BAT's Passport
 

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Member since:
18 December 2009

Icon_superoo_orangeSuperoo '11, '12, '13

Icon_pictureBeen to 213 Attractions
Icon_star193 Reviews
Icon_star193 First to Review
Icon_camera2563 Photos
Icon_thumbsup70 Helpful Votes
Compliments
About Me & My Family

We are a busy family with 3 kids and we don't sit still. When we aren't running off to scouts, dance, sports, etc., we really enjoy spending time as a family. If we have a day we will try to find someplace local to explore. If we have a weekend we go a little further. Give us a week and we can really pack it in. We are always on the lookout for family friendly destinations (especially hotels which seem so hard to find!). Our vacations are not spent floating in the pool...they are spent exploring the area to its fullest!
Our Family's Travel Personality
adventurous, curious, energetic, easy_going
We Just Got Back From
Washington DC
Our Favorite Vacation Spot
Washington DC
A Place We'd Love To Visit
Yellowstone
Favorite Vacation Memory
My daughter is such a pip and thinks the hotel is the destination. If we do sightseeing along the way she just keeps asking "when are we going to get to the hotel?" She loves checking out our new "home away from home" and she LOVES the fact that she gets to share a room with someone!!
Worst Travel Moment With My Kids:
the car sick kid
Websites I Like:

Top Ways to Start the Christmas Season (NJ/NY/PA)

Looking for a way to get into the holiday spirit?  

Find a local production of the Nutcracker.  What can be a better way to celebrate Christmas?

Take a walk around New York City to see the beautiful window displays.  While you are in New York, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular is a "don't miss".  


Al Hirschfeld Theater
302 W. 45th Street New York (Manhattan), New York

Comment:
A fun way to kick off the holidays!

reviewed on: November 23 2010

"Kick off the Holiday Season Right!"
My family recently had the opportunity to attend the new holiday hit Elf The Broadway Musical at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre.  If I had to sum up our experience in just a few words I’d have to say it was a fun way to kick off the holiday season with the whole family.  The show did not lack in laughs and kept us entertained throughout the whole performance.  My son was sitting on the edge of his seat the whole time!

The adult take:  
I enjoyed the movie Elf and so I was really curious to see how they transformed it into a musical.  While the script differs from that of the movie, it was a wonderful adaptation.  I really enjoyed the musical numbers a lot.  They throw in some local and current references and humor to further customize the show and help up the laugh factor.  If you have never seen the movie, you will see that is a lighthearted way to deliver slightly bigger messages of Christmas spirit and personal growth.

The performances were wonderful and the cast included some familiar faces.  Sebastian Arcelus captured the spirit of Buddy and had a great comedic delivery.  Amy Spanger (known from law and Order: SVU) had the perfect combination of warmth, sarcasm, and comedy for her role as Jovie.  Remember Norm from Cheers?  You’ll find George Wendt gracing the stage as Santa himself.  

One of the best parts was that it appealed to people of all ages. Our party of 3 was multi-generational being me, my mom and my eight year old son and we all liked the show.  When I looked around the audience there were many children present from approximately ages 4 through teens.  My son stayed engaged and interested during the entire performance.  

I would like to point out here though, that there are a few cuss words and adult oriented jokes used.  They weren’t plentiful but they were there.  My son did not seem to notice the language and I’m sure the jokes went over his head.

I asked my mom to weigh in with her opinions of the show.  She found it very enjoyable and really liked how it appealed to everyone.    She enjoyed the original music and felt that the performance was animated enough to keep the kids involved.  She would recommend it to families looking to get into the holiday spirit.  

The kid’s take:  
There were lots of funny moments.  I liked that the kid and the mom start to believe in Santa.  The music was good and I liked the decorations.  

The final take:  
If you liked the movie Elf then you will love the musical debut on Broadway.  Haven’t seen the movie?  No worries!  That gives you a fresh perspective to discover the story of Buddy.  If you have a chance to see it during its limited run, it is worth the trip.  Your entire family will come out cheering for Buddy and feeling the Christmas spirit.  You may even find yourself singing because “the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear”.

The theater:  
We had wonderful seats located front row, center of the mezzanine.  In my opinion these were probably the best seats in the house.  However, observing the layout of the theater, it didn’t appear there was a bad seat to be had.

Disclosure:  This review is based on a complimentary visit to Elf The Broadway Musical.  I received no other compensation and I was not required to express a particular point of view.  


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6415 Black Horse Pike
Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey

Comment:
Come see Santa and Mrs. Claus. Tell them your wish list and see Santa light up the park! Don't forget to take a ride on Santa's flying sleigh and take a train ride through the park to see it all lit up.

reviewed on: December 18 2009

"A Family Favorite"
This is one of our favorite amusement parks.  It is not too big to be overwhelming and all of the rides are sized just right for the kids.

They have FANTASTIC special events throughout the year such as Trick-or Treat and visits from Santa.  I HIGHLY recommend these.  You won't be disapointed.  

In the summer, it is nice and shady so you aren't melting in the sun.  The crowds never seem to be huge which means the lines for rides are never very long.  It is kept very clean and the staff is very friendly.

Parking is free and they allow you to bring in a picnic lunch.  They have a large picnic area to sit and enjoy it.  If you don't feel like packing your own lunch they have a restuarant which isn't as expensive as other theme parks and serves average fare.  Nothing to write home about.  They also have a snack shop which is a great place to grab a pretzel and soda or in the winter, some hot chocolate.  Up front they have an ice cream shop which is fun to visit on the way out before your drive home.

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782 Christmas Village Road
Bernville, Pennsylvania

Comment:
Next best thing to the North Pole itself!

reviewed on: December 30 2009

"Christmas Wonderland"
This is a unique and fun experience to share with kids of all ages and is sure to get iyou nto the holiday spirit.  The lights will mesmerize you with their beauty.

Parking is free and better yet, kids under 5 are free.  Older kids and adults pay a fee but I think the price is fair for the experience you get.

There are many outdoor displays (so be sure to bundle up against the cold!) but there are also many indoor buildings.  Stop by the kitchen for some freshly baked cookies and hot coco and then swing by Santa's Toy Shop for some great gifts and soveniers.  You will also get some great decorating ideas!

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30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York (Manhattan), New York

Comment:
See the Christmas tree up close and personal, watch the skaters, or lace up a pair of skates yourself!

reviewed on: May 28 2010

"Christmas Time Stop"
The only time Rockefeller Center is a must see stop for the kids is at Christmas time.  The tree is ginormous and is lit up in brilliance.  It is fun to watch the ice skaters down on the ice and walk around and see all the decorations.  

When you get cold from walking around you can pop in one of the stores or restaurants to warm up.