Globetrotting Mommy

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Spotlight on Florida: Tips for …

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Like soooo many New Yorkers, I spent a lot of winter vacations visiting my grandparents in Florida (Yes, I loved Disney). The sunshine state never got old for me and one of my all time favorite memories is visiting Lion Country Safari in West Palm Beach. When I visited with my daughter, (and my mom and great aunt) it was even more fun than I remembered. Read on for my tips for visiting Lion Country Safari. 

PS, we visited on National Zebra Day so we dressed for the occasion.

Globetrotting Mommy - Spotlight on Florida. Tips for Visiting Lion Country Safari
Globetrotting Mommy – Spotlight on Florida. Tips for Visiting Lion Country Safari
 

Tips for Visiting Lion Country Safari

The drive-through safari comes first and its just like it sounds.  In the comfort of your own vehicle, you simply roll up your windows, pop in the audio tour and drive.  As you go through the four mile preserve, you’ll see free roaming animals up close and personal including Southern White Rhinos, Zebra, Giraffe, Lions, Llamas, Impala, Kudu, Ostrich, Gemsbok, Water Buffalo, Wildebeest and more.  

There are seven sections representing different areas in South America, Africa, and Asia and you can go as fast or slow as you like.  Yes, the animals stop right in front of your car just like I remembered and no the monkeys don’t climb on top of your car like they used to.  If you don’t want to take your kids on that long flight to South Africa, this may be the next best thing.

Globetrotting Mommy - Spotlight on Florida at Lion Country Safari
Tips for visiting Lion Country Safari
Spotlight on Florida Tips for Visiting Lion Country Safari

The second section is the walk-through amusement park and its a nice manageable size with lots of benches, shaded areas, cooling stations, rides, attractions and animal encounters. My daughter loved the rides, best suited for younger kids, including the Ferris wheel, carousel, kiddie train and flying elephant. I loved the mini-golf, paddle boats, Safari Queen boat tour (perfect for all ages) and animal shows.  

We took our time exploring, fed some of the animals, rode a camel, checked out some shows and had some ice cream. The Safari Splash water sprayground was closed the day we visited or we would have done that too.

Globetrotting Mommy - Spotlight on Florida at Lion Country Safari
Globetrotting Mommy - Spotlight on Florida. Tips for Visiting Lion Country Safari
Globetrotting Mommy - Spotlight on Florida at Lion Country Safari

If you’re looking for a low-key animal and attraction packed day that will keep your whole family entertained but won’t exhaust everyone, this is it.

If you go:

The park opens daily at 9:30 am 365 days a year. Admission is $39.95 for visitors 10-64, $35.00 for seniors and $30.00 for kids 3-9. Kids two and younger are free. Parking is $8 per vehicle.  

Plan to spend about 4-6 hours visiting. Don’t forget your sunscreen and water park essentials but leave your pets and convertibles home.

Bon voyage!

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Top 10 Tips for Visiting …

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A summer trip to Wildwood, New Jersey is a great retreat for families who love their beach trips with a side of adventure. If you’re headed to the Jersey Shore, you will definitely want to check out Morey’s Piers, three fun-filled piers offering amusement park rides and coasters, water park fun, boardwalk games, culinary treats and so much more. Read on for my tips for visiting Morey’s Piers.

Top 10 Tips for Visiting Morey’s Piers in Wildwood, New Jersey

Top 10 Tips for Visiting Morey’s Piers in Wildwood, New Jersey

 Top 10 Tips for Visiting Morey’s Piers in Wildwood, New Jersey

Dress cool and comfortable for a day at Morey's Piers. Top 10 Tips for Visiting Morey’s Piers in Wildwood, New Jersey

Dress cool and comfortable for a day at Morey’s Piers.

1) What to Wear

A day at Morey’s Piers means a beachy outfit and super comfortable shoes like strappy sandals or Birkenstocks. Pack swimsuits, rash guards and waterproof phone pouches if you’re planning to get wet and don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses. I highly suggest a small cross body bag that you can wear on the non-water rides and water shoes and rashguards for the kids.

The VIP Behind The Scenes Tour is a great way to learn about Morey's Piers History. Top 10 Tips for Visiting Morey’s Piers in Wildwood, New Jersey

The VIP Behind The Scenes Tour is a great way to learn about Morey’s Piers History.

2) Book a Morey’s Piers VIP Tour

For kids 12+ and adults, the Morey’s Piers VIP Tour is a unique opportunity to learn all about the inner workings of the three Morey’s Piers. The 90-minute tour is led by a Morey family member and explains all the magical details that go into keeping Morey’s Piers safe, clean and friendly. I loved seeing the back-of-house storage and maintenance areas, watching how the workers maintain 300+ feet of roller coaster tracks and learning about the magnetic roller coaster brakes.  I also loved learning a little trivia like they go through 400,000 pounds of potatoes each summer! The tour ends with a bucket of Curley’s famous french fries and other fun souvenirs.

3) Have a Plan

If you’re traveling with a large group, pick a meeting spot and have younger kids wear waterproof ID bands in case they get lost. There are three piers (Mariner’s Pier, Surfside Pier, and Adventure Pier) with attractions for all ages so you might want to spend an hour or two at each pier before scheduling the entire day.

We loved all the family friendly rides at Morey's Piers. Top 10 Tips for Visiting Morey’s Piers in Wildwood, New Jersey

We loved all the family friendly rides at Morey’s Piers

4) Don’t Miss the Family Friendly Rides

Yes, there is the Giant Wheel and multiple carousels (with an upstairs and spinning teacup seats!) but don’t miss the many other family friendly rides. The giant Seagull cycles that give you a great aerial view of the piers and the ocean as you pedal along. The Flying Galleon monorail is a fun pirate themed ride we all enjoyed and don’t miss the kid friendly roller coasters, tilt-a-whirl and bumper cars and my daughter’s personal favorite, the Kite Flyer. There are plenty of toddler-friendly rides so everyone can get in on the action. Note: It can get quite windy on the rides so bring a jacket if you go at night.

Tasty snacks are everywhere on Morey's Piers. Top 10 Tips for Visiting Morey’s Piers in Wildwood, New Jersey

Tasty snacks are everywhere on Morey’s Piers.

5) Take a Snack Break

Walking tacos, funnel cakes, french fries, crepes, pizza, popcorn and ice cream are just some of the delicious food items available at Morey’s Piers. We loved taking an afternoon snack break and trying new treats like Curley’s fries and sweet lemonade. And yes, there are some healthy options too like colorful smoothie bowls.

If you love thrill rides, don't miss FLY! - The Great Nor'EasterTop 10 Tips for Visiting Morey’s Piers in Wildwood, New Jersey

If you love thrill rides, don’t miss FLY! – The Great Nor’Easter

6) Try a Thrill Ride or Two

My daughter was just short of the 52″ height minimum for FLY! The Great Nor’Easter ride but my husband and I both tried it out and it was definitely one of the fastest and most scenic rides we’ve even ridden. My personal favorite was The Great White since I prefer not going upside down. And you can probably guess we were all too chicken to try the really crazy adventurous Springshot and Skyscraper rides but loved watching…

You can enjoy tasty sit down meals at several Morey's Piers restaurants. Top 10 Tips for Visiting Morey’s Piers in Wildwood, New Jersey

You can enjoy tasty sit-down meals at several Morey’s Piers restaurants

7) Enjoy Great Dining

Just because you’re on a boardwalk doesn’t mean you can’t have a nice meal. After a full day of running around, we loved our leisurely dinner of healthy salads, generous kids meal options and salmon perfectly cooked on a plank at Joe’s Fish Co. Other great spots for a sit-down meal are Stubborn Brothers where we enjoyed tasty appetizers and frosty cocktails (and mocktails) on the beachfront patio, Jumbo’s for oversized crab cakes and sandwiches and Taco Joint for south-of-the border faves.

Raging Waters and Ocean Oasis Water Parks are fun for the whole family. Top 10 Tips for Visiting Morey’s Piers in Wildwood, New Jersey

Raging Waters and Ocean Oasis Water Parks are fun for the whole family

8) Splash Away at Raging Waters and Ocean Oasis Water Parks

These two water parks open before the rest of the piers so pick the sunniest day of your trip and map out some water park fun for the whole family. Both parks feature kiddie play areas with water canons, nets, ropes and water sprays. The entire family will enjoy the awesome lazy rivers and adventure seekers will love Shotgun Falls which features a six-foot drop and the WipeOut racer slides. I loved how clean and orderly everything was kept as well as the large seating areas, locker areas, and large bathrooms. Bring your own lightweight towels and goggles as well as a waterproof phone pouch and portable safe.

My daughter enjoyed a kids yoga and art class on Adventure Pier. Top 10 Tips for Visiting Morey’s Piers in Wildwood, New Jersey

My daughter enjoyed a kids yoga and art class on Adventure Pier.

9) Get A Taste of The Arts on Adventure Pier

Stop by the artBOX Store on Adventure Pier and check out the funky original artwork including sculptures and prints, clothing, memorabilia, home goods and more. Don’t miss the galleries which are located inside old freight containers and climb up the steps for an awesome view. Check the events schedule for music and crafts offerings.

10) Chat With The Staff

Many of the employees running the rides are foreign exchange students from around the world. We had the best time chatting with these enthusiastic students and watching them smile and clap as we were on the rides.

Have you been to Morey’s Piers?  What are your tips for visiting Morey’s Piers? Tell me your favorite ride in the comments below. Ready to plan your trip? Check out these Top 10 Cool Things to do in Wildwood, New Jersey.

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Thank you to Morey’s Piers for providing our hotel accommodations and some meals and activities. As always, all opinions are my own. This post contains some affiliate links. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Top 10 Tips for Visiting …

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Thrilling roller coasters, 1880’s themed crafts, shows and concerts, festivals, family-friendly activities galore and delicious meals and treats await travelers of all ages at Silver Dollar City theme park in Branson, Missouri.

I’ve been to a lot of theme parks but I was blown away by the wide range of activities and adventures offered up at this award-winning park. Read on to find my Top 10 Tips for Visiting Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri.

Read on to find my Top 10 Tips for visiting Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri.
Read on to find my Top 10 Tips for visiting Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri.

Top 10 Tips for Visiting Silver Dollar City

Read on to find my Top 10 Tips for visiting Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri.
Read on to find my Top 10 Tips for visiting Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri.

1. Download the Silver Dollar City App which has an interactive map, daily schedules, special event offerings, showtimes and wait times for the more popular rides. If you’re the plan ahead type, you can map out the things you want to do and personalize your schedule. First-time visitors can find specific recommendations in four categories (Families With Young Children, Ozarks History Buffs, Casual Explorers and Thrill-Seekers).

Read on to find my Top 10 Tips for visiting Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri.
Read on to find my Top 10 Tips for visiting Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri.

2. Arrive early to make the most of your day. Parking is FREE and there are shuttles to transport you and your family directly to the entrance. The turnstiles open an hour before park opening so guests can grab a quick breakfast treat at Eva & Delilah’s Bakery or dine at Molly’s Mill and enjoy the Main Street activities.

  • Read on to find my Top 10 Tips for visiting Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri.
    Read on to find my Top 10 Tips for visiting Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri.
  • Read on to find my Top 10 Tips for visiting Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri.
  • Read on to find my Top 10 Tips for visiting Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri.
  • Read on to find my Top 10 Tips for visiting Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri.
  • Read on to find my Top 10 Tips for visiting Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri.

3. Bring the whole family! Silver Dollar City makes a great option for a multi-generational family visit with a range of family-friendly shows, rides everyone in the family can enjoy, and a slew of attractions (petting zoos, cooking classes, cave tours and more) for visitors of all ages. Be sure to check the website as there are festivals and special events throughout the year.

Read on to find my Top 10 Tips for visiting Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri. Read on to find my Top 10 Tips for visiting Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri.

4. Make a plan and divide and conquer. If you’ve got children with different ride or activity preferences, you might want to separate into groups for some of the day. There are more than 40 rides and attractions, as well as 40 shows a day so there is a LOT to enjoy. For younger kids, The Grand Exposition area is a must-visit. Thrill seekers will LOVE Time Traveler, Thunderation, and WildFire. Family favorites include the Frisco Silver Dollar Steam Train, McHaffie’s Homestead and Marvel Cave.

5. Explore the timeless appeal of crafts and a dedication to preserving 1880s Ozarks culture. There are 100 craftsmen on park demonstrating glass blowing, blacksmithing, pottery, candy making, candle making, and many other disciplines. The shops are beautiful with one-of-a-kind gifts and souvenirs so be sure to check them out. Visiting the artisans and watching them in action was one of my favorite things during my visit.

6. Get ready to chow down! You’ll find the typical theme park fare like ice cream, funnel cakes and burgers but what sets Silver Dollar City apart is the quality of their food offerings. From sit down dining to quick meals and snacks, the culinary options are made fresh with healthy options available. I especially loved the bakery items, skillet meals, and Festival of Wonder specialty items like Bang Bang Shrimp Loaded Waffle Cones. I was also impressed with their allergy free food offerings.

7. Take advantage of the affordable lockers. When your kids outgrow their strollers, you suddenly find yourselves carrying around a lot of stuff. Lighten your load and keep your extra items safely stored for just $5 a day. Best of all, you can move your items from lockers around the park at no extra charge.

8. Relax with a cooking class at Silver Dollar City’s Culinary & Craft School. No kitchen experience necessary for these fun and engaging lessons taught in a state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen. Sit back and learn how to make a range of dishes and specialty menu items and then enjoy your goodies. This was such a nice way to spend an hour after running around on the rides and everything we made was delicious. Kids are welcome making this a great choice for grandparents, parents and children.

9. Visit Marvel Cave. Last but not least, my absolute favorite part of visiting Siver Dollar City was going down (and down…) on a tour of Marvel Cave with Ranger Bill. I’ve never done anything like this and it was so much fun for adults and kids alike. This famed wet limestone cave has formations that are still alive and growing. Kids are allowed but the hour tour is quite strenuous so I wouldn’t recommend it for kids under 5ish. Visitors climb down many stairs (some twisty and narrow) and passages to get 500 feet below the surface and then travel back up on a cable car. Along the way, the guide explains the cave’s history and answers questions. Tours are free and a 90-minute lantern tour is offered for $14. A don’t-miss experience!

10. My final tips for visiting Silver Dollar City…don’t forget to wear sunscreen and comfortable shoes and bring along phone chargers, sunglasses, hats and any other must-haves.

Want to learn more about Branson’s family-friendly attractions? Check out Family Fun Awaits in Branson, Missouri.

Pin this before you go…

Top 10 Tips for Visiting Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri
Top 10 Tips for Visiting Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri

Thank you to Explore Branson for hosting my trip and providing a super fun day at Silver Dollar City. As always, all opinions are my own.

Amusement Parks 101: Top 10 …

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Summertime means visits to amusement parks and today I’m sharing my Top 10 Tips for Visiting Hersheypark, Pennsylvania from my recent road trip…

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Top 10 Tips for Visiting HersheyPark, Pennsylvania – Globetrotting Mommy

1) Start your day early!  You’ll want to be in line when the gates open so you can enjoy the most popular rides before the crowds arrive.  If you can get your kids past the first rides they see and head towards the back of the park first, that’s an even better plan. And if you really want to avoid the crowds, try to schedule your visit mid-week.

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Globetrotting Mommy Amusement Parks 101: Top 10 Tips for Visiting Hersheypark, Pennsylvania

2) Sneak a Peek!  Guests who purchase a regular full-day admission ticket can enter the park for a sneak preview the night before (either 5:30 pm or 7:30 pm depending on closing times). This is a great time to tackle the more popular rides and make a game plan for the next day.

3) Download the Hersheypark app and you’ll be able to see ride wait times as well as find restaurants, shows, restrooms and more. Try not to leave it running all day or you might run your battery down.

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Globetrotting Mommy Amusement Parks 101: Top 10 Tips for Visiting Hersheypark, Pennsylvania

4) Prepare to get wet. Bring your bathing suit, water shoes, and towel if you want to visit the Boardwalk water park area featuring 15 rides as well as wave pools and lazy river.  Don’t forget swim diapers and puddle jumpers for the little ones.

5) Take the shuttle if you can.  Most nearby hotels offer free shuttle service to and from Hersheypark and that is definitely the easiest way to go.  The drivers will put your strollers in the luggage compartment so its really easy.

6) Speaking of strollers, take one if you’re bringing kids who are five or younger.  Even if your kids don’t get tired, you’ll be happy to have a place to keep your bags and towels. If you’re bringing older kids, rent a locker or splurge for a cabana so you can have a home base for your stuff because wet towels are HEAVY.

7) Divide and conquer.  If you’ve got a mixed age group, you’ll want to pick a meeting time and place so everyone can enjoy different rides.  Hersheypark is unique because the kiddie and adult rides are mixed together in each area making it easy for families to do one area at a time which is nice. And if you and your partner want to ride an adult ride (imagine that!) or if a parent needs to ride with more than one child, Hersheypark has a “child swap” option where adults or kids can take turns riding.

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Globetrotting Mommy Amusement Parks 101: Top 10 Tips for Visiting Hersheypark, Pennsylvania

8) Bring your camera! You’ll want to get some pictures of the Hershey characters so make sure to visit them throughout the park or book a Character Breakfast for a more personal encounter.  If you’ve got a waterproof camera, bring that along too.

9) Make a detour to the Zoo America. Admission is included in your Hersheypark ticket so if you or your kids need a little down time (or a quiet place to nap), the zoo is a great retreat.

10) Test out some of the new for 2014 kid-friendly rides like Cocoa Cruiser (a kid-friendly roller coaster), Tea Cups (a classic spinning ride) and Sweet Swing (a gigantic swing that my daughter and I really loved).

Ready to plan your visit to Hershey, PA?  Check out Spotlight on Hershey, Pennsylvania – The Sweetest Place on Earth – Part 1 and Top 10 Family Friendly Things to do in Hershey, Pennsylvania – Spotlight on Hershey, Part 2 for more suggestions of things to do and see.

What are your favorite tips for visiting Hersheypark?

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Thanks to Hersheypark for providing our tickets.  All opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

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