Photo Flashback! Floating Beauty at Epcot

 

It's no wonder we've seen so many stunning images of Epcot in the last few weeks as the Disney community has been celebrating the anniversary of this unique park.  Spaceship Earth, the monorail beams and the gorgeous landscaping beckon photographers to take just one more shot.

Five Photos: Bambi's Butterfly House

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival
Bambi's Butterfly House


 

 

 

 

 

Princess Castle Greenhouse

I'm leaving tomorrow and heading to Walt Disney World.  One of the things I am really excited about is the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.  While I won't be there on the weekend for any official festival events, I love how beautiful Epcot is during this time.  Not too long ago, I bought a new camera and am looking forward to capturing images of the gorgeous flowers and topiaries and of course, tons of shots of the girls.

Recently, I was contacted on behalf of Miracle-Gro Kids and asked to review one of their Disney-themed greenhouses for kids.  I love to garden and Tink is really into princesses and flowers so I agreed.  Our greenhouse is shaped like a castle but Pixie Hollow and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse versions are also available.  At $12.99, this is a fun and affordable project.

Here's what the box looks like.  Everything is included other than a little water.

Tink ready for gardening.  Snow White dress on with a Cinderella dress on the small table behind her.  I didn't dress her up for this.  She got new princess dress up clothes and shoes for her birthday and has worn them nearly every day since.

Some assembly required.  But I put this together sitting in the living room floor with two curious kiddos trying to "help" so it's not hard at all.

Simple instructions.

The kit is technically rated for ages 5+ but my three year-old enjoyed the process too.

Each seed packet has a princess stake to go with it.

Of course, Cinderella went first.

Our finished product.  She kept telling me to put the lid on it so it would grow.  I think she expected it to happen instantly.  At least we should have something she can see by the time we get home from WDW.  Daddy isn't going this time so he'll be on watering duty.  They made it easy for us.  The potting mix changes to a light brown when it needs water.  

Too cute!

They include some nice educational materials about how seeds sprout and grow.  We may talk about that a little once she can see the plant and I'll hang on to the pyramid to go over again with future planting projects.

For more information on these kits, please visit www.peachtreeplaythings.com

We are giving away a Miracle-Gro Kids greenhouse kit to one lucky reader.  Enter below!

Eversave Review and Giveaway

We are all looking for ways to save money at home and on vacation in the Orlando area.  I've found a terrific source for both.  Eversave.com is a deal a day site offering a wide variety of "Saves."

Whether you are a local or just a regular visitor to the Orlando area, Eversave Orlando will have a deal for you.  I've seen them recently offer everything from discounted spa treatments to inexpensive car washes to reduced price meals to cute kids clothes on the cheap.  Add to that Saves on flowers, photobooks, and admission to local attractions.  I think 50% off is the lowest discount since I've been watching and I have seen up to 80% off on some items.  And don't think that you wouldn't be interested if you aren't a local; you have up to a year to redeem many of the Saves so you can stock up prior to your travels.  Personally, I am getting emails from both Eversave Orlando and Eversave Raleigh-Durham.  I've really been impressed by the variety and quality of products and services offered.  There is a main Save of the day but check your email or the site itself for additional bonus Saves.  I love that most Saves are available for 2-3 days to allow you to come back later on those busy days.

I was given credits on my Eversave account to use for this review.  I've bought three Saves so far and redeemed two of them with online merchants.  The purchase process is quick and easy.  Redemption generally works like a gift certificate but just check the voucher for the particular vendors' rules.

Saves can also be given as gifts, so check soon and you just might find something for Mom.  (Don't forget that Mother's Day is this Sunday.)

Eversave also gives you easy ways to "earn" free "Save Rewards" on their site.  Once you complete a purchase, you are given $2 to tweet, Facebook or email the deal to your friends.  I've done this twice and added to my account.  On today's email from Eversave Orlando, I received a pleasant surprise, $5 added to my "Save Rewards" account for Mother's Day.  Hmmm, what to buy next?


Ready to enter to win one of two $25 vouchers to Eversave?

You get one entry for each of the following. Please note each as a separate comment below so you receive your maximum number of entries. (If you are already following us through any of these channels, just note that. Hey, free entry!)

REQUIRED ENTRY: Visit Eversave Orlando and comment below on which Save is most appealing to you today.

Additional (optional) entries:
~Like Eversave Orlando on Facebook
~Like Growing Up Disney on Facebook
~Follow Eversave Orlando on Twitter
~Follow Growing Up Disney on Twitter
~Tweet about this giveaway, one entry per day
~Blog about this giveaway
~Follow Growing Up Disney publicly on Google Friend Connect. See widget at right.

This contest ends at midnight Eastern time on Friday, May 13, 2011 and is limited to US residents. The two winners will be chosen at random from all eligible entries. You'll be notified via email (so make sure I can reach you!) and have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. Good luck!

Disclosure: I received credit on Eversave.com for reviewing purposes. No monetary compensation was received or offered. All opinions expressed are my honest thoughts on these products/services.


The winning comment #s (determined by random number generator) were #4 and #1.  Congrats!