The ringmaster and full band entered the arena with songs and welcomed everyone to the show, which was followed by everyone standing and joining in for the singing of the national anthem. My kids loved joining in and you could see the pride in their faces as they stood with their hands over their hearts, a proud mommy moment for me!

I was worried my three year old son wouldn’t be able to sit still but the show was so intense with stunt after stunt that it had no problem holding his attention. The clowns were funny and kept the audience wanting more while the crew did a fabulous job setting up between acts. There was never a dull moment!

My favorite part that brought me back to my childhood was seeing the tigers! My son got a little scared but was quickly at ease sitting on my lap and watching the tigers perform.

The show was fantastic from start to finish, it truly lived up to its name “Built To Amaze.” We all left excited and we couldn’t stop talking about our favorite moments. It was a long night but my kids had no problem waking up the next morning for school. Ringling Bros., as always, delivered a great performance and kept us all wanting more!

Built To Amaze will be in Hershey, PA from May 22-27th. Check out Ticketmaster for dates and times in your area!

Disclaimer: In exchange for attending and reporting my experience I was provided complimentary tickets, however, all opinions and pictures are my own.

The post Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus “BUILT TO AMAZE” Review appeared first on YorkMama.com.

Until their car breaks down…

But lucky for them they break down near Radiator Springs and are assisted by some friendly locals!

The crowd was cheering so loud it was amazing! The cars looked just as they do in the movie and were actual Car’s on ice! It was really neat and probably the highlight of the show for me, and the look on my son’s face brought tears to my eyes. His joy and excitement to see his favorite characters in person was priceless. To top it off, Lightening McQueen took to the ice to help bring Mickey and Minnie’s car back for a tuneup!

Next up was Ariel and the always adorable Flounder, the music and skating was upbeat and flawless. The kids (and Parents!) enjoyed watching every minute of their story of love and courage.

Tinkerbell and friends took to the ice and quickly became my daughter’s favorite story. The story line was fun and watching Tinkerbell and her fairy friends come together and help Pixie Hallow was an exciting lead into intermission. The costumes,lights and music kept the children wanting more.

The end of show brought out the youth in everyone as Toys came to life. The story, props and set were flawless!

Disney has done it again with Worlds Of Fantasy, the show was a fast paced and high energy evening  for boys,girls and adults of all ages!

Worlds Of Fantasy will be in Hershey, PA from April 9th-April 14,2013. Check out Ticketmaster for dates and times in your area!

Disclaimer: In exchange for attending and reporting my experience I was provided complimentary tickets, however all opinions and pictures are my own. 

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This year the all-star lineup features Sebastian, Flounder,The Little Mermaid herself as well as the charming servants from Beauty and the Beast. Rapunzel and Merida from Brave make their debut appearances this year. I can still remember being a little girl and how special my evenings were when I would go with my sister to see a Disney on Ice show, the night was always magical.  My daughter is 6 years old and this was her first show.  Her eyes lit up from the moment she stepped into the arena.

Mickey and friends kept the show moving nicely, there was never a dull moment! Each set was beautifully constructed and the lights shined brightly off the costumes.  Oh and parents keep an ear out, you’ll be sure to recognize the songs! It won’t be long before you’re moving to the music as well.

The skating was of course flawless.  What amazed me was the strength and fluid-like presentation (no pun intended!) that Ariel provided to the audience.

Rapunzel and Merida took to the ice next. I have not seen either movie but I will now! Rapunzel had a sweet yet assertive demeanor and Merida was strong willed and determined. Disney did a great job bringing the new characters’ stories to life.

Finally, no show would be complete without one of my personal favorite love stories, Beauty and the Beast.

Disney once again didn’t disappoint.  The show was fast pased and high energy. I would recommend for all ages! The kids (and parents!) will enjoy seeing their favorite characters come to life and of course dancing to the music. My daughter and her friend will never forget this special night, the best part was meeting the man himself!

Rockin’ Ever After will be in Hershey, Pa from Nov.1-Nov. 4, 2012. Check out Ticketmaster for dates and times in your area!

Disclaimer: In exchange for attending and reporting my experience I was provided complimentary tickets, however all opinions and pictures are my own. I do thank TodaysMama.com and The Taylor Brand Group for a wonderful evening filled with excitement and memories!  

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You can enjoy four Disney adventures in one show when Disney On Ice presents Mickey& Minnie’s Magical Journey.  Mickey and friends have their bags packed for a journey that transports the audience straight from their seats into the magical worlds of  best friends.   You will see Lilo & Stitch,  Simba & Nala,  Ariel & Sebasian and Peter Pan & Tinker Bell.

Tickest for the Disney On Ice presents Mickey & Minne’s Magical Journey are available at Ticketmaster, The Giant Center Box Office and Disney On Ice.   Ticket prices are $55.00 for rinkside, $47.00 for VIP and $25.00-$12.00.   Show times are Wednesday 7PM, Thursday 7PM, Friday 7PM, Saturday 11AM, 3 PM & 7 PM, Sunday 1Pm & 5PM.

To learn more about Disney on Ice visit Disney On Ice or find them on Facebook and YouTube.

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A Christmas Story The Musical

My family and I recently had the opportunity to check out a theater production at the beautiful Hershey Theater.

On Tuesday, November 3rd we loaded up and headed to Chocolatetown, USA  to see my absolute favorite Christmas movie  turned musical,  A Christmas Story.

For those of you that aren’t up late on Christmas Eve wrapping gifts and watching 24 straight hours of  A Christmas Story the movie, here is a quick summary.

It is the story of author & radio host Jean Shepherd.   It is based on his childhood growing up in 1930′s  Indiana.   It is many of his short stories woven into one great Christmas movie.   It is told through the eyes  of Ralphie and his quest to get the greatest Christmas gift ever, an official Red Ryder carbine-action two hundred shot range model air rifle.

The musical did not disappoint.  You know how when something is a favorite, nothing can live up to it?  I will admit I was afraid going to this because of how much I do love the movie and I can say I was very happy with it.   The acting was great as well as the music.  I am finding myself days later still singing the songs to myself.

The best part, I think, was seeing how much my oldest son Logan enjoyed it.  I had tried telling him about it on the way but he said he didn’t remember the movie.    Once the show started he was on the edge of his seat the entire time.   Cole, our youngest, fell asleep on the way over and stayed sleeping until towards the end of the second act.   He woke up just in time to see Santa Claus and the end when Ralphie ‘shoots his eye out’.

A Christmas Story the Musical is playing at the HersheyTheater from Novmeber 8-13, 2011 and tickets range from $25.00-$65.00.

If you can’t make this show be sure to check out some other great productions coming to the theater in the coming months.

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The annual event runs  from Saturday September 17, 2011 -Sunday September 25, 2011. Tickets are $18.00 for ages 2 & up.  There are also combo tickets available which include a ride on the Thomas train as well as one Coach ride aboard the Strasburg Rail Road.

Your Day Out with Thomas ticket includes all of the other activites.  Storytelling, video viewing, temporary tattoos, wooden play tables, imagination station, Photos with Sir Tophamm Hatt,  Cranky Car rides,  Cagney Rides, Pump Car rides….and so much more!

When Logan was younger he was CRAZY about Thomas.  We went two years in a row and he was over the moon about it.   We went again after Cole was born and I was afraid Logan was getting to old for it but he still loved it.   The cranky cars were his absolute favorite!

This is my favorite picture of Logan and I on one of our first trips to see Thomas.

The post All Aboard! appeared first on YorkMama.com.

Its time for funnel cakes, racing pigs and deep fried oreos.   French fries, candy apples, italian sausage sandwiches, ham & cheese…oh my I’m making myself hungry….I think you get the idea, its time for the York Fair.

America’s Oldest Fair begins  Friday Sept 9, 20011 and runs to Sept. 18,2011.   Admission is $6.00 for adults, children ages 6-11 are $3.00 and children 5 & under are free.   Parking is $6.00.   Make sure you check here for special pricing info.   There are a bunch of discount days for admission/ride passes, etc.

Also check out here for a list of all the fun free things to enjoy while at the fair.    Things such as pig races, magic shows, laser shows and more!

WGTY 107.7 is also sponsoring the Free Great Country Radio Stage this year.   Each night you can enjoy a free concert!   Some of the artists performing are Eli Young Band,  The JaneDear Girls & Craig Campbell.   You can get a full list of performers along with dates and times here.

You can also check out the York Fair on Facebook for more info!

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I have always loved the 4th of July.   Partly because my birthday is only 10 days later (something I don’t necessarily look forward to anymore) and partly because of the fun and relaxed nature of the holiday.

Below is a list of upcoming events planned in and around York for the 4th of July weekend.

Fireworks at Sovereign Bank Stadium:  Downtown York.   On July 4th at 6pm after the York Revolution take on the Long Island Ducks.

Springettsbury Township Park, Mount Zion Road will have Independence Day fireworks on July 3 at 7pm as well as a performance by Symphonic Soul.  Rain Date is July 7.

Annual 4th of July Concert & Fireworks at the York Expo Center.   July 4th at 7:30pm.  Gates open at 6pm, concert at 7:30 and fireworks at dusk.

HersheyPark fireworks.  July 4th with approximate launch times of 10pm &10:15pm.  Rain Date is July 5th.

Fireworks in Harrisburg at City Island July 3 at 9pm and also July 4th after the Senators game.

Fireworks in Lancaster on July 3 at Longs Park.  Also on July9th at the baseball stadium after the Barnstormers game

The post July 4th 2011 Events appeared first on YorkMama.com.

Bowling alleys across the country are offering their free kids bowling programs again for the summer.   Go to the website,  www.kidsbowlfree.com, find a local participating bowling alley and sign your kids up!  It includes two free games everyday.  Age restrictions, dates and shoe rental policies vary by bowling alley.   They also offer an adult family pass for 2 free games for each adult listed on the pass. It has a cost of $24.95, shoe rental policy varies by bowling alley.

Also,  this weekend Hershey Gardens will be opening for the season.  Celebrate the opening of the 74th season of the Gardens with free general admission for the entire weekend.   You can stroll through 23 acres of beautiful botanical gardens and then check out the Children’s Garden.  They will be having various Spring-related crafts and activities for kids on April 2 from 1-4pm.

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I have found a good deal of information so I decided this will be a series of sorts.   My findings will be broken up into three different posts.

First up!   Fun, kid/family friendly things to do.

Having two boys, sports have started to take center stage in our household.  Baseball being a major front runner.

Checking out a Revs game is always an option.  Tickets are only $4 for youth and start at $7 for adults.   Opening day is scheduled for April 29, 2011 at 6:30 pm.

Next up is something I’ve mentioned in other posts and I don’t mean to beat a dead horse.   I honestly just can’t say enough about the York County library system.   They have story times for babies, preschool aged kids and toddlers.   As well as knitting groups, book sales, book clubs (for adults and kids) and Wii game nights.   Check out the library’s website for events at your local library.    Also coming up will be the library summer reading program.  It has become an absolute favorite in our house!

I’ve always heard that York County is the factory tour capital of the world.   Even though I’ve lived here my entire life it’s something I have yet to do.  There are tours from Martin’s Potato Chips to Painted Spring Farm Alpacas (mmmm…did someone mention yarn??!!)   I think we will definitely be checking some out in the coming months.  Be sure to check the details of the business you would like to tour in advance.  Some require reservations and some also have age restrictions.

Next up is something that I have enjoyed doing my entire life and is honestly still the highlight to any trip I take to Hershey and that is a visit to Chocolate World.  While with todays rising gas prices it might not be economical to drive to Hershey just for the free Chocolate World ride, which still includes a free piece of chocolate at the end of the ride.  It is still worth checking out if you happen to be in the neighborhood.

Finally,  there is South York Cinemas located at 217 Pauline Dr, York.    This is a great theater that won’t cost you an arm and a leg to go to.   However they don’t show first run movies.   The cost is $2 for all ages before 6pm, after 6pm adults are $4.  You really can’t beat that!

Hopefully this list is helpful  in coming up with some fun and affordable family friendly things to do.

Stay tuned for Part 2 coming soon!

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