So you’re probably at the point where the kids are back in school after Christmas, and you aren’t even thinking yet about summer vacation! Have you considered a trip to Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida?

We just took a trip there this past Christmas, and we were simply delighted by all of the beautiful (and fun!) Christmas decorations that are abundant in both parks! This just threw us headfirst into the Christmas Spirit!

We actually visited Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure all in one day, plus took in the Blue Man Group at the end of the day. Whew! It was tiring, but oh-so-fun! There’s also Universal CityWalk, which is right in front of the parks and offer some of the hottest and most popular restaurants and shops around.

The rides are based on hit movies and television shows. Some are thrill rides and some are more ‘kid-friendly’. But all are loads of fun. There were many times throughout the day when you felt as though YOU were the star! We loved the Despicable Me show and the Shrek 3D show was super!

Did you know that Universal Studios actually has a movie production studio inside? After all, that’s how it all originally started. And they do film movies and shows there. In fact, just by virtue of you being in the park, you are agreeing to be an extra and maybe on film in one of their movies! Now THAT is cool!

We had an express pass that allowed us to skip most of the lines, and I have to tell you, it is worth every penny! You have to remember, Florida (even in December) is hot! Waiting in line is no fun when the temps are moderate, but pretty miserable when it’s hot. It was in the high 80’s when we were there and with all of the pavement, HOT! But our express pass gave us access to (in most cases) walk right in to a ride or attraction. And when you have little kids, it’s worth it just to cut down on the whining that you might hear otherwise. We are very blessed that our little guy is very patient and waits in line like a champ, but I have to say, it was pure bliss to bypass the long lines!

We were also impressed to see many child swap areas. If you have kids that are too small to go on a ride, or they simply don’t want to, one adult can wait with the kids in (usually) a nice cool room while the other rides, then you switch out. Plus this gives the kids a little bit of rest time, too.

When is the best time to go? Probably around September after school starts. Expect it to pick back up around the holidays. But again, just because it’s September, don’t expect cool temperatures. Bring and apply sunscreen!

In this photo, our little guy looks wet…yeah, he is. We had just gotten off a raft ride that soaked us all to the bone. Really. But you know what? The cold water felt kinda good on that hot day! And speaking of cooling down, we loved that there were so many water elements and misters throughout the park. Nothing cools you off better and makes for happy smiles from the kids!

So, moving on. In our house, we love the Grinch. Not sure why…maybe his overall grouchiness and grumpiness resonates with us. Or maybe we just love the fact that we realize that he ultimately figures out what Christmas is all about (after he steals the gifts, eats the roastbeast and generally terrorizes Whoville, including cute little Cindy-Lou Who). We love the Grinch so much that we actually have a life-sized (if you’re only 5 feet tall…like me) animatronic Grinch that comes out at Christmas. He turns his head and sings, too. When our little guy was real small, the Grinch used to scare him to death, especially since I would move it from one place to the next, so he’d never know when he rounded a corner if the Grinch would be standing there staring at him. Poor thing. Now he loves Grinch, too! And he was thrilled to visit the Grinch in person at Grinchmas! There are several character meet and greets that occur throughout the park.  There’s a schedule inside the park maps.  The meet and greets can change depending on when you’re there, but usually you’ll find SpongeBob Squarepants, Shrek and Donkey, Star Toons (Including Woody Woodpecker, Shaggy and Scooby and others), Madagascar Characters, and Hollywood Characters, including classics like Marilyn Monroe. Each of the characters will also sign autographs.

Some extra tips that I love:

1. If you’re going to eat at least two meals inside the park, consider purchasing a meal plan. This will absolutely save you some money (as long as you were planning on two meals!) and you’ll have a huge selection of restaurants and food choices. This is not just simple hamburger and hot dog fare – you can get everything from fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, Cornish pasties, turkey legs and fresh vegetables to fresh seafood, pasta and salads. And you absolutely must try the ButterBeer (available in the Harry Potter area). This non-alcoholic beverage comes frozen or not, and is just like having dessert in a cup. It is soooo good!

2. Don’t fret if you forgot to bring something for the baby. You’ll be able to purchase diapers, wipes and all sorts of baby items.

3. Worried about the kids getting too wet? Towels are available for purchase, or take advantage of the ‘full body dryer’. Or consider taking your own ponchos and hand towels.

4. Bargain? Buy the refillable pop corn tub. It’s around $5.50 or so, and you get refills all day for only $.99. Well worth it for a snack! And water is free. They will fill your water bottle for you if you ask.

At the end of the day, we still had some super fun to look forward to…the Blue Man Group show! It’s right at CityWalk and this is a must see show. It’s almost impossible to describe – I will just say that you’ll see things that are indescribably cool!

Sorry this picture is poor quality – the light was low in there, but our little guy was still amazed and impressed!

Fast forward to later that evening, back in the condo. We were all spent. But in a good way, you know? So our little guy was kind of wrapped up in a Christmas movie and asked if he could stay up to watch it. Hey…it’s vacation…I’ll let him stay up. So I told him he could stay up, but to make sure to turn the TV off when the movie was over and go to bed. He’s usually very responsible for a six year old. The next morning when I got up and went into the living room area…this is what I saw. Yep…that’s where he slept. All night.

Can’t wait, can’t wait, can’t wait!!! Here in Florida, the ocean is a source of pride and joy, and now Disney’s gone and made a movie about it! I mean, you just might see me in the movie! It’s animated…I’m pretty animated…so…

And since we get some of the inside scoop (and we’re hoping to get more, Marshall!), we are proud to bring you this first look!

Isn’t she gorgeous?? Full disclosure – this isn’t me. My eyes are green. But other than that and all…

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MOANA arrives in theatres everywhere on November 23rd!

Do you ever have a wish

that you were just a little fish?

Swimming here and swimming there

With not a problem, nary a care?

What if you got lost one day?

Couldn’t seem to find your way?

What then? What then, little fish?

Dumped out of your cozy dish?

Maybe Dory is your name.

Pixar is your claim to fame.

Marshall is your best promoter.

And you’re so glad this poem is over.

Here’s something waaaay better! Finding Dory swims into theaters on June 17! Take a look at the trailer!

I don’t know about y’all (yes, I’m in the south – we say y’all), but we are super excited about Disney’s new version of the Jungle Book swinging into theaters on April 15!

I loved the old version – I mean, who didn’t dance around singing ‘The Bare Necessities’? And who didn’t have thrilling chills when confronted with Kaa? Or laugh at Baloo’s antics?

The new version promises to be stunning. And here’s what: (sorry if I sound like I’m channeling Andy Cohen from Watch What Happens) – this would be a great movie to use as your central theme for an educational unit if you homeschool. Or teach in a classroom. The possibilities are endless! You could teach lessons on jungle animals and habitat, different cultures, ecology, even deforestation.

And to help you have some fun, check out this fun activity sheet where you and your kids can make a hexaflexagon. Just click the link to open the file, print it for your kids and you’re off!

Click here for your activity sheet

And while you’re here, check out the movie trailer!

Okay – I’m going to tell you a dirty little secret. We have kept our old (ancient) VCR around because our youngest LOVES the movie ‘Pete’s Dragon’ and we only have it on videotape. You know what a videotape is? About the size of a paperback book? Went the way of the proverbial dinosaur? Not at our house…because we have to watch Pete’s Dragon. Over. and Over. and Over.

But Disney is coming out with a new version, and thank goodness, not only can you see it in the theater opening Aug. 12, but I’m sure at some point we will be able to get it on DVD and get rid of the VCR for good! Glory Hallelujah!

Don’t get me wrong…I love the old version. How can you go wrong with the smooth stylings of Helen Reddy singing ‘Candle on the Water’? But it’s time for something new!

And this version has something for everyone…and I mean everyone. Ladies, Robert Redford. Need I say anything else?

Take a look!

Y’all remember that movie? We Are Marshall? It was a great movie. A feel-good movie…inspirational. Here’s the thing. I’m not Marshall. But I want to be. Are you puzzled? I thought so. This has nothing to do with the movie or the university or football. Now you’re really confused. It was just a fun tie in to get you interested in the rest of the story.

See, Marshall W. is one of my Facebook friends. We have never met in person. He is affiliated with…drum roll please…DISNEY! Marshall gets to go to all kinds of awesome Disney events. And get paid for doing it!!! Now do you see why I want to be Marshall??? Marshall is a publicist with Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. He lives and breathes Disney movies. Talk about a charmed life.

So here’s what Marshall did last weekend: He attended the D23 EXPO in Anaheim, CA and took a bunch of his blogger friends with him. No, alas, not me. One day I will grow up to be in the cool kids group.

Here’s what went down: Numerous talent and filmmakers from Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios introduced fans to array of new stories and characters—from a lost dinosaur to a master wayfinder, a scheming fox to a forgetful fish. The audience of 7,500 was treated to sneak peeks, musical performances and appearances from stars like Ellen DeGeneres, Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, Ginnifer Goodwin, Dwayne Johnson, Randy Newman and Ty Burrell, among others.

You might ask, “What do skin care products and Disney have in common?” I’m glad you asked! If you didn’t know already, Disney resorts are upscale properties with great amenities and beautifully appointed rooms and suites. And in the bathrooms of those beautifully appointed rooms and suites, you will find luxurious products. Who provides these luxurious products? A company called H2O+.

Now stay with me here and I’ll tie it all together. Disney has their ‘Legacy’ collection. Insert your second question here, “What’s the Legacy Collection?”

Walt Disney Records’ newly created line of collectible CDs, Walt Disney Records The Legacy Collection, will celebrate the anniversaries of Disney’s most cherished and classic properties that have been enchanting audiences for generations.  Through 2015, Walt Disney Records will celebrate 12 anniversaries including “Pinocchio” (75th), “Fantasia” (75^th), “Cinderella” (65^th), “Lady and the Tramp” (60^th), “Sleeping Beauty” (55^th), “Mary Poppins” (50^th), “The Lion King” (20^th) and “Toy Story”  (20^th), among others. 

To honor these musical landmarks, Walt Disney Records The Legacy Collection will feature the beloved original soundtracks, plus valuable documentary content that tells the story behind the music.  Each album will feature newly created artwork from Lorelay Bove, a visual development artist at Walt Disney Animation Studios (“Tangled,” “Winnie the Pooh,” “Wreck-It Ralph”).  The illustrations, inspired by the original properties, will celebrate Disney’s rich heritage and create a unified look for the entire collection.

Take a look here at what the Legacy Collection is about:

H20+, the maker of these wonderful skin care products was inspired to explore what “legacy” means and so they have teamed up with Disney to ask, “What’s your legacy?” We all leave a legacy – it will either be good, or bad. If you’re a Coupondipity reader, we’re betting on “good” in your case.

And here’s another short video about H20+ and their initiative to find out your legacy!

And they are giving away an awesome prize! Enter now for a chance to add an exciting Broadway story to your legacy! Grand Prize Winner and a guest will be whisked away to New York City for a once in a lifetime Broadway experience.

Check this out!

Click here to enter, and good luck!

US Only – 18+

Participants do NOT have to post #ShareYourLegacy to enter the sweeps.

I am participating in this campaign as a member of Entertainment New Media Network. Although this is not a paid post, I was sent a small thank you gift for my participation. All opinions expressed are my own.

There’s never been a cooler time to be a kid! Celebrate at Busch Gardens all year long. Soar through the Sahara, splash around the Nile and play side-by-side with everyone’s favorite Sesame Street® friends. Also, explore the animals and activity of the ocean at SeaWorld. Get nose to nose with a dolphin, beluga or shark. Young adventurers can brave the seven kid-sized rides in Shamu’s Happy Harbor®, climbing the four-story net climb and cool off in the splash pad. Two parks and two amazing ways to play!

Florida residents only. Valid only at SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa and only for children 5 years old and younger at time of redemption. Unlimited admission through 12/31/2015. Does not include free parking, separately ticketed events or other discounts. Bring registration confirmation and valid form of ID (a copy of a certified birth certificate or travel passport) to the ticket window at SeaWorld or Busch Gardens. School IDs or children’s security IDs will not be accepted. The SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Preschool Pass offer is not available at the park; advance online registration required. Offer valid for limited time and subject to change and/or cancellation without notice.

Disney’s Inside Out is finally here!!! Opening today, it’s the most highly anticipated film of the summer! When are you going to see it?

Just for you, here’s a look at a special featurette