A Rockin' Time at Disney on Ice

We are excitedly already anticipating our first family vacation to "the place where dreams come true", and plan to visit as soon as our youngest son is old enough to walk and fully comprehend his surroundings. 

I've been to Disney World 3 times in my life, and it truly is magical.

This past weekend, Disney brought some of it's magic to our lovely city with the Disney on Ice Rockin' Ever After show.

We were so lucky to have scored free tickets to attend the show on the 2nd last day in Toronto (which was this past Friday the 15th) and on top of that attend the VIP Meet & Greet hosted by Today's Parent Magazine.

Our little girl is a big fan of the Disney Junior channel on television and also many of the classic Disney movies I loved as a child (and even still do to this day), my daughter now has a fondness for.

Of course,  Ava expected to see characters either smaller or the same height as her according to what she sees on the screen, so her very first meeting with Mickey Mouse wasn't really a jumping with pure excitement type of embrace. But after a few minutes of exchanges, she finally warmed up to the fella.

Ava wanted her daddy to stay with her was she met Mickey.

Our seats were amazing!  We were front row centre and in my opinion, the best seats in the house.

After a knocked over spilled drink (thanks to cramped stadium seating) and a slightly groggy and hungry toddler (and perhaps even mommy)... our tummies were satisfied, the lights were dimmed and the show began!

The first act was Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Donald introducing a chain of stories that would then lead to The Little Mermaid, Tangled, Brave and Beauty and the Beast.

I really enjoyed this performance of Under the Sea with Sebastian. He's so fun! 

Brave happens to be a new favourite of Ava's. And Merida kind of reminds of my little girl -- stubborn, strong and sweet. And of course, brave!

I have to admit, the child in me squealed in delight (quietly, in my head) when Beauty & the Beast began. Specifically the part when Belle was walking through the French town from the Bookshop and being followed by Gaston, her relentless, alpha male (but handsome) admirer.

My favourite Disney Movie!

Although my video camera on the iPhone was not able to capture these performances well enough to showcase the immense splendor, I thought I still had to share with you because it was too good not to!

"Be... our... guest! Be our guest! Put our service to the test
Tie your napkin 'round your neck, cherie, and we'll provide the rest
Soup du jour, Hot hors d'oeuvres. Why, we only live to serve
Try the grey stuff... It's delicious!
Don't believe me? Ask the dishes!
They can sing, they can dance
After all, Miss, this is France!
And a dinner here is never second best!" 

We had a fun-filled evening at Disney on Ice (even my husband was blown away and very much into it!). If you didn't get a chance to watch it this season, definitely make sure to catch it next time it's in town.
Thank you, Today's Parent, for the fantastic opportunity!

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A Knight to Remember at Medievel Times Dinner & Tournament {Giveaway}

Greetings, good gentles & ladies! How fare thee?

I have been practicing my Medieval English Lingo for the past couple of days prior to our Dinner experience at Medieval Times Dinner in Tournament in Toronto just so I can "fit in". 

As if I didn't already have a mild obsession over the English accent... I am now walking around my home speaking Medieval English. Let's just say my family was impressed... days ago.

When I got the opportunity to get the Royal Treatment at Medieval Times, I did not hesitate for a second.

For all the years that I have lived in the Greater Toronto area, I have never been to Medieval Times and have always wanted to! What took me so long?

Medieval Times is an exciting, family-friendly dinner attraction inspired by an 11th century feast and tournament. Guests are served a four-course banquet and cheer for one of six Knights competing in the joust and other tests of skill.

My family and I headed over to the Toronto castle this past weekend and was blown away from the moment we stepped in the Castle to the moment we stepped out.
Greeted by the GM of Medieval Times Toronto, Lynda Washkau, upon entering, we were led inside for our paper crowns, picture with the princess on her throne (which we received 3 copies of in a lovely keepsake frame during the show) and then backstage to the beautiful and oh-so serene stables where the lovely Andalusian Horses were getting pampered and prepped.

I was in horse heaven. Both my daughter and I LOVE horses and these gorgeous Andalusian horses also named 'Spanish Horses', PRE (Pura Raza Española) and commonly as 'Horse of Kings' stole our hearts. They truly are fit for a king (or Queen!).
Strongly built, and compact yet elegant, Andalusians have long, thick manes and tails.
Their most common coat color is gray, although they can be found in many other colors. I learned that day that the whiter the horse, the older they were. You would see some horses with grey spots which dependent on their size determines their age.
They are known for their intelligence, sensitivity and docility.

We were then led back to the main area where flags, armors and medieval decor adorned the walls and space. This was where you were able to grab refreshments (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic), take photographs and also purchase some great memorabilia.
From here, we were called by table (we were seated at Table 3 at the best seats in the house), where we were served and waited on by our "Wench".
Our Wench, Anna, was amazing! Super attentive, amusing and engaging -- she was the perfect wench! So glad we had her at our table; made for more entertainment!

As the show began, as did our feast.
We feasted on garlic bread, tomato bisque soup, roasted chicken, spare rib, herb-basted potatoes, pastry of the Castle (which was a scrumptious apple pie), coffee and two rounds of select beverages.
Vegetarian meals are available upon request. We were asked if there were any allergies or restrictions in our party.

We were more than impressed with our food. Everything (no exaggeration) was delightful and cooked perfectly. I'm a ribs gal, and those fall off the bone ribs were lip-smacking delicious!
The chicken was seasoned perfectly and very juicy, the tomato basil soap with garlic bread paired wonderfully together and the apple pie pastry was enjoyable. Great feast!

A full-service bar is also available for adult guests.  Another wench would appear and ask if you wanted anything from the bar. Because we were VIP, Lynda made sure to introduce us to the bartender prior to being seated letting him know which table we were seated at; he came to us directly and offered us a drink on the house. I treated myself to some amazing red wine and my husband got a nice cold beer.
Our little girl received a cool lit up keepsake glass filled with a refreshing blue slushy drink that wasn't too sweet which I liked!

Another cool feature that I liked was the portable debit machine so we didn't have to get up at all, just pay directly from our seats if we didn't have any cash handy.

The entertainment was just spectacular!
From the Horses to the Royal Falconer Flight, the Handsome Knights Jousting and Combating before the King and Princess's throne above and just the amazing pyrotechnics and music -- it was definitely an unforgettable experience.  One that you must experience for yourself (and also your family), especially if you are in and around the Toronto area.

Our Knight was the Red & Yellow Knight, Lord Del Font.
And ladies can I just say that the knights were pretty easy on the eyes. *wink* 
To add icing to the cake, the knights would ride around on their horse, throwing a few lovely roses to some lucky ladies in the crowd.
Obviously our Knight saved the best (and only red rose) for last. I got a rose!!!
Well, my little princess and I got a rose.
And may I add... I enjoyed being called m'lady from every single staff member - 'tis charming!

I have compiled a video of a few of the highlights of our Experience at Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament below. For more video footage, find me Vine at Carol Gomez.

For more information on Medieval Times, you can visit them online at: www.medievaltimes.com and also on Facebook and Twitter for updates and fun contests!

Thanks to Medieval Times Toronto, I am giving away 4 tickets to Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament! 

They rock, don't they?

To enter, simply leave me a comment below telling me WHAT YOU ARE MOST EXCITED FOR AT MEDIEVAL TIMES DINNER & TOURNAMENT and also get additional entries via rafflecopter (A comment is mandatory to be eligible to win).

*Open to Canada only.

Contest ends this Sunday, March 3rd.

Good fortune, m'lords and m'ladies!

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Strawberry Shortcake: Follow Your Berry Own Beat! Live in Toronto {Giveaway}

Have you got a Strawberry Shortcake Fan?

Your little one will love to be a part of the fun energy and excitement of this sweet musical adventure tour starting January 13th to March 3rd in different cities within Canada.

Produced by Koba Entertainment, Follow Your Berry Own Beat! with very special guests the Doodlebops is among the company’s roster of highly successful theatrical productions including The Backyardigans, Quest for the Extra Ordinary Aliens and Toopy and Binoo and the Marshmallow Moon.

This musical adventure takes the audience to the whimsical land of Berry Bitty City where the whole town is buzzing with anticipation for the Glitzy Glaze Talent Show! Follow Strawberry Shortcake and the rest of the girls as they each prepare for their moment in the spotlight.

But hold on to your hats because that is not all! For the first time ever, Koba Entertainment is bringing together the iconic sweetness of Strawberry Shortcake and the wackiest siblings on television, the Doodlebops in one spectacular show!

Before the sweet berry girls hit the stage, warm up your singing voice and stretch out your dancing muscles with the Doodlebops! Responding to calls from their legions of clamouring fans, Rooney, Moe and Dee Dee Doodle will take the stage in a live concert performance that gets their whole audience movin’ and groovin’.

I've got a little performer on my hands; my four year old daughter absolutely loves dancing and singing and also happens to adore Strawberry Shortcake. What little girl doesn't? 

This would be the perfect musical production to take your child and share some great new memories for 2013!

For more information on the Strawberry Shortcake: Follow Your Berry Own Beat! Tour including when & where it will be playing in your city, you can visit them here at: www.strawberryshortcakeontour.com.

You can also visit them on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/KobaEntertainment for more info and great contests and fun!

Thanks to Koba Entertainment, I'm giving a lucky CAC reader and their family a chance to win 1 family pack of four tickets and join in the fun and interactive concert experience full of humour, fun and friendship for the Strawberry Shortcake: Follow Your Berry Own Beat! with very special guests the Doodlebops for their Toronto show taking place on Sunday, February 17 at 1:00 P.M. at Sony Centre for the Performing Arts.

To be eligible, simply enter via rafflecopter below.

Contest ends January 31st. Open to Canadian Residents only.

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