During my visit to Pixar Animation Studios, I actually spent a bit of time learning about archery from both the experts they brought in and Jim from Wired.com/GeekDad.  Having taken archery in high school (random right?), I recalled some basic information about how to hold the bow and arrow and proper stance but I definitely needed a refresher.

Here are some tips I learned about hitting the mark:

1. The right bow. Interestingly enough, there are actually several different types of bows, and if you’re an expert, one will be fitted for you (I learned this during my time at the US Olympic Training Center.

2. A proper stance.  Merida models the perfect stance in this scene and throughout the film.  The bow and arrow should be held firmly and steadily and when the string is pulled back, the anchor point should be either the corner of the mouth or the cheek.

3. The Perfect Aim.  Once the bow and arrow are in position and you are ready to draw the string, one eye should be closed to focus on that spot you wish to hit on the target.

4. Follow Through.  Hold your position until the arrow hits the target.  Altering your stance and position of the bow prematurely can result in missing the mark.

You can see more of Merida’s mad bow and arrow skills this June when Disney/Pixar reelases Brave!

Travel expenses associated with the event were provided by Disney.

Photos Disney/Pixar.

Anticipation for Disney/Pixar’s latest film Brave is growing, and in preparation for the red carpet premiere and release in June, I’ll have some inside information about all that went into the creative process.  During our time at Pixar Animation Studios, we had an opportunity to sit down with Claudia Chung (Simulation Supervisor), Louis Gonzales (Story Artist), Steve Pilcher (Production Designer) and Tia Kratter (Shading Art Director) to discuss the nearly 7 year process of creating the computer animated film.

Every time I see a film, particularly one that is animated, I think back to our interview with John Lasseter and his perspective on what makes a good movie:

Tell a compelling story; populate it with memorable and appealing characters; and put those characters in a believable world – John Lasseter

At the heart of Brave is a story about a mother and a daughter who don’t see eye to eye, stated Gonzales. During his presentation, he shared some insights on what it takes to get an idea onto the screen as a full-feature animated film.  The story itself is constantly being fleshed out…refining and building so that they deliver a story everyone is proud of.  During the early stages of the film-making process, the artists are drawing based on an idea, and it’s only when the creative team approves the outline that they are given a budget to do formal research.

Gonzales spent 10 days in Scotland soaking in as much of the people, culture, weather, and landscape as possible.  The team took over 10,000 photos, drawing and documenting everything they observed and experienced to give the film an authentic Scottish feel.  “We want to tell honest stories with honest characters so people can relate to them” stated Gonzales.  Brave is set in 900 A.D. and everything from the earthy castle to the overgrown trees in the forest reflects that old world feel the artists aspired towards.  While in Scotland, Gonzales recalled spending time with a group of locals who played folk music.  The team asked questions and listened to their stories, experiences that sometimes make their way into a film.  They also went to observe Scottish Highland Games and archery and met with a farmer who cared for Clydesdale horses, all of which are replicated authentically in the film.

Gonzales is as knowledgeable as he is talented and shared some interesting facts about the film’s creative process.  A typical scene consists of anywhere from 200 to 500 drawings and each scene takes 3-5 days to complete.  One hundred scenes were drawn but only 35 made it into the film. Over 111,000 storyboards were drawn for the film (with at least 25% more drawn that were not submitted) and if you want some comparative perspective, you’ll find that 80,000 storyboards were drawn for Cars 2 and +92,000 were drawn for Toy Story 3.  As you can imagine, the film is visually stunning and spot on in it’s depiction of Scotland.

In addition to helping the artists create a believable world, the team’s two research trips to Scotland helped define the characters in the film.  Both attire and the environment a character is placed in for any given scene helps to visually emphasize their personality.

Elinor (Merida’s mother) carries the weight of the kingdom on her shoulders, said Shading Art Director Tia Kratter.  To emphasize that, the team gave her more weight on the bottom, bound her hair in soft fabrics and added vertical shapes to depict the control she thrives on.

Similarly, Merida is wild and adventurous and her hair is a direct representation of her spirit.  In fact, according to Simulation Supervisor Claudia Chung, Merida’s hair was a character unto itself.  With over 111,000 curls rendered on Merida’s head, you can undesrstand why it took 2-3 years to hone down the final look of her hair.

Even after watching the first 30 minutes of Brave, I gained a sense of the creativity and professionalism that was involved “from page to screen.” As we get closer to the film’s release, I’ll be sharing more information and exclusive interviews from the filmmakers.

Travel expenses associated with the event were provided by Disney.

Photos Disney/Pixar.

Edinburgh is the only other place my husband and I have called home.  The people are warm and hospitable with a rich culture that they are proud of.  The city is picturesque and historic, surrounded by draw-dropping views and intricate architecture.  The Scottish culture permeates the city, yet there is a modern, cosmopolitan feel.

Photo Credit: Disney/Pixar

Disney/Pixar will release Brave in theaters nationwide on June 22nd, and having seen the first 30 minutes in San Francisco last month, I can tell you that the filmmakers authentically depicted the Scottish culture throughout the film.  In fact, throughout the press day, we participated in a variety of interactive activities to bring us up to speed on Scottish culture.  During my time in Edinburgh, I wondered if I would still see men wearing kilts in our modern era.  The answer?  Yes!

So what exactly is a kilt?  It’s a knee-length garment made of woollen cloth in a Tartan pattern (Wikipedia).  While it you might think it resembles a skirt, women aren’t allowed to wear one for various reasons, including the fact that men don’t wear anything underneath (don’t think too much about that fact!).

There is an entire ritual dedicated to the proper wearing of the kilt, and Crystal from Simply Being Mommy details it precisely in her post, Kilt Wearing 101.  Each family/clan wears the same tartan pattern and some can be traced back for one or even two centuries.  You’ll see this replicated in Brave, which is another fact that brings authenticity to the film.

Along with this thick, heavy, layered garment comes the accessories, which include woollen socks, a sporran (a type of pouch used to store important items),  a belt, a jacket, and a pair of Ghillie brogues (a type of low-heeled shoe).

As I mentioned earlier, the Scots are proud of their culture and still maintain traditions such as kilt-wearing.  Disney/Pixar just released this incredibly funny trailer, inspired by the Scottish Kilt!

Stay tuned for more tidbits on Scottish culture as we anticipate the opening of Brave!

No compensation was received for this post.

Travel expenses associated with the event were provided by Disney.

After a thrilling adventure that took me to new heights (hehe), an airboat ride through the Florida wetlands seemed like a relaxing way to take in some of the area’s natural beauty.  Last month, I found myself immersed in a variety of eco-adventures as part of an event with Disneynature, Global Resort Homes, and Visit Kissimmee.  My love for travel combined with my love for adventure converged to provide a unique, meaningful trip.

As much as my husband and I enjoy traveling, our perspectives on what a vacation should entail can be quite different.  Depending on the destination, my husband could be quite content relaxing by the pool and dining in local, ethnically diverse restaurants while I prefer to delve into museums, walk the city, hike, and generally just explore all that the location has to offer.

Whenever we plan a vacation, I look to the destination’s tourist board for information on unique, experiential activities.  Visit Kissimmee arranged a variety of immersive experiences that showed us a side of the area most vacationers don’t know about.

The Marsh!

I wouldn’t typically describe a boat ride as thrilling, but that’s exactly how I would describe our experience on a Boggy Creek Airboat last month.

Offered in 30, 45, or 60 minute rides, this high speed excursion through the Florida wetlands offers a unique vantage point for discovering everything from native exotic birds to alligators!

The boat can reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour which means you’ll feel the rush of the wind on your face, which provides some reprieve from Florida’s warm humid climate.  The tours are safe, family-friendly, and exciting.

When your tour is complete, you can get up close and personal with an alligator.  I’m an adventure seeker, but I draw the line at reptiles! : )

My friend Stefani from Mommy Enterprises found this awesome video from the show The Everglades which features an airboat!

Everglades by DwightFrye

For more information on the tours offered or local area attractions, just visit their website.

No compensation was received for this post. I was invited to experience a Boggy Creek Airboat Ride as part of the #DisneyGlobalEvent All opinions are solely that of the author

Photo Credit: Florida EcoSafaris

As independent and adventurous as I am, I have this nagging fear of heights.  I’m not one to let my fears guide my actions, and in most instances, I’m able to push them aside to do what I need or want to do. However, when I told my husband I’d be ziplining above the Florida wilderness last month, he didn’t actually believe I’d go through with it. So of course, I had to shoot some video footage as proof!

A vacation in Orlando has pretty much become synonymous with a vacation at Walt Disney World. And while a visit to the Sunshine State wouldn’t be complete without a trip to The Most Magical Place On Earth, there is much to see and do in the adjacent city of Kissimmee.

This is where you begin the Zipline Safari

Bridges To Cross!

Located in Forever Florida, a 4700 acre eco-ranch and wildlife conservation area, the company offers four types of adventurous experiences including a Coach Safari, Horseback Safari, Zipline Safari or Cypress Canopy Cycle.  Having grown up in Southern California, I wasn’t prepared for the beauty of this place that features nine different ecosystems and is home to alligators, black bears, white-tail deer, and more.  Since I aim not to have any regrets, I donned my gear (thanks to the help of our certified guides) and readied myself for the 2 1/2 hour zipline safari.

Your life "line"

Ziplining is something I’ve always wanted to do, but likely never would have explored had I not been given the opportunity on this trip. As the video demonstrates, ziplining takes you high up into the treetops where you’ll get an adrenaline rush (and a view) like no other.  As I mentioned above, this safari is guided by certified, highly experienced guides who have your safety as their priority.  Throughout the entire experience, I never once felt unsafe.  Nervous? Scared? Absolutely! But never unsafe. The reason? The guides always ensure you’re connected to one of two safety connections and this course was professionally designed for safety and is an industry leader in Central Florida.

Stefani from Mommy Enterprises!

It took me about 3-4 “zips” to start to really feel comfortable and enjoy the experience. By the subsequent lines, I was screaming with delight (as opposed to fear) and able to experience the thrill and rush of soaring through the trees in an experience that is as close to flying as I’ve ever gotten.

The Rattlesnake!

In fact, I gained so much confidence during that 2 1/2 hour safari, that I ventured up to the brand new, first ever, Zipline Roller Coaster in the US (that is the video footage you see at the end)!  Appropriately titled The Rattlesnake, this experience takes ziplining to an entirely new level. 

Rather than a “line,” you’ll swing, swoop, twist and dip through 1000 feet of cable-suspended steel at speeds of up to 20 MPH.  I have to admit that had I known how intensely thrilling this experience was, I might have chickened out. But it was so much fun and a once-in-a-lifetime, bucket list experience that I’ll remember forever.

Making Memories!

So, what do you need to know before Ziplining?

1.  You’ll have to climb up several sets of stairs topping heights of 68 feet

2.  You’ll have to don the appropriate attire.  I recommend long pants, closed toed shoes, and sunglasses. Don’t forget sunscreen!

3.  You’ll have to trust your guides.  If you follow their instructions, your experience will not only be safe, but fun!

4.  You’ll have to let go.  If you truly feel like you can’t go through with the experience, the guide can lower you down.  However, I can say with certainty that if you “let go” and at least force yourself to take that first “zip” you won’t regret it and each line will get easier and easier.

Photo Credit: Florida EcoSafaris

I absolutely loved my Zipline safari and if I ever have an opportunity to Visit Kissimmee with my family, I’m definitely taking our family to Florida EcoSafaris.  While my children are definitely too young to zipline, there are a variety of family-friendly, age-appropriate “safaris” we can embark on together.

Fun Eco-Fact: A portion of revenue generated from these safaris goes towards supporting the conservation of Florida’s wilderness.

For more information, just visit Florida EcoSafaris.

No compensation was received for this post. I was invited to experience the Zipline Safari as part of the #DisneyGlobalEvent All opinions are solely that of the author

Have kids. Will travel.

My husband and I began our marriage traveling.  We honeymooned in Tahiti, backpacked Europe, and cruised the Mexican Riviera.  Collectively, we’ve visited more than 15 countries.

Before having children, my husband and I decided that we would continue to travel.  Some of our most memorable moments together occurred while traveling, and we hope to create unique, meaningful memories that our children will cherish for the rest of their lives.

So why don’t families with small children travel more often?  When you factor in the cost and time that must be dedicated to a vacation, and add the inherent challenges of traveling with small children, many families would rather stay close to home.

Last month, I spent five nights in a spacious vacation home, courtesy of Global Resort Homes.  In true Spring Break style, myself and 19 other bloggers were divided amongst three, six-bedroom luxury homes for a vacation unlike any other.

Even before entering our assigned home, I was impressed with how modern, clean, and spacious our home was.  I could see our extended families joining us for a longer vacation in the future, without ever encroaching on each other’s space.

Each home includes at least 2 bathrooms (most have 3 or more), themed and decorated bedrooms, comfortable common/living areas with TVs, a laundry room with washer/dryer, and full-sized kitchens complete with appliances, dishes, flatware, and more.

Additionally, families looking to spend some time in the vacation home can relax in their private pool/spa, spend quality time in the game room, or venture out into the resort for a variety of recreational activities.

My husband and I have one too many funny, embarrassing, and/or stressful travel stories involving our children. Anything we can do to ease a bit of that makes for a much more enjoyable vacation.  For us, vacationing in a resort home versus a hotel offers these value benefits:

1. Travel lighter.  Something as simple as a washer and dryer means we can pack half as many clothes for our kids, freeing us up to focus on what really matters…our children.  Additionally, Global Resort Homes partners with No Hassle Vacations to offer rentals on everything from strollers and car seats to cribs and toddler beds.

2. Travel smarter.  Because Global Resort Homes partners with Kissimmee Guest Services, guests can purchases tickets for local attractions and feel confident that they’re getting the best prices.

3. Travel longer.  Global Resort Homes is located just a few minutes from the entrance of Walt Disney World.  Since many families visit Orlando for the sole purpose of a Disney vacation, staying in a vacation home affords families the option of staying longer because their money often goes farther.  For example, our family of four would likely only require a 2 bedroom condo.  To stay in the Windsor Hills Resort, that would cost us $122/night.  Combine that with the amount of money saved eating some meals in, and a one week vacation in Orlando becomes more realistic for us.

Vacationing with small children is difficult, but definitely not impossible.  Over the years, we’ve always looked for accommodations that offer extra amenities and space.  Vacationing in a resort home offers the benefits of convenience, luxury, space, and value. Here are some tips I suggest for families looking to vacation with Global Resort Homes.

Plan to vacation for at least a week.  Small children require frequent breaks to rest, eat/snack, and just be kids.  If you don’t allow enough time, you’ll feel rushed and pressured to do too much in one day, resulting in fatigue, moodiness, and stress.

Plan to eat some meals in. Vacationing in a resort home means you’ll have a fridge, oven, microwave, dishwasher, and more.  Head over to the closest grocery store early in your vacation to stock up on food, particularly breakfast items and snacks.  Knowing my children will have something to eat for breakfast eases the stress and rush of the morning.

Plan for some recreation and downtime.  The proximity to the park makes it convenient for families with small children to leave, allow their children time to rest, and then head back into the parks if desired. Also take note of each resort’s community amenities including a playground, fitness center, tennis courts, movie theater, video arcade, and more.

For more information about Global Resort Homes, just visit their website. And be sure to check out their Facebook page for additional savings and offerings.

No compensation was received for this post.  I was invited to stay at the resort home as part of the #DisneyGlobalEvent

Even before the film was released, retailers across the country displayed the latest super hero-themed toys and my son had a talking Iron Man and a Captain America action figure.  His longstanding favorite super hero is Iron Man, and thanks to Disney, now he can dress the part!

If your kids enjoy dressing up, this Iron Man Mission Mask and Tri-power Repulsor are as authentic-looking as you can get.  Both the mask and the repulsor light up and produces sound effects, just like Iron Man’s gear in the film.  Additionally, the repulsor launches plastic missiles!

Before seeing the film, I had little knowledge of the super hero who created a powered suit of armor to protect the world. While I find The Hulk to be the most endearing, it’s Iron Man that tops my list when it comes to the cool factor.

Hasbro has an expansive selection of Marvel toys, many of which can be found at your local Walmart.

No compensation was received for this post. The above toys were provided by Disney, which helped facilitate this review.

This is the film that comic book fans have long anticipated…the film where six of the most iconic Marvel Super Heroes join forces against an enemy so powerful, it will take their collaboration and collective strengths to defeat him.  Marvel’s The Avengers opened in theaters nationwide today, with a phenomenal cast, a remarkable story, and all the action and adventure you’d expect from this super hero team.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan, or a super hero newbie, it won’t take long to get engrossed in the story and develop an affinity for one or more of the super heroes.  Having never seen a single film inspired by Marvel Comics (guilty!), I was surprised at how quickly I became involved with the film.

As the film opens, audiences learn that villain Loki (Tom Hiddleston) has taken the Tesseract (an energy source with unlimited power) and is using his abilities to control the world.  Such evil can only attempt to be harnessed by The Avengers, whom director of espionage agency S.H.I.E.L.D. Nick Fury summons in hopes of saving the world.

The plot is simple enough, yet it’s the rich development of each character that drew me into the film.  Because I am not an avid superhero fan, I needed those retrospective moments to understand what makes each of these characters heroes and that included the transparent revealing of their flaws.  The way each of these heroes come together is remarkable, and given their strong comic book fan following, required a unified cause.  Director Joss Whedon, who’s work includes Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Toy Story, skillfully weaved in just enough plot from previous films to satisfy avid fans and keep newbies from being confused.

Speaking of super heroes, the cast is impressive and each perfectly suited for their respective characters.  I’m most familiar with The Hulk, whom I had watched with my father as a child, and it is him who I found to be the most endearing.  I absolutely loved the scene where Captain America tells him that “now is the perfect time for you to get angry” and he replies with “That’s my secret Cap, I’m always angry.”  This one scene gives audiences insight into the complexity of these characters.

As a woman, I was also pleased that Black Widow was as intelligent as she was strong…she felt equally powerful despite her lack of “superpowers.”

While the film may appear to be targeted towards die-hard fans of the beloved Marvel Comics, there really is something for everyone.  Action, adventure, heart, and comic relief all converge to produce a cinematic experience unlike anything that has been in theaters in a long time.

This weekend, assemble your friends…your family…and see Marvel’s The Avengers!

No compensation was received for this post.  I was invited to screen the film and all opinions remain my own.

Photo Credit: Marvel/Disney

It’s almost hard to comprehend that every single magical, memorable Disney moment began with this simple idea. But Walt Disney was brilliant…he was a visionary artist…a storyteller… Oh how I’d love to tap into his creative mind.

Late last year, I picked up a rectangular brochure at D23 Expo and added it to my list of places I’d like to visit.  Who knew that less than one year later, I’d actually be stepping foot inside The Walt Disney Family Museum, which takes visitors on a chronological journey through Walt’s life. Even before I spent some time at the museum, I had a reverence for this man who’s achievements include but are definitely not limited to the creation of Mickey Mouse, Disneyland, and the largest entertainment company.  I could have spent hours inside the museum and not fully absorbed everything I wanted to know about this man.

The museum is located in San Francisco’s Presidio, which is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and offers a picturesque view of the Golden Gate Bridge.  During our visit, several of the bloggers ate lunch outside as the area surrounding the museum is lush, green, and serene.

The Walt Disney Family Museum is divided into 10 galleries, and walking through each one is like a step back in time.  Walt Disney was a storyteller, and a visit through the museum feels very much like we’re walking through the story of his life.  The museum utilizes “state-of-the-art technologies, listening stations, and video screens” to engage visitors and help them get a sense of who Walt was.

Throughout our visit, I learned so much about this incredible man and gained a new respect for him and his legacy.  I knew that Walt was a man ahead of his time…a man who took risks and believed in what he was doing.  He is credited with innovating the world of film and animation with a number of firsts including the following:

• First animated film with synchronized sound (Steamboat Willie, 1928)
• First animated film in full-color three-strip Technicolor (Flowers and Trees, 1932)
• First feature length animated film (Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, 1937)
• Multi-plane camera, invented for use on The Old Mill, 1937
• First stereophonic sound system for film (Fantasound for Fantasia, 1940)

Because I have a special place in my heart for Disneyland and all the memories that have been made with my own family growing up and now with my children, my favorite gallery was the one which displays a 14 foot model of the Disneyland of Walt’s imagination. Right before entering that gallery, we learned that the wooden bench on display was where the idea for Disneyland originated.  He was watching his daughters ride the Merry Go Round at Griffith Park and imagined the Disney-themed park.

The last gallery serves as a tribute Walt Disney, and includes newspaper articles, letters, telegrams and more, from people expressing their appreciation for this man who is now a legend.

After spending some time at the museum, I’d really like to go back someday to delve deeper into Walt’s life. I’d also like to sit inside this Fantasia-themed theater and watch a Disney classic!

The museum is open daily except for Tuesdays and admission is $20 for adults and $12 for children between the ages of 6 and 17. Be sure to check out the calendar for an updated schedule on coming screenings and discussions.

I always like to look on the optimistic side of life, but I am realistic enough to know that life is a complex matter.
Walt Disney

No compensation was received for this post.

Superheroes are all the rage, and with Marvel’s The Avengers set to assemble this Friday, my son and his friends are gearing up for what is projected to be one of the biggest opening weekends! I’m heading out to LA tonight to see a sneak peek of the film, and will have the 411 including my review later on this week.

Here is a quick synopsis of the film:

Based on the iconic Marvel comic book series, The Avengers, the film brings together The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye, and Black Widow to save the world from disaster when an unexpected enemy threatens global security.  The outstanding cast includes Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johannson, and Samuel L. Jackson.

To celebrate the comic book-inspired film, I have a fun prize pack to give away!

Win It!  One of you will win the following:

- MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS t-shirt in adult sizes of S, M, L, XL

- MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS set of 6 buttons

- MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS one pair of limited edition 3D glasses

Simply leave me a comment with something you’re looking forward to with regards to the film.  Comments will close on May 14th, 2012 at 11:59 PM PST.

US Residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one. Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

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Follow me on Twitter and tweet the following (or something like it) “ I just entered a #giveaway to win an @avengers prize pack @rockinmama ” Daily tweets are allowed but please put the permalink so I can keep track.

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Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments

No compensation was received for this post.  Giveaway item supplied by Disney.

Photos: Disney