awesomehobartwebsites.com

Walt Disney World - Traveling With Teens

admin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:07:01 +0000

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn is an Epcot area resort that along with its Disney Vacation Club sister resort, Disney’s Boardwalk Villas, offers a fun and exciting vacation experience for families with children of all ages especially teenagers.

It has been our family’s experience that if the children are not kept busy, boredom sets in quickly. One would think that spending the day in one of Disney’s four theme parks would satisfy their need to go and do, but even after running around in one of the parks for 8-10 hours the children still want to know what they will be doing next. Although mom and dad may want to relax a bit, the children want to keep busy.

The Boardwalk Inn and Disney’s Boardwalk Villas has become our favorite resorts because both offer plenty of activities and entertainment opportunities that will keep everyone busy so that we never have to hear the children say “I’m bored.”

So what do the children like to do to keep busy when we are not in a park? Usually, the first thing everyone wants to do at the resort is to swim. The resort’s main pool is located on the Villas side of the property. It is called The Luna Park Pool and it has a 200 foot water slide called Keister Coaster. It is a recreation of a 1920s roller coaster. The slide empties into the pool through the mouth of a clown with the slide as the clown’s tongue. The pool is colorful, exciting and it provides enough fun to keep the children busy for several hours.

In addition to the pool, The Boardwalk Inn and Villas also offer other free activities like tennis, a small playground, and a fitness center. There are other activities that cost extra that can be enjoyed as well. There are two arcades on the property. The biggest is at the ESPN Club located on the Boardwalk.

One activity that we enjoy as a family is renting a surrey bike. The rental stand is located on the Boardwalk just beyond the courtyard area of the resort known as the Village Green. You can rent a 2, 4 or even a 6 seat surrey bike to take for a ride along the Boardwalk and around the ¾ mile walkway that circles Crescent Lake. The walkway has plenty of small hills and even a few not so small hills that make it lots of fun and sometimes a bit of a challenge for those who are pedaling the bike. Most of the time our family ends up laughing so hard after struggling with the smaller hills that we have to get off and push the bike in order to make it up the larger hills. This experience provides us with some good old fashioned family fun and enough memories to share for years to come.

Even though we enjoy all of these activities, we especially like to walk around the boardwalk at night. The sight of bright neon lights, the sounds of midway games, the energy of the live entertainers and the smell of the food coming from the restaurants and the venders all combine to make the Boardwalk come to life with an energy and excitement that only Disney could create.

So the next time you want to take your family on a vacation where the children will be occupied and entertained consider going to Walt Disney World and staying on property at The Boardwalk Inn or Disney’s Boardwalk Villas. Not only do these two resorts offer fun and exciting activities and recreation opportunities they have the added benefit of being conveniently located next to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and at the International Gateway entrance into Epcot.

Travel Agent Tips for Planning a Family Vacation

admin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:05:57 +0000

Working with a travel agency can be difficult if you are planning a family vacation. Typically, couples without children are much more flexible, so if you have kids, make sure your travel agency can accommodate your special travel needs. Here are some tips for planning a family vacation with a travel agency:

Tip #1: Let your agent know the ages your children will be during the vacation.

When you book a trip, you typically are working at least a few months in advance. While this may not seem like a big deal for you, in that time, your child’s age may change. Your travel agent needs to know this information. Sometimes, prices only apply to children in a certain age group, so if your child goes from being 12 to 13, a new fee structure may apply. In addition, if your child turns 18 before the trip, doors for new activities may open. The same is true for other ages. For example, a swim with the dolphins activity may specify that a child under the age of 14 needs to be accompanied by a guardian. If your child has a birthday before the vacation, you may be able to do that activity because he or she now meets the requirements. Be mindful of the documents your child needs to travel too, as they may change at different ages.

Tip #2: Talk about specific scheduling concerns.

Some children are very set in their schedules. If this is the case, you need to let your travel agency know the best time for flights and other travel. You want this to be a good experience for everyone. While you may have to make some adjustments, if it is just as easy for you to book an afternoon flight as it is to book an evening flight, you may want to specify your preference based on when your child normally eats and sleeps.

Tip #3: Be age appropriate.

Sometimes, travel agents try to talk you into purchasing tickets with neat entertainment options. That’s great…but can your kids go? Make sure that anything you plan before you leave is age appropriate. You can’t very well call a babysitter when you are on vacation! Also consider the hotel in which you stay. With a few children under the age of ten, a five-star hotel might not make as much sense as a family-friendly resort.

Tip #4: Book your flight early.

The sooner you book you flight, the more options you will have. This doesn’t just have to do with scheduling. If you get your tickets early enough, you may also be able to request seating together or near the airplane’s bathroom. Booking early also helps prevent problems should the flight be overbooked. When that happens, the last people to book their flights get bumped to a different flight, and you don’t want your group to be split up if you’re traveling with kids.

Tip #5: Look for Disney alternatives.

Disney World is the quintessential family vacation. This is not your only option, though. Disney vacations can be expensive when you consider all the money you’ll spend on merchandise and “extras” for the kids. That place is built to get parents to spend money. Other alternatives can still be fun for your kids without being quite as expensive. Make it clear from the start that you want something as fun as Disney, but without going to that theme park. If Disney is the only child-friendly package they have available, you might want to work with a different travel agency.

Tip #6: Sign a flexible agreement.

If you’re traveling with young children, it is usually a good idea to sign as flexible of an agreement as possible. Kids get sick, break bones, and otherwise cause travel problems fairly regularly, and if you have to cancel your vacation, you don’t want to end up paying for it in full. Most travel agencies will require a deposit, but look for one that will transfer that money to a different travel date if you have to change your plans. That way, if junior comes down with the flu you can switch your vacation to another month without losing any money.

Tip #7: Work with a child-friendly agency.

Bbefore you start working with a travel agency, ask them about their experience working with families. A company that offers a number of amusement park packages is probably a better company for you than one who primarily books spring break trips. Most agencies have experience with families to some extent, but the best travel agency for you will have booked many family trips in the past. Their extra experience will give you tons of perks when you travel as a family.

Disney Vacation: A Magical Experience

admin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:01:43 +0000

A world of magical encounter and enchanting imagination, Disneyland is a fun-filled place both for kids and adults alike. It is especially popular during school breaks, where families flock to the place, bringing their young children for an enjoyable holiday experience. It is every child’s dream to visit this place and see for themselves the Disney characters coming to life. As families plan and gear up for their holiday, an important aspect to consider is accommodation. For many, staying in on the resort may be costly. Bookings are also frequently made way in advance and for those who make late reservations, the desired accommodation may be unavailable.

Familiar with the problem, house owners around the various Disneyland parks in the world are constantly renting out their property to holidaymakers. These houses are even specially bought and managed by rental agencies because they are aware of the continuous rental profit due to Disneyland’s popularity. This Disney vacation rental gives holidaymakers a chance to visit the park, while staying out at a reasonable price.

From luxury to standard homes, there are plenty of options for those looking for a good stay. It’s a matter of preference as some families prefer having private accommodation, with facilities such as private pool, game room, and recreation area. For an extra sum, holidaymakers save the hassle of having to share generic rooms and facilities with hotel occupants. These holiday homes are often located nearby to Disneyland, making it highly accessible and convenient for holidaymakers.

Booking is also made easy because many of these rentals are available online. There are even different packages to accommodate the different budgets and needs of families. These places may be fully occupied during seasonal holidays. Thus, you should enquire and book in advance if you plan to stay in a Disney vacation rental.

Affordable Disney Vacation - How To Pick An Affordable Vacation Package

admin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:00:02 +0000

Ever since the Walt Disney World was created in Florida in 1971 with just the Magic Kingdom, it has grown tremendous and today is among the top preferred holiday destinations. And today, most of the people who visit here do their planning and reservations online through the Disney website or other companies offering competitive prices.

Since the minimum time required to enjoy the entire Walt Disney World is at least a week, one can pick up a 6days, 7nights packages, each with its own share of facilities. For those looking for cheap Disney Vacation Club, they can take the value package and for others there is the moderate and deluxe category of accommodation and attached amenities. There is also something called Magic your way deals, but these are available only in the Animal Kingdom lodge and in Wilderness lodge, so if you are ready to spend your days and night amidst animals and nature, this is perfect for you.

Apart from these, there are the private villas at Boardwalk, or resorts at old Key West to suit your tastes at crash prices during off season. They are all fully equipped with kitchens, dish washer and spacious bath areas. You can even make this your own unique discount Disney Vacation Club.

The Saratoga Springs villa is situated across from downtown Disney and is close to many shopping options and restaurants. The hill side, beautifully landscaped gardens and the springs themselves captivate your senses making you enjoy your holiday much more. As you make your way in your rented car or the shuttle you catch a glimpse of the looming Walt Disney tower that get you all excited and ready for some fun.

Make sure to pick up park entry passes at the resort at cheaper rates, else you will have to wait in line. If you have been reading about the Discovery Island, then head straight to Disney’s Animal Kingdom and The Tree of Life theme park to begin your joy ride. It is no ordinary wildlife park, here you can take safaris to watch animals in their habitats or enjoy river rafting for that rush. This is where you see the towering tall tree of life, from where you begin your Discovery Island trail. You can walk through the foliage, catch a glimpse or two of the exotic bird and feast your eyes on various other species of animals and birds. The Pizzafari and Flame Tree Barbecue are popular dining areas in this part of the park. The decor of the place will be done to suit the theme of the park with murals of wildlife and nature.

After this you can watch the best musical of Finding Nemo in Dinoland USA, an almost real enacting of the characters in the movie by the same name. With colorful puppets and an outstanding performance, you will be transported into Nemo’s world for that 40 minute duration. Check your Disney World map to know when the shows are played and don’t miss them.

Disney World Vacation Deals - 19 Great Money-Saving Tips

admin — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 16:03:40 +0000

By planning in advance, look into Disney World vacation deals in order to seek out the best deal that fits within your budget. You can enjoy significant savings on your Disney vacation without sacrificing any of your family’s enjoyment.

Below are some tips that you may follow when you are doing research on Disney World vacation deals:

1. Look out for discounted Disney World tickets, budget accommodations and Disney vacation packages before embarking on your Disney vacation.

2. Schedule your Disney World trip during the off-season if possible or at the time when Disney has what it calls Value Rates. You will enjoy significantly lower airfares and hotel/resort rates.

3. If you are a Disney resort guest and on budget travel, take advantage of Disney buses, ferries and the monorail system when visiting theme and water parks as well as Downtown Disney.

4. Avoid buying Disney merchandise within the Disney World theme parks. Some of the area factory outlet stores such as Orlando Premium Outlets are selling the same items found at Disney World at significantly lower prices.

5. Do more research to find some of the free things that you can do during your Disney vacation. For instance, Disney Broadwalk is a place where you can enjoy free walking with your family or if your family is up to a more physical workout, your family can hike through the Disney Wilderness Preserve. In addition, Downtown Disney gives any family the opportunity to stroll along the shopping mall.

6. For a fancy feast without breaking the bank, take the family to one of the all-you-can-eat buffets that lie just outside Disney World such as Bill Wong’s Famous Buffet, Sweet Tomatoes, Boston Lobster Feast, Golden Corral, Ponderosa, Sizzler, Captain Nemo’s Seafood Feast or Angel’s Lobster, Crab & Prime Rib Buffet.

7. If you are staying at an off-site Disney property, there are numerous budget motels and hotels that you can consider. Many of these motels and hotels provide complimentary transportation to Disney World theme parks.

8. Look out for discount coupons to Disney area attractions, restaurants and specialty shops in free publications such as I Love Orlando magazine.

9. Before you book a hotel or motel, check if there is full breakfast every morning. This saves your family more time and money.

10. Check out comprehensive online guides for information on Disney World discount tickets, accommodations and Disney vacation packages.

11. For larger family reunions it may be a better alternative financially to look into renting a vacation home. This also allows for the whole family to stay together and meet without incurring traveling time.

12. If you are visiting theme parks with young children, remember to bring along a backpack with some snacks or juice boxes as dining in the restaurants can be costly.

13. Instead of spending big bucks at a Disney character breakfast, take your kids to the Town Square for autograph and photo opportunities with Disney characters.

14. Pick the appropriate Disney World ticket deal based on your family’s length of stay. Make sure you are able to use all the benefits in the time you visit Disney. Many people waste their money by upgrading to tickets with features they will never use, wasting hundreds of unused dollars. You will still want to schedule time for rest and relaxation during your trip.

15. Make lunch your big meal of the day when dining in Disney property as prices are considerably lower than for dinner.

16. Carry your own water bottle into the Disney theme park and you can fill it up at any of the abundant water fountains throughout the day. This helps to cut down costs on drinks.

17. Many off-site hotels and motels have restaurants which offer Kids-Eat-Free deals (one child eats free per paying adult). This is a good deal for those on budget travel.

18. If you are a guest of Disney resorts, take advantage of Disney’s Magical Express, which provides complimentary shuttle service to and from the Orlando International Airport.

19. Avoid Disney vacation during holiday weekends and Spring Break when prices are higher.

By following these money-saving tips and doing research on Disney World vacation deals, you will find that you have an economical and enjoyable Disney vacation at the same time.

Disney’s Resort to be a Major Draw for Ko Olina

admin — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 16:07:23 +0000

The Ko Olina resort destination of Oahu is often thought of as the most compelling vacation draw in all of Hawaii. Many believe it to be among the best ocean resorts anywhere. And now, one of the globe’s most well known corporations is about to make its mark.

In November of 2008, the Walt Disney Co. broke ground on an expansive parcel of land in Ko Olina, Oahu. The long anticipated Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina will be located between the Marriott and Ko Olina Beach Villas. In that area is the vast expanse known as the Ewa Plains. The Ewa Plains landscape will be remade into a lush oasis with a huge artificial volcano, windy rivers, blue lagoons and vast lawns.

Slated to open in 2011, the resort will include 350 hotel rooms, 480 timeshare units, an 18,000 square-foot spa and an 8000 square-foot conference center. Also in the works are Hawaiian cuisine themed restaurants, a Disney kids club, a wedding area and extensive network of water activities and features. Visitors will even be treated to water rides down the slopes of a volcano.

The Ko Olina region is one steeped in Hawaiian culture and customs. The Disney Company has, on several occasions, affirmed its commitment to local concerns and sensitivity to Hawaiian customs.

Disney has brought attention to its plans for educational programs with respect to Hawaiian culture, music, dance, arts and crafts. In addition, the architectural design and decor will incorporate Hawaiian motifs and materials such as lava stone, thatch and local woods. Also, a central building with the lobby entrance, called “Hale Aloha” will be designed along the lines of a Hawaiian Canoe House.

Disney executives also anticipate incorporating traditional Disney themes into the project. A senior executive with Disney Vacation Club Hawaii has stated he can’t imagine a better match them the storytelling of Disney along with the storytelling of Hawaii.”

Ko Olina, Hawaii was not just chosen because of its desirable resort location. A long-standing relationship exists between Disney and Hawaii. In 1937, the Mickey Mouse short “Hawaiian Holiday” was filmed by Disney. A Polynesian Resort can also be found in Walt Disney World in Florida. And to top it off, ABC (a Disney owned company) films its hit drama “Lost” in the islands!

In the midst of difficult economic fortuntes for global tourism, it’s worth observing that the resort constitutes a major bet by Disney. Approximately one thousand people will be employed at the multi-million dollar resort as it draws visitors from around the world.

The project also constitutes a significant vote of confidence in the Ko Olina resort region. The addition of the Disney resort will continue to increase the attractiveness of Ko Olina as a marquee resort destination for vacationers, honeymooners and participants in executive retreats and conferences.

Special Offers On Disney World Attractions Tickets

admin — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:07:19 +0000

Special offer is great to acquire since this will lessen the expenses that you want. Disney World does not exempt when it comes to special offer. The generosity of Disney World extends to their ticket prices. Visiting any of the theme parks in Disney World will give you the opportunity to avail all the possible discounts. This is the beauty in Disney World, aside from being popular; they find way how to let others enjoy the exciting rides and awesome wonders in Disney World. With the special offer, there is a way to make your budget fit for Disney vacation.

Disney World attractions are very exciting to visit. If you will go to hear to those that experience Disney, you will surely get excited with their stories. Knowing that there is a special offer, you will get the Disney World attractions tickets at very affordable price. To easily access ticket stores, get online and visit any of the authorized ticket dealers. It is better that you first check the official website to determine the actual price and compare it to the other ticket stores. This will assure that you will have the ticket at the right price. Avail any of the exciting theme parks especially if you can have it at the least expense possible.

Speaking of the special offer, in order to maximize it you should include Kennedy Space Center when availing tickets. This will bring you to the most high technology world that you never been imagined. The space center made of the high tech equipments and materials that you never thought will possibly happen. Thanks to the special offer, you can enter the gateway to the future with minimum expenses. If there is one place in Disney World, this one should not miss. Be aware that this high technology center is capable of taking you to the other world of imagination.

If you are up for adventure, you should secure Disney Quest tickets. Disney Quest should not be forget when you want to have an exciting time in Disney. What to expect in Disney are the rides and attractions that will go beyond your imagination. Discover your limits with the quest that you have to take during your vacation in Disney. Since it is also one of the favorites in Disney, it also included in the special offer for you to avail. It is great that there are special offers in Disney that will make you enjoy without worrying about your finances.

Enjoy a Vacation Villa in Orlando at the Windsor Palms Resort

admin — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:06:49 +0000

If you enjoy using vacation villa in Orlando when on a Disney vacation, then you should try the Windsor Palms resort. This is a fabulous way to spend a vacation in Florida, and while these villas are just as good value for small families as large parties, it is on the latter that we shall focus here.

Large parties of people are not unusual in Florida, and these can take many forms. However, because of the large number of golf courses in and around the Orlando area, the resort tends to attract parties of golfers, generally male but not always so, in addition to the large family groups that like to get together once every two or three years for a Disney World vacation. Disney is extremely popular, for obvious reasons, and has exerted a large influence on the success of Orlando as a vacation destination, not only for Americans but worldwide.

However, Orlando had more than just Disney to offer, and it is doubtful that the World of Disney resort would have been sited here were it not for the wonderful Florida climate. In addition to golf, there are many other satellite attractions around Disney World that attract groups of people from all over the world.

Let’s say that there are ten of you in your group - there could be more since some Orlando vacation villas sleep more than a dozen, but 10 is fine for this example. Parties of 10 do turn up in Orlando for a golfing break, and the more in the party the more likely they are to be mixed. It might not start out that way, but once the wife finds out that her husband is going on vacation with a load of his buddies, then she is going too! Wise woman, and that is by no mean sexist because was it a man in the same situation, he would wave goodbye as she left on vacation with her friends and immediately organize a party!

However, we have a mixed party of 10 on vacation, either golfers or relatives. How many bedrooms would that involve on average in a hotel? Let’s say 6. Mentioning no hotel prices, but you can rent a vacation villa in Orlando in the Windsor Palms resort with 6 bedrooms that sleep 12 for just $225 high season. That’s $22.50 each or 10 people. Or, equating it with 6 hotel rooms, that’s under $38 night per room. For a top class hotel in Orlando in high season? If that’s not dirt cheap then what is!

No guessing which costs least then, but it’s not only price that’s involved when it comes to vacation accommodation. Some people would rather pay more for more comfort and facilities. You have a fair few options when it comes to vacation accommodation in Orlando, although it would take a lot to beat a Windsor Palms resort villa. Forget price, and let’s look at what you actually get.

Six TV sets with 4 VCRs and a DVD player, and your own pool and spa. You also get your own kitchen with fridge and freezer, high speed internet access, and all the facilities of the resort. These include basketball, volleyball, tennis, a fitness center, DVD rental and a store. In addition to that, of course, you have all that Orlando has to offer and are only 10 minutes from Disney World.

For a large party of people this is ideal, because you can sit by your own pool at night with a few beers and bottles of wine, and fill yourself with chili dogs and cheeseburgers without having to call room service: just cook them yourselves, and you can get a gas grill for a small weekly charge. With a lot of you, you have no problems sitting together as you might in a busy hotel, and no other guests in the same lounge getting annoyed when you start getting a bit loud after a few bottles.

No, there is no substitute for a vacation villa in Orlando, particularly for large parties at the Windsor Palms resort. The Orlando district is excellent for golf, and you get a lot of golfing parties using the facilities of the resort. Families, too, find the villas to be extremely comfortable and offer all the facilities they need. You can not only cook your own meals, but also wash your clothes without needing the services of a laundry, something that many young mothers find invaluable when their youngsters have accidents as children tend to do

Disney Vacations: Plan it the Right Way

admin — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:00:40 +0000

A vacation to Walt Disney appeals not only to children but adults as well. It can become a memorable experience for everyone since there is always something for everyone and this is probably the biggest reason for its popularity as well as why the families continue to visit there even after being there several times over the years. It is essential not only to reduce the resulting financial burden but also to ensure that you get the most out of the time there while on Disney vacations. You have to consider doing a plan well in advance if you are seriously thinking of Walt Disney vacation. To help you understand what a Walt Disney vacation is all about you can do a research online. Walt Disney World Vacations are very pricey and it is an important thing to keep in mind. However the prices differ depending on the time of year you want to travel and Disney is busier at certain particular times of the year than others.

You should choose to go to Disneyland or Disney World during the off-season and this way you can also book a vacation right on Disney’s website. Special Disney vacation packages which include airfare and hotels are offered by the other online travel sites. There is always a good deal to be found for a bargain hunter regardless of whether you travel during peak seasons or not since Disney land and Disney world are such hot vacation spots. However it is better to travel during the less busy times whenever possible.

The feeling of Disney vacations always remains unique every time even though you have visited there a number of times. You can also keep a lookout for Disney anniversary specials and with just a little planning you can enjoy great saving deals on your next Disney vacation as well.

Affordable Disney Vacation - A Vacation For Kids Of All Ages

admin — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:00:18 +0000

For people who have been visiting Walt Disney World almost regularly, they will have some valuable tips for others who are making their first trip to this fantasy land. If you were to ask your child where they want to go for the holidays, you will hear only one answer Walt Disney World. This is how popular the Disney World in Florida is, more than the Hawaii beaches and the San Diego Sea World, people come to Disney World to unleash the child within them and enjoy themselves and get their money’s worth.

If your family has tiny tots, and children of different age groups, make sure to take their interests into consideration while planning the trip. They will each want to visit a part of the park that appeals to them, and so you better be prepared for some running around during your Walt Disney World vacation.

If there are older kids, you can let them go on the roller coaster or other jungle rides on their own while you take the tiny ones to the Fantasyland or for some fun at Mickey’s Toontown Fair. They will get a chance to watch all their favorite cartoon characters come alive and play with them which will provide good photo opportunities for you so you can preserve them for later reminiscing.

The important factor to note is do not plan a holiday that is less than seven days minimum, else you wont be able to take in all the sights and adventures on offer. A place so vast, it will blow you away the minute you cross the entrance, the Disney World is every person’s dream come true. And better yet, if you can grab a few discounts or park entry passes at cheaper prices. Think ahead of time, you can obtain everything at a lower price than what is offered inside the park, making it possible for those luxurious indulges inside the park.

Plan the tour in such a way that you go through Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square to the Main Street USA where you can pause to indulge in some shopping. After this, walk along to Mickey’s Toontown Fair and in case your child enjoys observing the sky or reading about rockets, they will enjoy the sights on offer in the Tomorrowland.

But most of the rides have a long waiting line, and if you want to skip this, you need to come ahead of time to see if you can grab couple of Fast Passes. This pass will allow you to reserve a place, and come back when the waiting time mentioned on the ticket is up. In case you have a senior person or someone bound to a wheelchair, make sure you have kept that in mind while booking the ride. All the rides are wheelchair friendly and if not, the attendants will help get that member seated on the ride. So, the next time you plan on taking an affordable Disney vacation, keep these tips in mind.