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
The winner selected by Random.org is #8. Congrats Michelle L!
Trash cans to zippo lighters, sweeping brooms to newspapers, there is no end to the creative use of unusual objects to make music and rhythm. Our somewhat non musical family left the performance of STOMP skipping (and gasp) dancing down the streets. To say the least, Stomp is infectious and inspiring. This many time Emmy Award winning show can be appreciated by anyone of any age because the show centers around rhythm, music and dance – something that speaks universally to any human being. However, you’ll be blown away that the artists behind STOMP have taken what is so fundamental to the human experience and elevated it to an unforgettable experience.
Recently, Trekaroo Superoo Carol Cain (NYCityMama) took her 10 year old son for the first time to watch a performance of STOMP on Broadway at New York City’s Orpheum Theatre.
“The energy of the music and of the artists on stage really draw in the audience of all ages. The scene encourages audience participation, something kids will also enjoy. As for my 12 year old, he didn’t move around in his seat as much as he did in my womb 12 years ago, but he did have a big smile – the same one I imagined he had each time I saw the show before he was born.”
Read full reviews of Stomp on Broadway with Kids on Trekaroo
For more information on the show, go to www.stomponline.com
Related Articles:
- Hot List of Best Places to take Kids in New York City (NYC)
- New York City During the Holidays with Kids
- Where Families Should Go in NYC when the Weather’s Bad
The Steal: Win 2 Tickets to See STOMP!
Details: One lucky winner will win 2 tickets to watch an Emmy Award winning performance of STOMP in New York City at the Orpheum Theatre
Winner: One (1) winner
Prize: Two (2) tickets to watch a performance of STOMP in New York City valid between Nov 2 and Dec 19, 2010 for the following performances. (Value: $147)
- Tuesdays at 8:00PM
- Thursdays at 8:00PM
- Sundays at 3:00PM
Not Valid: November 25-28, 2010
How to Enter to Win: Leave a comment telling us what other New York City attractions you are excited to visit when you go to watch STOMP.
Here are some ideas recommended by Trekaroo families: Activities for kids in New York City
For additional entries, feel free to do any or all of the following. Each one counts as an extra entry but be sure to LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ONE.
- Write a review on Trekaroo for any place you’ve been to with the kids and post a link to it in the comments (include your Trekaroo username) each review gets you 5 entries
- Subscribe to the Trekaroo Blog
- Tweet a link to this Monday Mad Steal via @Trekaroo
- Post this on your Facebook Wall using the Facebook Share link above
- Fan Trekaroo on Facebook
- Follow Trekaroo on Twitter
- Post this giveaway on your blog
- Subscribe to Trekaroo in your reader
Rules and guidelines:
- 18 years of age or older
- US Residents only
Deadline to enter: Sunday, Nov 7, 2010 at 11:59PM PST
The Deal: $39 Tickets – that’s 50% off
Don’t want to take the chance of not winning? You can purchase tickets to watch STOMP for an unbelievable 50% off the regular price. Pay just $39 per ticket when you use the Discount code: MOMS
($39 tickets including facility fee, regularly $73.50)
VALID: Nov 2nd thru Dec 19, 2010 for performances on Tuesday-Friday at pm, Sat & Sun at 3pm
Limit six tickets per order. Subject to availability. Not valid on prior purchases.
Click here for tickets: http://www.stomponline.com/landing/specialmoms.html
Offer Not Valid: Nov 25-28
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.
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LiLing Pang is a contributing writer for Trekaroo – a reviews site dedicated to exploring and traveling with kids.
Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | OR | PA | TN | TX | VA | WA
This post was sponsored by FamilyGetaway.com, the first advertiser on the Family Travel Ad Network, a partnership amongst Ciao Bambino, Delicious Baby, Travel Savvy Mom, The Vacation Gals, Trekaroo, See Jane Fly, and Traveling Mom.
I am forever in search of a great deal. I get a thrill out of digging through the clearance racks at department stores, squeal when produce is in season and a fraction of the normal cost, and I LOVE to travel well for less. Getting a great deal on lodging means I can dedicate more of our vacation budget to sampling local cuisine or visiting regional attractions. So when I found out that FamilyGetaway.com offers discounted family vacation packages for up to 65% off, I just had to test it out for myself.
The first thing I loved about FamilyGetaway.com was that all the hotel packages listed on their site are family-friendly. It is nice to search for a bargain vacation package that’s already got your kids in mind.
The next thing that interested me were the different search functions, families can use to find the perfect vacation spot. Parents can search by destination, interests (aka awesome kid pools), or property type. Whether you want to spend a week in San Diego, take advantage of some fabulous kids’ clubs or be pampered at an all-inclusive resort, FamilyGetaway’s search tool will easily find a package to fit your needs.
Finally, the most interesting feature on FamilyGetaway is its Ebay-style auctions. Families have the opportunity to get spectacular hotel deals by either bidding on packages or choosing the “buy it now” option. How well does it work? I decided to put the entire experience to the test.
I love taking my family down to San Diego. Between Sea World, the zoo, and Legoland, my pre-school twins are always eager to vacation there. I bid the minimum, $767, on a hotel package at the Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa near San Diego which included:
- 3 nights in an estate room with 2 queen beds and a private balcony or patio
- A welcome gift basket upon arrival, including children’s snacks and juices
- Breakfast for up to four each morning at the resort’s restaurant
- $100 resort credit, good for food and beverages and activities
- Movie rental on one evening of your choice, including turndown service with milk and cookies
- Taxes & resort fees
According to the website, the package I was bidding on had a $1322 retail value. I also saw that there was a date range for availability (Oct 3, 2010- March 31, 2011) and that there were a few black out dates to avoid. Upon bidding, I discovered there a $40 handling fee, which brought my total to $807. However, shortly before bidding, a screen popped up informing me that if I signed up for the FamilyGetaway newsletter, I would get $100 off my first booking so my total was now, in fact, $707. Then I searched popular hotel booking websites such as hotels.com and found the price of the exact room without all the listed perks plus taxes and fees was $297 a night ($891 all-in). Add in all the perks and the Earnshaw family is in for a great deal.
After I bid, I received email confirmation of my bid letting me know that I was the current high bidder and that I would receive an email if anyone outbid me. Lucky for me, nobody did and I won my $1322 package for only $707!!! Woohoo! Once I won the auction, FamilyGetaway processed the payment and asked me to submit my top three travel date ranges ranked in order of preference. FamilyGetaway’s concierge department then works with the property to confirm your travel dates and then sends you the reservation number plus any other pertinent information.
One concern I did have was just how often families got their first preference on travel dates. I was reassured that the majority of customers get their first choice. However if a customer is not flexible with their dates, two things they can do are:
1. Call the hotel and check availability for those dates.
2. Use the Buy Now option. For that option, a customer does not have to pay for the package if FamilyGetaway.com’s concierge cannot get their dates confirmed.
The deals were real and the experience really was that easy!
The Steal: Get 10% off any FamilyGetaway Package!
Details, Details: Now through November 15, 2010, families will receive an additional 10% off their hotel package by entering the promo code: FGFall10* at checkout. That’s 10% off an already heavily discounted package. What a bargain! Visit FamilyGetaway.com for details.
You can also get another $100 off your next FamilyGetaway package by signing up for their newsletter.
- For great suggestions on vacation destinations with tots, check out this post full of great ideas from FamilyGetaway partner, See Jane Fly.
- Tomorrow, be sure to head over to The Vacation Gals to read all about the Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa.
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.
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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
Orlando is famous for some of the top theme parks in the world. With warm weather year round, Orlando is also home to some of the most fanciful hotels that make families feel like they’re in paradise. With so many great hotels to choose from in Orlando, which ones do Trekaroo families truly love? Here’s the our verdict for 2010.
#1 Kid-friendly Hotel Orlando and Walt Disney World:
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas
Although this Disney hotel is the farthest from the theme parks, it’s seems that being able to wake up to giraffes and zebras at your window is an experience so unique and wonderful that it’s worth every penny. Dancing Queen declares that Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas are “Beyond Fantastic…Nature hunts, crafts, cookie decorating, night vision goggle observation of the animals, fireside storytelling, it goes on and on.” AuntieMie recommends getting a room with a balcony because “the animals, food, and surroundings are amazing” and kids will simply love gazing out their window. Restaurant Bomo also gets a big thumbs up from families.
Parent Review of Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas
Rates begin at $237/night. Check Availability
Top Kid-friendly Hotel Really Near Magic Kingdom:
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Located just a mile from Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge got a raving review from HTanner who says it’s the “Best on-site hotel for families”. Why? Maybe it’s the beautiful architecture, or the two amazing pools complete with water slide and waterfall. Perhaps it’s the more affordable prices and close proximity to Magic Kingdom. That’s not even mentioning the funny waiters at the Whispering Canyon Cafe. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge also has a kids club and myrid of fun activities for the whole family. Amanda Lisk says, “This resort was less expensive than the Floridian, Polynesian and Contemporary – but just as nice and convenient!”
Parent Reviews of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Rates begin at $219/night. Check Availability
Top Kid-friendly Hotel Near Epcot:
Disney’s Port Orleans Hotel – Riverside
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside with it’s old southern charm received top votes by Trekaroo families. Families on Trekaroo love what they get at this moderately priced hotel. Metro927 summed it up by saying that they “LOVE this hotel. Definitely going back”. Their sentiment was shared by several other families. Leigh’s “children LOVED the pool area, huge slide and kiddie pool area.” Hope says this is their favorite moderately priced hotel because “the rooms are spacious and (they) loved the view in Alligator Bayou”. Families also loved the large pool with a water slide and the shuttle to the theme parks as well as the excellent service and chocolate milk on tap. A big bonus – many rooms accommodate a family of 5 in one room.
Parent Reviews of Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Rates begin at $136/night. Check Availability
Top Kid-friendly Hotel Near Universal Studios:
Universal’s Loews Royal Pacific Resort
Located just minutes from Universal Studios, Trekaroo families love Universal’s Loews Royal Pacific Resort. It’s no surprise, because this hotel has a fantastic pool designed to look like a South Seas Lagoon. This is not just a pool. The landscape transports you to a tropical paradise complete with water cannons, fake beach, and water polo equipment. You even get free use of the cool water taxi to Universal Studios, as well as no wait access to Universal’s parks and rides. PaulaKaronline sums up her impressions, “The hotel was breakthtaking, the food was excellent and the pool area was fantastic…the staff was super-friendly and eager to please.”
Parent Reviews of Universal Loews Royal Pacific Resort
Rates begin at $161/night. Check Availability
Wonder what Trekaroo Families voted as the Top Activities for Kids in Orlando?
Top Activities for Kids in Orlando, Florida - voted by parents
More Resources for Orlando
- All 71 Activities for Kids in and around Orlando, Florida
- Kid-friendly hotels in and around Orlando, Florida
- More Disney, Less Waiting – A review of RideMax
- 5 Tot-friendly Restaurants Favorites in at Disney
- Disney Hotels for Tween and Teens
- Top 5 “Must Do” Walt Disney World Attractions with Teens
- Free and Low-Cost Activities in Orlando for Preschoolers
- Water Parks in Florida
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LiLing Pang is a contributing author on Trekaroo – a reviews site dedicated to exploring and traveling with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NC | NY | PA | TX | VA | WA
Thanks to everyone for sharing all of your awesome game and toy ideas!
We’re planning to pull together an article to share for all the 2010 travel that we’ll be doing with the kids.
Congratulations to all the winners who contributed on the blog, Facebook, and Twitter:
kbcmom (trekaroo talk), RunnerGrrrl, Nikki Wang, Ami, familiarycerz, Carrie, msrigs, Maria Legato (FB), BAT (Trekaroo Talk), and Kim.
Entertaining little kids when traveling is often the most exhausting part of a family “vacation.” We thought it would be fun for all of us to share the tricks we have up our sleeves to create an exhaustive list of boredom busters. Leave a comment here or on twitter/facebook with your FREE or almost free activities or amusements. (Don’t forget to tell us your Trekaroo screenname or blog name so we can give you credit for your genius when we quote you.
The Steal – Win a Kid’s Travel Game 
We’ll be giving away ten fun toys to keep your kids occupied on the road.
Number of Winners: Ten (10)
Prize: 1 Travel Game (We’ve got CandyLand, Hungry, Hungry Hippos, Travel MagnaDoodle, and 7 Wikki Stix sets)
To enter:
Tell us one FREE game or creative activity you use to keep your kids entertained when traveling and why it works so well. Each idea is one entry. You can leave a comment below, tweet your idea to @trekaroo, or leave a comment on Facebook. One entry per idea.
Rules and guidelines:
- 18 years of age or older
- US Residents only
- One entry per person
Deadline to enter: Sunday, January 31, 2010 at 11:59PM PST
Related articles:
- 10 Fun Travel Activities for Kids
- Games on the Go
- Travel Toy Recommendations for Babies and Toddlers
- Top 10 Travel Toys for Elementary School Kids
- Top 5 Travel Toys for Preschoolers
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 or Broadway 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.
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Esther Lee is a contributing author on Trekaroo – a reviews site dedicated to exploring and traveling with kids.
Travel with kids to: CA | CO | DC | FL | HI | IL | MA | NY | PA | TX | VA | WA
