Second Screen Live: The Little Mermaid -In Theaters Now! Don’t Miss Out! Video On How It Works!

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Second Screen Live: The Little Mermaid
In Theaters Now 

Calling all Disney fans! This is something you will not want to miss out on! Leave it to Disney to come up with a new way to make us love the Disney movies even more than we already do. Personally, I did not know what to expect when our family was invited to experience Second Screen Live: The Little Mermaid.
Our family had a bunch of questions before the show that we were wondering about, so I decided to just list them out, since NOW I have the answers to them after experiencing 
the movie the other the other night.
Sing along with the words on your ipad!
Getting ready for Second Screen Live:The Little Mermaid
One of the games!
  • Do I need an ipad to enjoy Second Screen Live: The Little Mermaid? We are a family of five and had one ipad between us. We did pass the ipad back and forth so everyone could experience the fun of playing the games, but when we were not using the ipad we still enjoyed the movie.
  • Can I download the app onto my iphone? No! You cannot use an iphone or ipod touch. The app can only be downloaded onto an ipad or ipad mini. Also, be sure to download the app before you go to the theater. 
  • Does the light of all the ipads distract everyone during the movie? Believe it or not, you will not even notice the other ipads in use. The movie keeps you so busy that you will not be distracted at all.
  • Will there be too much going on that the experience will be overwhelming? The movie and app combo is brilliant. Remember you can choose whatever you want to play as you go along. We played every game and activity and had a blast.  I was not expecting the app to go from the beginning to the end of the movie, but somehow it works!
  • Can I still eat popcorn and drink soda while playing? That is totally up to you, but just remember that you will have your ipad right there. I am always frantic about my daughter spilling a drink on it, so I kept the drinks away.
  • How will I know how to set up the screen? Before the movie begins there will be a basic tutorial all about how to set up your settings, etc. You will have enough time and they actually show you on the movie screen exactly what to do.
  • What kind of prizes can we win? Okay, so who does not like a prize, right? We were lucky enough to win a limited edition Little Mermaid numbered poster!
  • Who can enjoy this type of movie experience? My entire family with kids from age 6-22 enjoyed the new fun of it, along with the parents. There are activities that go from popping bubbles to trivia to mazes to puzzles and more. There are a few sing alongs and shout out sessions throughout the movie, so everyone has something to do!
  • Does Disney Pictures have any other Second Screen Live movies in the making? Yes! Next up is The Nightmare Before Christmas. This was BIG for my two sons who just adore that movie for years! Is the movie exactly the same as the one I have at home? The movie is not exactly the same. The characters are hilarious as they heckle, comment and ask questions. If you already like the movie, you will LOVE Second Screen Live! It’s only in theaters for a very limited time, so don’t miss out! You can check out when and where right here. Don’t delay, I believe it’s only in theaters until September 26th.

Well, I hope this helped! If there is anything else you would like to know, please don’t hesitate to ask me on the 3decades3kids facebook page or in the comments section. Our family is already looking forward to seeing Second Screen Live: Nightmare Before Christmas! See you there! Please check out our video below that will give you a much better idea about what Second Screen Live: The Little Mermaid is like when you actually go to the theater!


The Walt Disney Studios invites animation fans to experience a classic film like never before with a new interactive theatrical event for the whole family: “Second Screen Live: The Little Mermaid.”

Beginning September 20, this beloved musical adventure returns to select theaters for a special limited engagement, only this time viewers are encouraged to become a part of the story. This unique engagement marks the debut of Disney Second Screen Live, a new second-screen technology that allows audiences to engage with the film, each other and their fellow audience members.

By simply downloading the free “Second Screen Live: The Little Mermaid App” to an Apple iPad or iPad mini and bringing their Mermaid-loaded devices to participating theaters, fans and families can interact with the film, play games, find hidden treasure, sing along, and compete with the audience for the chance to win great prizes!

Disclosure: Second Screen Live The Little Mermaid screening invite provided by Disney Pictures. Opinions are that of Diane Sullivan, like it or not. Thank you Disney! Contact me at ELGeorgia@aol.com or on twitter at @3decades3kids G+ @3decades3kids 

Residence Inn by Marriott -Our First Stop! #Roadtrip2fun #RImom

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Residence Inn by Marriott -Our First Stop 
 Our First Stay at Residence Inn!
Planning a sixteen day road trip from New Jersey to Florida was no small task. Our family is not new to road trips. Both my husband and I spent years as children taking road trips with our families. Since my grandparents lived in California, I was the queen of road trips that went from the east to west coast all in a car. Route 66 was just a part of life. I swore after being a child of a road trip family, I would never subject my children to it. But, there is something to be said about everyone gathering up their goods and packing into a minivan and heading for a special destination.

Our family of five has taken the trip on 95 South NJ to Fla. a few times already, so we are not exactly newbies to it. We always do the trip with one sleepover stop on the way down and two on the way back.

Although we do all have our quirky little roadside pullovers that we need to stop for, when it’s time to pull over for the night everyone agrees that the hotel must be clean and welcoming.

If you know our family, you know that we do love the Marriott chain of hotels. We have come
to rely on them as a brand that we can rely on. They are consistently clean and modern.
We have stayed at many of the Marriott hotels, but have never had the chance to stay at 
Residence Inn. We did not know what to expect. The pictures online looked nice enough, but we 
all know about pictures online. Sometimes they can be quite tricky! 
On this roadtrip we stayed at the Residence Inn, Florence, South Carolina as our first stop.

We always we try to shoot for a little more than halfway through the trip and have found Florence a great place to regroup. There are also a bunch of stores in case we need anything that you have forgotten. By five hours into the trip you begin to realize everything you have forgotten.
It’s better to grab it on the way, before you hit the Orlando area.

Anyway, with a family of five I am always hesitant about booking a room that will accommodate all of us with space enough that no one will get on each other’s nerves. Twelve hours in the van is enough to do that!
We were thrilled to pull up to the Residence Inn. From the outside I already knew it would be wonderful. You know how you get that gut feeling about places. This was a good gut feeling!
The outside of the Residence Inn, Florence, South Carolina was nice enough. I was hoping that the trend continued. Happy to say it really lived up to those photos online. The check in was easy and quick and the workers were very helpful. No one was on their cell phones or preoccupied. Before long we were at the door of the room and about to open it. That is always a pivotal point in the trip for us. Will the room be clean, smell nice, be big enough? The room passed all of our expectations. It was definitely big enough with two rooms and a kitchen that included a full size fridge. I was ready to move in! The room was extremely eye friendly and very modern. It was a room I would more than go back to visit again. If you are traveling on Route 95 through South Carolina and need a clean and comfy place to rest your head, this is perfect for you! Since our family also stayed at another Residence Inn on the way home, I can say that both of our experiences were similar and wonderful. Soon the post will be up about our stay at the Residence Inn Savannah, Georgia. Different look of the hotel, but same hospitality that makes you want to come back and stay over and over again. Click here to find out more about Residence Inn.

You can follow our road trip on twitter #roadtrip2fun or on facebook.com/3decades3kids.
Disclosure: Room was provided for the purpose of review. Email me at ELgeorgia@aol.com or tweet me @3decades3kids.

Check out our video inside the Residence Inn room!

Giveaway: Sesame Place Has A Great Fall Line Up! Count’s Halloween Spooktacular!

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Giveaway: Sesame Place Has A Great Fall Line Up!
 Count’s Halloween Spooktacular! 
Win A Family 4 Pack of Passes Here and
Join In On The Fun!
Going to Sesame Place is always an enjoyable experience for our family! It’s sad to think that my youngest child is already six years old. I really don’t want the Sesame Street years to end, but it seems, as I have seen two times before there is really no way of stopping time. So, with saying that, our family has been enjoying seeing the world through Emily’s eyes before they soon join us in the teen world.
Recently our family had the pleasure of visiting Sesame Place. Even though it was past Labor Day we caught a gorgeous day and were able to enjoy the water. When we visit next time, I’m sure we will not be bringing our swimsuits along. We are looking forward to all the Fall events taking place during the next month at Sesame Place. It’s incredible to think we can travel less than two hours from NYC and have so much family fun! If you have the chance to visit Sesame Place during the Halloween Spooktacular, do not miss it!
We had an amazing time last year and this year will prove to be even better!
Sesame Place has A Lot going on this Fall! We can’t wait to get in on the fun!


o    Save $10 online on our Elmo Ticket and get any 2nd visit FREE! This offer is available online only and available through 9/22/13 only. The second visit is valid any regular operating day through 10/27/13 and does not have to be used on consecutive days.
o    Save $20 on single-day admission to Sesame Place through Groupon! This offer is available for a very limited time so don’t miss out!check it out here!
o    Save $15 on single-day admission to Sesame Place online with promo codes available through our retail partners including McDonald’s, Subway and Burger King Click here!
o    2014 Sesame Place Season Passes are on sale now!  When you purchase a Season Pass now, you can enjoy unlimited visits for the rest of this year plus all of 2014 including A Very Furry Christmas! Pass Members also save 30% on food and merchandise at Sesame Place.
o    2013 Pass Members can upgrade their Season Pass to include unlimited admission to A Very Furry Christmas for only $10. This exclusive offer is available to Pass Members only and the $10 promotional upgrade price is available through 9/28/13 only.
  Upcoming Events at Sesame Place
    • Caillou’s Musical Playdate: 9/21 & 9/22  Click here!
    • The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular: Weekends 9/28 – 10/27 Click here!
    • Season Pass Member Fall Party: 9/28 Click here!
    • Zoe’s Monster Mash Party: 9/28 & 9/29 Click here!
    • The Count’s Batty Birthday Bash: 10/5 & 10/6 Click here!
    • Grover’s Not -So- Spooky Birthday Bash: 10/12 & 10/13 Click here!
    • Jack Hanna: 10/12 & 10/13 Click here!
    • Abby Cadabby’s Fairy Pumpkin Party:  10/19 & 10/20 Click here!
    • The Count’s Halloween Party: 10/26 & 10/27 Click here!

Halloween Costume Contest: 10/27 Click here!

GIVEAWAY ALERT!
The wonderful Sesame Place folks have been kind enough to offer one lucky 3decades3kids  a 4 pack of one day passes to enjoy a day at the park! Passes are good until 10/27/2013 and can be picked up at Guest Relations under the winner’s name. Winner chosen September 27, 2013 at noon and contacted by email. Good Luck! Winner will have 24 hours to repond and claim prize before a new winner is chosen. Enter on the Rafflecopter below. Disclosure: Diane Sullivan is a Sesame Place Ambassador Blogger. All opinions are that of my own. Contact me at ELGeorgia@aol.com or on twitter at @3decades3kids.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway: Pompeii From The British Museum September 25th! One Time Event!

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Giveaway: Pompeii From The British Museum 

September 25th! One Time Event!


Being a former teacher I am always thrilled to find out there will be something educational coming to the big screen. Being a total Pompeii fan just goes without saying. Our family has been Pompeii buffs for years. It’s just fascinating to the entire group of us! So it goes without saying that Pompeii from the British Museum is at the top of our must do list!

Introduced by British Museum Director Neil McGregor, audiences will be given an exclusive view of the Pompeii exhibition with insights from renowned experts who help bring these fascinating objects to life. With accompanying music, poetry and readings from eyewitness accounts, this is not a dry and bland history lesson and it will take viewers behind the scenes of to discover the stories of these famous Roman cities.

This event will give American audiences a rare chance to see the an exclusive never before seen perspective on  displays, which have already received five-star reviews from press outlets including London’s The Times, The Sunday Telegraph, The Daily Telegraph, The Independent on Sunday, and Metro, from the comfort of their local movie theatre








GIVEAWAY: Win a 4Pack of Tickets to this amazing event! You will not want to miss out!
Great for families, date night, or friends! Good Luck! Winner will be contacted directly from
theater representative. Tickets will be delivered through mail as hard copy tickets.
Good Luck! Diane. Contact me at elgeorgia@aol.com or on Twitter +3decades3kids .
@3decades3kids.

Enter Here http://tinyurl.com/NYCPompeii

Disney ihome And Our #Roadtrip2fun A Perfect Combo!

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Disney ihome On The Road 
And At Home Perfect Together

A few weeks ago our family of five embarked on a fantastic Road Trip from New Jersey to Florida.
It was an amazing trip to plan and we had so many things to do on our list that at times it felt a little bit overwhelming. But, I am happy to report that our sixteen day #RoadTrip2fun actually ended up being an eighteen day trip and was packed with family memories that will carry on for years to come.
Now, let’s back up to before we actually left on our journey down Route 95 South. We knew that packing up five of us into the van and getting on the road would not exactly be a picnic on the way down or back so it did require some thinking to try to keep everyone in the those back seats happy and comfortable. Since my kids vary in ages there is really nothing on the radio, cds or itunes that they actually agree on listening to as a family. The thought of arguing over music choices for 23 hours in the car sent a chill down my spine. 
It was then I realized that everyone needed their own choices, devices, etc. Disney ihome was kind enough
to present us with three different ways to keep everyone content! What a magical dream come true!
Although we all just loved the looked of the Disney ihome products that arrived, cuteness means nothing if they do not live up in quality. Well, EIGHTEEN days of the road trip as my witness, these were a miracle.
My daughter immediately fell in love with the Minnie Mouse Bow-Tastic headphones, complete with Minnie Bow. Emily just thought she was “It” wearing them. I loved them because they have a volume control on them. Perfect for moms and dads who really don’t want their children pumping up the volume! The headphones were also comfortable. These are a must for your little one! They really lived up and were used on the road and also in the hotels, not to mention just how adorable they are. Honestly, I thought that they would be stored in the car for when we were on the road, but my daughter grabbed them and threw them into her bag for inside use, too! They are a definite thumbs up from both Emily and Mommy, too!
My middle son took total control of the Where’s My Water noise isolating earphones. Okay, so I HAD to laugh at this choice! By the time we hit ten hours in the van I was about to pull them off of him and use them for myself! Truth be told, I did test them out. They are great for MOMS! Noise isolating anything is perfect for me. I put them in my ears, closed my eyes and listened to some awesome music. It was a glorious FIVE minutes! Then my son wanted them back! Yes, I thought it was rude, too! Well, at least he made total use of them both in the van and at night in the room. He has never had a pair of noise isolating anything before, so he was in awe of the way he could just sit there in the middle of all of us and play his favorite music with no outside noise interference. When the middle child is happy, everyone is happy! Another winning product!
My oldest son took custody of the Kermit Water Resistant Stereo. Well, who did not see that coming?
He has always been a Muppets fan. I was not surprised at all. Actually, I was hoping one of the kids would not like their ihome product so that I could grab it for myself. But that did not happen. The Kermit Stereo is just amazing. Anything water resistant is a YES for me! I did have the chance to test this one out when my son was asleep. My ipod loved being inside that Kermit Stereo! It fit perfectly inside and the sound quality was wonderful. It was perfect in the car, with the use of earphones, on our balcony, in the room and by the pool! It gave us hours and hours of  music fun no matter where we were on the trip.
Hands down after trying out three of the Disney ihome products, I can’t imagine not purchasing our next product from them. They were a definite thumbs up from our entire family, roadtrip or home.
They are easy to use, can take a lot of movement without any kind of wire splitting and the sound quality is excellent! It was a pleasure to use them during our road trip and they are still in use now!
You can check out all of the Disney ihome products here.
Disclosure: Products provided by Disney ihome  for review purposes only. All opinions are that of Diane Sullivan, like it or not! Contact me at ELGeorgia@aol.com or tweet me @3decades3kids.