Disney Theme Parks offer an unsurpassed entertainment value. Millions of families flock to the parks yearly because of the magic and amazing family experience. The problem with all of those folks visiting is that sometimes (especially around Christmas, Spring Break and summer) the crowds can make for an overwhelming day in long lines for short rides, with kids who have even shorter attention spans. One of the things I love about Disney Theme Parks the most is that they are not just parks full of concrete and rides, they are full entertainment experiences, down to the very last detail. Here are some different activities your family can enjoy in Disney Theme Parks across the world that offer little stress, little line waiting, and a ton of fun no matter how long the lines may be.
Hidden Mickeys
I spotted my first “Hidden Mickey” as a kid riding on the Haunted Mansion ride at Disneyland when I noticed the plates on one ghost’s place setting were arranged in the shape of Mickey Mouse’s ears! Although I didn’t know it as a child, this subtle Mickey nod and many more just like it, are all over the Disney Theme Parks. The search for these icons has become a phenomenon, with entire websites, books, and even an iPhone App (yup, there’s an app for that!) devoted to the Hidden Mickey madness. Whether or not you are ready for a full fledged scavenger hunt race with clues, maps, and apps, or just looking for a fun way to distract a couple of tired little ones in a long line, start searching for Hidden Mickeys and you won’t regret it!
A close up of the first Hidden Mickey I ever spotted, in Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion. Photo Courtesy of Flickr user BestofWDW
Catch this Mickey in line for Toy Story Mania. Photo Courtesy of Flickr user Loren Javier
Pin Trading
Pin trading is a very fun busy-day activity. The pin trading tradition began in 1999 and is a simple idea: if you own a Disney pin (only official Disney pins accepted), you can trade it with any cast member at any park and at any time for free! Pin-trading starter sets are sold in the parks, or you can buy just a single pin to get the fun rolling. Your family can decide to save up certain characters, gain a collection, or just have fun getting new pins at any stop around the park. All cast members wear lanyards with a variety of Disney pins attached to them, and if you have one to give, they are obligated to take it and offer you your choice of pins in return. As a special bonus, kids 3-12 alone can trade with cast members wearing a teal/green lanyard- they are specially designated for young guests only! You can find more information on the official pin trading site.
Ready to swap some more pins. Photo Courtesy of Flickr user wjarrettc
Character Autographs
Although lines to meet characters can get long on a busy day, they aren’t near as long as the major attractions. Buy a small notebook and a pen and take them with you on your next trip to a Disney Theme Park to make the meet and greet experience even more fun and memorable. (They also sell Disney branded notebooks at almost every store in the park.) When your child gets the chance to meet a Disney character, have them sign her book! Kids love collecting the signatures of their favorite characters and it is truly one of the cheapest and most durable souvenirs that you will ever buy. Your collection can start small, but many people find that they start hunting out more and more characters missing from their autograph books to complete their collection. A list mapping out where the characters are located in Disneyland is available, but if you are at a different park and in search of a particular character, just ask a cast member; they are incredibly helpful!
Meeting with Minnie in front of her house.
Open Play Spaces
Every Disney Theme Park across the globe has some sort of open play space for your kids to get some energy out. These breaks can be invaluable during peak visiting seasons when the crowds can seem overwhelming and intense for small kiddos. Since these play spaces are not as “thrilling,” there are usually less people and more time for your kids to just run around and play.
At both Disneyland and Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, enjoy a quick boat ride to Tom Sawyer Island, to explore a path-ridden forest full of adventure, fun and discovery. Disney California Adventure offers the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail while Hollywood Studios’ “Honey I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set” is a great running space in the midst of a park that (mostly) appeals to older kids. Animal Kingdom’s Boneyard offers a shaded place to sit down and dig through some relaxing sand! Epcot’s numerous pavilions have space to run and play, particularly the Image Works attraction which gives kids the chance to use their bodies and imaginations in some serious total-body-play. There are also a variety of smaller play spaces tucked in Disney Theme Parks and a more typical playground at all of the resorts at Disney World. If in doubt, ask a cast member for a place for your little one to run and they will point you in the right direction.
Room to run and play on Tom Sawyer Island. Photo Courtesy of Flickr user qwrrty
Looking for more information & tips on planning a great Disney vacation? Then check out these great resources!
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 | VA | WA
Monday Madness- Win a $600 Family Getaway to Holiday Inn Vacations at Orange Lake Resort in Orlando!
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED. Congratulations to Rosanne, lucky number 402!
The Holiday Inn Club Vacation properties are some of our favorite properties to stay at when we are traveling. They offer the accommodations and amenities of a hotel and a condominium all rolled into one for a great price. Recently, I took a trip to Orlando, Florida and we stayed in the Holiday Inn Club Vacation at Orange Lake Resort.
The Holiday Inn Club Vacation at Orange Lake Resort is the perfect base camp for your theme park vacation. It is located right next to the Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom Lodge putting it in close proximity of the major Walt Disney World and Universal Studios theme parks.
Accommodations
The Orange Lake Resort has spacious villas in a variety of sizes. There are standard, two and three bedroom villas available. We stayed in a River Island two bedroom villa overlooking the pool area. Our villa had a spacious living room, a balcony, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and a dining area. At first we thought being located in River Island (one of the most family friendly spots in my opinion) might be loud because of all the families running around, but we were pleasantly surprised. We could spend time splashing around the water and the lazy river and then return to the quiet of our villa and regroup.
Fun in the Sun
The pools…oh, the pools could keep you busy all week long! We spent most of our time at River Island during our visit because it was convenient to walk just a few feet out of our room and be right next to the pool! River Island has several pool areas, a lazy river, a couple of slides, a splash area, the world’s largest inflatable water slide and so much more. There are other pools located around the property. The Splash Lagoon has a splash area, zero entry pools, and water slides. The Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort offers Play Passes that you can purchase (in one or several day increments). These Play Passes offer unlimited use of the HIPPO waterslide and tube rentals for use on the 1200 square foot lazy river. The Play Passes also include unlimited miniature golf at the on-site golf courses and visits to the Euro-Bungee.
Other Amenities
There are a number of restaurants on site that vary from poolside bars to sit down restaurants. Grab a drink at the bar and relax in a lounge chair while your kids splash around in the pools. Each villa has a wireless connection that actually worked as I tried to get some work done after long days of play. Pack n’ Plays are available to borrow so you don’t have to travel with your own. They offer activities at various locations of the property ranging from projects to scavenger hunts and dive in movies. There are video arcades, basketball courts, tennis courts, and a putt putt course.
The property is competitively priced so even if you aren’t going to utilize the arcades or the pools (though I think you would be nuts not too…they are lovely pools!) because you plan on spending most of your Orlando vacation at theme parks it is still worth a visit! The best part about the Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort for our group was that when we got home from a long day of waiting in lines and running around theme parks, we had a lovely living room to relax in, a kitchen to cook a late night snack and comfortable beds to lay our heads at night.
Do you want to take your family on a weekend getaway to the Holiday Inn Vacations at Orange Lake Resort? Then check out our steal!
The Steal: Win a $600.00 Family Getaway to Holiday Inn Vacations at Orange Lake Resort in Orlando!
Details- Win a Family Getaway to Holiday Inn Club Vacations® at Orange Lake Resort, located in Orlando, Florida which includes
- 2-night, 3-day stay in a 2-bedroom villa (valued at $400)
- Travel dates from September 5, 2011 – August 1, 2012*
- Includes four 7-Day Play Passes (valued at $200) to use for unlimited Putt-Putt Golf at two on-site courses, rides on the HIPPO waterslide and Euro-Bungee and for tube rentals for use on the 1,200 square foot lazy river.
- Package valued at $600.00
HOW TO ENTER TO WIN:
Step 1: Share this giveaway using the Facebook by clicking the FB “Like” button at the top of the page
Step 2: Leave a blog comment below letting us know that you did.
Get extra entries by repeating steps 1 and 2 once a day. But be sure to leave a new comment each time.
Get even more additional entries:
Feel free to do any or all of the following actions. Each action counts as an extra entry but be sure to LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ONE or the entry will not be counted.
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- Follow Holiday Inn Club Vacations on Twitter
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- Tweet a link to this Monday Mad Steal via @Trekaroo using the Twitter share button at the top of the page.
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Rules and guidelines:
- 18 years of age or older
- US Residents only
Deadline to enter: Sunday, September 4, 2011 at 11:59PM PST
What is Monday Madness?
Every Monday, Trekaroo announces on our blog, either a fantastic giveaway or an incredible deal. It could be a green water bottle, a hotel stay on Maui or theme park tickets. Return every Monday to the Talking Trekaroo Blog for the details. Want a reminder? Become a Trekaroo member or follow us on facebook or twitter.
Thanks to Contest for Moms, Online Sweepstakes, CashNet Sweepstakes, and Sweepstakes Advantage and Contest Girl.
*Blackout dates apply on holidays; other blackout dates may apply based on seasonality and availability.
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Jen Close is the Gulf Region Destination Guroo for Trekaroo.
Travel with kids to: CA |CO | DC | FL | HI | IL |MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
The reason why I love Disney travel so much is that there is truly something for everyone and every budget! As a Disney travel agent, I get asked all the time which resort is the best resort to stay at. In my opinion, there is not one “best” resort, but there definitely is a Disney Resort that is right for you and your family! I have listed my top picks below.
For the family dreaming of a tropical getaway: Disney’s Polynesian Resort
The moment you enter this resort, you will feel like you have been whisked away to Hawaii. This resort offers white sand beaches and hammocks for sunbathing, koi ponds and tropical ambience. Your children will love the themed pool with water slide and the parents will love the Neverland Club which is a supervised childcare area right on site (additional fee applies). Enjoy the 2 table service restaurants at this resort, Kona Cafe and Ohana. Kona Cafe serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and Ohana serves up a character breakfast with Lilo, Stitch and Mickey himself. For dinner, Ohana serves up Polynesian-style cuisine Family-Style! Or maybe you would like to enjoy a dinner show at this resort. Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show offers music, authentic dances and all-you-care-to-eat feast all inspired with the flavor of Polynesia. You have to try the breakfast speciality, Tonga Toast. And no visit to this resort is complete without the famous Dole Whip, a cream pineapple dessert that can be found at the quick service dining location, Captain Cooks. My favorite amenity at this resort, is the monorail access. Disney’s Polynesian Resort is directly on the monorail line which makes it ultra convenient to get to Magic Kingdom. This is ideal for parents with small children so they can take a mid-afternoon break for naps! Rooms here can accommodate up to 5 guests plus child under the age of 3.
For the family looking for the ultimate Disney splurge: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
At this resort, you will relish the elegant, but not stuffy, atmosphere and decor. Rooms at this resort can accommodate up to 5 guests plus one child under the age of 3. All rooms offer either two queen-size beds or one king-size bed and a day bed. To take it to the next level, chose Club Level accommodations where you will receive personalized concierge services and Club Level only access to the lounge where you will enjoy a continental breakfast, midday snacks, afternoon tea and evening wine, cheese, cordials and desserts. This resort offers 5 table service restaurants, one of which offers a character breakfast and character dinner option. Two swimming pools, state-of-the-art spa treatments and convenient transportation (also on the monorail line) all make this resort the ultimate Disney splurge!
For the animal lovers in your family: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Imagine walking out onto your balcony and encountering more than 30 species of wildlife up close! This is a reality at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. This Disney resort is an African-style lodge with its own wildlife reserve. In order to take full advantage of the views at this resort, make sure and select a “savanna view” room. But if your budget won’t allow you to upgrade to this type of room, you will still have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the wildlife from the common areas and balconies that all guests are welcome to use. When nighttime rolls around, your children will love the opportunity to use the resorts “night vision” goggles to view the animals in their natural habitat. Rooms here can accommodate up to 4 guests plus one child under the age of 3. Or select a Villa at this resort that can accommodate up to 8 guests. This resort offers 2 table service restaurants and 1 buffet restaurant all serving up African inspired cuisine.
For guests that want quick and easy access to Epcot and/or Hollywood Studios: Disney’s Beach Club Resort
I love this lakeside resort that boasts Disney’s largest swimming pool, Stormalong Bay. Your children will love Stormalong Bay that features waterfalls, a sandy bottom portion, a circular lazy river and a themed water slide. You will love the quick and easy access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Both of these Disney theme parks are within walking distance or a short boat ride from the Beach Club Resort. Also, from this resort, you are within walking distance to Disney’s Boardwalk area that offers dining, entertainment and shopping! Enjoy 3 sit down restaurants here with one of the restaurants offering a character breakfast daily. Don’t miss Beaches and Cream Soda Shop for lunch or dinner. This is a classic American soda fountain with juicy burgers and ice cream delights are dished up. The rooms at this resort can accommodate up to 5 guests plus one child under the age of 3.
For larger families on a budget: Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort or Disney’s All Star Music Resort
Let’s start with Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort. This resort is a Disney Moderate Resort which makes it moderately priced (not the most expensive and not the least expensive hotel option on Disney property). Port Orleans Riverside is the only Disney Moderate Resort that can accommodate up to 5 guests plus one child under the age of 3, with two double beds and a trundle bed, which makes it perfect for the larger family that is on a limited budget. This resort has a “Louisiana, Mississippi” feel to it with sprawling mansions and southern charm. Your children will love Ol’Man Isalnd pool complex that offers a themed water slide. I love that you can take a fun and free boat ride from this resort to Downtown Disney where you will enjoy shopping, entertainment and a ton of dining options!
Disney’s All Star Music Resort is a Disney Value Resort that offers Family Suites that can accommodate up to 6 guest. The family suites offer one queen-size bed, a living room with a double-size sleeper sofa, and 2 twin-size sleeper chairs. 2 bathrooms and a mini-kitchen with microwave and a small fridge make this resort ideal for the larger family or for families on a budget that want the convenience of preparing some of their meals in their room. All Star Music Resort offers two swimming pools and a children’s pool. This resort also offers a food court where breakfast, lunch and dinner are served but you will not find a table service restaurant at this resort or any of the three other Disney Value Resorts.
For the family on a limited budget but want to experience the magic of Disney: Disney’s Pop Century Resort
This is my favorite Disney Value Resort for a number of reasons. First off, this is the newest of the Disney Value Resorts and although it is not brand new, the rooms here have recently completed refurbishments with new mattresses, new carpet, new bedding and new flat screen tvs! I love the theming at this resort. It’s like taking a trip down memory lane with all the fashions, catchphrases, toys and dances all noted throughout the resort. The food court here is outstanding as well, in my opinion. Don’t miss the “tie-dyed” cheesecake and the “Mom’s Night Out” dinners served up in classic tv trays! It’s a blast from the past. The best part about this resort is that this is the only Disney Value Resort that has dedicated bus service, meaning, once the bus picks you up at the resort to take you to one of the Disney theme parks, you will not be stopping at another resort along the way. This saves a lot of time and the other three Disney Value Resorts do not offer this “dedicated” bus service.
As you can see, there truly is something for everyone and every budget at Disney World Resorts! Still can’t decide which resort is best for your family? No worries, contact Heidi now to take advantage of her free planning services.
Heidi Marlowe is a Superoo as well as a Disney Vacation Specialist , Universal Studios Vacation Specialist, and Orlando Travel Expert with White Glove Destinations, an agent of Destinations to Explore. This agency is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner offering free concierge/planning services to all Disney locations and Disney cruises. Contact Heidi to learn more about Disney or to book your next magical vacation.
*All pictures courtesy Walt Disney World Resort
1. Disney is now cruising to Alaska
Photo courtesy Disney Cruise Lines
This year, the Disney Wonder headed on over to the left coast, delighting those of us in the western half of the country. During the cooler season, the ship will tour the California coast and Mexican Riviera but come summer, the ship heads north, to Alaska! An Alaskan cruise has always been on my bucket list and now that Disney is cruising the glacier lined coast, I have no doubt the cruise will be perfect for families. 7-night sailings call on Tracy Arm Fjord, Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan. Port excursions include helicopter rides over the Juneau Icefield, sled dog excursions, and panning for gold with Disney characters. Sign me up!
2. The Little Mermaid- Ariel’s Undersea Adventure
Photo courtesy Disneyland Resort
On June 3rd, Disney California Adventure will unveil its newest attraction, The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure. I have been looking forward to this ride since I first saw this movie when I was 11 years old. Disney promises state-of-the-art animatronics, special effects, and, of course, all our favorite Little Mermaid characters. The attractions is set to music from the movie which is sure to make for a great experience for any Disney lover.
3. Star Tours will reopen as Star Tours- The Adventure Continues at Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Photo courtesy Disneyland Resort
When Star Tours first opened in 1987, the line seemed to wrap around the park, and for good reason- it was truly a cutting edge experience. Plenty has changed since 1987, including the addition of 3 more movies to the Star Wars saga, so the ride went into “reimaging” for a little over a year in order to make the experience even better than before.
On May 20th, the ride is schedule to reopen at Disney’s Hollywood Studios as a 3D journey with different outcomes possible from one launch to the next. The new ride focuses on the earlier Star Wars chapters whereas the old ride focused on the original trilogy. The Disneyland version of the ride is scheduled to open June 3rd.
4. The all new Wild Africa Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Photo courtesy Disney World Resort
If your family has always dreamed of taking an African trek but doesn’t have the resources to head across the Atlantic, Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s new Wild Africa Trek may be the next best thing. Groups of no more than 12 trekkers embark on a three hour tour (a three hour tour…) across diverse terrain, peer over ledges at hippos grazing, and cross over wobbly bridges with crocodiles lurking below. Open air trucks take guests into the Harambe Reserve to get close to the grazing animals of Africa such as rhinos, giraffes, and antelope. Breakfast or lunch is included, depending on the time of your tour. The 3 hour trek is $189 and a Disney Photo Pass CD of pictures from your adventure which are taken by Disney cast members is complimentary.
5. Disney comes to Hawaii via the Aulani Resort
The magic of Disney is coming to 21 acres of Hawaiian paradise on Oahu and its being called the Aulani Resort. The resort will feature a beach, several pools, a snorkel lagoon, an adventure trail, and what is sure to be an incredible kid’s club. On site perks will include pool parties, character dining, fire pit storytelling, and more. The property will have Disney Vacation Club Villas as well as hotel rooms for guests who are not a part of the Vacation Club. The first phase of the hotel is scheduled to open August 29th so start planning your late summer Hawaiian vacation now!
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Sharlene Earnshaw (aka doubleadventure) is Blogger-in-chief for Trekaroo and the blogger behind Double the Adventure.
Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
For many families, a vacation just isn’t a vacation without a good dose of Disney. As an Orange County resident and Disneyland season pass holder, I get the opportunity to frequently see friends from out of town during their holiday. I wish I could pretend that they made a trip to see me, but in reality I know its because they can’t live without their annual pilgrimage to the “happiest place on earth”. In a selfish effort to bring more friends out to the park, I scoped out the hottest deals Disneyland currently has to offer. I was a woman on a mission and it wasn’t long before I found some great deals for the Disney Cruise Line and Walt Disney World as well. I certainly couldn’t keep all this juicy information to myself and who better to share it with than the loyal readers of Trekaroo? I hope these tips help you fulfill your family’s Disney dreams this year.
DISNEYLAND
Photo courtesy Trekaroo user "annniepants"
Getting there: If you are planning on flying to visit Disneyland between now and April 15, 2011, be sure to take advantage of Alaska Airlines “kids fly free” package. Any adult flying on Alaska or Horizon Air into LAX or Orange County can bring one child aged 2-11 for free!!!! Flights must be booked by 2/19/2011 so hurry up and make plans!
Buy 3 nights get the 4th free: Now through February 19, 2011, families can buy a 3 night Disneyland Resort package and receive a 4th night free along with $20 ESPN Zone Game Card. Arrivals must be between now and April 11th.
Read Trekaroo reader reviews of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa.
Park hopper discount: I love to be able to go back and forth between Disneyland and California adventure is this 3 day park hopper is the way to do it! For $169, guests can hop back and between the two parks for three days, and enter Disneyland before the general public on one “Magic Morning”.
Active and retired military discounts: From now until September 28, 2011, active and retired US military can purchase up to six 3-day park hoppers for only $99 per ticket to be used by family or friends!!!! That’s an incredible deal so grab a member of the military and head to Disneyland.
Southern California residents: From now through May 14, 2011, Southern California residents can purchase a 2 day ticket for only $99. This allows you to visit one park per day and the best part- the days do not have to be consecutive! You can upgrade the 2-day ticket to a park hopper for just $10 more.
Read Trekaroo reader reviews of Disneyland and California Adventure.
DISNEY WORLD
Photo courtesy of Trekaroo user "Kimmy"
Discount on Disney World Resort lodging: Families looking to visit Disney World between February 17th and April 16, 2011 can take advantage of some nice discounts being offered by Disney Resort hotels as long as they book by February 13th. Disney hotels are discounting their rates from 15-30%. See the Disney World website for more details.
Read Trekaroo reader reviews of Disney’s Port Orleans Resort, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Disney’s Boardwalk Resort, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Hotel.
Bring the little ones for free: Families who purchase a 4-night/4 day Magic Your Way room and ticket package at select Disney Resort hotels can bring their 3-9 year old children for free on select nights from February through October 2011. The Disney World website says that stays February 17- April 16 should be booked by February 13th and stays April 28- October 1st should be booked by March 27th to take advantage of this deal.
Active and retired military discounts: From now until September 28, 2011, active and retired US military can purchase up to six 4-day tickets for $138. You get to choose either “park hopper” tickets or “water park fun and more” tickets. You can also upgrade your tickets to cover both option (park hopper and water park fun) for $165. Members of the military can also save up to 40% at select Disney resort hotels. See Disney World website for more details.
Florida Residents: From now through May 22, 2011, Florida residents can purchase a 4 day Wild 4 Disney Pass for only $119. This allows purchasers to visit one theme park per day for 4 days, and the days to not have to be consecutive. The week of 4/17-4/24/11 is blocked out from this promotion.
DISNEY CRUISE LINES
There is so much to look forward to with Disney Cruise Lines in 2011. The Disney Dream is about to depart on it’s inaugural sail to the Caribbean and Disney cruises will finally be offered on the West Coast to destinations such as Mexico and Alaska. Families can enjoy a 7-night Alaskan Cruise departing on May 17th, 2011 for as little as $139 per person per day (based on 2 adults/ 2 children for a total voyage fare of $3892). Families looking to head to Europe on a Disney Cruise can embark on an 11-night itinerary which includes Malta, Tunisia, Corsica, Italy, and France for 139 per person per day as well. See the Disney Cruise booking site for details.
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Sharlene Earnshaw (aka doubleadventure) is Blogger-in-chief for Trekaroo and the blogger behind Double the Adventure.
Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
