Category Archives: Travel

Win A 3-Night Vacation In A 2-Bedroom Oceanfront Villa At The King And Prince Beach & Golf Resort!

Contests, Giveaways, Travel, , , , ,

The King and Prince Beach & Golf ResortOne of my family’s all time favorite vacation destinations is right here in Georgia just a few hours from Atlanta.  A place where both adults and children can relax and enjoy life and take in gorgeous scenery, and savory Southern cuisine, The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort is situated at the southern end of East Beach on St. Simons Island and offers true beachfront accommodations.

The Mommy Insider and Trekaroo are partnering to bring two winners a 3-night stay in one of The King and Prince’s oceanfront villas. Perfect for families, the villa features a full-sized kitchen stocked with cookware, and a washer and dryer. Families can enjoy themselves at the Villa’s private pool, soak up the rays at one of the five pools at the Oceanfront building, or walk the beach and splash in the Atlantic.

Each time we stay at The King and Prince on St. Simons Island we find something new to do and enjoy.   There are dolphin tours, trolley tours, a huge playground and park, a lighthouse, water park, horseback riding, and kayak tours.. just to name a few things.  Can you see how a visit to this beautiful resort never gets old?  There is always a reason to go back to St. Simons Island and stay at The King and Prince!

When you’re feeling adventurous during your stay at The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, take time to explore St. Simons Island.  Our prize package includes one-day bicycle rentals for up to two adults and 2 children, ideal for adventuring around Pier Village or the 12+ miles of trails on the island.

Named “Georgia’s Favorite Beach Resort” by Southern Living Magazine, this posh yet comfortable haven will melt away your stress in no time.  Find out more about our travels to The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort here on TheMommyInsider.com and here on AtlantaMoms.com (see photos of villas and amenities).

The King and Prince Resort on St. Simons Island

Win a 3-night stay in a Villa at The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort!

  • 3-night stay – relax in comfort in a 2-bedroom oceanfront villa, complete with balcony or patio, full kitchen and living/dining area.
  • Start your day with a delicious breakfast in our oceanfront dining room for up to 2 adults and 2 children each day of the stay
  • Explore St. Simons Island by bicycle – one-day bicycle rentals for up to 2 adults and 2 children
  • Value: $2,122.00 each prize

Restrictions:

  • The prize is non-transferable
  • Accommodations will be based on space availability
  • Not valid on holidays or special events.
  • May not be used in conjunction with group reservations or other special offers.
  • Reservations cannot be made more than 30 days prior to arrival.
  • The certificate has no cash value
  • Does not include airfare or airport transfer

Rules and Guidelines:

  • No purchase necessary
  • Two winners will be selected randomly.  One on TheMommyInsider.com and one on Trekaroo.com.
  • Winners will be selected randomly and your chances of winning are based on the number of entry points you acquired against the total number of entries for this giveaway.
  • Entrants must be 18 years of age and older
  • US and Canada residents only, excluding residents of the Provence of Quebec.
  • Winner will be notified via the email provided and must respond to the notification to confirm their prize within the time specified in the email.  (Usually 3 days)
  • After the winner has been confirmed, the winner will be announced on this blog post.

Entry Period: November 18, 2013 to midnight December 1st, 2013.

Special thanks our sponsor:

The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort logoThe King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort
201 Arnold Rd, St Simons Island, GA 31522
http://www.kingandprince.com/
 

And special thanks to our giveaway partner:

Trekaroo - travel blogTrekaroo
Kids. Trips. Tips
http://www.trekaroo.com

 

Thanks to Online Sweepstakes and CashNet Sweepstakes
Value: $2,122.00 each prize

More posts about The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort

  1. The King and Prince Beach Resort on St. Simons Island: About The Rooms, Amenities, and Fun!
  2. You’re not a tourist at The King and Prince Resort
  3. Family activities at The King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort on St. Simons Island
  4. Make a trip to St. Simons Island even more fun and educational for your kids with a scavenger hunt!
  5. Shopping, Playground, and Restaurants at Pier Village on St. Simons Island
  6. St. Simons Islands Pier Village Has Fun For The Entire Family
  7. The King And Prince Beach & Golf Resort Was As Amazing On 4th Visit As It Was The 1st

Viceroy Miami Hotel – Great for a Family Vacation or Romantic Miami Getaway

Travel, ,

If you are planning a  trip to Florida and are considering a stay in Miami, you need to consider staying at Viceroy Miami!

I stayed at Viceroy Miami recently during a press trip with Toyota to review the 2014 Toyota Corolla and while my initial thought was that the hotel was too fancy to be a hotel that I would be anxious to take my kids to, I totally wanted my husband to jump on an airplane so that he could enjoy the gorgeous hotel and their outdoor living space, with me… in my ‘spare time’.  🙂  The second day of my visit I saw a couple of young children at the pool with their parents (or nannies) and realized that just because a hotel is very fancy, doesn’t mean that they don’t cater to and enjoy having kids as visitors.   Why else would Viceroy Miami have Florida’s longest infinity pool than for kids to enjoy? 😉

Viceroy Miami is a luxury Miami Florida resort and is the centerpiece of the groundbreaking Icon Brickell project, a 10-acre bay-front enclave adjacent to historical Miami River Circle Park.   Several family friendly attractions including Miami Children’s Museum and Miami Seaquarium are just a short drive from Viceroy Miami.

Viceroy Miami hotel review

My room at Viceroy Miami had a queen bed, desk, balcony, stocked mini-fridge, microwave, coffee/tea maker, and a large flat screen TV.

The 2 bedroom suite in Viceroy Miami’s residence tower is ideal for those traveling with children.  Viceroy Miami’s residence option spans from 1300 to 1400 square feet, supplying the room and seclusion of a main home with signature Viceroy Service.  Situated on elevated floors, these luxurious lodgings present restricted entrance from the residents-exclusive elevator vestibule, complete kitchens, expansive verandas, and first-rate sights.  The two bedroom residences showcase classy and modern inner design.

Residential rooms contain a epicure kitchen with first-class appliances, in addition to cutlery, glassware, flatware, and cooking utensils. The spacious bathroom displays enormous vanities with single or double basins, soaking tubs, and upright showers.

You and your kids will enjoy Viceroy Miami’s immersive outdoor entertaining center.  After relaxing in your room or suite for a bit, why not head outside to the relaxing outdoor spaces?

Viceroy Miami’s outdoor areas include:

  • Two-acres of open-air living, featuring the lengthiest infinity pool in Florida (reaching Biscayne Bay)
  • Enormous outside fireplace
  • Full-scale chess set
  • Two parks
  • Jogging trail
  • And much more!

Parents should take time to relax at the spa!  Viceroy Miami offers a variety of health, social, physique, and liveliness packages at the eminent Miami luxury spa.

Vacationing with children can be difficult, but only if there is not anything for your kids to do. Below are some nearby places to visit with your kids while you’re staying at Viceroy Miami.

Family Friendly Attractions Near Viceroy Miami

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Miami Children’s Museum
980 MacArthur Causeway

Miami Children’s Museum is dedicated to enriching the lives of all children by fostering a love of learning and enabling children to realize their highest potential. The museum encourages visitors of all ages to play, learn, imagine and create.
Miami Children’s Museum offers interactive exhibits, programs, and learning materials related to arts, culture, community and communication.

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Miami Seaquarium
4400 Rickenbacker Causeway

On a 38-acre tropical paradise with spectacular skyline views lies a South Florida attraction like no other. Welcome to Miami Seaquarium®, a place where dolphins walk on water and killer whales fly through the air. Where sea lions delight children of all ages and endangered sea turtles and manatees find a safe haven. Enjoy a world-class marine-life entertainment park with eight different marine animal shows and astonishing daily presentations. Miami Seaquarium® is a place of inspiration, education – and fun!

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Jungle Island
1111 Parrot Jungle Trail

Step into a lush, tropical jungle and mingle with birds, monkeys and the world’s most rare and exotic creatures. See sensational animal shows, meet a real liger, and kid around with kangaroos, lemurs and penguins!

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Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
3251 South Miami Avenue

Vizcaya is a European-inspired estate with a Main House and formal gardens on Biscayne Bay. Built in the early 1910s by Chicago businessman James Deering as his winter home. Vizcaya is a National Historic Landmark and museum owned by Miami-Dade County that welcomes 150.000 visitors each year. We invite you to visit this serene and stunningly beautiful retreat in the heart of Miami.

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All of the above attractions are close to Viceroy Miami hotel and feature age-appropriate camps, activities, and much more. Your children will be sure to have a blast on your next trip to Miami… which should be soon!

Connect With Viceroy Miami

485 Brickell Avenue
Miami, Florida 33131 USA
Guestroom Reservations: 866 781 9923
Viceroy Miami Website

Your Guide to Disney’s MagicBand and MagicBand Accessories

Disney, Travel, ,

Disney MagicBandPhoto source

Walt Disney World’s newest innovation in technology is the MagicBand, a device that can be used throughout Walt Disney World and select Disney Resorts.  This colorful wristband can be used as a park pass to access the Disney theme parks and as a room key to unlock the door at a Disney Resort hotel room.  Kids can even enjoy the resort swimming pools and Disney water parks with their waterproof MagicBand. In addition, the MagicBand can be used to pay for food and merchandise.  As an added bonus, guests using the MagicBand can pre-select certain FastPass attractions before they even set foot into one of the four theme parks!

To make the bands even more fun to use, guests will be able to customize their individual wristband with their name and a color selection. This exciting new system is currently in a testing stage and it is expected to debut to the general public later this year as part of Disney’s MyMagic+ system.

The convenience of the MagicBand will make Disney vacations much easier! Parents no longer have to worry about carrying a Disney Resort room key, a separate park pass or ticket, and cash for food and merchandise. Once all of the vacation choices have been pre-selected using the ‘My Disney Experience’ section of the Walt Disney World website, the choices are automatically tied to the MagicBand. At that point, the band can be shipped directly to a family’s residence prior to their trip or picked up at the Disney Resort.

MagicBand and  FastPass+

One of the unique features of the MagicBand is the ability to select FastPass+ attractions prior to the trip. The FastPass+ attractions include popular theme park attractions currently on the FastPass system, as well as additional attractions, parade viewing areas, preferred access to character greetings and more! Since several FastPass+ attractions can be selected in advance, parents no longer have to worry about FastPass tickets for certain attractions running out during the day of their family’s visit.

MagicBand Customization Accessories

Accessories for MagicBands are being sold at Disney resorts where testing is ongoing such as the Fantasia Gift Shop in the Contemporary Resort in Orlando, Florida.  Accessories include MagicBandits, MagicSliders and CoverBands.

  • CoverBands, $15.95 for a 3-pack or $6.95 for a single pack at the time of this writing, are a fabric covering that slides onto the MagicBand giving kids even more customization opportunities.
  • MagicBandits are available in a 3-pack for $6.95 and 4-pack for $8.95.  Characters including the Muppets, Phineas and Ferb and TinkerBell are just two choices park goers will have when choosing their MagicBandits.
  • MagicSliders, $12.95 each, are small single characters that slide onto the MagicBand, to surround the Mickey Mouse face which is also the RFID (the part that provides the technology).

All three accessories can be used at the same time!

MagicBand Details

  • MagicBand colors available will include: Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, Purple Pink, Orange, and Gray.
  • MagicBands will be shipped to the guest within 30 to 10 days of arrival or to the resort if reservation is made within 10 days of arrival.
  • The band is waterproof but will not float.
  • The MagicBand is not known to ever need a battery replacement at this time.

Children and adults alike will appreciate the convenience and fun of this wonderful new technology. In fact, the Disney MagicBand is sure to be a magical experience for all members of the family!

Learn more about MagicBand from Disney here.

Get answers to frequently asked questions about the Disney MagicBand here.

Prices are valid as of the time of this writing and are not guaranteed.

Have you been able to try a MagicBand on a recent Disney trip?  Share your experience with us in the comments below!

 

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Six Flags Over Georgia Announces Biggest Expansion Ever, Hurricane Harbor Water Park!

Georgia, Travel,

Six Flags Over Georgia Hurricane Harbor news

Planning a visit to Georgia next summer?  Be sure to include a visit to Six Flags Over Georgia in your plans!  Six Flags Over Georgia will surprise you from entry to exit.  The healthy food options, immaculately clean park, safety features, and shaded play areas make the popular theme park a must visit for Georgia residents and tourists alike.  Opening Memorial Day of 2014, Hurricane Harbor will provide you and your kids with one more way to have an amazing day and build great memories.  Don’t forget to bring a waterproof camera! 🙂

Six Flags Over Georgia announced the addition of Hurricane Harbor, opening in 2014, today.  Hurricane Harbor, an all-new water park element of Six Flags Over Georgia will open Memorial Day 2014.  Not only can parents take their kids to get the thrill of a lifetime on Six Flags’ traditional roller coasters and rides, starting Memorial Day of 2014 parents and kids can relax in the 800,000 gallon wave pool or enjoy a (gigantic) splash on Bahamas Blaster sporting a four story drop in the 7-acre Caribbean landscaped Hurricane Harbor.  Younger kids will enjoy the wave pool and interactive children’s water play area.

Park president, Dale Kaetzel, informed us that the Caribbean Island themed water park will include cabanas, shaded areas, dining locations, and shopping.  The addition of Hurricane Harbor to the South East’s premier theme park, will make Six Flags Over Georgia a must-visit park for residents and tourists alike.  Six Flags Over Georgia is located at 275 Riverside Parkway SW in Austell off of Interstate 20 west of Atlanta, just a quick drive from Atlanta and surrounding areas.

Hurricane Harbor, set to open in late May 2014, will include an 800,000 gallon wave pool, a multi-slide tower, and a “world’s first” single slide tower combining two extreme slide thrills, plus an interactive children’s water play area.

Admission to Hurricane Harbor will be included in any one day admission ticket or a Six Flags Over Georgia season pass. Six Flags White Water in Marietta, Ga. and Six Flags Over Georgia will continue to offer combination passes for guests to enjoy both destinations at one low price.

Six Flags Over Georgia Hurricane Harbor 2014 announcement

 

What Will Be Inside Hurricane Harbor:

Learn more about Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags Over Georgia on AtlantaMoms.com here.

Gigantic Wave Pool – Hurricane Bay
With over eight hundred thousand gallons of water this, thirty eight thousand square foot high tech ocean experience will simulate the deep blue Caribbean surf. Equipped with a state of the art wave system that is capable of producing waves up to four feet high this pool will create rolling waves that guests can enjoy all day.

Dual Slide Complex – Calypso Cobra
For those who feel the need for speed and cool thrills, this world’s-first slide will test riders bravery as they take on something the world has never seen. Combining two great slide experiences into one extreme thrill; four riders will take on the Cobra as they barrel down an enclosed 5-story drop before they are shot into a 40 -foot wide bowl and take on complete watery mayhem. Just as they think it is over riders take on the Calypso Cobra’s finale which shoots them perpendicular to the ground and suspends them in a moment of zero-gravity as they are swept across the Cobras tail. Guests will find themselves screaming around every slippery turn.

Multi-Slide Complex – Bahamas Blaster and Runaway Pipeline
Riding with their family and friends in an inner tube, guests will careen down a dark watery decent through the enclosed tunnels and soar down 180 and 360 degree curves. The serpentine tunnels will propel riders through rushing water and then drops them into the pool below. Bold adventurers can take on the Bahamas Bowl and careen down a four story drop into a gigantic bowl that will hurl them around and around in gushing water before finally dropping them out through a corkscrew chute into a splash pool below.

Children’s Activity Area – Paradise Island
Kids will be in command of this, 200 square foot interactive water playground that includes three giant water-dumping towers and hundreds of interactive water elements. Splash into this water play structure and get soaked on six slides with dozens of water gadgets, climbing nets, water blasters and tipping buckets.

 

As you may have read on AtlantaMoms.com, I am thrilled to be a Six Flags Super Mom for the next year and hopefully longer.  Being a super mom has its benefits.. such as learning about new and exciting developments at Six Flags Over Georgia.  Holding this fabulous secret in has been tough and I am so glad to get to share it with you today!

Learn more about what I am and will be doing as a Six Flags Super Mom here!

Connect with Six Flags Over Georgia

 

2013 Toyota Sienna Minivan Review with Video

Car Reviews, Technology, Transportation, Travel, ,

I was given the opportunity by Toyota to test drive a 2013 Toyota Sienna for a few days, during Reviewers Retreat conference at Callaway Gardens in Georgia.  The roads at Callaway Gardens are what I consider to be some of the best roads for test driving a vehicle, at legal speeds, of course. 🙂

2013 Toyota Sienna review

 

Anytime I test drive a vehicle for review, the following 5 things are on the top of my list to check out:

  • Exterior (aesthetics)
  • Comfort
  • Handling
  • Technology & Entertainment
  • Safety features

Here is an overview of those 5 aspects of the Toyota Sienna, as well as a couple of extra bits of information about the popular minivan.

The 2013 Toyota Sienna is stylishly designed and strongly built. In addition, it is an incredibly spacious seven or eight-passenger vehicle that features a long list of appealing standard and safety features. Plus, there are many optional features that car buyers will find attractive. Toyota gave the exterior distinct modern styling that is not chunky like many other minivans in its class. Plus, the body of the Sienna is reinforced with side impact beams as well as front and rear impact absorbing crumple zones.

 

Under the Hood

Under the hood, Toyota equipped the Sienna with a powerful 3.5 liter V6 engine that churns out 266 horsepower with 245 pound feet of torque. Front wheel drive and an automatic six-speed transmission come standard on all trim levels. On upper trim levels, all-wheel drive is optional. The gas mileage is pretty good for a vehicle this size, which is estimated at 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

2013 Toyota Sienna minivan

What We Love

What I love:

– Triple-zone air conditioning so everyone stays cool or warm
– Heated front seats – great for my back!
– Easy steering and great handling on windy roads
– Satellite radio and easy connection with iPhone
– Natural sounding GPS voice!
– USB port and A/C charger in the front cabin
– The large empty space in front of the front center console where my purse fits perfectly! 🙂

What my 7-year-old loves:
– Lots of leg room in the middle row
– Comfortable, adjustable arm rests
– “You can pack more stuff in the Sienna than in our car”
– The DVD/entertainment system

What my 13-year-old loves:
– Finding new places using the GPS/navigation
– The 12 cup holders. There’s apparently never enough cup holders!
– The sunroof
– The USB port and A/C chargers so all iPhones and iPads stay charged

What dad loves:
– Ample head & leg room – he’s tall
– Fluid design of the front cabin area
– Additional storage space above the glove compartment

There are five available trims of the 2013 Toyota Sienna, which are base, LE, SE, XLE and Limited. The base and Limited models seats seven passengers. The LE, SE and XLE seats 8 passengers.

Interior

Inside the Sienna, the driver and passengers will enjoy plenty of leg and head room and a large amount of cargo space. If more space is desired, the second and third row seats easily fold down. Some of the most impressive interior features include the available rear entertainment center and optional elegant wood-grain trim. Other interior features include 12 cupholders, a GPS system and an available touchscreen navigation system with phone and streaming audio connectivity.

Standard & Upgrade Features

Standard features include a telescoping steering wheel, a CD player, 17-inch alloy wheels, triple-zone air conditioning, cruise control and power windows, locks and doors. Upgrade features include 18 or 19-inch wheels, leather seats, heated seats, Bluetooth, a DVD player, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, foglights, a power liftgate, keyless ignition, satellite radio, privacy glass and an iPod/USB interface.

Safety

An eight-way power driver seat and an auto-dimming rearview mirror are also offered as upgrade options. Toyota builds some of the safest cars on the road today, and the Sienna comes outfitted with many safety features such as various airbags, active front head restraints, anti-lock disc brakes, child safety locks, brake assist, a tire pressure monitor, daytime running lights and stability and traction control.

Optional safety features include hill assist, front and rear parking sensors and a blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert. Toyota also offers an available Safety Connect system. In addition, the 2013 Toyota Sienna received five out of five stars during side collision testing as well four out of five stars for overall crash protection.

 

 

The 2013 Toyota Sienna is a safe, spacious and family friendly minivan that has lots to offer for everyone in the family. I think you’ll love it!

Learn more about the 2013 Toyota Sienna minivan on the Toyota website and find a Toyota dealer near you.

I was provided with a 2013 Toyota Sienna to drive for several days for purposes of this review.