The 10 Rides Your Family MUST Try at Universal Orlando Resort

March 29, 2017 by Kathryn 37 Comments

My first visit to Universal Orlando Resort two years ago was a little like discovering a magical portal to another world. I hadn’t really known much about the park, so the rides, attractions and restaurants were all completely new to me, and I loved every one of them. After visiting, I shared my 7 Must-Try Unique Experiences at Universal Orlando Resort.

And this year, I had the chance to introduce my boys to the fun of Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure for the first time too! So a few weeks ago, my husband, his parents, the boys and I packed up a few snacks and got ready to spend a day of fun and excitement at the two parks that comprise Universal Orlando Resort. Wondering what rides you won’t want to miss? These were our family’s top 10 picks!

Universal’s Islands of Adventure

1) The Incredible Hulk

Our family loves roller coasters, and The Incredible Hulk is definitely a new favourite for all of us! Unlike a classic coaster with a slow climb followed by a speedy ride down, The Incredible Hulk launches the cars out at top speed right off the bat! Zackary was so excited to try this roller coaster for the first time and was grinning ear to ear when he stepped off at the end. He loved the speed, thrills and spins of the bright green coaster, and insisted on riding multiple times.

2) The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man

This ride was one of the first 4D attractions at Islands of Adventure and personally, it’s still one of my favourites. I knew my boys would love it just as much and expected Benjamin especially to be a big fan. I wasn’t disappointed. From avoiding the heat of the flames shot by villains to feeling the spray of water when splashing into a lake, travelling with Spider-Man was nonstop excitement and the boys couldn’t get enough of it. [Read more…]

Las Vegas as a Family-Friendly Destination

November 10, 2016 by Kathryn 1 Comment

The stereotyped image of Las Vegas is as the home of casinos and all-night gambling but in recent years, it has attempted to balance this with a reputation for more family-oriented activities. Vegas is easy to get to by plane these days and boasts a hot climate that appeals to many holidaymakers, meaning there are plenty who are eager to enjoy its family-friendly fun. Wondering what your family could do in the city that never sleeps? Check out these fun and family-oriented activities!

Tournament of Kings at Excalibur

This Las Vegas show gives you the opportunity to witness some spectacular action while also enjoying a fabulous meal. Costing $59 per person, with children aged three or below admitted free of charge, it sees medieval knights on horses jousting with each other, ensuring an action-packed event. Once you get inside you will be assigned a seating area and asked to select one of the knights to support as he engages in sword battles against his opponents. Food consists of a three-course meal that you eat with fingers and soft drinks are served in flagons, making this an ideal day out for the whole family. [Read more…]

3 Memorable Monuments Everyone Should Visit on a South Dakota Family Vacation

August 26, 2016 by Kathryn 32 Comments

One of the things that often amazes me about travelling is discovering how many majestic places are hiding just a short distance away from our own home. This summer, Jeremy and I decided to discover some of those places by driving to the Black Hills region in South Dakota to check out some of the wonders it had to offer. From our home in Southern Saskatchewan, the drive is less than eight hours.

We had the chance to take the brand new 2016 Ford Edge on our adventure and it made every minute of our trip a smooth, comfortable experience for both us and the boys. Once we were there, I only wished we’d visited sooner! If you’re planning on making a trip to the region, these three mind-blowing monuments should be on your family’s must-visit list. [Read more…]

Have Half a Day Free in Orlando? Try These 3 Fun and Affordable Family Activities

June 28, 2016 by Kathryn 18 Comments

In my opinion, one of the best things about a family vacation is finding a fun activity that adults and kids alike can enjoy during that inevitable free half day or so. And in the Orlando area, there’s no shortage of activities to fill a family’s extra time! If you have a few extra hours in Orlando and you’re wondering how to spend them, you’re in luck! These three excursions are affordable, tons of fun and sure to create lasting memories.

1) Wild Florida Airboat Rides

Getting out of the city and into nature is as easy as heading to Wild Florida Airboats and Gator Park, just 45 minutes from Orlando. And once you’re there, an airboat ride is the perfect way to see the untouched natural beauty of Florida. Choose between a thirty minute or a one hour ride and get ready both for high speed thrills and serene natural beauty as you cruise through the Florida Everglades.

I’ve wanted to go on an airboat ride since my first trip to Orlando, so I was thrilled about finally getting the opportunity. I was surprised by just how loud the airboat was, and grateful that optional ear protection was included! We cruised over the water in search of wildlife and from birds to alligators, there was plenty to be seen. I was surprised by how clear and shallow the water was and had a great time learning about the plant and animal life in the area. Best of all, once the ride ends, families have the option of checking out exotic animal shows, gator feedings and ranch buggy tours too! [Read more…]

Blast Off for a Day of Fun at the Kennedy Space Center

June 24, 2016 by Kathryn 31 Comments

One of the great things about the Orlando area is that it’s in such a prime location for day trips to nearby cities, beaches and other locations. And recently, I had the chance to make a day trip to a place I’d been wanting to visit for some time: The Kennedy Space Center. This family-friendly complex on Merritt Island is only about an hour’s drive from Orlando…but there’s enough fun and learning once there to keep a person busy all day!

The main grounds feature a variety of attractions about outer space, ranging from 3D IMAX movies to the Rocket Garden of replica space ships. The brand new Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit is a must-visit. In addition to tons of interactive exhibits that let visitors train like an astronaut, the building is home to the retired Atlantis Space Shuttle.

The shuttle program was a revolutionary development in space travel since it created the first ships able to be reused for multiple trips. In fact, it was because of these shuttles that the International Space Station was able to be built! Actually seeing a ship that had been in space up close gave me chills, and seeing the Canadarms from my own home country was a special treat! [Read more…]