Planning a Trip with Pixie Vacations!

If you have ever planned a trip you know just how difficult it can be.  Using a service like Pixie Vacations not only saves you time and stress but you can also save money so it is a win win!

They offer the same prices as booking with Disney. However we do have a key advantage when it comes to getting you the best possible price. When you book with Pixie Vacations we will monitor your reservation. If a Disney promotion comes out that is a better fit for you, we will move your existing reservation to the better package price. If you book directly with Disney, they will not contact you to tell you there is now a better deal. We have two kids ourselves and know how important it is to get the best vacation for your dollar. Also when you call or book online with Disney directly you will not get any discount at all unless you know to ask for a specific rate. We know what specials to ask for to save you money.

Also check our exclusive Pixie Offers. These are Disney Vacation offers we have created just for you, our Pixie Guests'. These exclusive Disney World vacation packages combine tremendous savings on your Disney World Resort Room, Discounted Disney Park Tickets and Disney's Dining Plan with some amazing special extras.
A History of Disney Knowledge equals Disney savings.

Here is an example of just one great way you can save:

Save on your Walt Disney World Vacation with these Walt Disney World Resort Hotel discounts. When your you upgrade to a room and ticket package that includes a minimum 5-Day Theme Park ticket with the Park Hopper® Option or Park Hopper Plus Option, you get one more day added to the ticket, FREE*

• Up to 25% on rooms at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels for stays most nights Jan. 1 – April 14, 2018 when you book Oct. 3, 2017 – Jan. 2, 2018.
• Up to 20% on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels for stays most Sunday-Thursday nights Jan. 3 – Feb. 17, 2018 when you book Jan. 3 – Feb. 3, 2018.

Booking Window: 
Save up to 25%: Oct. 3, 2017 – Jan. 2, 2018
Save up to 20%: Jan. 3 – Feb. 3, 2018

Travel Window:
Save up to 25%: Most nights Jan. 1 – April 14, 2018
Save up to 20%: Most Sunday-Thursday nights Jan. 3 – Feb. 17, 2018

How to book this Disney World Offer:

Contact your Pixie at Pixie Vacations
Get a Disney World Quote Now.

Call: 678-815-1584
EMail: Info@PixieVacations.com

Saving Money with Groupon Coupons

Savings made easy!

If you are an online shopper like myself, you must check out Groupon! They are a website that offers coupons on all your favorite retailers. If you go on the Groupon site right now you will find thousands and thousands of deals and coupons. There is an endless supply of money saving offers.

Some of the best deals I have ever found have been from Groupon. Groupon used to just be known as a site where you could purchase deals from but, now they offer actual coupons to over 9,000 retailers.

One of my favorite retailers on the Groupon site right now is CityPASS.  Right Now Groupon is offering over 15 different coupons at up to 54% off on CityPASS. That is savings on top of the great deal you are getting by purchasing the CityPASS as opposed to purchasing the individual attractions. This, is savings made easy! 

My Son and I recently got a CityPASS for Chicago and were able to experience many local attractions from Willis Tower to the Adler Planetarium.  Thanks to Groupon and CityPASS for the cost of about two attractions we got to do 12!  It was a really fun filled day I never could of afforded if purchased on my own.

Soon after the entire family was taking a trip to Philadelphia so of course I headed over to Groupon to see if a CityPASS was available and it was!  With 40% off and 5 must see attractions I bought one for everyone in my family.  I can't tell you how many times I have recommended both CityPass & Groupon since then.

So check it out!  To make saving even easier make sure to get the Groupon app as well.

Fall at Konow's Corn Maze ~ Discount

One of my favorite activities that comes with fall its visiting pumpkin farms and corn mazes.  It is the start of a fun season filled with hot apple cider and apple donuts.  The hardest part is deciding where to go.  With so many choices I like to choose something new every year and this years visit to Konow's Corn Maze did not disappoint.

The first thing my boys saw was the giant jumping pillow.  They raced over and jumped for quite awhile.  This is big enough that even the grownups can join in. It was an exciting first stop.

After jumping for a bit they noticed the train rides that were going on and we raced over where they got a seat at the back of the cow train.  They were super excited and had a ton of fun on the first of 3 tractor pulled rides.

Next stop was the GIANT hay mountain.  This was awesome!  I think the boys spent a good hour here climbing and exploring.  There were tunnels and caves,  They enjoyed playing with the other kids and attempting to get to the very top.  It was super fun and everyone there seemed to enjoy it a lot.  Even with the rain the day before it was under a tent so it was nice and dry.

After plenty of hay time (we went back for more later) we headed off to the corn pits which I think are so therapeutic.  It is just relaxing to dig and roll around in the corn.  Yes you are free to join the kids.  They have a small one for smaller kids and a giant pit for everyone else.  I insist you MUST get in.  

Konow's Corn Maze is a working farm so there are plenty of animals.  We saw hogs, cows, goats, sheep, and chickens to name a few.  My boys loved playing on all the tractors they had on exhibit as well.  They took turns climbing up and playing with all the knobs.  

By now we needed a break to refuel.  We checked out the restaurant and I was surprised everything was priced between 1-4 bucks which is super reasonable.  Four meals with drinks came out to about $25.  They have everything from corn on the cob to pizza.  Be sure to get some delicious apple cider!

After lunch we went on the grain train, hayrides and I think we visited all the activities one more time.  Chris really wanted to head in the corn maze but it had rained the entire day before our visit and as expected it was super muddy.  Regardless we still had a fabulous time and would definitely come back again.  

Tickets are only $10 per person on the weekends, $9 during the week and it is a short 45 minute drive from the O'hare area.  

Konow's is 10 acres of Family Fun! Rides, Games, Food, Shopping, Pumpkin Farm and our world famous Corn Maze!

$1 OFF DAILY ADMISSION - $1 OFF DAILY ADMISSION! Konow's Corn Maze is partnering with the Lockport Fish Food Pantry and you can help! During our entire 2016 Fall Festival Season, bring in any non-perishable food item and receive $1 Off a Daily Admission to #KonowsCornMaze. Offer is good 7 days a week. *One food item, per person, per discount *Food item must not be expired *Discount good during regular business hours only *Cannot be combined with any other coupon, offer or promotion *Opening day is September 23, 2016

@konowscornmaze

Konow's Corn Maze ~ Discount

Konow's is 10 acres of Family Fun! Rides, Games, Food, Shopping, Pumpkin Farm and our world famous Corn Maze!

$1 OFF DAILY ADMISSION - $1 OFF DAILY ADMISSION! Konow's Corn Maze is partnering with the Lockport Fish Food Pantry and you can help! During our entire 2016 Fall Festival Season, bring in any non-perishable food item and receive $1 Off a Daily Admission to #KonowsCornMaze. Offer is good 7 days a week. *One food item, per person, per discount *Food item must not be expired *Discount good during regular business hours only *Cannot be combined with any other coupon, offer or promotion *Opening day is September 23, 2016

We are super excited to be visiting this famous corn maze for the first time!  Keep An eye out for my review.

http://www.konowscornmaze.com

@konowscornmaze

http://www.windycitykidsguide.com/coupons.php?bid=12961&dealid=2879

Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker ~ Review

Disclosure:  I was provided with tickets in order to write this review.  However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was so excited when I was given the opportunity to attend the Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker when it came to Chicago.  I have never been to a ballet before and it has always been a bucket list item of mine.  The fact that it was the Great Russian Nutcracker had me even more intrigued.  I grabbed my bestie for a girls afternoon.

I have to say I was very impressed.  Not knowing what to expect it was fabulous.  The music was beautiful with one of my favorite songs being the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies.  The dancing was spectacular.  This being my first time seeing a ballet I was amazed by their footwork and flexibility.  It was so beautiful to watch and flowed well with the music.  I loved how they had so many children incorporated into the show as well.



Although Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker has left Chicago for this year there are still tickets available at many venues across the country.  If you live in Chicago I say add this to your to do list for next year.  The little girls were twirling down the aisles during intermission.  It is a must do and you never know it may become a family tradition.  You can use the code JOY for up to $30 off your ticket order.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK FOR SHOWS & TICKETS!

Tickets are on sale now for Moscow Ballet’s celebrated Great Russian Nutcracker on most cities on the 2015 North American tour! Families love Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker! It's the ultimate holiday tradition and creates memories for a lifetime. The production includes over 200 romantic costumes and 10' tall playful animal puppets; shimmering colorful, backdrops splashed with 3-D effects; life-sized Matrushka (Nesting) Dolls and a puppet show for shadowing the Nutcracker Story at the opening Christmas Party. During the battle with Nutcracker Prince and the 3-headed Rat King, a golden cannon shoots roses! In the Magical Snow Forest an authentic Russian style Troika Sleigh, known as the fastest sleigh in the world, is escorted by Father Christmas (Ded Moroz) and Snow Maiden (Snegurochka) on their way to Act II. The Great Russian Nutcracker is known for its dedication to world peace with Act II named the "Land of Peace and Harmony." The first scene of Act II features a stunning "Dove of Peace" with a 20' wingspan and danced by 2 dancers each with one feathered wing. All ages feel the spirit of the season at Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker!

Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker is Coming to Chicago!

The Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker is coming to Rosemont Dec. 6! My Readers Can Save on Tickets Now with this exclusive offer from US Family Guide 

It's the ultimate holiday tradition and creates memories for a lifetime. The production includes over 200 romantic costumes and 10' tall playful animal puppets; shimmering colorful, backdrops splashed with 3-D effects; life-sized Matrushka (Nesting) Dolls and a puppet show for shadowing the Nutcracker Story at the opening Christmas Party. During the battle with Nutcracker Prince and the 3-headed Rat King, a golden cannon shoots roses! In the Magical Snow Forest an authentic Russian style Troika Sleigh, known as the fastest sleigh in the world, is escorted by Father Christmas (Ded Moroz) and Snow Maiden (Snegurochka) on their way to Act II. The Great Russian Nutcracker is known for its dedication to world peace with Act II named the "Land of Peace and Harmony." The first scene of Act II features a stunning "Dove of Peace" with a 20' wingspan and danced by 2 dancers each with one feathered wing. All ages feel the spirit of the season at Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker! Use the code JOY to get the biggest discount of the season for your family.

Save on the Moscow Ballet's celebrated Great Russian Nutcracker 2015 North American Tour. USE PROMO CODE: JOY
http://usfamilycoupons.com/coupon.php?regionid=75&bid=12165&dealid=2024 .@moscowballet .@usfg

AdoramaPix Photo Books ~ Discount!

AdoramaPix helps people turn their digital photographs from abstract computer files into beautiful keepsakes designed to last a lifetime. Their custom photo books display your captured memories in rich color and vibrant detail. Thick, durable, professional grade photo paper resists fading and ensures that your photos will be just as colorful for future generations. The binding is lay-flat, so even panoramic images can splash across two pages without any separation. Your memories deserve to live in a stylish, archival home with AdoramaPix photo books.

You can find all the fun gift ideas HERE: http://www.adoramapix.com/app/home/

25% off our square photo books (6x6,8x8,10x10,12x12). Use code: pxusfam25 ends 09/30/2015 11:59 pm EST

Getting Closer with a Family Vacation

My absolute favorite thing to do in the world is to get away with my family.  Vacation is the perfect time to bond and get closer with everyone.  I think it is important to try and get away from home on a vacation because it makes that time even more special.  No work, no school, no chores, no grocery shopping.  Just quality family time 24/7.

My boys even tell us they love vacation so much because mommy and daddy don't have to go to work.  Time with each other is so valuable so if you are able, then take advantage of these few short years.  Since our boys are still young we usually go to Florida every year.  Its not to far and there is always tons to do and miles of beaches.



In May we went to Hollywood, Florida and I am thrilled to be heading to Orlando with them in two weeks for #FamilyForward.  Two trips is a real luxury and I am looking forward to having a super fun time with my boys before they head back to school, and my husband too of course.

When I found out we would be staying at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort I was ecstatic and I plan on surprising my dinosaur obsessed boys with a Jurassic Park suite.  It is a bit out of our normal price range but I figure this is a once in lifetime experience that I want them to remember forever.  I cannot wait to see the looks on their faces when we walk into our room.

#FamilyForward is 5 days of family activities with the fun of Universal Studios.  We have never been to Loews Resorts or Universal Studios so I am sure it will be a great family adventure we will remember forever.  The resort has beautiful pools and is walking distance to the theme park.  

So as we count down the days, (TEN more sleeps!!), I hope you are busy planning a vacation with your family or had a fabulous journey this summer.  You never truly know your family until you spend a week with them in a hotel room.  #TravelforReal

Magic Waters Waterpark!

With everyone talking about back to school, and even sharing Halloween costume ideas, I just want to say STOP!!!  We still have an entire month of summer left before school starts so I highly suggest you take a break on planning for the future and plan a fun day with the kiddos.  Winter is going to be here soon enough so a day at Magic Waters waterpark is a perfect activity to end your summer with.

Magic Waters is just an hour outside of Chicago near beautiful Rockford, IL.  It was an easy drive from the city and well worth it.  They have something for everyone.  My 3 year old is not into slides but he loved playing in the Children's Tiki area.  He also loved the wave pool and told me it was just like the beach in Florida.

Well my 3 year old and I hung around the wave pool my husband and my 5 year old went on every single water slide for the majority of the day.  There were only 2 slides my 5 year old was too little for but he loved all the rest.  His favorite was the Splash Blaster which is basically like a roller coaster water slide.  Tons of fun!

One attraction our entire family enjoyed was the Splash Magic River.  We went around it at least 5 times and had a blast relaxing and racing along the river.  I did manage to sneak away and ride one of the bigger water slides myself called the Double Dare Drop.  I was terrified!!  It was so much fun though and my 5 year old loved watching me go down the huge drop.

It was a fabulous day and My entire family and I can wait to head back to Magic Waters waterpark.  We went on a Sunday and there was not much of a wait for any of the slides and there was plenty of chairs and picnic tables.  We were able to find a nice area in the shade to leave our towels and come back to for lunch.  They also allow you to bring a cooler so feel free to bring any food you want with you!  

Right now if you purchase tickets on their website they are only $13!  If you do buy food in the park I have to say everything is very reasonably priced and tasty.  Parking is FREE.  So drop what you are doing, grab the kids and have a relaxing day at Magic Waters waterpark.  

A huge thank you to USFamilyGuide.com & Magic Waters for giving us tickets for such an exciting day :)

Fresh Families Back to School Giveaway!

Back to School is coming fast, and I’m teaming up with some of my favorite brands and bloggers to offer a huge back to school giveaway!

 

 Three winners will take home a backpack loaded with school supplies - including Boogie Wipes. Plus a mommy clutch - full of everything mom needs to make the start of the school year as easy as possible - including a $25 Target gift card, a $25 Starbucks gift card, Downy Wrinkle Releaser Plus, a Dreft Stain Stick and Febreze In-Wash Odor Eliminator.

Make Back to School Simple with Fresh Families Brands

Bracing yourself for the back to school sniffles that seem inevitable this time of year? Boogie Wipes to the rescue! Click here to grab a coupon, and be sure to stack your savings at Target to save an additional 5% with the Cartwheel app. Dreading having to iron those school uniforms and T-shirts every morning? Meet your new iron - Downy Wrinkle Releaser Plus. You're going to love it! Click here for a coupon. Have no doubt that your kids will slop some lunch on their brand new school clothes? Arm them with the Dreft To-Go Instant Stain Remover Pen! Click here for a coupon. Already gagging when you think about having to wash those smelly gym clothes? You'll be shouting #BringtheStink with the new Febreze In-Wash Odor Eliminator. Click here for a $2 coupon. Complete the form below for a chance to win all of these products - plus more!

Enter to Win!

Complete the form below to enter to win!

Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm ET on Wednesday, August 19, 2015. Entrants must be residents of the United States or Canada. Promotion is void in Quebec. Backpacks, mommy clutch and contents will vary from those pictured.

Magic Waters Waterpark in Rockford ~ Family Fun

Find your fun at Magic Waters Waterpark near Rockford, IL. Magic Waters features 10 attractions such as the Typhoon Terror, The Double Dare Drop Speed Slide or Tsunami Bay-Illinois' largest wave pool!

Experience the thrill of Splash Blaster Water Coaster Ride or just relax on the Splash Magic River! Don't miss Tiki Island-a water paradise for kids! There's fun for the entire family!
 

  

I am super excited to have the opportunity to take my family here.  Chris, my older son, is currently obsessed with water slides.  So stay tuned to hear all about our adventure!

Bluefoot Pirate Adventures ~ Discount

We just got back from a week of fun in Florida.  We spent the week on the beach with some activities in between and the sunshine was wonderful.  One of our excursions during our stay was to Bluefoot Pirate Adventures.  The boys were so excited to be going  on a real pirate ship.  I was excited to be going on a boat ride.

We booked a 1 pm cruise and arrived about 30 minutes early as suggested.  The pirates are waiting to greet you and provide some face, or in the case of my boys, arm painting.  They also provide you with pirate attire.  For an additional fee of $7 you can purchase a pirate sword, eye patch, and bandanna.

After everyone gets all their pirate goodies the kids are then taught the rules of being a pirate which I thought was adorable.  It is a super fun way for them to be safe since they are little and it is a boat.  They also teach them how to speak like a pirate which was fun but the kids quickly forgot.

Once on the boat Captain Chris put on a great show of entertaining the adults.  You learn about all the rich people that live in the area, and whether it is a yacht or a mansion he knows it all and it was very interesting.  It was my first sort of celebrity tour and I thoroughly enjoyed it.  Plus there was a wonderful cool breeze in the back of the boat. 

The kids are entertained and kept busy by Pirate Rose.  She tells them the story of the treasure and the missing key.  The kids help direct the boat, and the best part is shooting the canons at the bad pirate, or occasionally anyone else that gets to close to our boat.

All in all it was a great time and a fabulous boat ride that I highly recommend if you are in the Fort Lauderdale area with children.  Can you tell how gorgeous the weather was?  If we lived in Florida I would definitely book these guys for my boys birthday party.  Chris wouldn't even take off his eye patch until bedtime.  This is a different one of a kind attraction that needs to be on your to do list.

Bluefoot Pirate Family Adventures children's pirate cruise in Fort Lauderdale. Where children and adults alike, come to experience the magic of a pirate cruise sailing in South Florida in search of treasure.

Come on a Bluefoot Pirate Family Adventures voyage as we take everyone into a world of treasure hunts and battles on the high seas!

DISCOUNTS!!!!!!!

Here are some awesome discounts exclusively from US Family Guide:

$50 Off a Booked Birthday Party with Bluefoot Pirate Adventures Florida!

Discount Tuesdays & Thursdays! - Buy one ticket get a 2nd Ticket at 50% off! Offer Not Valid on Holidays.
 

Bluefoot Pirate Adventures! ~ Discount & Fun

Bluefoot Pirate Family Adventures children's pirate cruise in Fort Lauderdale. Where children and adults alike, come to experience the magic of a pirate cruise sailing in South Florida in search of treasure.

Come on a Bluefoot Pirate Family Adventures voyage as we take everyone into a world of treasure hunts and battles on the high seas!

Discount Tuesdays & Thursdays! - Buy one ticket get a 2nd Ticket at 50% off! Offer Not Valid on Holidays.

OR

$50 Off a Booked Birthday Party with Bluefoot Pirate Adventures Florida!