Everything Parents Need to Know About Club Penguin

 

If you are a parent of a child between the ages of 5 and 9 and haven't heard about Club Penguin yet, don't worry...you will. Before my son learned about Club Penguin, I remember other moms talking about it and wondering what it was and how/why their kids could be so into a game. 

And then, Club Penguin invaded my house.

I first really learned about Club Penguin at a Disney Interactive event and our life has never been the same. My oldest son (as seen in his video) really loves it and now my middle son has followed suit. Since I really wasn't sure what Club Penguin was before my some joined the game, I was thinking that perhaps some of you may want the 411:


What is Club Penguin?

In a nutshell, Club Penguin is an online game that allows users to "become" penguins. This incredilbe world was created in 2005 as a place where kids could safely come together and have fun online. In 2007, Club Penguin joined Disney, which allowed the platform to grow and reach even more players. The game is played on a computer or laptop using an internet connection. Recently, a limited version of the Club Penguin became available for iPad. The My Penguin app provides players with access to some of their favorite games and activities from Club Penguin on the go. While connected to Wi-Fi, My Penguin sync coins and purchases kids make using the app with the real game in virtual real time.

Players name and select the color of their penguin. Club Penguin does not allow users to use their real name and identifying information is never allowed any where in the game.


Is Club Penguin safe for kids?

In addition to filtered chat, Club Penguin has live monitors in the game to keep an eye out for players requesting or giving too much information.


How much does Club Penguin cost?

Players can play Club Penguin for free or with a membership. Membership allows users to enjoy all of Club Penguin's fun games and opportunities. Once a child is experienced at the game, they are going to want a membership. You may, however, be able to get away with not having a membership if your child cannot read yet and just want to play around with their penguin in the Club Penguin world. Club Penguin memberships start at $5 per month and make a really fun birthday gift or incentive for kids to do their chores, homework, etc.

For the last couple of years, my middle son has been happily content watching his brother play Club Penguin yet now that he's learning to read, he wants his own penguin...and a membership. With two penguins in the house, the kids can now interact with one another in the Club Penguin realm while sitting side-by-side on our laptops. When my husband has his laptop at work, the kids log on to one of the accounts and work together to earn coins and discover what's new in the different areas of the game. 


What do kids do on Club Penguin?

Club Penguin can easily keep players entertained for hours at a time if you aren't keeping an eye on them. There are so many things for players to discover and with the different parties and games popping up regularly, it's is always fresh and exciting. Once a child has a puffle (or countless pufles like my sons) the child must remember to feed and interact with their puffle.


What's great about Club Penguin?

I love a lot of things about Club Penguin:

• Club Penguin sends really positive messages to kids often integrating themes about green living and conservation into the games and parties.
• I also really love that Club Penguin is very parent friendly with a parent website (click here for the parent site) and a Facebook page with up-to-date information on what's going on in the game. (Click here for the Facebook page.)  

I could tell you all about Club Penguin and how much your kiddo is going to love it, but who better to tell you than a kid? My son Aidan asked to make a video for parents all about Club Penguin. He picked the music and made all of this up on his own, I simply helped with the editing. Enjoy! 


If you have any questions about Club Penguin, please leave them below! You can also send me a Tweet or contact me on the Babes In Disneyland Facebook page.

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday: A Glimpse Inside the Disney Studios

The Walt Disney Studios are located in Burbank, California, right along Buena Vista Street. While the "real" Buena Vista Street is not nearly as glamorous as the Buena Vista Street inside Disney California Adventure Park, the studio lot itself is not short on magic. I have done a number of posts throughout the years on the my trips inside the Disney Studios and you can read two of my favorites by clicking here or here.

The Disney Studios are a hybrid of business offices and production with a relatively small number of sound stages and only a small city scape for shooting, unlike other studios in town.

For today's Wordless Wednesday, I thought I would share some of my favorite pictures with you. Enjoy!

Legends Plaza

The plaques around Legends Plaza are of the hands of those who have been honored with the Disney Legends award throughout the years.

A shot from just inside the gate.

The studio lot has a college campus feel. This was an intentional design that Walt felt would foster creativity.

Two of my favorite things at the studio: a tour guide costume at the Disney Archives and the multi-plane camera used to create Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

New Trent Phone Charger Review: You'll never run out of juice while on the go again!

It wasn't that long ago when I never used my cell phone at the Disneyland Resort, but now...I use it constantly. I use it to snap quick pictures of the kids, post information for my readers, stay in touch with my husband when we decide to "divide and conquer" the parks with the kids or to tweet the official Disney Parks accounts to get the latest information. 

With all of that use, most phones just can't make it through the day. While Disneyland (not Disney California Adventure) offers cell phone charging stations for a fee, having my own New Trent Charger has absolutely changed the way I use my phone while at the Disneyland Resort (and Walt Disney World). The pay chargers at Disneyland require a payment by the hour and require me to leave my phone on Main Street, which quite honestly, isn't very convenient if we want to be out and about in the parks. With my portable New Trent battery, I can charge on the go without every having to stop down.

Tray table up and charging my iPad on my flight home
because when a 3-year-old wants to use your iPad
on a plane, you better get it going now!

The New Trent iCarrier IMP120D allows me to charge our iPhones 4s and 5 and iPad with ease without having to slow down. I simply charge the charger overnight before each visit (it takes approximately 10 to 11 hours to charge the unit to full capacity) and when we are out and about it very quickly charges our phones or iPad as needed. Plus, the New Trent can charge up to six devices off of one charge. SIX! And given the New Trent iCarrier is guaranteed to provide a minimum 500 charge cycles, I am sure to have it for a very, very long time.

The New Trent iCarrier isn't just great for theme parks visits; I think it is a smart device for camping and to have for in case of an emergency or natural disaster when access to electricity may be scarce.

New Trent chargers are available at a variety of retailers and is available with free shipping on Amazon by clicking here.



I received a New Trent charger in order to do this review. 

Star-Filled Line-Up Announced for Disney's D23 Expo

An unforgettable experience awaits kids, tweens and families who can meet their favorite stars from Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior, experience live performances, get autographs and rock out to Radio Disney tunes over three fun-filled days, August 9 through 11, at the ultimate event for Disney fans, Disney’s D23 Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. The schedule includes musical performances by certified-gold Hollywood Records recording artist Bridgit Mendler (Disney Channel's "Good Luck Charlie") and Hollywood Records' pop-rock sensation R5 featuring Ross Lynch (Disney Channel's "Teen Beach Movie" and "Austin & Ally"), a 'Surf Crazy' fan dance with stars from the Disney Channel Original Movie "Teen Beach Movie," a special screening of never-before-seen Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts and more.

On August 9, in celebration of "Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel," a special-one hour telecast featuring an epic teaming of characters from two hugely popular Disney and Marvel franchises, fans can meet the stars and characters including Phineas, Ferb, Agent P, Spider-Man and Iron Man. The unforgettable special premieres this summer on Disney Channel.
   

On August 10 , bikers and surfers unite on the dance floor of the Disney Channel booth for the ultimate beach ball bouncing, high-spirited ‘Surf Crazy’ fan dance with stars from Disney's “Teen Beach Movie,” an exuberant song, sand and surf fest, premiering July 19 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel.

On August 11 in the Disney Channel booth, Disney Junior fans of all ages are invited to meet beloved characters from top-rated preschool series "Sofia the First," "Doc McStuffins" and "Jake and the Never Land Pirates," and enjoy a special sneak-peek screening of new Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts in Stage 28. 

Popular radio personalities from Radio Disney, the 24-hour contemporary hits radio network and the only radio broadcaster for kids and families, will join in the fun every day, along with the Radio Disney Road Crew, for interactive entertainment, fun prizes and the hottest music from kids' favorite artists.

For more information stay tuned to Babes In Disneyland! We'll post everything we learn as it becomes available. You can purchase your D23 Expo tickets by clicking here.

(Information taken from media release)

Terrific Tip Tuesday: Don't forget to meet your pals along Big Thunder Trail

Special meetings with the characters can add a hearty dose of magic to any Disneyland trip. There are those obvious places to find characters--like Main Street's Town Square and Toontown. Many guests forget that characters can also often be found along Big Thunder Trail. The trail is the path that takes guests from Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, goes back behind the attraction, goes by Big Thunder Ranch and ends at Fantasyland's west gate and restrooms.

Recently, long-time Babes In Disneyland reader reminded us of how incredible this spot can be for meeting characters with these incredible photos of her son. And while you are walking along the trail, pop in to Big Thunder Ranch where's there's always something fun going on for little tikes (perhaps even a hug from Minnie).

Thank you, Caryn, for this great tip! 

Have a great tip you would like to share with Babes In Disneyland readers? Email the tip and a photo to babesindisneyland@yahoo.com.

Weekly Update for Limited Time Magic (June 17, 2013)

Hope everyone had a fantastic Father's Day celebration yesterday.  I'm so excited because summer is almost here - and the 50th anniversary of The Enchanted Tiki Room is one week away!


The first official day of summer is Friday, June 21, 2013, and the Disneyland Resort is offering all sorts of Limited Time Magic for visitors heading to the Parks in the coming weeks! The weather is heating up so stay cool out there!

Limited Time Magic Recap - June 10 -16, 2013

The Disneyland Resort celebrated Father's Day this week with special photo ops at Disney California Adventure with two Super Dads:  Mr. Incredible and Frozone.  Annual Passholders were treated to a special presentation of Mickey and the Magical Map - while other Guests visiting the show got the chance to check out The Compass Quest - a scavenger hunt featuring clues from the show. 

On-going Limited Time Magic includes the opportunity to take photos with the Monsters University gang in Disney California Adventure.  Don't forget to stop by and snap a pic with Mike, Sully, and their friends!

Limited Time Magic on the Horizon 

June 17 - 23, 2013 - Year of the Ear for June - Celebratory Ear Hats!
If you have a newly-minted graduate in your family, say "ChEARS!" to their success and accomplishments with a Mortar Board Ear Hat, available for purchase at Main Street Mad Hatter in Disneyland Park and Elias & Co. in Disney California Adventure Park.  Five different tassels that best represent your graduate's school colors are individually available for $1.95 each.

July 1-7, 2013 - Independence Week Celebration
This year for Limited Time Magic, the Disneyland Resort will be decking itself in red, white, and blue for a week-long Fourth of July celebration!  Stay tuned for more updates as we get information on what surprises Parks on both sides of the US have to offer Guests! 


Limited Time Magic for Annual Passholders

June 18, 2013 - Who Framed Roger Rabbi 25th Anniversary Screening & Panel
Annual Passholders, celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Disney film, Who Framed Roger Rabbit with a special screening followed by a panel discussion from members of the creative team that brought this live-action & hand-drawn animation film to life.  The screening will be held at the AMC Downtown Disney 12 theatres at 7:00 p.m.  I got the chance to see this film screened at the Newport Beach Film Festival a few months ago, and after 25 years, the film still stands the test of digital time!  More information on how to register can be found here.

June 23-27, 2013 - Commemorative vintage souvenir for 50th Anniversary of The Enchanted Tiki Room 
Annual Passholders visiting the Disneyland Resort between June 23-27, 2013 can visit The Enchanted Tiki Room and get their hands on a special recreation of the original 1963 brochure for the attraction (available while supplies last).  The brochure features the original graphics, copy, and special message from Walt Disney himself!

TollyTots Princess Merida Review and Giveaway

In honor of her recent coronation TollyTots sent us the Princess Merida with Angus boxed set to review.  Emma affectionately refers to them as "Merdida & Black Angus (which also happens to be a popular restaurant chain here locally)"- gotta love the 3 year old language skills.  Merida and Angus accompanied us on our most recent trip to the Disneyland Resort, which made for some fun memories and photos.  

As a mom I truly appreciate the quality and durability of the TollyTots line.  I know that Emma appreciates how much the toys resemble her favorite characters and how much fun she has playing with them.  Merida and Angus took a lengthy road trip, were held for hours on end in Emma's arms, toured the park in a stroller, met Princess Merida, and even watched a parade.  After all of that they still looked as good as they did when I took them out of the box.

Merida is dressed in a shimmered green gown complete with Scottish sash and gold accents.  Her signature long, flowing red hair is beautiful and easy to maintain.  Merida can sit and/ or ride in Angus' saddle or be played with on her own.  Angus is also extremely well made.  He has long flowing black hair as well as beautiful reins and saddle.

The " My First Disney Princess" line is truly a favorite in my house and is a great gift idea for the little girl in your life. They can easily be found at most major toy retailers including: Amazon, Toys "R" Us, Target, Costco, and Walmart.The Princess Merida and Angus boxed set retails for $55.99 and is available at ToysRUs.

I've gushed about the TollyTots line of "My First Princess Dolls" in the past and am truly thrilled to again be doing a giveaway of this awesome product.  One lucky Babes in Disneyland reader will win Merida and Angus, to enter simply use the Rafflecopter form below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Be sure to follow Kendra on Twitter or on Instagram @kendrakuske for more updates and photos. Kendra was supplied the TollyTots doll set in order to write this review. All opinions are hers and may differ from those of others. 

Discount ticket sales for the D23 Expo to end June 15

The highly anticipated D23 Expo 2013: The Ultimate Fan Event returns to the Anaheim Convention Center from August 9 – 11, 2013, once again bringing the entire world of Disney under one roof and offering attendees unprecedented access to Disney films, television and theme parks as only D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can! Visit www.D23Expo.com to buy tickets before the prices go up on June 16.

Highlights of D23 Expo 2013 include:

* Live Concerts including Disney Legends and Academy Award®-winning composers Richard Sherman and Alan Menken, as well as “Broadway and Beyond” featuring performances by Heidi Blickenstaff (The Little Mermaid), Ashley Brown (Mary Poppins and Beauty and the Beast), Merle Dandridge (Tarzan® and Aida), Josh Strickland (Tarzan®) and Alton Fitzgerald White (The Lion King).
* Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives—an insider exhibit celebrating the 50th anniversary of Mary Poppins, the ABC hit Once Upon a Time and Disney’s enduring exploration of the land of Oz with costumes, props, and set pieces.
* Disney Legends Awards–a stirring biennial event paying tribute to the talented men and women who have made indelible contributions to the Disney legacy.
* D23 Expo Dream Store and Silent Auction—a magical store featuring apparel, art, collectibles, and more Disney-inspired items. A rare Silent Auction offers attendees to bid on Disney artifacts, artwork, experiences, props, and more.
* 2013 Fan Art Contest—this year’s contest is themed to the upcoming 50th anniversary of Mary Poppins. Finalist artwork will be displayed in the Fan Art Gallery.
* And much more including celebrity appearances, panels and presentations, sneak peeks and unique experiences, all celebrating the past, present, and future of Disney.


(Information taken from media release.)

High-flying Planes-inspired crafts + a clip from the movie

Originally slated to go straight to video, Disney will soon be releasing the movie Planes in theaters nationwide. The film will be a 3D animated comedy adventure featuring Dusty (voice of Dane Cook), a plane with dreams of competing as a high-flying air racer. Unfortunately, Dusty’s is afraid of heights and needs help so he turns to a seasoned naval aviator for help and puts his courage to the test. My kids can't wait to see the movie. In fact, I'm considering taking my 3-year-old for his real, official movie theater experience!

Here's a clip from the movie:

And if your kids are looking to do some Planes-inspired crafts for Father's Day, Disney has assembled some fun paper airplane instructions and more all in one place. Click below for the fun.

 

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday: Hey Bear! Come back with my lightsaber!

Last month, while at Walt Disney World, I finally had the opportunity to show my kids the Country Bear Jamboree. It was one of my "must-do" attraction at the Magic Kingdom and I was completely giddy as we entered the bears' theater in the Magic Kingdom's Frontierland for the show.

Although different from the version of the show that was a staple at Disneyland for almost 30 years, the kids were just as captivated by the show as I had hoped they would be. They laughed and clapped and sat wide-eyed the entire time. It was Disney perfection. In fact, it was one of Brandon's favorite attractions in all of Walt Disney World.

Fast forward to two weekends ago when we once again met up with those bears but this time at Disneyland. Our family had headed back to Big Thunder Ranch to meet up with Mickey and Minnie when the Country Bears came out to greet us. There were only a few other people in the area, so the bears came out and played with the kids and immediately honed in on Brandon's lightsaber... and that's when the fun ensued.

As Brandon ran through Big Thunder Ranch he yelled (and giggled), "Hey Bear! Come back with my lightsaber!"

The bears had fun taunting Brandon and one another with the lightsaber.

 This is the kind of magic that makes Disney so incredibly special. Getting to play with the bears he loved so much at Walt Disney World all the way on the other coast at Disneyland was a special moment we could never put a price on. This moment is also proof that even on a crowded day, there are still ways to create those intimate moments of magic at the Disneyland Resort.

Thanks, Country Bears, for making our day extra special!

Tips and Tricks for Hunting for Hidden Mickeys at the Disneyland Resort

 

Because we travel to the Disneyland Resort so frequently I am always looking for new and fun things to do and experience with my kids.  As they grow older our options are expanding as they are able to stay out later, have more patience to wait in line, and try some of the bigger and faster rides.  My six year old, Evan, is quickly becoming an avid reader, which gave me a great idea when planning our most recent trip- a Hidden Mickey hunt!  

 

So what is a Hidden Mickey you ask?  A Hidden Mickey is an image of Mickey Mouse that is literally incorporated into the design of an attraction.  Hidden Mickeys can be found at both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, all 3 resort hotels, as well as Downtown Disney.  There are literally hundreds of Hidden Mickeys throughout the park but there is not an officially official Disney approved count.  A Hidden Mickey can take several forms including Mickey Mouses' head profile, whole body profile,  or most commonly the three circles that come together to make Mickey's head.

Over the years I've seen several Hidden Mickeys as well as the book- "Disneyland's Hidden Mickeys: A Field Guide to Disneyland Resort's Best Kept Secrets (Disneyland's Hidden Mickeys: A Field Guide to the Disneyland)" written by Steven Barrett, but have never gone any farther than being a casual observer.  While on our most recent trip we purchased the book at the Disneyland Hotel gift shop and quickly began thumbing through the book and following the clues only to realize that we were literally surrounded by Hidden Mickeys.  For this trip we chose to focus primarily on Downtown Disney and Disneyland- but am quite sure that our next trip to Disney California Adventure will include searching for Hidden Mickeys.   

 

We learned quite a bit along the way, below are my tips for hunting for Hidden Mickeys:

 

Tip #1:  Ask a Cast Member

Most Cast Members will be able to point out Hidden Mickeys on the rides and attractions that they are assigned to.  Nearly every Cast Member we asked was able to point to or describe where a Hidden Mickey could be found.  Don't be afraid to strike up a conversation while you are waiting in line- you'll be amazed by how many you will be able to find and with their help.

 

Tip #2:  Do Your Homework

If you have a full agenda consider making a list of a few rides or attractions that you would like to hunt in before you arrive at the Park.  A quick Internet search will provide many images, and examples and of course the Hidden Mickey Field Guide is a great resource.  I chose to take a bit more of a relaxed approach to our Hidden Mickey Hunt and brought the Field Guide along.  Evan read me several of the clues throughout the day, which not only got him excited about the hunt, but also helped to pass the time while we were waiting in line.



 

 

Tip #3: Get Everyone Involved

While some of the Hidden Mickeys are very easy to find others can be a bit more challenging.  Having everyone in your party is a great way to get everyone involved, pass the time will waiting in line, and can also increase your odds of finding the more disguised Hidden Mickeys.  
  

Emma with one of the 3 Hidden Mickeys on Jingles-
 the lead horse of King Arthur Carousel

Below are some of the Hidden Mickeys we found on our most recent trip.   

Can you spot the Hidden Mickey in Marceline's
logo?

Mickey shaped cloud on a sign in the bag check tent

Back side of a Disneyland Ticket Booth

Stained glass window behind the Belle and Beast Lego
statues at Downtown Disney

Droid's shadow in Star Tours

 

Acorn Mickey head on Splash Mountain
 

Hidden Mickey planet on Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
 

One of three Hidden Mickeys found on Jingles
the lead horse of the King Arthur Carousel



Balloons on "it's a small world" cast a Mickey
Mouse silhouette on the ceiling

Cars Land Hidden Mickey

Have you done a Hidden Mickey scavenger hunt? We'd love to hear about and see some of your favorite Hidden Mickeys. Comment below or email your pictures directly to kendra@babesindisneylandblog.com and they may be featured in a future post.

 

Be sure to follow Kendra on Twitter or on Instagram @kendrakuske for more updates and photos.