In recent years, Easter Egg Hunts seem to be popping up everywhere with the Easter Bunny making appearances in the most bizzare places. Why, he seems to have dug his way from the farm all the way to schools, malls, aircraft carriers, and even the White House. Which brings me to the question – what do eggs have to with Easter and why do we hunt them down?
Photo by: Flickr/CJ Song
The history of Easter has it’s roots in both pagan and Christian celebrations. Christians celebrate the holiday as a time to remember the resurrection of Christ after he was crucified on the cross (on Good Friday). The egg represents new life, which is what the resurrection means to Christians. Pagan traditions celebrated spring and new life around Easter. The egg and bunny were symbols of fertility. Over the years, the two traditions seem to have melded together and here we are hunting for Easter Eggs each year.
While many countries celebrate Easter, they don’t all involve unleashing toddlers upon a lawn to gather as many Easter Eggs as they can. In other countries, Easter celebrations could mean setting giant bonfires as they do in Sweden, or whipping the lady of your fancy with a pomlázka in Czechoslovakia.
Pomlázka | Photo by: Martina Žáčková, Právo
In Bulgaria, you’d meet up with friends at church and have an egg cracking battle. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, Easter celebrations for the most devout Catholics could involve a bloody ritual of real life crucifixions. Yikes! I’m thinking…let’s get back to the Easter Bunny.
In this land where big is best, Winter Haven, Florida holds the Guinness World record for the largest Easter egg hunt which consisted of 501,000 eggs, searched for by 9,753 children accompanied by their parents at the Cypress Gardens Adventure Park on April 1st, 2007. However, this year, London is threatening to steal the Guinness World record for the largest number of participants in an Easter egg hunt with The Big Egg Hunt.
The Big Egg Hunt, London, UK | Photo by: Flickr/Loz Flowers
200 giant eggs uniquely designed and bejeweled by the world’s most famous designers, architects and jewelers have been placed strategically all over London. These eggs will be available for auction to raise money for charity. And grand prize of The Big Egg Hunt is a £100,000 Fabergé Tribute Egg – quite a compelling reason to get hunting I dare say!
Yet, nothing quite comes close to the most sought after Easter celebration in America…
The White House Easter Egg Roll.
In fact, millions of families apply for the lottery to be one of the 35,000 who get to make the south lawn of the While House an Easter playground. The 134 year-old tradition was started by President Rutherford B. Hayes. At the center of the event is the tradition of kids rolling an egg with a spoon in a race across the south lawn. But the festivities involve much more, from story reading to big bands taking the stage. If you’re lucky enough to win a ticket, it’s a once in a lifetime party to be remembered.
New York Easter Parade
While there are lots of Easter egg hunts and festivities going on in New York City, the New York Easter Parade along 5th Ave (between 49th to 57th) is growing in popularity. An informal parade of wacky and bizarre bonnets and costumes are donned by the colorful characters of the city. For those with tween and teens who have outgrown Easter egg hunts, some people watching at the New York Easter Parade is a different way to spend Easter Sunday.
New York Easter Parade | Photo by: Flickr/istolethetv
Copper Mountain Easter Egg Hunt
It’s Easter and you can’t decide if you should spend the weekend egg hunting or skiing. At Copper Mountain Ski Resort in Colorado, you can do both. As the largest Easter egg hunt in Colorado, the resort hides 50,000 eggs to be found by kids in varying age groups. Even the 12 and ups can roam the mountain hunting for 100 prized eggs. Prizes include season passes and ski gear.
Other ski resorts around the country host similar events:
- Alpine Meadows Ski Resort, Lake Tahoe, CA
All-Mountain Easter Egg Hunt & Kids’ Easter Egg Hunt - Breckenridge Ski Resort, Breckenridge, Colorado
Easter Egg Hunt On the Mountain - Park City Mountain Ski Resort, Park City, Utah
Annual Hunt for the Golden Egg - Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort – Mammoth, CA
Easter at Mammoth
Eggtraordinary Egg Hunt and Train Ride at Roaring Camp
I’m not sure what trains have to do with Easter, but there are many railways across the country that will chug you off to visit the Easter Bunny and take you to destination Easter Egg Hunts.
At Roaring Camp and Big Tree Railroad in the Santa Cruz mountains, the Eggtraordinary Egg Hunt and train ride is your ticket to Bear Mountain where thousands of chocolate eggs have been hidden by the Easter Bunny.
Other Easter Egg Hunt Train Rides:
- Easter Bunny Express Train at Danbury Train Museum – Danbury, Connecticut
- Easter Egg-press at the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway – Blue Ridge, Georgia
- Easter Egg Hunt Train at Midland Railway in Baldwin City, Kansas
- Easter Bunny Train at the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway – Nelsonville, OH
- Train Rides with Easter Bunny in New Jersey
Flashlight Egg Hunt at Knoch Knolls Park
Got older kids who still enjoy hunting for eggs, but need a bit of a challenge? Egg hunts in the dark are growing in popularity. The Flashlight Egg Hunt at Knock Knolls Park in Naperville is a great way to provide the 12 and up crowd a different way to hunt for Easter eggs. Everything is more exciting when it’s dark and you’ve got a flashlight in hand.
- Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt and Movie in the Park at Old Settler’s Park – Round Rock, Texas
- Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt at Heritage Park – Cullman, Alabama
Fun Easter Egg Hunts near you, check out these Easter Events:
- California: San Francisco Bay Area | Norcal | Oakland | Sacramento | Modesto | Lake Tahoe | Los Angeles and Santa Barbara | Orange County and San Diego |Temecula
- Florida: Tampa Bay | Central and Southern Florida | Panhandle
- Georgia: Savannah
- Texas
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey: Train Rides with Easter Bunny in NJ
- New York: New York City
- North Carolina
- Rhode Island
- Utah: Wasatch Front | Southern Utah
- Vermont
- Washington
- Washington DC
As a SoCal resident, I am lucky to enjoy Disneyland frequently. Without a doubt, I can say that Disney is magic; the joys and memories made are well worth the price-tag as Disney provides quality, top-notch entertainment that permeates every inch of their parks.
However, with a “down-turned” economy, a single-family income, and three kids, Disney can get expensive. Here’s your guide to the best Disney Vacation Deals (and a few to avoid!).
Spring 2012 Promotions & Special Offers
Disneyland and Disney California Adventure
-Through May 28, 2012, get 3-day Park Hopper tickets for $199. Visit both parks in one day!
-Southern California Residents can Go Wild and visit twice for $99; now through June 1, 2012. You pick the park, you pick the day.
-Active and retired U.S. military can enjoy a 3-day park hopper ticket for their families (up to 6 people) for just $99 through September 28th, 2012. Special hotel rates are also available to military on select days.
-The Southern California CityPASS includes 3-day Park Hopper tickets to both Disney parks as well as one day tickets to Universal Studios, and SeaWorld. The pass can save you over $100 if you bought individual tickets to each activity and is good for 14 days from first use.
-Score up to 25% off Disneyland Resort hotel rooms when you book a vacation from April 16th- June 9th.
- Trekaroo keeps tabs of great hotel deals near Disneyland
Walt Disney World
Photo by: Trekaroo/lilkim00033
- Book a 5 night/6 day Magic Your Way Package before May 18th to get a FREE DINING PACKAGE for your entire family! (Select availability between August 25- September 29, 2012). This special package can save your family up to $848 on dining!
-Florida residents can enjoy the Wild for 3 Pass; a 3-day ticket to a Walt Disney World theme park—for just $99. Tickets must be used by May 24, 2012. You can add a 4th day for just $30 more! Folks who call the Sunshine State home can also a special “after 2pm” water park annual pass.
-Active and retired U.S. military can buy a 4-day Park Hopper pass for their families (up to 6 people) for just $138 through September 29th, 2012. For just $27 more, the pass can be upgraded to the Park Hopper and Water Parks, Fun & More pass for even more value. Special hotel rates up to 40% off are available on select days.
-Save up to 30% off at select Walt Disney World hotels for travel between April 13th- June 14th. (Book by March 31st!)
- Trekaroo watches for the best hotels deals near Walt Disney World
Cruises
Photo by: Flickr/twodolla
-Book your cruise online to receive an extra $25 onboard credit.
-Florida and SoCal residents, keep checking in as new promotions are posted frequently.
Tips on buying tickets
The absolute best resource for finding an awesome deal on Disney vacations is to head to the source: Disney constantly offers special packages on their own websites and the prices online are almost always cheaper than buying your tickets at the door. Check back often as promotions change throughout the year. Disney’s California Parks | Disneyworld | Disney Cruises
Don’t buy tickets from eBay, Craigslist, or anyone else offering you what seems to be too good of a deal. Scam artists are very eager to prey on budget-conscious tourists by offering passes at low rates. The catch is you have no way to guarantee that the ticket they are selling is real, or has any days left. Don’t be sorry, buy your tickets from Disney’s offical site or from reputable resellers or travel agents.
Resources
Want more detailed information? Pick your park:
Disneyland | Reviews | Fastpass | Rider Swap | Character Map | Best Rides for toddlers| school aged kids | teens & tweens
Disney California Adventure | Reviews | Fastpass | Rider Swap
The Magic Kingdom | Reviews | Best rides for teens & tweens
Disney’s Hollywood Studios | Reviews | Fastpass | Special Events
Disney’s Animal Kingdom | Reviews | Fastpass
Planning your day | Busy Day Activities | Apps | Ridemax | Resort Hotels | Children’s activity centers | Best Pools Near Disneyland | Hotels offering Kids Camps Near Disney World | Hotels near Downtown Disney | Special Needs | Best Disney World Restaurants | Parades | Resort Hotels with Story Rooms | Hotels for Large Families or Groups | Dinner Shows | Disney World Special Events |
Check out what is new for Disney in 2012.
Share your favorite Disney tip with other Trekaroo readers. Disneyland | Disney California Adventure | Magic Kingdom | EPCOT | Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Don’t forget to enter to win our Disneyland Resort Vacation!!
______________________________________________________________________________
Katie Bodell is Trekaroo’s Assistant Editor, a wife, & a mom to three sweet California girls.
Travel with kids to: CA |CO | DC | FL | HI | IL |MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | UT | VA | WA
The happiest places on earth are about to get even better. 2012 is bringing in tons of new additions to the Disney resorts and cruise lines.
Disney World
Image courtesy Walt Disney World Resort
The Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland has begun to roll out the largest expansion in park history that will nearly double its current size. New rides like The Great Goofini, Under theSea- Journey of the Little Mermaid, a Seven Dwarfs train ride, and an additional Dumbo ride are on their way. Beast’s Castle and a brand new restaurant, Be Our Guest, which will immerse you in the wonder and magic of the film, are also on the roster. The brand new Fantasyland Train Station is already set to open and the rest of the magic will be finishing up early next year.
The Magic Kingdom has already unveiled “Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom,” an interactive experience included with park admission. Guests begin by meeting Merlin the magician, who gives guests special magic spells on keepsake cards. A scavenger hunt style mission takes you searching for clues to find infamous villains’ hiding places where you can help to thwart their evil plans.
At Epcot, the fan favorite ride, Test Track, will close in April to make room for the new Chevrolet Design Center, set to open in the fall. Guests will have the chance to design their own Chevy concept car and then hit the track to see how their model fairs on the road. If that’s not enough to get your engine going, head to the Richard Petty Driving Experience. A new circuit, the “Exotic Driving Experience,” will put you behind the actual wheels of Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and Porches. Six lap prices start at $99.
This May, Disney will begin to unveil its 25th Disney World resort. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will feature family suites themed after the animation of films such as The Lion King, Cars, Finding Nemo, and The Little Mermaid and is sure to delight film enthusiasts of all ages. At the Disney’s Port Orleans Resort-Riverside, guests now have the chance to sleep in a royal guest room, modeled appear as if your favorite prince or princess once slept there. Small treasure keepsakes will be “left behind” as gifts from their favorite characters, fancy linens, beautiful beds and lush décor are all part of the newly designed theme.
Disneyland Resort
Photo Courtesy Disneyland Resort
Disney California Adventure’s five-year expansion will finish up this summer as Cars Land opens June 15th. Inspired by the Disney•Pixar film Cars, Cars Land is 12-acres adding three brand new attractions, dining, and shopping. The most anticipated ride is the Radiator Springs Racers which puts guests in the “cars” racing bumper to bumper with other families through the intricately designed hills and terrain of Radiator Springs. The entrance to Disney California Adventure will be transformed into the brand new Buena Vista Street, transporting guests to Los Angeles in the 1920s. Red Car Trolleys will transport guests throughout the area and to the Carthay Circle Theater, a model of the original theater where Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs premiered in 1937; the theater will feature a lounge and the Carthay Circle Restaurant, said to be the new premier restaurant in Disney California Adventure. Rounding out the new summer fun at the park will be the Mad T Party music and dance area in Hollywood Land and a brand new Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop at Pacific Wharf. In addition, Downtown Disney will open California’s first Earl of Sandwich restaurant early in the summer.
Cruises
Photo Courtesy Walt Disney World
Disney’s newest cruise ship, the Disney Fantasy, sets off for its maiden voyage on March 31st from Port Canaveral, FL, taking 4,000 lucky guests on a week long tour through the Caribbean in spectacular Disney style. Two new Broadway style musical shows, a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for princess or pirate transformations, Muppet led interactive detective adventure games, and an interactive Aqua Lab and Aqua Duck water coaster are sure to impress.
In addition to adding a new ship, Disney cruise line is setting sail out of three new ports: New York City, Seattle, and Galveston, Texas. The Disney Wonder is headed from Seattle on a 7-night Alaska and Victoria cruise while New Yorkers will have their choice of a Disney cruise on the Disney Magic to the Bahamas or a sail up the New England coastline. Texans will have to be a bit more patient, but when the Magic finishes up its New York tour, it will head south to offer 7-night Western Caribbean cruises.
Resources
Want more detailed information? Pick your park:
Disneyland | Reviews | Fastpass | Rider Swap | Character Map | Best Rides for toddlers| school aged kids | teens & tweens
Disney California Adventure | Reviews | Fastpass | Rider Swap
The Magic Kingdom | Reviews | Best rides for teens & tweens
Disney’s Hollywood Studios | Reviews | Fastpass | Special Events
Disney’s Animal Kingdom | Reviews | Fastpass
Planning your day | Busy Day Activities | Apps | Ridemax | Resort Hotels | Children’s activity centers | Best Pools Near Disneyland | Hotels offering Kids Camps Near Disney World | Hotels near Downtown Disney | Special Needs | Best Disney World Restaurants | Parades | Resort Hotels with Story Rooms | Hotels for Large Families or Groups | Dinner Shows | Disney World Special Events |
Share your favorite Disney tip with other Trekaroo readers. Disneyland | Disney California Adventure | Magic Kingdom | EPCOT | Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Don’t forget to enter to win our Disneyland Resort Vacation!!
______________________________________________________________________________
Katie Bodell is Trekaroo’s Assistant Editor, a wife, & a mom to three sweet California girls.
Travel with kids to: CA |CO | DC | FL | HI | IL |MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | UT | VA | WA
When most people visit Disney theme parks with their kids, their biggest worry is the 3PM meltdown due to the lack of nap. For those of us who have children with special needs, approaching any family vacation takes a bit more planning and consideration. My son is on the autism spectrum and I credit many of his advances to both the incredible early intervention therapy he has received and our family’s commitment to travel. Travel allows children to take a step outside of their normally scheduled programming (aka: the happy place for most autistic kids), helping them learn to adapt to a variety of situations outside the norm. It also allows these children to experience the same things that typical children get to experience, with those same ear to ear smiles of pure joy. I have never been a fan of keeping a special needs child from experiencing life just because the logistics might be more difficult. Visiting a place like Disneyland may be harder with a special needs kid (I promise it does get easier with each visit) but the rewards can be incredible. Many children have breakthroughs while experiencing the Happiest Place on Earth and many parents realize that their kids are capable of so much more than they imagined. Here are some tips to get you ready for your first Disney trip with your beautiful, huggable, perfect-the-way-God-made-him special needs child.
Photo courtesy RachelColeman.com
Read about all the fun Rachel’s adorable daughter had at Disneyland.
Before you go
- Pack a copy of your child’s diagnosis in the bag you will be taking to the Disney parks. There are some less than moral people out there who have tried to work the system by committing disability fraud so you may be asked for this letter at Guest Relations. It will also help Cast Members make sure they are issuing you a guest services pass that will help appropriately accommodate your child’s level of disability.
- Bring a recent picture of your child with you. Nobody ever plans to have a child wander away but it does happen.
- Don’t plan too much into each day. It is better to go into the parks expecting to take it slow with lots of breaks and then be pleasantly surprised when your child is up for more fun.
- Pack things that will comfort your child. Special blankets or lovies can help calm a child in the event of over stimulation, familiar snacks will calm the picky eater, and games or toys can entertain a child while in line.
- Food allergies: Those with food allergies or intolerances are allowed to bring food items into any Disney theme park. If you are questioned at the bag check area (I have never been) then simply inform the Cast Member of your child’s issue and they will be happy to let you pass. Most table service restaurants within the parks that accept reservations are able to accommodate food allergy issues. Friends who have visited the parks with a child with severe food allergies have been pleasantly surprised by how many food options their child had.
When you arrive
- Head to Guest Services first. This is where you will able to rent a wheelchair or stroller, pick up your “guest assistance pass”, and have any questions answered. The pass is good for up a party of up to six people and the child with the disability is required to be with you in order to use it (ie: no skipping the line for Space Mountain unless your child is planning on riding with you). If you have a service animal, it will be allowed in the park and special guidelines will be given. If you would like a sign language interpreter, one can be provided with two week’s notice. Be sure to bring your child to Guest Relations with you because you will need to prove he or she actually exists (again, another side effect due to those who have tried to scam the system in the past). Let the Cast Member know of any specific concerns you might have; Disney wants everyone who visits to have a magical experience and may be able to make specific accommodations.
- Head to the area of the park your child is most excited about first. If your child loves Buzz Lightyear, take him to the Astroblasters. If your daughter loves music, let her sing along with dolls from around the globe in It’s a Small World. Something familiar and beloved will help ease any apprehension your child might have about this new experience.
- If sensory overload should occur, ask a Cast Member for the nearest quiet location. A meal in a quiet corner of park or a ride on the monorail may be great places to slow down and reload.
- Have fun! Expect the unexpected and enjoy the moment. If things get difficult, take a deep breath, address the situation, and then get back to experiencing all the Disney magic. Oh- and take lots of pictures. They are only little once!
Have tips for visiting a Disney park with a special needs child? Please share your wisdom in the comments section.
Resources
Want more detailed information? Pick your park:
Disneyland | Reviews | Fastpass | Rider Swap | Character Map | Best Rides for toddlers| school aged kids | teens & tweens
Disney California Adventure | Reviews | Fastpass | Rider Swap
The Magic Kingdom | Reviews | Best rides for teens & tweens
Disney’s Hollywood Studios | Reviews | Fastpass | Special Events
Disney’s Animal Kingdom | Reviews | Fastpass
Planning your day | Busy Day Activities | Apps | Ridemax | Resort Hotels | Children’s activity centers | Best Pools Near Disneyland | Hotels offering Kids Camps Near Disney World | Hotels near Downtown Disney | Special Needs | Best Disney World Restaurants | Parades | Resort Hotels with Story Rooms | Hotels for Large Families or Groups | Dinner Shows | Disney World Special Events |
Share your favorite Disney tip with other Trekaroo readers. Disneyland | Disney California Adventure | Magic Kingdom | EPCOT | Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Don’t forget to enter to win our Disneyland Resort Vacation!!
Sharlene Earnshaw is Trekaroo’s Blog Editor.
Travel with kids to: CA |CO | DC | FL | HI | IL |MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | UT | VA | WA
This week at Trekaroo, we’re all about Disney!
For so many people, a Disney vacation is the ultimate family vacation experience, and we agree!
We are devoting the entire week to coverage to Disney parks, cruises and events. Stay tuned as we even offer a few sneak peaks at the coming attractions for this summer.
Photo by: Flickr/HarshLight
To get this Disney party started, we’re giving away a Disneyland Vacation for a family of four!! The package includes:
- Four (4) Disneyland Resort Park Hopper Tickets
- A two (2) night, Disney view stay at the Hilton Anaheim
- Breakfast Buffet passes at the Hilton Anaheim
The Hilton Anaheim is located just steps from the Disneyland Resort and offers beautiful rooms overlooking the magic (and even the fireworks) of the parks while boasting family amenities galore. There are numerous dining options, including a full-service restaurant and lounge, poolside grill, Starbucks and even a food court! The pool deck offers a fantastic place to unwind and features a wet play structure and mini water slide for the younger kids.
The Hilton is a Disneyland Resort Good Neighbor Hotel, which means that Disney has hand-picked the Hilton because it offers scheduled transportation to the parks, superior service, exceptional quality and in-room Disney tips on your TV! It is one of a select few hotels in the area that features a Disney Desk on site. Disney cast members work to get you the best tickets, itineraries and more, right from your hotel—no standing in line! The Hilton is currently offering some awesome specials including receiving a $50 Disney gift card with a four night stay.
Read the full review of the Anaheim Hilton.
Read reviews of rides, attractions, dining, and lodging at Disneyland Resort.
The Steal: Win a Disneyland Resort Vacation
Details: One lucky winner will receive four (4) Disneyland Resort Single-Day Park Hopper Tickets, a two (2) night stay at Hilton Anaheim in a Disney View Suite with two queen beds, and breakfast buffet passes. Reservations subject to availability and expire March 19, 2013.
HOW TO ENTER TO WIN:
In an effort to make it easier to enter, we are now using Rafflecopter. Simply click on “Read the rest of this entry” and then a box will appear. The more you do, the more entries you will receive!
