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Thursday, September 7, 2017

Traveling Arizona and Nevada in a Kia Cadenza

A few weeks ago I was lucky to drive a Kia Cadenza for a couple of weeks. If you want a car that has style, then the Cadenza is what you should be looking at. My best friend and his son (you may remember them from our WI trip) came down to visit and have some fun. We took the Cadenza everywhere and it was perfect for us.




Dan and Canon were only staying a week, so we needed to make the most out of our trip. The first adventure we went on was to Phoenix. I had a dr appt, and then was given the opportunity to stay over and have a few adventures. After my appt we checked into our hotel (The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch) and immediately fell in love with it. The kids loved that the closet was a walk in and through to the bathroom area (it’s easy to please kids sometimes). The grounds were beautiful, and most of all they loved the pool.




We didn’t have time to relax as we had to get to our first adventure at the Legoland Discovery Center. Being in a large city, Dan didn’t really like the freeway driving. Luckily with Kia’s built in navigation system, we could chose to stay on local roads. It’s nice not having to rely on cell service to get directions. Do make sure you enter in the destination before the car is in drive. Even if the passenger is entering it, the car won’t let you (safety first). The kids had a blast playing with legos and building cars to race against each other. There were also a few rides for the kids and adults can go on as well. I was glad all the areas were large as i’m in a wheelchair. We let them play for a few hours and then headed to dinner at the Rainforest Cafe. We headed back to the hotel. Phoenix is super hot, especially in August. One of the features that the Cadenza has that I haven’t experienced before is cooling seats. I have had heated seats before, but never cooling. Getting into a hot car and turning the cooling feature on, is amazing. We got back to the hotel and the kids decided to go swimming in the pool before bed.







The next morning we got room service breakfast and then left for another quick adventure before we had to head back home. We did Legoland the day before, so this time we did Sealife. It’s not a huge aquarium but big enough to see some pretty cool sea creatures. They had an area where you could touch some of the creatures. Fallon loved to look at them, but wasn’t really sure about touching. She did however love the Sea Turtle and the Stingrays. Overall it was a really cool experience that all ages can enjoy.






While in Phoenix, we stayed in a very nice part of town. An area where you see more BMW’s, Lexus, Audi’s etc than you do Fords. With the Kia Cadenza, we didn’t feel inferior. We felt like we fit right in. Even our Valet at the hotel was commenting on how nice the car was. With 5 of us in the car, we didn’t feel cramped at all, even with a car seat. It’s about a 3 hour ride back from Phoenix so being comfortable with kids is important.





A couple days later we were set for our second road trip. This time it was just 4 of us; myself, Dan, Mya and Canon. We were headed to Las Vegas to see The Blue Man Group, have dinner and go on the High Roller. I’m afraid of heights, so doing the high roller is a big deal. We kicked off the night by going to one of the nicest restaurants in Vegas; Gordon Ramsay Steakhouse at the Paris Hotel. I had been there once before, but the other three had not. It’s a restaurant we normally wouldn’t be able to be dining at, so I was honored to be able to take them there. The only downside was that my daughter Mya is Vegan, so there weren’t many choices for her. She did however have a salad and loved it. The waitress was very kind as we explained her diet and she helped us with what was all on the salad that Mya could have. Meanwhile the rest of us enjoyed the bread (reason enough to go, it’s that good) and ordered steak, and Lobster Wellington (Gordon’s signature dish).



Once dinner was done, we headed over to see The Blue Man Group, which was another first for Dan and Canon. The group always put on a great show and this one was no exception. They make you feel included (really, they include the audience). After the show, we went to do our last adventure for the night, the High Roller. Like I said before, I’m petrified of heights, so I wasn’t sure how I was going to do this, but this was their vacation, and we were being hosted so I took one for the team (i’m only kidding, I was kind of looking forward to doing it and conquering a fear). I’m so glad I agreed to the last adventure as it was a blast. If you are ever in Las Vegas, you must do the High Roller. See the Blue Man group and eat at Gordon’s as well of course, but see if you can squeeze time in for the High Roller, it’s pretty amazing. The drive back home was peaceful with the two kids sleeping in the back, and a smooth ride back.






We took the following day to rest as Thursday was a big night and we had one more day of fun planned before Dan and Canon were to fly back to WI. So on Saturday morning we got all three kids ready, and we drove back to Las Vegas, but this time for kid related fun.

The first adventure was at the MARVEL AVENGERS S.T.A.T.I.O.N. which is in Treasure Island. It was a blast for Canon and Dan as they are more the Marvel fans than the girls and I. It’s a self guided tour that is full of fun things to see like the suites that the Avengers wear, to virtual reality station. Then the last thing you do is battle the “bad guys” to prove you can be part of the team. All of us had a really great time.




After that we headed over to Madame Tussauds Wax museum at the Venetian. I will say, between the two (this and Marvel), i loved the wax museum. Who doesn’t want to have their picture taken with Brad Pitt or Bradly Cooper? I am a little sad that Shemar Moore wasn’t there, but if they ever make his wax figure, I’ll be there to see it. Everyone had fun seeing actors, singers, athletes, even fallon. Donny and Marie had a stage to sing, so I made sure I stood between them to sing along. After Madame Tussauds we walked around the strip (ok I rolled in the wheelchair), watched the moving statues in Caesars Palace, then had dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe before one last stop at M & M world for some chocolate for the kids. We stayed at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott. Nice room, close to the strip (and the airport). The kids loved the fact that it had two bathrooms, one for a toilet and sink, and the other had a shower and sink as well. This is great for multiple people and getting ready.





After a week full of excitement we dropped Dan and Canon off at the airport so they could head home, and the girls and I headed back to our home. The Cadenza is a smooth ride and very comfortable. We had been driving it all over the state of Arizona and Nevada, but then it was time to see what just everyday driving would be like in town. The next week I had it, was driving to appointments, running errands, school etc. There is a reason this is in Kia’s luxury line. I loved having a backup camera, but Kia takes it a step further and has it 360 degrees. You can set it to see one side, or surrounding the car. Backing up in a parking lot was never easier with this. It really should be standard now, and i’m upset that my car doesn’t have it. It gets 20-28 MPG which is great. I had it for 2 weeks and drove all over and never felt like I was always stopping at the gas station.






Being in the luxury line, I expected it to be a higher price point. The Limited is priced at $44,390. You are getting an amazing car for that price. It has everything in you need and more. Check out more specs on their site. If you are looking for a luxury family car that you can depend on for style and safety, you need to look at Kia and this Cadenza.



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Disclosure: The above item was received in order to facilitate review. I have not been compensated for this post. Top Notch Material blog will always provide honest opinions, beliefs or experiences on products reviewed. We will only recommend products or services that we feel are of benefit to our readers. If you have any questions, please contact me at katrina dot gehman {at} gmail com. The disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

20 comments:

  1. It looks like you guys had a blast! The Kia looks really comfortable and spacious which really helps with having a smooth trip! The 360 backup camera is very useful!

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  2. I looks like you guys had a great time. Road tripping is one of the most fun things a family can do together, and that Kia looks like the perfect car for it.

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  3. I am hoping to go to the Legoland Discovery Center this winter. It is going to be a surprise for the kids. I am so excited.

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  4. This looks like it was an amazing trip. We loved the Legoland Discovery Center. I would love to go back the next time I am in the area.

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  5. Road trips are fun, and you both look like you made it just that-FUN! I've heard a lot of good reviews on Kia's cars. I haven't been to Arizona or Nevada since I was little, and I'd love to go some day!

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  6. Oh wow, you were able to do a lot while you were out there! Blue Man Group is so cool and it looks like SeaLife was a blast.

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  7. If you are going to be taking a road trip, you should do it in style! This car looks fantastic!

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  8. What a fun trip! The car looks great and we just love Legoland!

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  9. This looks like such a blast! I would love to visit Nevada with my family too! So much to see and do!

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  10. We have a Sea Life aquarium in Orlando and I Want to give it a visit. Looks cool!

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  11. I love travels to that area. That car looks so sleek! Love it!

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  12. What an awesome looking car, super comfortable it looks like. I'd love to take a road trip in this! - Sarah, Must Have Mom

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  13. What a wonderful time with your family, creating lasting memories!!

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  14. What a really fun trip!! This car looks really cool, too! Love the luxurious look and features!

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  15. My opinion has really changed about Kia cars over the last few years. This is one nice looking car!

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  16. This Kia Cadenza was by far, one of the most comfortable and smoothest cars I have had the pleasure of driving. It certainly is in the top of it's class! I would highly recommend this car!!

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  17. This Kia Cadenza was by far, one of the most comfortable and smoothest cars I have had the pleasure of driving. It certainly is in the top of it's class! I would highly recommend this car!!

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  18. That looks like a great car. Comfortable and all the cool perks.

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  19. I have always wanted to see the blue man group. I have seen some videos, and they always look great. Hopefully someday I'll be able to see them.

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  20. The Kia Cadenza looks very roomy and comfortable. Glad that you enjoyed your trip!! ☺

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