4 ways to beat the heat at #SeaWorld #SanAntonio

Early last month our family traveled down to meet with the other Wildside Bloggers and their families at our favorite San Antonio haunt....Sea World, San Antonio.

Even though we've visited SeaWorld, San Antonio several times over the past three years we've never ever done what we did this time....
we actually got into the Park when it just opened up at 9 am and only left at 9.45 pm!!
With 2 little ones (a 5 year old and a 1 year old mind you) that is some accomplishment especially if there were no meltdowns from start to finish!
How did we do it especially with the Texas summer heat blazing down on us?
Simple!
We remembered to follow the 4 Rs....


1. Re-fuel and Re-hydrate

If your little ones are like mine, they don't realize thirst and hunger hitting them bad till it triggers off a whining spree or a wailing scene. Considering this we generally carry into the Park a little bag filled with snacks, juice in flasks (juice boxes are allowed into the Park but straws are not as a safety precaution for the animals) and bottles of water.
This time round as a 'Wildside family' we were introduced to the All Day Dining Plan.

At first glance spending 29.95 US$ per adult and 15.95 US$ per child (aged 3-9) may seem a little pricey for one's likes but when you think of the privileges you enjoy you will think again.


With our All Day Dining bracelets we re-fueled the kids with fresh fruit (juicy strawberries and sweet watermelon slices-yum!), sugar boosts with chocolate pudding (not very healthy I admit but at home our food regiment is healthy all the way so a holiday allows for a little cheating!)



and re-hydrated ourselves with lots of cold water and chilled lemonade.



I'm also excited to let you in on some "smoking" news!
You don't have to grin and bear burgers and hotdogs for lunch if you aren't a junk food kind of person, you just have to take your feet over to Shamu's Smokehouse.



Why is this different from the other dining spots in the Park?
Lets just say this....
BBQ!!
(Slurp!)



I definitely recommend the BBQ chicken platter while Hubby says the BBQ Brisket hit the spot and for the kiddos, Bunny girl thought the mini corn dogs were yummy.
(Oh and don't forget to save those souvenir plates and re-live the SeaWorld fun back at home!)

But if the kids suddenly go on an "I want pizza and only pizza!" trip, you don't have to leave the Park and hunt for the next Pizza joint. Just hop, skip and jump over to Rosita's All You Can Eat Buffet and yes, the All Day Dining Bracelet works there too!


2. Re-energize

Sit down, kick off those shoes under the shelter of the various show stadiums and re-energize watching entertaining performances like the award winning Azul with talented acrobats and beluga whales, the rib tickling Cannery Row Caper with sea lions Clyde and Seymour and Uncle Max the walrus or the impressive water ski acts in Cool Vibrations.

Early last month two brand new shows were added to SeaWorld's repertoire. The one that created the biggest splash is the Shamu show that has replaced the much loved 'Believe'. One Ocean has it's own charm with a global conservation message centering the theme



and you will get to see all three killer whales performing together amidst water jet effects and more.



We were fortunate to be able to see one of the newest members to the family....baby Shamu! This is definitely worth the watch and yes, if you love to get a good ol' frigid soak from head to foot, the "Splash Zone" still holds good in this show!

Another new show that opened the day we visited is one all the furry little monster lovers in your family will adore....Elmo and the Bookaneers.



This cute pirate themed show throws in the importance of reading (Bunny girl loved the fact that this was a book themed adventure),



a challenge thrown out to Elmo and the gang to prove if they're worthy of being bestowed the honor of becoming 'Bookaneers'



and features a lot of the old Sesame Street classic songs.

I would say this is one of our favorite Elmo shows of all time.
Don't skip watching this one when you visit the Park!


3. Refresh

March 2011 brought along a fantastic new way to refresh ones self at the Park with the Bay Of Play.(Click on the link to read my detailed post on all that this fun area offers to Park visitors of all ages)



We had Bunny girl and Bunny Boo's swim-wear on hand so we'd pop in and out of the water play areas through the day.

To take a respite from the water, Hubby and Bunny girl would hop onto the rides in the Bay Of Play area and cool off again under the super-sized fans in the shade.


Needless to say that the Bay was packed with adults and tiny toddlers cooling off through the day and I love that the water was not hot or warm but had a nice cool temperature to the same....very refreshing!


4. Relax

That's right....Relax! I know you think it's practically impossible to ever think of doing the same at a Park with young ones but guess what? At SeaWorld it IS possible at the Dolphin Cove,


the Coral Reef (the Park's well spaced out Aquarium with benches placed strategically in front of the life sized shark and fish exhibits.)


and the Penguin Encounter.


On this trip the Wildside children had the opportunity to experience what the Penguin Up Close Tour is all about. While the Tour is originally designed to only include children aged 8 and older, our little ones were duly supervised by accompanying adults and SeaWorld staff. The Tour is very educative and the ONLY way you will get to see a real penguin, in the flesh, right here in sultry Texas!


Hubby's ultimate SeaWorld dream involves him getting into the Park when it just opens and parking himself in front of the penguin tank till the Park closes....no kids, no distractions, just him and the penguins!

Our family enjoyed our time at the Park and knowing that the 4 Rs actually did work for us, we're seriously making one more trip down just before Bunny girl starts Kinder next month.

Oh yeah, the summer heat is no longer a deterrent to a great family Park experience!





** EBMR Disclaimer: As a Wildside Blogger, my family was provided with passes and a fab dining plan to enjoy SeaWorld, San Antonio's park on our recent visit. This post has not been monetarily compensated and is based on the views and opinions of my family and/or self. Please note that the opinions reflected in this post have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way.**

Labels: E.B. Mommy Dines, E.B. Mommy Travels, Mommy Tips, San Antonio, SeaWorld, Wildside Bloggers

posted by Marina@EBMR @ 4:05 AM 1 Comments

#Win4dad Giveaway Feature #6- Olive Garden

* Apologies....had a few issues getting the images to load but thankfully fixed the snag now! *

Labels: E.B. Mommy Dines, Father's Day, More giveaways, Olive Garden, Reviews / Giveaways

posted by Marina@EBMR @ 7:13 AM

CLOSED: Three Appetizers, Three dips, One Happy You....Chili's! (+ 40$ Gift Card Giveaway)

* Click here to view the name(s) of the winner(s)*

The Buzz:

Chili's is running a new promotion called "Triple Dipper"...Three Appetizers, Three dips, One Happy You!


With the addition of two types of Potato Skins, and the all-new Honey Chipotle Shrimp, Chili’s list of appetizers just got even better!

The Triple Dipper promotion gives diners the chance to mix and match any three appetizers and dipping sauces of their choice for the perfect meal.


E.B. Mommy's Report:

Who doesn't love appetizers. Funnily enough there are times where I feel a restaurant's appetizers taste better than their main entrees!
I do have my favorites at different places and at Chili's the boneless buffalo wings are the unanimous favorite. That being said, we never order anything else as an appetizer and that's what makes the Triple Dipper promotion neat. Not only does my family get to enjoy our favorite "wings" but we also get the opportunity to try out two new appetizers.

Picking three appetizers from a selection of ten is honestly easier said than done. It took us close to ten minutes to finally agree that we would order the boneless buffalo wings, the honey chipotle shrimp and the loaded potato skins.


I love that the portion sizes are just right to start off a meal. The buffalo wings were delicious as always and the hand battered shrimp (a new addition to the Chili's menu) juicy with a sweet and spicy twist to the same. The loaded potato skins (also a new addition to the Chili's menu) is as its name suggests loaded! The potato is baked with green onions, a splattering of applewood smoked bacon and a generous layer of cheese. Both Bunny girl and Bunny Boo enjoyed the same.
The three appetizers came with their corresponding dipping sauces- cool bleu cream, ranch dressing and sour cream. (They all look the same so you have to do a taste test to see what goes best with each. )

Our main course came straight off Chili's Big Mouth Burgers menu. (I now know why they're name thus!)

I would definitely recommend the Old Timer (which coincidentally has been voted a Chili's customer favorite). This wholesome meat burger complete with lettuce, pickles, tomatoes and a side of homestyle fries is juicy and tasty. This does come without mayonnaise but on request you can get some to moisten and add punch to the same further.


Hubby also recommends the Classic Bacon Burger especially if applewood smoked bacon and cheddar cheese puts a smile of contentment on your face!


And to wash all that food down ask for a refreshingly chilled mug of mango flavored iced tea. (Make sure you ask them to sweeten it if you aren't too fond of unsweetened iced tea.)


Kid friendly?-

The Chili's Pepper Pals Kids menu has quite a selection for a child from pizza and quesadillas to corndogs, burgers and sandwiches.

Bunny girl opted to try a platter of chicken crispers with fries and chocolate milk.


She enjoyed the same though she felt there was way too much food served on her plate. So yes we had to "doggy bog" her leftovers.


Value for Money-

All I can say is Chili's is smart. What a neat idea to allow customers to pick three yummy appetizers at an affordable 10.49 US$. That definitely beats ordering three individual plates and eventually leaving behind portions only because you don't want to get stuffed before you get to attack your entree!

Their 2 for 20 US$ promotion and lunch combos starting at 6 US$ are other great "value for money", substantial portion sized picks.


Ambiance-

I love the casual, kid friendly, dining experience a family with children of any age can enjoy. The servers are polite and service is quick especially if you pick a time in the day when you know the restaurant won't be packed.

This is definitely a place you can go to with your family to enjoy a great meal, at a great price and walk away without having your nerves frazzled.


Win a 20$ Chili's Gift card on Chili's 'Shout Out To Eat Out Triple Dipper' site everyday!

All you need to do is, hop over to the Chili's Shout Out to Eat site to create your own terrific trio by uploading a photo of your face into one of their terrific trio images.


One winner is picked EVERYDAY till June 30, 2011.

At the end of the sweeps period, i.e. June 30 2011, three Grand Prize winners will be chosen to win a 333 US$ Chili's gift card.


Win a 40$ Gift card right here on Energizer Bunny's Mommy Reports too!


Win it:

One reader will have the opportunity to win a 40 US$ Chili's Gift Card


Here's how you can win it:

1. Mandatory entry (without this, all other entries will be disqualified)-

Tell me which Triple Dipper appetizer you think will knock the socks off the rest.


2. Love on the Sponsor-

- Follow Chili's on Twitter

- Like Chili's on Facebook

- Follow me on Twitter and tweet once daily...

RT @ebmommy #Win a 40$ #Chilis Gift Card to try the Tripple Dipper Promo at
@Chilis (Ends 6/30) http://bit.ly/llXkOy #shoutouttoeat


3. Seven additional entries: (1 entry each)-

- Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect

- "Like" me on Facebook.

- Follow me on Networked Blogs

- Follow my feed via RSS

- Subscribe via email to receive EBMR's blog updates

-Snag my Blog button

-Blog about this giveaway (leave a comment with a link to your blog post)


* Please ensure your Blogger Profile holds your email address. If it's set to private or your email address does not show, please add the same in your comments*


This giveaway is open to US Residents only, 18 years and above. 1 winner will be chosen with the random.org generator on June 25, 2011 at 10 pm Central time.





** EBMR Disclaimer: Chili's sent me a gift card for review purposes only. This post has not been monetarily compensated and is based on the views and opinions of my family and/or self. Please note that the opinions reflected in this post have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way.**

Labels: Chili's, Dining, E.B. Mommy Dines, More giveaways, Reviews / Giveaways

posted by Marina@EBMR @ 7:36 AM 494 Comments

"I Love My Mommy" Giveaway Feature #7- Applebee's

Come visit our featured I Love My Mommy Feature Sponsor. Feel free to shop from their site/ store and follow them through the social media links provided below for early extra entries into the Main Giveaway.


I love to cook but every once in a while I like to take a mini cooking 'holiday' and allow Hubby dearest to treat our family to a hearty meal outside. Considering Bunny Boo is still a wiggly baby, we prefer picking places that are family friendly (AND baby friendly), easy on the pocket and at the same time serve good food. One of our favorite casual dining restaurants is definitely Applebee's.



The Buzz:

Though only 31 years old, Applebee's is the World's largest casual dining chain. Its rich menu proudly boasts of something for everyone, irrespective of the age, with its Watchers menu, Kiddies Favorites, Pasta, Seafood, Sliders, Burgers, Ribs, Steaks and my favorite- the 2 for 20 menu!


E.B. Mommy's Report:

The 2 for 20 menu is your best bet if you're looking for a "Value For Money" package complete with the ability to pick what you want and leave with a satisfied (and bursting) tummy!


What is the 2 for 20 menu?:

Under the 2 for 20 arrangement, you and your accompanying guest pick an appetizer to share and the follow this with 2 separate full sized entrees of choice.



Hubby and I decided we'd pick the boneless buffalo wings for our appetizer and asked that we get the spicy wings over the honey glazed ones....a perfect pick!



The spicy wings make an irresistible appetizer as the crisp, tangy cum spicy combination is delicious when doused with the accompanying ranch.

For our respective entrees, I chose the Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp from the new Bourbon Street Flavors



while Hubby opted for the Riblet basket with the Sweet and Spicy Sauce.



I personally loved the well cooked, Bourbon flavored chicken and shrimp but did not really care too much for the accompanying potato wedges as they seemed overdone and unsalted. Hubby on the other hand thought his Riblet and sides hit the spot well especially as he'd asked that the meat be "well done" and additionally flavored with fresh pepper.


Kid friendly?-

Bunny girl insisted on ordering a kids meal with a corn dog, french fries and chocolate milk. Halfway through the meal she decided eating bites from our plates was more appetizing and tasted way better than what she had ordered, so Daddy had to finish off her leftovers!



Bunny girl's chocolate milk came with an over-sized, non flexible straw and strangely they didn't seem to have smaller straws or flexible ones in the kitchen.



Thankfully we had a "creative" server, who "borrowed" a knife and sliced the straw in half to make things a little easier for Bunny girl!




Ambiance:

On an overall, I personally think this is a nicer restaurant, in terms of ambiance, for families with older kids. This is definitely the place you should go to if you need to grab a bite to eat and don't want to miss the big basketball match or soccer game of the day.



Would Mom like to be treated to Applebee's this Mother's Day?....

OH YEAH!!


Win it:

One reader will have the opportunity to win
A 50 US$ Applebee's Gift Card
during the I Love My Mommy Giveaway
on Energizer Bunny's Mommy Reports.
(May 5-10, 2011)


** The I Love My Mommy Giveaway is now LIVE.
Click HERE to enter the same.**





** EBMR Disclaimer: Applebee's sent me a Gift Card for review purposes only. This review has not been monetarily compensated and is based on the views and opinions of my family and/or self. Please note that the opinions reflected in this post have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way.**

Labels: 2011 Mother's Day, Applebee's, E.B. Mommy Dines, More giveaways, Mother's Day, Reviews / Giveaways

posted by Marina@EBMR @ 4:32 PM 30 Comments