Today was the first day Optimus Prime was revealed atop his perch on the new Transformers: The Ride – 3D at Universal Studios Florida. Autobot leader Optimus Prime stands guard at 28 feet tall and weighs nearly nine tons, beckoning recruits to join the resistance… Read More »Transformers: The Ride Begins Soft Openings at Universal Studios Florida
At a time when the summer season is still just getting started, Gay Days is a welcome boost to Orlando’s tourism industry bringing over 150,000 Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transexual guests and their families to Central Florida. The annual event started today and runs through… Read More »Gay Days Bringing Tourism Dollars to Orlando This Week
Disney’s Art of Animation Suites sleep six comfortably.
A family of five isn’t a “big” family by any means, but it is by Disney standards, where most rooms sleep four people. Because of this, many families mistakenly believe they won’t fit in a standard room, much less in a value room, when in reality there are some attractive options for “larger” families. Even better, these options don’t have to break the bank.
Value Resort Options:
Disney value resorts are the gold standard for guests looking to economize on vacation. The good news is that a value room gives you all the benefits of staying on property at a great price. The no-so-good news is that a standard room in a value resort can be a tight fit, with just two double beds and a small bathroom, and since these rooms only sleep four (plus one child under the age of three), they’re unsuitable for larger families. Fortunately, almost all Disney resort rooms connect, so you can book two rooms for up to eight people. Depending on the ages of the children, parents can have one room to themselves and the kids can share the other room, with the door open between them. This is by far the most economical option for most larger families. When you make your reservation, ask to book your rooms under one reservation number and one deposit.Read More »Best Resort Room Options for Families of Five or More.
A lot of time is spent talking about Advanced Dining Reservations or how to maximize the value of your Disney Dining Plan, but the reality for most Disney World guests is that they’ll be eating mostly at one of the many counter service locations. So, I’ve put together a list of hits, misses, and some hidden gems for those dining on a budget or who just don’t want to take the time away from the attractions a sit down restaurant requires.
Read More »Counter Service Hits and Misses at Walt Disney World
If you’ve been waiting to visit Discovery Cove until it became more affordable, you may be surprised to know that it’s already quite a good value, perhaps the best value in Orlando when you consider all that a day trip involves.
For my wife’s birthday this year, I booked us an all-day inclusive Dolphin Swim Day Resort package at Discovery Cove. We’ve been to Discovery Cove a couple times before, but she never had the full experience including the Dolphin interaction. She’s not that fond of swimming in water with fish in it, but I told her dolphins are actually mammals, not fish, so she agreed to try it.
A day at Discovery Cove is as relaxing or as exciting as you want it to be. Our tickets included not only the 30-minute dolphin interaction, but also access to The Grand Reef, Explorer’s Aviary, Freshwater Oasis & the Tropical River. Food and drinks are served for Breakfast, Lunch, and snacks, and the price includes beer, wine, and some alcoholic mixers as well. Read More »Discovery Cove, Orlando’s Best Value?
Sure, Disney World is great for kids, but it’s also a lot of fun for grown ups—there’s a reason it’s one of the most popular honeymoon locations in the world. Since our kids are young, we can’t always enjoy some of the more grown up restaurants or even some of the attractions, so my husband and I usually plan a night out without the kids. I find that not only does it give us a nice night out together, it also gives the kids some low-key fun and a break from the parks, something even the most ardent little Disney fan sometimes needs. Sounds great, you say, but who’s going to watch the kids? Well, that’s the easy part.
Sitter Options. Unless you’re traveling with extended family or friends who offer to watch the little ones while you go out, you’re probably going to need a sitter. Fortunately, you have two very convenient, safe options.Read More »Date Night at Disney World
Childproofing your resort room isn’t the most glamorous aspect of planning your next Walt Disney World vacation, but taking a few minutes before you leave can give you peace of mind later. Most of us with children childproofed our homes as soon as we figured out just how dangerous our innocuous looking houses can be to a rambunctious toddler, but few of us think about doing the same thing while on vacation.
While it’s no substitute for a keeping a watchful eye on your child, there are a few things you can do to make your resort room or rental house more safe.Read More »Childproofing Your Resort Room
Okay, so it’s painfully obvious that I love Disney World, but even a diehard fan like me has the occasional head-scratching moment over some things that achieve cult status among Disney fans. Whether it’s food, a certain restaurant, or even a resort, I just don’t get it and I think I’m not the only one. Or at least I hope not.
Here are my top five overrated Disney things.
5. The Polynesian.
For years I’ve wondered why the Polynesian, which essentially looks like the hotel the Brady Bunch would have stayed in during their family trip to Hawaii if Mr. Brady wasn’t still paying alimony to his first wife, has such a cult following. Sure, it’s got a great pool and gorgeous landscaping. The way they light the grounds at night is breathtaking and, dare I say it, romantic. And you can’t beat the location on the Magic Kingdom monorail. Beyond that, however, it’s kind of underwhelming: Dark rooms, dated furniture, and a small lobby. And I’m pretty sure that 90% of the plugs in the rooms don’t even work.Read More »Top Five Most Overrated Disney World Things