Love 2 Travel With Kids: 2013

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Hidden Mickeys at Walt Disney World

Hidden Mickey Trashcan Drums © Katrena

Families embarking on a Walt Disney World or Disneyland vacation may soon discover that the excitement wanes rather quickly while everyone stands in line. Although the wait times can vary greatly depending on the time of year, day of week, and time of day, children may begin to whine at the thought of standing and waiting for another ride, meal, or even the use of the restroom. Yes, you spent nearly a fortune to give the kids the opportunity to visit this iconic vacation destination, but they might not stand in utter awe as you snake in and out of one line to the next.

Hidden Mickey Formed from Towels and Washcloths - Photo by Kakisky

One way to help pass the time is to search for Hidden Mickeys. What are Hidden Mickeys? According to Steven M. Barrett, author of Hidden Mickeys: A Field Guide to Walt Disney World's Best Kept Secrets, an official Hidden Mickey is "a partial or complete image of Mickey Mouse that has been hidden by Disney's Imagineers and artists in the designs of Disney attractions, hotels, restaurants, and other areas." These hidden images probably began in the late 1970s or early 1980s when designers may have created subtle images depicting the famous mouse in Epcot when management had originally wanted to restrict characters such as Mickey and Minnie to the Magic Kingdom.

Hidden Mickey in Morocco Pavilion in Epcot - Photo by UpstateNYer

Most Hidden Mickeys are classic forms, showing three intersecting circles, representing Mickey Mouse's two round ears and the larger circular head. A few other images may include a profile version of the iconic mouse's face and may include the head or rest of his body. Mickey's clothing, such as gloves or shoes, handprints, or name or initials might also appear in unexpected places.

Hidden Mickey on Wallpaper in Pop Century Resort © Katrena

Of course, some controversy may occur when trying to determine whether or not something is a true Hidden Mickey. Those who are particularly serious about it the issue might argue that a true Hidden Mickey must be deliberate with proper proportions and design. Many Mickey images are far from hidden and might simply be deemed as decorative Mickeys by some, but they still can be loads of fun for the kids to hunt and find.

Hidden Mickey Benches at Disneyland - Photo by Terri Hodges

One can easily turn a Hidden Mickey search into something educational, encouraging the kids to look for circles and then see if they can find three circles that intersect. My kids get a kick out of seeing three circles come together in unexpected places at home or in places we visit and will exclaim that they have discovered yet another Hidden Mickey. Perhaps these are not the official ones, but to my knowledge, there is no official count. It is okay...there are no Hidden Mickey police poised to grab the kids and cuff them if they discover one that is not official!

Hidden Mickey Cactus Held by Goofy © Katrena

As areas within Disney are renovated, many unique architectural details may become no more while others may be added at any time. Some might only be visible from the sky or via Google images from above, while others may only be visible to Cast Members in restricted areas. I simply encouraged my kids to look up, down, and all around while standing in line for rides. They took it from there!

Hidden Mickeys at Walt Disney World © Katrena

Those who have visited Disney World several times who are up for a challenge may want to check out some of the Hidden Mickey scavenger hunts offered in Steven M. Barrett's book mentioned above. His field guide offers specific hints for finding many of these Hidden Mickeys, including many that are rather elusive, unusual, and not easily noticed.

Hidden Mickey in Aquarium at Epcot © Katrena

Walt Disney World Trading Pins – Fun Way to Preserve Memories (some trading pins have a Hidden Mickey shape also)
Money-Saving Tips for a Walt Disney World Vacation in Florida
How to Beat the Summer Heat at Disney World in Florida

Hidden Mickeys on Lightposts at Disney World © Katrena

Visit Katrena's travel-related blogs, including Love 2 Travel With Kids and Travel NC With Kids, for more travel ideas. Katrena's Wildflower Bouquets blog offers free scavenger hunts, printables, and articles about enjoying simple pleasures with the family.

Monday, November 25, 2013

Some Assembly Required LEGO® Brick Display at NC Arboretum in Asheville NC

LEGO® Sculptures in NC Arboretum in Asheville NC - Photo by Priwo

Looking for an unusual family outing in the Christmas season 2013? Perhaps the kids and adults will enjoy seeing LEGO® sculptures at Asheville's NC Arboretum. These fourteen unusual and colorful displays with 27 sculptures will be on display October 19, 2013 to January 5, 2014. "Some Assembly Required" was created by Sean Kenney, a children's book author who admits to being a "professional kid."

If you are thinking this display would be small and simple, you might want to think again. The display contains about half a million pieces. A ruby-throated hummingbird feeding from a giant flower was created with 31,565 LEGO® pieces and hovers eight feet high. A life-sized bison, the largest sculpture, contains 45,143 LEGO® pieces while the Giant Victoria Waterplatters reach five feet across locking more than 10,500 pieces each.

Admission to the exhibit is free. An $8 standard parking fee is charged for personal vehicles. Those who would like to get a glimpse of professional LEGO® builders at work might enjoy watching this YouTube video. Readers may also wish to see pictures of some of the LEGO® displays at the NC Arboretum.

Additional Articles:

Want to see more of Katrena's articles? Visit Love 2 Travel With Kids and Travel NC With Kids.

Sunday, November 24, 2013

2013 Dates for National Gingerbread Competition Display at Omni Grove Park Inn

Dates and Times for 2013 National Gingerbread Competition at Grove Park Inn Asheville, NC

Those who love detail will likely be intrigued by the National Gingerbread exhibits in the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina. People travel from miles around to see these amazing works of art during the Christmas season.

The display will be available from November 20, 2013 to January 2, 2014 at any time for Inn guests. The exhibit is available for those who are not guests of the Grove Park Inn on Sunday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. each week, excluding any holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day. Admission is free; however, there is a $10/car parking fee.

Most of the displays are found in the main lobby. Pick up a map at the lobby information desk to ensure seeing all the displays and some of the 80 decorated trees in the hotel. This excursion might take the family off the normally beaten Christmas path and into a fun time remembered for years to come.

Want to take a sneak peak? Find several pictures of the 2013 entries, including some of the winning entries in various age categories at the Omni Grove Park Inn web page. Exquisite is the word that comes to my mind as I look at these gingerbread creations. The details are quite impressive, and even the younger age categories display amazing talent.

More articles:

Find additional articles by Katrena at the Love 2 Travel With Kids and Travel NC With Kids site maps.

Friday, November 22, 2013

2013 Winston-Salem Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Date and Time

When is the 2013 Winston-Salem Christmas Parade?

Winston-Salem's 23rd annual downtown holiday parade for 2013 is slated for Saturday, December 7 at 5:00 p.m. The annual tree lighting ceremony will mark the occasion after the parade. The event will be held regardless of rain, snow, or warm summer weather. This parade is made possible by quite a few people and organizations, including: Winston-Salem Jaycees, Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership, and quite a few corporate sponsors.

The parade route will begin on 4th Street at the intersection with Poplar and continue down 4th Street to turn right on Liberty, concluding at 1st Street. Plan arrival and parking carefully as several roads will be closed during this event. Parking lots that will NOT be accessible include:

Center City West at 650 West 4th St
4th and Broad
4th Street Parking Deck

One can expect to see a variety of parade floats, schools, radio stations, and more in the 2013 lineup. Be prepared for the weather as temperatures tend to cool as the sun sets. I hope all of you have a fun and safe time who choose to attend this year's parade!

You may also wish to read:

Find more family friendly holiday activities and ideas for any season at the Love 2 Travel With Kids and Travel NC With Kids site maps. Katrena's Wildflower Bouquets blog offers free scavenger hunts, printable, and articles.

Thursday, November 14, 2013

How to Help Prevent and Identify Symptoms of DVT While Traveling

Tips to Prevent Blood Clots in Legs - Photo of DVT in Right Leg by James Heilman, MD

Traveling with kids can be a memorable experience, but developing a blood clot would not be on anyone's bucket list of things to experience while traveling. The CDC estimates that 300,000 to 900,000 people are affected by Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) each year.

What is VTE?

VTE combines two related health issues: Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE). DVT, sometimes called Venous Thrombosis, is a blood clot that typically develops in deep veins such as the leg or pelvis. If this clot breaks loose and begins to travel through the body, it can become lodged in a blood vessel that goes to the lungs, resulting in a PE. A pulmonary embolism can result in sudden death. Each year, approximately 60,000 to 100,000 people die of VTE.

DVT Traveler's Thrombosis - Photo by Jnpet

What are Risk Factors for DVT?

People who have had recent surgery or have a history of DVT have an increased risk for developing a blood clot in the future. Although studies have somewhat mixed reports, it is generally believed that travel, particularly prolonged (greater than four hours) air travel and perhaps sitting for long periods within other modes of transportation may increase one's risk for developing DVT. If a person develops a blood clot while traveling, some people may refer to this condition as traveler's thrombosis.

Additional risk factors for DVT include:

Family history of clotting disorders, DVT, or PE
Paralysis
Pregnancy, including up to six weeks after giving birth
Some medications, such as hormone replacement therapy and birth control pills
Some forms of cancer
Heart failure
Implanted pacemaker in a vein
Obesity or being overweight
Smoking
Older age, especially those over age 60
Men who are tall

The Prevent DVT web site has a questionnaire to assess an individual's risk for developing DVT.

What are Symptoms of DVT and PE?

Deep Vein Thrombosis occurs without any symptoms in approximately half of all cases, which can make the condition difficult to diagnose.

Symptoms of DVT may include:

Swelling in one leg, foot, or ankle
Pain in one leg, foot, or ankle
A warm spot or area on the affected leg
Color changes in the affected leg

Symptoms of PE may include:

Sudden shortness of breath
Pain in the chest that worsens when taking a deep breath
Dizziness or fainting
Fast pulse
Sweating
Coughing up blood
Feelings of anxiety

If one develops symptoms of PE, this could be a life-threatening emergency. Seeking immediate emergency care would be necessary. If experiencing symptoms of DVT while traveling, one should seek the advice of a healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Tips to Prevent DVT - Photo by Ben Schuman

What are Ways to Lower the Risk of Traveler's Thrombosis?

Preventing blood clots can be serious business due to the potentially devastating outcome possible with this condition. Here are a few preventive tips:

Get regular check-ups – your healthcare provider can keep track of your individual risk factors and discuss a care plan appropriate for your unique situation. A physician might prescribe preventive medications or compression hose for traveling if warranted.
Take medications as prescribed and pack an adequate supply while traveling – plan to carry medications with you if flying rather than packing with checked luggage. If your luggage gets lost, at least you will have important medications with you. Be careful with eating habits while traveling if you are taking blood thinners that are affected by vitamin K in particular.
Regularly exercise your legs and feet – stand up and walk every hour (or at intervals suggested by a healthcare provider) if possible or perform leg exercises while seated if walking is not possible. Readers may wish to read this article with simple seated leg exercises.
Choose loose and comfortable clothing for traveling.
Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids while traveling.
Adopt a healthy lifestyle to control weight, avoid cigarette smoke, and achieve a healthy blood pressure.

Taking steps to prevent deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism or to identify symptoms early could potentially save a person's life or help one to receive needed medical care to help prevent complications on vacation or at home.

This article is for information purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Speak with your healthcare provider if you have specific questions regarding your health.

Readers may also wish to read:

Find additional health-related articles at Katrena's Fit Tips 4 Life site map or more of Katrena's travel articles at the Love 2 Travel With Kids site map.

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention article Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) accessed on 11/14/13.
Mayo Clinic January 19, 2013 articles Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Risk Factors and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Symptoms accessed on 11/14/13.
National Institutes of Health article How Can Deep Vein Thrombosis be Prevented? accessed on 11/14/13.
National Institutes of Health article Traveler's thrombosis: a systematic review accessed on 11/8/13.
PreventDVT web site accessed on 11/14/13.

Sunday, November 10, 2013

2013 Dates Rates and Times for Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway in NC

Dates Times and Rates for 2013 Speedway Christmas at Charlotte Motor Speedway

Want to drive on a racetrack while looking at Christmas lights? Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina is hosting its fourth annual Speedway Christmas in 2013. The holiday light show features 800 displays illuminated by three million lights. This event is one of North Carolina's newest Christmas light shows

The Egg Nog Jog 5K will be held on Friday, November 22 at the light display. The Speedway Christmas light show is scheduled to begin on Saturday, November 23 and run through Monday, December 30 from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. in 2013. Speedway Christmas will be closed on Christmas Day.

The infield Christmas village area will be available Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. The village gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy a petting zoo and Bethlehem village with live animals, photo opportunities with Santa Claus, and a variety of vendor displays in the speedway infield.

The 2013 price varies, depending on the day of week. Prices are higher when the infield Christmas village area is open. Call 1-800-455-3267 for group rates for vans.

Day of the Week	Price Per Car
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday	$15
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday	$20

Those who enjoy movies may wish to watch seasonal shows on the world's largest HDTV. Movie nights are on Fridays and Saturdays. Here are the scheduled movies (subject to change) posted on their official web site on 11/10/13:

Date	Movie
November 29 & 30	Polar Express
December 6 & 7	Christmas Vacation
December 13 & 14	How the Grinch Stole Christmas
December 20 & 21	A Christmas Story
December 27 & 28	Elf

Additional articles:

Find more of Katrena's articles at Love 2 Travel With Kids and Travel NC With Kids site maps.

Friday, November 1, 2013

Walt Disney World Trading Pins – Fun Way to Preserve Memories!

Trading Pins at Walt Disney World © Katrena

Looking for a fun way to connect at Disney World? Join the many visitors who trade pins with cast members and other guests while having a "magical" time at one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world.

Tips for Trading Pins at Disney World © Katrena

Disney pin trading began in October 1999 and has grown over the years. The first time my family visited Disney World as an adult, a cast member asked if we would like to trade a pin we had purchased for our daughter. We bought it at the park as a souvenir and thought it was a bit weird that someone would ask if we would like to trade at the time.

How to Save Money Trading Pins at Disney World © Katrena

After a bit of research, I learned more about trading pins at Disney World. Guests may present an official Disney pin and trade for a pin worn by a cast member. The cast members wear lanyards containing several pins. The selection constantly changes as guests trade throughout the day.

Fun Things to do at Disney World © Katrena

When we returned to Disney World a few years later, my kids were prepared with several pins. They would carefully watch for lanyards with Disney characters they have grown to love over the years. I found that I could save a significant amount of money by purchasing a bag of official Disney pins on eBay. Buying pins in bulk that were not necessarily of their favorite characters would encourage them to trade the pins once we arrived.

Walt Disney World Trading Pins © Katrena

It was interesting to me to watch the kids' strategies for trading pins. Their choices reflected their distinct personalities and offered them the chance to barter with an adult and sometimes with one another.

How to Keep from Losing Disney Trading Pins © Katrena

One word of caution: the pins have backs, but sometimes those backs can fall off. I brought small plastic containers with lids so that we would not lose the pins. Many of the cast members had special lanyards with they wore around the waist area that had an extra flap of material that helped to decrease the likelihood of loss, but I heard from several people that the pins would still sometimes fall off.

Money Saving Tips for Visiting Disney World © Katrena

Trading pins was one of my kids' favorite memories of the trip, and they sometimes pull out those containers and look at their very own unique collection of pins and talk of trading with various cast members. The pins can make great stocking stuffers or make a great surprise in Easter eggs.

Trading Pins at Disney World Magic Kingdom © Katrena

If you would like to see Disney's official rules for trading pins, here is their page on Pin Trading Etiquette. If ordering pins outside of the Disney parks, ensure that you are purchasing tradable pins.

Related articles:

See more of Katrena's articles at the Love 2 Travel With Kids and Travel NC With Kids site maps.

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Carowinds Great Pumpkin Fest Daytime Activities in October

Carowinds Amusement Park in October © Katrena

In October, Carowinds begins to transform itself into two main themes. During the earlier part of the day, kids can enjoy a variety of fun and games geared toward October and Halloween. Many of these activities start after the park opens and some are offered on a schedule or between certain times. After dark, the amusement park becomes SCarowinds with elaborate frightening trails scattered throughout the NC/SC theme park.

October Musical Shows at Carowinds © Katrena

In 2013, Carwinds offers three October shows in the Peanuts Showplace near the back of Planet Snoopy. The Peanuts Spooktacular features Charlie Brown, Linus, and Lucy all decked out in Halloween costumes. This is a musical show featuring lots of fun tunes like Wooly Bully and Thriller and a bit of dancing and drama.

Puppet Show at Carowinds © Katrena

The puppet show encourages the audience to help Fraidy Cat get over Halloween fears. The Kiddie-Oke show encourages children to sing on stage, so this one in particular is dependent on audience participation. When we visited the Kiddie-Oke show, one child danced on stage for about a minute and then headed back to her seat. They asked if anyone else would like to sing or dance and when no children responded, they simply said the show was over.

Trick-or-Treat at Carowinds © Katrena

Quite a few children dress in costume to attend the costume parade and dance party. Stations are set up around Planet Snoopy where children can trick-or-treat. One type of candy is offered at each station. Kids can pick up a free trick-or-treat bag in the shop across from the Flying Ace Aerial Chase roller coaster. They will allow kids to trick-or-treat who are not dressed in costume and who do not have a bag.

Hay Bale Maze at Carowinds © Katrena

Those riding on Gr8Sk8 can get a nice aerial view of the hay bale maze located right in front of the ride. Kids are challenged to use critical thinking skills as they try to navigate from one side to the other. The maze paths are flanked by hay bales, but they are short enough that many smaller kids can easily see over.

Foam Zone at Carowinds © Katrena

The Foam Zone is another popular spot in the October-themed Carowinds mix. This area allows for the smaller kids within certain height restrictions to have a blast in the bubbles. Lots of children emerge from this area covered with foam and a big grin. Those sending kids into this area will be thankful to have an extra set of clothes for children who look like they have taken a bath in foam.

Fun October Activities Near Charlotte © Katrena

The older truck parked beside the Baby Care Center begins to work magic by making bubbles...and more bubbles...and more bubbles. Lots of kids and even a few adults headed to that area to pop a few bubbles or perhaps see a cool view of the Intimidator roller coaster through a "bubblescope!"

Daytime Halloween Theme at Carowinds © Katrena

A few other areas to note are the talking pumpkin named Peter, who interacts with the children standing nearby and a mural wall where kids are invited to color a scene and then see their work displayed on the wall near Snoopy's Junction train ride. They also feature a "mumpkin" patch where children can pick out a mini-pumpkin to decorate and keep.

Charlie Brown with Halloween Costume © Katrena

Charlie Brown was a hit with me. He was the lone character walking around for photo shoot opportunities. He was sporting his famous ghost sheet costume! The above activities were offered free of charge after entry into the amusement park. I would recommend picking up a paper with show times – we found some near the hay bale maze.

Spooky and Silly Decorations at Carowinds © Katrena

Is Carowinds scary in the daytime during October? For my family, the answer was a bit mixed. My youngest child is pretty scared of spooky decorations. Skeletons, coffins, and various other haunted décor line the walkways throughout most of the amusement park. Once we got over the Planet Snoopy, the scenery was pretty tame and not so scary, although my youngest tended to keep looking over her shoulder just in case a creepy skeleton had tried to follow us over there.

Readers may also wish to read:

Find additional travel reviews and articles by Katrena at the Love 2 Travel With Kids and Travel NC With Kids site maps.

Monday, October 21, 2013

2013 McAdenville NC Christmas Lights Dates and Times and Tips

McAdenville, a town in North Carolina, has been offering a unique Christmas light show since 1956. Residents all over the town string red, green, and white lights on over 375 trees and homes to provide a beautiful free light show for motorists and pedestrians along the approximately 2-mile stretch through town. You might be able to hear Christmas carols from church chimes or perhaps a home.

McAdenville Christmas Town USA plans to turn on the lights on December 2, 2013 and continue the nightly light show through December 26. On Monday through Friday each week, the lights will turn on at 5:30 p.m. and turn off at 9:30 p.m. The light show times extend until 11:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

The lights are on automatic timers and will turn off at scheduled times, regardless of traffic still traveling through the town. Plan to arrive early in the evening, walk through, or visit on a weeknight to avoid some of the long wait times as this light show attracted more than 600,000 people to the small town last year.

Visit the Christmas Town USA official web site for additional information, history, pictures, areas for parking, and more.

Readers may also wish to read:

Visit Katrena's Love 2 Travel With Kids and Travel NC With Kids site maps for a list of all articles of family-friendly travel tips, pictures, and reviews.

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Carolina BalloonFest in Statesville NC – Great October Fun for All!

While many folks are searching for pumpkins on the ground or apples in the trees, several thousand people know they can get a beautiful treat by looking up in the sky above Statesville Regional Airport. The air is usually crisp and clear in the middle of October, a great time for a balloon festival.

The 2013 Carolina BalloonFest runs October 18, 19, and 20 and benefits the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Statesville. Balloon launches are scheduled for dusk on all three days and also at dawn on Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday evening, the crews return to set up for a balloon glow after dark. The balloon launches and glow are dependent on weather conditions.

This event attracts large crowds, so arriving early is a must in order to fully enjoy the event and avoid long wait times to get in. Ticket prices and a schedule of events are offered on the Carolina BalloonFest web site. Prices are lower on Friday and Sunday, but the Night Glow is only offered on Saturday evening.

Those traveling to the Statesville Regional Airport for the Carolina BalloonFest are treated to live entertainment sponsored by Wells Fargo in 2013 and a nice variety of foods and drinks. Wine Maestro is offering "A Taste of Wine & More" for the adults.

Kids will be thrilled with a great variety of fun games, including a bounce house, inflatable slides, and games. The event also offers ticketed activities for the kids like a bungee jump, laser tag, and double zip line. Kids also find ways to entertain themselves, like the ones who are thrilled to run or roll up and down the hill that flanks the launch area.

The three-day event, celebrating its 40th year in 2013, draws thousands of families and photographers from near and far every year. You might get a little exercise at the event by running....not running after the balloons but running with the balloons in their first 5K or Fun Run offered on Sunday, October 20, 2013.

Those who wish to take to the sky and see the event from above can sign up to take a ride with a balloon team. Tethered balloon rides are also offered for those who would like the thrill of a shorter balloon ride that is anchored to the ground.

Many folks bring a blanket or chairs to sit on the lawn to watch the balloon crews at work. Some crews work quickly in an effort to rise to the skies first while others take their time and savor the moment. Photographers love having the opportunity to get up close and enjoy a wealth of opportunities as envelopes are unfolded and begin to take a life of their own before rising high in the sky.

My family loves to get close to the action and watch as each crew works together to get their colors up and flying. The balloons take on a nice variety of shapes and colors. We try to guess which one will go up first and which will go the highest. Many of the balloons flew directly over our heads this year!

Some of the balloons have character shapes while others advertise for a variety of businesses. We saw American flags, stripes, stars, birds, horses, a van, and chuckled at the black and white Sparky and a Purple People Eater in 2013.

Many balloon crews participate in the event every year while families may make this an annual tradition. Children age 12 and under are offered free admission on Friday. Military veterans can enter for free on Sunday.

My family has enjoyed this event several times. Would we do it again? Absolutely! Looking for more of Katrena's articles about balloons or fun things to do in Statesville?

Find additional family-friendly tips, articles, and pictures at the Love 2 Travel with Kids site map.