Mall of America, Nickelodeon Universe, FlyOver America, and MORE Make for a Perfect Weekend Getaway!! Review

One thing our family loves to do is travel! We usually travel by car, making for some LONG road trips. But, it gives us time to take in the scenery...to talk...to play road trippin' games...to stop at gas stations and load up on overpriced snacks! The memories, though - the memories are always priceless!  I was happy to partner with Mall of America to help promote all that they have to offer, at just a little over a five hour drive from my Milwaukee home.  It's a great vacation destination for all of my Wisconsin readers!


We recently had spring break. Now, we have four children in two different school districts, so they had different spring breaks. This lead to some pretty chaotic times in our household, but it also lead to some great opportunities for all of us to spend some quality time together. On Good Friday, all of the children had off, so we wanted to plan something fun for that weekend! We decided to head out on Thursday to visit family and the Mall of America in Minnesota on that Thursday. So much fun was had by all!

We headed out on Thursday morning and got to Minnesota in about five and a half hours. It wasn't a bad drive. The kids had their devices, of course, but we also had paper, pens, books, and the typical road trip essentials - my favorite? A ton of snacks!  When we got to Minnesota, we were all overjoyed...as you can tell!

We were lucky enough to stay at Radisson Blu, which is connected TO the Mall of America!  This was awesome because we NEVER had to go outside of the Mall of America to do anything.  There is a skyway that connects the Radisson Blu to the mall! We were able to park it and basically forget it for our entire stay!

When we got there, we checked in and got situated in our room.  Let me just tell you...these rooms did NOT disappoint!  Because we have a larger family (there's 6 of us), we had to share two rooms.  We checked in to adjoining rooms - the kids stayed in an Urban Room and my husband and I stayed in the luxurious Junior Suite  The Urban Room was spacious and gave us plenty of room for all of our things.  The Junior Suite left my husband and I feeling a tad spoiled as it seemed to be a step up from the Urban Room.  Both rooms were great, comfortable, and left us feeling at home!  We had a great stay!

The night we checked in we were told about the Blu Kids Club at Radisson Blu Mall of America!  

At Radisson Blu Mall of America, children are more than just guests, they are invited to be explorers of the hotel with Marty the Moose, our friendly (and a bit clumsy!) hotel mascot. The whole family will enjoy taking journeys with Marty and his friends in the original Adventures of Marty the Moose, available on our Blu App and in-room TVs.

Upon check-in, children will receive their very own Blu Passport to destinations around the hotel and Mall of America®. There are three sets of passport activities for children 3-5, 6-9, and 10-12, so there is plenty of exploring and adventures to be had for the whole family! Children who earn four stamps will receive a special prize!

This is a great way to spend time with the kids doing some exploring of the hotel...all while having a great time!  My husband took the boys out to explore and get a few of the activities done while I was able to enjoy some time in a quiet, peaceful room with my daughter...and do a little exploring of our own (note hat awesome lobby chair swing in the pic above  - THAT was the highlight for my daughter!).

There is a pool, fitness room, spa, and more to help you enjoy your stay!  The biggest problem after staying in luxury such as this is that you never want to leave!  We found ourselves wanting just one more day...of course!

We spent a day at Nickelodeon Universe.  We were given All Day Wristbands to enjoy our day.  We have family that lives in Minnesota, so they came out to spend the day with us!  There is so much to do and so many rides...so little time!  We got in as many rides as possible and were absolutely exhausted by the time the day was over.  But, it was all well worth it!  The kids were exhausted and so were we all!

My boys are not as daring as most their age, so they weren't too crazy about going on all the rides.  But there were PLENTY of rides that they loved and went on again...and again...

Favorites for the not so daring:

Back at the Barnyard Hayride
Backyardigans Swing-Along
Big Rigs
Carousel
Crazy Cars

My daughter and my husband went back after we all went back to the rooms and for a swim.  My daughter is more daring and loves roller coasters!

A few favorites for the thrill-seekers:

Shredder's Mutant Masher
SpongeBob Squarepants Rock Bottom Plunge
TMNT Shell Shock
Pepsi Orange Streak

There are many more rides worth checking out, but these were just a few of the favorites for my family.  Check out all of the rides you can experience at Nickelodeon Universe Mall of America HERE!



One other experience that we were able to check out is the new ride FlyOver America!  This ride requires a separate ticket and fee.  Head over HERE to buy tickets online and save 10%!  Every one of us (even my not-so-daring ride-goers loved this ride!  My youngest grinned from ear to ear and giggled the whole time we "flew" over America!  The scenery was absolutely gorgeous and you really felt like you were a part of nature.

Set inside Mall of America, FlyOver America is an experience where guests can soar through mountains, plunge deep into valleys and rushing rivers, buzz about urban cities, and even get a bird’s eye view of the wild west, all at once. Guests feel the wind in their hair while their feet dangle, as the ride takes them on a 10,000 mile long journey across the country!

FlyOver America is the ultimate flying ride at Mall of America which uses the latest technology to give guests a virtual reality-like experience, making them feel as if they are truly flying through America’s expansive country sides.

One cool addition that we didn't know about until my husband and daughter walked into it on accident is the Universe of Light!  This is held Monday - Saturday at 9:30 p.m.

Mall of America® guests will be brought together nightly for an experience that will take visitors on an emotional journey through music and lights. Universe of Light will underscore the unexpected and surprising characteristics of MOA, combined with the fun, playful nature of Nickelodeon Universe. The nine-minute light show is an ongoing attraction for mall visitors. Lights, music and smoke effects will transform the air space into a Technicolor dream that is sure to excite and engage.

Universe of Light uses strobe lights and smoke effects.

This entire Spring Break getaway was incredible!  We all had a blast and would head over again in an instant!  No one wanted to leave.  We were there from Thursday afternoon through Saturday early afternoon.  Honestly, if I could do it again, I would have given myself a little more time.  Either we would have gotten there earlier or left later.  However, it was Easter weekend, so we had to get home early.  This is one vacation destination that is worth the drive...and all monies spent!  I love that it isn't too far of a drive and that there is so much to attract everyone in the family.

My children all had such a great time...and they were all so sad to go!  Thank you, Mall of America, Nickelodeon Universe, FlyOver America, and Radisson Blu for an amazing getaway!  We will be back!

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago: The Ultimate Indoor Playground Overnight Stay and Play GIVEAWAY

What a great weekend we had!  Read on to find out how you can win an overnight stay and a fun day at LEGOLAND Chicago!

Looking for a fun place to go with the family for a quick weekend getaway? Close to home? Consider getting away near Chicago! Over the weekend my family was able to stay at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago Wood Dale - Elk Grove overnight. We got to the hotel in about an hour and half and checked in. Check in went smoothly - and staff was more than friendly! My children's favorite part of check in? We each got our own WARM chocolate chip and walnut cookie!

Had a great time just kicking back and relaxing at the hotel...the kids had a great time swimming.  They loved that the water wasn't too deep and it was "just right."    They swam for hours before I had to wrangle them up and head back to the room for some shut eye before our big day at Legoland!  Legoland was about a ten minute drive from our hotel, so we loaded up and headed on over for a day of fun!

One of our favorite attractions was Miniland, which was a LEGO lovers dream...it was a mini-Chicago!  We saw the Navy Pier, a Chicago Bears game, even got to see The Blues Brothers! My son's loved this land as they were familiar with some of the pieces that they recognized from sets that they've built at home.

Explore and play with the interactive city; see airships swoop and towers glow as the little land changes from day to night.

Any Star Wars fan would be more than excited to see the new LEGO® Star Wars™ Episode IV MINILAND Display.

As part of the new exhibit from a galaxy far far away, guests can help the Rebel Alliance destroy the Galactic Empire’s powerful Death Star, experience the epic duel between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader, watch in awe as the Millennium Falcon rises from the deserts of Tatooine, discover the bustling city of Mos Eisley, and take in the busy cantina where the band plays its familiar tune and dangerous characters lurk in dark corners.

While there, be sure to check out the NEW LEGO Friends Heartlake City!

This interactive LEGO play area lets you become one of the LEGO Friends and add your own LEGO creations into the Heartlake City display. Help the girls by building models to expand Heartlake City.

Plus, don’t forget to take a selfie with all five LEGO Friends while you’re visiting Heartlake City.

A few other popular attractions:

LEGO 4D Cinema
Kingdom Quest
Merlin's Apprentice Ride
Pirate Adventure Island
LEGO Racers:  Build and Test
+ MORE

How would you like to win an overnight at the Double Tree Schaumburg and a family four pack of tickets to LEGOLAND?!?!? One lucky My Milwaukee Mommy will win just that! What a great way to spend a weekend for some family fun!

**All tickets and overnight stay are redeemable until December 31, 2017!**

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Six Flags Great America debuts JUSTICE LEAGUE: Battle for Metropolis

I was given the opportunity to spend a day at Six Flags Great America and to try the NEW ride Justice League: Battle for Metropolis before it was released to the public! As a child one of my favorite trips every summer was our annual trip to Six Flags Great America, so, what better way to be nostalgic than to invite my parents to spend the day with us!??! And...what a great day it was!

We started the morning trying out the ride and meeting some of the characters...my sons were in heaven!  They insisted on riding the ride at least five times before we called it quits!  I will be honest with you here and tell you that I get motion sickness rather quickly, so once on this ride was enough for me!  However...everyone else in the party went quite a few times!  It was a fun ride and we all loved it!

In a high-stakes clash between good and evil, guests will become members of the JUSTICE LEAGUE Reserve Team, and engage in a full-sensory journey as they battle alongside BATMAN, SUPERMAN, WONDER WOMAN and GREEN LANTERN against Lex Luthor, The Joker and his henchmen. Traveling in six-passenger vehicles, riders must outsmart Lex Luthor and The Joker and save the city of Metropolis.

After we got to try out the fun ride, we spent the day riding as many rides as we could fit in!  We started out at Kidzopolis where my kids had a blast riding all of the classics.

Whether you are visiting for the first time or the fiftieth, Six Flags will be full of many memories and good times!

 

Necknapperz: Your New Favorite Travel Companion

I have been provided compensation for my honest experience and opinions while using this Necknapperz.

The summer months are busy months for my family.  We seem to always be on the go and we often travel when the children are out of school.  I was excited to be offered the opportunity to try out Necknapperz with my children.  I was sent this super cute Wolf Necknapperz.  My children couldn't wait to test it out!

Necknapperz are the cute, cuddly buddies that magically transform from a huggable friend into a comfortable and ergonomic plush neck pillow. There are over 22 characters to choose from and more on the way!

Each Necknapperz is made with durable, ultrasoft fabric and filled with microbeads to maximize its ability to conform to your specific needs and provide the most individualized support for ensured relaxation and proper posture.

Use your Necknapperz on the plane, train or in the car. Have them handy while you’re studying, reading a book, watching television or playing your favorite video games. These cuddly creatures can be used virtually anywhere!

It was super comfy for all of us.  I actually have been enjoying using it while on the laptop as I tend to get a crick in my neck from sitting at the computer for long periods of time.  This is nice...I lean back and am supported every once in a while as I take a little break.  

I did have a little difficulty figuring how it all zips in and closes in.  It's a tight fit, but once it's in there, it makes for a comfy little pillow.  The "huggable friend" was debatable.  My boys do think it's cute, but it isn't very soft.  It's firm, so it makes for a hard hug.  BUT...it does sit nicely on their beds.  My children don't really complain about the firmness of it, but I did notice it myself.  

I think these are super cute and make for a great companion on flights, car rides, and so much more!  

It's two gifts in one - you not only get a comfy pillow to help support your neck and keep your comfortable, but you get a great little friend for your little ones to enjoy!  My children have fought over who gets to use "Wolfie" often!

Be sure to follow Necknapperz on Facebook to keep up with all the updates and check out all the super cute pictures!

Bidder No. 4 Wisconsin Dells: The Play for it Store Review

The Most Playful Antique Gallery in the WORLD!

Experience the latest concept in amusement. Bidder #4 mixes a blend of exciting game show-like timed challenges with the lure of scouring antique shops for that unique item that speaks just to you! Dare to play and walk away with priceless memories.

Bring your camera because it’s an experience you’ll want to live over and over again.

I had never heard of Bidder #4 until I stopped in after our trip to Wizard's Quest and then Ripley's Believe It or Not!

I am so glad we stopped!  We each were able to play one game and we all had such a blast doing it!  We started by rolling out a number which coincided with a fun game.

Win your game and get points to cash in to choose from some pretty awesome prizes.  You can cash in your points, save them, or cash some points in and pay the difference!  A really cool and fun way to spend some time in the Dells!

Admission is FREE and tokens to play are just $2 per game!

Consider buying the Dells Downtown Discovery Pass which will score you even more savings for Wizard's Quest,  Ripley's Believe it or Not, and Bidder Number 4! Definitely worth the savings!

Wilderness Resort Wisconsin Dells: Fun for the Whole Family Review

I had the pleasure of taking a mini-vacay with my family to the Wisconsin Dells!  We had such a great time and stayed at one of our favorite places in the Dells - The Wilderness Resort.

We got there around check in and the lobby wasn't too crowded.  They were staffed well and the check in process went quickly.  If you are like me, that's HUGE considering it can take quite some time and the kids get a little restless!

After check in we went to our room, which was one of the Double Suites with a Wetbar with a Pool View in a Newly Refurbished Unit.  I was loving the view from our room!

Yes...that was the view from our room!  It is actually quite perfect if you have a bigger group and some of the group goes to the pool ahead of you.  Our kids are too young to do that, but I was thinking it would be perfect in a few years!

Here's what I love about the Wilderness:

• There are many different room options and places to stay to fit your budget and your familial needs!  Large family?  Don't worry...they have Suites, Villas, and even Cabins on the property to accomodate.  Couples getaway?  Smaller rooms are available.
• There are different Specials and Packages to help save you money.
• There are EIGHT different Indoor and Outdoor Waterparks to enjoy while visiting during the summer (Outdoor waterparks open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend).  I love that they are open different hours and each have a little something different for the family to enjoy!  All Waterparks are Exclusively for Guests of the Wilderness.
• There are Cabanas if you want a little more security and privacy during your days at the Waterpark.

• The Lil' Squirts areas for your little ones to enjoy during their stay!  (My little one's smile says it all!)
• There are some awesome attractions to enjoy while vacationing at the Wilderness! You can even purchase a Wild Fun Pass to help you engage in 6 of the attractions for a low price.
• There are some great selections for dining right at the resort (including the Wild Canyon Cafe where kids can eat FREE)

We had such a great time while we were at the Wilderness and plan on going back soon!  This was our first time there during the summer months and we are so glad we did it!  We plan on making this an annual trip for our family because there is so much to do and we just couldn't possibly fit it all in in the short time that we were there.

With so much to do, it is quite a trek from one area to the next if you plan on hitting up a few of the waterparks within a short timeframe.  But, I do love that most of it is all connected.  That is HUGE during the winter months.  Every other area that you might want to explore is offered transportation by shuttle.

I recommend getting to the Waterparks earlier when they open and staking your seat.  While we were there, however, I was surprised that we didn't have much problems finding chairs or tables to sit.  I chalk that up to having so many different Waterparks in one location - there's something for everyone to enjoy!  Whether you want to be lazy and enjoy the lazy river or be swept away by the Great Wave (America's largest indoor wave pool), you will not be disappointed!  I told my husband we were going solo next time or bringing friends to enjoy the Swim-Up Bar.

I can honestly say my favorite pool section was the Lounging Island in Lake Wilderness.  I enjoyed watching the boys play some basketball while my daughter and husband hit the slides, all while relaxing on the Lounging Island.  I could definitely get used to that life!

We were only there two nights.  If you can do more than two nights - do it!  There is just so much to do and there just simply wasn't enough time.  Our kids didn't want to leave!  Who am I kidding?  I didn't want to leave either.

Thinking of planning a vacation at The Wilderness for your family?  Be sure to check out the different specials you can score starting at ONLY $129.99 per night - a stellar deal for these Hot summer days!

One of our highlights...the Wild Fun Pass
Want to Save BIG on Wilderness Attractions?

The WILD Fun Pass lets you experience tons of extra indoor fun at the Wilderness Resort such as the NEW Indoor Go-Kart Track, Two-Story Lazer Tag Arena, Mini-Golf, Ropes Course and more, all for one low price!

My husband and daughter LOVED going on the Ropes Course!  My boys weren't too keen on checking it out, so I stayed back and enjoyed some ice cream from Pistol Pete's Ice Cream (there is a $1 off saving on each of the Fun Passes)!  Oh...my...YUM!  Must indulge...we went the night we got there and again before we left.  It's located right in the midst of all the action, so it's convenient to stop and eat while other members of your party are enjoying the rope course or the FREE Timberland Play Park.

The other highlight of our trip was at the Indoor Go-Kart Track.  All of us enjoyed a ride on there (we had to do two separate trips on the cars - my husband and I had to ride with each of the children due to height restrictions).  BUT...the staff was accommodating and allowed the boys to stay back and rev up the engines in other cars while they waited...or maybe they just made them feel that way.  Basically, they just sat and waited while we rode.  But, we had FUN!  It was great and I loved the features on these Go-Karts that you don't necessarily have on other tracks (I won't give it all away - you have to try it for yourself!)!

We only did a couple of the attractions because we were so busy enjoying the beautiful outdoor weather!  But, that's one thing I love about the pass.  You can use the remaining attractions on the pass on future visits if you do not get to them all on your initial visit.  VERY much worth the money!

Ripley's Believe It or Not Wisconsin Dells Review - Buy Tickets Online for Discount

Discover the world’s oddities at Ripley’s Believe It or Not in the Wisconsin Dells. Featuring three floors with 11 amazing galleries, you will experience puzzling illusions as you examine the large eclectic collection of odd and interesting things you will never see anywhere else.

Become an explorer and survive the curse of King Tut as you travel the dark cavernous tunnels of his Egyptian temple. Continue your exploration and unveil objects hidden throughout the museum and decide for yourself if you Believe it or Not!

As a family we went to visit Wizard's Quest and then ventured on over to Ripley's Believe it or Not - which was very close and in walking distance!  We went through and took in the different rarities and cool things we saw.  My younger two were a little spooked, so we were not able to stay too long as we ventured further in to explore.  I was way impressed with the Duct Tape Room which features all things made with duct tape!  I love love love the wedding dress (pictured above)!

My older two were impressed and enjoyed reading all about the different exhibits.  Definitely a cool experience and very cool if you have the time to explore and discover!

This is a ton of fun and absolutely amazing if you have some time - I'd set aside at least an hour. If you have younger children that spook easily, I would maybe reconsider. It CAN be done with younger children, but keep in mind that there are parts that they will NOT want to explore. With all that in mind, it's definitely worth a visit. It's easy to skip certain parts or just gloss over them.

BUY YOUR TICKETS ONLINE for a discount!  

Consider buying the Dells Downtown Discovery Pass which will score you even more savings for Ripley's Believe it or Not and Bidder Number 4!  Definitely worth the savings!
 

Wizard's Quest Wisconsin Dells Review and Discount Promo Code

Wizard Quest is the leader in computer interactive games played in a live setting. The setting is a 13000 square foot fantasy, themed labrynth.

Your quest is to locate and release the imprisoned wizards. To do this you must first collect enough glimmers to release them. You collect glimmers by answering the riddles and questions of the Dragons. The answers are found in the realms…some hidden, some obvious and some not so obvious. The quadrashpere is full of secret passages, hidden entrances and some traps. Yes there is an opposition here that doesn’t want you to free the Wizards. His name is Havoc, he and his minions do what they can to hinder your quest.

I was recently in the Dells and had the privelage of visiting Wizard's Quest!  We took our family of 6 and set out to do the quest at Medium Level.  I thought...my husband and my son are gamers, we will dominate!  WRONG!  It was much harder than any of us expected!  We were given an hour and a half to complete the quest, but that wasn't enough time.  I think it was almost harder with all of us trying to answer all the questions.  So, I thought...I'll leave them behind and get to work answering these questions...again...WRONG!

Whatever you do, don’t do it alone or you will FAIL!

Wizard Quest is designed to require teamwork in order to complete the goal which is to free the four wizards of the realms, Air, Earth, Fire, and Water. Simply finding the wizards within the enchanted labyrinth is not enough. As a quester you must use your powers of observation and exploration to uncover the mysteries of the Quadrasphere, the land that encompasses the four realms previously mentioned. You will be given questions to answer, riddles to solve, doors to unlock, mazes to traverse and physical barriers to overcome to get enough magic (which we call glimmers) to free the wizards. Oh, and let’s not forget Havoc, the evil sorcerer who has trapped the wizards whom you must avoid at all cost else the wizards remain trapped FOREVER!

Needless to say, we didn't set all the wizards free.  We didn't even set one free!  We definitely will be doing this again, but we will do the easier quest and work our way to the harder levels.

I have to say...this was the highlight of our trip to the Dells!  The kids were loving it.  There is so much to discover and explore.  An hour and a half just isn't enough time.  Be sure to venture around.  Don't be afraid to get involved and interact with different areas - THAT is the key to solving these quests!

I have promised another trip back...when we have more time.  As I said, an hour and a half just wasn't enough time for us.  The kids got caught up trying out different areas and they loved exploring and finding secret passageways and more!

BUY YOUR TICKETS ONLINE to save an extra 10% off your purchase.  Use code MILWAUKEEMOMMY15 at checkout now through December 2015 to score great savings!

Consider buying the Dells Downtown Discovery Pass which will score you even more savings for Ripley's Believe it or Not and Bidder Number 4!  Definitely worth the savings!

Six Flags Great America Celebrates 40 Seasons of Thrills

Six Flags Great America is celebrating 40 Seasons of Thrills this year!  Here are some of the things that you will see this year at the Park!

Goliath:  World's tallest, steepest, and fastest wooden roller coaster certified by Guiness World Records.

Hometown Park:  a new children's area for junior thrill-seekers

• Tots Livery Surrey Carriages
• Red Baron Airplanes
• Lady Bugs

Double Rides on the following through August 23

• American Eagle
• Columbia Carousel
• Buccanner Battle
• Kidzopolis Rides
• Hometown Park Rides
• Camp Cartoon Rides (excluding Spaceley's Sprocket Rockets)

Epic attraction weekly spotlights:  Each week a different ride will be featured with guests riding back-to-back during the last hour of the night.

Firework Fridays:  Beginning June 28 - August 7

One of my favorite deals that Great America is offering this year is that when you purchase the new 2015 Green Sports Bottle, you will get Unlimited Free Refills all season long!  That is a great buy even for just one day at the park.  We were there and filled ours up at least twenty times (making each fill only $1 each).  With a family of six, the drinks go quickly!

I also learned a lot about the Deluxe Dining Pass!  This is a big cost out of pocket, but if you have a Season Pass, this will pay for itself after just a few visits!  There is a HUGE selection of food, so it's sure to make everyone in the family happy!  The photo above shows just a small variety of the HUGE selection!

With a Six Flags DELUXE Dining Pass you'll not only get lunch and dinner every time you visit -- you'll also get a snack too! If you visit the park as few as four times this year a DELUXE Dining Pass is an incredible value.

10 Historic Facts About Great America

1. When Great America opened in 1976, the Park had 3 roller coasters - today it has 14.
2. When the American Eagle opened in 1981, it was the fastest wooden roller coaster in the world. This record is currently held by its neighboring coaster, Goliath.
3. When the Turn of the Century was converted to the Demon in 1980, a custom soundtrack was made for the ride which can still be heard in the queue line.
4. The East River Crawler used to be called the Lobster. The name was changed to fit the theme of BATMAN: The Ride in 1992.
5. At 100 feet, the Columbia Carousel is still the tallest carousel in the world.
6. The Park has gone from zero to 16,458 feet of wooden roller coaster track with the addition of Goliath, making it home to the most wooden roller coaster track of any theme park in the world.
7. Yankee Harbor has been home to the only 2 roller coasters that launch riders in the Park's history, Tidal Wave and Vertical Velocity.
8. Each ride in Hometown Square is an original ride from Marriott's Great America.
9. In 1976, the tallest roller coaster in the Park was Turn of the Century (Demon) at 104 feet, but today it's held by the Raging Bull at 202 feet.
10. 2015 will celebrate the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Harbor, a massive 20-acre development to Great America.