A review of Universal Orlando

My daughter and I just got back from our trip to Universal Theme Park in Orlando. This is our second year going and I am sorry to say our experience at the park was disappointing this year due to some ride quality and service issues.

On our first day at the park a third of the rides that we went on had a noticeable malfunction.
Where the ride stopped, lost sound and/or the visual was out of sync with the motion of the ride.
Some rides were not functioning at all. Fortunately we were there for multiple days and no ride was down for our entire trip. Spider man did experience issues four out of the five times we rode it. The last ride malfunction created a ride experience that was so frightening to my eleven year old that we left the park afterwards.

I had booked the Harry Potter VIP Experience which includes a breakfast at the Three Broomsticks and another at the Leaky Cauldron, a Shutterbutton's video where you get to dress up and act out in different Harry Potter Locales and Express Pass which allows you to skip regular lines at most attractions.

The Shutterbutton's experience was a lot of fun. The facilitator was friendly and really got us to ham it up and we have a DVD to commemorate our trip.

Almost all of the staff is pleasant however we had a bad experience at the three broomstick where I was trying to get the attention of one of the staff members. They looked right at me and kept walking. After getting up and searching I found another staff member who was helpful and polite.

We stayed at the Cabana Bay Beach resort which is a cool Retro 50's and 60's themed hotel.
They have 2 pools one with a lazy river and one with a water slide.
The Jack Lalanne fitness center was really great with a numerous displays it is like a museum within a state of the art fitness center.

Our room was at the far end of the hotel. I wished I had know the hotel was so expansive. At the end of the night walking down an endless corridor is not what you want. I recommend trying to get a room close to the main lobby. (Starlight, Castaway or Thunderbird) Also there was construction going on across the street from where our room was so we got a wake-up call every morning whether we wanted it or not. We walked to the Park a few times but it is about a mile away. Buses are available and run every ten minutes but I definitely enjoyed the convenience of being closer when we stayed at the Royal Pacific which was equally nice and had a few more dining options albeit a bit more sophisticated than the Cabana bay but still very kid friendly.

For Food and Drink the hotel has a Starbucks, a food court, Pizza Delivery to your room, a Poolside Bar and Grill at the Lazy river and a Bar at the Waterslide Pool.

Other entertainment includes a bowling alley, arcade,  movies by the pool, ping-pong, pool and beach games.

Universal Studios is an amazing place the re-creation of the world from the Harry Potter Book series is spot on. But Universal is competing with Disney not Great Adventure. My expectation is that they attend to all details not just the attractions. So in addition to amazing attractions they need to ensure consistent customer service and ride quality.

2014 Christmas Tree Lighting in New Jersey

Cliffside Park

Sunday November 30th

Cliffside Park Recreation will be hosting the annual tree lighting ceremony on the steps of Borough Hall on Sunday, November 30, 2014 at 6:00 P.M.Please come join Santa and his friends as we light up the Borough Hall for the Holidays. Following the tree lighting, the characters will be on parade at the Fire House for all to meet.

Free pictures will be taken with Santa. Refreshments will be served.
Over 30 Characters including: Santa, Mrs. Santa, Minnions, Doc McStuffins, Jake the Pirate, Elsa, Clifford, Abbey Cadaby, Elmo, Cookie, Big Bird, Ernie, Dora, Pooh, Ninja Turtles, Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Scooby, Buzz, Luigi, Cinderella, Nemo, and many many more!!

Nutley

Sunday November 30th

One of Nutley's oldest traditions – the annual Holiday Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting - will take place on 5-7 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 30 with activities scheduled to take place inside and around the John H. Walker Middle School and the Park Oval.

"The annual holiday celebration is a wonderful community event bringing families and friends together to welcome in the holiday season," Mayor Alphonse Petracco said. "It is a great way to see our community
at its best."
Franklin Avenue will be closed between Chestnut and New Streets during the celebration. Chestnut Street between Franklin Avenue and Vincent Place also will be closed during the festivities.
The event also includes a return visit by Santa with his reindeer ready for photos with children available for purchase.
The celebration also includes live entertainment by Nutley musical groups

Edgewater 

Monday December 1st

The entire community is invited to share in the spirit of the holidays on Wednesday, December 1st at 7:00 pm, at the Holiday Tree Lighting at the beautiful and scenic City Place at The Promenade in Edgewater, New Jersey.

This great family event will feature holiday music, live performances, prizes, give-a-ways and more. Attendees will have an opportunity to win one of 15 holiday cookie jars filled with store coupons, candy and gift cards, compliments of Hallmark, a two-week membership to Cando Fitness, a men's bracelet from Alain Jewelers, Ferry Tickets from NY Waterway, Gift cards for dinner at Fleming's Steakhouse and more.
There will also be a very special guest who will perform during the Tree Lighting event.
Attendees are encouraged to bring food for the local Holy Rosary Food Bank. Food may be dropped off during the Tree Lighting event.
For more information, call the Hallmark store at 201-840-8955.

Ridgewood

Fri, December 05, 2014

Time: 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Location: East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood NJ
Tree Lighting
Live Entertainment and Tree Lighting Celebration

Sat, December 06, 2014

Time: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Location: East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood NJ
Santa is in Ridgewood-bring your list!

8:00am-10am Breakfast with Santa-The Office Beer Bar and Grill
10:00am Santa arrives at Columbia Bank* in his Fire Truck
10:30am FREE Movie at Bowtie Warner Theatre "Nightmare Before Christmas"

2:00-4:00pm Visit Santa at his house – Memorial Park @ Van Neste Square
Kilwins serving Hot Chocolate

East Rutherford 

Friday, December 05, 2014

East Rutherford Recreation presents the 2014 Holiday Celebration, with the tree lighting, on Friday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m., at Boro Hall Park. There will be refreshments, music and candy canes. Visit with Santa. Bring your camera.

Hoboken

Tuesday Dec. 9th,  begins at 5:00pm

In front of City Hall, 94 Washington Street, between. 1st and Newark Streets. Local school children and performers singing favorite Christmas songs. With Host and MC, Elvis the Elf and a special appearance by Santa Claus Special Prizes and Giveaways by radio station CBS FM  101.1

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Author, Jeff Kinney to Appear at the Wyckoff YMCA

Jeff Kinney author of “Diary of a Wimpy Kid THE LONG HAUL”

Fri., Nov. 7 from 3-4pm at the Wyckoff YMCA
Books, Bytes & Beyond In partnership with The Wyckoff Family YMCA Presents best-selling children’s author Jeff Kinney for an hour-long presentation and Q&A. Each attendee must purchase a ticket for this event.
Ticket includes a copy of Diary of a Wimpy kid book 9, The Long Haul. Autographed by Jeff Kinney.
100% of the Y’s share of the proceeds help provide assistance to families in need or medical crisis.

This is a presentation and Q&A ONLY. There will not be a meet and greet or book signing after.
Tickets: $15

Click to purchase your tickets today!

First Annual 3K Spooky Stroll - A fundraiser for the Edgewater food pantry

Want to hear something really scary...One in six Americans face hunger. Suffering from insufficient nutrition - Not knowing where or when they will have their next meal.
 The United States ranks second in child poverty compared to other developed nations.
On Saturday October 25th you can help, by joining others in your community for a fun filled Halloween event. There will be Treats, face painting, Prizes and best of all the feeling that you are doing something to help those less fortunate.

The 3k Spooky Stroll will start at
City Place -225 River Road, in Edgewater NJ.

Registration begins at 9:00 am   Walk begins at 9:30 am
Cost: Adults $2 and one (or more) nonperishable food item          
          Children $1 and one (or more) nonperishable food item

COSTUMES ARE ENCOURAGED!
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult

Recommended non-perishable food Items:

•     Peanut butter
•    Jelly
•    Canned Fruit
•    Jar Sauce
•    Pasta
•    Tuna Fish
•    Powdered Milk
•    Cereal
•    Soup
•    Coffee
•    Vegetables
•        Macaroni and cheese

Please make sure food is not expired and avoid donating items packaged in glass.

Zoo Boo 2014

Zoo Boo at the Bergen County Zoo
216 Forest Avenue
Paramus, New Jersey

Trick-or-Treating in Zoo • Ghostly Storytelling • Magic Shows
and for the brave of heart there is the Eerie Express Train*

ADVANCED PURCHASE IS REQUIRED

Tickets go on sale October 1st, 9am at the Zoo; $6 each for 

ages 3 & up. Get your tickets early—this event sells out quickly!

*Train runs from 6:30-9:30pm each night; not recommended for young children. 

Train tickets cost $5.00 for all riders.

For more information call 201-262-3771 ext.110

Dates:
Friday, October 24th 6:00 - 9:00pm
       and
Saturday, October 25th 11:00am - 2:00pm and 6:00 - 9:00pm

(Rain Date: Sunday, October 26th)

---

Bronx Zoo - Boo at the Zoo

Safe, family-friendly activities include: Jack O ‘Lantern Illumination – Creatures of the Night walkthrough experience; 3-D Pumpkin Carving Demos and Displays, Broadway Cast Member Appearances; Costume Parade, Music, Magic, Crafts, and MORE

Boo at the Zoo festivities run FIVE weekends beginning Saturday, Oct 4 and include Columbus Day and Halloween

Oct. 4-5, 11-13, 18-19, 25-26, 31, and Nov. 1-2

New York – Sept. 8, 2014 – Boo at the Zoo: Dragons and Dinosaurs is returning to the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo and it may be the last time to check out the Dinosaur Safari: Mysteries Revealed experience before it becomes extinct. This year’s Boo at the Zoo activities are themed around the zoo’s lifelike animatronic dinosaur experience and real-life dinosaurs in the komodo dragon exhibit at Zoo Center.

Boo at the Zoo: Dragons and Dinosaurs is presented by Canon and will begin on Saturday, Oct. 4 and will run for five full weekends including Columbus Day and Halloween. All attractions and activities will embrace the spirit of the season while highlighting wildlife and conservation. Annual favorites including the hay maze, pumpkin carving demos, costume parades, music, magic and more will return with some additional Halloween surprises.

An eerie walk-through experience – Jack O ‘Lantern Illumination – Creatures of the Night – will take over the exhibits in the former World of Darkness creating a one-of-a-kind illuminated Halloween display. Broadway cast members from plays including Pippin, Motown, Cinderella, On the Town, and the Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe will make special appearances. Entertainment will include original musical revue Carnival of Extraordinary Animals and encore performances from magician David Levitan and musical group Gigi and the Lend me a Hand Band

All Boo at the Zoo activities are included with the price of admission with the exception of Dinosaur Safari and the Jack O’Lantern Illumination; both are included with the Total Experience Ticket.

Visit www.bronxzoo.com for a complete schedule of dates, performances and activities.

Get a premium Family Membership save $20 if you apply by Sunday October 5th

---

Family Halloween Camp In: Mystery at the Museum

Friday, October 17, 2014

Explore the Center. Navigate our exhibits and theaters. Solve a crime?!

A priceless artifact has been stolen from the Science Center and we need your help to solve the mystery. Everyone is a suspect and the clock is ticking… We need to find out whodunit before bedtime.

Work with our Police Commissioner to interview suspects, process clues, and track down the culprit. Conduct microscopic investigations, analyze soil samples, and solve a ransom note puzzle.

Keeps your eyes and ears open as you enjoy our exhibitions and shows because clues may be revealed throughout the night!

The cost is $60 per person, which includes our Mystery at the Museum program and:

• Open admission to all exhibit galleries
• An evening snack and light breakfast
• A movie in the nation’s largest IMAX Dome theater
• An eye-popping RealD 3D movie
• Live science demonstrations
• An LSC Camp In patch that allows you to return to LSC free for one year

Call 201.253.1310 for more information and to register.

Your Science Center, Your Night!

In appreciation of your support, we open our doors exclusively to our members on Member Nights. Visit the Science Center after hours on these special nights and explore your favorite exhibits. Enjoy special themed programming, activities and reduced film tickets prices.

Member Night:  October 24, 2014 5:30 – 9:00 pm

Join us for Halloween Science Fun!  Costumes Welcome! 

Trick or treat around the Center, try some spooky experiments, and dance with princesses, ghosts, and superheroes at our annual members’ Halloween party.

Exhibits open from 5:30 to 9:00 pm, Activities run from 6:00 – 8:30 pm, Cafe Skylines open from 5:30 – 7:30 pm

Movies (IMAX) Movie tickets are $2.50 each and may be purchased onsite or in advance by calling 201.253.1310:

• Island of Lemurs Madagascar:6:15 pm
• Mysteries of the Unseen World:  7:15 pm
• To the Arctic: 8:15 pm

Scheduled Activities:

• Tesla Lightning Show:  6:15, 7:15 and 8:15 pm.  Limited space.  Free but ticket needed.  Tickets distributed on a first-come first-served basis in PSE&G Court.
• Dance the night away at the Bug Ball with DJ Dave
• Trick or Treating stations – bring your own bag!

Buy your Polar Express Tickets Early

Every Year it's the same thing Christmas rolls around and I see an Advertisement for the Polar Express Train. But then I go to purchase them and they are all sold out... well not this year. Tickets Go on Sale in August and sell out quickly so book early while they are available.

BUY YOUR POLAR EXPRESS TICKETS EARLY! ONLY 2 DAYS LEFT FOR THIS OFFER!

IF YOU PURCHASE DINOSAUR TRAIN TICKETS YOU ARE AUTOMATICALLY  ABLE TO BUY  POLAR EXPRESS TICKETS ONE DAY EARLY CLICK HERE TO BUY DINOSAUR TRAIN TICKETS Buy Polar Express Tickets One Day Early BEFORE The General Public.  Last year our Polar Express trip in Phillipsburg, NJ sold out in just 12 hours. To reward our loyal customers that frequent our trips, we are making it easy for you to buy your  Polar Express tickets before the general public. If you purchase Dinosaur Train tickets  DINOSAUR TICKETS     you will be allowed to purchase Polar Express tickets before the General Public on July 31st at midnight. They go on sale to the general public August 1st at midnight and sell out by noon that day.  When you go to order tickets on the 31st of July, the site will ask you for your last name and your order number ( six digit number starting with 0). Once you enter these, the system will verify your Dinosaur Train order, and allow you to buy Polar Express tickets one day early, before the general public.  Many of you would be buying Dinosaur Train tickets anyhow, and this is our way of saying THANK YOU! Dinosaur  Train August 16,17,23,24 Roar...take a ride back to the Jurassic Period on the Dinosaur Train™! Patterned after the hit PBS Television cartoon series, families take an adventurous ride to the Nature Trackers Activity Area where they explore, play and learn about life science, natural history and dinosaurs. Guests will meet their favorite T-rex, Buddy, find real fossils and dig for dinosaur bones! There is also music, giant dinosaurs and merchandise! BUY DINOSAUR TRAIN TICKETS NOW Buy Tickets

Bronx Zoo Run for the Elephants 5k

Yesterday was my girlfriends Birthday we had our kids this weekend so we tried find something to do that would be fun for all of us while marking the occasion.
We had heard about the Bronx Zoo 5k. We asked them if they wanted to do a run to help the elephants and spend the day at the Zoo they were up for it in theory (although neither of them have ever run/jogged more than a mile).
The event itself was well organized and the course was great especially for 1st timers most flat with a few slight inclines and declines. You run through the Zoo so along the way we passed some of the animal enclosures. The animals seemed more active early in the morning with the zebras running around to check all the runners out. After the run there were free refreshments and snacks which were really welcome. There were also quite a few sponsor including(Ikea, BMW, and Modells) who had tents setup with great giveaways and enough supply's for all the runners. The t-shirt we got was really nice as well. Most of the shirts I have received at other runs generally go into the drawer and never get worn. I will wear this one which will continue to raise awareness.
 After picking up our swag we went back to the car to drop off our stuff and get ready to go back into the zoo. Admission and member discounts were granted to all participants. The weather was great and although we had run earlier it wasn't until later in the day that we really felt tired and a little sore.

We are planning on doing next years event and hopefully a few more 5k's this year my girlfriends daughter is already asking to do another my daughter might need a little convincing.

Upcoming 5k's in New Jersey

All Aboard the Polar Express - Storytime

Polar Express Storytime

On Friday, December 10th at 7:00 pm, all Barnes and Noble stores are holding a Polar Express Party, highlighted by a special reading of the holiday classic. Of course hot chocolate and cookies will be served.
Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas.

Click here for Location near You