There’s Something New At Great Wolf Lodge Poconos

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There’s Something New At Great Wolf Lodge Poconos

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This summer, Great Wolf Lodge. Poconos Mountains, PA has made some big changes– and our family was lucky enough to get a special look at some of the lodge’s greatest new features! The biggest new addition to Great Wolf Lodge awaits visitors in the waterpark: a brand new waterslide/video game hybrid called Slideboarding! In this new water sliding experience guests get the opportunity to play their favorite songs– from a variety of genres including pop, rock, rap, electronic, country, and more– as they cascade down one of two unique Slideboarding courses. Count me in on this one! We could not wait to test it out. Of course everyone in the family thought they could just rock it out, but we found it to be a little bit more of a challenge, which only peaked out interest. 

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Slideboarding at GWL!
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Here’s how it works: guests begin their experience by creating their own personal Slideboarding profile. This can be used to track their scores and log in at other Slideboarding locations (the feature is coming soon to the Williamsburg, VA Great Wolf Lodge and more) as well as on the official Slideboarding app. Next guests will pick a genre of music to determine which songs they will play along with on the slide– each genre has a pool of current and classic songs that will play randomly, so each slide is a new surprise! Once they’re aboard the slide, guests press buttons on the kayak-like Slideboard as they pass under colored lights. Time it just right, and you can get a perfect score, unlocking the next level of play! Leaderboards are displayed on screens at the slide’s base, and are also available online– try to beat your friends and family’s scores or those of other players, and race to become the best!
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Let’s go Glamping at GWL!
But Slideboarding isn’t the only new feature at Great Wolf Lodge– the lodge is also offering three new programs to guests staying the night. The first is a must-have for anyone traveling with little ones: a complimentary service (available on request) providing a Diaper Genie and a pack of swim diapers right in your room! We are past the diaper stage in our family, but I do remember the days of straining my brain wondering what to do with all the diapers! Congrats on the this one GWL! It’s going to be a real keeper of parents with littles in the room.
The next is geared more toward fashion-friendly guests– the Glamping Pack! This program includes a Great Wolf Lodge canvas backpack for you to keep, a pack of Scooops nail polish, and a special delivery of milk and cookies to your room by Wiley or Violet the wolf! So Glamp on! Our family loved testing this package out. We were already in the Kids’ Cabin room, so the Glamping package was a natural. We loved it. I would completely recommend it to friends and family.
Finally, a package that will fill the whole family with wintry wonder– Great Wolf Lodge’s new Snowland themed rooms! This new package gives the standard Great Wolf Lodge room a snowy makeover to fit with the Snowland theme of the rest of the lodge, complete with festive lights, a decorated tree in your room, a visit with milk and cookies from Wiley or Violet, and a special Snowland blanket for you to keep! https://www.greatwolf.com/poconos
The fun just keeps coming at Great Wolf Lodge! The next time you visit Great Wolf Lodge don’t forget to add on your favorite package and definitely test out the new Slideboarding! You will not be disappointed.

Disclosure: Diane Sullivan was entended a media invitation that included lodging, some dining, and surprise items. All opinions are that of Diane Sullivan and honest. Contact me at 3decades3kids@Gmail.com or Diane@3decades3kids.net. Very Special thanks to the GWL team and Bill Colavito.

Chevys Fresh Mex Has A Lobster Fiesta Going On Now! @ChevysFreshMex #LobsterFiesta

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Chevys Fresh Mex Has A Lobster Fiesta Going On Now!

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One of our family’s favorite restaurants around is Chevys Fresh Mex. Everyone in our family of five loves Mexican inspired food. Hubby and I have spent many days in Mexico and dining at Chevys Fresh Mex is the closest thing we have found to going back!  Now that summer is in full swing, Chevys Fresh Mex has introduced a limited time, seasonal menu perfect for lobster lovers – and the summertime season. Chevys Fresh Mex’s Lobster Fiesta menu features three new dishes starring sweet, succulent lobster with a Fresh Mex twist. I took pictures of ALL of them, so you could get a close up look of the deliciousness! Don’t ask me which one my fav was, please! We all ending up just digging into all three of the lobster dishes. Yum to all! The three dishes are available at Chevys Fresh Mex location in Clifton and Linden.

The Lobster Fiesta Menu includes:

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Lobster Salad – This Spring mix is topped with a generous portion of lobster meat, accompanied by house-roasted corn salsa, fresh avocado slices and tortilla strips, served with choice of dressing (Chevys recommends cilantro-lime). We took the recommended dressing and the entire dish was absolutely delish! 

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Lobster Roll –Where ever lobster rolls are available, I am so there. I order this all time at many different places. Chevys Fresh Mex totally lived up!  Two split-top rolls, toasted and stuffed with Chevys’ mexi-style lobster salad – delectable pieces of lobster mixed with homemade chipotle aioli and fresh-roasted corn salsa. Served with cilantro-lime aioli and fries.

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Lobster Tacos –Okay, so if I did have to choose my favorite of the three, this would be it. It’s a personal choice. I think this dish did the best of giving a Mexican flair to a lobster dish. The combo of everything served together totally impressed me. Yummmo! Just looking at the pic makes me want to jump into the car and head back to Chevys!  It’s served with house-pressed flour tortillas stuffed with shredded lettuce and cabbage, topped with Chevys’ mexi-style lobster salad. Served with rice, choice of beans and cilantro-lime aioli on the side.

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In addition to the new lobster dishes you can find all of your favorites on the menu for your non-loving lobster friends and family. Ironically, my son insisted he would not like any of the lobster dishes….until they arrived! We have a new lobster fan in the family thanks to Chevys. As for dessert, Chevys Fresh Mex cannot be beat, so definitely leave some room. You will not want to skip the Fried Ice Cream or the other delicious choices. There was NOT much sharing when it came to dessert. Everyone had their own and pretty much kept to it. 

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We were also wowed with the redesign of Chevys Fresh Mex in Clifton, NJ. We were given some inside info that the lamps and many of the decor pieces were brought in directly from Mexico.  Our family especially loved the upside down bottle lamp. What an amazing piece of lamp art! Thank you Chevys for bringing Mexico and bringing lobster to New Jersey! We will definitely be back! Yum! Thumbs Up from this family! Check out everything Chevys Fresh Mex right here: http://chevys.com 

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Disclosure: Diane Sullivan was invited by Chevys Fresh Mex to review the new limited time Lobster Fiesta. All opinions are that of my own and completely honest. No compensation was given for this post. Contact me at Diane@3decades3kids.net or 3decades3kids@gmail.com and everywhere else as @3decades3kids. Special thanks to Chevys for the delicious dinner.

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoy Halloween in Hershey, PA @HersheyPA #HersheyParkHappy

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Enjoy Halloween in Hershey, PA
The Sweetest Place On Earth Delivers Family-Friendly Fun

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August is here and we all know what comes next-September, and then my favorite month of the year, October! Yes, I absolutely am in love with October! There is something about the chill in the air, the changing leaves and of course Halloween! I may be so into summer right now, but come the first breeze of Fall, I will be breaking out the cuddly sweaters and cozy boots!  Fall does bring some wonderful changes as Hershey transforms into a festive Halloween destination. Featuring safe, family-focused events and activities ranging from roller coaster rides and a trick-or-treat adventure at Hersheypark in the Dark to a flashlight walking experience at ZooAmerica during Creatures of the Night, Halloween In Hersheyprovides guests with three weekends of family thrills.

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Although we are wearing our flip-flops, now is a great time to book your Halloween stay at a Hershey Resort!

The fun takes place Fridays through Sundays from October 16 through November 1, and includes:

Hersheypark in the Dark

Hersheypark in the Dark features more than 50 rides and attractions including the Park’s 13 roller coaster and Halloween-themed entertainment. Guests visiting the Park will experience:

  • Halloween-themed rides and experiences.
  • New this year! Thrill seekers will enjoy our newest roller coaster, Laff Trakk, the nation’s only indoor, spinning glow-coaster, in complete darkness the last hour of each operating evening.  
  • Additionally, the Park will also turn the lights off on our three wooden roller coasters during that same hour creating more opportunity for seasonal fun!  
  • Hershey’s Trick-or-Treat Adventure featuring a candy trail that starts at Hershey’s Chocolate World and continues throughTreatville, a seasonal town inside Hersheypark, for children 12 and younger (costumes are encouraged).
  • Fall-themed food and beverage offerings, and live entertainment including favorites “Bunsen & The Burners,” a band of crazy singing scientists and their monster friends.

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Tickets for Hersheypark in the Dark are $35.85 for adults (ages 9-54) and $24.85 for juniors (ages 3-8) and seniors (ages 55+). For hours of operation and additional information, please visit www.hershey ; park.com/seasons/halloween.php.

Creatures of the Night at ZooAmerica

Included in the one-price admission to Hersheypark in the Dark, guests are invited to bring a flashlight to experience Creatures of the Night at ZooAmerica. This is the only time of the year when guests can experience the Zoo after dark. They will enjoy:

  • Seeing the nocturnal habits of North American species.
  • Pumpkin treats being fed for select animals.

Separate admission is also available at the Zoo’s off-street entrance.

The Official Resorts of Hersheypark

Guests that stay at one of the three Official Resorts of Hersheypark get to enjoy discounted admission to Hersheypark in the Dark and complimentary shuttle service.

The Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge offer a Halloween In Hershey Package that gives guests the following perks:

  • Deluxe accommodations.
  • Breakfast with the Hershey’s Characters.
  • One-day admission to Hersheypark in the Dark.
  • Admission to Hershey Gardens and The Hershey Story’s Museum Experience.

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The package is available Fridays and Saturdays from October 16 through October 31 with prices starting from $489* at Hershey Lodgeand $559* at The Hotel Hershey, for a family of four.

*Price is per room per night, based on a family of four. Excludes tax and gratuities. Other restrictions may apply.

The Spa At The Hotel Hershey     

From September 1 through November 30, The Spa At The Hotel Hershey offers guests fall-themed treatments to relax their mind and body.

  • Pumpkin Latte Manicure & Pedicure: $140* Monday – Thursday, $150* Friday – Sunday
  • Pumpkin Spice Scrub: $70* Monday – Thursday, $75* Friday – Sunday (available October
  • Pumpkin Soufflé Wrap: $125* Monday – Thursday, $135* Friday – Sunday (available October 1)
  • Pumpkin Immersion: $195* Monday – Thursday, $205* Friday – Sunday (available October 1)

*A 20 percent service charge will be added to the bill for all treatments. This treatment may not be combined with any other offer, discount or promotion.

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Hershey’s Chocolate World

With fun for the whole family each weekend during Halloween in Hershey, Hershey’s Chocolate World guests enjoy:

  • Hershey’s Trick-Or-Treat Adventure: Enter Hershey Hallow to begin your trick-or-treat adventure.
  • Tricky Treats & Sweets: Shop Halloween treats in Hershey’s largest candy store and pick up delightful sweets from the bakery.
  • NEW! Flavors of Fall Dessert Festival: Discover unique treats and rediscover classic favorites.

The Hershey Story Museum

Visitors can learn about the history of chocolate at The Hershey Story, The Museum on Chocolate Avenue, and families can experience:

  • Black Cat Alley: Follow the black cat to Halloween fun and get a head start on trick-or-treating with some delicious Hershey’s treats! Kids can use vintage Hershey advertising art to create their own mini Halloween character to use as a pin or decoration. Make a Halloween spider web, too. Costumes are encouraged for children ages 12 and under. $5 per person. This activity is held Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. from October 17 through November 1.

Hershey Gardens

Hershey Gardens lights up the night with more than 150 uniquely carved illuminated pumpkins and a variety of whimsical scarecrows, some of which come alive, during its annual Pumpkin Glow. Kids ages 12 and younger are invited to bring a flashlight, come in costume, trick-or-treat throughout the Gardens and experience the following activities:

  • Listen to a garden-themed story.
  • Collect candy treats at stops along the Gardens’ paths.
  • Watch live pumpkin carving demonstrations.

Pumpkin Glow is from 6 to 9 p.m. on October 23, 24, 30 and 31.

            For additional information, hours and pricing for Halloween In Hershey, please visit www.HersheyPA.com. Follow us on Twitter @HersheyPA. 

Disclosure: Diane Sullivan is a travel blogger who loves to visit Pa. All opinions are that of Diane Sullivan. No compensation was given for this post. Please contact me at Diane@3decades3kids.net or 3decades3kids@gmail.com and everywhere else as @3decades3kids.

Nintendo’s Splatoon Is Taking Over Our House This Summer! #Nintendo

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Nintendo’s Splatoon Is Taking Over Our House This Summer!

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This summer something has taken over our house! No one is complaining that’s for sure. In fact this gaming family has welcomed the takeover with open arms! Splatoon, Nintendo’s new energetic third-person shooter game is a perfect game for families and kids of all ages! Splatoon offers a unique experience that differs from other games in its genre. Players can seamlessly transform from their human form into squids, and can swim around in the paint that they have coated the ground with from their guns.

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Splatoon’s multiplayer mode focuses on two teams competing the cover the most ground with their team’s paint color. This makes for a hectic, exciting, and fun multiplayer experience. Splatoon’s graphics show off the technical power of the Wii U, and all of the different vibrant colors in the game set it apart from most other games on the market.
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My children have become big fans of Nintendo’s Splatoon. It is a game that appeals to all ages, due to the fact that it is very bright and colorful along with having RPG-like character customization and multiplayer with high replay value. Splatoon is an incredible game, and has become a classic in my home. By the way: SPLATFEST!! We have and will be so there! If only we could choose the winning team! Thanks for all the fun, Nintendo. You know how to keep this family happy! 
 
Disclosure: Diane Sullivan was provided with Nintendo WiiU gaming system along with Splatoon and Amiibo figures in order to be a Nintendo Gamer and complete this review. All opinions are those of my own and completely honest. No compensation was given for this post. Contact me at 3decades3kids@gmail.com or Diane@3decades3kids.net 

Hershey Park In Hershey Pa #HersheyParkHappy @HersheyPa #LaughTrakk

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Hershey Park- The Sweetest Place On Earth

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Looking for an absolutely wonderful place to visit with your family? Look no further than Hershey, Pennsylvania. Our family recently took a roadtrip to Hershey, Pa to spend the weekend. We love getting out of the city and heading to the beautiful mountains and countryside that surrounds the Sweetest Place on Earth. This trip we had a definite list of things we wanted to do including checking out the new ride- Laugh Trakk.

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To our family there is no better place to be than Hershey, Pa! We just love Hershey Park and all the memories we have created throughout the years. With a family of five we are always looking for weekends we can spend just unplugged- sharing laughs and good times. Hershey Park has something for each one of us. I honestly believe it has something for everyone. As soon as we arrived at Hershey Park we headed directly to the newest ride, Laugh Trakk! The ride definitely did not disappoint. This indoor spinning roller coaster had us from the entrance which is fully lined with mirrors to get your group laughing and having fun before the ride even begins. The Fun House theme is in full effect and trust me on this one, do not miss it when you are visiting! By the way there is a Hershey Park app you can download to have the entire park in the palm of your hands.

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Personally I think one of the biggest perks to Hershey Park is the enclosed waterpark- The Boardwalk. We just love it. This seasonal delight is just big enough for you to enjoy for an hour or the entire day. It’s a great place to start off the day and then continue you on to all the nighttime fun there is in store. My daughter is pretty much obsessed with the both the mini and big wave pool at The Boardwalk. As for hubby and the boys, they can’t keep away from the waterslides and tubes. There are also Boardwalk themed games of chance and foods right there to make you feel like you are at a seaside resort!

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When it comes to choosing a resort while visiting Hershey Park you will not find better than the Hotel Hershey and the Hershey Lodge. During this trip we had the true pleasure of experiencing the Hershey Lodge which captivates you for the moment of check-in to the Hershey Characters appearing in the lobby and the special kids check in time where children can decorate their own lanyard and join into special check in activities. As for the rooms- spectacular! They are just beautiful, clean and super roomy! Did I mention that the wallpaper in the rest room is Hershey kiss themed. As a guest of the resort you are treated to extra time in Hershey Park along with a free shuttle service that takes guests door to door. The only issue we found about the Hershey Lodge is that it is very difficult to leave. It’s so welcoming and there are so many activities, along with an indoor and outdoor pool that you may never want to leave!

We found the best way to work a two day/ one night stay is to arrive early on day one- check in early at the resort and pick up the tickets to Hershey Park. Then head over to the themepark for the day. On day two we wake up and head over to the indoor/outdoor pool for a swim, then head over to Chocolate World.

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Chocolate World is located just before the entrance to Hershey Park. It is free to enter, and you can also take The Ride Chocolate Tour through a the story of making chocolate which includes a sample at the end of the ride. Yum! It’s also a great place to shop and dine. You can find all of your favorite Hershey’s candies and also some that you may not find anywhere else. There are special cupcakes, fudges, choco covered strawberries, milkshakes and so much more.

There are activities you can choose for an additional price. The trolley ride, Trolley Works is a fun family activity that takes you on an entertaining and informative ride through time. We tried three of the activites. All three were family friendly and definitely worth it! Our first was the 4D Chocolate Mystery- Wow! This fun 4D interactive show even includes the audience to choose the ending! You may even hear your name, so listen carefully. Our second choice was The Chocolate Tasting Experience (new for 2015). Chocolate Tasting? Count me in! Our family was not sure what to expect but it certainly exceeded all of our expectations. Without giving out spoilers I can just tell you that this activity purred from beginning to end. We learned how sight, smell and sound all play into the different types of chocolates throughout the world. And I thought I was a chocolate expert! Our final activity was Create Your Own Candy Bar! Wooza!! This one was definitely my favorite. The entire family felt like we were transported into the Hershey’s Chocolate factory to create our very own chocolate bars! First you suit up including a hairnet, then you choose your toppings, and watch your chocolate bar created on the assembly line right in front of your very eyes. During the process you even have the chance to create your very own original wrapper! This is definitely something you will want to do again and again. So much fun!

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Well, this post was super long but filled with goodness just like Hershey, Pa. So what are you waiting for? Here’s the website to check it all out and make your own reservation. There is still plenty of time left to summer. Another wonderful time to visit is Fall/Halloween and Winter/Christmas. We cannot wait to go back again! Thanks for all the happiness Hershey. No wonder we love you so much! http://www.hersheypa.com/

Disclosure: Diane Sullivan was provided with a deeply discounted media rate including room/activities/tickets. All opinions are honest and that of Diane Sullivan. #SummerInPa  Contact me  at Diane@3decades3kids.net or 3decades3kids@gmail.com and everywhere else @3decades3kids.