I used to love treasure hunts when I was younger so I’m really excited about this. Huggies have teamed up with Disney and are holding an online treasure hunt that will see participants solve riddles, discover the hunny pots to win. The hunny pots will be found on fourteen sites – four of the top parenting websites, and ten parenting blogs.
The treasure hunt begins TODAY and there’ll be one riddle per day for fourteen days.
Last week Kerry from Think Parents (who by the way is about to set off on a six month trip across America, me jealous?) organised it for us to go and see a pre-showing of
Tinkerbell and the Lost Treasure. We managed to get to a special showing which included a fairy breakfast. I asked for an invite for Erin’s friend too, so to say they were excited was an understatement!
The morning began with choosing a fairy outfit to wear, followed by the making of wands. The breakfast was hosted by a full-size fairy who clearly runs a successful business fulfilling every little girls dream of being made over into a fairy (I wonder how much one of her parties cost?). Breakfast was mini bacon and sausage butties with fruit, coffee and fresh juice. Afterwards the girls had fairy make up applied by the big fairy and then we had a game of pass the parcel followed by a bit of dancing. Finally fairy dust was handed out and wishes were made, rounding off a magical morning.
We then went straight in to see Tinkerbell and the Lost Treasure which I believe is the follow up to Tinkerbell and includes the successful Disney ‘Fairies’. The film was wholesome and good Disney value as you’d expect. Although I was impressed with headstrong Tinkerbell, she’s no shrinking violet. The moral was friendship and everyone lives happily ever after which is the norm these days, not like Bambi and Watership Down, that was our rite of passage, being completely horrified at the poor orphaned rabbits and deer, I digress… A great morning that will live long in the memory of our little fairies.
Okay listen up people, you’ve got to go and see Up when it comes out, 3D or otherwise you won’t be disappointed. As far as these modern animated films go this is by far the best storyline I’ve seen so far, the 3D may add another dimension, literally, however this film stands up well enough without gimmicks.
In the first ten minutes, friendship, marriage, miscarriage and death had all been covered in a short montage, be ready for some difficult questions, much of it went over Erin’s head at three, older children will take in a lot more.
The story follows a septuagenerian named Mr Frederickson who loses his wife and soulmate and ultimately faces losing his home, this is where the film really gets going and the more fantastical part of the plot kicks in which takes Mr Frederickson and various sidekicks on an adventure of a lifetime. The plot turns serious again when you realise that the whole adventure has been an outlet for Mr Frederickson’s grief which eventually forces him to move on with his life.
Take your tissues, I never thought a ‘cartoon’ could be so moving, I was stunned to find out that even my husband had had to choke back a tear. The issues were covered beautifully without being too heavy for younger viewers whilst providing some ‘meat’ for parents.
I’d go as far as to say this is the best film I’ve seen this year and, for me, ranks beside The Dark Knight and Little Miss Sunshine, high praise indeed, but well deserved.
It’s Day two, 5.43 am and I’m wide awake. I’ve ditched the ‘making a good impression’ clothes in favour of my usual hoody and trainers. I guess this is a good time to mention that the Hilton was a bit lacking, their rooms aren’t as modern as the online photos would suggest and the food was overpriced and below par. As compensation (for Disney) I helped myself to the lovely Crabtree & Evelyn products. Thanks Hilton
We do the self-check in bit, not too keen on that, scared I’m gonna do something wrong, but must have done something right, I’ve been upgraded! Hot towels and proper cutlery here I come.
We’ve also been given access to the V lounge which is priced at £17 for adults and £10 for children. I was expecting it to be really busy but it was actually very peaceful. Let’s get to the nitty gritty though, is it worth your hard earned cash?
What You Get For Your Money
Soft play area with kids tv
A peaceful place to relax before your flight
Internet access
Adults-only area with very comfy seats and a bar (drinks cost extra)
Excellent views of the jets taking off, kids love that don’t they
Games; table football, playstation, space invaders tables
Holidays/info desk
Plasma screens
Unlimited food & beverage which includes;
Hot filled rolls (served for you)
Innocent smoothies
Tea & Coffee
Pastries & Muffins
Fresh Fruit
Soft Drinks
My Personal Opinion
I don’t have loads of money so I expect value, in my opinion the V lounge delivers that value. The whole area was very clean, including the toilets. Staff were polite and helpful. The equipment was all in good working order. The food was fresh, tasty and plentiful.
I tried to book the V lounge for my own trip to Disneyworld in June but there isn’t a lounge in Manchester, and I think that’s the best feedback I can give you, I was prepared to cough up the £45 to use it again. I’m actually a little disappointed, come on Virgin another lounge in Manchester please.
I'm a 27 year old mum to 4 year old Erin. We live just outside Edinburgh in a small village. I've been blogging for four years and write about anything and everything that takes my fancy.