Experience the Wonder of Jurassic World

How many of you have a favorite movie from your childhood? Perhaps there is one that you’ve wished would have a sequel?

Now, how many of you know the difference between adults and children? The answer – we adults are afraid. Children don’t yet know to be afraid of rejection. They don’t know the word “can’t.” Instead, they try to find a reason why and a way how.

With that being said, I’d like to tell you a quick story…

A few years ago, we were in the planning stages for our son’s birthday party. Typically, our party themes for each year coincide with a favorite character, television show, storybook, movie, and so on. In most cases, their chosen themes tend to be the popular ones so shopping for party supplies is a breeze. However, there was one time where it was much easier said than done. You see, that time, he chose Jurassic Park. After having watched the first film for the very first time, he was hooked. We’d watch the movie on a weekly basis and it got to the point where he knew the storyline forward, backward, and could even pinpoint filming goofs. While I loved seeing him explore his imagination because of the film, trying to theme a child’s birthday party based on a movie that is over twenty years old was certainly a challenge. Aggravated with the fact that he couldn’t find party supplies or a birthday wish goody that meshed with the Jurassic Park theme, he set out on a mission. His solution… talking to the big guy. After practicing his penmanship in school one day, he came home asking if he could write a letter to “Mr. Dinosaur Man.” You, of course, know this would-be recipient better as THE Mr. Steven Spielberg.

Yes, really.

My son wrote a letter to one of the most famous filmmakers of all time.

While we have not received a direct response from him, our whole family was over the moon with excitement when we found out that our son’s one suggestion for Mr. Spielberg has not only been taken into consideration but it has been given life!

In reference to the Jurassic Park movie franchise: “You should make more!” It was a simple suggestion and a huge wish from such a little fan and we didn’t think much of it after we dropped the letter into the mailbox.

Within a matter of weeks, however, his wish will come true. Please allow me to introduce you to Jurassic World, in theaters on June 12th!

The adventure continues. Much to my family’s pleasure, Jurassic World brings back the thrill and excitement that we were left with after the end of the trilogy. It wasn’t the end.

Steven Spielberg returns to executive produce the long-awaited next installment of his groundbreaking Jurassic Park series, Jurassic World.

I cannot even begin to tell you how excited we are for this film’s impending release. It has been looked forward to by so many fans for decades and I am thrilled to be able to witness it in its full glory.

As with each of the previous movies, we’ve always been left wondering what happens next. One of the most iconic scenes that I remember from the previous films came at the end of the very first movie. As the group flies away in the helicopter, the island and the dinosaurs can be seen through the window.

That alone told us that there was more. There’s always more. And, now, it’s here… in Jurassic World.

Twenty-two years after the events of Jurassic Park, Isla Nublar now features a fully functioning dinosaur theme park, Jurassic World, as originally envisioned by John Hammond. After 10 years of operation and visitor rates declining, in order to fulfill a corporate mandate, a new attraction is created to re-spark visitor’s interest, which backfires horribly.

Can you imagine?!

Whether it was any of the previous three films or even the theme park in Orlando, the entire world of Jurassic Park has always seemed to be so very real. Not because dinosaurs are living among us but because the storyline is so believable as long as you allow your imagination to run with it. That music insinuates danger, that specific tapping sound is a velociraptor for sure, the loud thud and vibrations in the ground will certainly lead to a tyrannosaurus rex chase down, and we’ve all learned that science can lead us to, both, amazing and scary experiences. Will you follow the path to adventure?

This year, in addition to being able to share the excitement with all of you, I am proud to be able to say that I’ve partnered with Universal Pictures as part of #TeamJurassic and, in turn, will be bringing you plenty of dinosaur sized excitement, fabulous finds and movie information, and even some great giveaways complete with some perfect prehistoric prizes!

To kick off this Jurassic World celebration, my family was provided with some wonderful products that I would like to share with you:

• Jurassic World: Where Dinosaurs Come to Life
  
  As the official augmented reality book for the movie, this beautiful hardcover book truly brings the animals and the world of Jurassic World to life. Through five sequences, each featuring life-size dinosaurs and an interactive map, the adventure and action of the park truly comes alive. Taking readers closer than ever to the infamous genetically engineered giants, these awe and terror-inspiring dinosaurs are welcomed right into your living room through this breathtakingly crafted book by Caroline Rowlands.

• Jurassic World: Velociraptor Figure
  
  The look on Dr. Grant’s face when he asked “You bred raptors…” They remember. They think. They communicate. In Jurassic Park and now in Jurassic World, velociraptors are to be feared. The tapping noise, the screeches… they’re coming! Still as clever as ever, these vicious beasts and masterful hunters are back with a vengeance. With the all new Velociraptor Figure by Hasboro, your kids can unleash their own inner dinosaur as they run, play, and hunt with the ultimate predator in their hands. Known to roam and hunt in teams, this collection features three of the most popular raptors from the new film: Charlie, Delta, and Echo. Which will be on your side?

• Jurassic World: Dinosaur Field Guide
  
  Part of why I love the entire Jurassic Park franchise so much is because it helps to get kids interested in science and striking up discussions about dinosaurs and paleontology. This particular book is beautifully illustrated with bright, bold colors and serves as a wonderful guide to the world of dinosaurs and, in turn, Jurassic World. Written by two noted paleontologists (Holtz Jr. and Brett-Surman), the nonfiction book provides kid-friendly descriptions for over one hundred different dinosaurs. Complete with a pull-out poster, kids will learn a wonderful amount of fun facts and interesting tidbits, and will be able to familiarize themselves with the greatest, well-known dinosaurs as well as learn new information on some of the world’s newest dinosaur discoveries.

Having the opportunity to get my hands on some of the film’s merchandise prior to the theater debut has officially sent our household into dino overdrive when it comes to our excitement level. And, to circle back around, the release of this film has unintentionally solidified the fact for our boys that you truly can accomplish anything that you set your mind to… even if that is penning a letter to the great Steven Spielberg. I just sincerely hope that they don’t take a page out of Hammond’s book thinking that they, too, can follow in his footsteps with the creation of Jurassic World.

I think I’ll let the movie itself inspire their imaginations but, where dinosaurs are concerned, in picture books and as play things works best. But wait… what’s that tapping noise I hear in the kitchen? Raptor? Or worse?

The Products:
You can purchase all of the products seen here through various online retailers such as Amazon or direct from each company’s website at Hasboro, Carlton Books, and Random House.

The Movie:
The new Jurassic World movie will be debuting in theaters in RealD 3D and IMAX 3D on Friday, June 12^th. You can purchase movie tickets in advance to truly experience the wonder that is Jurassic World. Simply click here.

Connect:
Be sure to keep up with Jurassic World on social media to stay up to date on all of the latest news, new product releases, movie snippets, special promotions, fabulous film images, giveaways, and so much more. You can also visit the official Jurassic World website to explore the park and brush up on your dinosaur knowledge.
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website

While my own family is surely enjoying this little collection of fabulous Jurassic World goodies as we gear up for the film’s release, the lovely folks over at Universal, Hasboro, Carlton Books, and Random House would like to provide one lucky Eighty MPH Mom reader with the same dinosaur excitement ahead of the new film’s release.

THE GIVEAWAY:
One (1) winner will receive the Jurassic World: Where Dinosaurs Come to Life (hardcover), Jurassic World: Velociraptor Figure (styles vary), and Jurassic World: Dinosaur Field Guide (paperback).
Giveaway open to US residents only. Ends 6/6/15. ARV of $38.93

No purchase necessary. Open to residents of US only. Giveaway ends June 7th, 2015 at 11:59 p.m. (EST). ONE ENTRANT PER HOUSEHOLD/IP Address! I check all entries – cheating will not be tolerated. Winner will be notified via email and needs to reply within 48 hours, or a new winner will be chosen. Please make sure you check your spam folder – I will not be responsible if you did not receive winning email notification. Winners name(s) will be displayed on the post, and will also be posted on Winners List shortly after drawing has occurred. Winners will be chosen randomly by Giveaway Tools. Screenshots of winners available by request. Prize will be shipped directly from sponsor or their PR Agency unless otherwise noted. Eighty MPH Mom is not responsible for prizes lost in transit, although every attempt will be made for prize delivery.

**By entering this giveaway, you confirm that you have read and agree to my giveaway rules. Sponsor reserves the right to limit one prize per person/household (of this item/prize pack). Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of prize {though it is usually much sooner}. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. We hereby release Facebook of any liability. Odds of winning: The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. All prizes will be awarded. Void where prohibited by law.