Hershey Park This Summer! A Pennsylvania Must Do!

Hershey Park This Summer! Two New Water Rides To Enjoy! A Pennsylvania Must Do!


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One thing I love about visiting Hershey Park in Hershey, PA is that there is always something new to enjoy. This summer when you visit there are two new water rides at The Boardwalk, a waterpark located within Hershey Park. We tried them both and they were equally amazing although the majority of the family did choose Whitecap Racer over Breakers Edge Water Coaster.

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Whitecap Racer is Hershey Park’s very first rafting mat race water ride. It is also touted as the world’s longest mat coaster. The water ride has six people racing on mats down individually colored lanes and has a start and finish line. There are even two sets of looping tunnels! The ride records your time and keeps track of your time in order to rank you for 1st Place to 6th Place. I won’t tell you what place I came in, but my sons did come in 1st and 2nd Place!

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Breakers Edge Water Coaster is the first hydromagnetic water coaster and has people go in a four person raft. This is great for a family or friends that want to ride together! It’s filled with thrills. There is also plenty more to do at The Boardwalk inside of Hershey Park. We love the wave pool (The Shore) and the lazy river (Intercoastal Waterway). Choices! Choices! Check out all of The Boardwalk by clicking here! There are also have a beautiful cabana packages you can rent if that is your thing. 

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When it comes to rides my family is definitely in the thrill seeker category. Hubby and my sons love coasters. I love them, too but most times I am hanging out with Emm on the sidelines. There are a slue of coasters at Hershey Park and really it would be tough to choose a favorite, maybe Fahrenheit!?! There are so many, okay, top three- Fahrenheit, Sidewinder and of course, The Comet!  We do love there are family rides as well that we can all do together. Our family favorites are Reese’s Extreme Cup Challenge, The Twin Turnpike and The Scrambler! You can check out all of the family friendly rides by clicking here!

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All of the rides at Hershey Park are categorized by candy names. You can check out what category your child can ride before even entering the park so you are well prepared. The youngest children can enjoy any ride tagged with Hershey’s Miniatures. Children a little older (and taller) are tagged as Hershey’s Kisses. Children 42 to 48 inches are in the Reese’s category. 48 to 54 inches is the Hershey Bar category and can basically ride just about anything. The last two are Twizzlers (54-60 inch) and Jolly Rancher (60 inches and taller). You can also stop by guest relations at the top of the hill once you enter Hershey Park and have your children measured and given a wristband so they do not have to be measured at each ride. There are also Children’s wristbands available that have your family information on them in case you are separated from your child during your day at Hershey Park! I would recommend getting both wristbands on the way in. You can never be too careful! There is something for everyone at Hershey Park! You can check out all of the height restrictions and find out more about the rides by clicking here.

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When you do visit Hershey Park make sure you leave enough time for a stop at Hershey’s Chocolate World located just before you enter Hershey Park. Hershey’s Chocolate World is a free to enter attraction filled with a bigger than life candy store, dining, a bakery, Make Your Own Chocolate Bar Experience (paid attraction) and it’s also home of the famous Hershey Factory Tour Ride (free) that takes you on a tour through a make shift factory. You will not want to miss this attraction! Check out more about Hershey’s Chocolate World by clicking here.

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When it comes to accommodations in the Hershey Park area our favorite two resorts are The Hotel Hershey and The Hershey Lodge. During our recent visit we stayed at The Hershey Lodge. The lodge has everything you would expect from a resort centered around Hershey’s products from characters in the lobby to sheets and pillowcases adorned with embroidered Hershey’s Kisses. There is even Kisses themed wallpaper in the restroom. Every room comes with a turn down service where surprises will be left on your pillow. It’s a dream come true. There is also a Children’s Check in each day where characters greet your children and special activities are available. You won’t want to miss it if you are visiting The Hershey Lodge. The resort also has dining available in a few locations throughout the lodge. Check out more about The Hershey Lodge by clicking here.

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When it comes to a water experience, The Hershey Lodge has you covered. Their new resort attraction, Hershey Water Works at Hershey Lodge is a mini waterpark right inside the hotel. There is even a Red Twizzlers themed waterslide that you will love. There is a pool with ride on dolphins, basketball hoops, sprinklers, slides, and more. They have a 14+ Hot Tub is just utopia after a day in the park! If you stay at the Hershey Lodge make time to check out the pool area, you won’t be disappointed. 

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 Disclosure: All opinions are that of Diane Sullivan and honest. They do not reflect the views of the parent company represented. A family media invite was extended for this stay at Hershey Lodge and Hershey Park. Thank you Hershey family. We had a wonderful time making memories in Hershey, Pa throughout our stay. Can’t wait to visit again! Contact me at Diane@3decades3kids.net or @3decades3kids across all social media networks. 

Sneak Off for some “Me Time” With Netflix This Month! #StreamTeam

We know there are only so many times you can hear the Dinotrux theme song before you start sneaking off to binge the new season of Orange is the New Black in the bathtub or “do work in the garage” while you secretly watch Voltron: Legendary Defender. Don’t be ashamed, moms and dads, you’re definitely not alone.

Below, you can check out some of our favorite Netflix shows to sneak off and watch, particularly the ones that are getting new seasons this month! (So excited for more Orange is the New Black!!) Also, on the movie side of things, I’m thrilled to let you all know that the Jurassic Park trilogy– my all-time FAVORITE movies– are now available to stream as well! What Netflix movies and tv can you not resist sneaking off to catch up on?

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The Netflix Sneak

Go ahead and try it out with some of your favorites:

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Orange is the New Black: Season 4

Bloodline

Bloodline: Season 2 – Now on Netflix

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Voltron: Legendary Defender

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Scandal: Season 5

Chelsea

Chelsea – Now on Netflix

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Grey’s Anatomy: Season 12

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New on Netflix for Kids, Tweens, Teens and Families:

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Pretty Little Liars: Season 6 – Now on Netflix

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The Giver

LEGO Friends

LEGO Friends: The Power of Friendship: Season 2

King Julien

All Hail King Julien: Season 3

Justin Time

Justin Time GO!: Season 1 (6/24)

Dragons

Dragons: Race to the Edge: Season 3 (6/24)

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Netflix Tech Hacks

Last month, Netflix released two new innovations to help you make the most of your streaming experience:

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Next time you’re having trouble streaming your favorite Netflix show, check Fast.com, a no frills tool that tests your internet connection speed, to view your download speeds.

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Users can now control how much data they use when streaming on cellular networks. To set your data usage, make sure you have the latest version of the Netflix app and visit the “App Settings” menu.

New York International Auto Show– Spotlight on Nissan and Ticket Giveaway! #GNONYIAS16 #GNONYIASNissan

As a mom of three, I find myself constantly behind the wheel of our car– whether it’s dropping the kids off at school in the morning, picking them up in the afternoon, going grocery shopping, or covering whatever life throws at us, I feel like I spend more time driving than I do at home! And with the New York International Auto Show right around the corner (it’s just two weeks away!) there’s no better time  to highlight two of the cars that fit my “driving mom” lifestyle the most, the Nissan Sentra and Nissan Altima. We’ve also got a giveaway for two tickets to the New York International Auto Show– read on for more about the Sentra and Altima, and details about how to win!

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The 2016 Nissan Sentra continues the brand’s “class above” style, and combines premium design and appearance with a roomy interior, advanced connectivity tools, and safety technology you can trust. The car features such exterior perks as a new front fascia, grille, fenders, hood and signature boomerang-shaped headlights, as well as chrome door handles and chrome window accents and available heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals. On the interior side of things, the Sentra boasts a brand new style of steering wheel (similar to the Nissan 370Z design), one of the largest interiors in its class (meaning ample legroom and a great trunk capacity– both major perks in my book!) and a beautiful new TFT-type (Thin Film Transistor) LCD flat panel display with higher resolution than previous LCD screens. Finally, as far as safety, the 2016 Nissan Sentra offers some of the best technology available, including Forward Emergency Braking (FEB), Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), all of which are available on the Sentra this year for the first time ever.

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2016 Nissan Altima

The 2016 Nissan Altima builds on five consecutive years of sales growth with an extensive redesign for this year’s model– including a new design, new driving feel. improved fuel economy, and a wide array of enhanced technology, connectivity, and safety features. The new Altima bears a brand new look that designers call “energetic flow,” with the front and rear sections featuring totally new designs and sheet metal, redesigned headlights, a new lowered muscular front fascia, a new rear fascia and bumper, and a new grille and bumper. The 2016 Nissan Altima a host of safety features like radar-based Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Forward Emergency Braking (FEB), Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and the class-exclusive Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW).

Both the 2016 Nissan Sentra and the 2016 Nissan Altima will be on display at the New York International Auto Show, which runs from March 25- April 3, 2016, and I am beyond excited to see these two car models there in person! I also hope I’ll see you there– make sure to click the following link and enter the Rafflecopter giveaway through SheBuysCars for your chance to win 2 tickets to the New York International Auto Show and a $150 Gift Card! Good luck!

Disclosure Diane Sullivan/3decades3kids is a New York International Auto Show Ambassador.This is a sponsored post in conjunction with the ambassadorship and She Buys Cars. All opinions are honest and my own. Contact me at Diane@3decades3kids.net or @3decades3kids across the social media platforms.

Warm Up This Winter At Great Wolf Lodge @greatwolflodge

Winter At Great Wolf Lodge- A Perfect Place To Warm Up

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The winter freeze is definitely upon us. Although we do enjoy the snowy outdoor activities, we are also always in search of a cozy winter retreat. Luckily for us, Great Wolf Lodge in the Poconos- less than two hours away from NYC is always there for us. Imagine enjoying an indoor water park with a view of the snowy mountains. It’s yours for the taking. One of our favorite family fun resorts is definitely Great Wolf. No matter that age of your children, from infants to adults, even the grandparents will have a blast. If you do visit, make sure you pack your swimsuit. Well, if you do forget, there is always one available at one of the shoppes.

 

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Ten Things Our Family Loves About Great Wolf Lodge

1. You can choose your own activity level from reading a book in front of the fireplace in the Grand Lobby to swimming and water slides. It’s your call.

2. Magiquest and Shadowquest: What a fun game for all ages. The kids will love solving quests and moving on to different levels. Good Luck at the end if you go up against the dragon. He’s a tough one to beat, but there is always someone on hand from the Magiquest team to help you out, so don’t worry.

3. The Water park! Okay, so this one is definitely is my family’s favorite. We all love the wave pool, water slides and whirlpools. 84 degrees. Yes, please!

4. There are plenty of places to dine at the lodge. You do not have to leave to fill up the bellies. There are choices from buffets, Wolf It Down pizza, and more. Did I mention there is a Starbucks?

 

 

 

 

 

 

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5. Story Hour is my daughter’s favorite. She loves watching the Clock Tower show followed by story time and then a character meet and greet. It is simply adorable. If you visit, don’t miss it.

6. The rooms are a world onto themselves. There is a huge variety of room styles to choose from. We love the loft with two floors of fun, and an in room fireplace and balcony. There are also rooms that tout bunk beds and their own kids’ cabin within the room.

7. There is a SPA within the lodge. One for adults and one for kids- Scooops Kids Spa. Enough said?

8. The Northern Lights arcade is a family fun spot for all of us. Everyone in our family has a blast between air hockey, skee ball, Deal or No Deal, and so many more choices.

 

9. The Staff! They are amazing. We visit the Poconos location and they are just top notch. No matter where you are in the lodge you can find a smiling face and someone to help or just brighten up your day. They are knowledgeable and willing to lend an extra hand.

10. Family time! With everyone on a different schedule it’s nice to get away, even for one night and just be together. The laughs are many and the memories we are making will last forever. Great Wolf Lodge cannot be beat for close to home family fun!


If your family is ready to warm up this winter, you should definitely check out Great Wolf Lodge.

See you there! Great Wolf Lodge

Disclosure: No compensation was given for this post. A greatly reduced media rate is provided in order to facilitate this post. All opinions are that of Diane Sullivan. This post is part of our #Roadtrip2fun Series. Contact me at 3decades3kid@gmail.com and everywhere else as @3decades3kids.

SpongeBob Movie Sponge Out Of Water Premiere and New SpongeBob Toys!

SpongeBob Movie Sponge Out Of Water Premiere and New SpongeBob Toys!

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SpongeBob Movie Sponge Out Of Water is now in theaters! Three words: Go See It! If you are a SpongeBob fan you are going to laugh your face off. Recently readers were able to download passes to the New York City premiere. We were invited, too! The premiere touted a yellow carpet and stars galore. As fate would have it, Emily woke up with a high fever, thankfully MommysMingle was able to walk the carpet for us. Mr. Krabs, Clancy Brown, himself was on hand with others to sign autographs and give handshakes! You can check out the movie here: http://www.spongebobmovie.com/

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My daughter should have been wearing this awesome girls’ Super tee and carrying Super Patrick to the premiere. Those darn germs! Well, good news, she’ll be wearing it tomorrow when we see it at our favorite Times Square theater! I’m sure the SpongeBob fans in the audience will love it!

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A few days before the movie premiere we were thrilled to be invited to see a sneak peek of all the new SpongeBob Movie Sponge Out of Water from Nickelodeon. There are some very awesome products that any SpongeBob fan will go crazy for. We loved the app and now have it an play it all the time. This is one of those apps where the moms are taking turns with the kids, know what I mean? Okay, so I’m totally addicted! Mega Bloks sets are awesome! There was so much to see, one product more incredible than the next. There is definitely something for everyone.

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 Disclosure: Media invite provided by Nickelodeon Consumer Products and The SpongeBob Movie Sponge Out of Water. All opinions are that of Diane Sullivan. Contact me at 3decades3kids@gmail.com and everywhere else at @3decades3kids.