Visiting IKEA Orlando, Their Living With Children Priority, And A Great Giveaway

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In conjunction with the release of the 2014 IKEA Catalog,  IKEA Orlando hosted a few local bloggers to take a look at their new catalog, try some of their new food options, and most importantly to learn about their long-term priority, Living with Children.

IKEA Orlando CataLove Welcome
IKEA Orlando CataLove Welcome

Now you may not exactly think about IKEA and children outside of the realm of furniture, but really IKEA Orlando is taking steps to make sure that kids know that their needs are important both in the store and at home with their products.  But IKEA’s goal with the Living with Children priority is to make sure that the long-term needs are met & relationships are fostered to make all moments count. They want to ensure that their products help this by facilitating families to make sharing tasks easier, activities more fun, to make sure time & space aren’t wasted, and to help foster causes at a young age in children.

August at IKEA Orlando is a busy time of year as students get ready to head to college, kids get ready for school, and as the IKEA Catalog are released! Over 210 million print copies of the catalog are distributed in 30 languages, all while there are 62 online versions of the catalog with another 8.5 million people downloading the IKEA App!

IKEA Orlando Store

Food at IKEA is a lot more than creative menus and Swedish Food Market items; they are really a reflection of the culture and history of Sweden.

IKEA Orlando Sample Platter of Salmon Flatbread, Leek Quiche, and Caprese Salad
IKEA Orlando Sample Platter of Salmon Flatbread, Leek Quiche, and Caprese Salad

A lot of time and care went into creating menus that feature foods that are nutritious and budget friendly! You see a lot of salmon offerings, because the fish is a large staple in the diet of Sweden. You will also notice that there are a lot of desserts featuring almonds, and that is because it is the most popular favor for sweets! It was fun to learn that a lot of the berries used in the jams sold at IKEA are hand-picked!

There has also been a new focus on providing organic and healthy meals for kids that are both delicious and nutritious.

IKEA Orlando Whole Grain Moose Patsa
IKEA Orlando Whole Grain Moose Patsa

There are tons of Special Events and Weekly Specials at the IKEA Orlando Restaurant and Swedish Food Market!

You can join the Swedish Crayfish Party on Friday, August 16, 2013.

IKEA Orlando Crayfish Party
IKEA Orlando Crayfish Party

 

Gather your friends to feast on crayfish during one of the most loved and celebrated Swedish festivals. Enjoy this all-you-can-eat buffet at IKEA!

IKEA FAMILY Member Price: $9.99 for adults; Children 12 & under $2.49
Non-Member Price: $12.99 for adult; Children 12 & under $4.99

Tickets are sold per seating and are on sale now. Ask a Restaurant co-worker for details. Seating is limited at the two seating times (2:00pm – 4:00pm and 5:00pm – 8:00pm) so don’t wait to purchase your tickets!

There are also great weekly specials!

MONDAY
IKEA FAMILY Members receive a FREE cool bag with a purchase of $25 or more in the Swedish Food Market. Reg $5.99 Must show IKEA FAMILY card for offer.

TUESDAY
Kids Eat FREE! Children 12 and under can choose from one combo meal valued at $2.99.

WEDNESDAY in the Restaurant
Feed a family for four for only $9.99! Includes two adult entrees (value $6.99 or less – beverage not included) and two kids meals (value $2.99 each).
WEDNESDAY in the Swedish Food Market
20% off ALL Salmon products in the Swedish Food Market including marinated salmon; smoked salmon, frozen; marinated and smoked salmon; salmon fillet, frozen; PASTEJ LAX, salmon spread.

THURSDAY
Roasted chicken with mashed potatoes only $1.99! Reg $3.99

FRIDAY
Fish and chips only $1.99! Reg $4.99

IKEA Orlando went out into the Orlando community and worked with families to see how they lived to best set up their showrooms and how to best feature products.

They found that families need spaces that are dynamic to the ages of their children that are budget and space friendly, and to reflect these needs they’ve created several different home scenarios in their showroom.

IKEA Orlando Young Child and Smaller Space Showroom Scenario
IKEA Orlando Young Child and Smaller Space Showroom Scenario
IKEA Orlando Teen and Tween Showroom Scenario
IKEA Orlando Teen and Tween Showroom Scenario
IKEA Orlando large family Showroom Scenario
IKEA Orlando large family Showroom Scenario
IKEA Orlando Bachelor Showroom Scenario
IKEA Orlando Bachelor Showroom Scenario

I know you may not believe me, but Zoe asks to go to IKEA all the time, and I have a feeling we’ll be going more often as they roll out some great new programs.

IKEA Orlando Living With Children Priority
IKEA Orlando Living With Children Priority
  • Småland, is a FREE supervised children’s play area. If your child is between 37″” to 54″” and potty trained, he or she is welcome to play in Småland for 30 minutes while you shop. IKEA Family members get an extra 30 minutes!
  •  Family parking spaces located at the front of the store that are super convenient!
  • Strollers for use in the store
  • Playhouses, play towers, and play area are scattered throughout the store.
  • Restrooms with baby changing facilities that are stocked with free diapers as a service to IKEA Orlando customers
  • Baby care rooms
  • Kids dining area that features high chairs, a television with kid friendly shows, play area, bottle warmers, and even free baby food!

IKEA Orlando K.A.M.P is a brand new program that they are rolling out for days where school is out. Children can attend K.A.M.P and learn all about the other countries where you can find IKEA, get a great souvenier passport, a K.A.M.P shirt to wear on their first visit, and on completion of their daily tasks they’ll also receive a free meal. Keep in mind that this is an activity that you and your children do together, and not an experience like Småland where they are dropped off.

Another great thing coming to IKEA Orlando, is a complete redesign of the Children’s area to feature an expanded offering of furniture for kids ages 8-12 and to create an atmosphere that will facilitate play dates and family fun while you’re shopping.

Our IKEA #IKEACataLove Presenters
Our IKEA #IKEACataLove Presenters

IKEA USA is on Pinterest, and they have a whole team to help celebrate your great ideas for the uses of their products and to provide creative designs that you might find useful for your family!

Also, make sure that you sign up for IKEA Family to get great special offers and extra benefits around the store!

If you haven’t been to IKEA Orlando, you should! It’s a great place to shop and get organized! A good tip for visiting the store is to try to visit during the week in the early morning to avoid the crowds, because the store does get quite busy!

And here is the really fun part! You can enter for the chance to win a $100 IKEA Gift Card! This giveaway will run until August 30, 2013, so good luck!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I can’t finish this post without a huge thank you to SocialInfluenz for setting up this amazing opportunity!

Disclosure: Through a partnership with IKEA, I received compensation for my time and efforts in creating this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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LAST CHANCE To Purchase Advanced Discounted Tickets For D23 Expo 2013!

Purchase Your D23 Expo 2013 Tickets Today!

D23 Expo

D23 Expo 2013 Advanced Discount Ticket Prices End June 15, 2013!

The highly anticipated D23 Expo 2013: The Ultimate Fan Event returns to the Anaheim Convention Center from August 9 – 11, 2013, once again bringing the entire world of Disney under one roof and offering attendees unprecedented access to Disney films, television and theme parks as only D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can! Visit www.D23Expo.com to buy tickets before the prices go up on June 16.

D23 Expo Pricing

Highlights of D23 Expo 2013 include:

  • Live Concerts including Disney Legends and Academy Award®-winning composers Richard Sherman and Alan Menken, as well as “Broadway and Beyond” featuring performances by Heidi Blickenstaff (The Little Mermaid), Ashley Brown (Mary Poppins and Beauty and the Beast), Merle Dandridge (Tarzan® and Aida), Josh Strickland (Tarzan®) and Alton Fitzgerald White (The Lion King).

D23 Expo Broadway and Beyond

  • Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives—an insider exhibit celebrating the 50th anniversary of Mary Poppins, the ABC hit Once Upon a Time and Disney’s enduring exploration of the land of Oz with costumes, props, and set pieces.
D23 Expo
Bert’s carousel horse is one of the many Mary Poppins props and costumes that will be gliding into the new Treasures exhibit.
  • Disney Legends Awards–a stirring biennial event paying tribute to the talented men and women who have made indelible contributions to the Disney legacy.

D23 Expo

  • D23 Expo Dream Store and Silent Auction—a magical store featuring apparel, art, collectibles, and more Disney-inspired items. A rare Silent Auction offers attendees to bid on Disney artifacts, artwork, experiences, props, and more.

D23 Expo

  • 2013 Fan Art Contest—this year’s contest is themed to the upcoming 50th anniversary of Mary Poppins. Finalist artwork will be displayed in the Fan Art Gallery.

D23 Expo

  • And much more including celebrity appearances, panels and presentations, sneak peeks and unique experiences, all celebrating the past, present, and future of Disney.

D23 Expo

In 2011, celebrity appearances included Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Jennifer Garner, Dick Van Dyke, Willem Dafoe, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Jason Segel, Tom Bergeron, Jodi Benson, Lea Salonga, Anika Noni Rose, Sarah Silverman, Jack McBrayer and Sean Astin, along with Disney executives and creative talent.

Find more details on prices and announcements at the D23 Expo website:

www.D23Expo.com.

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Celebrate Mother’s Day At The Walt Disney World Swan And Dolphin Hotel

Swan and Dolphin Hotels
Swan and Dolphin Hotels

 

The Walt Disney World Swan And Dolphin Hotel will offer free mimosas for moms at a special Mother’s Day brunch at the

character-dining restaurant Garden Grove

 

To help guests celebrate their moms, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel will be offering a special brunch at the character-dining restaurant – Garden Grove – this Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12 from 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

All mothers will receive a mimosa, compliments of the Epcot Resort Area hotel, to enjoy with their meal, while the entire family can enjoy interacting with some of their favorite Disney characters as they dine in the restaurant’s park-like ambiance. The specialty menu will feature items including a create-your-own eggs benedict station, salads, soups, and a buffet featuring seared branzino (fish), wild mushroom ravioli, honey-baked petite chicken and much more.

In addition to the Mother’s Day brunch, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel offers numerous amenities to make moms feel special on their day.  Amenities include the luxurious, Balinese-themed Mandara Spa, five pools, a beach, Westin Heavenly Beds and much more.  To check availability, make reservations and find out more information, including the latest special rates and offers, please visit www.swandolphin.com.

To make reservations, guests can call 407-934-1618 or visit www.swandolphin.com. The brunch is $35.99 for adults; $19.99 for children (ages 3 – 9); kids under three eat free.  All pricing is exclusive of tax and gratuity; an 18% gratuity will be added to all checks. Discounts, promotions and coupons will not be accepted for this event.

In the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort, the award-winning Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel is the gateway to Central Florida’s greatest theme parks and attractions. The hotel is located between Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and nearby Disney’sAnimal Kingdom Theme Park and Magic Kingdom Park. Guests can discover 17 world-class restaurants and lounges, sophisticated guest rooms with Westin Heavenly Beds and the luxurious Mandara Spa. The hotel features five pools, two health clubs, tennis, nearby golf, complimentary transportation throughout the Walt Disney World Resort and the Extra Magic Hours benefit, where each day, one of the four Walt Disney World Theme Parks offers additional time for guests to enjoy select attractions. (Valid Theme Park admission and Resort ID required). The hotel can be reached at 800-227-1500, www.swandolphin.com or through Facebook at www.facebook.com/swananddolphin.

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A Day At Discovery Cove Now Includes Admission To SeaWorld Orlando And Aquatica

Discovery Cove is offering the ultimate vacation for Orlando visitors with the introduction of a new, all-inclusive package: A day at Discovery Cove now includes unlimited admission to SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica, SeaWorld’s waterpark.
These three parks — Discovery Cove, SeaWorld and Aquatica — are now known collectively as SeaWorld Parks & Resorts Orlando, the only place in the world that features unique adventures that connect families with animals, the sea and each other. It’s the one destination in Orlando where animals are the highlight and includes preferred hotel stays and exclusive benefits.
 
“This new offer is incredible for guests because it allows them to explore Discovery Cove for the day and also enjoy SeaWorld and Aquatica during their Orlando vacation, so they can experience the amazing animal connections that all of our parks deliver in their own way.” said Toni Caracciolo, Marketing Vice President for SeaWorld Parks & Resorts. “It also solidifies the Discovery Cove reservation as a true, all-inclusive package,” she added.
 
At Discovery Cove, guests can enjoy a perfect day swimming with dolphins, snorkeling with rays and tropical fish, hand-feeding exotic birds, and relaxing on pristine beaches … and that’s just the beginning.
 
Opening later this summer at Discovery Cove is Freshwater Oasis, where guests can wade, relax and come face-to-face with new animals — playful otters and curious marmosets. Plus, with unlimited admission to SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica for 14 consecutive days, guests have the ultimate flexibility to live the 3D 360 journey at TurtleTrek, SeaWorld’s newest attraction, and then cool off at Aquatica, a one-of-a-kind waterpark that immerses them in the playfulness of the sea.
Starting at $229, Dolphin Swim Day Resort Packages at Discovery Cove now include:
  • Reserved dolphin experience
  • Unlimited access to signature experiences including:  The Grand Reef, free-flight Explorer’s Aviary, Serenity Bay, Wind-Away River and coming soon Freshwater Oasis
  • Freshly prepared breakfast and lunch plus snacks throughout the day
  • Beverages all day long, including sodas, water and alcoholic drinks
  • All swim gear (mask, snorkel, and swim vest or wetsuit), towels, locker, sunscreen and other first-class amenities
  • All day self-parking at Discovery Cove
  • A complimentary photo portrait of guest and their party upon entry to park
  • A pass for 14 consecutive days of unlimited admission to SeaWorld and Aquatica in Orlando before, during or after Discovery Cove visit.
 
Guests that have already booked Discovery Cove reservations on or after May 22 and who have selected SeaWorld Orlando or Aquatica with their reservation will automatically have access to both parks during their vacation.  For reservations and to learn more, visit DiscoveryCove.com or call 1-877-434-7268.
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The SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay PreSchool Pass Is Back!!!

Children ages five and younger can now explore the wonders of Africa and the depths of the ocean for FREE with the new Busch Gardens & SeaWorld Preschool Pass. Little ones will experience kid-size thrills at Busch Gardens’ Sesame Street Safari of Fun and SeaWorld’s Shamu’s Happy Harbor play areas, get up close to their favorite furry and feathered friends, and see new shows brought to life.

The pass is valid for all of 2012 at both SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Kids are welcome to experience all there is to do for the preschool set, including seasonal events such as Summer Nights at Busch Gardens, SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular and festive holiday events at both parks. New this year, Busch Gardens will delight guests with its biggest ice show ever, Iceploration, premiering Feb. 2. And SeaWorld is introducing an all-new festival this year, “Just for Kids!” featuring concerts by Lazy Town, Max & Ruby, the Doodlebops and Choo-Choo Soul, along with plenty of family-friendly fun and activities on Saturdays Jan. 14 through Feb. 4.

Parents and older kids can join in on all the excitement with a Fun Card, which invites guests to pay for a day and play all year through Dec. 31, 2012, with no blackout dates.

The Free SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Preschool Pass is an online-only offer, available here. It is exclusively for Florida residents ages 5 and younger and is valid for unlimited admission – with no blackout dates – through Dec. 31, 2012 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and SeaWorld Orlando. The Preschool Pass does not include parking or Premium Passport discounts or benefits.

After registering through either park’s website, registrants can pick up the Preschool Pass for their child by bringing a printed confirmation and a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate to any ticket window at Busch Gardens’ or SeaWorld’s front gate.

“Must-see” preschool attractions at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Preschoolers will delight in Sesame Street Safari of Fun, a sunny, funny play land, filled with moments that your family can share for the first time — like a first coaster experience aboard Air Grover. And everyday smiles can be repeated again and again: clapping along to original shows, splashing in an expansive water play area and enjoying kid-size rides.

Also available in Sesame Street Safari of Fun, families can Dine with Elmo and Friends on select days and enjoy special event dining experiences with the characters to mark holidays, character birthdays and more. Beginning in March, opt for the Family Fun Buffet, offered on select days. It’s the perfect way to feed your hungry family during your busy day and not miss out on any of the fun! Enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet along with the chance to meet beloved Sesame Street characters between 12 and 4 p.m. on select days in the Sesame Street Safari of Fun Dining Pavilion. Reservations are not required.

In February, children’s imaginations will go wild when Iceploration takes the ice. The all-new, 30-minute show combines ethereal ice skating, larger-than-life puppets, amazing costumes and even animal stars. Iceploration opens Feb. 2, 2012 with shows daily in the Moroccan Palace Theatre. Another family favorite at Busch Gardens is “Critter Castaways,” in which a cast of unlikely characters – including dogs, cats, parrots and exotic animals –  come together to create a side-splitting show with surprise twists that will have the whole family laughing.

There are plenty of animal encounters and pint-sized rides for families with young children to enjoy as well. In Jungala, families can connect with the jungle through a three-story play land, enjoy a water play zone and come face to face with exotic and endangered animals. At Jambo Junction, guests can have up-close interactions with animals such as flamingos, lemurs and sloths. And in Timbuktu, a carousel and other junior rides will delight those not ready for the major coasters. And what preschooler doesn’t enjoy a train ride? You and your little one can journey across the Serengeti Plains to view zebra, rhino and giraffes aboard the Serengeti Express.

Some additional features that Busch Gardens offers families with young kids include stroller parking and reduced prices on kids’ meals in 2012.  Parking spots are available within our preferred parking area designated strictly for guests with strollers, so they can bypass the tram. No additional fee is required, and spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis to guests who request them at the parking tollbooths. At the park’s restaurants, kids’ meals are now just $5.99, including a drink, making it even more affordable to not only entertain, but also feed your little ones at Busch Gardens.

SeaWorld loves kids, too

And don’t forget that this awesome new FREE Preschool Pass also includes admission to SeaWorld Orlando. Just a short hour’s drive away, SeaWorld’s littlest guests can enjoy the wildly popular 4-acre play area, Shamu’s Happy Harbor.  It’s a kid’s dream come true, complete with kid-size rides, a 4-story net climb, and a great place for parents to relax in the shade. The park’s first family-oriented roller coaster, Shamu Express, can be found here, along with many other kiddie rides to explore.

And that’s in addition to all the wondrous animal encounters at SeaWorld. Your family can meet penguins, dolphins, fish, rays, sharks, and, of course, Shamu!

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