Archive

Posts Tagged ‘Disney World’

Budgeting While At Disney World

January 17th, 2010 No comments

You are at Disney, Florida or Paris, and now, you are looking at the long queue. For almost all the popular rides, you will have to wait for quite a time as you can see the never ending queues, not to mention that you have only one day to spend there. So what do you think can be done?

It is advisable if you will choose a certain queue over the other for the similar ride then you can save a lot of time. There are many secret entrance ways or you can take various short-cuts that will help you to by pass the crowd and reach your favorite ride.

You can get this information from the Disney World vacation saving and travel guide which will help you know Disneyland in a better way. You can also go for the Ultimate Disney World Saving Guide by Beth Haworth which is full of hot tips for those venturing to Disney World.

The next thing to get hold on is at the time of making initial admission fee. You can collect Fastpass at this time which is free of cost. Get as many as you can get. The only thing to be kept in mind about it is that once you have used it, you will have to wait for about 2 hours to use it again.

The catch is to first enquire about the rides as well as attractions where the Fastpass can be used. Use it as many times as you can. If you manage to grab more than one Fastpass in the beginning, then with a little extra attention, you can enjoy the rides without worrying about queues.

It is good to know for which Disney rides you can use the fastpass. If you are able to use this pass sensibly you can and will surely save a lot of time.

The Disney credit card is a great card all round. The Disney rewards card is an ideal compliment to your Disney World trip so check out just how much it can help you enhance your Disney trip even more!

Why Mexico is the Perfect Holiday Destination for a Family Holiday

October 29th, 2009 No comments

Vacationing with your relations in Mexico offers several benefits. Though loads of cities are associated with constant partying, there is also loads of fun stuff that are designed for young children and teenagers. Many children receive discounts at many trendy tourist attractions. Selecting an all-inclusive vacation package for the whole family is one of the best methods for every person to enjoy their holiday in Mexico, without having to worry about the money.

If you are interested in visiting Mexico with your family, you will want to examine some of the many attractions that are specifically geared towards children. These attractions and activities are ideal for making the most out of your family vacation. Below is a summary of just a few of the many attractions and resorts that you may find exciting in Mexico. For additional information, you are encouraged to contact your local travel agent or use the internet to guide you in your search.

Located on the Mayan Riviera is the Xcaret Theme Park. The Xcaret Theme Park is a extra ordinary attraction for those who are looking for a lovely family resort. Located in Cancun, Mexico, the Xcaret Theme Park is a theme park that is often compared to Disney World or Disneyland. Similar to Disneyland and Disney World, you can expect to enjoy a fun filled day at Xcaret, thanks to brilliant rides and the fun things to do.

A deep underground river is a popular feature of the Xcaret Theme Park. You and your family can see plenty of beautiful tropical plants as you enjoy the river. Xcaret is also host to many wild and exotic animals. There is a butterfly pavilion, a coral reef aquarium, and you are given the chance to swim with dolphins. Many children, as well as adults, will be thrilled with this theme park. In addition to the Xcaret Theme Park, Cancun offers many family friendly resorts. To find a luxury resort that offers family oriented activities you may want to check on the internet or speak with your local travel agent.

Cozumel also offers many great attractions and activities that are designed for individuals of all ages, including children. Cozumel is ideal for family vacation, especially because it has one of the lowest crime rates in Mexico, as well as the world. Cozumel is home to some of the most beautiful coral reefs. This often creates an incredible adventure and learning experience for children. If your children will enjoy scuba diving or snorkelling, then you will want to plan a trip to Cozumel.

With so many options for families, choosing a Mexican all-inclusive holiday is a great idea. The vacation package may also include items such as snacks, drinks, meals, as well as hotel accommodations and airfare. Teaching children about various cultures and customs and letting them view the Mayan ruins first hand is an brilliant lesson in geography and history. While education is nice, the above mentioned locations do not completely just focus on it. There are so many fun filled activities such as snorkelling, diving, swimming, hiking, fishing, sailing, and parasailing. These activities are terrific for families with active children.

In addition to the above mentioned popular Mexican destinations are that are designed for the whole family, you may want to consider additional sights and attractions. Mexico has so much to offer you and your family. In fact, you and your family may wish that you could stay in longer.

Learn more about mexican vacations. Stop by Marc Carson’s site where you can find out all about playa del carmen vacation.

Hotels Near Walt Disney World: Why You Should Consider Staying Off Disney Property

July 11th, 2009 No comments
by Nancy Bobby

If you are planning a vacation to Walt Disney World, while you and your family may be very excited, you also may be concerned with how much it will cost. However, there are a number of ways that you can save money on your Disney trip. Instead of staying on Disney property, consider accommodations in one of the many hotels near Walt Disney World.

The benefits to staying off-property are many. To start, expect to get larger and/or better accommodations for the same or less money than you would have spent at a Disney property. If you have a large family, this is especially important, as a typical hotel room is not usually large enough. Plus, if you are traveling during the busy holiday seasons, or peak summer/school vacations, you will find it to be much easier to find rooms in a lower price range.

Planning to visit any non-Disney parks or attractions? You can save money here as well, since a number of off-site properties offer discounts to the more popular events and venues. Another cost-saver will be easier access to a greater variety of restaurants and shopping.

When staying off-site, you may find that theme park transportation is included, as well as free breakfast. Many properties have pool areas that are the envy of anything on Disney property, as well as offering suites with mini-kitchens, fitness and recreation opportunities and a host of family/children’s activities.

There is no doubt that you will not have a 24/7 Disney experience if you stay off-site…but you may be one who finds that to be advantageous. There are many who find they just need a break from all that pixie dust…and staying off Disney property can provide that much needed dose of reality every day.

Many folks do not realize that there are several “non-Disney” hotels that are actually on Disney property. You will find a few in Downtown Disney, and then there are the lovely Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin resorts, located within easy distance of both Epcot and Hollywood Studios. In any of these hotels, you will get many of the Disney resort guest benefits, but without the cost that goes along with those benefits. It’s a great compromise for those who want a more Disney experience but with a lower price tag.

Are there any disadvantages to staying off Disney property? The greatest potential problem could be transportation, and this is one are that you should investigate carefully if you are planning on using your hotel’s available shuttle service. For example, some hotels share shuttles, or charge for their use. This can become challenging if you want to take afternoon breaks from the parks. You can rent a car, but you should know that there will be a parking fee, and if visiting on peak holidays, the parking lots may be closed to non-Disney guests. Nevertheless, if you do your research, you will find a number of excellent options where transportation will not be an issue.

Staying in one of the hotels near Walt Disney World should definitely be considered as a great way to save money on your next Disney vacation. Lots of great benefits, and a great price tag: it’s a great combination in today’s economy!

About the Author:

How To Decide On Orlando Holiday Villas Or Hotels

April 17th, 2009 No comments

So you’re thinking of booking Orlando holiday villas but can’t decide whether they are better than hotels for your vacation package. In the Disney area there are hundreds of both sorts of accommodation to choose from so which best suits your plans and budget? What are the pros and cons of each option?

The best known hotels are the resort hotels in Disney World and these may be your best option if you have a small group or if you intend to use almost all of your vacation in Orlando out and about in Walt Disney’s theme parks. Check out the vacation package deals that give you park passes as part of the total cost and compare this to your expenses if you had to buy tickets separately. Factor in the benefits of free transportation (although some local hotels offer free shuttle buses) and extended park hours (if applicable) and this could be the best option for your budget.

One cost to factor into your planning is the car expense. If you plan to fly down to Florida and stay at a hotel offering park transportation, you may not need to hire a car. Even if you’re driving down so you have no car hire cost, you can still avoid parking and gas charges if the hotel can provide you with the transportation you need.

Some families prefer to stay in a hotel so that the children can find playmates when playing at the hotel pool. For some parents this takes the pressure off having to keep the kids amused all the time and it often helps stop the squabbling between siblings if there is someone else to play with. Many of the hotels often have other activities like video games or pool tables or ping pong which help to stop the kids getting bored.

To conclude the examination of hotels, also factor in the quality and security benefits you get. Security: you can pay by credit card and take comfort from the protection that the card company provides if anything goes wrong. Quality: leading hotel chains promote their brand by standardizing the style, size and extras that they supply across the board.

How does this compare with an Orlando holiday villa?

One big advantage in using an Orlando holiday villa is the cost benefit if your family or group is large. The majority of vacation home owners or management companies price their homes independently of the party size. So a 5 bedroom 4 bathroom home that sleeps up to 12 people could be far more economical than the equivalent number of hotel rooms. In addition, children sleep in their own bedrooms, leaving parents to get a good night’s sleep in private just as they do in their own home.

And wouldn’t you like to have some sort of eating-in facility while you’re on vacation so that you’re not forced to go to the fast food place or family diner whenever you want to eat or drink? Orlando holiday villas come complete with some level of dining area and a fully equipped kitchen so you can enjoy a snack or even a formal meal whenever you wish.

Orlando holiday villas also offer more in the way of laid-back relaxation. When you want a little time away from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks, your own private screened pool is a great way to chill out, complete with towels and pool toys on hand when required. Tire the family out by encouraging them to use the games room that enthusiastic vacation rental home owners have built – pool and foosball tables, ping pong and darts are just some of what’s available. And keep them entertained when they’re ready to watch the multiple TVs and DVD players many homes now include.

So make your own choice – what’s most attractive to you, hotel rooms or Orlando holiday villas?

About the Author:

Ten Questions Before You Book That Orlando Vacation Rental Home

March 30th, 2009 No comments

An Orlando vacation is the dream getaway for most families. Every year about fifty million people make the journey to Florida to enjoy the pleasures that Disney, Sea World and Universal provide. It’s a truly magical place for the whole family.

Even though tourists spend most of their time at the theme parks, accommodation is obviously a very important issue for them to decide on. Hotels and motels are the obvious choice and there are many of them to pick from. But a new industry has developed during the past few years that is becoming increasingly popular.

There are now literally thousands of single-family homes and condos in the Disney World and Orlando areas that are rented out by their owners on a short-term basis, just like hotel or motel rooms. So families and groups who want to enjoy more space and the comforts of home have a definite alternative.

Most of the properties are situated within just a few minutes’ drive of the Disney theme parks. There is an enormous variety of property styles and sizes, ranging from two bedroom condos to six bedroom single family homes or even larger. Some communities include additional facilities such as a movie theater, a club house and a gym for those moments when Mickey isn’t capturing your attention.

The vacation rental industry has grown in popularity so much that few families want to return to the restrictions of a hotel once they’ve sampled the extra freedom and flexibility. But like any purchase, there are hidden aspects to think about.

Helped by the communication tools of the Internet, a lot of owners and almost all of the vacation rental companies have built clever and convincing web sites with photos and summaries of why you should book with them. But they are in business to make money and you should be very clear about all the terms and conditions before you buy. For example, you should ask:

* How many nights is the minimum I can book?

* How much deposit do I have to pay to secure a booking?

* When is the total rental payment due to be paid?

* What is your refund policy if I cancel?

* Can you confirm the total amount including tax and other charges that you will require?

* Will we actually be staying in the home that you’ve shown me pictures of or do you allocate homes only on arrival?

* What is check in time on the day of arrival?

* What is check-out time on the day I leave?

* Can I pay by credit card?

* Do you require any security deposit to be held until after departure?

So the overall message is: just like making any substantial purchase, get the answers you need before you commit to a booking.

About the Author: