FamilyTravel

How To Avoid Going Goofy At Disneyland


Disneyland

I just returned from a spontaneous weekend trip to Disneyland with my husband and two daughters, ages 11 months and 3 1/2 years. Most of my friends thought we were crazy and, in hindsight, we may have been!

My oldest daughter had a great time touring Disneyland and she'll always remember meeting Mickey and Minnie Mouse. However, I learned a lot from this trip and the next time we make a visit to the "happiest place on earth," I'll spend more time planning. So to help other mothers plan a more perfect Disneyland getaway, I put together several tips based on the lessons I learned during this experience.

1. Character Dining
Make the most of your time at the park and skip the "Meet and Greet" lines for Disney characters. Waiting in the "Meet and Greet" lines doesn't always guarantee you'll meet your character of choice. Opt instead for Character Dining, where your child is guaranteed to get an up-close encounter with their favorite Character. You'll find these opportunities at:

  • Disneyland Park - Plaza Inn Disney California Adventure - Ariel's Disney Princess Celebration
  • Disneyland Hotel - Goofy's Kitchen
  • Grand Californian - Storytellers Breakfast
  • Paradise Pier Hotel - PCH Grill Breakfast
Read more

Get Luxury for Less at the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort

by jessica on Sun, 2010-08-15 05:00


Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa

Looking for a last minute summer getaway? For a limited time only, Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa is offering one and two bedroom suites for up to 30 percent off. These suites come equipped with full kitchens and plenty of space, not to mention private balconies that allow for stunning Gulf views.

Now through December 23, 2010, guests who book the Suites on Sale promotion can bring the whole family along for a vacation on the white sand beaches recognized among the best in the U.S. for families. The 900 square-foot Premium One Bedroom Suite accommodates four to six guests comfortably. The 1,200 square-foot Gulf Front Two Bedroom Suite accommodates up to six guests and features king and queen Hyatt Grand Beds in separate bedrooms, along with a pullout sleeper sofa in the living area. Two bathrooms have stand-alone showers with double vanities. Read more

Visiting Some of America's Most Historic Cities


Statue of Liberty

Wondering where to go for your next vacation? Wanting the family to learn a little something along the way? Consider a visit to one of the more historic destinations our country has to offer. Whether you walk Boston's Freedom Trail or take a trolley around Savannah's historic squares, America is full of national treasures that make for the perfect family vacation!

New York, NY
It's easy to forget that before Times Square and Central Park, the Dutch originally settled the Big Apple in 1625 and the British then conquered it in 1664. New York City has since played an important role in American history including becoming the financial capital of the world and a major center of academia, fashion and culture. I like NYC in the summer because there is so much that you can do for free (including tours and museums).Read more

Vero Beach Hotel and Spa Offers Orlando Travelers Guaranteed Upgrade


Vero Beach Hotel & Spa

Visiting one of Orlando's theme parks this summer? After a hectic day visiting attractions, why not wind down in Vero Beach, located a little over an hour away from Orlando. Kimpton's oceanfront Vero Beach Hotel & Spa is offering Orlando's visitors a guaranteed one category upgrade in exchange for a theme park ticket purchased within 14 days of check-in. Rates start as just $99 midweek.

Nestled on a barrier island, Vero Beach is a charming seaside town that offers fun for the whole family. Guests can enjoy surfing lessons, kayaking tours with manatees, treasure museums, Saturday's Farmer's Market and three ice cream shops located within walking distance from the hotel.

"While kids love Orlando's attractions, parents often get tired of the masses and long lines," says Marco Scherer, General Manager for the Vero Beach Hotel & Spa. "From natural attractions made up of pelicans, manatees and sea turtles to endless beachcombing; biking along the Indian River and Historic Jungle Trail to experiencing world-class art installations at the Vero Beach Museum of Art; Vero promises the perfect blend of tranquility and adventure for families of all ages."Read more

Picture Perfect Family Package Offered at Trump International Beach Resort

by jessica on Mon, 2010-03-08 05:00


Trump International Beach Resort

Get the picture? Good. Because at Trump International Beach Resort every moment can be remembered forever with the "Picture Perfect Family" package. With this package, the hotel will provide guests with a customized family photo album to take home with them after their stay.

Guests who participate in the "Picture Perfect Family" package are asked to keep their digital camera handy in order to catch all the fun during their stay. At the end of the vacation, they will give the Guest Service Manager the memory card which will be returned a short time later along with a personalized photo album from their vacation.

Valid April 1 – June 30, the "Picture Perfect Family" package starts at $309 per night and includes:

  • Luxurious accommodations;
  • Welcome gift for children upon arrival;
  • Breakfast for 2 adults and 2 children;
  • Complimentary ice cream for the children, once per day;
  • Pizza party and complimentary in-room movie (based on 2 adults and 2 children);
  • Complimentary "Planet Kids" program, daily supervised activities for ages 5-12;
  • Customized family photo album.

The "Picture Perfect Family" package requires a three-night minimum stay and a $15 Daily Resort Fee is applicable to all rates and packages. To book your reservation, call 1-877-223-9189 or for more information about Trump International Beach Resort, visit www.trumpmiami.com.

Explore Western North Carolina: Family Fun for Everyone


Maggie Valley, NC

A few weeks ago my family and I were invited to visit Western North Carolina and attend Haywood County's inaugural Fire & Ice Mountain Winterfest taking place in the towns of Waynesville, Maggie Valley, Canton and Clyde. First, let me tell you about the area and many attractions offered, then read on for a detailed account of our experience.

Haywood County has 554 scenic square miles of beautiful mountains and countryside. The town we visited during our stay, Maggie Valley, is located in the heart of Western North Carolina. Maggie Valley is surrounded by the ridges of the ancient Blue Ridge and Great Smoky mountains and offers many family-friendly attractions. Ghost Town in the Sky is a wild-west theme park with "rides fit for the youngest buckaroo to the bravest outlaw" and also features staged gunfights, live music, crafts, food and fun during the spring, summer and fall. In the winter the Cataloochee Ski Area is open, the Southeast's longest operating ski resort. With 14 slopes and trails, Cataloochee has fun for skiers and snowboarders, offering slopes for both novice and expert skiers.Read more

Best Western's Countdown to Savings is Back!

by jessica on Mon, 2010-02-15 05:55


Best Western City Center

Best Western's Countdown to Savings promotion is back once again! This time they are offering special rates for hotels in destinations that fall within unique themes. Monday through Friday of this week, visitors to bestwestern.com can score these special rates between Noon EST and 4 p.m. EST. Just click on "Countdown to Savings" on the site.

Here is a sampling of hotel offerings:

Monday, February 15 – Former Olympic Host Cities

  • Lake Placid, NY – $171.00
  • Salt Lake City, UT – $90.00
  • Squaw Valley, CA – $80
  • Calgary AB – $93 CAD
Read more

Stay in Orlando for $9.99 Your First Night!

by jessica on Wed, 2009-06-24 15:29


Harris Rosen. President and COO, Rosen Hotels & Resorts, poses in 1987 in front of his fourth hotel, the Comfort Inn Lake Buena Vista.

To celebrate its 35th Anniversary, Rosen Hotels & Resorts is turning back the hands of time to 1974, when nightly rates were just $9.99 per night.

Rosen Hotels & Resorts' is offering rooms at its four properties - Quality Inn International, Rodeway Inn International, Quality Inn Plaza (all three located along International Drive) and Comfort Inn Lake Buena Vista near Walt Disney World -- for just $9.99 for the first night and $35 for each additional night with a two-night minimum stay.

The 35th Anniversary Package is valid at the following properties:

The Quality Inn Plaza offers 1,020 newly renovated guest rooms in six high-rise buildings. Three swimming pools offer downtime from the theme parks. The hotel features a sports bar as well as breakfast and dinner buffet restaurant and a children's playground area. A free, scheduled shuttle also takes guests to Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando and Wet 'n' Wild Orlando. Visit www.qualityinnplaza.com.Read more

Get a Free Night After Two Stays at Best Western This Summer!

by jessica on Mon, 2009-06-22 10:16


Best Western logo

Best Western just announced a new promotion for members of Best Western Rewards loyalty program. From June 21 through August 16, members of Best Western Rewards loyalty program who stay two separate times at any Best Western hotel in the U.S. and Canada will receive a voucher redeemable for a free night at many of its hotels globally. In addition, travelers who book each reservation through www.bestwestern.com earn 250 bonus points, and those who redeem their free night even earn qualifying Rewards points during their stay.

How it works:

  • A 16,000 point electronic voucher good for a free night at many Best Western properties will be awarded to every Rewards member who completes two separate qualifying stays at any of the 2,200 Best Western hotels in the U.S. and Canada.
  • A maximum of two vouchers can be earned during the promotion. Vouchers are combinable and can be used any night of the week, based upon availability.
  • Points will be rewarded to travelers even during nights redeemed with the voucher.
  • Every reservation made online at www.bestwestern.com will also earn 250 bonus points.
  • To be eligible for the promotion, guests must register at www.bestwesternrewards.com, and reside in North America, South America or Asia.
Read more

Best Western Brings Back Countdown to Savings!

by jessica on Mon, 2009-06-08 00:15


Best Western logo

Starting today through Friday, June 12, travelers can get huge discounts and savings at Best Western hotels. Each day this week, Best Western will feature special offers for hotels in a specific theme. Just remember…if you're interested, you have to act fast! These promotions are only available for a few hours a day on bestwestern.com.

Here is the line-up:

  • Monday: Capital cities – For example, explore NYC for less than $110 a night or Washington D.C. for $90
  • Tuesday: 4th of July hot spots – For example, hit up Huntington Beach for $70 or Lake Tahoe for $75
  • Wednesday: Destinations with huge tourist attractions – For example, visit Niagara Falls for C$81 or Orlando, Florida for $70
  • Thursday: Hotels near popular water parks and theme parks – For example, enjoy Busch Gardens Williamsburg for $99 or visit Hershey Park and stay for $85 a night
  • Friday: Your pick from a selection of popular destinations including Dallas, Texas; San Diego, Calif.; and Honolulu, Hawaii – all at a special rate

Head on over to www.bestwestern.com to save a bundle on summer travel! If you've missed the sale, a clock on the site will indicate when the next deals will be available.

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