Disney On Ice-Review (Including Discount Code!)

(If interested in attending this magical even please skip to the last part of this entry to receive $5 off ticket prices! This show is perfect for all ages, from infant to elderly!)

Wow. Just wow. Last night, for the first time ever I got to enjoy a Disney on Ice performance on opening night at the Hartford, CT XL Center. Considering what a huge Disney fan I am, this was a wonderful treat for me, to be able to take my children to see two hours of magic.. And it was magical.

When we got there we were treated to a meet and greet. I think I was more excited than my children. My 5 year old enjoyed giving Mickey and Minnie a hug with his eyes lit up like I've never seen. Bailey, at just 15 months of age, was fascinated by Minnie, I think she was jealous of her bow! My hesitant, shy Collin, almost 3, did not want anything to do with them, and preferred to keep an eye on them from a distance. Due to time restraints and Mickey and Minnie needing to get ready to perform, they had staff on hand to take pictures for the family. Considering I'm usually the one behind the camera, this was a big deal to me to be included in a wonderful family memory.

(Please Click to Enlarge Photos!)

When going into the show I was a nervous wreck not knowing if my camera would be allowed in or not. They have a 90mm detachable lens limit. I just made it in with my 80mm lens. Whew! What a relief! When we went to grab our seats my 5 year old did begin to whine a bit, he wanted every item they had on sale for the show. The prices for the promotional items weren't too bad at all considering it is a live event. When he finally saw the ice he couldn't believe it!

At 5 minutes to show time, an announcer let us know just that. And again at the 3 minute mark. My nerves were still a wreck not knowing how my almost 3 year old and 15 month old would behave and react. When the lights went dim and the show started they were immediately captivated! Even my "tough guy" husband was mesmerized! We were introduced to Mickey & the gang and told they were going on a safari! As the show started, my eyes began to swell watching my children, wanting to know their exact thoughts.

The Lion King was breathtaking! The dance between Simba and Nala was beautifully executed. Childhood memories came flashing back as I sang along to the songs I've known for so long. It was brilliant!

After The Lion King, Mickey and Minnie announced they were going to the tropics! I drew such a blank trying to figure which Disney Classic we were going to see next. When Sebastian from The Little Mermaid came out I couldn't stop smiling. When Ariel sang, "Part of your world" I felt like I was watching the movie curled up on my couch, singing all the words without a care who heard me. 

 Just look at those faces! Wish I got Collin in on this but still.

You can see how their eyes stay on the show.

I could not believe they included my most recent, non princess movie favorite in the show! Lilo & Stitch is one of my absolute favorites! I was beyond thrilled! It was during this part the tears came back. When Lilo sat on her bed wishing to her shooting star that she wanted an angel, and again when she was telling Stitch about her "little and broken family" I couldn't hold them back. During Stitch's Ohana line I again swelled up. That movie is a perfect example of the importance of family and they nailed that during the show. 

During the beginning of this performance, they did experience some technical difficulties with the sound. It was short lived and I did not once here any children complain, cry, or become restless. The rest of the show went on with out a hitch!

        

After Lilo & Stitch, we had our intermission and I rushed to take Collin to the bathroom. Of course there was a crowd, but I wanted to make sure no one had to go during the show. That plan didn't work out to well as I had to miss much of Peter Pan and the Finale taking Thomas, and then Collin again. At least my husband and daughter got to enjoy!

  

 

Yes, Peter Pan was the next show, and this is where it truly became the most magical show in the world.

With Peter Pan flying in for his entrance, Tinker bell shooting Pixie Dust from her wand, Peter fighting to get his shadow back, Wendy and her brothers flying along side Peter, and Captain hook's pirate ship coming out through a cloud of smoke everyone in in the audience was captivated! It was truly amazing!

 As tinkerbell left, she flicked her wand one last time, lighting the stage with pyrotechnics. The entire audience sounded like it was filled with nothing but children oohing and ahhing. 

Unfortunately, I missed most most of the Peter Pan show, as I mentioned, and again part of the finale. I did make it back in time to catch the cast waving and saying good bye during song. 

(To see the rest of the night's photo's please view my public album on Facebook)

Between my husband and my daughter clapping together, pointing and laughing; my son's oohing and ahhing trying to see every little thing; and my reliving my childhood; this show was the perfect family experience.  Our seats where in the lower level and the "nosebleed" sections were empty. The XL Center's staff and the venue itself were all super child friendly. We had a family consisting of a Grandmother, Mother, and son around 3 years old in front of us, and a family with three kids ranging from a few months to about 8 behind us. Plus so many other people from newborn up to maybe 80-90 years old! The XL Center was amazing with accommodating the handicapped. And the best part is everyone, from the audience members to the staff and performers were kind and polite. Last time I was at a live event, people were so rude and pushing and shoving. Even during the crowds to leave, people were kind and thoughtful. My Collin (3 this month) tried to walk away from us into the crowd, as I struggled to reach his jacket, another mother stopped him in his tracks, gently, smiling and being polite. This is just one of the moments of kindness I saw at the show! 

I highly, highly recommend this show for all people, families, couples, friends. I know very well, had just my husband and I gone we still would have had a blast, but of course seeing our children...man.. It was one of the greatest night's we've ever had as a family. Magical doesn't even begin to describe it. 

Now here's your part! 

Make imagination your destination! Join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse on a journey into the magical worlds of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Peter Pan, and Lilo & Stitch. From Ariel’s enchanting undersea kingdom to Never Land with Peter Pan and his sassy fairy friend Tinker Bell, you’ll be captivated by the music, beauty, and laughter in a journey so magical, you’ll never want to leave!

Here is the offer:

Save $5 on tickets when you use the code: MOMS5

Valid Performances:

$5 off - Thursday, January 6th - 7PM

$5 off – Friday, January 7th - 7PM

$5 off – Saturday, January 8th - 6:30PM

$5 off – Sunday, January 9th - 1PM

Tickets can be purchased via www.ticketmaster.com and entering the promotional code: MOMS5

Direct link to XL Center's Ticketmaster page is:

http://www.ticketmaster.com/search?tm_link=tm_header_search&q=xl+center&search.x=0&search.y=0

Ticket Prices: $60Front Row, $45VIP, $25, $20 and $15

Discount offer is not valid on Front Row and VIP and prices do not include the facility fee or any service charges.

Christmas Cards

Seeing as yesterday we put our tree up, I thought it was the perfect time to take Christmas card pictures.

What I learned is, with kids, a 1/60 shutter speed is not at all fast enough. Especially in low-light conditions. I ended up having to set up a lamp with a huge piece of white paper behind it and still, they stink...

Now to decide, what photo's, what card, and where to get them made.

 

Shutterfly is currently offering free Christmas cards to bloggers! Can you believe that? So of course I am hoping to get those ones, the card choices are gorgeous! So many options, many you can add way more than one photo! 

These are a a few of the cards I am interested in since I still have so many photo's I want to use, including a photo of the kitty, or try to get one of Tom and I, I just know I need to get these done and here before the 12th!

SO MANY CHOICES!

The Class of 2014's 'List'

I heard this story on the 5 am local news. What was I doing up at 5 am on a Tuesday you ask? Watching T.V. and making breakfast for my 3 very awake kids.


Anyway, back on topic. Apparently according to this study, done in Milwaukee the students entering college this year think email is too slow. I don't know about anyone else, but as long as you have your contact list, I find it faster than having a conversation by text. Much easier to type!


Phones never had cords... Hmm..Have they never been in a doctors office? Any office? Most offices I have been in, they use corded phones.


Computers they used as kids are in museums now... I am only on average, 5 years older than the Class of '14. This makes me feel old to think about. I know my in-laws still have a computer running on Windows 98. I had a computer with Windows 95, as I am sure most of you had as well!


Fewer than ever know how to write in cursive, um.. I thought that was taught in 2nd grade? I never really used it much after that, but I know how. Hell, I even know how to right the dreaded letter 'Z'.


Few have ever worn a wristwatch. Sadly this I believe. I have only worn a watch maybe a handful of times.


Parents and teachers feared Beavis and Butt-head might be the voice of a lost generation. For some reason or another this made me giggle. B & BH barely made an impact. Yes I remember being still in elementary school and being forbidden from even watching MTV. Now I will watch B& BH with the hubs and wonder why they were oh so cool.


 Computers have never lacked a CD-ROM drive. I remember way back in the 2nd and 3rd and 4th grade, that computers only had a drive for floppy disks. Has anyone even seen one of those in the past few years? 


Never recognized that pointing to their wrists was a request for the time of day. I really thought it was a universal sign??


Nirvana is on the classic oldies station. Now this I really, really do not believe. I mean, come on. Nirvana is still played on Radio 104 here! Was 1994 really that long ago?


Toothpaste has always stood on up on their caps. I have a tube in my bathroom right now that doesn't! How about that?! I remember when my regularly used toothpaste was the new big thing! Toothpaste in a pump? Oh yeah, I still favor my Mentadent. Too bad it takes a trip to at least 3 stores to find the refills!


This one is just really, really sad: Beethoven has always been a dog. My husband would be completely embarrassed if our children grow up and don't know at the very least the most popular classical artists.


Havings hundreds of cable channels but nothing to watch has always been routine. I know I was never around when there were only 3 or even 30 channels. But I remember my father's television only went up to channel 39. I also remember have about 60-70 channels and it being a complete luxury if you had Disney or HBO.


Michelangelo is a computer virus? I thought he was a ninja turtle named after a famous artist? hehe.






There are a bunch more, but because I am so young myself I can't really comment on them. Heck, I'll admit it. There were a few things on the list of 75 I didn't know myself.


To see the complete list you can go here.

Babywearing-Carriers

I have posted my opinions on different baby carriers on JM a lot lately and thought I'd share here.

I have 3 carriers. A Moby wrap, The Peanut Shell, and the Snugli by Evenflo

Here are my "reviews" on each:

Moby-PERFECT for the newborn stage. Was able to do anything around the house and out without worrying much. I always checked her breathing, probably too much, but thats it. She was able to nurse in it perfectly. Best part was being able to put the fabric over her head to hold her completely still against my body.

Great now for long carrying. No back/shoulder pain. It does get hot though. I can wear it in no humidity up to 80* out, but if it is humid or hotter or both, heck no. Walking for the fireworks the other day was brutal-Bailey was fine, a bit warm-but I was sweating like a pig.
Don't like it for quick carrying or spur of the moment carrying as it does take a minute to get on. I mainly use it for outings with the family, when I know we will be doing a lot of standing/walking

The Peanut Shell-got it from a friend but she got it at TJ Maxx for $12. Was able to nurse in it while grocery shopping and no one had a clue. Didn't like the way Bailey looked in the cradle hold. Love it because it fits into really tiny places-keep it in the diaper bag-and I can just through it on with no adjusting, wrapping, buckling. Bailey (and Collin) usually use the hip hold in it. I can wear it for over an hour with out any discomfort. Bailey loves it as it feels more like she is being held. PERFECT for quick runs into the grocery store, bringing a toddler/preschooler into school/day care

Snugli-I have had this since Thomas. I love I can keep it in the car. I also love that Tom will wear this. My shoulders tend to hurt after about 30-45 minutes.