Typically the term “theme park” evokes images of rides, attractions, and shows, but for me, LEGOLAND® California is even more than that. It’s also one of my favorite places to shop. Yes, that’s right, the shopping at LEGOLAND is to die for. Not just the fun LEGO® play sets and LEGO themed toys, but also for the clothes. The store in particular that strikes my fancy is called Brick Brothers, located in Fun Town. Every item in the store is adorable, from little kid flip flops to big boy surfer flannels, I love it all. They carry hip, beachy brands like Quicksilver, Rip Curl, and my personal fave, Roxy. On my recent pre-holiday shopping spree I bought rockin’ “Ninja Jeggings” for my four year old and a faux fur lined ski vest for my two year old. And I may or may not have even found a few things for myself (wink, wink). Let’s just say, Santa is bringing the sass this year.
So, moms, next time you’re at LEGOLAND, find a time to sneak away from the fam and hit up Brick Brothers for some adorably trendy fashions. If you’re an Ambassador Resort, Ambassador, Resort, PLUS or Model Mom Pass Member, be sure to take advantage of your Double Discount Days 20% discount* between December 11 - 19, 2010. Also, from November 20 – January 2, be sure to grab a show guide when you enter the Park for a $10.00 off coupon at Brick Brothers. (Coupon is not valid with other discounts, including any Pass Member discount). * Some exclusions may apply.
Brick regards,
Model Mom Mary
Packing a diaper bag for a trip to a theme park is an arduous, painstaking process. It seems like there are 101 things a mom needs to take with her for an all day excursion out of the house. Diapers, wipers, bibs, pacifiers, diaper cream, the list goes on and on. And invariably, in the hectic maelstrom that occurs just before we leave the house for a big day, I forget to pack an item or ten, which I don’t realize ‘til I am already at the destination and in desperate need of said item.
Well now my diaper-packing woes have been solved with the latest and greatest invention for moms. It’s called a Nanny Caddy and LEGOLAND® California is the first theme park in California to host this ingenious wonder-machine. The Nanny Caddy is basically a vending machine for baby items and a saving grace for all moms. When I forget wipes, Nanny Caddy is there. When I forget the beloved binky, Nanny Caddy is there. I am wondering why I didn’t invent this machine myself, first of all. And secondly, I am beyond thankful that LEGOLAND has not one but three Nanny Caddies spread throughout the Park (The Beginning, EXPLORE Village by Playtown Theater; and inside LEGOLAND Water Park).
Items found in the Nanny Caddy kiosk include: hand sanitizer, diapers, wipes, diaper cream, pain killers, sippy cups, disposable cameras, and my favorite, fabric nursing covers (oh man, I was so bummed whenever I would forget my “Hooter Hider” back in my nursing days). So moms, when you’re headed to LEGOLAND, never fear--the Nanny Caddy is here (and she gladly takes cash or credit card).
Brick regards,
Model Mom Mary
Yesterday my girls and I walked into the LEGO® Club House in Fun Town to get away from the heat (86 degrees in November--Southern California is finally having a summer) and to treat ourselves to a cold ice cream cone. I was surprised and excited to find out that the entire Club House has recently been remodeled into a game center for the new online LEGO game, LEGO Universe.
In place of the three LEGO brick play stations that used to reside in the Club House, are fifteen state-of-the-art PC stations where kids can learn and explore this brand new, cutting-edge, online video game. Before walking into the Club House, I thought I was pretty up on my hip acronyms, but in learning about this game I was introduced to a new acronym I had never heard before--MMOG which stands for Massively Mulitplayer Online Game, a video game played on the Internet that can support thousands of players simultaneously. Truthfully, the thought kind of blows me away, to think that kids from all over the world can be playing against each other at the same time. Now LEGO has its own online universe where, “players can build, explore and make friends based on the LEGO play experience.”
My daughters and I sat down to play a little and had a blast trying to maneuver our way through the MMOG (I’ve got it down now). I love the idea of being able to test out a game first before committing to buying it. With this LEGO Universe experience, Park guests and their kiddos can learn about the game and give it a go so they can see if they like it before purchasing it (it is for sale in the Park).
With LEGO Universe, “creativity is the name of the game, and children will build with LEGO bricks and bring their creations to life using a simple programming language. They can communicate and share with friends in a moderated environment, and set off for adventures in game worlds designed to inspire digital play and building.” LEGO Universe delivers the classic story of good versus evil where kids work together to save imagination.
At first I had a few safety concerns regarding the game though they were quickly put to ease as soon as I sat down with the game facilitator in the room. She explained to me that chat windows are regulated so that no profanity or harassing language may be used. Also, the developers of LEGO Universe created characters called Mythrans whose sole purpose in the game is to keep the playing field safe and to make it fun for players to learn about moderation and safety.
The LEGO Universe MMOG is a perfect Holiday gift for your little one and the LU Experience at LEGOLAND California a perfect place to give it a test run!
P.S. How are the Holidays here already?
Brick regards,
Model Mom Mary