September 10, 2018

15 Best Pittsburgh Things to Do for Kids

Written by christie Join the conversation
Travel

Looking to travel somewhere new for your next family vacation? Check out the 15 Best Pittsburgh Things to Do for Kids, & why our family can’t wait to go back. This post is sponsored by Visit Pittsburgh. All travel-loving opinions are my own. #KidsBurgh

15 Best Pittsburgh Things to Do for Kids

So where are you going on your family vacation this year? “I’m going to Pittsburgh!”

Wait, what?

When I told everyone that we were taking our summer vacation in Pittsburgh, I had a lot of folks giving me the side eye. But the city of 446 bridges (yes, that’s a true fact) surprised me. REALLY surprised me. I absolutely love this city and I think your family will too. See why Pittsburgh was one of the best family vacations we’ve ever had and discover the 15 Best Pittsburgh Things to Do for Kids. Is Pittsburgh really kid-friendly? What can families really explore together in this city? Let me count the ways.

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September 5, 2018

How to Make the Most of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2018

Written by christie 4 Comments
Orlando & Travel

Looking for the best Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party tips? Here’s How to Make the Most of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2018. This post is sponsored by Walt Disney World. All magical opinions are my own.

How to Make the Most of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2018

How do I get the most out of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party? It’s a question I get asked quite a bit as an Orlando local. Mickey’s Not So Scary is one of the most popular Walt Disney World parties and one of the most sought after Disney events. But with only a few nighttime hours to cover it all, how do you stretch that ticket further with your family – to get the most out of these Halloween themed memories? Today I’m sharing How to Make the Most of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2018 – from prized photo opps to tips to maximize your time to what’s new at this year’s party. You won’t want to miss the fun!

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August 20, 2018

11 Best Blizzard Beach Tips for Families

Written by christie 1 Comment
Orlando & Travel

Heading to Disney’s Water Parks with your kids? Grab your 11 Best Blizzard Beach Tips for Families! This post is sponsored by Walt Disney World. All magical opinions are my own.

11 Best Blizzard Beach Tips for Families

Where can you find snow in Florida? Year-round in Orlando, of course! If you’re looking to cool off with a little Disney magic, then you’d better grab the family to experience Walt Disney World’s Blizzard Beach Water Park. This melting ski resort theme is the perfect water park for all ages. But want to know the best tips from a local Floridian mom? Make the most of your Disney water park visit with the 11 Best Blizzard Beach Tips for Families.

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July 31, 2018

Why the Toy Story Land Cooties Restrooms Will Be Your New Favorite Disney Bathrooms

Written by christie 8 Comments
Orlando & Travel

Guess who is gushing over another Disney themed bathroom? See Why the Toy Story Land Cooties Restrooms Will Be Your New Favorite Disney Bathrooms. This post is sponsored by Walt Disney World. All fanatical potty-loving opinions are my own.

Why the Toy Story Land Cooties Restrooms Will Be Your New Favorite Disney Bathrooms

Move over Tangled bathroom. Sayanora Frozen bathroom. There’s a new Disney World themed bathroom in town. While everyone is gearing up for the amazing Slinky Dog Dash Coaster and Alien Spinner, I’m over here all in love with a bathroom. I know – I’m a Disney geek like that. The Toy Story Cooties Restrooms is already rivaling the Tangled themed bathroom as the BEST Disney World bathroom in the land. Why should you say HOWDY to this must-visit Disney bathroom at Toy Story Land? See for yourself.

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June 29, 2018

The 2nd Best Disney World Bathroom

Written by christie 8 Comments
Orlando & Travel

Love visiting the Tangled bathroom at Magic Kingdom? Check out The 2nd Best Disney World Bathroom, the next magical place for a potty break. This post is sponsored by Walt Disney World. All fanatical bathroom-loving opinions are my own.

The 2nd Best Disney World Bathroom

This post is long overdue…like long long long overdue. And you know how some folks work better under deadline pressure? Thanks, Walt Disney World for the push. It’s no secret that the Tangled bathroom at Magic Kingdom is the best themed bathroom in the land. But with rumors flying that the Toy Story Land Cooties Bathroom will blow away the competition (opening to the public tomorrow June 30th), I’m in my ignorant bliss sharing what I know as The 2nd Best Disney World Bathroom. (At least until my visit to Toy Story Land on July 18th – hope you’ll follow along.) Take a look around at this highly underrated rest stop at Walt Disney World and see if you agree if this themed bathroom is worth stopping to “let it go.”

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May 6, 2018

Best of 2018 LEGO Star Wars Days at LEGOLAND Florida

Written by christie 1 Comment
Orlando & Travel

Does your family love LEGO & Star Wars? Get ready for the Best of 2018 LEGO Star Wars Days at LEGOLAND Florida. This post is sponsored by LEGOLAND Florida. All galactic opinions are my own.

Best of 2018 LEGO Star Wars Days at LEGOLAND Florida

In a galaxy not so very far away, your two favorite brands combine for the ultimate Florida fun! Back for limited time, the 2018 LEGO Star Wars Days are here at LEGOLAND Florida with some of the best and most exclusive LEGO Star Wars events for the whole family. Check out your family guide to make the most of these 3 weekends in May and why you absolutely cannot miss the unveiling of the new MINILAND model!

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April 30, 2018

How to Choose the Best Disney Cruise Ship for Your Family

Written by christie 10 Comments
Travel

Ready to plan your next family cruise? Find out how to choose the Best Disney Cruise Ship for your family in this vacation guide! This post is sponsored by Disney. All magical opinions are my own.

How to Choose the Best Disney Cruise Ship for Your Family

One ship, two ships. Big ship, little ship. Which is the BEST Disney Cruise ship for your family? And before you get ready to “jump ship” (sorry I couldn’t resist the pun) and invest a lot of money in your next family vacation, I’m bringing you a list of the pros and cons and 9 things you should consider before booking a Disney Cruise. Grab the facts, check out the video and make your own informed decision about your next Disney Cruise Line ship. Bigger isn’t always better.

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April 20, 2018

Top 10 Panama City Beach Things to Do for Kids

Written by christie 14 Comments
Travel

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Visit Panama City Beach. All opinions are 100% mine.

Top 10 Panama City Beach Things to Do for Kids

One thing I love about Florida? There’s always someplace new to discover. Visiting the Florida Gulf Coast has always been on my Florida bucket list, and a family trip to Panama City Beach is definitely at the top of my list. With spring break here and summer right around the corner now is the time to plan your unforgettable Florida vacation. Check out my Top 10 Panama City Beach Things to Do for Kids – and see exactly why this vacation spot is a great place for families to explore. Ready to plan your fun today? Let’s do this.

Beach

It’s all in the name. Sitting right along the Florida Gulf Coast, Panama City Beach offers kids huge stretches of soft white sand and beautiful turquoise waters for all day fun under the sun. It’s no wonder why so many families love to visit the Real. FUN. Beach.

Nature

Love exploring the best that nature has to offer? Panama City Beach has some of the best state parks for discovering natural wildlife and different ecosystems. Take a hike through St. Andrews State Park or bike through one of the many trails through Camp Helen State Park.

Animal Encounters

My kids can never pass up the opportunity to get up-close with some of their favorite Florida animals. Panama City Beach offers lots of great places for animal encounters. Gulf World Marine Park is a fun place to swim with dolphins, say hi to sea lions, discover tanks full of fish, sea turtles and sharks, and walk through lush gardens of tropical birds.

Shelling

Who else loves to collect shells? My kids always love an opportunity to gather beautiful Florida shells. Panama City Beach is a perfect place to fall in love with shelling. Take a boat ride to Shell Island and discover 7 miles of amazing shell collecting.

Shopping

If shopping is your vacation style, I love the atmosphere of Panama City Beach’s Pier Park. This 900,000 square foot open air shopping and entertainment area offers a variety of chain and specialty shops, fun eateries and lots of attractions like laser tag, video games and a Mirror Maze to keep the little ones happy.

Water Sports

Is your family up for a little more adventure? Panama City Beach is a great place for water sports! Kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, jet skiing, airboat riding, paddleboarding, fishing – there are so many different ways to discover this Florida vacation spot.

Pirate Cruise

Yes, this Panama City Beach Things to Do for Kids gets its own category. PCB offers families their very own pirate cruise aboard a the “Sea Dragon” schooner. This pirate themed cruise includes dolphin sightings, pirate activities for kids and lots of pirate talk.

Eats

No family vacation is complete without the kid-friendly eats. Panama City Beach offers families lots of places where kids are always welcome. Line up for a famous fresh donut at Thomas Donut & Snack Shop, enjoy homemade ice cream from Kilwin’s Chocolate and Ice Cream or sit down to an all-you-can-eat buffet at Capt. Jack’s Family Buffet. There’s plenty of delicious options for your kids!

Attractions

Looking for unique ways to keep your kids entertained? Panama City Beach offers a wide variety of attractions that are kid-friendly. From mini golf to go-karts at Cobra Adventure Park to splashing at Shipwreck Island Waterpark to zip lining at Beachfront Adventures, fun is just around the corner!

Special Events

One of the things we love about visiting new places is experiencing special events unique to that city. Panama City Beach has lots of special events throughout the year including music festivals, boat shows and more that are perfect for kids.

Ready for a family vacation? It’s time to Visit Panama City Beach. Learn more about this Florida destination and find more Panama City Beach Things to Do at the visit the Real. FUN. Beach. Your family vacation is waiting. Time to make it yours.

Have you ever been to Panama City Beach? Which of the top Panama City Beach Things to Do for Kids is at the top of your family travel bucket list?

Love Florida travel? Here are some of my favorites:

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

April 16, 2018

Visiting Pixar Animation Studios Photo Tour + Fun Facts

Written by christie 8 Comments
Entertainment & Travel

It’s a Disney dream come true! Here’s what it’s like Visiting Pixar Animation Studios Photo Tour + Fun Facts. This post is sponsored by Disney. All magical opinions are my own. #Incredibles2Event

Visiting Pixar Animation Studios Photo Tour + Fun Facts

I love lists, especially when it comes to travel bucket lists. I write down all of my “dream” places to visit in my lifetime, in the hopes that one day, I get there. What do I love more than having a travel bucket list? Crossing dream places off of my list. April 3, 2018 – I got to cross Visiting Pixar Animation Studios off of my list.

Visiting Pixar Animation Studios is a HUGE deal for any Disney lover. This is the place where some of the most beloved Disney Pixar films, some of the most iconic movies of all time have come to life. You can’t just schedule a tour. You can’t just waltz up to the gate. In order to visit this Disney hot spot, you have to know someone who works there.

But does visiting Pixar Animation Studios live up to the dream? Words can barely express. Wearing my best Pixar “Up” Disneybounding style, I walked into one of the most amazing travel adventures of my life. Get your full photo tour and fun facts of this magical place, including some of the most amazing murals, statues, design and decor themed for Incredibles 2.
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April 16, 2018

Rare Look Inside the Pixar Living Archives

Written by christie 3 Comments
Entertainment & Travel

One of the highlights of our Pixar Animation Studios visit was this Rare Look Inside the Pixar Living Archives for Incredibles 2. This post is sponsored by Disney. All artistic opinions are my own. #Incredibles2Event

Lead Archivist and Pixar Historian Christine Freeman at Incredibles 2 Long Lead Press day, as seen on April 5, 2018 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (All photos by Marc Flores/Pixar)

Rare Look Inside the Pixar Living Archives

I was told that this was going to be one of the most epic parts of our Pixar Animation Studios tour. To the naked eye, The Pixar Living Archives is just an average, almost boring building. But if those walls could talk, you would find one of the most treasured collections of Pixar history. Not many have been invited inside the Pixar Living Archives, but we soon learned why this building played a key role in the making of Incredibles 2. Come inside for a rare behind-the-scenes look of Pixar – and see an alternate version of Edna Mode that would make your head spin.

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