Photo by Walt Disney World

Kids ages 17 and under can sail FREE on select 4-night Bahamian and 5-night Western Caribbean Disney Cruise Line sailings from Miami, FL. Most itineraries include a stop at Disney’s private island (and my personal favorite), Castaway Cay!

To take advantage of this offer, kids must travel with two full-fare Guests in the same stateroom in categories 4A – 11B on select cruises from Jan. 14 – Feb. 25, 2013.

With 5-night sailings as low as $376.55 per person, are you ready to experience a magical Disney Cruise vacation?? Book your Kids Sail Free cruise during Disney Cruise Line’s inaugural sailings from Miami today! Get your Disney Cruise Line quote here

Disney Vacation Specialist Tara McCoy. Become a Facebook fan at facebook.com/EnchantedTravel. Visit Mouse Tales travel blog at www.mousetalestravel.com/blog, 803.816.0686, Tara McCoy is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

It’s Grand Opening week for New Fantasyland inside the Magic Kingdom park!! No you’re not dreaming, it’s really here. Nearly double in size, the new Fantasyland features two themed areas- Enchanted Forest and Storybook Circus offering guests more immersive enchantment and interactive experiences. And not to mention, two brand new castles!! Can you believe it??

Within the Enchanted Forest you’ll have an opportunity to experience attractions including Under the Sea-Journey of the Little Mermaid, become part of the “tale as old as time” in Enchanted Tales with Belle, meet Ariel at Ariel’s Grotto, and even dine inside the Beast’s castle at Be Our Guest Restaurant.

Step right up to the classic American circus!! Inspired by the classic Disney animated feature Dumbo, the Storybook Circus takes us back to another era with colorful attractions like The Barnstormer, Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station, renovated Fantasyland station along the Walt Disney World railroad, and of course, the new Dumbo the Flying Elephant.

Ready to see the new Fantasyland for yourself??  Save up to $600 on your next vacation with the Stay, Play, & Dine promotion, available on select dates through March 7, 2013. Hurry and get your no-obligation vacation quote today!!  Stay, Play, & Dine promotion must be booked by December 31^st.

Tara McCoy
Mouse Tales® Travel
803.816.0686 Columbia area
843.284.3241 Myrtle Beach area
Become a Facebook fan at facebook.com/EnchantedTravel
Visit Tara’s blog at mousetalestravel.com/blog
Are you receiving the latest Disney news & deals? Sign up here

Where can you shake hands with Stormtrooper? Take your picture with Chewbacca? Or watch a dance off with Darth Vader? Why, it’s Star Wars Weekends at Disney ‘s Hollywood Studios of course.

For four weekends in the spring, the park celebrates the legendary saga and animated series, with high-energy fun for everyone. Character encounters around every corner, celebrity autograph sessions, even “Behind the Force” shows let you see what went into making the movies, and no Disney event would be complete without a parade.

Over 60 costumed characters in a motorcade down Hollywood Boulevard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Everyday winds down with my personal favorite, Hyperspace Hoopla. This stage show is somewhat like Dancing with the Stars meets comedy show…  trust me, you won’t want to miss it!! See it for yourself…check out the Hyperspace Hoopla video from this year. And, did I mention all of the amazing special event only merchandise.

So, if you’ve always been a fan of the films, have a child that carries a light saber everywhere and repeats “the force is strong”, or you simply like having fun, then Star Wars Weekends are the perfect time to visit Walt Disney World.

Join Disney Vacation Specialst Tara McCoy’s Star Wars Weekends mailing list for all the latest news on event dates and more. And like a wise Jedi master once said… “Experience Star Wars Weekends you must!”

Contact Tara McCoy at Mouse Tales Travel today for a FREE vacation quote and more information.

Tara McCoy, Disney Vacation Specialist at Mouse Tales Travel 803.816.0686 Become a Facebook fan at facebook.com/enchantedtravel Sign up receive the latest Disney news & deals here

Disney Vacation Specialist Tara McCoy. Become a Facebook fan at facebook.com/EnchantedTravel. Visit Mouse Tales travel blog at www.mousetalestravel.com/blog, 803.816.0686, Tara McCoy is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Instead of searching for countless hours this holiday season, and spending a small fortune for those “perfect” presents (that will quickly become yesterday’s news) consider the gift of a Disney Cruise Vacation. Your family will enjoy celebrating and making memories that will last well beyond the Holiday Season.

Experience the magic of the holidays this November or December onboard an exciting Disney cruise and you’ll get $75 onboard ship credit just for booking with Tara McCoy at Mouse Tales Travel. Spend this however you’d like; special shore excursions, relaxing spa treatments, holiday souvenirs & gifts, a round of drinks, or even photographs… the choice is yours!

Disney Cruise Line offers a unique vacation experience that blends entertainment and adventure with comfort and convenience. There is something for everyone on a Disney cruise: relaxing “me” time for the adults, imaginative fun for the kids and exciting family time for all. Every voyage features the world-class hospitality that only Disney can provide, and of course, all of your favorite characters.

The onboard ship credit is a limited time offer available for select sailings on the Disney Dream & Disney Fantasy during November and December 2012. With this promotion and rates as low as $1,627 for a 3-Night Bahamain Cruise sailing from convenient Port Canaveral in Florida, there has never been a better time to sail on a Disney Cruise. If you can’t take advantage of these great deals, book a 2013 cruise with half-off your deposit and $25 OBC. Contact Tara McCoy at Mouse Tales Travel today for a FREE vacation quote and more information.

Tara McCoy, Disney Vacation Specialist at Mouse Tales Travel
803.816.0686
Become a Facebook fan at facebook.com/enchantedtravel
Sign up receive the latest Disney news & deals here

Disney Vacation Specialist Tara McCoy. Become a Facebook fan at facebook.com/EnchantedTravel. Visit Mouse Tales travel blog at www.mousetalestravel.com/blog, 803.816.0686, Tara McCoy is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Cabins For You is a family-owned, professionally managed cabin rental company providing mountain cabins for all different budgets and needs.

Every member of Cabins For You staff is here to make each step of your vacation as pleasant and stress-free as possible, from your first browse on our website to the moment you check out of your cabin.

The remaining dates for the rest of October-November 10th are 20% off (excludes budget properties). Please use the promo code FALL COLOR when you book to get the 20% off discount.

Cabins For You staff have visited each of their cabins, so they can give you a truly personal experience. They have one and two bedroom cabins for honeymoons, romantic weekends and small families; their large group cabins can accommodate up to over fifty people, and are ideal for church retreats, family reunions and couples’ getaways.

Cabins For You also offers some unique vacation packages, including honeymoon specials, girls’ weekends and luxury retreats. Gift baskets are available, along with in-house massages, candlelit dinners and more.

All of the cabins have fully-equipped kitchens, comfortable interiors and that Smoky Mountain atmosphere you love. Most of the cabins are located just minutes from either downtown Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg, so you will be near all the shops, dining and attractions during your stay.

If you’re looking for a lavish escape, Cabins For You has luxury cabins with incredible views and tons of amenities. For those seeking a more budget-friendly getaway, there are cabins under $100 per night, an Cabins For You often runs specials. Please like Cabins For You on Facebook here to stay updated on deals & specials.

Cabins For You also offers pet-friendly cabins, family-friendly cabins and extras such as pool tables, Foosball, fireplaces, hot tubs, air hockey tables, arcade games, big screen TVs, cabins with pool access and so much more! The Cabins For You Web site is easy to browse, and their blog gives helpful ideas on vacation planning. Reservation specialists are ready to take your call today! Call 1-800-684-7865.

Please like Cabins For You on Facebook here to get exclusive deals!

Cabins For You, www.cabinsforyou.com , emailbrittani@cabinsforyou.com , 1-800-684-7865  Cabins for You is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Nobody does the holidays like Disney! All four Walt Disney World Theme Parks are transformed into the “Merriest Place on Earth”. Every corner of the “world” immerses you in the holiday magic. Below are a few of the highlights:

• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: On select nights in November and December, join some of your favorite Disney Character friends at Magic Kingdom Park for this memorable event featuring a special parade, festive fireworks, Cinderella Castle covered in thousands of twinkling lights, and even some snow.
• Resort Decorations: No holiday visit to Walt Disney World will be complete without a tour of the elaborate resort decorations. From the Gingerbread house at Grand Floridian to the giant tree at the Wilderness Lodge, it’s definitely worth spending a few hours checking out all of the amazing decorating. Not to mention… it’s FREE!!
• Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights: Each year this breathtaking display along the Streets of America inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios features millions of glittering lights perfectly synchronized to holiday music. The lights are so extensive you may find it hard to comprehend their magnitude… this is definitely a MUST see!!

Copyright Disney

• Candlelight Processional: Held nightly at Epcot this special holiday event retells the stirring story of Christmas with a celebrity narrator, accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and mass choir. What better way to get in the Christmas spirit and share the magic of the season. To ensure seating for this unforgettable spectacle, you can participate in a Candlelight Dinner Package which provides guaranteed seating.

Book now and experience the magic for yourself, and you can save up to 30% on your resort stay! Get your complimentary, no-obligation Walt Disney World vacation quote here and be sure to mention you found Mouse Tales Travel through Southern Mamas.

Tara McCoy, Disney Vacation Specialist at Mouse Tales Travel
803.816.0686
Become a Facebook fan at facebook.com/enchantedtravel
Sign up receive the latest Disney news & deals here

Disney Vacation Specialist Tara McCoy. Become a Facebook fan at facebook.com/EnchantedTravel. Visit Mouse Tales travel blog at www.mousetalestravel.com/blog, 803.816.0686, Tara McCoy is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Nobody does the holidays like Disney! All four Walt Disney World Theme Parks are transformed into the “Merriest Place on Earth”. Every corner of the “world” immerses you in the holiday magic. Below are a few of the highlights:

• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: On select nights in November and December, join some of your favorite Disney Character friends at Magic Kingdom Park for this memorable event featuring a special parade, festive fireworks, Cinderella Castle covered in thousands of twinkling lights, and even some snow.
  

  Copyright Disney

• Resort Decorations: No holiday visit to Walt Disney World will be complete without a tour of the elaborate resort decorations. From the Gingerbread house at Grand Floridian to the giant tree at the Wilderness Lodge, it’s definitely worth spending a few hours checking out all of the amazing decorating. Not to mention… it’s FREE!!
• Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights: Each year this breathtaking display along the Streets of America inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios features millions of glittering lights perfectly synchronized to holiday music. The lights are so extensive you may find it hard to comprehend their magnitude… this is definitely a MUST see!!
• Candlelight Processional: Held nightly at Epcot this special holiday event retells the stirring story of Christmas with a celebrity narrator, accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and mass choir. What better way to get in the Christmas spirit and share the magic of the season. To ensure seating for this unforgettable spectacle, you can participate in a Candlelight Dinner Package which provides guaranteed seating.

Book now and experience the magic for yourself, and you can save up to 30% on your resort stay! Get your complimentary, no-obligation Walt Disney World vacation quote here and be sure to mention you found Mouse Tales Travel through Southern Mamas.

Tara McCoy, Disney Vacation Specialist at Mouse Tales Travel
803.816.0686
Become a Facebook fan at facebook.com/enchantedtravel
Sign up receive the latest Disney news & deals here

Disney Vacation Specialist Tara McCoy. Become a Facebook fan at facebook.com/EnchantedTravel. Visit Mouse Tales travel blog at www.mousetalestravel.com/blog, 803.816.0686, Tara McCoy is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Come out to Hunter Cattle Co. farm on September 29th from 10am to 2pm to set up as a vendor or just enjoy local goodies at this free event!

This is a great opportunity to meet local farmers and learn about backyard homesteading! Bring the family and enjoy the farm.

The Burger Barn will be open. Prices range from $5-$10.

Hunter Cattle Co., 934 Driggers Road, Brooklet, Ga., 30415, www.huntercattle.com

You’re invited to LEGO Day- Read! Play! Build! on Sat. Sept. 1, from 11 am to 3 pm at The Sandbox Interactive Children’s Museum on Hilton Head Is.

Kids can play with all kinds of LEGOs to spark the imagination and creativity in children and bring a fun and interactive story time to children in our area. LEGO DUPLO blocks are perfect for young children between the ages of 2 through 6 years to build creative minds, inspire true imagination, and foster early child literacy.

“LEGO Playmasters” will run games, activities, and even a story time for all of the attendees. Read! Play! Build! is made possible by LEGO DUPLO and ALSC (Association of Library Services to Children). Activities are designed for parents and caregivers to interact and assist their child with the LEGO projects and to stay and enjoy all of the museum’s exhibits and activities.

The LEGO program cost is $5 per person (under 1 is free) and includes museum admission fee.

The Sandbox, 18-A Pope Avenue, next to St. Andrew By-The-Sea United Methodist Church, Hilton Head Is. SC 843.842.7645 email crinehart@thesandbox.org , www.thesandbox.org

You’re invited to an outdoor family Labor Day event at an ideal spot on Hilton Head is.

The Sandbox Children’s Museum and Lawton Stables are excited about “Sandbox at the Stables,” their new community Labor Day event Monday, September 3 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. AT LAWTON STABLES, Sea Pines Resort. (The Sandbox physical location will be closed)

It will be day of family fun with live music, activities, shows, exhibits, and picnicking (feel to bring your own, but there will be concessions available).

$5 per person, children 12 months and under are Free. (Members Only-With each paid admission, you will receive 5 concession/activity tickets FREE)

Call the Sandbox (843-842-7645) by 4pm August 31st to get a FREE Sea Pines Gate pass for this event only, (otherwise $5 gate fee into Sea Pines will apply per vehicle). Lawton Stables is located at 190 Greenwood Dr  Hilton Head Island, SC 29928,

Skidaway Island State Park playground

Be sure to try to check out one of the many FREE kids’ events happening in August at Skidaway Is. State Park, 52 Diamond Causeway Savannah, 31411.

Event details here.

FREE activities kick off Wed. Aug. 1 with an 8 AM Bird Walk.

Additional highlights of the month include Coastal Reptiles program; Birds of Prey; Fire Building; Toads and Turtles; Intro-to-Geocaching; Toddler Time (which is a story time with puppets for ages 2-4); Snakes Alive!; evening Bat Chats & more.

Event details here.

One of the best ways to save $ on a Walt Disney World vacation is to take advantage the popular FREE dining promotion. This discount offers incredible savings on select travel dates this fall and winter. For example, a family of four (2-adults, 1-junior, 1-child) staying in a standard room at a select Moderate Resort will save over $1,000 on a 6-night/7-day vacation with the FREE Disney Dining Plan.

FREE Dining Plans are available for guests staying at select Walt Disney World Resorts and require a minimum 3-night stay with 2-day base tickets. Guests staying in a Value Resort will receive the Quick-Service Dining Plan and guests in Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villa Resorts receive the Disney Dining Plan. You can even upgrade your dining plan by paying the cost difference between your complimentary plan and the plan you want. This is a very popular time to try out the Deluxe Dining Plan!!

Booking for this incredible promotion ends September 29^th but, availability is limited, so hurry and contact Tara McCoy at Mouse Tales Travel today for details or a no-obligation vacation quote.

Tara McCoy, Disney Vacation Specialist at Mouse Tales Travel
803.816.0686
Become a Facebook fan at facebook.com/enchantedtravel

Disney Vacation Specialist Tara McCoy. Become a Facebook fan at facebook.com/EnchantedTravel. Visit Mouse Tales travel blog at www.mousetalestravel.com/blog, 803.816.0686, Tara McCoy is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Experience the magic of Disney on an exciting Disney cruise vacation and receive an onboard ship credit just for booking with Tara McCoy at Mouse Tales Travel . You’ll choose how to spend your credit; special shore excursions, relaxing spa treatments, souvenirs, photographs, for me it’s definitely a private Cabana rental at Castaway Cay!

Disney Cruise Line offers a unique vacation experience that blends entertainment and adventure with comfort and convenience. There is something for everyone on a Disney cruise: relaxing “me” time for the adults, imaginative fun for the kids and exciting family time for all. Every voyage features the world-class hospitality that only Disney can provide, and of course, all of your favorite characters.

With four beautiful ships, convenient ports, exciting itineraries, and now an onboard ship credit up to $300, there has never been a better time to sail on a Disney Cruise. Contact Tara McCoy at Mouse Tales Travel for a free vacation quote and more information.

Tara McCoy, 803.816.0686 Columbia area, 843.284.3241 Myrtle Beach area. Become a Facebook fan at facebook.com/EnchantedTravel Sign up receive the latest Disney news & deals here. Tara McCoy at Mouse Tales Travel is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Summer Fun Series @ The Sandbox Interactive Children’s Museum, Hilton Head. Is

Mondays
9:30a: Get Fired Up with Pottery ($15 includes admission)
1:30p: Decorate your own cupcake

Tuesdays
10:30a: Crafty Kids
1:30p: Summer Fun Craft Activity

Wednesdays
9:30a: Interactive Art Class by Veronica Martini ($10)
6:00p: Parents Night Out, Kids Night In (ages 3-12 at the Sandbox from 6p-9p. $25 per child. $15 for additional children)

Thursdays
10:30a: Imagination Hour (story time & craft)

Fridays
10:30a: 411: Coastal Critters (present by the Coastal Discovery Museum)

Saturdays
10:30a: Food Fun (smoothie, gelato, May River dip)

Get Fired Up with Pottery
Mondays 9:30a
Decorate plates ($15 includes admission for nonmembers, $10 for members). Fee includes all supplies and your admission to the museum. Pick-up art piece on the following Wednesday. Please call (843) 842-7645 to reserve space.

Crafty Kids
Tuesdays 10:30a
June 12: Yostie’s Puppet Show and puppet making
June 19: Decorate Your Own T-shirt ($10 includes admission)
June 26: Yostie’s Puppet Show and puppet making

Interactive Art Class with Veronica Martini
Wednesdays 9a
June 13: Picture Frame Art-Make a keepsake from Hilton head with seashells and sand dollars.
June 20: Sand-Hand Mosaic-Make a keepsake of your child’s hand with Hilton Head sand.
June 27: Go Green Gator-Bring home a replica of the Hilton Head alligator made from repurposed products.

Parent’s Night In/Kids Night Out
Wednesdays 6p – 9p
Enjoy a date night out while your children play at the Sandbox. Staff-supervised, arts and crafts, and dinner (pizza, drink, & dessert). For children ages 3-9 years. Nonmembers $25 per child ($15 for additional children). Members $20 per child ($10 for additional children). This is a popular program, advance reservations recommended.

Imagination Hour
Thursdays 10:30 – 11:30a
Join us for story time followed by a craft project. Program is included with admission cost to museum. Space limited. Sign up when checking in at the registration desk.
June 7: “The Adventures of Taxi Dog,” by Debra and Sal Barracca
June 14: “The Father Who Had 10 Children,” by Benedicte Guettier
June 21: “Sand Castle,” by Brenda Shannon Yee
June 28: “You Can Swim, Baby Duck!” by Amy Hest

The Sandbox 411 Program
Fridays 10:30a
The Sandbox Children’s Museum is offering a series of workshops designed for families with young children, including parents, child care providers, and grandparents. For the summer months, the topics will feature coastal critters.
June 15: Loggerhead Sea Turtles
June 22: Dolphin
June 29: Butterflies

Pop Goes the 4th
4th of July Celebration at The Sandbox
Wednesday, July 4th 10:00a – 2:00p
A fun carnival complete with The Sandbox bounce house, corn hole contests, ring the bottle, fish bowl contest, snow cones, gumballs contest, patriotic scavenger hunt, special activities, and holiday crafts. Decorate (and eat!) sugar cookies. BBQ lunch for everyone with all the “fixins” and a patriotic birthday cake. $10 per person, active military, seniors and members, $8, up to 12 month, free. (Coupons not valid for this event.)

Note: New Hours Summer Hours – Monday through Saturday, 10a – 5p beginning May 28 through September 1. Next Family Fun Night September 7. These events are made possible by the generous support of the Bargain Box.

Webcam at The Sandbox
Stand on the Pirate Ship and wave a’hoy to your family and friends so they can see you on the Sandbox website!

Special Membership Drive
$75 Membership Includes
20% discount on birthday parties. Discounts on Parent’s Night Out. Refer a member and receive a $10 gift certificate at The Sandbox gift shop.

Party at the Box
Nonmembers $125. Members $100. Fee includes plates, napkins, utensils, and a special gift for the birthday honoree and each guest. We take of everything but cake and beverages. Enhance your party with themed characters or candy from Hilton Head Candy Company. Call for booking, details and pricing.

Saturday Stimulus for Locals
Locals can come play on Saturdays at The Sandbox for only $6 per person (under 1 free). A driver’s license with a “299” zip code must be presented when registering.

The Sandbox, 18-A Pope Avenue, HHI, SC 29928, www.thesandbox.org , 843-842-7645

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia S.C. has a new addition — a koala joey that is now on exhibit.

Born last October to parents Jimmie and Lottie, the baby koala spent nearly seven months growing in its mother’s pouch before fully emerging and making its first public appearance at the Zoo.

After a few weeks of confidence-building peek-a-boo, joeys are then ready to venture out completely but will remain very close with mom for several more months, often riding on her back or clinging to her side. At about a year old, joeys are mature enough to be fully weaned from their mothers.

All the more reason to check out Riverbanks Zoo this summer! Another reason: Toucan Tuesdays. Pay Two-for-One Admission with the Return of Toucan Tuesdays at Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia. S.C. during summer 2012

Every Tuesday this summer, two can visit Riverbanks for the price of one with a donation of two cans of non-perishable food to Harvest Hope. Toucan Tuesdays—a partnership with Harvest Hope Food Bank to help feed hungry families in the Midlands.

Riverbanks visitors generated nearly 2,000 pounds of food during last year’s Toucan Tuesdays drive.

Buy-one, get-one admission isn’t the only perk guests will receive for visiting on a Toucan Tuesday. Riverbanks will also offer $2 ICEEs and 2-for-1 specials in the Elephant’s Trunk Gift Shop.

Toucan Tuesdays will run for 12 consecutive Tuesdays throughout the summer, ending on August 28. The promotion applies to general admission rates only (purchase one admission and get the second for equal or lesser value free; Explorer wristbands and memberships are not included). Donation bins will be located at both the Zoo and Garden entrances.

When visiting Riverbanks, be sure to also check out EdVenture Children’s Museum in Columbia, S.C.

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210 Open daily from 9am to 5pm, except on Thanksgiving & Christmas. Admission to both the Zoo and Garden: $11.75 for adults, $9.25 for children ages 3 – 12 and free for children 2 and under. Group rates and other discounts may apply. www.riverbanks.org

Family Holiday Favorite at Walt Disney World – Candlelight Processional

Candlelight Processional is a special holiday event held nightly at the America Gardens Theatre in Epcot as part of Holidays Around The World. The event retells the Christmas Story with a special celebrity narrator accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a mass choir. Visitors and locals alike make Candlelight Processional an annual event – once you’ve been a part, you just have to come back!

Speaking of coming back, Neil Patrick Harris will once again grace the American Gardens Theatre stage and share The Greatest Story Ever Told! The preliminary list of narrators was just announced – we’ll continue to update as Disney does!

Schedule & Narrators
American Gardens Theatre (5:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m., 8:15 p.m.)
November 23 to November 25, 2012 — Isabella Rossellini, actress
November 26 to November 29, 2012 — Neil Patrick Harris, actor
November 30 to December 1, 2012 — Whoopi Goldberg, actor/comedian
December 2 to December 4, 2012 — TBA
December 5 to December 7, 2012 — TBA
December 8 to December 10, 2012 — TBA
December 11 to December 13, 2012 — Jodi Benson, the voice of Ariel in The Little Mermaid and Barbie in Toy Story
December 14 to December 16, 2012 — Olivia Newton John, actress/singer
December 17 to December 19, 2012 — TBA
December 20 to December 22, 2012 — Trace Adkins, country singer
December 23 to December 25, 2012 — Gary Sinise, actor
December 26 to December 28, 2012 — TBA
December 29 to December 30, 2012 — Marlee Matlin / Jack Jason, actress/interpreter

Because of the Candlelight Processional’s popularity, we recommend participating in one of the Candlelight Dinner Packages (offered for lunch as well) which include appetizer, entree, dessert, non-alcoholic beverage (or full buffet where applicable), guaranteed seating at the Candlelight Processional show, and pre-arranged fireworks viewing area for IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. We expect to see the dining venue list released soon as reservations open June 26th. Favorite dining and narrators sell out quickly so contact Tara McCoy at Mouse Tales Travel ASAP with your preferred dates and request a FREE vacation quote.

Tara McCoy
803.816.0686 Columbia area
843.284.3241 Myrtle Beach area
Become a Facebook fan at facebook.com/EnchantedTravel

Tara McCoy at Mouse Tales Travel is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Summer is officially here and school’s almost out, but it’s not too late to plan a vacation at Walt Disney World® Resort this summer! For a limited time, Disney is offering savings up to 25% off your stay at select Disney Value, Moderate, Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts, for most stays most nights June 15- August 14, 2012. Add park tickets and dining and you’ll be ready for theme park thrills, delicious meals, and quality family time!

It’s never been easier to plan a Walt Disney World® Resort vacation, Tara McCoy at Mouse Tales Travel is your go-to gal for all things Disney. She will take care of all the little details, everything from choosing the perfect resort to dining reservations to personalized park itineraries, she’ll create a magical vacation for your family. Tara is sure to help take the stress out of vacation planning while adding value to your vacation dollar. The best thing is that ALL of Tara’s services are completely, 100% FREE. Yes, that is right. All the extras, at absolutely no cost to you!

Contact Tara McCoy at Mouse Tales Travel today for more information on this great discount or complete the quick online form for a free vacation quote. Act fast because the Summer discount requires a reservation by June 15, 2012.

Contact Tara McCoy at Mouse Tales Travel. 803.816.0686 or email. Become a Facebook fan at facebook.com/enchantedtravel. Sign up receive the latest Disney news & deals here. Tara McCoy at Mouse Tales Travel is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

Photo by Disney

Where can you trick-or-treat with Alice and the White Rabbit, meet the ghosts from Haunted Mansion, and dance the night away with Woody & Bullseye? Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, of course!

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is held on select nights in September and October (and one night in November) at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort and you must purchase a separate party ticket to attend. The Magic Kingdom is transformed into happy haunted hollows with special music, lighting, and more. And since it’s “not-so-scary” it’s perfect for children of all ages.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is truly the best opportunity to see the Disney Villains – from meet ‘n greets, to the parade, to the Disney Villains Mix ‘n Mingle show, you’ll see more Villains at the Halloween party than any other time of the year. In addition to many favorite Disney attractions, you’ll be invited to trick-or-treat throughout the park and the party is filled with lots of special entertainment including:
–         Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade – including Disney Characters and the Stars from the Haunted Mansion attraction. You’ll even see the Headless Horseman riding the parade route.
–         Happy HalloWishes – a spectacular fireworks show
–         Characters, and more characters – You’ll have a chance to meet your favorite Disney characters, some in costume, and opportunities to meet all sorts of characters that aren’t usually out and about in the parks.

For more information on Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party or would like a Disney vacation quote contact Tara McCoy at Mouse Tales Travel. 803.816.0686 or email. Become a Facebook fan at facebook.com/enchantedtravel. Sign up receive the latest Disney news & deals here. Tara McCoy at Mouse Tales Travel is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser.

The most ferocious dinosaur that ever lived is coming to the Museum of Science & History (MOSH) in nearby Jacksonville, Fla. on Memorial Day Weekend. At 42-feet long, 12-feet tall and 3,500 pounds, Sue is the largest, most complete Tyrannosaurus rex ever discovered. The exhibit, A T. rex Named Sue, will open at MOSH May 26, 2012 and run through Sept. 23, 2012.

A replica cast of the actual T. rex is the keystone piece of this traveling exhibition on loan from The Field Museum in Chicago.

The exhibit will also include a dig pit, video footage & free-standing interactive exhibits. Guests will be able to touch casts of Sue’s arm, rib, tail bone and teeth; peek into the cretaceous world through the eyes of a T. rex and a triceratops, and manipulate a model of Sue’s jaws to demonstrate how her gigantic jaw muscles slammed shut on prey.

MOSH will be open Memorial Day, too. 

GRAND OPENING
Sat. MAY 26 – 10 A.M. to 4 P.M.
Check out the exhibit and enjoy special kid-friendly activities that will engage dinosaur fans of all ages.
FREE with museum admission!

DINOSAUR TRAIN
SATURDAYS – 10:30 A.M.
Join Buddy and the rest of his prehistoric pals from the PBS series Dinosaur Train for an adventure in the Bryan-Gooding Planetarium every Saturday morning during the exhibit at 10:30.
FREE with museum admission!

MOSH AFTER DARK: SPEAKING OF SUE
JUNE 28 – 6 P.M.
Join Dr. Barry Albright, a paleontologist at UNF, for a discussion of some little known facts about Sue and her excavation.
$5 for the public | FREE for MOSH Members, students and teachers with an ID

FOSSIL DAY
JULY 21 – 10 A.M. TO 1 P.M.
Do you have a mystery object? Bring it to MOSH’s panel of experts for identification!
FREE with museum admission!

DOZING WITH DINOS
JULY 28 – 6:30 P.M. TO 7:30 A.M.
Spend the night at MOSH and get exclusive access to A T. rex Named Sue. Campers will get to explore the museum, go to the planetarium and more!
$30 per child/$20 per adult | $25 per child/$15 per adult for MOSH Members

JURASSIC PARK
AUGUST 4 at 7 P.M.
Relive the excitement of the time when dinosaurs roamed the land with a special showing of Jurassic Park on the museum’s rooftop.
$7 per adult | $5 per member and children under 12

Museum of Science and History (MOSH), 1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL, 32207 , OPEN MEMORIAL DAY! www.themosh.org

Fort Morris Historic Site, Midway

Spend Memorial Day weekend checking out some of Georgia’s historical battlefields & forts. Here are a few forts & museums to check out.

Fort King George State Historic Site, Darien
From 1721 until 1736, this fort was the southern outpost of the British Empire in North America. Climb into the reconstructed cypress blockhouse, explore the palisaded earthen fort and tabby ruins, tour the museum and hike a short nature trail. Admission is $3.75-$6.50. Campsites are found nearby at Fort McAllister and Skidaway Is. state parks.

Fort McAllister State Historic Park, Richmond Hill
This is the best-preserved earthwork fortification of the Confederacy and the end of General Sherman’s March to the Sea. Recently, an original 1864 flag which flew above the fort was returned to Georgia and mounted in the museum. On Saturday, May 26 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., the fort will feature a special program about Confederate soldiers, as well as musket and cannon firings. Admission is $3.50-$6.50. Nestled among giant live oaks, Spanish moss and salt marsh, this park is also a great place to visit for camping, hiking, fishing, boating and picnicking. It offers three cottages and 65 campsites.

Fort Morris State Historic Site, Midway
This earthen fort on the Medway River protected Georgia against the British in both the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. A museum describes the colonial port of Sunbury, and a nature trail and picnic sites are available. On Memorial Day, the fort will feature hourly Revolutionary War soldier talks and musket and cannon demonstrations from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Admission is $3-$4.50. Nearby campsites are available at nearby Fort McAllister and Skidaway Is.

About Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites

Georgia’s state parks and historic sites are operated by the Department of Natural Resources and offer pristine natural beauty from coastal marshes and midland swamps to piedmont plains and breathtaking mountains. For more information, including a full list of parks and accommodations, visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org. Keep up with the latest news by finding them on Facebook and Twitter.

One of the best ways to save $ on a Walt Disney World vacation is to take advantage the popular FREE dining promotion.

This discount offers incredible savings on travel this fall between August 25 and September 29, 2012. For example, a family of four (2-adults, 1-junior, 1-child) staying in a standard room at a select Value Resort will save $584 on a 5-night/6-day vacation with the FREE Quick-Service Dining Plan.

FREE Dining Plans are available for guests staying at all Walt Disney World Resorts (except campground) and requires a minimum 3-night stay with 2-day base tickets. Guests staying in a Value Resort will receive the Quick-Service Dining Plan and guests in Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villa Resorts receive the Disney Dining Plan. You can even upgrade your dining plan by paying the cost difference between your complimentary plan and the plan you want. This is a very popular time for our clients to try out the Deluxe Dining Plan!!

Booking for this incredible promotion ends this Friday, May 18 and requires only a $200 deposit. Availability is limited, so hurry and contact Tara McCoy at Mouse Tales Travel today for details or a free quote.

Tara McCoy, Disney Vacation Specialist at Mouse Tales Travel
803.816.0686
Become a Facebook fan at facebook.com/enchantedtravel
Sign up receive the latest Disney news & deals here

Disney Vacation Specialist Tara McCoy. Become a Facebook fan at facebook.com/EnchantedTravel. Visit Mouse Tales travel blog at www.mousetalestravel.com/blog, 803.816.0686, Tara McCoy is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Have you booked (or even considered) a Walt Disney World Vacation in the past and felt overwhelmed by all of the options? With the four different theme parks, 29 resorts, and the countless dining plans, special tours and events to choose from… it’s easy to see why!!

As a dedicated Travel Planner at Mouse Tales Travel, an Authorized Disney Planner Agency, Tara McCoy can take care of all the little details creating a magical vacation for your family.

Tara is a mother, a wife, and a believer in the magic of Disney. Her family has shared some unforgettable moments at Walt Disney World and onboard Disney Cruise Line, creating memories that will last a lifetime!

Allow Tara to take the stress out of vacation planning and add value to your Disney vacation. She can work out all the special details like dining reservations, special shows/tours, excursions, and even create a personalized park itinerary. As a proud graduate of Disney College of Knowledge, she’ll be able to book magical destinations including Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Lines, Adventures by Disney, as well as the newest, Aulani Resort and Spa in Hawaii.

The best thing is that ALL of Tara’s services are completely, 100% FREE. Yes, that is right. Your very own go-to Disney gal, at absolutely no cost to you. Visit Tara’s Facebook page here for more details and let her make all of your Disney Vacation dreams come true.

Disney Vacation Specialist Tara McCoy. Become a Facebook fan at facebook.com/EnchantedTravel. Visit Mouse Tales travel blog at www.mousetalestravel.com/blog, 803.816.0686, Tara McCoy is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

In celebration of World Oceans Day, Jacques Cousteau’s birthday and the new “Sea Jellies of the Georgia Coast” exhibit, the UGA Marine Extension Service will host FREE hands-on education programs from 10am-4pm on Saturday, June 9, 2012 at the Marine Education Center on Skidaway Island, Savannah.

Free aquarium admission & educational activities are sponsored by NOAA’s Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary.

The day’s activities will focus on the issue of marine debris and how it affects Georgia’s coastal waters and the ocean. Visitors can learn more about sea jellies and participate in marine debris and sea jelly crafts, a marine debris program, a salt marsh clean-up, an aquarium treasure hunt, and ocean stories.

The new exhibit “Sea Jellies of the Georgia Coast” will open at 10AM with a half hour introduction to the exhibit at 11AM and highlighting the local and global importance of sea jellies and water quality.  More info here.

Activities Schedule
Marine Debris Program and Salt Marsh Clean-up: 8-10AM
Treasure Hunt (on-going): 10AM-4PM
Marine debris and sea jellies crafts (on-going): 10AM-4PM
“Sea Jellies of the Georgia Coast” Exhibit Opening: 11-11:30AM
Ocean Stories (15 minutes long and on the half hour): 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 3:30