It Really Is The Little Things

Summer is officially here for our family. We skipped the last (10:30 am early release) day from school, packed the car, and started our drive to Orlando. It's been several years since we've made the trek with our kids and since they are older, I feel like it's worth the investment. 

I mentioned in a previous post that I enjoy being surprised at the extra efforts restaurants make to cater to families and young children. I was pleasantly surprised today as we took the kids to Legoland, which opened last year in the former Cypress Gardens.  (remember the water skiing shows?)

For kids 12 and under, this is the perfect theme park, particularly if you've got a little one that loves Legos. It's smaller and not so jam-packed with rides that you feel like you're hurrying from one attraction to the next. The rides are minimally thrilling with nothing too scary but just enough excitement for children.  The giant minifigures kind of scared me, but kids nestled up to them for pictures just like Dora & Mickey.

Here are just a few of the reasons this mom gives Legoland an A for EFFORT.

Extra effort #1:  I love a good bathroom and will deter an exit on 95 because of subpar facilities. (my mother & grandmother taught me well) Legoland bathrooms exceeded my expecations.

• Kid-size sinks, complete with a mirror and soap dispenser
• Paper towels and an air hand dryer (that was not so loud to panic a child)
• Baby changing area that had a sink within arm's reach of the area (wash your hands right after - brilliant).  The baby changing station wasn't hung on the wall; it was a large well built into the counter. 

Extra effort #2:  Legos.  Yes, we were in Legoland, so making use of the bricks was on their mind already. But the bricks were everywhere for entertaining the kids anywhere there was a wait.  (bonus: Legos were the big ones that ya can't choke on)

• In all of the restaurants - kids finish lunch early, kids go play.
• In all of the stores - parents shops, kids go play.
• In all of the wait areas for the rides.  There were even signs directing the kids to play while the parents waited in line.  Love!

Extra effort #3: The Food.  Our group of 6 was starving by the time we broke from the fun to refuel. Here's what I loved about our lunch.

• Eating Local. I kept seeing signs as we were walking through the park about the use of locally-sourced produce/meat. We later learned that Fresh from Florida (part of the Florida Department of Agriculture) had partnered with Legoland to educate visitors about the importance of agriculture to the state. There is even an area in the park where your children can learn more about where their food comes from and why that's important. Spending $6 on a kid's meal knowing a portion of that cost was supporting local farmers in Florida, I'm okay with that.  It was a conversation I never knew I would have with my children today.  (even better)
• Kid's Meal - Served only with water and a choice of carrots or apples/grapes. No french fries.  Both of mine had a grilled cheese and one added soup. The food was fresh and tasty.  

We loved every moment of our day, never waited more than 5 minutes for a ride, and had genuine fun. Chalking up the day and hoping my kids walked away with bucket full of memories they can hold on to for a lifetime.

Here's to fun and the little things in your summer!

Jennifer Bilbro is the Founder of OutToEatWithKids.com, an online resource and mobile application designed to help families search for economical & healthy children’s meals. Visit OutToEatWithKids.com for more information or submit your restaurant info to jennifer@outtoeatwithkids.com