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Fun Family Christmas at the Gaylord Texan

December 3, 2012 By Jody Halsted Leave a Comment

Last year I was thrilled to experience ICE at the Gaylord Palms in Orlando. The girls and I had so much fun that we decided to try to visit ICE at the other Gaylord Hotels over the next few years. So you can imagine how thrilled I was when our recent visit to Grapevine, Texas coincided the the opening of

ICE at the Gaylord Texan!

The theme for ICE 2012 is Merry Madagascar

ICE is part of the Texan’s Lone Star Christmas, which lasts through January 1, 2013. This year’s ICE theme is Merry Madagascar. You’ll find all your favorites- Marty, Sheila, Melman, Alex and those fab penguins- carved in ice and taking on Santa’s job!

The Texan provides long, warm parkas for sliding down the ice slides.

But don’t forget to bring mittens or gloves- and maybe even a warm hat if you want to stay in ICE for a while. 9° is cold!

One of the most stunning sculptures is at the end of ICE- the nativity carved in crystal clear ice. Stunning!

More Dreamworks Fun at ICE

Sledding is always popular with my girls, and the Kung Fu Panda Awesome Snow Tubing was a hit! Each pass buys you 10 rides down the hills and you can use a double tube (great for kids who don’t want to slide alone) or a single- which is fun because it can spin!

You can also make tasty gingerbread creations with Gingy, go on a Dragons Holiday Adventure, a Rise of the guardians Scavenger Hunt and dine with Shrek and Fiona!

You don’t have to be a guest at the Gaylord Texan to take part in the fun, but the Christmassy Dreamworks Package includes all these fun activities, lodging,- and a few more features your family will love!

Lone Star Christmas

Besides ICE and all the Dreamworks fun, you’ll find the Texan decked out for the holiday. Thousands of feet of garland, 1.5 million lights and dozens of incredible displays. It’s like a winter wonderland! Most impressive to my girls was the life-size gingerbread house. It was incredible- we almost got sugar overload just by standing near it!

As you wander through the Texan you’re likely to run into singing cowboys- or even Santa himself!- so be sure to have your camera at the ready! You’ll also find plenty of background for those family holiday photos!

Christmas at Gaylord Hotels is filled with magic and memories… I recommend the experience if you will be near to one of their locations this Christmas season.

For more photos from the Gaylord Texan’s Lone Star Christmas, visit my ICE at the Gaylord Texan Flickr set.

Disclosure: Family Rambling® would like to thank the Grapevine CVB for arranging our visit to the Gaylord Texan and ICE, which is only one small bit of the fun to be found in the Christmas Capital of Texas!

Filed Under: hotel, South, Texas, USA

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Great Hotel Near Mall of America: Best Western Plus Bloomington

November 6, 2012 By Jody Halsted 1 Comment

As I was planning a mid-week trip to the Minneapolis suburb of Bloomington (home to the Mall of America) for a business trip, I considered staying at the nearby waterpark hotel (read my review here) until I saw that the waterpark isn’t open during the week in the “off season”. Since my girls were coming along – one of the benefits of homeschooling – a stay at a waterpark hotel with no waterpark access would just be cruel.

Choosing to Stay at the Best Western Plus Bloomington at Mall of America

Thankfully, there is a family friendly alternative located right next door to the Mall of America. The Best Western Plus Bloomington has plenty of features to make everyone in the family happy.

Top of my list: budget friendly rates, free wi-fi and free hot breakfast!

As anyone traveling with kids knows, eating out can get expensive, so we look for hotels that provide a free breakfast. The breakfast buffet at the Best Western Plus provided a great variety of foods that kept my family happy. The hot items changed daily and included cheese omelets, sausage, biscuits & gravy, scrambled eggs, bacon, French Toast and a make-your-own-waffle bar. Continental breakfast items were plentiful as well, with enough varieties of fruits, cereals and pastries to fill the belly of even the pickiest kid!

Rooms at Best Western Plus Bloomington

Double Double Room at Best Western Plus at Mall of America The entire hotel, from the large, open lobby, to the spacious rooms had a muted elegance. Browns and golds in the decor echoed the hardwood furnishings and stone tile throughout the room. Beds were sumptuous and comfortable, welcoming for a night’s sleep or for spreading out homework. A work desk, large dresser and armoire helped contain all our things neatly. A large TV sat on top of the dresser, while a microwave sat on a shelf, and a mini fridge was nestled inside.

The bathroom was beautifully tiled and large, for a hotel bathroom, with plenty of space for personal care items. The only thing really missing in this hotel room was enough room to hang wet swimsuits. Bring a travel clothesline to solve that problem (it’s one many hotels have).

The Kids Will Love the Pool Area at Best Western Plus Bloomington

But the main reason for choosing this hotel was the pool area. While it can’t be termed a “water park”, there was enough here to keep my girls happy.

Fun family hotel near Mall of America; Best Western Plus Bloomington

Pool area included kids pool, deeper swimming pool, hot tub, and large sitting area with video games and snacks for purchase.

The girls would splash in the kids area, slip down the slide and stand under the dumping buckets of water. Then they were off to swim in the deeper pool and even spent a few minutes in the soothing hot tub. The seating around the pool area was plentiful and comfortable; I relaxed and read a book, glancing up every few minutes to make sure the girls were safe.

Right Across the Street from Mall of America

The Best Western Plus Bloomington is directly across the street from the Mall of America; you’ll walk just as far to get into the mall from many of the on-site parking areas. You can also catch the light rail, if your plans include downtown Minneapolis.

Also within walking distance are 3 restaurants, as well as the on site Red Rossa Italian Restaurant.

The Best Western Plus Bloomington at Mall of America is a terrific option for a fun family vacation getaway in the Twin Cities.

See more images of the Best Western Plus Bloomington in my Flickr.

Family Rambling would like to thank the Best Western Plus Bloomington for hosting us during our recent trip to the Twin Cities.

Filed Under: hotel, Hotels and Lodging, Midwest, Minnesota, USA

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Finding Romance in Kansas City

April 2, 2012 By Jody Halsted 5 Comments

I love how much we travel with our girls. Near or far, it’s always an adventure. But sometimes we adults need some time to get away and remember just why we fell in love.

Doug and I recently had an “adults only” getaway to Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, Missouri. The Plaza holds special memories for us as Doug surprised me with a weekend getaway there when we were early in our relationship and we took a long weekend there when we got married. It was the perfect getaway to reconnect and enjoy a little romance.

The Raphael Hotel, Kansas City Most Romantic Boutique Hotel

The Raphael, Kansas City’s Romantic Boutique Hotel

The minute you arrive at the Raphael Hotel you know you’re somewhere special. The elegant brick structure brings to mind a time when buildings were built with care, each brick an important piece of the finished work. As your vehicle rolls to a stop your door is opened and you are welcomed with a flourish by the impeccably dressed doorman. As the doors open and you enter the gilded lobby you know you’ve stepped back in time to a day when luxury hotel stays meant you dressed for dinner and guests were treated as more than bodies in a room.

Suite at Raphael Hotel

Most of the rooms in the hotel are suites featuring a roomy sitting area with desk and television and a separate sleeping area. I love this type of room as I am an early riser and Doug loves to sleep in when he can. I enjoyed tea made in the Keurig and utilized the free wireless internet at my leisure- so relaxing with no little ones interrupting. A light breakfast delivered from the on-site restaurant made my morning complete.

While the hotel, itself, is an incredible treat it is the staff that makes it truly special. Every coming or going is recognized with a greeting, wishes for a good day, or offer of assistance; it feels like every member of the staff wants your stay to be perfect.

The Chaz Restaurant

Smoked Salmon Benedect & Bananas Foster French Toast

With live music practically every evening and an eclectic variety of dishes, it’s no wonder Chaz on the Plaza has become one of Kansas City’s favorite dining spots.

The restaurant is small and quiet which made it perfect for pre-dinner drinks and a small appetizer. The Braised Veal Cheek Sliders are a must, the incredibly tender meat so well accompanied by the salty mildness of the Emmentaler cheese.

The breakfast menu had a decidedly French feel with omelets, Benedicts and a Bananas Foster French Toast that was simply heavenly. The only disappointment was the Chicken Fried Steak. While good, it was almost as if the meat was too nice of a cut and the breading too light and not crisp enough. (Yes, I know, how sad is it to say a piece of meat was too good?)

Enjoying Country Club Plaza as a Couple

Country Club Plaza was created to resemble Seville, Spain. Statues, murals, tile mosaics and beautiful buildings make this a perfect area for strolling, hand in hand. Upscale shops attract your eye and dozens of restaurants are available to please you palate. My top picks for romance:

Best place to relive Lady & the Tramp’s Spaghetti Scene: Buca di Beppo

This Italian restaurant is popular with large groups for their family style dining, but small, private boots are perfect for your romantic evening.

Best place when the cost doesn’t matter: McCormick’s & Schmick’s

Known for their steaks and seafood, M&S serves only the very freshest food available. The chefs are known for their incredible variety and perfect presentation. For a truly private dining experience reserve a snug.

Best for couples who can’t agree on what to eat: Fogo de Chao

Roasting Meat at Fogo de Chao

Meats slowly cooked over fire. And a salad bar that even salad haters will love. Gauchos who bring the meat, on the skewer, to your table and slice it off right in front of you. And tasty side dishes that include caramelized bananas and warm cheese bread that is lighter than air.

Most romantic for dessert: The Melting Pot

Chocolate fondue. Need I say more? OK, chocolate fondue and champagne.

Best place to relax on a beautiful afternoon: O’Dowd’s Little Dublin

Ploughman's Platter, O'Dowd's Little Dublin, Kansas City

Bangers, cheese and toasts

Head directly for the only rooftop deck on the Plaza. Relax with a drink, nibble on the Ploughman’s Platter, talk, flirt, and remember what life was like before kids.

Kansas City is one of our favorite destinations, both as a couple and as a family. With so much to do, so many things going on, it’s no wonder one of our favorite sayings is “Kansas City Here We Come!”

Kansas City Vacations

Disclosure: This getaway was fully paid for by Doug & I.

Filed Under: Food and Restaurants, hotel, Hotels and Lodging, Midwest, Missouri, USA

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Shrek on ICE

November 9, 2011 By Jody Halsted 1 Comment

The Gaylord Hotels are well known for their winter escapade, ICE. Each hotel -the Palms in Orlando, Opryland in Nashville, National in DC and Texan in Dallas- chill out to a frigid 9°F and bring in world renowned ice carvers from China to create a winter wonderland worth planning your holiday festivities around. Earlier this year Gaylord Hotels and Dreamworks announced an alliance which would bring a family friendly aspect to the hotel brand year round. The “kick off” event for this alliance is ICE.

ICE at Gaylord Palms

I am thrilled to say that my girls and I (along with their grandmother) will be leaving frigid Iowa in 10 days, catching a flight to Florida and experiencing… snow and ICE. It seems wrong on so many levels, but I am thrilled to have this opportunity. My girls don’t know- it’s a surprise! While at the Gaylord Palms we will

play in Awesome Snow with Kung Fu Panda
decorate gingerbread with Gingy
experience ICE ‘Shrek the Halls’
enjoy the new Puss In Boots movie
meet our favorite Dreamworks characters at ShrekFeast

It’s sure to be a memorable time; I can’t wait to share what will surely be magical tales!

Enjoy Your Own Magical Getaway at Gaylord Hotels

All four Gaylord Hotels host ICE events. At the Palms and Texan you’ll find ICE ‘Shrek the Halls’ while the Opryland and National are celebrating with ICE ‘Merry Madagascar’. Each hotel seems to have similar events going on, as well as a few special to that hotel.

Each hotel has specially priced packages that include your room, tickets to ICE, a character breakfast, character meet& greet, scavenger hunt and souvenir photo. What a fun family getaway to kick off your holiday season- or for a Christmas gift the entire family will remember for years!

Images courtesy of Gaylord Hotels and Dreamworks

Disclosure: The Gaylord Palms is hosting my family for this event. Some of our activities are hosted; others we will pay for. Transportation costs are not provided.

Filed Under: Florida, hotel, Hotels and Lodging, South

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Pamper Your Family- Stay in the Kids Suite at Omni Mandalay Hotel

October 26, 2011 By Jody Halsted 3 Comments

The luxury of the Omni Hotel chain has become a family favorite. From the incredible boutique experience we had at the Omni Majestic in St Louis to the all suite Omni Chicago on the Magnificent Mile, we have found a consistent focus on customer service, tastefully decorated rooms and the small touches that create loyalty. A few months ago I received a video tour of the Kids Sensory Suite at the Omni Mandalay in Las Colinas, Texas. I was impressed by the thought that went into a room for the hotel’s youngest guests. A few weeks ago my family got to experience the fabulous Kids Suite for ourselves.

Fabulous Kids Sensory Suite

Video Tour of the Kids Sensory Suite at Omni Mandalay in Las Colinas, Texas

While a picture may be worth a thousand words this video tour of the Kids Sensory Suite (complete with a bit of over-acting) and the connected King Suite (along with my apparent over-use of the word ‘fabulous’) can do more in 5 minutes than I could hope to do with a thousand word post.

Staying at the Omni Mandalay

Like all the Omni Hotels, Mandalay has its own unique feel. The design at the Mandalay has a clean Asian-influenced design. Staff are exceptional and very friendly. If you need to get outside and burn off some energy the lakeside trail is lovely. You’ll also find a kids play area in the rear courtyard.

The Kids Suite and connecting King Suite were incredibly roomy and beautifully decorated. The Kids Suite, with twin beds, a desk with creation station, toys and cuddly stuffed animals was decorated by the daughter of Caryn Kboudi, Omni’s VP of Corporate Communications, and her friends when they were in 6th grade. It’s a perfect oasis for the kids.

Craft area in kids suite

The adjoining King Suite has a beautiful sitting room with couch and desk. But I especially loved the table near the floor to ceiling windows- a perfect place to sit in the morning and enjoy my tea with a beautiful view of Dallas in the distance.

View from the King Suite

As with all Omni Hotels, kids are welcomed- whether you’re staying in the kid’s suite or not. All kids receive an Omni Sensational Kids Pack upon check in. Inside they will find small toys, crayons and an activity book and even Twizzlers! Because Omni knows the first night away from home can be difficult, complimentary milk and cookies will arrive before bed.

Nightly Milk & Cookies

Perks don’t end with the kids. Members of the free Select Guest program receive complimentary beverage delivery every morning of their stay, complimentary wireless internet and the new GHA Discovery Local Experience after only one stay.

Complimentary Beverage Service

While you can book any of the Omni Mandalay’s fabulous vacation packages online -including their terrific Family Fun getaway- you’ll probably need to use the chat feature on the website or call directly to book the Kids Suite. It will be a stay your family won’t forget.

Disclosure: We paid for the Kids Suite using gift certificates provided as payment for advertising. Omni Hotels is a Family Rambling Travel Partner.

Family Vacation
Irving

Filed Under: hotel, Hotels and Lodging, South, Texas, USA

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A Few Omni Hotel Ghost Stories

October 12, 2011 By Jody Halsted 2 Comments

My family has had the privilege of staying in a few Omni hotels this year (the Majestic in St. Louis, the Omni Chicago Hotel and, just last week, the Mandalay in Dallas). Our stays have been marked by some unexpected events- remember the blizzaster of 2011?- but we’ve not had experiences like these…

Rooms with a Boo

Omni Parker House Lobby

The historic, and some say haunted, Omni Parker House in Boston prides itself on customer service. However, some guests may get more than they bargained for when the ghost of Harvey Parker, the hotel’s founder, materializes in certain guest rooms to inquire about their stay. In addition, elevators at the Omni Parker House have been known to travel to the third floor – where novelist Charles Dickens once lived – without a single button being pushed. Spooky!

Paladian Ballroom at Omni Shoreham

Guests can sleep at their own risk in the Omni Shoreham Hotel’s “Ghost Suite” in Washington, DC. Those who have dared to do so, have reported televisions and lights turning on by themselves in the middle of the night, while guests in adjacent rooms have heard loud noises coming from the suite – all while it was unoccupied.

The Cave at Mount Washington Resort

Book a night at the Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, NH, and you might awake to find the widow of the hotel’s first owner, a socialite named Princess Carolyn, at the foot of the bed, lost in thought as she brushes her hair. Princess Carolyn’s spirit is believed to watch over the hotel which was built for her, knocking politely on doors, and visiting the ornate maple four-poster bed in room 314, which traveled around the world with her.

Special Offers and Memorable Stays

I linked each hotel listed above to it’s “special offers” page. You’ll find great deals on packages that include skiing, historic tours and shopping. My family highly recommends Omni Hotels for spectacular customer service and terrific kid friendly amenities. Every stay an an Omni Hotel is memorable- even if it doesn’t include a ghostly visit!

Thank you to Omni Hotels for sharing these ghost stories!

Omni Hotels is a Family Rambling travel partner; I was not compensated for this post.

Images provided by Omni Hotels.

Filed Under: hotel, Hotels and Lodging

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Omni Hotels Welcomes Young Guests with New Sesnational Kids Pak

August 10, 2011 By Jody Halsted Leave a Comment

There is always an anticipation surrounding our check in at any Omni Hotel. On my part it is knowing that my family will be treated as honored guests, not just bodies in a room. But for my girls the anticipation is quite different. Because at Omni Hotels they go a bit farther to welcome their youngest guests…

Omni Sensational Kids

Every child who checks in receives a backpack with fun activities- and a treat or two. The Omni Sensational Kids Paks were recently updated and our friends at Omni Hotels sent each of my girls one.You can see from the video below that they were a hit!

The new Omni Sensational Kids Pak is made to be used and re-used. It’s perfect for exploring and stashing away those vacation treasures. The wide elastic straps make it easy to put on and take off and will fit all sizes of kids- even over a warm coat!

Sensational Kids Pak

Our kids paks held a mini Frisbee, Hacky Sack, activity map, washable crayons, magnifying glass and a couple of treats.

Another nice kid-friendly touch at Omni Hotels- a bedtime snack of milk and cookies is delivered, complimentary, to each child on the first night of your stay.

The Family Discover Package at Omni Hotels

Through September 5, 2011, families can save 15% off a 2-night stay at any Omni Hotel with the Family Discover Package. Also included in this package is complimentary breakfast for kids 12 and under, a map of local attractions and an advance call from the concierge to help you plan your vacation activities.

To boost the family friendliness even further select properties in Texas, California and New England feature Omni Kids Suites- rooms designed just for kids with furniture in their size, bright colors, art centers and more.

We love being guests of Omni Hotels and are looking forward to our stay in the Kids Sensory Suite at the Omni Mandalay in Irving, Texas. Omni Hotels is a Family Rambling travel partner; I was not compensated for this post. Images, video and thoughts are my own.

Filed Under: hotel, Hotels and Lodging

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Celebrate Ice Cream Month with Omni Hotels

July 14, 2011 By Jody Halsted Leave a Comment

Build Your Own Sundae Bar

In 1984 President Ronald Reagan designated July as Ice Cream Month. Omni Hotels is celebrating with an ice cream social for their guests on Tuesday, July 19. Featuring a Design-Your-Own Sundae Bar filled with toppings such as Frangelico-flavored whipped cream, brownie chunks, crumbled chocolate chip cookies, Butterfingers, Heath Bars, M&Ms, butterscotch, strawberry, caramel and chocolate fudge sauces, pecans, chocolate chips and cherries- as well as local favorites- guests can layer on to delicious Häagen-Dazs chocolate or vanilla ice cream.

The ice creamy goodness extends goes on as two executive chefs are trying their hand at homemade ice cream. At the Omni Parker House (Boston), guests receive complimentary Boston Cream Pie Ice Cream 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. throughout the summer. And at the 676 in Omni Chicago Hotel, Executive Chef Daven Wardynski created the new 676 Prairie Honey Ice Cream (honey is sourced from the restaurant’s own beehive).

Thanks to travel partner Omni Hotels for sharing this tasty news!

Filed Under: hotel, USA

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Omni Hotels Family Discover Package

June 14, 2011 By Jody Halsted Leave a Comment

Family Rambling’s Travel Partner, Omni Hotels, has a great offer for traveling families this summer…

Breakfast Buffet at Omni Chicago Hotel

Enjoy a great family adventure with our Family Discover Package. The package includes a 15 percent discount when you stay two nights, breakfast for kids 12 and under and a map of your destination. Our concierge associates will call in advance to help you plan your activities, get tickets and whatever else you need.

Family Discover package details:

* Deluxe room accommodations

* Buffet Breakfast for kids (12 and under) in hotel restaurant

* Adventure map of great places to explore

via Family Discover Package | Omni Hotels & Resorts.

We have had wonderful experiences at Omni properties in the past and make it a point to look for Omni properties when we travel. The customer service and comfort can’t be beat.

Omni Sensational Kids Pack

In addition to the package inclusions of this great deal don’t forget that every child receives an Omni Kids Pack upon check in as well as milk and cookies delivered to the room the first night of your stay. (Be sure to let the hotel know how many children you are traveling with when you make your reservation)

Read about our stay at the Omni Majestic in St. Louis, Missouri.

Read about our stay at the Omni Chicago Hotel on the Magnificent Mile.

Book your Family Discover Package today! Offer good through September 5, 2011.

Filed Under: hotel, Hotels and Lodging

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Mr Bubble’s Fab BubbleBash & a Great Giveaway

June 14, 2011 By Jody Halsted 30 Comments

I can’t even begin to explain how much fun my family had at Mr Bubble’s 50th birthday bash at the Waterpark of America. Everything was so well planned and executed… And even though we had to work while we were there, even that was fun! We need to thank the great partners who made the party possible.

Mr Bubble and the Village Company

Hanging with Mr Bubble

Mr. Bubble’s parent company, The Village Company of Chaska, Minnesota, hosted the bubble bash. They throw a darn good party! In addition to the bubbly goodness of Mr Bubble they also make a wonderful line of adult bath products. I highly recommend the Aches and Pains Relief Mineral Bath Soak (great for a tired mom after a long weekend!)

Radisson Hotel and Waterpark of America in Bloomington, Minnesota

The party took place at the Waterpark of America located inside the Radisson Hotel. Our room, overlooking the waterpark, was so incredibly spacious; it was almost a suite. The bathroom was large with an additional large sink area in the hall so we had plenty of room for everyone to get ready without being in anyone’s way. The girls had their own “room inside our room” complete with two bunk beds (4 beds total), a chest of drawers and television. Another very nice touch: individual night nights at the head of each bed.

Doug and I enjoyed our own space with queen bed, table and plenty of counter space and drawers for our clothes and things. We had a waterpark view from our balcony and though the waterpark was very noisy the doors did a terrific job of blocking the sound.

Lazy River and Wave Pool

Thoughtful additions to the room were a nice sized refrigerator (great for light snacks and breakfast), a safe and pegs to hang wet swimsuits.

The Waterpark of America is huge- billed as “America’s Biggest Indoor Waterpark”- so it’s good to have a plan. Linda at Travels with Children has terrific tips for a trip to the waterpark.

Nickelodeon Universe at the Mall of America

Log Ride at Nickelodeon Universe in Mall of America

Log Chute

No trip to Bloomington is complete without a stop at the Mall of America. Nickelodeon Universe provided us with unlimited ride passes and we spent a fabulous 5 hours at the mall. Yes, 5 hours. We took the girls on the log chute once. As you can see from Brenna’s expression she wasn’t thrilled with it. Caelan, on the other hand, was completely calm.

TGIFridays in Bloomington

Stretchy Cheese Stick

We finished our trip with a late lunch at TGIFridays. Stretchy cheese sticks, yummy burgers and a hibachi skewer for me and we were on the road toward home.

FOX 9 Twin Cities

I also want to thank Todd Walker and FOX 9 for the live broadcasts before the party. We had a great time with you!

Todd Walker Buddies Up with Mr. Bubble: MyFoxTWINCITIES.com

Win a $50 Mr Bubble Gift Pack!

This contest is closed. Congratulations to lucky #10, Lesley M!

Mr Bubble Products

Didn’t make it to party with Mr Bubble? The Village Company wants to send a $50 Mr Bubble Gift Pack to one lucky Family Rambling reader! I’m not sure what you’ll find inside, but it’s sure to include bubble bath!

To enter: Leave a comment sharing a Mr Bubble memory. (one comment per person)

Two more ways to win:

Copy & paste “I want to have some good clean fun with @FamilyRambling and @MrBubble” to your facebook profile. Be sure to “like” both Family Rambling and Mr Bubble on Facebook. (one post per person)
Copy and past to Twitter: “Time for some good clean fun with @iatraveler and @MrBubble: http://bit.ly/ipFyca”. (one tweet per day)

Contest ends June 20, 2011. I will draw the winner using Random.org on June 21. United States and Canadian residents only, please.

Disclosure: as guests of Mr Bubble we received two nights stay at Radisson, waterpark passes for the party, unlimited ride wristbands for Nickelodeon Universe and a gift card for TGIFridays. All images and thoughts are my own.

Filed Under: hotel, Hotels and Lodging, Midwest, USA

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Fun Family Christmas at the Gaylord Texan

ICE at the Gaylord Texan!

More Dreamworks Fun at ICE

Lone Star Christmas

Great Hotel Near Mall of America: Best Western Plus Bloomington

Choosing to Stay at the Best Western Plus Bloomington at Mall of America

Rooms at Best Western Plus Bloomington

The Kids Will Love the Pool Area at Best Western Plus Bloomington

Right Across the Street from Mall of America

Finding Romance in Kansas City

The Raphael, Kansas City’s Romantic Boutique Hotel

The Chaz Restaurant

Enjoying Country Club Plaza as a Couple

Shrek on ICE

ICE at Gaylord Palms

Enjoy Your Own Magical Getaway at Gaylord Hotels

Pamper Your Family- Stay in the Kids Suite at Omni Mandalay Hotel

Video Tour of the Kids Sensory Suite at Omni Mandalay in Las Colinas, Texas

Staying at the Omni Mandalay