Family Travel

There’s something for everyone to get excited about in the all new for 2014 Universal Orlando Diagon Alley. With brand new rides, incredible shops, and some truly unique eateries, guests could spend an entire day just taking in all the details.

Image provided by OrlandoVacation.com

Gringotts Goblin-Run Bank
Inside the Gringotts Goblin-Run bank you’ll be in for a pulse-pounding experience. This is the unique, groundbreaking multi-dimensional ride that puts riders directly in the middle of the action. You’ll work your way through the numerous perils of the Gringotts vaults, and course you’ll see Harry, Hermione, and Ron along the way.

New Daigon Alley Shops
Fans of the Harry Potter series will recognize the newest shops in Universal Orlando. Pick your wand at Ollivanders Wand Shop, browse magical jokes and unique novelty items at Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, get all your wizardwear at Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions, choose a new favorite creature at Magical Menagerie, stock up on supplies at Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment, and shop for all your gaming gear at the mesmerizing Quality Quidditch Supplies.

Try Out a Unique Eatery
Of course no theme park experience would be complete without trying a unique snack or two. Head on down to the Leaky Cauldron, where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a traditional British meal. You can also stop by the decadent Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour for a cool, refreshing snack.

Platform 9 3/4 Opens

Hop on the train at Platform 9 3/4 and travel from Hogesmeade to London, or vice versa, aboard the Hogwarts Express. This train does require either an annual pass or a park-to-park admission ticket, but it’s a welcome way to quickly get from one park to another.

Making the Most of Your Universal Orlando Vacation
With so many exciting events going on at Universal Orlando this summer, there’s never been a better time to visit, and it may be more affordable than you think. Discount tickets are available and vacation home rentals start at just $99 a night.

FTC Disclosure: This article was provided by www.Orlandovacation.com one of the prominent leaders in Orlando vacation information and travel deals. No payment or other compensation was exchanged in connection with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's home page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Twitter Parties

Master Twitter Party Calendar - Including USA & Canada

Get all the details in this free constantly updated Master Twitter Chat Party Calendar listing tons of family friendly parties including specifics on prizes you can win and links to RSVP and participate. Includes Twitter Parties in the U.S. and Canada. A new weekly Twitter Party Schedule is published every Sunday at 9 am ET.

Constant Updates, Sneak Peek at Future Weeks

Be sure to check back often during each week as new events are added on an ongoing basis -- often with new prize-winning opportunities added several times per day. You'll also get a sneak peek at Twitter parties coming up next week and in the month ahead. Now listing Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest online events with prizes too.

Be the first to know when the latest Mommy Blog Expert Twitter Party schedule goes live by following MBE on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Most parties are for U.S. only, unless indicated otherwise. Look for highlights in pink for Twitter Parties where CANADA residents are eligible for prizes.

THIS WEEK

Sunday, August 10

National S'mores Day This is Wholesome Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @rolemommy @dawnchats @heatherm74 and others. Prizes: Multiple giftcards including a Grand Prize $100 GC. #ThisisWholesome

Monday, August 11

Packed With Savings Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @kraftfoods @freebies4mom @2wired2tired and others. Prizes: FIVE (5) $100 Walmart giftcards. #PackedWithSavings

I am Food Hacks Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @listen2lena @kraftcanada and others. Prizes: Kraft Product Giftbaskets that include either a $250 Grocery Giftcard (ONE Grand Prize), a $100 Grocery GC (ONE winner), a $50 Grocery GC (TWO winners) or a $25 Grocery GC (THREE winners) - Canada Residents ONLY eligible for prizes. #IamFoodHacks

Back to School Mornings Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @favadoapp @lunchbox_love @hurstbeans and others. Prizes: ONE (1) giftbasket with $100 grocery store giftcard + products, TWO (2) $100 grocery GCs. #BTSMornings

Children's Hospitals of Minnesota Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @tcmomsblog @childrensmn @infectiousps. Prize: $50 Target giftcard. #MNVaxChat

Body Mind Beauty Health Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @bmbhblog. Prizes: Some cool books. #BMBHchat

Tuesday, August 12

Kidz Vuz Back to School Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @kidzvuz @windows. Prizes: THREE (3) Microsoft Store giftcards, ONE (1) Grand Prize Microsoft Windows 8 PC. Participate in party with hashtag #KidzVuzBTS

After School Snacks at 1 pm ET with @kellysluckyyou @laughwithusblog @mudpiesandtiara and others. Prizes: FIVE (5) $100 Walmart giftcards. #AfterSchoolSnacks

Pak for School Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @savings @thesamicone @couponcraving and others. Prizes: $350 in prizes from Saks Fifth Avenue, The Popcorn Factory and more. #Pak4School

Disney Nature Bears Twitter Party at 2 pm ET with @modernmom @disneynature. Prizes: TWENTY (20) Disney Nature Bears Bluray combos, ONE (1) Bears limited edition iPad Case and ONE (1) Alex Woo pendant ARV $218. #DisneyNatureBears

Airmiles Cash Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @airmiles @listen2lena @candace_dx and others. Prizes: TBA - Canada Residents ONLY eligible for prizes. #AirmilesCash

Staples Back to School Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @pollinatemedia @livinginyellow @jenhatzung. Prizes: TWO (2) $25 Staples giftcards, ONE (1) $50 Staples GC and ONE (1) $100 Staples GC. #StaplesBTS

Mom Travel Chat Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @familiesgo. Prizes: Prizes for moms, babies and toddlers from Pacapod, Oilo, Brian James, Pediped & Tiny Love.#MomTravelChat

Wednesday, August 13

Triscuit Snackoff Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @crowdtappers. Prizes: Over $750 in giftcards. #TriscuitSnackOff

Burts Bees Baby Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @momtalkradio @momselectme. Prizes: TBA. Participate in party with hashtag #BurtsBeesBaby

Frames for Fashion Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @davidkindla @heidinazarudin @7_daystheory and others. Prizes: TBA. #FramesforFashion

Go Beyond Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @crissy @moderndaymoms. Prizes: TEN (10) prizes including $10, $20, $100 + $200 Walmart giftcards + product coupons. #GoBeyond

Smarter Lunchbox Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @wincofoods @cleverhousewife @miscfinds4U. Prizes: FIFTEEN (15) $50 Winco Foods Giftcards - Residents of CA, AZ, WA, ID, TX, NV, OR, UT only. #SmarterLunchbox

Walgreens Beauty Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @walgreens @sweeptight @kristak2 and others. Prizes: FIVE (5) $100 Walgreens giftcards. #WalgreensBeauty

HP Show and Tech Twitter Party at 7 pm ET with @momspark @momsparkmedia @nerdmom @missinglynxx. Prizes: FOUR (4) $25 Walmart giftcards, TWO (2) $50 Walmart GCs and ONE (1) $100 Walmart GC. #HPShowandTech #MomTechTalk2

Gluten Free GFFA Fest Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @celiacbeast @living_without. Prizes: Gluten Free Magazine subscriptions and gluten free products. #GFFAFest

O Natural Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @orangenaturals @listen2lena @amotherhoodblog and others. Prizes: $1,425 in prizes - Canada Residents ONLY eligible for prizes. #ONatural

Clarisonic Canada Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @clarisonic_ca. Prizes: Clarisonic products - Canada Residents ONLY eligible for prizes. #SonicRevolution

Pure Via Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @mommykatandkids @momvstheboys @mommymomentblog. Prizes: $850 in Prizes - Canada Residents ONLY eligible for prizes. #PureVia\

HP Show and Tech Live Demos Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @shibleysmiles @momdot. Prizes: FOUR (4) $25 Walmart giftcard and TWO (2) $50 Walmart GCs. #MomTechTalk2 #HPShowand Tech

HP Twitter Party August 14, 7 pm ET

Thursday, August 14

Power of Parents Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @coopermunroe @emilymckhann @themotherhood @themotherhood25. Prizes: FIVE (5) Power of Parents Handbook and a one-on-one session with a Certified Power of Parents Trainer. #PowerofParents

Giving Comfort Twitter Party at 2 pm ET with @socialmoms @givingcomfort. Prizes: TWENTY (20) $20 Amazon giftcards, ONE (1) Grand Prizes $500 Giftcard. #GivingComfort

Brita Back to College Twitter Party at 2 pm ET with @moderndaymoms @ourkidsmom. Prizes: SIX (6) various Brita product prizes, TWO (2) $25 Target giftcards, ONE (1) $50 Target GC and ONE (1) $100 Target GC. #BritaBacktoCollege

Weekly Food Fiesta Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @splashscore. Prizes: TBA. #FoodFiesta

Morningstar Farms Get Togethers Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @morningstrfarms @santoscooks @clever_network. Prizes: Morningstar Farms Party Tool Kit. #MorningstarFarms

SummerSlam WWE Moms Twitter Party at 7 pm ET with @wwemoms and others. Prizes: Samsung HMX-W200 Pocket Cam, Brookstone Wine Chiller, Jambox by Jambone Wireless Speaker. #WWEMoms

Coffee-Mat Inspires Entry Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @coffee_mate @pizzazzerie @bromco. Prizes: $500 Target giftcard, year's worth of Coffee-Mate and a signed canvas from designer David Bromstad. #CMInspiresEntry

Safe Eggs Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @safeeggs @dietdivatara @mamasmoney. Prizes: TBA. #SafeEggsBTS

College PrimeTime Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @colgprimetime @amberrizer3. Prizes: TBA. Participate in party with hashtag #CPBacktoSchool

DIH Workshop Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @homedepot @crissy @stacieinatlanta and others. Prizes: Prize packs from Dremel, Husky and Ryobi plus THREE (3) $50 Home Depot giftcards. #DIHWorkshop

Upgrade Your Sleep Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @cnsway @beautyrest. Prizes: $1900 in prizes including Bed Bath & Beyond giftcards and a Grand Prize Beautyrest mattress. #UpgradeYourSleep

Kraft Foods Cheeseburger Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @tonipatton @funsavingmoney. Prizes: $200 in prizes TBA. Participate in party with hashtag #KraftFoodsCheeseburger

HP Show and Tech Live Demos Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @shibleysmiles @momdot. Prizes: FOUR (4) $25 Walmart giftcard and TWO (2) $50 Walmart GCs. #MomTechTalk2 #HPShowandTech

Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @pbskids. Prizes: TBA. #DanielTigerPBS

EZBZ Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @mommieswithcent @ezbztrevor. Prizes: ONE (1) winner will receive $100 in EZBZ services. Participate with hashtag #EZBZSummer

Friday, August 15

Tablet Trio Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @tmobile @sweeptight @formulamom and others. Prizes: ONE (1) $50 Walmart GC, THREE (3) $100 Walmart GCs, THREE (3) Tablet Trio prize packs ARV $225, TWO (2) Tablet Trio prize packs + $100 Walmart GC. #TabletTrio

Brush I Love Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @ashtagmakeupluv @cwsulkowski @beautygeek4 and others. Prizes: TBA. #BrushLoveReady

NEXT WEEK

Monday, August 18

Chocolate for the Win at 11 am ET with @dodomesticdad @laughwithusblog @mommadanddaboyz. Prizes: FIVE (5) $100 Sam's Club giftcards. #Chocolate4theWin

Add Cool Whip Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @kraftfoods @aleamilham @grandbabycakes and others. Prizes: FIVE (5) $100 Walmart giftcards. #AddCoolWhip

Tuesday, August 19

Trendy Cards Twitter Party at 11 am ET with @ourhomemadelife @mommytalkshow @smashbravoteam and others. Prizes: FIVE (5) $100 Walmart giftcards. #TrendyCards

All Day Look Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @thedomesticexec @kristak2 @agirlsgottaspa and others. Prizes: ONE (1) $50 Target Giftcard, THREE (3) $100 Target GCs, TWO (2) Neutrogena prize baskets ARV $100, ONE (1) Grand Prize Neutrogena giftbasket + $100 Target giftcard. #AllDayLook

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @officialfye. Prizes: ONE (1) Grand Prize, lots of other merchandise to win plus online and instore special coupons for Party attendees. #SpidermanFYE

Sunstar GUM Back to Routine Twitter Party at 7 pm ET with @simplystacienet @sunstargum. Prizes: Grand Prize ONE (1) $100 Visa giftcard + Sunstar GUM products; FOUR (4) prize packs that include products + $50 Visa GC - BOTH US and Canada Residents eligible for prizes. #Back2Routine

Spark Sessions Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @sparksessions. Prizes: Lancome prize pack. #Spark Sessions

Dole Squish Ems Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @dolefoods @brandichastain @busymommymedia @ourknightlife. Prizes: TBA. #DoleSquishEms

FPL Easy to Save Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @latinomarketing @latinamomblogs @latinblah. Prizes: FOUR (4) giftcards one in each of the following denominations $50, $75 $100 and $150 - Must be a Florida Power & Light customer to win. #EasytoSave

Mr. Clean Million Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @doubledutydivas. Prizes: Product + $50 Home Depot $50 giftcard, product + Williams-Sonoma $50 GC, product + Sephora $50 GC, and product + $100 Macys GC. #MrCleanMillion

Want that Hair Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @lbconnects @laflowers @gabrielsamra and others. Prizes: FIVE (5) winners will each receive a $100 Walmart giftcard and Pantene Pro-V product bundle. #WantThatHair

Girls Night Out Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @getflipp @momitforward and others. Prizes: ONE (1) $50 Visa giftcard. #gno #FlippforBTS

Twitter Party August 20 at 1 pm ET

Wednesday, August 20

Kaplan Journey to College Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @kaplansatact @lisasamples @zipporahs @stacieinatlanta @mommyblogexpert. Prizes: $1000+ in prizes including Amazon $75 giftcards and ONE (1) iPad. #JourneytoCollege

My Pick N Save Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @picknsavestores @outnumberedmama @meetkristy and others. Prizes: FOUR ($) $50 Pick N Save giftcards and ONE (1) Grand Prize $150 Pick N Save GC. #MyPickNSave

Pictures on Gold Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @picturesongold1 @s8r8133 @twipartyexpress. Prizes: SIX (6) prizes with a total value of $1400+ including jewelry pieces, a Grand Prize and more. #PhotosOnGold #ESPGals

Love Lentils Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @foodbloggersca @cdnlentils. Prizes: TEN (10) Canadian Lentils giftbaskets ARV $150, ONE (1) Full Pass to Food Bloggers of Canada 2014 Conference - Canada Residents ONLY eligible for prizes. #LoveLentils

Power Your Lunchbox Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @produceforkids @sasummercitrus @laptoplunches and others. Prizes: Prizes & giftcards TBA. #PowerYourLunchbox

Healthy Child Blogger of the Year Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @bookieboo @healthy_child @babyganics @way2gomom. Prizes: Babyganics gift basket giveaways every 10 minutes. #HCHWBlogger

Thursday, August 21

Hunger Heroes Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @coopermunroe @emilymckhann @themotherhood @themotherhood25. Prizes: FIVE (5) $50 Sam's Club giftcards. #HungerHeroes

Car Seat Safety Twitter Party at 2 pm ET with @homedadnet @britax. Prizes: Britax car seats. #CarSeatSafety

Baby Bee Twitter Party at 7 pm ET with @socialmoms. Prizes: TWENTY (20) $20 Amazon giftcards, ONE (1) Burt's Bees giftbasket ARV $250+. #BabyBee

Barilla Share the Table Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @barillaus @momitforward and others. Prizes: ONE (1) Share the Table giftbasket ARV $150+. #SharetheTable

Mom Inspirations Twitter Party at 10 pm ET with @cafeyak. Prizes: TBA. #MomInspirations

Friday, August 22

Toward a Healthier Lifestyle Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @theonlinemom @robynsworld @geekbabe @thetechdad. Prizes: TBA. #VZWBuzz

COMING SOON

Tuesday, August 26

CAA Back to School Twitter Party at Noon ET. Prizes: TBA - Canada Residents ONLY eligible for prizes. #CAAChat

Love Dove Fruits Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @laughwithusblog @ourhomemadelife @simplybeingmom and others. Prizes: FIVE (5) $100 Sam's Club giftcards. #LoveDoveFruits

Giant Tiger Back to School Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @gianttiger @ottawamommyclub. Prizes: ONE (1) Roots backpack filled with goodies and $150 Giant Tiger giftcard, SIX (6) $50 Giant Tiger GCs - Canada Residents ONLY eligible for prizes.

Back to School Organic Twitter party at 8:30 - 10 pm ET with @annieshomegrown @organicvalley and others. Prizes: SEVEN (7) prizes from sponsoring brands TBA. Participate in party with hashtag #BacktoSchoolOrganic

Wednesday, August 27

Price Chopper Back to School Twitter Party at Noon ET with @pricechopper @dawnchats @dentistmel and others. Prizes: ONE (1) $50 Price Chopper giftcard and FIVE (5) $100 Price Chopper GCs. #PriceChopperB2S

Thursday, August 28

Weekly Food Fiesta Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @splashscore. Prizes: TBA. #FoodFiesta

Friday, August 29

How to Choose a Smartphone Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @theonlinemom @robynsworld @geekbabe @thetechdad. Prizes: TBA. #VZWBuzz

Thursday, September 4

Sauce On Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @elyucateco @smashbravoteam @mamaxxi and others. Prizes: FIVE (5) $100 Visa giftcards. #SauceOn

Friday, September 5

Getting More From Your Tablet Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @theonlinemom @robynsworld @geekbabe @thetechdad. Prizes: TBA. #VZWBuzz

Friday, September 12

Emergency Preparedness Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @theonlinemom @robynsworld @geekbabe @thetechdad. Prizes: TBA. #VZWBuzz

About this Weekly Twitter Party List
Compiled by MommyBlogExpert.com Master Twitter Party Calendar, the most comprehensive, constantly updated Free resource of its kind online. However keep in mind that each party is run by a different brand and/or hosts and MommyBlogExpert, unless specified otherwise, is not responsible for any dealings readers have with these events including, but not limited to, prizing of any party on the calendar.

For Brands

How to Add a Twitter Party to the Calendar
Add an event to the Mommy Blog Expert Master Twitter Party Calendar free by emailing janis at janiselspas.com with Twitter Party in subject line including all details and links in the body of your message.

Hire Me to Plan, Promote and/or Host Your Twitter Party
Also available, for a nominal fee, to host, co-host or serve as a panelist for your own brand Twitter party. To inquire, please email janis at janiselspas.com for information with "Twitter Party Consulting Query" in the subject line.

FTC Disclosure: MommyBlogExpert does attend some Twitter parties as a guest and also works as a host, co-host, and panelist on others. Except for the #HPShowandTech #MomTechTalk2 Twitter Party on 8/14 at 7 pm and the #JourneytoCollege Twitter Party on 8/20 at 1 pm listed above, I did not receive payment or compensation associated with any other party on this calendar. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

MOMMY BLOG EXPERT

Tab Names + Order

Monday, August 11, 2014

Free Wizard of Oz Kids Printables Celebrate Upcoming Bluray Legends of Oz: Dorothy's Return

Universal Orlando Harry Potter New Attraction: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley

Sunday, August 10, 2014

Twitter Party Calendar Aug 10 - 16