Love 2 Travel With Kids

Saturday, March 30, 2013

How Tall Do You Have to Be to Ride the Intimidator at Carowinds?

Height Requirement for Intimidator Coaster at Carowinds © Katrena

The burning question at my house since my husband sprang for Carowinds season passes for a Christmas present is: Mom, how tall do I have to be to ride the Intimidator? When we visited the doctor for a check-up, my 9-year-old wanted to know if her height was sufficient to ride the longest, fastest, highest roller coaster in the Southeast, and I hear they get the question at the doctor's office a lot in these parts. The huge question has been looming since December.

View of Intimidator from Planet Snoopy © Katrena

Folks traveling down I-77 near the North Carolina and South Carolina border can easily see the Intimidator from the interstate, it's the huge up and down line beside the Sky Tower and WindSeeker. Any Carowinds guest can take a peek at the number 3 Monte Carlo replica and Wall of Fame positioned in front of the ride's entrance. You can even check out one of the seats from the famous coaster named for racing legend Dale Earnhardt.

Intimidator View from GR8 SK8 Ride at Carowinds © Katrena

You can find an awesome view of the ride as you wait to ride the Pirate Ships in Planet Snoopy while hearing the screams of the passengers who are zooming down that first huge hill. Those who are riding Lucy's Crabby Cabby or the Woodstock Express (previously called the Scooby Doo Roller Coaster and then the Fairly Odd Coaster) If you decide to take a swing on Gr8 Sc8, you can get an awesome view of the coaster, especially if you sit on the left. The Intimidator looks especially cool lit up with red lights at night. But looking from the side isn't the same as looking from the ride.

Height Requirements at Carowinds © Katrena

Those who want to take the plunge and ride the 3 minute and 33 second ride must be at least 54 inches tall. Unfortunately, my 9-year-old stands 53 inches above ground at her peak and is rapidly eating as much yogurt as her belly will hold. She is not alone. Those poor souls at the Carowinds gates and in the Baby Care Center at Carowinds have the arduous task of giving out the armbands and consoling the many little people that they can, in fact, ride lots of cool rides at the amusement park even if they can't ride the Intimidator.

Intimidator at Night: Yea...It's Pretty Cool © Katrena

But for some people, height is not an amusing matter. I am hoping that riding the towering WindSeeker will be some sort of consolation to my 53 inch tall 9-year-old who insists that green armbands are good and red is bad, almost end of the world bad. Fifty-four inches (and a green armband) will earn you a spot on all those coolest rides, like the Afterburn (previously Top Gun and one of my personal favs), Drop Tower, Scream Weaver, Night Hawk (former called Borg), and the stand-up red coaster called Vortex (make sure to have a slight bend in your knees when they lock those seats on the Vortex!).

Vintage View of Intimidator Roller Coaster from Carowinds Little Cars Ride © Katrena

If you don't have an armband, each ride has a height requirement posted, if applicable. The people who are running the rides will gladly measure folks before boarding. Forget about platform shoes. No dice if you aren't tall enough. However, you can get a taste of the ride by watching POV video of the Intimidator from the front seat. If you and/or your short one has not reached the magic number, don't be intimidated if the line for the ride is long. They are super efficient and get people through that line much quicker than I expected.

Check out all the height requirements for thrill rides at Carowinds at their official web site. Please note that a few rides also have maximum height requirements.

Other Carowinds articles by Katrena:
Carowinds 2013 Dates and What's New
2013 Carowinds Bring a Friend Dates
Carowinds – Practical Tips for Enjoying NC/SC Amusement Park with Kids
Favorite Family Rides at Carowinds – Top 5 Picks
Roller Coasters for Kids at Planet Snoopy

Carowinds Intimidator Roller Coaster © Katrena

Find more travel articles on Katrena's travel blogs: Travel NC With Kids and Love 2 Travel With Kids.

My second oldest child was absolutely determined to grow tall enough to make it to green so she could ride the Intimidator like her big sister in 2013. Well...the picture says it all. She loved it and wanted to ride it again.

Height Requirement for Intimidator Roller Coaster at Carowinds © Katrena

Saturday, March 23, 2013

How to Make a Long Road Trip With Kids Less Stressful

Anyone who has traveled with small children will likely agree that stress levels can increase with the mileage on the odometer. Even that middle of the night trip carefully planned during a child's normal sleeping hours could result in a child wide awake and wailing as you roll to your destination. Yes, I speak from experience!

Over the years, I have learned a few lessons and welcome readers to share lessons learned in the comment section at the bottom.

Tips for Traveling With Kids

Lesson #1: Plan Frequent Breaks

Don't wait until the car is running on fumes before stopping. A simple ten minute stop at a rest area can be invigorating for everyone. Many rest areas in the Southeast where I tend to travel offer picnic tables. Pack a snack and enjoy the fellowship. Bring age appropriate recreational items such as a small ball, jump rope, or Frisbee and interact with the kids. It is time well invested. County recreational parks are often free and offer a variety of physical challenges for children.

Practical Tips for Road Trips With Children

Lesson #2: Pack Travel Snacks

Nothing seems to make my kids hungrier than going on a trip. A few snack foods may lengthen the time between stops. Pretzels, dry cereal, and fresh fruit tend to work well. A good rule of thumb when packing travel snacks is to imagine it all over the back seat and on the kids. If it wipes up, brushes off, or vacuums fairly easily, it usually gets the green light from me. Cups with secure lids can also cause a lot less grief in the back seat.

What to Pack When Traveling With Kids

Lesson #3: Pack Plenty of Things to Do

A little prior planning goes a long way. Go to the local library and find age appropriate books that the kids have never read. While you are there, check out some music and books on CD that everyone can enjoy. If you have a portable DVD player, a couple of movies that nobody has seen can add suspense and help the sitting seem much less of a burden, especially if you end up in a traffic jam or if the weather takes a turn for the worse. The local Smart Start office is often brimming with fun activities for preschoolers.

Simple travel games like Punchbug or a Silly Guided Tour can entertain the kids for quite a while. The professor in me wants to add a bit of education to the trip. As you travel, you will be surrounded by shapes, colors, letters, words, man-made items, and the beauty of nature. Learning while on the move can be fun and engaging!

How to Avoid Problems When Traveling With Kids

Lesson #4: Prepare the Vehicle

Ensuring that the vehicle has been serviced, that the tires are in good shape, and that the air conditioner or heater are in good working order can make a huge difference. Repair known issues before the ride if possible. If you think a trip seems long while you are riding down the road, it can seem like an eternity without a/c or if you have to pull off the side of the road while waiting for a tow truck.

How to Keep From Getting Lost When Traveling With Kids

Lesson #5: Plan Your Route and a Backup Route

If you have another person who can help navigate, using a map or printing directions from a web site like MapQuest can work pretty well. Going solo on unfamiliar roads can certainly add to the stress. A working GPS system can be very helpful for those who are venturing to unknown places. Having a backup plan is also wise – I usually try to print directions to/from the destination and carry a map of the states where I plan to travel. My local Chamber of Commerce offers free state maps.

How to Have Fun When Traveling With Kids

Lesson #6: Be Flexible

Sometimes the favorite memories come from those unexpected stops, unplanned activities, and detours that you would have never planned. A tasty snack from a roadside fruit stand or family picnic by a beautiful trout stream might be savored more than the finest restaurant experience. Allow extra time in the schedule for the unexpected. Unplug, unwind, and discover the joy of connecting with the family. They won't be kids forever. Simply stated, enjoy the journey.

How to Make a Trip with Children More Fun

Lesson #7: Go for Comfort

Help the kids select comfortable clothing for the trip up and back. The beautiful, fancy clothes will likely be much more comfortable packed in the trunk. You might want to mention this before the children are selecting their travel attire. We usually pack an extra set of clothes and extra jackets for unexpected spills or weird weather.

How to Encourage Kids to Help With Planning a Trip

Lesson #8: Involve the Kids in the Planning

Children are often brimming with ideas about what they might like to do in and out of the vehicle on a road trip. Ask for their ideas. You might be surprised at how creative your little ones can be when helping to plan a trip. You might also give specific guidance before they collect all of their stuffed animals, dolls, and toys!

Tips for Traveling With Children

Simple Tips for Traveling with Children

Simplicity may become sublime on a long road trip with children. Many people lament the lack of quality time they have with the kids. Riding together in a vehicle can become unexpected quality time for everyone. Years later, you may miss those trips with the kids when they are grown and out on their own.

Readers may also wish to find scavenger hunts, printables, and more at Katrena's Wildflower Bouquets web site. Check out additional travel tips and travel reviews on Love 2 Travel With Kids and Travel NC With Kids.

Saturday, February 2, 2013

Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus at Time Warner Arena in Charlotte

Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus in Charlotte NC © Katrena

Lions and tigers and elephants. And acrobats, aerialists, dogs, Shaolin Warriors, horses, motorcycles, and of course clowns. We didn't travel down a yellow brick road or on a roller coaster this time because we were headed to the "Greatest Show on Earth" on E. Trade Street in Charlotte, North Carolina.

JMan the Clown Gets Kids Excited About Circus at Salisbury Library © Katrena

When we saw that Rowan Public Library had teamed up with Ringling Bros. to offer free circus tickets for children who read five books, my kids were turning pages as quickly as the motorcyclists in the metal circle at the show. This year, 2013, marks the 142nd year of this famous circus that travels from city to city.

Circus at Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte North Carolina © Katrena

We decided to leave early after getting a tip from JMan the Clown that the pre-show begins an hour before the circus. We were in good company as we waited for the doors to open on a rather chilly Groundhog Day in 2013. Budget alert: be prepared to pay through the nose for parking (about $10) and make sure to bring correct change.

Meet Clowns and Other Performers in Ringling Circus Pre-show © Katrena

Before the show, guests were invited to come down to the main floor and mingle with many of the people we would later see dazzling the audience. Many of the performers had a few moments to provide an autograph and pose for a picture.

Barnum and Bailey Circus in North Carolina © Katrena

If you really like the elephants, plan to head to the ring that is closest to the Barnum and Bailey sign before the show. They brought out one of those majestic animals for everyone to see. One lady who waited outside with us had a seeing eye dog named Princess Wiggles. She was particularly excited about the pre-show because she was going to get a chance to pet the pachyderm. Her smile said it all as I caught a glimpse of her as that portion of the show ended.

Fun Ways to Get Fit at the Circus © Katrena

The pre-show offered some inflatible slides. The clowns encouraged audience participation with a game of limbo and lots of dancing and a bit of silliness. A Shaolin Warrior gave everyone the opportunity to practice a little bit of Qigong, a form of Kung Fu. This not only got the kids interested and involved but also provided a great opportunity for a little physical fitness.

Dragons Circus Show © Katrena

After the pre-show, we headed upstairs to our seats. For those who are on a tight budget, you can get great seats upstairs for significantly lower prices. Viewing from the side gave a great vantage point, and those with small kids might be glad to know that the bathrooms were less crowded up there before the show. I made all of these pictures higher pictures from my seat.

Ringling Bros Blue Circus Tour © Katrena

The circus was themed around Dragons as Paulo Dos Santos, a charismatic and talented midget, proved that he possessed wisdom, courage, heart, and strength to summon the elusive beast. My kids were particularly impressed when they learned that he had been in a production of The Wizard of Oz in earlier years.

Circus Elephants and Performers © Katrena

The animal shows were amazing. The Asian elephants came out several times as they performed a variety of feats and provided rides for various performers. My girls particularly enjoyed seeing an adorable calf come out near the beginning of the show. Smaller animals like dogs, cats, goats, and miniature horses also entertained guests.

Cossack Riders - Horseback Riding in the Circus © Katrena

The Cossack riders performed some difficult riding tricks on horseback. The horses were beautiful, and the riders possessed an amazing amount of strength, agility, and timing as the horses raced around the ring. Both men and women participated in the horseback riding stunts.

Lions and Tigers in Circus Together © Katrena

Alexander Lacey summoned an impressive show as lions and tigers followed his commands. These magnificant cats watched Mr. Lacey's every move and responded so quickly to the cues! This is a one-of-a-kind mixed cat show in America.

Acrobats on Teeterboard in Circus © Katrena

The Mighty Asadullins and Soaring Scalas offered incredible performances with a teeterboard, and some audience members had the opportunity to sit in the ring as they performed. The acrobats demonstrated awesome strength, balance, and timing.

Hanging by Hair at the Circus © Katrena

Part of the show was performed high above the floor as trapeze artists entertained and aerial artists showed impressive flexibility. My girls thought it was amazing how two ladies hung by their hair while performing. The sirens of the sky portion looked like huge Christmas tree ornaments hanging high above the arena with a woman inside of each ball. I noticed that instead of safety nets, a very watchful man stood under each performer.

Kung Fu Masters with Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus © Katrena

It was only after the show that I began to realize some of the feats of the Kung Fu masters as I looked at my pictures and read about their history. These young men displayed amazing concentration as they performed feats that most would think were impossible. According to the program booklet, they have been guided by Shaloin Monks since they were four years old. The picture above shows one balanced on top of spears.

Circus Clowns Encourage Audience Participation in Pre-show © Katrena

What is a circus without clowns? These entertainers delighted kids and adults with many antics throughout the show. They tried a few of the Kung Fu stunts clown-style and did a comical scene reminiscent of Rapunzel.

Torres Family Motorcycle Act with Barnum and Bailey Circus © Katrena

Motorcycles have also made their way under the Big Top with the Torres family and a couple of aerial troupes. Ringling Bros. has set a world record as eight riders circle a 16-foot steel globe traveling 65 miles per hour. My daughters were particularly impressed that one of the riders was a lady!

The entire show was illuminated with lights, videos, and sound effects. A live band played as well. A huge amount of work has gone into the choreography, costumes, and planning for this traveling show.

Ringling Bros. also offers opportunities to learn more about their animals, a Facebook page, and interactive ways to enjoy the circus during the pre-show or after the show through videos, ringtones, the CircusFit program, conservation efforts, and more.

This was my daughters' first trip to the circus. It was a show that I am sure we will never forget! Learn more about the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey circus at their official web site.

Read more of Katrena's articles at Love 2 Travel With Kids and Travel NC With Kids.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Tanglewood Festival of Lights Christmas Show in North Carolina

If you enjoy seeing holiday light shows and are in the Southeastern United States, the Tanglewood Festival of Lights show offers a large display of color, music, and festivities. The largest holiday light show in the Southeast attracts an average of 250,000 visitors each year from mid-November through January 1.

Tanglewood ranks in the top 20 events in the Southeast and the top 100 in North America and has been delighting guests since 1992 with a peak year in 2001 with 300,000 visitors. They offer nearly four miles of nearly one million brightly colored LED lights with about 100 different displays. Yep - this is a big one!

The park is located near Winston-Salem off I-40 and can be reached via exit 184 or 182. We have tried both exits and it seemed like exit 184 moved a little faster. If you have a flexible schedule, I would highly recommend going on the Monday or Tuesday before Thanksgiving or having plenty of fun activities for the kids to enjoy during the wait. We cut our wait time from over two hours on a weekend near Christmas to two seconds when we visited on the Monday before Thanksgiving! Tanglewood also offers Throwback Nights during the season where visitors can enter at discounted rates.

Many people ride through the Festival of Lights in a car, truck, van, or bus, but they also offer hayrides for large groups on horse-drawn wagons and smaller carriage rides for an extra fee. Those wishing to set up a wagon or carriage rides may inquire about an alternate route for entry. Runners in the family might be interested in the Running of the Lights, held at midnight on December 31.

Many of the lights are timed with animations. Soldiers might salute while fishermen may throw their catch. The rocking horse rocks, and Frosty waves as the little ones wave back, smiling with wide and wondrous eyes. My kids particularly like going through lighted tunnels and seeing reindeer jump over the car!

Just past the big lake with the mermaid was a wooded section with brightly blinking bells. Roll down the windows and visitors can enjoy original music composed by Music Technology students at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.

After traveling through part of the light show, guests may park and head to the Holiday Gift Village. The building is loaded with beautiful handmade crafts, jewelry, baked goods, and much more. They also have a large fire outside so that folks can enjoy roasting marshmallows over the open flame. Santa is also ready for a photo opportunity with the kids here as well.

My kids loved looking at the wide variety of ornaments and clothes in the Holiday Gift Village. The wooden pieces and winter-themed artwork were quite festive and fun to see. My youngest would have gladly stayed with the little baby dolls nestled in crocheted beds. The scent of homemade breads and fudge beckoned everyone who entered.

Tanglewood's Festival of Lights offers a huge display, but the volunteers give the winter wonderland a hometown feel and lots of personality. They are quick to offer a smile. Many of them come back year after year, even when temperatures call for winter coats or even rain gear. The guys at the gift shop just laughed and smiled when I asked if I could take their pictures. All of my girls and I agreed that their generosity and efforts are a special gift!

If you would like to take a test drive of the Festival of Lights, here is a fun video of the Festival of Lights set to music that EmilyElzbth posted in 2006. Many of the displays are the same, but each year, you can expect to see something new. Those interested in visiting the Festival of Lights can find hours, prices, directions, special discounts and more at the Festival of Lights web page. Those visiting or living in Forsyth County might also consider visiting Old Salem, the Children's Museum of Winston-Salem, or Adventure Landing.

Readers may also wish to read about Tanglewood's Gift Village that is located in the park. Find more of Katrena's travel articles at Love 2 Travel With Kids and Travel NC With Kids.