Summer is barbecue season in the states. We have Memorial Day, family reunions, Independence Day, and Labor Day. All of these summer activities are perfect for barbecuing. Chicken, hot dogs, brats, steak, ribs, pork chops, baked beans- we want to make sure we have enough for everyone. Sometimes, we over plan and over cook. All of that leftover barbecued meat is expensive. You don't want to throw it away. When microwaved, it doesn't taste so good. You need some leftover BBQ meat recipes. Leftover BBQ meat stew is good, but most kids don't like stew. What's a poor cook to do? We've got a roundup of leftover recipes for barbecued meat including some yummy Cowboy Baked Beans. Enjoy!
This post contains Amazon Affiliate links.
Easy weeknight recipe: Easy Cowboy Baked Beans from leftover BBQ.
The day after an outdoor barbecue, you may find yourself inundated with leftovers: leftover beans, leftover meats, and cooked veggies. The meat is dried out. It doesn't taste so great on day number two, what can you do? Turn those leftovers into Cowboy Baked Beans. These are super easy to make!
Recipe for Leftover BBQ Meat, Cowboy Baked Beans
Take your leftover meats and cut them into bite size pieces.
Use leftover baked beans- if you don't have baked beans, use canned baked beans.
Simmer the beans over low heat. If the beans are flavored, you don't need to do anything else for a super easy weeknight dinner. We like to add 1/2 C. Barbecue Sauce to 2 - 16 oz. cans of baked beans. If you really want to eat like a cowboy on the ranch, add 2 Tbs. of Molasses.
Next, add the chopped leftover meat from your barbecue. If you like onions, add 1/4 C. chopped onion. Stir until combined. Stew over medium heat until bubbly. Turn heat down and simmer another 5 minutes. Sprinkle shredded Colby Jack Cheese over top of beans.
Serve warm with a side of sourdough bread.
Cowboy Baked Beans from leftovers.
Here are some more things to do with leftover barbecue meat:
Put Down Your Phone! It Can Save Your Child’s Self- Esteem
Do your kids have mobile phones? We recently purchased a smartphone to use as a house phone. Though, my kids have tablets and free access to computers, I worry about the cell phone, the texting, the access to the world in the palm of your hand. Smartphones have become addictive. I wondered, is their an app for that? Of course, there's an app for everything! Should we limit smartphone use? In this post, Hilary Smith, shares some insight on the overuse of technology combined with our kids, but it might not be the child who has the problem. That's right, Mom (or Dad), you might need an app to limit smartphone use. Enjoy!
Quote for Sharing on Facebook or Pinterest: Lora's Law #9
Sigh. It is difficult to imagine and even harder to accept. Sometimes you are wrong. What a shock! You thought you were right. You weren't trying to be a jerk, but we can't know everything there is to know about everything. No... I promise; you can't- no matter how much you think you know. Don't act like a know-it-all. Accept it, admit it, and move on! Lora's Law #9 is a perfect quoteto share on Facebook when you need to eat crow. Be the bigger person. Let them know you were wrong. Enjoy!
Lora's Law #9: Sometimes you are wrong quote.
Do you like to be right? People think I do. For me, it isn't as much about me being right, as it is about them being wrong. I don't mean that in a bad way. I just cringe when someone says something that is wrong. I don't want them to say it to someone else who will think less of them. I don't want them to make a fool of themselves. I want to help. Turns out, people don't care if you're trying to help them out. They get embarrassed. They lash out. They accuse you of needing to be right all of the time. Sometimes, you are wrong. Accept it, and move on. Then, share my quote.
Hey, I know that isn't possible! I'm wrong a lot, (less now with Google) but it happens! Sure, it is embarrassing. Sure, I can't believe it most times. When I'm wrong, I'm wrong, but when I'm right, I'm right; right?
Since the launch of the movie, Frozen, I've been learning to let it go. Let it go. Let them be wrong. Let it go, admit when you are wrong. Whether you made a mistake, said something that was incorrect, or just tried to help someone appear less foolish... admit that you were wrong and move on. That's right, sometimes you are wrong... and by you, I mean me too.
ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products.
*We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)
People drive me crazy with their gossiping and clucking like a bunch of old hens. They can't wait to share the worst news about friends, family, or that stranger in the grocery store. Where's the good news? I often find myself complaining to others about the people who talk about others to me. I hate gossip! So, why do I partake? Isn't there any good news to share? Why is negative news more exciting to share? Here's something to share on Facebook or wherever you like to share memes and quotes. Lora's Law #8 is all about complaining about the gossips. Enjoy! For Pinterest:
When you complain about gossips, you are gossiping too. Keep it to yourself. Lora's Law #8.
For Facebook:
Lora's Laws: Quotes about complaining.
Lora's Law Number Eight:
"When you complain about someone who talks about others, you are talking about others too; keep it to yourself."
ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products. *We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #PawsToSavor #CollectiveBias
We claim that we have four cats. We have one original, one adopted stray, two inherited brothers, several neighbor cats, and a feral cat on the property. That's a lot of mouths to feed. So, when it comes to recognizing a hangry cat, we know the signs! A hangry cat will eat most anything, but a hungry cat has time for a more refined palette. If you are looking for cat food reviews, you've come to the right place. Today, we share how much our cats love Purina® Pro Plan® Savor Shredded Blend and how much we love our cats. Enjoy!
Our cats, all four of them, stick to us like glue. Wherever we go, they follow. When we walk laps around the pond, two of the cats walk with us no matter how many laps we do. Our youngest kitty runs around the pond stopping for us to catch up with her.
Our Pete, the Cat.
When we play in the yard, they interrupt. When we try to do work, they try to stop us. When we sit in a chair, they sit on our laps. These cats are more like dogs. When we pull into the driveway, the run to greet us at the car. They show their love for us in so many ways. Our job is to protect them.
Pete and RePete at play.
How do you make sure your kitties don't fight over the food? First, you make sure no kitty is hangry. You know, he's so hungry that he is angry. A hangry cat will spit, slap, and attack anyone anyTHING that tries to take his food. Our two, inherited older brother cats, Pete, and his brother, RePete, (insert LOL) often find themselves locked up inside a barn, garage, or even our RV. They are sneaky and determined. One winter, Pete was missing for 3 weeks! We later found him in our barn. Hopefully, he had lots of mice to eat. RePete was missing for a fews weeks the next winter. We found him in the RV. Boy oh boy, was he hangry (and happy to be found). When they are hangry they fight the feral cat, the raccoon family, and the opossums. Lots of growling ensues. If they come into the house, they fight the innocent indoor cats who are just guarding their food bowl from would be thieves.
This is RePete, he was at the food bowl enjoying Purina® Pro Plan® Savor Shredded Blend, when Tigger decided to come over and have a bite to eat. RePete says, "You may be bigger, but I'm older and that makes me the boss!" Tigger obliged, RePete was clearly hangry.
When your cats are hungry, they love you more than ever. They rub against your legs, purr, and request that you feed them. It is a special moment to cherish, but when cat's fight over the food it can be stressful.
Timid Tigger, testing out the Purina® Pro Plan® Savor Shredded Blend.
RePete hogging both sides of the Purina® Pro Plan® Savor Shredded Blend.
So, what can you do? Well, first, make sure you never have a hangry cat. Feed them well and often. Hungry cats will growl to protect their food. Hangry cats slap and hiss! If everyone is hungry at the same time, what can you do?
Every morning, we have hungry cats crying in the kitchen and hungrier cats crying at the front door. We've been testing cat foods to find a food that everyone likes. That's right, you know cats can be snooty and too good for the cheap stuff. One of our cats is too good for people food. Which is good, because we don't advocate feeding your cat people food. It's just funny. If something drops on the floor he races the other cats to get to it. Then, he proceeds to bat it around as if it were a cat toy. It isn't fun to find rotten food under the stove or the couch. That's Tigger. Another one of our cat has seizures. If we feed her cheap food with lots of gluten, her seizures get worse. It took a long time to realize that cat food played a role. We have to be extra careful with food and flea products. That's Buddi.
This is Pete. Listen to our happy, hungry kitty eating Purina® Pro Plan® Savor Shredded Blend.
How to Keep Cats from Fighting Over Food
Step One: Give everyone their own bowl. This is the best solution. You can pour food in the bowl and let the cats fight it out, first come first serve. That's what most of us do, right? Your cats will have a better chance of getting their fair share if you give everyone their own bowl or at least their own side of the dish. Just don't invite RePete to the party!
Those darn cats won't sit still for a picture with the bag of cat food.
Step Two: Feed an awesome food.
Head to PetSmart and purchase some Purina® Pro Plan® Savor® Shredded Blend. If you hurry, for every $15 you spend, you'll get $15 off your next purchase. SPEND $15 on any Purina® Pro Plan® product between 5/31/16–7/5/16 and SAVE $15 on your next purchase of 10.5-lbs. or larger Purina® Pro Plan® Dry Cat or Dog Food or Litter by 7/31/16. They'll enjoy their dish of food so much that they'll forget everyone else has a dish of delicious food too. Our indoor cats are good about sticking to their own side of the dish, as long as everyone has the same thing.
Step Three: Distract.
Who is the least hungry or the most intimidated by the others? Remove that kitty from the food. Entertain them with a toy or some scratching behind the ears. Kitty bonding time! For us, this is Tigger. He is the biggest, but not the baddest!
Step Four: Evict.
If someone doesn't want to play nicely, evict them. Grumpy Gus can eat last.So, this step is usually handled by the other cats. In fact, we tried to get a picture of all the cats happily eating out of their own dish, but someone always got evicted for being greedy. They even got evicted for just being near the food. Step Five: Feed them separately. They are cats not dogs. Cats do what they want. How do you make sure your cats don't fight over the food? You realize you don't have control. Move their food bowl to another place. In the end, we had to feed everyone separately. A little growl here, a hiss, a dirty look, and the younger cats walked away. I could almost hear them say, "I'm not that hangry!"
This is Buddi. She likes to play outside, she doesn't like to cooperate for pictures.
Aww... poor kitty, come get some love while you wait, let's savor this moment in time.
Purina® Pro Plan® Savor Shredded Blend has its own aisle at PetSmart.
Pete helping with homework.
Pete helping play with toys. You can see, Pete is our resident dog. He loves to go for walks.
This is a great choice for cats of all ages and body types. Purina® Pro Plan® Savor® has the advanced nutrition cats need to help live a healthy, active life, along with a sensory experience that will have them loving every minute of it. Shredded blend adult dry formulas has a combination of crunchy kibble and tender shredded pieces for a taste and texture that cats love.
No ingredients are unnecessary. For sensitive cats, be assured that real poultry or fish is the #1 ingredient in all of the dry formulas. There are over 20 different flavorful wet entrees that are protein-rich, with accents like pasta, rice, cheese or vegetables. All formulas provide omega fatty acids for a healthy skin and coat. Prebiotic fiber helps promote digestive health. Now is a great time to try it, spend $15 or more and get a coupon for $15 off of your next purchase. In the meantime, let us know how you keep your cats from fighting over their food. What do your cats do when they are hangry? Recommended: Make a Hat for a Cat
ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products. *We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)
School's Out! Celebrate with a Family Movie Nigh in the Backyard
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #DataAndAMovie #CollectiveBias Do you still have a landline? We don't. Teens have a phone, but what about tweens? I'm just not ready to let my tweens have their own phone. Since we homeschool, they aren't influenced by other kids with phones. Neither of them want one. They have tablets. I figure they can "call me" in an emergency via G+, but now that they are getting older, it would be plausible to leave at least one of them home while I run errands or go to the dreaded grocery. Remember those days? The days when your kids fit in the cart and you were embarrassed by their squeals and crying fits, but they were stored neatly in the cart? Ahh... perspective, but what does that have to do with family movie night? I'll tell you...
Family Movie Night Ideas.
Anyway, 911 doesn't have a Gmail account. So, I decided to get a "house phone." To celebrate the last day of school, and the purchase of our new Walmart Family Mobile PLUS plan, we decided to have a friends and family movie night. Check out our family movie night ideas below. Enjoy!
Your phone is capable of so many things, but did you know it can project movies onto a big screen? I don't mean with an app. Learn how to make your phone into a movie projector, so you can watch movies in the backyard... on a sheet! Now, that is fun! Get the details here: Turn your phone into a movie projector. This is a fun homeschool science project. Translation: have the kids build it for you! So, I was lazy. Sure, I could have poked holes in the corners of my sheet, looped a rope through, and then strung it from two trees in the backyard. That would have been beautiful. But, all of my trees were too far apart, and I didn't have any rope. A backyard swing made the perfect "stand" for my outdoor movie screen. Think outside the box. You could even drape it over a privacy fence. Whatever works, right?
Family movie night ideas: make an outdoor movie theater with an old sheet and a mobile phone!
Before you invite your guests, you'll need to decide on a movie to stream. Whether you stream inside on a large screen television or outside, Walmart Family Mobile Plus is here for you. The plan features Unlimited Talk, Text, and Data which includes up to 10GB of 4G LTE data PLUS a free movie on VUDU (new release rental $7 value) every month per line for $49.88. Translation: Every month you can stream a movie on the television with your family! This makes family time a no-brainer. With VUDU movies, you can stream on your television with your Roku or even an old sheet in the backyard!
Watch a free, family movie on your tv every month with VUDU and Walmart Family Mobile.
Movie and snacks. Movie and outdoors on the big screen. Movie and indoors on the television. All for a less than $50 bucks a month. With the extra data from the PLUS plan, you can do more with your phone. Watch your free movie from VUDU and then stream as much of YOUTUBE as you want, play mindless games to de-stress, text your Mom. Text your Dad. Text Santa Claus. You can do it because you have plenty of data.
My favorite thing about VUDU? They also offer some movies prior or in conjunction with the theatrical release. That's right, you can watch a box office hit from the comfort of home.
Walmart Family Mobile Starter Kit is on rollback!
I've got more good news, the Starter Kit is on rollback! Get started for only $19.88 and since Family Mobile bills you later, you only have to pay the $19.88 when you sign up. That's right, the $49.88 is build at the END of the month not the beginning. Woo hoo!
Walmart Family Mobile pricing options.
So, we researched all of the Family Mobile compatible phones. Based on the reviews, our top three choices were the LG G Stylo - $179.00 (Rollback from $199.00), Samsung Galaxy Core Prime - $79.92 (Rollback from $99.92), and the Cool Pad Rogue- $19.88 (Rollback from $39.83). Something for every price point. The Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime -$129 (Rollback from $149.00) is good too. Based on the price points and the reviews, we decided to go with the middle range Samsung Galaxy Core Prime.
Walmart Family Mobile phones.
Walmart Family Mobile Samsung Galaxy Core Prime phone.
What will you choose? Since we are celebrating the last day of "school" with our homeschool friends, we decided to kick off the summer with a fun, educational movie. Well, sort of, we chose, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy from 2005. Based on the best-selling book of the same name. The book is on many high school's reading lists. For out next indoor family movie nights, we have plans to watch, Norm of the North, Ninja Turtles, and all of the Kung Fu Panda movies on our big screen tv. What about you? What fun ideas do you have for family movie night? Now that we have all of these movies at our fingertips, we need movie ideas! In the comments, tell us your family movie night picks.
Disclaimer: All prices for phones and Walmart Family Mobile plans included in this post are accurate as of the date of posting; however, these prices are subject to change. Please refer to http://cbi.as/3edbv oryour local Walmart for current pricing. ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products. *We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on!
You tasted it. You know you did it. When it came off the tip of your tongue and left your mouth, you had regrets. But, you let it go anyway without any words to take it back. You're sorry at the choice. Your sorry for the vulgarity, your sorry that you let your weakness and insecurities escape. You know you are better than that, so prove it! Don't react with a wicked tongue. Be careful, the words you choose define you. Choose words that will build you up, bring you happiness, and reap rewards. In the meantime, share this quote in your Facebook feed to show your remorse or to shame someone who makes bad choices too. We've all been there, just choose a better reaction next time. Enjoy!
Lora's Law Number Seven:
"Be careful; the words you choose define you." It is time to be a better you.
ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products.
*We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)
Recycling is so important. Is it more important than a clean vehicle? If you recycle, but rarely make it to the recycling bin, this quote is perfect to share on Facebook. Lora's Law #6 is all about those recyclables. Enjoy! For Pinterest:
Quote about Recycling: Car full of trash, but kitchen isn't.
For Facebook:
Quotes about Recycling: Lora's Law #6.
Lora's Law Number Six:
"Be happy the recyclables made it to the car. People may think your trunk is full of trash, but at least your kitchen isn't."
I recycle. My city doesn't. Maybe they do. If so, it isn't free.
Recycling freed me from the inevitable fate of becoming a hoarder. I feel like recycling isn't throwing precious memories away it is allowing them to have a new life.
Yep, I couldn't part with my first child's ten-year-old, Tow Mater toddler scooter, but, after awhile, I was able to recycle him.
The idea that he didn't end up in a landfill but maybe became a new toy, comforts me.
My kids are not future recyclers. They see it as a major burden. Hello, let's get with the times and recycle all of the trash.
ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products. *We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)
Looking for lighter, healthier options for summer? Our easy Chicken Avocado Recipe is perfect. You cook it in a skillet! This recipe is modified from an Avocado Chicken Recipe we found on CookingClassy.com. It looked so good, we had to try it. Enjoy!
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.*
1. Place the chicken breasts between layers of plastic wrap. Pound them to a consistent thickness with the side of a meat tenderizer.
2. Season each side the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, to taste.
3. Mix the Italian seasoning, basil and garlic powder in a small bowl.
4. Coat each side of the chicken with the combined spices.
5. Heat the oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts. Cook until the chicken is browned, approx. 5 minutes. Turn over chicken and continue cooking until the inside temperature reaches 160 degrees F, approx. 5 minutes.
6. Top the chicken with slices of mozzarella cheese, tomato, and avocado. Cover the skillet. Continue cooking until the cheese melts and chicken reaches 165 degrees F.
7. Remove the chicken from the skillet and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
Tip:
* I did not have balsamic glaze. It is fairly easy to make. Add approx. 1/2 c. balsamic vinegar to a small pot. Bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking until the vinegar reduces to desired consistency.
ADS DISCLOSURE: We've partnered with some wonderful advertisers who may sponsor blog posts or send us samples to test. Some companies pay us to review their products.
*We also use affiliate links, if you make a purchase we get a tiny commission. Kids Creative Chaos participates in the Amazon LLC Associates Program*, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a mean for blogs to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon properties, including, but not limited to, amazon.com, endless.com, myhabit.com, smallparts.com, or amazonwireless.com. We also offer Tapinfluence, Google Adsense, SoFab, and Izea ads here. Thanks so much for helping us keep the lights on! :)
If you're planning a trip to Disney World in Orlando, Florida, you want tips and tricks to make your trip less hectic and less expensive. We've got some simple Disney tips and tricks that will help you plan an unforgettable trip to Disney World! Enjoy!
As a member of the media, I received two media passes from Walt Disney World.*
Disney Tips and Tricks.
I wanted to take pictures of, It's a Small World, Space Mountain, and the Pirates of the Caribbean, but I forgot. Thank goodness! Instead, I got to enjoy the rides! Good news, YouTube is here for you! I'm sharing some of the best Disney World and Epcot rides through the eyes of popular YouTubers.
Important Notes:
Everyone gets FastPasses with their regular admission ticket.
Disney Dining Passes are only for guests staying in the hotels.
Tip #1
First tip... go to Epcot first. In the morning, everyone is rushing to the Magic Kingdom. Rush to Epcot. The lines will be shorter in the morning. The longest line we waited in was the security line to get into the park. We drove the car and parked it in the front lot, near the bus stop, just a short hop to the restrooms and then to Spaceship Earth!
Tip #2 This way, you can take the monorail to the Magic Kingdom and make a grand entrance while enjoying the view.
Tip #3 If you have a complaint, be sure to let guest services know asap. They'll solve it- they want to make sure everyone is smiling, because it is the happiest place on Earth! My youngest was over waiting in the security line when we headed to guest services to pick up some passes. She was frowning! The rep asked her name, and then gave her a pass to go to the front of any line of her choice. That made her smile. Happy, happy, happy!
Tip #4
Split, then split it! If you have picky eaters, maybe don't plan on eating at Epcot. There's tons of food choices - too many. But, the kids were starving and we couldn't agree on one. We finally decided to splurge on French Food- the priciest food in the park. I was running out of money fast, and with my food allergies, and the picky eaters, I wasn't sure what to order. We split a chicken dinner. It was more than enough for the two of us. Chicken, veggies, bread, and dessert. The littlest one had a kid's meal.
What's great about this? Everyone is French! The chef came to assure me, I'd be okay. He was obviously very busy. It makes me uncomfortable when they do this... You can tell you are interrupting their work. I wasn't assured that I'd be okay, however, because he didn't stick around long enough to talk -- make sure you know your food allergies and steer clear. Mine are impossible to avoid, so I chuckled when he said, "You'll be fine." We could only hope.
We didn't visit the dome this time. I've been there before. There was a very long line, and I knew we'd visit Space Mountain which is a similar dome-y experience. If you want to do it, use your FastPass here. FastPass Tips from Mousehints.
Tip #5 While you are in Epcot, don't miss the Sum of All Thrills in Innoventions. From the outside, it looks like a boring building, but it is a great place to cool off and relax. There is a lot for young children to do. My tweens loved designing their own ride in 4D. They wanted to immediately do it again, but it was our first ride and there was so much more to experience.
You'll get a card to visit Raytheon online.
Tip #6 When I visited Epcot as a teenager, Figment was my favorite part. Mostly, I think it was because he was a purple dinosaur with a rainbow. I don't know. It was an interesting experience.
I say, if you are short on time, skip this one. Unless, you love smell-o-vision. There are skunk and other smells pumped into the air for your enjoyment. When the ride is over, there is a fun, interactive, hands-on section for kids. We also liked that it was an air-conditioned wait in line.
Lots of Disney Movie "professors" and their experiments here.
Weebo.
While in Epcot, we also visted The Seas area and the Finding Nemo ride. If you have plenty of time, do it. The Seas have a nice ocean exhibit that includes rescued Manatees. If you are short on time, skip it. The line was long, and the ride was less than spectacular.
Tip #7
Remember that happy pass my daughter got for frowning? We used it at the Chevrolet Test Track. This was our favorite ride in Epcot. There's a little surprise at the end. We all wanted this ride to keep going. So much fun! Use your FASTPASS here!!!
When the ride ended, we spent an hour enjoying the interactive exhibit areas.
There is so much to see and do in Epcot! It was pouring down the rain, and a terrible storm was on the way, so we hurried through Epcot to have more time in the Magic Kingdom. You really do need a day or more to see everything in each park.
Since a storm was brewing, we didn't take the monorail to the Magic Kingdom. Instead, we drove the car back to the hotel to take cover. Don't worry, Disney doesn't let a silly little storm spoil the fun. Everything keeps going... rain and all!
We rested longer than we'd planned. Because beds. Because Disney Television. Because free wifi. Because vacation!
Then, we walked out to the main entry of Disney's Pop Century Resort and took a WDW bus to the Magic Kingdom.
Tip #8 Don't take a bus in the rain. People aren't happy on the bus. There are long lines. You might end up standing the twenty minute drive to whatever park you choose to visit next. The bus drives a little faster than you might expect. Park in one of the parks and leave the car for the day. Take the monorail between Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Parking was $20. You decide if that is too pricey. I think it was worth it.
I couldn't help worrying that everyone with a backpack was a terrorist. I've seen too many CSI's and Criminal Minds. There is no security check to get on the buses. Bus was my least favorite. So much so, that while riding the bus, I remembered I had ridden before and hated it then too. Apparently, I had blocked it.
Also, I just have to mention this, but I am hyperprotective. When we left the Magic Kingdom it was late. Some teenage girls were chatting up the bus attendants. I caught the older bus attendants (old men) making inappropriate remarks and letting their eyes wander.
Then, they caught my eye. Oops! Yep, remind your kids that, though it is WDW, you still have to remember about stranger danger. Seems like they just wanted to look and not touch...
Oh, that's not very happy. Just remember, we have to be aware of our surroundings and if we see something, say something.
On to the happiest place on Earth. There is nothing like the Magic Kingdom, even in the rain. Some things are better in the rain, because lots of people melt in the rain and go home.
What will you do first? It is so hard to decide!
Tip #9 Head to the furthest point in the park first and work your way back. Review the FastPass Tips above for the best rides to use with your FastPass. We planned to use it on It's a Small World, but we didn't need to and then somehow we lost our last FastPass option when we tried to delete it at the last minute.
Use it for Peter Pan! The lines are always long. Waiting until the last minute didn't help.
Sure, some things are outdated but still have charm. Other things are so cool, you don't want to miss out!
Laugh Floor
Are youa Monster's Inc. fan? Don't miss the Laugh Floor! The line wasn't too unbearable. Once inside, you'll sit in a comfy seat and enjoy an innovative show. The technology is super cool.
Stitch's Great Escape
More Smell-o-Vision here. Cute. Shorter lines and it is a very unexpected experience.
People Mover
I love the People Mover. No stairs, no escalators- just moving ramps to a sit down ride. This is a low key ride that gives you a great view of Tomorrowland. You even get a sneak peek at Space Mountain.
Tip #10
Here's a BIG TIP! While everyone else is watching the fireworks, catch as many rides as you can! We rode Pirates, Flying Carpets, and Jungle Cruise with no waiting!
Cinderella's Castle in the rain, just before the fireworks.
I'm not a big fan of Splash Mountain. It is similar to water roller coasters at other parks. To me, the line isn't worth it. If you want to ride it, be sure to use your FastPass. I think it is a glorified log ride.
Tip #12
Don't miss Space Mountain. I'm certain, if this were an outdoor roller coaster, seen in the light of day, that I would NEVER ride it! Thank goodness everything is in the dark. It feels rickety. That's part of the charm.
The first time I rode it at sixteen years old, I held my breath and kept my eyes shut. The next time I rode it, I kept my eyes shut for just a second. This time, my nine-year-old kept her eyes shut the whole time. I think she held her breath too. She says she will never ride it again. I said that too.
It is pretty terrifying and pretty awesome. I didn't want my eleven-year-old son to miss out. I didn't want him to ride by himself... Confession, I really didn't want to ride it again. Ever. Funny, how much better it is when you keep your eyes open and breathe!
You can do it! It only lasts a few seconds, and you will never forget it! They've changed the line experience too. Though it is long, there is a lot to do along the way. There's not a better way to end your Disney experience.
So long, Magic Kingdom. We only had one day to explore. Don't worry, we'll be back for more.
Tip #13
It is expensive, but heed all warnings that you need more time. Four days should do it. Take advanatage of those multiple day passes. This year, we didn't make it to Animal Kingdom or Hollywood Studios. There are awesome things to see at both places. Toy Story, Cars, and now, Star Wars, await you at the Studios.
On the way out, don't miss the Mickey Mouse confections at the Main Street Bakery. If you've spent all your money, at least pop in to take a gander.
We stopped on Mainstreet to watch the parade. Again, more than enough to share at Casey's Corner. We spent about $9 on a combo meal that was more than enough food for two. They even shared with me!
Everywhere you go, there are friendly ducks! They want food. Don't feed them. How will they fly? Bread is bad for ducks.
Resting in the rain, sharing mini corndogs and fries from Casey's Corner.
The Parade
Last photo op on Mainstreet.
Tip #14
Single parent with kids of the opposite sex? Send the kid's into the restrooms while you wait outside and listen or pop in as needed. Then, when they return, have them sit together near the entrance. There's safety in numbers.
The Pop Century Hotel is just as fun as the park... almost.
Yes, you can have a cupcake for breakfast!
The food is really good. Whenever they can, they make Mickey ears. It was expensive, but get a kid's meal with fruit and some ala carte items. There are lots of ways to be frugal.
Fun aracade inside the hotel lobby.
Cool interactive games.
Get your rock star on.
So, you saw the awesome pool pics above. We were too tired to swim. The rooms were small, but nice. The Mickey details are awesome! There is even a safe inside the room. We had a fridge but no microwave, that seemed weird. Read more about the room here: Universal vs. Disney.
Have a Happy Disney Trip!
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