Welcoming Home a Dream
... life on the outside with an occasional surprise visit from some friends from Finding Nemo.
Like the Wonder and Magic, the Dream was fashioned for family travel. It wouldn’t be a Disney Cruise without special attention paid to all members of the family from teens to even the youngest passengers in spaces designed just for them. Rest assured, however, there is plenty of space created for adults only with pools, spas, lounges and dining allowing you time together to love the day and nightlife.
Two...
January 13th, 2011 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Cruise, Disney Cruise Line, family travel
Top 5 Family-Friendly Summer Adventure Destinations in Auckland
For the longest time, I have been thinking of making a list of the top ten family-friendly summer adventure destinations in Auckland. I am thinking of destinations that would release all pent-up energy of our kids from just sitting in front of the TV the whole year or just playing good old computer games. My ultimate list would make any kid sore-happy, sweaty-excited, and too tired for dinner after all the action and extreme fun. Some selections are not for the light-hearted but it does not mean...
October 30th, 2010 | theaucklandguide | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: adventure travel, Auckland, Family Friendly, family travel
Disney Fantasy Accepting Reservations
... as well as children’s areas and immersive experiences for all ages.
Offering such industy firsts as split bathrooms, Fantasy is perfect for family travel. Youth clubs offer recreation and outlets for younger guests, while activity centers for tweens and teens will keep boredom from setting in. Not to forget mom and dad, adults only swimming pool, dining options and a luxurious spa exists.
In addition to scheduling 2012 cruises on Disney Fantasy, bookings are also being accepted on the...
October 26th, 2010 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Disney Cruise Line, family travel
A Visit To Walt’s Hometown, Chicago
Being one of the most influential people of the 20th century, a lot has been written about Walt Disney. Some accurate and some not so much. It was on a recent family excursion to Chicago that some of these inaccuracies surfaced.
Walter E. Disney was born on December 5, 1901 on the second floor of the family home in Chicago, Illinois. The home, which was built by his father, was modest and still stands today. Unsuccessful efforts have been made to declare this home a Historic Landmark. While...
September 2nd, 2010 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: family travel, top-feature
Kids Sail Free on Disney Mexican Riviera Cruises
I have a feeling that a Mexican Riviera cruise will sound pretty good come the snow and ice of January. What will sound even better is that aboard the Disney Wonder, “Kids Sail Free” . It evidently sounded pretty good to lots of people, as the prior offer (January – March) has sold out and a new sailing date is being offered.
Bookings now through July 31, guests 17 and under can sail free on a ten-night voyage when accompanied by two full-fare paying guests, staying in the...
July 9th, 2010 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: budget, Disney Cruise Line, family travel
Budget Tips for Family Travel
Traveling with children can be expensive. Theme parks, souvenirs, meals – it all adds up. Here are a few tips on saving money while traveling with the family.
Plan Ahead of Time
Contact the local Tourism Bureau to send you information and potential coupons. This way you can plan your trip and your budget!
Check the internet for deals. Sites that I love are Kayak .com and Travelzoo, but also check hotel and attractions’ Facebook or Twitter pages for advertised deals.
Next time...
May 25th, 2010 | Abbie Mood | Read More | Comments: 1Filed under: family travel, featuredarticle
3D or Not 3D? A Question At Disney Attractions
Walt Disney has some amazingly creative employees. Among the most creative are the imagineers who are responsible for the attractions at the theme parks. From the largest thrill to the smallest detail that makes each pirate in the Caribbean seem so realistic and the attractions so wonderful, they are responsible for it all.
It is this realism that makes parents often wonder if certain attractions are appropriate for their children. While each theme park guide map includes attraction information...
May 8th, 2010 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: family travel, featuredarticle, Walt Disney World Resort
A Lot to See at Tokyo DisneySea
Visitors to Tokyo have two Disney theme parks to enjoy. The first is the popular Tokyo Disneyland Park with its traditional Disney stories full of fantasy, magic and dreams. The second park, Tokyo DisneySEA holds new experiences based on the imaginative lore of the oceans full of adventure, discovery and fun.
Adjacent to Tokyo Disneyland Park (map), Tokyo DisneySEA (map) is located on the shores of Tokyo Bay . Guests discover seven, unique ports:
Mediterranean Harbor with its old world...
April 30th, 2010 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: family travel, featuredarticle, Tokyo DisneySEA
One of Final Space Shuttle Launches Set for May 14
STS-132 Atlantis is scheduled to launch on Friday, May 14 at 2:19 p.m. from the Kennedy Space Center (map). With 25 years of service under its belt, this will be the last scheduled mission for the orbitor Atlantis.
While tickets to view the launch from the grounds of the Space Center are sold out, the spectacular launch is visible from many destinations, including Walt Disney World (map) which is approximately 45 miles away from the launch site.
Guests wanting a more closer view can watch the...
April 27th, 2010 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: family travel, Kennedy Space Center, top-feature, Walt Disney World Resort
Buckle Up Your Kids for Safety – It’s the Law
... belt buckled up.
Most rental car companies can provide a car seat or booster seat, so be sure to ask when you make your reservation. During busy family travel times the seats can be scooped up fast.
Don’t be caught unaware of the law. Perhaps more importantly, don’t jeopardize the safety of your kids or any of the occupants of your car.
Photo credit: morgueFile
...
April 18th, 2010 | Mary Jo Manzanares | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: car trip, driving laws, family travel
Epcot’s Canada Pavilion Welcomes Olympic Fans
Watching the thrills and excitement of the Olympics, two thoughts have constantly run through my mind, how beautiful Canada is and how much I would like to visit. With so many different Providences, each with its unique landscape and features, it would take weeks, perhaps even months, to experience it all.
Yet, what if I told you there was a place where in only a few hours, you could experiece all the character and atmosphere of Canada. From the Rockies to the colorful gardens to the...
February 20th, 2010 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Canada, Disney-Dining, Epcot, family travel, featuredarticle, Kidcot, World Showcase Pavilions
Walt Disney Linked with U.S. Air Force
I may have mentioned this before, but, I was a history major in college. While not a huge fan of memorizing dates and places, I love the stories of the past, how people and events shaped our world.
So, this fall, when my husband participated in the U.S. Air Force Marathon at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, OH, (map) I suggested the whole family tag along. Expecting groans from the remainder of the family, I was surprised that they were eager to travel along.
The morning of the...
February 18th, 2010 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 1Filed under: air museum, Dayton Ohio, family travel, National Museum of the United States Air Force, top-feature, Walt Disney, WW-II
Planning a Disney Vacation, Where to Stay, II
Having selected the best time to visit, and reviewing the benefits of staying on or off Disney property, it is now time to review the Disney Resort Hotels, and the options available to you.
With 34 Disney World Resort hotels and three at Disneyland Resort, making a decision here will depend partially on your budget, and partially on the amount of time you will be spending in your hotel, which may also include how much space your family will need.
Guests at Walt Disney World Resort have...
February 6th, 2010 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 1Filed under: budget accommodation, disney-hotels, Disneyland Resort, family travel, featuredarticle, trip planning, Walt Disney World
Customized Disney Cruise Keeps Kids Content
There are a few phrases that once uttered from a child’s mouth can take you from total relaxation to full Mommy-mode in seconds. “I’m Bored!” is one of those phrases. Through an entirely new approach, kids can sail away with their imaginations by customizing their own experience on board Disney Cruise Lines.
New youth activities and dedicated children’s spaces are available now on the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder and will be in place by the January 2011...
February 4th, 2010 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Castaway Cay, cruises, Disney Cruise Line, family travel, featuredarticle
Winter Weekend Adventure at Pokagon State Park
If there is one thing to love about the current economy it is that we have all learned that sometimes the best family times can be spent close to home. Never was this more obvious to my family than when we took a recent trip to Indiana’s Pokagon State Park.
Nestled in the northeast portion of the state near the city of Angola, on Lake James, (map) Pokagon State Park is full of wonderful adventures for all, but, especially families.
Located near so many natural lakes, summer is a great...
January 10th, 2010 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: family travel, Indiana, state parks, top-feature, winter activities, winter recreation, winter travel
The Possibility Shop Creates World of Crafts for Disney Families
Do you have a little crafter at home? I sure do. She loves to hop online at Disney familyfun.com and watch the many videos sharing step-by-step instructions on many craft items, recipes and various holiday decorations.
A recent discovery, is a new addition to the Family Fun website in the form of an online video/craft show, entitled “The Possibility Shop” , hosted by Courtney Watkins. The author, illustrator, crafting guru, television personality, and frequent guest on...
December 21st, 2009 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: cheap family activities, family activities, family travel
Dream a Little Dream with Disney Cruise Line
Disney is known for innovation, creativity and the best in family entertainment, and the Disney Cruise Line is no exception to this rule as they put their newest cruise ship, Disney Dream into service January, 2011.
Newest Disney Cruise Ship, Disney Dream launches Jan. 2011
Featuring some of the newest and one-of-a-kind on-board experiences like a water coaster that takes you above the upper deck, a lounge offering sunset views of a different, famous city in the world daily, and an interactive,...
December 4th, 2009 | Jenni Ingersoll | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: Castaway Cay, Cruise, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Dream, Family Friendly, family travel, top-feature
50 Amazing Green Travel Destinations
I love traveling and I’ve been to a lot of cool eco-minded places. Of course I haven’t gotten to go everywhere I want to. I’m always seeing or hearing about new places that look so amazing, and so I usually add them to my mental list of “MUST someday visit” places.
That said, in case you’re looking for a green trip idea, or just somewhere eco-friendly to visit, I decided to compile a list – places I’ve been and places I’d love to visit. As I post...
September 13th, 2009 | Jennifer | Read More | Comments: 5Filed under: backroads, biking, camping, eco travel, family travel, green family travel, green travel, hiking, trip advisor
15 Excellent Eco-Travel Resources
If you’re looking for a green hotel, green travel destination, or tons o’ eco-friendly travel advice check out these 15 super keen green travel links.
Off the Radar – Online magazine and newsletter for adventure travelers with a focus on independent travelers, personal travel stories and experiences and sustainable, environmentally sensitive travel.
Manaca – Awesome in-depth eco-ratings of all sorts of green places and eco-lodging.
Center for Sustainable Travel Destinations...
September 12th, 2009 | Jennifer | Read More | Comments: 1Filed under: backroads, biking, camping, eco travel, family travel, green family travel, green globe, green travel, hiking, manaca, off the radar, organic food, organic vacation, sustainable travel, Traveling the Green Way, trip advisor
Backroads: Green Family Trip Advisor
Backroads is an eco-friendly travel agency with plenty of perks. An excellent new feature for families at Backroads is the Family Trip Advisor. The advisor walks you through some super fast questions about your family – ages of kiddos, when you want to go, if your family is moderately or super active, and so on. Then they calculate a few perfect ideas for your circumstances.
I used the family advisor tonight to see what trips might pop up and mine were:
The Grand Tetons and Yellowstone –...
July 29th, 2009 | Jennifer | Read More | Comments: 0Filed under: backroads, biking, camping, eco travel, family travel, grand tetons, green family travel, green travel, hiking, trip advisor, yellowstone
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