Tampa Mom

The 2008 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival runs from September 26 through November 9. Florida residents are eligible for a lot of great deals during this time of year. If you live close to Orlando, consider the Epcot After 4PM Annual Pass, a fantastic deal, and will get you into Epcot all year without blackout dates after 4pm. This is great if you just want to dine, go to an Eat to the Beat concert, or visit France for pastries and fireworks at the end of an evening.

Kids can experience all the fun of the festival by traveling to over 14 Kidcot activity stops around the theme park. Our kids really enjoy this and it keeps them motivated during the day. It also provides an opportunity to rest inside, out of the sun or rain. This year, USA Pears sponsors The Pearville Fair, a learning center about pears! Our kids love Epcot!

A note about food allergies: In our experience, Disney is very accommodating, especially in the more formal dining experiences. Even the takeaway food stands are pretty knowledgeable about what they are serving. If you have food allergies, notify your server, and they will typically introduce you and your allergic child to the chef. We’ve met numerous Disney chefs and had just as many conversations with them about our food needs. Once, a chef at Boma (my personal favorite Disney restaurant) made a special dessert for Elizabeth since she couldn’t eat a single thing from their dessert offerings. As with any food activity with allergies, don’t forget your Epi-pens, Benadryl, Albuterol, and whatever else you typically need to deal with an incident. Also, don’t forget to pack some safe snacks. We always pack plenty of safe snacks wherever we go.

One last money-saving tip: You can get a large cup of ice water for free at any fountain drink vendor at Disney. I get a 32-ounce cup of ice water and sometimes mix in a Crystal Light To Go packet. Don’t let your budget prevent you from staying hydrated! Pack a water bottle. Water fountains are abundant throughout the parks, and single-serving drink packets can make it more palatable.

Tasting menus from some of the 2007 international food vendors.

It’s Your Life, Make a Difference!
Leadership Kick-Off & Family Fun Weekend
September 27, 2008

If you have a Girl Scout in your family, or someone who wants to join, you do not want to miss this Fall 2008 Kick-Off event at Cypress Gardens. There will be scavenger hunts, badge activities, and lots of scouting fun in addition to all of the great attractions at Cypress Gardens. The price is only $18/per person, and for only $10 more, you can extend your ticket to unlimited admission for the rest of 2008!

Find out more about the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida and register for the event.

I’ve had enough! It’s mid-December and 80 degrees every day! Maybe I’m biased, being a knitter and all, but can it at the very least get a little chilly out there for Christmas? I’d like to wear one of my fabulous hand-knit scarves at least once this year. Can you give me that?

My family, especially the kids, would love to sip hot chocolate out on the lanai in the cool December air, but it’s just too warm. It sort of snowed yesterday, but since it was 80 degrees outside, the snow melted before it hit, resulting in a big rainstorm.

I’m really hoping for a bit of a chill real soon. I’m finding it difficult to get motivated in the Christmas festivities department simply due to the outside temperature.