Kidding Around with … Disney Live! presents Three Classic Fairy Tales

January 13, 2015January 22, 2015 | Kidding Around Australia

There are few words that conjure up more feelings of magic and wonder than Disney and Disney Live! presents Three Classic Fairy Tales did not disappoint!

Princess Alegría and her friend Princess Julia were very excited to watch some of their favourite fairy tales come to life, and to be honest, lifelong Disney devotees Anita (Julia’s Mum) and I were excited to see them too!

Princess Alegría and Princess Julia waiting for the show to begin!

The Plenary, at the Melbourne Convention Centre, was filled to capacity with princess dresses, tiaras and quite a few princely looking lads who were buzzing with excitement and animated chatter.

As everyone took their seats, the lights were dimmed, and our narrators Minnie, Goofy and Donald introduced themselves. The crowd erupted when everyone’s favourite narrator, Mickey Mouse, appeared on stage and together they introduced their magic book of fairy tales.

Photo Credit ©Disney. All Rights Reserved.

The featured fairy tales were Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast. Each fairy tale ran for 20 minutes and concentrated on the most memorable parts of the stories. The entire show went for 90 minutes, which included a short interval in the middle that was perfectly timed for a toilet break for little ones.

There were many laugh out loud moments as the children were entertained with funny antics (especially from the Seven Dwarfs), audience participation through question and answer interaction and toe-tapping musical numbers.

Alegría says

Snow White didn’t listen to me – she ate the apple!

The voices and songs were straight from the original film scores and the staging, props, puppetry, special effects and pyrotechnics were very impressive!

Georgina Says

The costumes were amazing. Seriously. Amazing. I know I shouldn’t be so amazed, after all this is a Disney production, but the dresses were breathtaking!

There were some darker parts of the show where the Evil Queen in Snow White changed into the Old Hag along with the thunderstorm and lightning when The Beast and Gaston were fighting on the stairs during Beauty and the Beast. These scenes didn’t last for long but a reassuring hand might be required if your child/ren are prone to be scared.

Out in the foyer there were multiple concessions selling a variety of Disney merchandise with prices starting from $10 AUD. From what we could see the most popular items were a souvenir bag filled with popcorn ($16), snow cone drink cups ($16), programs ($18) and fairy floss with Mickey ears ($15).

The grand finale was mesmerising with the glitter cannons at the end bringing smiles to everybody, young and old. The show was spectacular and will be thoroughly enjoyed by Disney loving children and adults wanting to take a magical journey down memory lane.

If you’re in Australia and in Newcastle, Brisbane, Cairns or Townsville then it is not too late to see Disney Live! presents Three Classic Fairy Tales! To book or more information visit their website.

For us, this is only the beginning of our Disney journey! We are looking forward to seeing Disney on Ice in July!

MORE INFORMATION

Website: http://www.disney.com.au/disneylive/three-classic-fairy-tales/

For other live shows: http://liveshows.disney.com.au/

Ticket Prices:

	Individual	Family
Front Row	$55.50 each (Limited seats)
A Reserve	$42.50	$155
B Reserve	$29.50	$112

Prices include booking fees. Additional credit card, transaction or outside fees may apply. Family Ticket: Admits 4 people.

Please note all details quoted are correct at the time of publishing. All details are subject to change without notice and Kidding Around Australia takes no responsibility for information contained in this post. Please check the appropriate website to ensure that information is still correct and current.

ALL PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGES ON THE KIDDING AROUND AUSTRALIA WEBSITE ARE THE EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF THE KIDDING AROUND AUSTRALIA AUTHORS (UNLESS CREDITED OTHERWISE). ALL IMAGES ARE SUBJECT TO COPYRIGHT AND CANNOT BE USED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM KIDDING AROUND AUSTRALIA (OR ORIGINAL SOURCE AS CREDITED).

Kidding Around with … Bay and River Cruises

January 6, 2015January 6, 2015 | Kidding Around Australia

Alegría loves going on adventures with Tim and she was especially excited to go on train, boat and car adventure! They were also joined by “Payno” who just happens to be one of Alegría and Isaac’s most favourite people – so it was guaranteed to be a great day!

Firstly, Georgina and Isaac (who didn’t go on the adventure because of Isaac’s nap time – and we don’t mess with the little man’s nap time!) drove the three adventurers to the train station in the CAR. However, there was a problem on the line, so instead of taking the train into the city they had to take a BUS replacement for half of the journey. So added to the modes of transport list was Bus – Bonus!

They then caught the TRAIN into the city and walked across Princes Bridge (which is on the corner of Flinders Street and St Kilda Rd in Melbourne) to Birth 1 Southgate Promenade to board Williamstown Bay and River Cruises “Yarra Shuttle 1”. The Yarra Shuttle 1 is an ultra-low passenger ferry (yes, we are aware we referred to it as a BOAT, please don’t send us hate mail!) which seats 36 people in the open air level and 36 in the enclosed cabin (although that would be squashy!).

The ferry stops at 7 locations (upon request) including Crown Casino / SEALIFE Melbourne Aquarium, Melbourne Exhibition Centre, South Wharf / Polly Woodside, Yarra Edge, Scienceworks and Williamstown.

The Polly Woodside and Melbourne Exhibition and Conference Centre

ALEGRIA SAYS

I saw the containers that go overseas. I really loved going on the ferry!

Alegría, Tim and Payno decided to do the full journey down the Yarra River from Southgate around Port Phillip Bay to Williamstown. From there you can have a picnic in the park at Nelsons Place, grab an ice-cream and walk up Gem Pier to admire the boats, ships and yachts. Other options include a visit to the farmers market (which operates on the 2^ndSunday of the month from 9am – 1pm), playing in the playground or taking a short walk to the Williamstown Beach.

Disembarking in Williamstown and saying goodbye to our Captain

TIM SAYS

The Williamstown Bay and River Cruises “Williamstown Ferries” is a really handy, stress free way to get from the city to the beach. If you sit in the enclosed area you will be with the Captain. Our Captain was really informative and welcomed questions from passengers. He explained the history of local landmarks, docks and the city and gave information about the Yarra River.

MORE INFORMATION

Days and Times: Everyday from 10.30am – 5.30pm except Christmas Day

Location: Gem Pier Williamstown and Birth 1 Southgate

Cost: Adult $28 return or $18 one-way. Ages 4-14 is half price. Under 4 is free

Website: http://www.bayandrivercruises.com.au/ferry.html

ALL PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGES ON THE KIDDING AROUND AUSTRALIA WEBSITE ARE THE EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF THE KIDDING AROUND AUSTRALIA AUTHORS. ALL IMAGES ARE SUBJECT TO COPYRIGHT AND CANNOT BE USED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM KIDDING AROUND AUSTRALIA.

Kidding Around … Kryal Castle

Image | December 23, 2014December 27, 2014 | Kidding Around Australia

Tim has been dreaming about going to Kryal Castle ever since he was a strapping young lad staring wistfully out the window of the family’s Kingswood as they went wizzing past on the way from Kaniva (in Victoria’s West) to visit family in Melbourne. Alas, they never went (cue the violins) and as Alegría has been dreaming of becoming a princess since the day she was born there was much excitement in our house when we decided to visit the newly redeveloped Kryal Castle just outside Ballarat. What’s more we were sleeping over IN. THE. CASTLE (insert excited squeal and shout Huzzah!)

Walking across the medieval drawbridge and back in time, Kryal Castle invites visitors to experience the variety of shows and activities that they have running thoroughout the day. To enter the Castle you will first need to negotiate the Dragon’s Labyrinth which tells the story of Ushnagh, the She-Dragon that lives beneath the hill and of the legends and stories of the Land of Kryal.

Within the Castle walls there’s been a great deal of effort put in to ensure that all the Lords and Ladies have a great time – and yes, you will be referred to as “My Lord” or “My Lady” for the duration of your visit! From the Knights jousting tournament to hilarious pantomimes, bracelet making*, pony rides* and militia training to the more adult appropriate Torture & Dungeon Museum the Land of Kryal is place of fun and fantasy that has something to appeal to everyone in the family.

Walking around the grounds it isn’t hard to immerse yourself in village life. There are wooden shop fronts, cobbled streets, towers (where you can imagine you are one of the Knights of the Round Table) and sit on the Kings throne. You can lose your kids (well almost!) in the stone maze which isn’t as easy to negotiate as it looks – especially for those under 5 foot tall! Alegría loved running wild through the maze!

On the day we visited, The Fairies and Goblins Wonderland was running bracelet making workshops, face painting and story time.

The Town Crier summons everyone to the Castle Arena for the Skills in Arms and Joust/Siege which really are a must see for visitors. Make sure you plan your day around the performance times.

After watching the Knights in action, Alegría and Isaac wanted to ride their very own war horse! For this experience you have to pay an additional fee (buy your token first at the Tooth Fairy Lolly Shop before lining up!) and are only for children under 8. The kids loved it!

Hmmm…. No, I think this is too big! Maybe the sword?

Other free “on arena” militia training activities included sword fighting and archery.

Georgina Says

Bringing your own lunch is a great option as there is a picnic area right next to the playground. There are other options for meals if you would like to purchase something, or like us, you have a hankering for hot chips! However, like most tourist attractions the prices are inflated, so if you’re trying to feed your family on a budget bring your own!

Right next to the playground is a small collection of farm animals. Alegría and Isaac were fascinated by the hairy coo’s!

ISAAC SAYS

Moooooooooo!!!

Before your visit, jump on Kryal Castle’s website! It’s easy to navigate and will give you an idea of what could be on offer. We used the website to prepare Alegria for our visit and she was really excited! There was one downside however and we’ve learned our lesson. She was particularly looking forward to the perfume making, but, unfortunately it wasn’t on offer the day we went and we had a disappointed Princess! So, make sure your kids know that you might be able to do the listed activities but you’ll have to “wait and see” to avoid tears!

There is just so much to see and do, from the sword in the stone, to the chapel (which you can hire for weddings), and the village stores.

The perfect way to see it all is to stay overnight in the Castle Suites. There are 17 suites which are new and comfortable and the breakfast basket is generous and the homemade bread was outstanding! Guests have the Castle all to themselves after hours which would be such fun during the summer where you could make the most of the playground and not be confined to your hotel room. It was cold when we visited and our only issue was that the bathroom was not heated and it was freezing – we guess that makes for a more authentic experience!

Just a warning – This is what happens to naughty children who don’t go to sleep when they are asked …

MORE INFORMATION

Days and Times: Weekends, Public Holidays and School Holidays from 10am to 4pm (last entry is 3pm)

Location: 121 Forbes Road, Leigh Creek (Ballarat) Victoria 3352

Cost:

Families $89 (2 adults and up to 3 children)
Adults $31.00
Children (4-16 years) $19
Children (under 4) Free
Concession $25

Entry price gives you access to the Castle grounds, all shows and attractions. * Some activities are not included in the entry price and require additional payment.

Website: www.kryalcastle.com.au

Kidding Around With … The Royal Melbourne Show

October 4, 2014September 9, 2015 | Kidding Around Australia

For two weeks leading up to the Royal Melbourne Show, Alegría read the show guide every. single. day! She was just so excited to go and when the big morning came she woke up and said “It’s a great day today, it’s Show Day!” I hope she never loses her enthusiasm!

Our first stop is always the Jayco Animal Nursery but it seemed that everyone had that idea, so we headed to My Backyard for some outdoor fun!

There was rock painting and bird feeder making (we will do another post with tutorial for you to try at home). Isaac loved getting his hands dirty planting a seedling to take home. We now have parsley and a tomato plant in our vegetable garden! This area also had a wooden maze and pirate ship which was fun for the kids to run around in.

Alegria was fascinated by the bees and the bee keeper was fantastic at explaining responsible bee keeping, who the Queen bee was, what the worker bees do, how long everyone lives, where the babies were and of course how they get the honey out!

Alegría says

The Queen bee had white wings and the bee keeper gave me some honey to put on my toast!

This area was fantastic; a respite from the crowds that surround it. Best of all, everything in this area is free!

We then headed to the Woolworths Fresh Food Pavilion for lunch. Despite the crowds we were served, and got our food, quickly and without hassle. There were no complaints with the quality! It did take some ~~stalking~~ time to get a table and like seagulls to a hot chip our table was gone again as soon as we stood up!

Alegría had show bags on her mind and settled on a Barbie showbag which cost $25 and included a bag, skirt, headbands, drink bottle, games, necklace and other Barbie merchandise. Isaac knows no better (sorry Isaac!) so he got a $1 Blinky Bill show bag and we had more money to spend on games and rides!

Alegría and Isaac both had a go on the clowns, Alegría got a doll and necklace and Isaac a toy motorbike – she was a little disappointed that it wasn’t a giant teddy but our playroom at home was thankful not to have another toy to collect dust!

Our family tradition is always the Euro Slide. Yes, we take the kids on there and yes, we hold on tightly! Both Alegría and Isaac laugh heartwarming belly laughs all the way down and as soon as we were at the bottom Isaac declared “more” and off we were again!

It was then time to go to our most favourite Show attraction – the Jayco Animal Nursery!

We do believe that every animal got a pat or a cuddle from a member of our family!

It was almost time to go but before we left we visited the Kids Carnival for one last ride! Georgina sat this one out and Tim being the awesome Dad that he is took Alegría and Isaac on a hot air balloon ride.

It was all fun and games until… Isaac had finally had enough! It was a big day for a little boy and also for one little girl who was asleep before we left the car park!

There is just so much on offer at the Royal Melbourne Show and try as we might we are yet to see everything in one day! We think next year we will have to go for two days – once with the kids and once without!

MORE INFORMATION

Days and Times: Vary from year to year – generally in the Victorian September School Holidays

Location:

The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria
Melbourne Showgrounds
Epsom Road Ascot Vale
VIC 3032

Cost: Adult $36, Concession $23, Child $18 and Family $82

Website: http://www.royalshow.com.au

Kidding Around With … Woodlands Historic Park and Woodlands Homestead

September 17, 2014September 19, 2014 | Kidding Around Australia

If you are looking for somewhere to let the kids run wild then Woodlands Historic Park, Greenvale, Victoria, is just the place! The property totals over 1730 acres (700 hectares), which includes a public park, historic homestead and Living Legends. On this occasion we visited the park and homestead and cannot wait to go back and visit all of the ex-racehorses at Living Legends.

There are many walking, horse riding and bicycle trails to explore, rocks to climb on and Australian native wildlife to watch and listen to. There are numerous Eastern Grey Kangaroos and if you are lucky you might spot evidence of Eastern Barred Bandicoots. They are nocturnal but it is still fun looking for their diggings, droppings, nests and grass tunnels. Woodlands Historic Park staff are doing great work nurturing these animals back from the brink of extinction. The Woodlands Historic Park also contains scarred trees and surface scatters, evidence of the Woiworung Aboriginal people, who lived in the area before Europeans arrived.

In an area this vast it’s easy to forget how close you are the to the Melbourne Airport. Located 6 minutes from the airport, Woodlands Historic Park is every airplane spotter’s dream! They even have a pick up and drop off service from the airport which can be booked by telephone. During the 2 hours we were visiting, not five minutes would go by without one or two little hands reaching skyward pointing out “a plane”!

After all that fresh country air and running around we went into Woodlands Homestead. The homestead was established in 1843 and is a fascinating example of what life was like over 170 years ago. The homestead is a large pre-constructed timber kit house brought to Australia from Britain and is listed with Heritage Victoria. Within the homestead there is an extensive art collection, various collections of historic artifacts along with horse racing memorabilia associated with Living Legends. Woodlands Historic Park also contains ruins of two other 19th century homesteads, Cumberland and Dundonald which we are looking forward to seeing on our next visit. They both looked very impressive in the paintings and photographs we saw – it’s such a shame they are no longer there.

Woodlands Historic Homestead — Woodlands Homestead

The staff at Woodlands Homestead serve refreshments or you are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy in the beautiful gardens. There are plenty of beautiful shade trees and picnic tables – a perfect place when the weather is fine. Unfortunately, you can see it was a overcast day when we visited, but we will definitely return with a picnic!

Georgina Says

The country girl in me LOVES Woodlands!! The homestead is my dream home (although I would like a few more creature comforts!) and the gardens are beautiful. The kids loved running around, there were few hazards and they could just be free! It was fantastic and best of all entry was free*!!

(*Living Legends is not free – there is a small charge to enter that section and there is also an option for a guided tour of the horse paddocks)

Alegría Says

I liked the horses. I liked patting the horse. I didn’t like it trying to bite me (funny story that!). Next time we have to go there first (to the horses) (we ran out of time and had to leave as they close the gates at 4pm!) and I liked the food (scones with jam and cream – yum!).

MORE INFORMATION

Time: 10am to 4pm (except Christmas Day)

Location:

207 Oaklands Road, Greenvale Victoria 3059, Australia

Melways: Map 177 Ref K8

Cost: Woodlands Historic Park and Homestead is Free

Living Legends costs:

Living Legends entry $15
Living Legends concession Entry $10
Public Guided Tour extra $10
Children under 12 free

Website: http://www.livinglegends.org.au

Information and pick up bookings: (03) 9307 1165

Kidding Around With … Ice Skating at Craigieburn Central

August 15, 2014September 19, 2014 | Kidding Around Australia

Alegría and Georgina had a wonderful afternoon ice skating at Craigieburn Central where they have set up a temporary Ice Rink in the outdoor area between the Big W and Target quadrants.

The rink is themed with Disney’s Frozen character cut-outs and music to skate and sing along to. There are penguin stabilisers that the children can hold onto and skate behind and friendly staff available to help out.

Alegria wore her own shoes with double blade clip-on skates and Georgina hired single blade boots. The hire cost was included in the low entry price.

ice 2 — Alegría enjoying the penguin stabilisers whilst she finds her balance!

The ice rink will be there until Sunday 14 September 2014 and if you like the Craigieburn Central Facebook page they are running competitions and giveaways!

We will definitely be going again!

Alegría Says

I love Frozen. I haven’t been ice skating before and it was fun! I held onto the penguin and Mumma’s hand and went around. It was cold and the ice was slippery. I want to go again!

Georgina Says

A fun, inexpensive activity! The rink is definitely more suited to pre-school and primary aged children as its small. I loved watching Alegría gain confidence and begin to ‘dance’ on the ice without the use of the penguin or my hand. I may or may not have been heard singing “Let it go” along with the Frozen soundtrack.

MORE INFORMATION

Dates: Saturday 9 August 2014 – Sunday 14 September 2014 DATES HAVE BEEN EXTENDED UNTIL 5 OCTOBER 2104

Time: 10am to 9pm daily (45 minute skate sessions start on the hour)

Location: Craigieburn Central, 340 Craigieburn Road, Craigieburn, Victoria 3064. Outdoors between the Big W and Target quadrants

Cost:

Kids 2 – 5: $5

Kids 6 to 14: $7

Adults: $10

(includes skate hire)

Website: http://www.craigieburncentral.com.au/Whats%20On/Events

Kidding Around With … Skydive Nagambie

August 14, 2014September 19, 2014 | Kidding Around Australia

Smiling like the Cheshire cat, Tim got a chance to tick an item off his bucket list when he went Skydiving at Skydive Nagambie. Actually, to say he was excited was an understatement. As a surprise for his 40^th Birthday, the family organised a gift certificate and we are still talking about what an awesome experience it was! Not just for Tim, but for all of us!

In terms of a customer service experience the team at Skydive Nagambie were faultless. From the initial phone contact to walking out the door after the jump the experience was everything we could have hoped for!

Skydive Nagambie is located in Victoria about an hour and half north of Melbourne. They specialise in taking people for their first skydiving experience and having resident skydivers means that the passionate atmosphere you experience is authentic and leaves you wanting more!

On arrival we were met by Steve, Tim’s tandem instructor, and were immediately made to feel at ease. After filling out some paperwork, Tim was introduced to Joey his photographer / videographer and Steve went through a pre-flight briefing and safety presentation and fitted Tim with his harness. Twenty minutes later, Tim, Steve and Joey along with about 10 other skydivers were in Skydive Nagambie’s XL 750 turbine aircraft heading up to 15,000 feet.

On board the plane, Tim talked with Steve about his skydiving adventures. For 20 minutes they travelled until they finally reached 15,000 feet and it was time to jump! With the cold wind in Tim’s face, Steve counted down ..3..2..1..Skydive! and they were out of the plane, freefalling for around a minute until Steve released the main parachute.

Tim Says

I will never forget the sound the air makes as you freefall after leaving the plane. It is intense and I guess you could liken it to putting your head out the window when the car is going 200km per hour! It is an awesome assault to your senses and then once the ripcord is pulled it is immediately silent. An awesome experience that I will never forget. I want to jump again – I would love to do the course so I jump solo!

On the ground, Georgina, Alegría and Isaac watched on as the plane became a speck in the sky and waited for about 25 minutes until parachutes started to become visible as they were headed to the Drop Zone. They were on the lookout for a blue and white parachute and after a false alarm they spotted Tim and Steve! Landing safely, Alegría waited for her Daddy to get out of the harness and ran lovingly into his arms excited to hear all about “flying in the sky!

Georgina Says

What struck me about the whole experience was just how friendly everyone was. Having the kids there was no trouble – there is a canteen where delicious home cooked snacks and meals are available and the toilets are well maintained and clean. Both children got special attention, whether it was a staff member asking Alegría how old she was and all about what sort of party she wanted (and could he come if he wore a tutu?) to the “hey, little dude” , “G’day mate” and high-five’s that came Isaac’s way.

We had such an awesome time at Nagambie Skydive and can’t wait to visit them again one day*!

MORE INFORMATION

Nagambie Skydive

Drop Zone Address Olivers Road, Bailieston VIC 3608 Australia

Phone Numbers Toll Free Victoria 1800 266 500 Telephone +61 3 5794 1466

Email Address jump@skydivenagambie.com

Website http://www.skydivenagambie.com

* We did visit them again when Georgina completed her first jump … but that’s another story! Tim is still dreaming of his next jump!