. Refer to the country of Norway.

Chef Mickey- No one can leave WDW without seeing Mickey Mouse, right? So, here is where
to cinch that. Located at the Contemporary Resort, (the resort where the monorail runs right through),
features a buffet breakfast with so many options, no one will leave hungry. Mickey and Minnie
will visit your table and so will some of their friends.


OPTIMIZE YOUR TIME

Don't plan on sticking to this hour by hour or even  day by day because there is so much to new to discover. Keep in mind, wait lines for rides can
be long if you don't get a fast pass. Make sure you take note of the hours for each of the
parks. Most importantly, you want to arrive early. This is the best time of the day to use your
fast-pass if you don't want to stand in line.   Plan ahead for any special dining reservations that
you want. For the last 3 years, on our visit to Epcot, I tried to dine in Canada without a
reservation. Well, I guess next year, I will finally have to break down and make one. In fact, the
staff in Canada told me some families book as much as 6 months in advance! I'm guessing
their steaks and cream cheese mashed potatoes are worth it! If you don't have a reservation
though, don't give up hope. There are plenty of places to eat at Epcot that don't require
reservations. However, if you want to dine in a certain country, I highly recommend making an
advance reservation. My favorites are Germany, Italy and Mexico but each one it unique.

When you plan your daily itineraries,  remember that the best laid plans do not
always work out as expected. Consider multiple factors, like the weather (heat/rain/etc), ages
of children (be able to recognize cues when they are hungry, need a nap, are tired from the
sun, are ready for swim time  or are just plain done for the day.

I find it's good to split up the day because right when you hit the "MOM, let's go back to the
hotel to go swimming" phase, they are ready for dinner and more action right after that. Each
day, one park has Magic Hours for resort guests and stays open late. You may not know which
park will have this until you arrive but juggle that into your schedule because the wait lines
slow down and the kids can ride their favorites sometimes over and over again.

PACKING
Bring ponchos. Don't laugh. Get them at the Dollar Store. I didn't listen to my
sister-in law and they cost me $8 each when I was caught in the rain. Raindrops are normal for
Orlando so many times it won't ruin your whole day but you just have to deal with it.

RESORTS
I have 2 favorite resorts that I think are best for families with children under 8. I stayed at both with my kids and found them to be very comfortable for family travel.

The Boardwalk Inn Resort
The Boardwalk is fun. It's centrally located and really easy to get around.
I love it in the morning to go for a run (with a jogging stroller). Grab a muffin  at the Boardwalk Bakery or treat yourself to a full  breakfast  at  Iron Chef Cat Cora's new restaurant, La Koussina.  
The healthy options  prepared just for kids will make any parent happy.  Or even just have a cup of coffee while the
kids sip strawberry milk sit and enjoy watching the birds on the lake  (just don't feed them!) Later in the day, rent a
surrey bike and really feel what it is like to be on the Boardwalk. Just don't miss the slide in the pool. You will slide right through a
clown's mouth. Fun!

Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary Resort
This is the new condo resort steps away from the Contemporary. There is a private key entrance and if you need to check in at the Contemprary upon arrival.
Conveniently located for a quick  walk to Magic Kingdom, you can catch the monorail in the Contemporary too. The deck has the best view for fireworks.
The kids will enjoy the pool which had an amazing slide and you can play shuffleboard and even rent grills for family fun.
 
Animal Kingdom Lodge
I have not stayed her yet but I already know it will make me feel like I went on a safari in Africa!
This is where I would like to stay next.


THE THEME PARKS

Each one has it's own charm and I recommend visiting all. However, if you don't have time, the
one NOT to miss is Magic Kingdom. This is the one that truly captures the magic of WDW. The
parades, the rides. the entrance and the characters walking all around make every one feel
like a kid again. And, if you are a kid, there is no better place to be at that time. If you are
pushing a stroller, stay off the street on Main Street because you can get the stroller wheels
stuck on the trolly's tracks. You can most likely get it out easy but it's a pain. I like the
sidewalks plus you don't want to miss the window shopping. On Main Street, my favorite stores
are the confectionary (of course), the barber (where, yes, your little boys and dads can get a
real haircut with no appointment necessary, but you may have to wait) and the souvenir shops. There
is so much great WDW merchandise that you will only find here. It is really worth the trip.

MAGIC KINGDOM
There is not a moment where the magic in this kingdom does not move you. Whether you are
walking on Main Street, watching a night time parade, riding Splash Mountain in Frontierland, taking the Jungle Cruise in
Adventureland visiting the Hall of Presidents in Liberty Square or dining at Cinderella's Royal
Table, each land in the kingdom will keep your mind moving and kids enjoying each new stop..
The daily evening fireworks are a must-see.

Don't miss:
The Pirates League.
This is the place where your child can transform into an official pirate, take the pirate oath,
receive a pirate name and choose a face-painting of their favorite pirate.
For a little more, you can buy a costume and order a photograph. I think the entire experience
is worth every penny. I was amazed at the work they do inside the League and, of course,you
must then take your new pirate on the Pirates of the Caribean Ride.
This ride is a must-see for all ages. Make your reservations early and plan to watch. Get your
video cameras out for the Pirates Oath. You'll want that on tape.

It's a Small World Ride.  On this iconic ride, the hole family  will have the song memorized by the end of the ride.
Then, get on again. This is my favorite ride in all of WDW!

Peter Pan Ride This is my daughter's favorite ride in all of WDW. Although, she now tells me she
added Space Mountain as a close second. (She's 5!)

Mickey's Philharmonic. Babies and toddlers may not like this because of the 3-D effects and
things coming out at you. But it's not scary.

Buzz Lightyear Ride- Challenge your kids as you ride through a lasertag game of obtaining
points and have your picture with Buzz taken after.

Fireworks. You can enjoy them each night and, if you are staying at the Contemporary of Bay
Lake Towers, you can see them right from your hotel.

Get a Dole Whip-just get one. You'll see why! The best cool refreshment in the park.

*Toontown will be going through an entire renovation soon, so you may want to check on the
status before you book your trip.

ANIMAL KINGDOM
Think of a zoo and a safari. Now combine them together and Animal Kingdom is what you get!
As you walk in, you'll feel like you are in a jungle, rainforest and in parts of Asia.
I can't make a trip to WDW without a morning trip to AK. I find breakfast at the Rainforest Cafe
kick starts the experience.

Don't miss:
Kilmanjaro Safari- I've never been on a real safari in Africa but I've been on this one more than ten times and each time, it sure feels like I am in Africa. The animals are up front and close and it's easy to get incredible pictures.

Festival of the Lion King- This is UNBELIEVABLE and will leave you with a warm feeling in
your heart. The production is so beautiful and moving, you will feel it should be on Broadway.

Flights of Wonder- This is the most amazing bird show I have even seen. It makes for a nice
break to sit for a while in the shade too.

Expedition Everest-- This roller coaster is not for the faint of heart, but  last year, my 7-year-old son made
me go on it! Never thought I liked going backwards on a roller coaster.

The Jungle Parade.. This one is a MUST do.. That's for sure..   Mickey and friends are all dressed in safari garb singing and dancing really puts you in a groovy mood!

Eats:
Great coffee and ice tea at Safari Coffee in the Discovery Island Section. Don't miss the stroll
around the Tree of Life. The It's Tough to be a Bug Show may be a bug too much for little ones
who don't like loud noises and quick reactions.
Yak and Yeti- If you can get a window seat at around 4:00, you'll have the best view as the
parade goes right on by! Many characters are tall enough so you will not have a problem
seeing them.

HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
This park is really best for older children who want to understand movies and see how they are
made. We've been coming since Maxx was 3 and there was just enough for him to do in one
day that, by naptime, we didn't really miss anything. Now that he is 8, we need the full day. And
Mia, at 5, was ready for everything from the Voyage of the Little Mermaid to the Tower of
Terror. (Since neither child begged Mom to go, we opted to save that ride for next year!)

Toy Story 3 Ride is a 3-D must do ride, but fast passes are usually gone by noon. So, expect
long wait lines or get there super early. You could come for Magic Hours at night and hope the
lines are less lengthy.

We lunched at the Sci-Fi Theater.  Uppon arrival of a reservation or wait in line, you are escorted  to your  " car" and watch old movies and commercials  clips "drive-in style". What I found the most fun is how QUIET kids get while watching. Love
that. The food was great:  burgers, shakes and fries, or healthier options, of course.  It's a bit
challenging eating in a darker room, so use your cell phone light to read the menu. (At least I
did)

Don't miss:
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular:  This is a must for those who want to learn how stunts
are done. I don't recommend this for small children, though. They may get scared and it does
"look" dangerous, so they may not understand what is really happening. Same with the Lights,
Motor, Action Extreme Stunt Show. I passed on that one but, on one trip my husband and
brother couldn't miss it. For car enthusiasts, it's a must-see.

Muppet Vision- This 25 minute show is great when the kids start getting to that "antsy" stage.
The show is adorable. and then you choose you own future.  Bring the emails of friends and family, because when
you are done, you can send a  free email postcard of yourself in the ride! At least send one to
yourself.

The Great Movie Ride...  This is a refreshing ride through old film scenes and Hollywood
moments with a bit of a surprise. ( But I won't ruin that for you!) Take the kids on this one, but
not little kids who could get a bit scared of fake fire.  It's not scary, though.

Rock N Roller Coaster-Starring Aerosmith. This super fast roller coaster features loud  music
and, yep, you'll go upside down on this one.

Regardless of what you have planned in your day, don't miss the walk through Walt Disney:
One Man's Dream.  There is a 15 minute film at the end of your walking tour. Looking at the
artifacts, drawings and early memorabilia, will leave you in awe of all this man created.


EPCOT
I always seem to visit Walt Disney World  at the time of the Flower and Garden Festival. March-May is a beautiful
time to see flowers in full bloom. The tapestries are shaped like Tinkerbell and princess. A relaxing stroll through the gardens will make any tired baby enjoy a stroller ride.
 
DO not miss the Countries. You'll feel like you went on a European vacation just by
walking around this area.

Kids can get passports and stamps at each country and can do little art projects at each (no cost).
Take this opportunity to teach them about  foreign lands and if you happen to be of the heritage of one of them, don't
miss that "teaching moment" to talk about your ancestry.

German Restaurant – Biergarten (sp?)  GREAT place for families to eat buffet style. We ate
late and walked right out into the fireworks (name?) show.

France- Bon Appetit!
Italy -Everything you think it will be.
Japan- worth a sip of soda with a marble. Yes, you push a marble into the bottle, but it's
impossible to drink the marble or even get it in your mouth. It's a fun novelty and it's Japanese.
United Kingdom- If you don't have a reservation, there is a walk up counter to get  authentic Fish and Chips and they  taste good.
Mexico-The artisans have some incredible pieces to sell and don't forget the boat ride to learn
more about the history of Mexico.
Norway- make sure you visit the bakery and take the Vlking boat ride.
There is also a Royal Table Dinner with the Princesses. So, if you are not able to get a
reservation at Magic Kingdom, try this one.

Don't Miss:
Reimagined! Spaceship Earth--This is FUN! You ride around in a cart learning about the past
while choosing what you want in your future. Be sure to bring your friends and family emails addresses because you can email a free postcard.

Test Track- Board a GM vehicle and get the thrill ride of your life. You'll want to become a race
car driver after this one.

Mission Space-- Don't ride this if you are claustraphobic or afraid of small dark places.
The Sea with Nemo and Friends.... This rid is best for families with children. A relaxing ride on
a quest to find Nemo! I like to go on this ride before dinner, then head over to the nearby Coral
Reef Restaurant.You'll be surrounded by aquariums of fish for a great dinner atmosphere.

Soarin- Kids must be 40", but this one is exhilirating and gives you the thrill of hang gliding
without ever leaving your seat!

CLOSING THE NIGHT-DOWNTOWN DISNEY
Whether you are ready to rest, swim in the pool, take a trip into Orlando, or enjoy some other
nightlife, you must visit. Downtown Disney. You can get there from any resort shuttle or, if you
are driving, there is free parking. You'll find restaurants galore and plenty to do while waiting for
dinner.Our favorites are the Raglan Road and Cooke's of Dublin for their authentic Fish "N
Chips.  Bongo's has amazing Cuban Food, and T-Rex is a must-go to for any dinosaur fan. You will be
surrounded by huge animatronic dinosaurs and the feel of the restaurant is similar to the
Rainforest Cafe. After you eat, visit the gift shop where your kids can make a stuffed dinosaur.
This comes from the Build-A- bear folks, so you know what you will get, but the cutest part is the dino's
tail- it sticsk out of the box! Too cute. Really.

Don't miss:
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique This is a magical experience.  Transforrm your little princess into a real one!
A bit pricey but something she will never forget. You can also find this at the Magic Kingdom in the castle.

Ridemakerz - Create, build and make your own R/C vehicle. Both Maxx and Mia made a car
and, let me tell you, WOW! From the options available to the tools they used, (all safe) this
experience really allowed them to boost their self esteem to rev up their imaginations! These
cars can run you from ,about $30, at the lowest, to over $100 if you make it extra fancy. Their
cars had sound, R/C, lots of glitz and the decals and  ran about $84 each.

When we packed the cars to go home, we did not have a problem taking them on as a carry-
ons, but I would still pack them if there is extra room in your suitcase. (Which reminds me bring
an extra suitcase. No ones goes home empty--handed!)

LEGO Imagination Station... This is your chance to build a car out of LEGOs and race it on an
incline. If you missed out on the Pinewood Derby as a kid, here is your chance to enjoy that
thrill!

The World of Disney is by far the largest and best souvenir shop to get everything you ever
wanted that is Disney. They have everything from princess costumes to candy.

The Pantry - My favorite collection of Disney ideas for your kitchen and home.

WATER PARKS
I've never made it to the water parks, yet. My kids are just too little. I would suggest to check
out the Disney Mom's Panel for this one.

They sure look fun and I think next year, at 9 and 6,my kids will be the perfect age.

Blizzard Beach
Typhoon Lagoon

LAST MINUTE TOY TIPS
Go the the Disney Store in your hometown. Stock up on the character shirts. You'll find them a
little less expensive and hide them in your suitcase to surprise the kids.
I told a "white lie" when my kids were really little and told Mia that Snow Cinderella visited her
at night and surprised her with a shirt in the morning to wear on her first day at the Magic
Kingdom.

That didn't work for Maxx, though. He wasn't the least bit interested in princesses... Ever.  One
pirate patch did the trick for the whole trip when he was 4 and guess who never took it off!
If you do have a car and a kitchen in your resort, or off-property condo, drive to Wal-Mart (open
24 hours) and stock up on food.  We did this when the kids were younger. Maxx could not
make it past 3 o'clock in the parks  and I didn't want Mia to nap in a stroller all day, so we had a home
cooked meal every night.

Need a cool drink? Freeze bottled water and put them in the bottom
of your stroller. They melt perfectly into  icy cold  water.

Meeting the characters - pictures and autograph books:
Bring your own notebook, but don't ask a character to sign a napkin or business card you pull
out of your bag. It must not have a logo on it. You can buy big huge pencils in the souvenir
shops so the characters can write more easily.

Enjoy the parades. I mean reallly enjoy them. The music is moving and the floats are amazing.
They may bring you to tears and that is okay too.
Don't stress. No matter what you do, where you do it, or what little surprises life will bring on
your days at WDW, it really is magical. I never met a person who didn't like Disney World.

Enjoy your time with your children. I can't wait to go back from trip #20!

Marianne

It's Spring Break time! 

It's the NEW YEAR! A time to celebrate our children, all the new skills they will learn, all the new interests they will have and all the new toys you will buy!  It's also the time for Toy Cleaning!

Dust, dirt and grime live in the playroom, everyday. Use only all-natural non-chemical cleaner sprays to rid toys of germs.

To clean plush toys--check the label and if they are washing machine safe, use a non-bleach detergent (natural detergent free of phosphates and artificial fragrance is best). You can also freeze stuffed toys in a Ziploc overnight. This will kill bugs.

Keep toy storage clean- wipe out bins, toy boxes, and toy shelves often.

To clean plastic, wood, foam and aluminum toys, The new Toy Tips Toy Cleaner is an all-natural, non-chemical way to clean toys that was developed by Marianne Szymanski, founder of the Toy Tips Research Institute who has been professionally testing toys for close to 20 years.


"Think of all those tiny little hands holding, squeezing and loving their toys. Now think of how often they are washed and cleaned after use, rarely," says Marianne Szymanski. Made without alcohol, bleach, dyes, artificial fragrances or phosphates, Toy Tips Toy Cleaner is a pure all-natural solution to gently clean dirt, dust and grime that builds up on children's toys. It's available online:


Alternatives to the Toy Tips Toy Cleaner:
Aluminum Toys - Never use a product with baking soda.
Foam - Use soap and water.
Wood Toys - These are delicate. Dust first and use a non- bleach product.
Plastic - Avoid cleaners with Orange Oil. Avoid cleaners with artificial fragrances for children with allergies.