Viva Las Vegas!

Las Vegas is actually one of my favorite cities. For some it may be gaudy, corny, and loud, but I still see it as a glittery place that’s really fascinating for everyone, not just those that are over 21 years of age. I first went to Las Vegas as a child, so I know that it’s possible to take children there. Not everyone who goes to Las Vegas are big rollers but still enjoy themselves. There is no need to break the bank to have a wonderful time in Las Vegas. Sometimes it all comes down to knowing where the best deals are and being smart about where to stay.

Hotels located directly on the famed Las Vegas Strip are of course going to be more pricey than the ones located just a little off it. Not staying on the Strip doesn’t negate from your Las Vegas experience, and you can still visit the famous hotels and casinos and gamble there, enjoy the food and other facilities even if you’re not actually staying there. These non-Strip hotels are just as good as some of the ones on it. Visit travel sites and see how hotels rank with real-life travelers.

And because Las Vegas is such a tourist hub, getting there could be easier than you once thought. Peak seasons will likely have an increase with regards to ticket and accommodations. The best way to get the best deals in Las Vegas is to go during the off season. Las Vegas doesn’t really have an off season per se, but it surely beats going there when everyone else is. The off season we’re referring to are those times when people aren’t likely to be flocking there. In short, it’s NOT summer, spring break, or winter holidays.

Keep these in mind, and have a fabulous Vegas time!

A Family Vacation for ALL

“You’re going on a vacation with your little children? Are you insane?”

That’s probably one of the things you’re going to hear when you start asking about good family vacation spots and activities. You can’t blame them, as traveling with children can be quite a challenging feat. The good news, however, is that it’s not impossible and your options are many and varied.

My family traveled a lot when my siblings and I were little, so there were like three children to look after and keep entertained. I believe the secret to having a family vacation that both kids and adults can enjoy is to find places where activities appeal to both parties. My parents achieved that. Among places I can suggest (it’s a pretty unusual list) are:

Disneyland/Disneyworld
Even if you are a cynical adult, you have to admit that you have a soft spot for the Magic Kingdom. It’s because the memories you forged there as a child were so good it’s ingrained in you forever. Why not do it for your kids? You can ride the teacups, the cable cars, Magic Mountain, among others. The “It’s A Small World” ride still appeals to me even as an adult. Older children may like the thrill (or mini heart attack) that the Twilight Zone ride gives. You can watch the parade on Main Street and then the light and fireworks show later on. It’s reliving your childhood while sharing it with your children. Win-win.

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Universal Studios
I’d go have a future family vacation in Universal if only to hear E.T. say my name once again (note: The E.T. ride is now only available in Universal Studios Florida). Any of the Universal Studios locations are good picks. You can interact with your children and explain to them what that talking car was about or why there is a giant shark with its mouth open. If you are a movie-watching family, this place will really keep kids entertained.

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Las Vegas
Yes, you read that right. As a child, I loved Las Vegas. I loved seeing the lights. I loved eating as much mashed potatoes as I wanted. I loved winning tickets and exchanging them for prizes. My parents utilized the Midway to keep kids happy while they sat on slots. Of course it wasn’t all about fun and games. Las Vegas has a lot of shows and I’ve watched many great magic shows and circus acts as a child. Cirque du Soleil is breathtaking to watch no matter what age you are.

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Historic Places
Personally I think these are great places for kids to visit because they’ll actually be in places most people would only read about in books. It also helps that you are interested in things like that because children will ask questions. My parents took us to the Statue of Liberty and I never saw it the same way again. My parents took us to see the pyramids up close, which would mean I was horseback riding in the Sahara. How many children can say they’ve been to Egypt? These kinds of places are a great way to teach your kids something else aside from the usual school stuff.

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The Beach
Come on, you’re going on a vacation, might as well go to the beach right? The beach is all kinds of perfect, and resorts have all sorts of activities planned for both adults and kids, or even the family as a whole. The children can play on the sand while you relax and sip your drink. You can try something new and get surfing lessons and what-not.

See? A family vacation isn’t that hard to plan. You don’t need to stress about it. Just remember, enjoy yourself and take photos. Take lots of photos.

Touring Disneyland

Take a Disneyland Tour

If you love Disneyland or have never been there before, you might want to consider taking a Disneyland tour.  Currently there are four tours that you can choose from and you’re required to have a paid admission to take the tours.  You also should make a reservation for any tours that you want to take.

The “Discover the Magic Tour” is probably the most popular of the four tours available.  You’ll be working alongside popular Disney characters to hunt for treasure as you fine clues.  You can live out a Disneyland fantasy and outsmart the bad guys.  The tour includes lunch and a give that is exclusive to the tour.  The three hour “Discover the Magic Tour” costs $49.00 each with a two ticket minimum (and each additional ticket is $39.00).  The age range for this tour is 5-9 years old and adults.  It’s not appropriate for children under 5 or kids in strollers.

For adults (not appropriate for children) who love Disneyland and Disneyland history, there’s the VIP tour.  The cost is $75.00 per hour, for up to 10 people.  This tour must be booked well in advance or there’s an additional $20.00 fee. 

Are you going to Disneyland for the first time?  Then the “Welcome to Disneyland Tour” is perfect for you.  This two and a half hour tour has many benefits including tips and suggestions, priority seating at one of the stage shows and one of the restaurants, two bonus FastPass tickets, a history of the park and much more.  The cost of the tour is $25.00 per person.

Have you ever wondered what Walt Disney envisioned for his company and park?  Then you can’t miss “A Walk in Walt’s Footsteps” which focuses on Walt Disney’s vision.  This tour is filled with trivia and history about Disneyland, lasts for more than 3 hours and costs $49.00 per person.  It’s not suitable for small children.  A highlight of the tour is a tour of the exclusive restaurant Club 33. 

If you’re planning on visiting Disneyland (especially if this is your first time) then considering taking a Disneyland tour – where you’ll discover new and wonderful things about the “happiest place on earth.”

Three Helpful Tips to Make Your Disneyland Adventure More Fun

A source of frustration for many Disneyland visitors are the long lines.  On a busy day, sometimes people have to wait for several hours for the most popular rides and attractions.  When visiting Disneyland, you can avoid the lines in three different ways.

First of all, arrive at the park early.  The earlier you arrive the shorter the lines.

Choose your rides.  Many times, people start at the first ride they see.  Instead, have a map of Disneyland and head for the rides that you want to ride the most.  That way, you’ll be able to ride several times if you choose.

Another option that will help you avoid the long lines that Disneyland is famous for is to ride later in the evening when people have already left or they’re enjoying the shows.  While Disneyland’s nightly entertaining is happening, you’ll be able to find shorter lines.  Of course, this means that you’ll probably miss the entertainment however this is an option for you.

FastPass

Another option to avoiding the long lines at popular Disneyland attractions is the FastPass. You can purchase a FastPass ticket for rides that offer them.  Make sure that you do this early in the day to make sure that you get the opportunity to ride them.

FastPass tickets can be purchased from machines located near the rides. Now, this doesn’t mean that by purchasing a FastPass ticket you get to move to the front of the line – it means that you can schedule the time that you’ll be able to ride.  More like scheduling an appointment. After you purchase your ticket, you can then go enjoy the park and return when your ride time approaches.

After you purchase your FastPass, you will be given a one hour timeframe to ride.  For instance, if your FastPass ticket is from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm, you can show up and move to the front of the line during that time.  You must have your Disneyland ticket in order to purchase a FastPass.

FastPasses are available for Indiana Jones, Autotopia, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Roger Rabbits Cartoon Spin, and Buzz Lightyear.

Package Express –

Of course, when you visit Disneyland, you’ll wind up purchasing all sorts of fun souvenirs.  But that means that you’ll wind up trying to hold all your packages and carrying them all over the park.

One of the features that you can utilize is the Package Express Service.  This way you can make your purchases and not have to carry them all over the park.

The way this feature works is that you make your purchases, which is then delivered to the Newsstand, located near the exit.  The Package Express then allows you to pick up your packages as you leave the park.

One word of caution however, if you stay until closing, the pickup line will be very long.

If you are fortunate enough to be staying in one of the resort hotels, you can have your purchases sent directly to your hotel.  This is extremely convenient because you can stay until the park closes and not have the trouble of standing in a long line.

You also have the option of renting a locket to put your purchases in until you leave.  This will require you to walk back to the locker each time you make a purchase.

Entertainment at Disneyland

Disneyland.  Just the word brings a smile to most faces and people who have visited the “happiest place on earth” agree that they have memories that will last a lifetime.  There’s always something to see or do at Disneyland, and  Disneyland provides more with nightly entertainment during the peak season, and weekend programs during the off-season. There are also special holiday programs during Fourth of July and Christmas.

One of the things to look forward to is Fantasmic which is held twice nightly  during peak season, and on weekends during the off-season. The show is located on Tom Sawyer’s Island, and has many characters, music, and fireworks. For the best seating possible, you should purchase tickets for Fantasmic in advance.  Free seating is also available, and is included in your price of admission to Disneyland.

Another “can’t miss” entertainment is the “Parade of Dreams” featuring colorful floats accompanied by Disney characters.  Twice each day the parade heads through the park, stopping three times for a choreographed show.  Many classic as well as new Disney characters are a part of the “Parade of Dreams”.

If you are a fan of Snow White, head over to the Fantasyland Theater for a musical of Snow White, held several times daily.  This fantastic show is held several times daily and no reservations are required.

There are always new shows opening and older ones closing so make sure that you check with the park for a list and schedule of all available shows.

FIREWORKS!!!  One thing that Disneyland is known for are their fireworks which are held late each night just before the park closes. Even if you miss them, if you’re staying near the park you can probably see them from your hotel window. Most people agree that the view of the fireworks from in front of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle is the best.  If you can arrange to visit Disneyland on 4th of July, the fireworks are even more spectacular.

Finding out about special shows and events during your visit is as simple as visiting the Disneyland website, calling the park or checking with your travel agent.  You can also ask when you arrive at the park.

Most of the entertainment is free of charge – all inclusive in your price of admission, however, special or priority seating usually is charged and requires a reservation.  Again, the website can give you all the information you need to know.

How to Dine With Disneyland Characters

Part of the thrill of Disneyland are all the characters—not only for children but also for the adults who grew up with Mickey, Minnie and Goofy.  That’s why one of the most memorable meals at Disneyland are the Disneyland Character meals.  These dining experiences allow you and your family to spend time with one or more Disneyland characters.

How do you get the opportunity to dine with one of your favorite Disney characters?  Well, first of all, make a reservation. You can do this through the Disneyland Vacation Planning Services Department. Because reservations fill up fast, make sure that you don’t procrastinate.  Reservations can be made up to sixty days in advance. Make your reservations while you’re planning your Disneyland visit.

Character breakfasts take place each morning. For these you don’t need a reservation. The breakfasts take place in many of the parks restaurants, but one of the best is Goofy’s Kitchen, located in the Disneyland Hotel. One of the best things about Goofy’s Kitchen is that children under three years of age get to eat free.  (This is great for planning the budget for your trip.)

Goofy and Pluto are always there, and other characters come and go all throughout the day. You should definitely make reservations for Goofy’s kitchen, as it is quite popular, and the wait can be very long.

If you have little girls who love princesses in your group, then consider dining at Ariel’s Grotto.  This elegant dining room serves three course meals and is a restaurant that can be enjoyed by both children as well as adults.

Your table will be visited by princesses (one at a time) who will spend a little time at your table during the meal.  It is recommended that you make reservations for Ariel’s Grotto well in advance. (Both alcoholic as well as non-alcoholic drinks are served here.)

Do you enjoy Minnie Mouse?  If so then The Storyteller’s Café might be a consideration.  Characters are only here for breakfast and tables are not visited individually, however the characters do interact with kids as a group.  Buffet and menu meals are available and reservations are recommended.  In addition to the Minnie Mouse breakfast, Lilo and Stitch also have a character breakfast.

Including character meals in your Disneyland vacation plans are something you should definitely consider.  These meals are something you and your kids will remember and cherish.

Amusement Park Lovers

Are you trying to figure out where to go on your summer vacation? Sometimes this can be difficult to determine not only where you’re going but what you’ll be doing when you get there – especially when travelers all want to do different things.

Well fortunately when you’re seeking places to go on your summer vacation there are an almost unlimited number of options.  In fact, too many, so sit down with everyone who will be going on vacation (and who gives input) and make a list.

For instance, if you love excitement and thrills, consider an amusement or theme park.  This can be an exciting vacation with ready made things to do for the entire family…there’s something for everyone.

In some areas, an amusement park is also called a “theme” park…referring to the fact that there’s a ‘theme’ – this could be cartoon characters, a musical style, animals or other popular topics.

Once you’ve decided that an amusement park is the way to go for your vacation, you need to determine which park you’d like to visit.  If you’re vacationing on a budget, consider visiting an amusement park that’s located close to your home.  Otherwise, look at parks located in other areas of the country or even the world.

Activities.  Before you choose the amusement park that you’re planning on visiting, make sure that you think about the amount of activities at that particular park.  If you’ll be traveling you will also have to make accommodations.  Perhaps one of the simplest things you can do is to consider staying at an amusement park resort.

Staying in a resort at an amusement park has many added benefits that could appeal to the entire family. For instance, some sites have, in addition to hotels, spas, golf courses and restaurants.  So, if you decide to, you could also enjoy a round of golf or a spa day.

What are the most popular amusement park resort in the U.S.?  Well these are Disneyland, Disney World and Orlando Studios.  So if you’re planning on going to any of these, it’s important that you make reservations well in advance.  If you don’t have a reservation, you can still get into the park, however, you might not be able to stay at the resort.

The down-side of staying in amusement park resorts is that they can be expensive.  So if you’re interested in a less expensive way to go, consider a traditional amusement park that also offers onsite camping or look just outside the resort for a budget hotel.

Traditional amusement parks in the United States include Bush Gardens, Six Flags, Knott’s Berry Farm and Sea World.  These are also considered theme parks so, for instance, Sea World focuses on marine life while Six Flags has a Looney Tunes theme.

After you’ve determined where you’d like to go, start making preparations.  If  you get the entire family involved prior to leaving, you’ll all have fun before and during your vacation and you’ll create lifetime memories.