June 16, 2017

6 Reasons to Visit Fun Spot America Kissimmee with Your Family

Written by christie 21 Comments
Orlando & Travel

Haven’t been to this Orlando theme park yet? Here are 6 Reasons to Visit Fun Spot America Kissimmee with Your Family. This post is sponsored by VISIT FLORIDA. All family-fun opinions are my own.

6 Reasons to Visit Fun Spot America Kissimmee with Your Family

Orlando locals know about Fun Spot America – one of our local travel secrets. It’s an amazing theme park in the area with many, but most folks outside of Orlando don’t know it exists.

So today I’m spilling the beans about this fun local hot-spot and how to make the most of your family’s visit. Here are six great reasons to visit Fun Spot America Kissimmee with your family, and it all begins with the word “free.”

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June 12, 2017

12 Best Walt Disney World Thrill Rides

Written by christie 393 Comments
Reviews & Travel

Love thrilling attractions? Come experience the 12 Best Walt Disney World Thrill Rides for top thrill seekers! This post is sponsored by Dramamine®. All thrilling travel opinions are my own.

12 Best Walt Disney World Thrill Rides

From roller coasters to spinners to some of the best Disney memories, what are the top unique thrill rides at Walt Disney World? With the BlogHer conference coming to my hometown of Orlando this year, a Walt Disney World trip is at the top of my travel list. Come experience the 12 Best Walt Disney World Thrill Rides in this thrilling list of top attractions from this local Walt Disney World lover. See why each ride is a must-do for thrill seekers traveling to Orlando, Florida. Are you up for the challenge?

Enjoy The Best Thrill Rides, Without Motion Sickness

While I love experiencing all of the best thrill rides at Walt Disney World, I admit that I am prone to severe motion sickness. And if you’ve ever been as green around the gills as I have been, then you know that one moment can ruin your entire vacation. Don’t let your motion sickness get in the way of your love of thrill rides and Disney memories.

That’s why I always pack Dramamine® Non-Drowsy Naturals when we travel. Dramamine® has always been my #1 over-the-counter brand (and America’s too!) to help me treat and prevent my severe motion sickness. And this summer, I have Dramamine® Non-Drowsy Naturals packed for all of our summer adventures. One dose contains the full clinically-tested ginger dosage for the prevention and treatment of motion sickness. Since it’s made from natural ginger, Dramamine® Non-Drowsy Naturals is safe to use every day – even when on the most thrilling rides. I just take a dose 30 minutes before I jump onto a ride so I can enjoy all the best Walt Disney World thrill rides – with no motion sickness!

Big Thunder Mountain

Because we all “DUCK” when we go under the dinosaur bones. This rickety G-force induced train ride is classic Walt Disney World thrills – and has to be a part of this list. HAS to.

Space Mountain

And then you take Thunder Mountain and place it in complete darkness. Terrifyingly fun. The twists, turns, and drops become that much more exhilarating when you can’t see them coming. At all.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Heigh ho! Heigh ho! It’s off on a thrilling adventure we go! One of the newest thrill rides at Walt Disney World; the long lines prove that this unique coaster is worth waiting for. What makes Seven Dwarfs Mine Train so thrillingly fun? The extra “X” factor with swinging side-to-side bucket seats!

Photo courtesy of NicholeMichelPhotography.com

Tea Cups

Why did Tea Cups make this list? Because this thrill ride hides behind a mask of childhood innocence. You think it’s going to be a tame ride, right? I mean look at all of the kids that are screaming with delight! But then the wheel starts turning faster and faster and all of a sudden it hits you…complete heart pounding spinning disorientation.

Star Tours

If you’re about as excited as I am for Star Wars land, then this Star Wars inspired thrill ride is a MUST! Star Tours has changed a bunch over the years, but the results are always the same. A thrilling chase through space in this high speed 3D simulation ride.

Soarin’

This popular Epcot attraction takes to the skies! While seemingly tame as you glide along some of the best travel destinations in the world, the 40-foot ride off of the ground and 80-foot curved dome screen definitely adds to the thrill factor of this ride for a full sensory experience!

Splash Mountain

A thrilling water ride? Yes, please! When Florida temperatures rise, Splash Mountain keeps thrill seekers cool with a dropping good time! Plunge over 52 feet in this unique Disney log flume ride.

Expedition Everest

Terrifying heights, a Yeti and a thrilling roller coaster ride backwards – this is Expedition Everest. Animal Kingdom would not be the same without this one-of-a-kind coaster experience – and some of the best views of this Walt Disney World park!

Test Track

Buckle up thrill seekers! Conquer tight turns, steep hills and over 60 mph top speeds in this thrilling car ride! Test Track at Epcot is definitely one of our family thrill ride favorites, and also happens to be the fastest thrill ride at Walt Disney World. Beep beep!

Tower of Terror

Going down? And down…and down? My stomach is already in my throat thinking about the Tower of Terror ride at Hollywood Studios. This heart dropping elevator ride lowers guests at thrilling speeds – at unpredictable times.

Rock n’ Roller Coaster

Rock n’ roll will never be the same again. Go from 0 to 57 mph in 2.8 seconds in this Aerosmith inspired roller coaster. Featuring corkscrews and upside down loops, it is one of the most accelerating thrills at Disney World.

Mission: Space

Thrill seekers will want to go “ORANGE” for this centrifugal motion simulator thrill ride. Board your spacecraft and complete a mission to Mars as you experience liftoff and simulate space G-forces.

With lots of family adventures planned this summer, I won’t let my motion sickness get in the way. Grab your Dramamine® coupon and prevent motion sickness all travel season long. Be sure to follow Dramamine® on Twitter @dramamine, Facebook @dramamineescape, and Instagram @dramaminebrand.

Leave Motion Sickness Behind with a Dramamine® Prize Pack Giveaway!

Ready to travel this summer? Make sure that you pack the Dramamine® and enter to win a $100 Visa gift card! Comment below on this blog post with which Disney thrill ride is you favorite and WHY to be entered to win. Open to U.S. residents only. Here are the details:

Entry Instructions:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

1. Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

2. Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#Sweeps” and “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

3. Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post

4. For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older (or nineteen (19) years of age or older in Alabama and Nebraska). Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from SheKnows via the sweeps@sheknows.com email address. You will have 2 business days to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 6/12-9/12/2017

Be sure to visit the brand page on SheKnow.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!

How can Dramamine® help you overcome motion sickness this travel season?

Be sure to follow Raising Whasians via Facebook, Twitter, Google, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube for travel tips, family moments and more.

Looking for more?

May 26, 2017

Volcano Bay Tapu Tapu Guide | What You Need to Know & Tips

Written by christie 46 Comments
Orlando & Travel

Ready to head to Universal Orlando’s Volcano Bay? Be sure to grab this Volcano Bay Tapu Tapu Guide for details on how to use, best tips & more. This post is sponsored by Universal Orlando. All best travel tips are my own.

Volcano Bay Tapu Tapu Guide | What You Need to Know & Tips

Tapu Tapu, anyone? Nope, I didn’t sneeze. Tapu Tapu is the first ever technologically advanced wearable device at Universal Orlando’s newest water theme park, Volcano Bay. If you’re making plans to head to Universal Orlando for your next family vacation, you’re going to need to wear a Tapu Tapu. But this device is so much more than skipping lines. If you’re as lost as I was when I got my first device, be sure to grab this Volcano Bay Tapu Tapu Guide – details and everything you need to know about wearing this device, along with best tips to use and even kinks that I hope Universal Orlando will work out.

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May 10, 2017

Prep for Our First Family Road Trip with Hercules Tires Review + Vehicle Safety Checklist Printable

Written by christie 8 Comments
Reviews & Travel

We’re on the road again! We’re doing Prep for Our First Family Road Trip with Hercules Tires Review. Grab your FREE Vehicle Safety Checklist Printable. This post is sponsored by Hercules Tires. All opinions are my own

Prep for Our First Family Road Trip with Hercules Tires Review + Vehicle Safety Checklist Printable

I thought I was going to die the day my tire blew on a busy highway. Thankfully I ended up in a ditch, uninjured and with no damage to my car. But I learned a very important lesson that day. My tires were badly old and worn – at least 10,000 miles over what they needed to be. I promised to never let my kids experience that fear I felt that day, over something that I could have easily prevented. So now I take vehicle safety very seriously. I’m certainly no expert, but as we prepared for my family’s first ever road trip out of the state for some 1,800 miles, I knew that we needed to make sure that my SUV was ready for the long journey – with my most precious cargo (aka my family) in tow. Find out how we are preparing for our first family road trip and why we chose Hercules Tires to take us there. Plus grab your essential Vehicle Safety Checklist Printable – a must-have before your family heads out on your next road trip!
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April 12, 2017

Chicago Girls Getaway Top 10 Things to Do

Written by christie
Reviews & Travel

Heading to The Windy City? Grab your best travel tips & these Chicago Girls Getaway Top 10 Things to Do. This post was sponsored, and paid for, by SunTrust. All opinions are my own.

Chicago Girls Getaway Top 10 Things to Do

A few months ago, I published one of the hardest, rawest, most difficult posts of my life. I was depressed – unsure of what to do next with my life. Thankfully, two of my dearest friends knew exactly what I should do next. Travel. The Windy City had been on my travel bucket list forever. And thanks to a push of confidence, I boarded a plane last week for a Chicago Girls Getaway. In a few short days we experienced the best of the best, and the memories I’ll cherish for a lifetime. In case Chicago is on your travel bucket list, I encourage you to find your confidence to experience the best of The Windy City – with the Top 10 Things to Do for your next Chicago Girls Getaway.

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March 28, 2017

5 Reasons to Eat at the New Paddlefish at Disney Springs

Written by christie 23 Comments
Orlando & Travel

Experience one of the most unique Disney dining options with 5 Reasons to Eat at the New Paddlefish at Disney Springs, now open! Post sponsored by Paddlefish Restaurant. All delicious opinions are my own

5 Reasons to Eat at the New Paddlefish at Disney Springs

Remember that good ole Fulton’s Crab House? The historic steamboat restaurant floating on top of the Downtown Disney lagoon was so iconic to the area. At least back in the day. But in case you haven’t noticed, things have changed. With new foodie restaurants popping up everywhere, this timeless boat was taking a backseat to other notable eateries. So we said goodbye to Fulton’s and hello to the all-new Paddlefish at Disney Springs. Come discover why this updated paddleboat has re-earned it’s primo location – time to pull out the drool-worthy pictures.

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March 8, 2017

10 Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Tips for Princess Perfect Memories

Written by christie 21 Comments
Orlando & Travel

Make the most of your first Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique experience with these 10 Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Tips for Princess Perfect Memories. So happy to share this blog post I created as a Suave Kids partner. The Disney, Frozen and Star Wars trademarks are used by Unilever pursuant to a license agreement with The Walt Disney Company. All rights reserved.

10 Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Tips for Princess Perfect Memories

“I will not cry. I will not cry. I will not cry.” [Cue waterworks.]

Oh the memories. Today I’m finally sharing my daughter’s magical 4th birthday – and I have misty eyes just thinking about it. This year, we nixed the birthday party and sprung for her first Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique princess transformation at Disney Springs. I have seen, heard, and imagined what this experience would be like for years – but nothing could have prepared me for the actual day. My sweet baby girl suddenly grew up before my eyes – and we created princess perfect memories. In honor of one of my favorite memories ever, today I’m sharing our top 10 Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Tips for parents – so that you can make the most of your Disney princess moments.

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February 22, 2017

5 Tips for Exploring Ninjago World at LEGOLAND Florida + Video

Written by christie 24 Comments
Orlando & Travel

Traveling to LEGOLAND Florida? Be sure to grab the Best Tips for Exploring Nijago World at LEGOLAND Florida – including a full video review! This post is sponsored by LEGOLAND Florida. All ninja-like opinions are my own

5 Tips for Exploring Ninjago World at LEGOLAND Florida + Video

Clever, interactive and Ninja-friendly. LEGO® Ninjago® World has just opened at LEGOLAND® Florida, and it’s one of the coolest lands yet! With plenty of kids activities, attractions and an all-new 4D ride, it’s no wonder that families are loving what LEGOLAND is offering for guests. Check out my 5 Best Tips for Exploring Ninjago World at LEGOLAND Florida – including how to rack up the points on Ninjago the Ride, mastering your best ninja skills, and how to stay cool during the hot months. Full video review included!

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February 16, 2017

Best Tips for Seeing Rivers of Light at Disney Animal Kingdom + Video

Written by christie 20 Comments
Orlando & Travel

Taking your family to see the new Rivers of Light show? You need these Best Tips for Seeing Rivers of Light at Disney Animal Kingdom for Families + Video. Post sponsored by Disney. All magical opinions are my own

Best Tips for Seeing Rivers of Light at Disney Animal Kingdom + Video

It’s been a long time coming. The promise of a nighttime show at Animal Kingdom has finally arrived. Walt Disney World’s Rivers of Light Show officially opens tomorrow, February 17, 2017 – but guess who got a sneak peek! Check out the best tips for Seeing Rivers of Light at Disney’s Animal Kingdom for families – best viewing, what to expect for little ones, and even the best place to be with restless kids! Plus, I share a special Easter Egg that only Disney insiders know!

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January 5, 2017

2017 Epcot Festival of the Arts Family Guide #ArtfulEpcot

Written by christie 11 Comments
Orlando & Travel

Come check out the all-new 2017 Epcot Festival of the Arts Family Guide – complete details for events, best food, and kids activities. Post sponsored by Walt Disney World. All artistic inspired opinions are my own

2017 Epcot Festival of the Arts Family Guide #ArtfulEpcot

Two words, Savory Cronuts. You guys, I have to admit I was pretty critical when I heard that Walt Disney World was rolling out a new Festival for 2017. I mean, can Disney over-saturate the Epcot Festival thing? But I just had an exclusive sneak peek of the first-ever 2017 Epcot Festival of the Arts – and wow. Just wow. So if you had a skeptical eye too, this guide is for you. I’ve packed the best of the best and what to expect for the inaugural Epcot International Festival of the Arts, with a complete guide for families. How is Disney truly capturing the best of “art?” Let me count the ways.

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