Review: Disney on Ice Toy Story 3

Last week, the wee ones and I had the opportunity to go see Disney on Ice Toy Story 3. Given that Toy Story 3 is the current favorite around here - it's possible that it's actually supplanted Star Wars with Mister Man - I knew it would be a hit.

Which is, of ourse, why I didn't mention to the wee ones that we were headed there until we were on our way. Fortunately, the wee ones "happened" to choose Toy Story 3 t-shirts to wear. Again.

The show finished up at the Allstate and is now playing (through this coming weekend!) at the UC, where family shows have free parking - yet another bonus and reason to go see the show before it moves to the next city (or if you're in another city - check out the list of upcoming shows to see when it's coming to a venue near you)

Little Miss was so excited for the show to begin. She literally couldn't sit in her seat.

It was absolutely adorable how the show started with the toys "stored" in the box headed for the attic.

The show was introduced by the traditional Disney characters - Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy - who were "telling" the story of Toy Story to some degree. The first half of the show borrowed bits and pieces from all three movies but wasn't truly any of the movie stories.

That didn't bother the wee ones, who were happy to see all the characters from the Army Men - most of whom "parachuted" onto the ice...

And Hamm!

And of course, Slinky Dog!

Buzz had one of the coolest entrances of all the characters - and yes, they were just about all there - where he "flew" in with his rocket jet pack. The wee ones were in awe.

One of their favorite parts was when Rex was "playing" the video game and finally had Buzz defeat the Evil Emperor Zurg. Good triumphing over evil is always a win - and that was the only time in the show that Zurg was present, fortunately not at all scary for the wee ones.

After intermission, Little Miss's favorite character finally made an appearance. Lotso showed up, and the remainder of the show was primarily focused on the telling of Toy Story 3 - much to the delight of the wee ones.

Personally, my favorite part was the interaction between Barbie and Ken. It was priceless. Completely campy, but purposely so, and I loved it - as did other parents I know who've attended the show so far.

Obviously, there's no way the completely recreate the entire movie on ice, but they did a pretty good job. The dump truck that transported Lotso was awesome and very true to the movie.

That said, there was definitely some license taken with the movie to get it to fit the timeline of the show and the restrictions of live action on ice. The wee ones were fine with it, and best of all - the claw was still there with the alience. It was adorable.

Nonetheless, we had a blast, and I wish the show were coming to Milwaukee soon so we could go see it again. Disney on Ice has yet to disappoint, and I know I'm eagerly looking forward to the next show coming through town.

Still want to see it while it's in Chicago? It's not too late - and there are great discounts available, too. The remaining shows at the UC are:

Wed, Feb 9 7:00PM
Thu, Feb 10 10:30AM, 7:00PM
Fri, Feb 11 10:30AM, 7:00PM
Sat, Feb 12 11:30AM, 3:30PM, 7:00PM
Sat, Feb 13 11:30AM, 3:30PM, 7:00PM

And once again, you do not need to pay full price to go see the show. If you are looking to go Monday-Thursday or to a Friday Matinee, excluding holidays, you can get a family four pack of tickets for $44* by using the coupon code MOM. If you're going Friday night or on the weekend, you can still save $4 using the same coupon code.

How? Simply go to Ticketmaster and enter MOM in the “MC Promotions Box” or mention the code when purchasing tickets at the Allstate Arena or United Center Box Offices or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Note that this is not valid on Front Row or VIP seats. No double discounts. Service charges and handling fees may apply. Discount not valid on Front Row or VIP seats.

Winners!

It is contest ending time around here again, which of course means that I have more to put up soon - and I will, although I am about to head out to Blissdom next week, so I'm trying to catch up on a ton of things at home so my family has everything they need while I'm gone for five days. Keep watching!

The Avatar Blu-Ray copies - I had two to give away - were won by Michelle (great name, no?) and Cherl F from The Lucky Ladybug. They both have 48 hours to get back to me with their contact information before I select a new winner.

And more locally, I had tickets to give for Disney on Ice's Toy Story 3 that starts this coming Wednesday January 26 at the Allstate Arena. I am so excited to see the show when it moves to the UC on Wednesday February 2. And I hope that Tiaras & Tantrums is looking forward to seeing it with her family four pack of tickets as much as I am! Congrats to her for winning the tickets.

If you didn't, you can still go see Disney on Ice in the next couple weeks - and for a discount, too! Simply go to Ticketmaster and enter MOM in the “MC Promotions Box” or mention the code when purchasing tickets at the Allstate Arena or United Center Box Offices or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Note that this is not valid on Front Row or VIP seats. No double discounts. Service charges and handling fees may apply. Discount not valid on Front Row or VIP seats.

That will get you a family four pack of tickets for $44* Monday-Thursday or to a Friday Matinee, excluding holidays, simply by using the coupon code MOM. If you're going Friday night or on the weekend, you can still save $4 using the same coupon code.

The show dates are:
Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL
January 26-30, 2011
Wed, Jan 26 7:00PM
Thu, Jan 27 7:00PM
Fri, Jan 28 10:30AM,7:00PM
Sat, Jan 29 11:30AM, 3:30PM, 7:00PM
Sun, Jan 30 11:30AM, 3:30PM, 7:00PM (Spanish language show)

United Center in Chicago, IL
February 2-13, 2010
Wed, Feb 2 7:00PM
Thu, Feb 3 10:30AM, 7:00PM
Fri, Feb 4 10:30AM, 7:00PM
Sat, Feb 5 11:30AM, 3:30PM, 7:00PM
Sun, Feb 6 11:30AM, 3:00PM (Spanish language show)
Wed, Feb 9 7:00PM
Thu, Feb 10 10:30AM, 7:00PM
Fri, Feb 11 10:30AM, 7:00PM
Sat, Feb 12 11:30AM, 3:30PM, 7:00PM
Sat, Feb 13 11:30AM, 3:30PM, 7:00PM

As for the Monster Jam tickets - and oh is Mister Man excited about this one, although I have to admit to being a little nervous about the noise! He can't wait to see all the crashing and smashing and jumping and action of Monster Jam. Brandie from A Journey of 1000 Stitches Begins With Just One... will enjoy the show with her family, as well.

Again, all is not lost if you didn't win. The show will run Friday February 11 at 7:30, Saturday February 12 at 2 and 7:30, and Sunday February 13 at 2 and 7:30.

There are ticket discounts for this show, as well. Use the promo code MOM to save 33% on adult tickets Saturday and Sunday. Children's tickets (I love shows that charge less for children!) are $10 all weekend, and adult tickets are already $10 on Friday night. For the discounted tickets, use promotional code MOM when purchasing tickets at the Allstate Arena box office, www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Enter Code in the “MC Promotions Box” on Ticketmaster. Offer only valid on $20 mid-level seats. Not valid the day of the show. Service charges and handling fees may apply. No double discounts.

Congrats to all the winners!

Giveaway: Toy Story 3 On Ice (Chicago)

Three (ha!) guesses what the most popular thing in our house is right now. Toy Story is ruling our lives. We have the Action Links Stunt Set (or at least part of it), and Little Miss has her Buzz Lightyear Build-A-Bear. We've seen the movie untold times. The only toy Little Miss wanted from Disney over Christmas was a Lotso bear who has replaced Snowy as her favorite stuffed animal. The little figures are the ones that come out to play even more than Legos now.

All of that is why I'm not telling the wee ones that Toy Story 3 is coming to Chicago via Disney on Ice. At least not yet. I don't think I could handle the level of pandemonium that would errupt. We've been to several Disney on Ice shows from Feld Entertainment, and we've loved every one of them. I know this one won't be any different. Really, they could just have Buzz and Woody skate out and around the ice once, and the wee ones would be thrilled.

Knowing Feld, the show will go far above and beyond that, however!

In fact, I think Feld described the show better than I ever could: The summer’s biggest hit movie, Toy Story 3, and memorable moments from Toy Story and Toy Story 2 are hitting the ice in this sensational live production coming to your hometown! Catch all the heroic action when Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie and the Toy Story gang escape from the rambunctious tots of Sunnyside Daycare and race for home, in their most daring adventure ever! A few new faces join the fun, including Barbie’s groovy bachelor Ken and Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear. It’s the biggest Toy Story experience on ice, jam-packed with fast-paced adventure such as Buzz’s galactic battle with Emperor Zurg and a hoe-down at Woody’s Roundup. Rediscover the humor, friendship and charm of Toy Story when Disney On Ice presents Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story 3 takes family fun to infinity and beyond!

And it's coming to Chicago. Soon, in fact! Once again, it will start at the Allstate Arena and then move to the United Center. The shows are:

Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL
January 26-30, 2011
Wed, Jan 26 7:00PM
Thu, Jan 27 7:00PM
Fri, Jan 28 10:30AM,7:00PM
Sat, Jan 29 11:30AM, 3:30PM, 7:00PM
Sun, Jan 30 11:30AM, 3:30PM, 7:00PM (Spanish language show)

United Center in Chicago, IL
February 2-13, 2010
Wed, Feb 2 7:00PM
Thu, Feb 3 10:30AM, 7:00PM
Fri, Feb 4 10:30AM, 7:00PM
Sat, Feb 5 11:30AM, 3:30PM, 7:00PM
Sun, Feb 6 11:30AM, 3:00PM (Spanish language show)
Wed, Feb 9 7:00PM
Thu, Feb 10 10:30AM, 7:00PM
Fri, Feb 11 10:30AM, 7:00PM
Sat, Feb 12 11:30AM, 3:30PM, 7:00PM
Sat, Feb 13 11:30AM, 3:30PM, 7:00PM

And once again, you do not need to pay full price to go see the show. If you are looking to go Monday-Thursday or to a Friday Matinee, excluding holidays, you can get a family four pack of tickets for $44* by using the coupon code MOM. If you're going Friday night or on the weekend, you can still save $4 using the same coupon code.

How? Simply go to Ticketmaster and enter MOM in the “MC Promotions Box” or mention the code when purchasing tickets at the Allstate Arena or United Center Box Offices or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Note that this is not valid on Front Row or VIP seats. No double discounts. Service charges and handling fees may apply. Discount not valid on Front Row or VIP seats.

Are you excited to go yet? I know I can't wait to go! But you could win a family four pack of tickets to the opening night performance at the Allstate Arena at 7pm on Wednesday January 26. How?

First of all, let me stress that you must follow all the rules. If you do not follow the rules, your entry will not count!

This contest is open until Monday January 17 at 7pm CST. I must have a valid way to reach you, so leave me your email address in your comment or be sure your profile has your email address visible. No duplicate comments will count. This giveaway is open to US residents age 18 and older. Winners will be selected via random.org and must respond within 24 hours of being notified by me or I will select a new winner.

Mandatory Entry: Tell me who your favorite Toy Story character is.

Bonus Entries (leave a comment for each entry - if you put it all in one comment, I'll count it as one entry):

1) Earn one additional entry for following me on Twitter and tweeting this contest with the following tweet: "Do you love Toy Story 3? Win a family 4 pack to Disney on Ice in Chicago from @honestandtruly http://bit.ly/hh0uDt" (leave a link to your tweet as your comment and make sure you do all the steps!)
2) Earn one additional entry by following this review blog publicly via Google Friend Connect.
3) Earn one additional entry by following my “regular” blog Honest & Truly! publicly via Google Friend Connect.

Good luck!

In the interest of full disclosure, I received tickets to attend Disney on Ice's Toy Story 3 performance for review purposes only, and there was no additional compensation. All opinions expressed are my own.

Review: Disney On Ice

In the interest of full disclosure, I received tickets to the show and dinner prior to the show for myself and the wee ones. I received no compensation, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Last night, the wee ones had a special treat. Mommy took them to see Disney on Ice Princess Classics. They had no idea where we were going until they got inside and saw the set, and boy were they stoked.

(Yeah, I know... they don't take good posed photos. I try.)

While Mister Man decried it, saying he "didn't like classic princesses" he quickly changed his mind once the show started. He was so happy to see that his favorite one was a part of the show. Mulan he adores, and I think it's partly because she's strong and does something akin to martial arts.

Regardless, it was a great show.

I love how the shows use the dialogue from the original movies in snippets to tell the stories, making it all that much more real to the wee ones - and to me. The same goes for the songs, and Disney always has such great music in their movies. So yes, I do currently have the some from Mulan going through my head.

The skaters do a fantastic job of telling the story and making it look as though they really are saying their lines, and the costuming is very true to the movies, with only some allowances made for appropriate skating costumes.

The show starts off with the wee ones' favorite fairy Tinker Bell, which was fortunate, as Little Miss had on her Tinker Bell costume. Mickey and Minnie soon appeared, as well, and then the actual show began.

Aladdin was the first show, and they did a great job of telling the story. I loved the elephant Aladdin rode in on after becoming Prince Ali, and the magic carpet was very cool - both when played by a skater and when flying Jasmine and Aladdin themselves.

Sleeping Beauty was a lot of fun with the fairies changing the dress from pink to blue and back. Briar Rose did a great job with her famous song of "Once Upon a Dream" that was very reminiscent of the movie. The story deviated some from the movie - as it would have to given the constraints of a quick ice show - with the pricking of her finger. It was a dramatic moment, and one that had the wee ones on the edges of their seats worried about what would happen next.

The Little Mermaid opens with Sebastian singing "Under the Sea" with some very cool glow in the dark fish and coral. Ursula's costume and the playing of Flotsam and Jetsam were excellent, although a little scary for the younger set.

When Mulan appeared, Mister Man was beside himself with excitement. This story was probably the closest to the version told in the Disney on Ice we saw last year, but he didn't care. Mushu was a great scamp, and the wee ones are still talking about him. I was hoping for a battle scene in this, but the story here was the least developed of all the vignettes we saw.

Snow White and the dwarves were adorable. They did a neat job skating with their chairs and creating a fun atmosphere for the show. The witch tempting Snow White with the apple really got the crowd involved, and everyone was crushed when she took that fateful bite of the apple.

Beauty and the Beast was the next show, although it picked up pretty far into the story. If you don't know what's going on (and granted - most do), having Gaston come in near the end of the vignette to stab the Beast is sort of confusing.

If you notice, all the stories end at the climax. They all stop with the princess at her most vulnerable and before the happy ending appears. This was disturbing to the wee ones, and I was a little concerned that it would continue through the end. I would have liked to see each story finish with the happy ending before moving to the next one.

After intermission, Cinderella was the focus, and it was hilarious. The step-sisters were wonderful, bumbling fools, and the step-mother appropriately hideous and appalling. The Archduke who is in charge of delivering the invitations and travling with the prince to find the owner of the slipper really reminded me of the exact character from the movie. More fun, I haven't seen this movie in ages, and there were parts of the vignette that I had forgotten about from the mice creating Cinderella's dress from scaps of the step sisters' belongings to Anastasia and Drusilla being the names of the step sisters.

As Cinderella discovered her prince, the show began to end. Each story was then brought to its conclusion with Erik dancing with Ariel, Prince Charming kissing and awakening Snow White (ditto for Prince Phillip and Aurora), etc. The audience sees that there is a happy ending for each story, although the exact ending isn't clear.

The final revue was gorgeous, and the dancing kept the wee ones entertained until the end. And yes, they're asking when they can go back!

The show is still at the United Center until Sunday, and tickets are available for all the shows: 7pm each day from tonight to Sunday September 12. There are also shows at 11:30am and 3:30pm on Saturday and Sunday (September 11 and 12). Don't forget that the Sunday 7pm show is a Spanish language show.

Ticket prices vary based on your seating area and date. However, you can get them for a discount. By using the code "MOM" you can get a 4-pack of tickets for only $44 (Valid Monday-Thursday and Friday Matinees, excluding holidays) and save $4 on all weekend shows. Just order your tickets from TicketMaster (at the United Center Box Office, www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000) and enter Code in the “MC Promotions Box” on Ticketmaster.com. You need to purchase a minimum of 4 tickets for the discount, and it is not valid on Front Row or VIP seats. No double discounts. Service charges and handling fees may apply.

Have a great time!



PS Don't forget your long sleeves/jacket. It's cold in the UC for ice shows!

Disney On Ice Winner!

I can't believe that Disney on Ice will be at the United Center next week already! The show opens on Wednesday September 8 and continues until Sunday September 12.

We'll be at the opening night show on September 8, and so will the winner of my family four pack giveaway Jonna from the kahrs 6 pack!

BUT you can still go to the shows on the date of your choice at a discount. By using the code "MOM" you can get a 4-pack of tickets for only $44 (Valid Monday-Thursday and Friday Matinees, excluding holidays) and save $4 on all weekend shows. Just order your tickets from TicketMaster (at the United Center Box Office, www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000) and enter Code in the “MC Promotions Box” on Ticketmaster.com. You need to purchase a minimum of 4 tickets for the discount, and it is not valid on Front Row or VIP seats. No double discounts. Service charges and handling fees may apply.

And even if you don't go... you can still have fun at home with this cute Disney on Ice coloring sheet.

Enjoy!

Giveaway: Disney On Ice Presents Princess Classics

In the interest of full disclosure, I will attend a performance of this show with my family. In addition, Feld provided a partial sponsorship of my BlogHer trip. All opinions expressed are my own, however.

Last year, I took the wee ones to see one of the Disney on Ice shows for the first time ever. It was a surprise to them, and they loved it. We're now hooked - to the point that whenever I say we're going to do something fun, they ask if we're going to see another special show. Ummm, sorry kids.

I do have another surprise for them coming up, however. Disney on Ice returns to Chicago September 8-12 at the United Center, and we'll be there. This show focuses on the princesses of the classic Disney fairy tales, from – Cinderella to Jasmine, Ariel to Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Mulan and Snow White. Plus, Tinkerbell - Little Miss's favorite Disney character - is the special guest for the program. Each of the princess's worlds will be brought to life during the performance, and if past Disney shows are any indication, they will be a great recreation with tons of imagination and things to make you say wow.

The shows are 7pm each day from Wednesday September 8 to Sunday September 12. There are also shows at 11:30am and 3:30pm on Saturday and Sunday (September 11 and 12). The fun part? The Sunday 7pm show is a Spanish language show.

Ticket prices vary based on your seating area and date. However, you can get them for a discount. By using the code "MOM" you can get a 4-pack of tickets for only $44 (Valid Monday-Thursday and Friday Matinees, excluding holidays) and save $4 on all weekend shows. Just order your tickets from TicketMaster (at the United Center Box Office, www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000) and enter Code in the “MC Promotions Box” on Ticketmaster.com. You need to purchase a minimum of 4 tickets for the discount, and it is not valid on Front Row or VIP seats. No double discounts. Service charges and handling fees may apply.

BUT.

I also have a family 4 pack of tickets to give away for the opening night of Disney on Ice Presents Princess Classics at the United Center in Chicago on September 8 at 7pm.

So what do you have to do?

First of all, let me stress that you must follow all the rules. If you do not follow the rules, your entry will not count!

This contest is open until Tuesday August 31 at 7pm CST. I must have a valid way to reach you, so leave me your email address in your comment or be sure your profile has your email address visible. No duplicate comments will count. This giveaway is open to US residents age 18 and older. Winners will be selected via random.org and must respond within 24 hours of being notified by me or I will select a new winner.

Mandatory Entry: Tell me who your favorite Disney Princess is and why.

Bonus Entries (leave a comment for each entry - if you put it all in one comment, I'll count it as one entry):

1) Earn one additional entry for following me on Twitter and tweeting this contest (leave a link to your tweet as your comment).
2) Earn one additional entry by following this review blog publicly via Google Friend Connect.
3) Earn one additional entry by following my “regular” blog Honest & Truly! publicly via Google Friend Connect.

Good luck!

Disney on Ice Winner and Monster Jam Discounts

Congratulations to Savannah who won the Disney on Ice family four pack.  She was the lucky random.org (I love that website) integer who gets to go see the show on February 2.  And yes, she's already responded to my email that she can attend for those of you hoping for a second chance.

But there are more shows coming!  Feld Entertainment is also presenting Monster Jam®, the world’s premier monster truck series will take place in Rosemont, IL at Allstate Arena this Feb. 12 - 14, featuring freestyle and racing competition. We once again have discounts for those of you who are interested in attending.

You will receive $5 off adult tickets by using code MOM. The discount is good for the shows on Saturday Feb. 13, at 2PM and 7:30PM as well as Sunday, Feb. 14 at 2:00PM. Tickets for children under 12 are always just $10 and do not require a code to purchase. Enter the code on the Ticketmaster website in the promotions or special offers line. The discount is not valid on the $50 or $30 price levels, and double discount are not allowed. Note that tickets bought the day off at the Allstate Arena are $2 higher than when you buy in advance.

This weekend’s show will feature Grave Digger and for the first time in Chicago, Nitro Circus will be competing! Plus, the Built Ford Tough Party in the Pits is on Sunday, February 14th from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM. This gives fans the opportunity to get a view of the trucks up close and meet the drivers of the massive monster trucks. Free Pit Passes are available at Advanced Auto Parts or they can be purchased for $5 the day of the show at the box office.

So you’ve never been to a monster truck rally (ok, neither have I!). What do you need to know, other than my assumption that they’re loud from what I’ve seen in movies? Approximately 12 feet tall and about 12 feet wide, monster trucks are custom-designed machines that sit atop 66-inch-tall tires and weigh a minimum of 10,000 pounds. Built for short, high-powered bursts of speed, monster trucks generate 1,500 to 2,000 horsepower and are capable of speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. Monster trucks can fly up to125 to 130 feet (a distance greater than 14 cars side by side) and up to 35 feet in the air.

Disclosure: I haven’t decided whether my family will attend this event or not (mostly due to the noise concerns with Mister Man), but we have been offered tickets to the show. I received no other compensation for providing this information.

Giveaway: Disney on Ice Tickets in Chicago

In the interest of full disclosure, I have been given four tickets to go see Disney on Ice on February 2 for my family. I have not received any other compensation, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Call me a bad parent, but I haven't been one for taking the wee ones to go see many shows. When Thomas came to town, my parents bought tickets and I volunteered to stay home. Ditto with ummm another show I know my parents took them to.

However, earlier this year, I took the wee ones to go see Disney on Ice 100 Years of Magic. Ohhh the wee ones loved it. And I have to say that I had a blast, too. Best of all, they had a discount available with four tickets for $44. Now that, I couldn't pass up.

And Disney is back in Chicago. And they have a deal again. This time, they're here for Disney on Ice's "normal" show. They are going to have over 50 characters from sixteen Disney stories performing, including Tiana and Prince Naveen from The Princess and the Frog.

They are performing Jan. 20 – Feb. 7, 2010 in two different venues. January 20 – 31 they are at the United Center, and February 2 - 7 they will be at the Allstate Arena (which I'm sorry, I still need to point out that this will forever in my mind be The Horizon).

Any interest in attending? I thought so. You can again purchase 4 tickets for $44 for weekday shows (Monday through Thursday and Friday matinee) and get $4 off on the weekend shows (Friday night through Sunday). Simply input the code MOM in the MC Promotion box on www.ticketmaster.com.

And for those of you not in Chicago, they are touring elsewhere! You can still go see the Let's Celebrate! show in Little Rock, Columbus GA, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Boston, Auburn Hills, St Louis, Toronto, Dallas, Fort Worth, Hidalgo TX, Houston, San Antonio, and Wichita Falls. And I have a feeling you're going to want to.

Even if you can't go, your kids will enjoy coloring this sheet. I'm afraid to show it to the wee ones until we go, as this is a surprise for them, but you can bet that Little Miss will be all over making this as "pretty" as she can!

Better yet, would you like to win a family four pack of tickets to go see the show on February 2 at 7pm at the Horizon?

This contest is open until Wednesday January 27 at 9pm CST. I must have a valid way to reach you, so leave me your email address in your comment or be sure your profile has your email address visible. No duplicate comments will count. This giveaway is open to US residents age 18 and older. Winners will be selected via random.org and must respond within 24 hours of being notified by me or I will select a new winner. Please be sure you are available to attend the performance on Tuesday February 2 at 7pm.

Mandatory Entry: Tell me your favorite Disney movie, and why it's your favorite. If you don't do this one, no entries will count.

Bonus Entries (leave a comment for each entry):

1) Earn one additional entry for Tweeting this contest (leave a link to your tweet as your comment).
2) Earn one additional entry by following this review blog.
3) Earn one additional entry by following my “regular” blog Honest & Truly!

Good luck!



Allstate Arena

Review: Disney On Ice 100 Years Of Magic

Wow. That's really a good summary of it, but I suppose I ought to say more. The other night, Feld Entertainment kindly invited me to go see Disney on Ice at the United Center with my family.

I haven't taken the wee ones to too many "events" because they tend to be ummm not really something I'm that interested in (so I make my parents take them if my parents insist on going) or because it's too expensive to justify. Disney on Ice takes away both those excuses.

First, they are still at the United Center until Sunday September 13, and you can get tickets for $44 for a four pack (with $11 additional tickets). Good seats are still available, as my friend who is now going on Sunday in row 16 can attest. She bought her tickets yesterday after Mister Man didn't stop raving about it the entire twenty-five minute drive to school. Just visit Ticketmaster and use code MOM.

While I was treated to this (thank you again, Feld Entertainment!), if I weren't going to a football game on Saturday and a birthday party on Sunday -- yes, at Pump It Up, shockingly -- I'd take the wee ones again.

It. Rocked.

The skaters told many of the traditional Disney stories from Pinocchio to Beauty and the Beast to The Incredible to The Lion King and more. Partway through the first story, I was pretty impressed at who they hired to do the voices because it sounded a whole lot like Robin Williams as the Genie in Aladdin. Well, I finally figured it out partway into the song that DUH! that's because they took sound clips from the movies to do the majority of the scenes. It was the little touches like that which really made the evening special.

I missed most of the scene changes because I was so captivated by the stories and the singing. There was a castle backdrop that looked like the traditional Cinderella castle. Until it transformed into the Chinese castle from Mulan. Until it changed into something more appropriate for Toy Story. Until it was more like The Lion King. How they did all that I don't know ... especially because I never saw it happening.

The wee ones loved it. Little Miss is a little ball of energy who never sits still. She stayed in her seat. Generally without moving, except to periodically wave at the characters who really interacted with the audience. Or to clap. Or sometimes to tell me excitedly that she'd just seen another character she recognized. That just doesn't happen.

The show is broken into two acts, with an intermission so

more goodies can be sold

everyone who needs to go to the bathroom can do so. I took that opportunity to take Little Miss to the bathroom to put on her pjs -- see smart mama!

As we were walking up the steps, she thought the show was over. She looked at me with her eyes shining and face bright with excitement. I loved it, Mommy. I just loved it! That was her summary.

If you're not in Chicago, you aren't out of luck. This is continuing to tour until just after the new year. See cities and dates below. I believe the code MOM will work for all these shows, but don't quote me if I'm wrong on that. It's always worth a try, right?

Sunrise: September 17-20, 2009
Dayton/Cincinnati: September 17-27, 2009
Miami: September 23-27, 2009
Auburn Hills: September 30 – October 4, 2009
Charlotte: October 8-11, 2009
Philadelphia: October 14-18, 2009
Atlanta: October 14-18, 2009
Oakland/San Jose: October 14-25, 2009
Fairfax: October 21-25, 2009
Sacramento: October 28 – November 1, 2009
Baltimore: October 28 – November 1, 2009
Uniondale: November 10-15, 2009
Houston: November 11-15, 2009
NYC: November 17-22, 2009
East Rutherford: November 24-29, 2009
Denver/Broomfield: December 3-13, 2009
St. Paul: December 9-13, 2009
Los Angeles: December 17-20, 2009
Toronto: December 18-27, 2009
Anaheim: December 22-27, 2009
Philadelphia: December 23 – January 3, 2010
Boston: December 26-29, 2009
Ontario: December 30 – January 3, 2010
Cleveland: January 8 -18, 2009

So go. Really. Go.

The only thing I was disappointed by was my camera. I realized I don't have a sport setting (I took no flash pictures!), so my pictures aren't great. I'll upload them tomorrow to leave you with a sense of what you'll see -- or at least a blurred image of our experience. Someday I'll get a "good" camera.

Even better, I've heard rumors that there will be additional shows from Feld Entertainment coming up over the next several months that may (may) include ticket giveaways and more discount codes, though I can't promise they'll be quite this cheap! Keep a lookout for those.

And yes, I still have Disney songs going through my head. And it's forty-eight hours later. And the wee ones are still talking about it. I may have spoiled them forever. But it was all worth it.

Honey Kix Winner And More Stuff!

I did my random.org this afternoon, and ummm if someone can teach me how to make it show up here all pretty like, that would be great. In the meantime, you'll have to trust me.

The winner of the way cool Honey Kix package (and our cereal is loooooong gone) is:

True Random Number Generator

Min:
Max:
Result:
14

Based on the entries that followed the directions of entering, the winner is:

Mrs4444!

Send me your address within 48 hours, and I'll get that package sent off to you. Otherwise, I'll choose a new winner. Enjoy your Kix and the rest of the treats!

And I have some other fun to promote, too.

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In the interest of continuing with my back to school theme lately, Hellmann's® and Best Foods® Mayonnaise are working with Billy Ray Cyrus to raise money for Feeding America®, the nation's leading domestic hunger-relief charity. Remember when you took your sack lunch to school and everyone else's lunch looked better than yours? What did you do? Why, you traded of course! The first time I tasted wheat bread was via a trade, and I'm sure I'm not alone in my fond memories of that.

Basically, they have put together an app on Facebook that made a virtual Sandwich Swap 'n' Share program. Click here to access it.

For every sandwich created as part of the virtual Sandwich Swap 'n' Share program on Facebook.com/hellmanns, Hellmann's® and Best Foods® will donate 7 lunches (a $1 donation that equates a lunch, max 700,000) to Feeding America®.

And as those great informercial guys say: but that's not all! By creating and sharing that sandwich, you just might win something, too! Each sandwich created will automatically enter you for a chance to win a $250 grocery store gift certificate. And for every friend on Facebook® that you share your sandwich with, Hellmann's® and Best Foods® will donate an additional 7 lunches to the charity.

Soooo for those of you who see me on Facebook, look out for that sandwich coming your way!

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Lastly, this one is for the Chicago area people out there.

Disney on Ice is coming to Chicago next month (ok in a few weeks, but I'm not ready for September to be a few weeks away) with their 100 Year of Magic tour. It's performing at the UC September 8 to 13.

You can get tickets for $44 for a 4 pack (and $11 thereafter) by going to Ticketmaster and entering promo code MOM. There's a $3.50 per ticket handling fee, but you can choose standard shipping for free.

I'll be there on the 8th, and I can't wait to see the show. It's a surprise for Mister Man and Little Miss, but who doesn't love Disney? And how can you beat tickets for $11?

See you soon with more fun to give away!