Florida has some of the best family entertainment anywhere in the U.S. Starting with it's beautiful beaches and vacation homes at Destin Beach, to the unique experience of the Florida Keys.
Stand on the Southern most point in the continental U.S. Enjoy great entertainment and food. Shop and explore history including Hemingway's beach cottage.
Visit the Everglades, Miami and South Beach. Collect Seashells at Sanibel Island, visit the oldest settlement in U.S. history, St. Augustines, Florida.
Stay at the fantastic Vero Beach Resorts, and experience the world famous Theme Parks of Kissimee/Orlando and Tampa, St.Petersburg, Florida. Disney World, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens, Sea World and many others keep all family members smiling.
Driving from Gainesville to the southern keys can be accomplished quite quickly. But take your time and enjoy the sightseeing.
Florida may be the best family vacation choice anywhere.
Best Vacations, Mom of Five
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
Washington (Seattle)
Seattle has been inhabited by Native Americans for over 4,000 years. English settlement began in the 19th century. Seattle is named after the Seath, the chief of the two local tribes. Nick names include: "Gateway to Alaska", "Rain City", "Jet City", influence of Boeing, and the "Emerald City".
Seattle is the birthplace of music legends and grunge music including: Nirvana, Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and the infamous Jimmy Hendrix. Seattle has a reputation as a coffee capital. Coffee companies founded or based in Seattle include Seattle's Best Coffee, Tully's, and Starbuck's. Starbucks has been at Pike Place Market since the coffee company was founded there in 1971. There are many successful independent artisan, espresso roasters and cafes located throughout the city. Pikes Place Market place located at the water front, is an open air market place where you can buy or just browse the fresh catches of the day and view the local artisan's crafts.
Seattle is located between an inlet of the Pacific Ocean to the west called Puget Sound and Lake Washington to the east .Lake Washington Ship canals are a series of two man-made canals, all part of Puget Sound. This beautiful area offers fishing, sailing, skiing, bicycling, camping, and hiking almost year-round.
The Space Needle is Seattle's most recognizable landmark Famous for television and movies including: series Grey's Anatomy, Frazier and iCarly, and films such as Sleepless in Seattle. The fairgrounds surrounding the Needle are somewhat carnival like, the younger kids enjoyed. Much of the area has been converted into Seattle Center, site of many local civic and cultural events, such as Bumbershoot, Folklife, and the Bite of Seattle. The View atop the Needle is quite spectacular. Dinner at the top can be expensive, and you must make reservations.
Most unexpected fun, Ride the Ducks! A fun filled guided tour of Seattle via a water and ground siteseeing vehicle. Thats right its a street vehicle and watercraft in one.
Seattle's annual fairs and festivals: Seattle International Film Festival, Northwest Folklife, over the Memorial Day Weekend, Seafair events throughout July and August , the Bite of Seattle, and one of the largest Gay Pride festivals in the United States. Bumbershoot, the art and music festival which programs music as well as other art and entertainment over the Labor Day weekend. Also Hempfest and 2 Fourth of July celebrations.
Just a quick note on Hotels . We love Marriot... the most comfortable beds, cleanest rooms, and reasonable rates. Join the points club and get nights free.
Best Vacations, Mom of Five
Seattle is the birthplace of music legends and grunge music including: Nirvana, Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and the infamous Jimmy Hendrix. Seattle has a reputation as a coffee capital. Coffee companies founded or based in Seattle include Seattle's Best Coffee, Tully's, and Starbuck's. Starbucks has been at Pike Place Market since the coffee company was founded there in 1971. There are many successful independent artisan, espresso roasters and cafes located throughout the city. Pikes Place Market place located at the water front, is an open air market place where you can buy or just browse the fresh catches of the day and view the local artisan's crafts.
Seattle is located between an inlet of the Pacific Ocean to the west called Puget Sound and Lake Washington to the east .Lake Washington Ship canals are a series of two man-made canals, all part of Puget Sound. This beautiful area offers fishing, sailing, skiing, bicycling, camping, and hiking almost year-round.
The Space Needle is Seattle's most recognizable landmark Famous for television and movies including: series Grey's Anatomy, Frazier and iCarly, and films such as Sleepless in Seattle. The fairgrounds surrounding the Needle are somewhat carnival like, the younger kids enjoyed. Much of the area has been converted into Seattle Center, site of many local civic and cultural events, such as Bumbershoot, Folklife, and the Bite of Seattle. The View atop the Needle is quite spectacular. Dinner at the top can be expensive, and you must make reservations.
Most unexpected fun, Ride the Ducks! A fun filled guided tour of Seattle via a water and ground siteseeing vehicle. Thats right its a street vehicle and watercraft in one.
Seattle's annual fairs and festivals: Seattle International Film Festival, Northwest Folklife, over the Memorial Day Weekend, Seafair events throughout July and August , the Bite of Seattle, and one of the largest Gay Pride festivals in the United States. Bumbershoot, the art and music festival which programs music as well as other art and entertainment over the Labor Day weekend. Also Hempfest and 2 Fourth of July celebrations.
Just a quick note on Hotels . We love Marriot... the most comfortable beds, cleanest rooms, and reasonable rates. Join the points club and get nights free.
Best Vacations, Mom of Five
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Oregon ( Mount Hood)
Mount Hood's snow-covered peak rises 11,249 feet. It is the highest mountain in Oregon, the fourth-highest in the Cascade Range and visible up to a hundred miles away.
Mt. Hood offers several ski resort areas including, Mt. Hood Timberline Ski Resort. Timberline offer great family skiing, many gentle slopes and a large lodge for having that hot cup of cocoa.. If you like hiking join the crowd, about 10,000 people attempt to climb Mt.Hood each year. One of the unique advantages of Timberline Ski Resort is the Timberline Lodge. Now privately owned, the lodge has been maintain as a beautiful old ski lodge from years gone by.
If you plan to stay at Timberline Lodge you will have a few options for accommodation. With a total of 70 room, only 60 of those have their own bathrooms. The other 10 have shared bathrooms. Sounds to rustic... Not really...The lodge is very comfortable. Rates for rooms with private bathrooms start at about $130 per night, while rates for rooms with shared bathrooms about $80 per night. The lodge can get busy on the weekends or on a holiday.
If you don't want to stay overnight, during the day, the lodge serves food for skiers and snowboarders, there is also a full-service bar at the lodge. Sit by the towering stone fireplace and watch the snow fall.The lodge is also fairly famous, it has made an appearance in a number of films including, The Shinning, Hear No Evil, Bend of the River, and All the young Men.
Best Vacations, Mom of Five
.
Mt. Hood offers several ski resort areas including, Mt. Hood Timberline Ski Resort. Timberline offer great family skiing, many gentle slopes and a large lodge for having that hot cup of cocoa.. If you like hiking join the crowd, about 10,000 people attempt to climb Mt.Hood each year. One of the unique advantages of Timberline Ski Resort is the Timberline Lodge. Now privately owned, the lodge has been maintain as a beautiful old ski lodge from years gone by.
If you plan to stay at Timberline Lodge you will have a few options for accommodation. With a total of 70 room, only 60 of those have their own bathrooms. The other 10 have shared bathrooms. Sounds to rustic... Not really...The lodge is very comfortable. Rates for rooms with private bathrooms start at about $130 per night, while rates for rooms with shared bathrooms about $80 per night. The lodge can get busy on the weekends or on a holiday.
If you don't want to stay overnight, during the day, the lodge serves food for skiers and snowboarders, there is also a full-service bar at the lodge. Sit by the towering stone fireplace and watch the snow fall.The lodge is also fairly famous, it has made an appearance in a number of films including, The Shinning, Hear No Evil, Bend of the River, and All the young Men.
Best Vacations, Mom of Five
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Sunday, August 9, 2009
Oregon (Cannon Beach,Seaside)
The state of Oregon located in the fantastic Northwest U.S is filled with natural beauty everywhere you look. Home to many of the most photographed places including the picturesque Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach, Oregon, and the high peak of Mt Hood. If you love the outdoors... Oregon has it all!
The first recorded European American journey to the area was made by William Clark, one of the leaders of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Clark and about 14 of his companions, including Sacagawea, arrived in Cannon Beach in 1806. Ecola State Park features several miles of hiking trails through forest, and beaches. Haystack Rock and the Needles are visible from many areas in the park. The 1985 film The Goonies was filmed there, and the final scenes of the 1991 film Point Break were filmed at Indian Beach. While in Cannon Beach we recommend eating at "Mo's", a family friendly seaside restaurant offering their famous clam chowder... it is delicious! Right next door the "Tolavar Inn" has fabulous Ocean views rooms. For breakfast, built in the pine trees of downtown Cannon Beach, the" Treetop Coffee Shop", you may have to wait on a busy summer morning, so get there early.
Seaside Oregon is a common tourist destination for residents of the Portland area. The city's population grows in the summer, particularly during some of the large events and festivals that Seaside hosts. The Lewis & Clark monument is located at the end of Turnabout Rd, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Just a short walk away is the Seaside Aquarium. There are funky shops, games, and restaurant in this seaside community.
We recommend staying at the "Shilo Inn Seaside" located directly on the beach and boardwalk, it has great access to everything.
Best Vacations, Mom of Five
The first recorded European American journey to the area was made by William Clark, one of the leaders of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Clark and about 14 of his companions, including Sacagawea, arrived in Cannon Beach in 1806. Ecola State Park features several miles of hiking trails through forest, and beaches. Haystack Rock and the Needles are visible from many areas in the park. The 1985 film The Goonies was filmed there, and the final scenes of the 1991 film Point Break were filmed at Indian Beach. While in Cannon Beach we recommend eating at "Mo's", a family friendly seaside restaurant offering their famous clam chowder... it is delicious! Right next door the "Tolavar Inn" has fabulous Ocean views rooms. For breakfast, built in the pine trees of downtown Cannon Beach, the" Treetop Coffee Shop", you may have to wait on a busy summer morning, so get there early.
Seaside Oregon is a common tourist destination for residents of the Portland area. The city's population grows in the summer, particularly during some of the large events and festivals that Seaside hosts. The Lewis & Clark monument is located at the end of Turnabout Rd, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Just a short walk away is the Seaside Aquarium. There are funky shops, games, and restaurant in this seaside community.
We recommend staying at the "Shilo Inn Seaside" located directly on the beach and boardwalk, it has great access to everything.
Best Vacations, Mom of Five
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
California (Lake Tahoe)
Lake Tahoe is a large freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada mountains. It is located between California and Nevada, east of Sacramento, California, and west of Carson City, Nevada. Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America.
My grandmother use to say "Lake Tahoe looks just like the European Alps". Though I have not been to Europe, Lake Tahoe is one of the most stunning, picturesque places that I have been lucky enough to experience.
Lake Tahoe is a major tourist hot spot. It is home to a number of ski resorts and summer recreation. On the Nevada side called Stateline, Nevada, are large casinos with big name entertainment and restaurants for every budget.
Ski Resorts Include
Heavenly Valley: at Stateline
Squaw Valley: north shore
Alpine Meadows: north shore
Diamond Peak: Incline Village, Nevada
Northstar at Tahoe: north shore
Kirkwood Mountain Resort: south shore
Sierra-at-Tahoe: south shore
Boreal Mountain Resort: Donner Pass
Sugar Bowl Ski Resort: Donner Pass
Donner Ski Ranch: Donner Pass
Homewood Ski Resort: west shore
Mount Rose Ski Resort: north-east of the Lake, on Slide Mountain
Snow tubing has become very popular, many of the ski areas now offer tubing, like Squaw Valley, some have rope tows for easy uphill climbing.
Cross country skiing, snowmobile riding, and snowshoeing are also popular.
Water sports
Late Spring to early Fall, the lake is popular for water sports. Boating and recreation are available on the South shore as well as the northern shoreline, including Tahoe City and Kings Beach. Boating is a primary activity in Tahoe in the summer. There are lake front restaurants with docks. Sailboat racing, firework shows, and guided cruises. SCUBA diving is popular at Lake Tahoe, with some dive sites offering dramatic drop-offs or wall dives. Lake Tahoe is considered advanced due to the increased risk of decompression sickness,
There are many hiking and mountain biking trails all around the lake. The Tahoe Rim Trail, a 165 mile trail that goes around the lake. West of the lake is the Granite Chief Wilderness, a great camping spot. Some more popular areas are, Desolation Wilderness and Eagle Lake Trailhead.
Gambling is legal on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe. Located on the South Shore in Stateline, and on the North Shore in Crystal Bay and Incline Village.
North Shore - Crystal Bay:
Cal Neva Lodge & Casino
Crystal Bay Club
Jim Kelley's Tahoe Nugget
Tahoe Biltmore Lodge & Casino
North Shore - Incline Village:
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa & Casino
South Shore - Stateline:
Bill's Casino Lake Tahoe
Harrah's Lake Tahoe
Harvey's Lake Tahoe Casino and Resort
Horizon Casino Resort
Lakeside Inn
MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa
Many of the hotels have areas for children to play an array of video game while you do a little gambling, and may also offer babysitting services to hotel guests.
Best Vacations, Mom of Five
My grandmother use to say "Lake Tahoe looks just like the European Alps". Though I have not been to Europe, Lake Tahoe is one of the most stunning, picturesque places that I have been lucky enough to experience.
Lake Tahoe is a major tourist hot spot. It is home to a number of ski resorts and summer recreation. On the Nevada side called Stateline, Nevada, are large casinos with big name entertainment and restaurants for every budget.
Ski Resorts Include
Heavenly Valley: at Stateline
Squaw Valley: north shore
Alpine Meadows: north shore
Diamond Peak: Incline Village, Nevada
Northstar at Tahoe: north shore
Kirkwood Mountain Resort: south shore
Sierra-at-Tahoe: south shore
Boreal Mountain Resort: Donner Pass
Sugar Bowl Ski Resort: Donner Pass
Donner Ski Ranch: Donner Pass
Homewood Ski Resort: west shore
Mount Rose Ski Resort: north-east of the Lake, on Slide Mountain
Snow tubing has become very popular, many of the ski areas now offer tubing, like Squaw Valley, some have rope tows for easy uphill climbing.
Cross country skiing, snowmobile riding, and snowshoeing are also popular.
Water sports
Late Spring to early Fall, the lake is popular for water sports. Boating and recreation are available on the South shore as well as the northern shoreline, including Tahoe City and Kings Beach. Boating is a primary activity in Tahoe in the summer. There are lake front restaurants with docks. Sailboat racing, firework shows, and guided cruises. SCUBA diving is popular at Lake Tahoe, with some dive sites offering dramatic drop-offs or wall dives. Lake Tahoe is considered advanced due to the increased risk of decompression sickness,
There are many hiking and mountain biking trails all around the lake. The Tahoe Rim Trail, a 165 mile trail that goes around the lake. West of the lake is the Granite Chief Wilderness, a great camping spot. Some more popular areas are, Desolation Wilderness and Eagle Lake Trailhead.
Gambling is legal on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe. Located on the South Shore in Stateline, and on the North Shore in Crystal Bay and Incline Village.
North Shore - Crystal Bay:
Cal Neva Lodge & Casino
Crystal Bay Club
Jim Kelley's Tahoe Nugget
Tahoe Biltmore Lodge & Casino
North Shore - Incline Village:
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa & Casino
South Shore - Stateline:
Bill's Casino Lake Tahoe
Harrah's Lake Tahoe
Harvey's Lake Tahoe Casino and Resort
Horizon Casino Resort
Lakeside Inn
MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa
Many of the hotels have areas for children to play an array of video game while you do a little gambling, and may also offer babysitting services to hotel guests.
Best Vacations, Mom of Five
California Vacations (Humphrey's Half Moon Inn)
Best Hotel Pick for San Diego, Humphrey's Half Moon Inn & Suites..From the moment you arrive Humphrey’s Half Moon Inn and Suites staff's main goal is your relaxation and comfort. This Mediterranean inspired hotel is located in one of the most stunning areas of San Diego. This waterfront property has great views of the sailboats anchored in the marina.
Humphrey's Half Moon Inn Suites is a perfect choice for a San Diego getaway. Room amenities include safes, coffee makers, hair dryers, irons and boards, refrigerators and wireless high-speed Internet access.
Work out in the fitness center, enjoy a massage, relax in the spa or sip an drink at the pool bar. Explore Shelter Island with a bicycle ride or walk along the 3-mile waterfront paths.
Humphrey's Restaurant is one of San Diego’s Finest Restaurants with Live Music.
Sunday Brunch offers a beautiful buffet with dozens of delicious entrees and desserts.
Shelter Island, San Diego’s own Hawaiian Isle, the 1,400 seat outdoor venue overlooks the marina surrounded by lush tropical gardens. Humphrey's "Concerts by the Bay", are held May through October. Some of the greatest entertainers in the world have performed in this outdoor concert venue, from rock and jazz to comedy, blues and international music. Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, BB King and Bill Cosby are a few of the stars who have appeared in concert.
While Humphrey' Half Moon Bay may be more expensive than other choices ... you wont be sorry.
Best Vacations, Mom of Five
Humphrey's Half Moon Inn Suites is a perfect choice for a San Diego getaway. Room amenities include safes, coffee makers, hair dryers, irons and boards, refrigerators and wireless high-speed Internet access.
Work out in the fitness center, enjoy a massage, relax in the spa or sip an drink at the pool bar. Explore Shelter Island with a bicycle ride or walk along the 3-mile waterfront paths.
Humphrey's Restaurant is one of San Diego’s Finest Restaurants with Live Music.
Sunday Brunch offers a beautiful buffet with dozens of delicious entrees and desserts.
Shelter Island, San Diego’s own Hawaiian Isle, the 1,400 seat outdoor venue overlooks the marina surrounded by lush tropical gardens. Humphrey's "Concerts by the Bay", are held May through October. Some of the greatest entertainers in the world have performed in this outdoor concert venue, from rock and jazz to comedy, blues and international music. Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, BB King and Bill Cosby are a few of the stars who have appeared in concert.
While Humphrey' Half Moon Bay may be more expensive than other choices ... you wont be sorry.
Best Vacations, Mom of Five
Monday, August 3, 2009
Southern California (SeaWorld-San Diego)
SeaWorld San Diego opened on March 21st, 1964. It was the first SeaWorld park to open. SeaWorld's main attractions was its Orcas. I was one of many who have enjoyed watching these amazing animals. Shamu was the name of the first Orca brought to SeaWorld San Diego in the 1960s. I remember seeing him and being astonished by his size and gentle nature. 'Shamu' is now used as a stage name for adult Orcas in performances at SeaWorld parks.
The park now offers shows... Believe, the current Shamu show and Clyde and Seamore's Risky Rescue, a laugh filled show with sea lions and otters.
Rides include Journey to Atlantis, a splashdown roller coaster. Two shows featuring Shamu are available during the night--Shamu Rocks, a rock concert, and the fireworks show Shamu's Skysplash.
The Dolphin Cove (Seaworld) features Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. SeaWorld staff educates the public on their behaviors and lifestyle. Guests can interact with the dolphins and purchase fish to feed the animals.
SeaWorld's Penguin Encounter features over 300 penguins and eight different species. It is only one of two places in the world where Emperor penguins are kept in captivity.San Diego also has two short-finned Pilot Whales,the only ones in the country, four Beluga Whales and three Commerson's Dolphins.
Rides and Amusement
Journey to Atlantis,a wild boat ride that takes a plunge down a flume drop into a lake of water below.
Bayside Skyride, over Mission bay It travels over a corner of Mission Bay on two poles and lands on the other side. Then an attendant pushes your gondola around to catch the wire to take you back to the other side.
Lights, Camera, Imagination 4-D!, a three-dimensional film experience featuring Elmo and his friends from Sesame Street. Some effects include water-jets, rain, blasts of air, vibration, and "rats".
Shipwreck Rapids, A raft ride into the shipwrecks of the deep with twist and turns, you even flow through a live-turtle exhibit.
Seaworld Skytower, a 320-foot observation tower built in 1969, the ride was refurbished in 2007. A view of Seaworld and San Diego, it rises at a rate of 150 ft. a minute.
Your whole family will enjoy SeaWorld San Diego no matter when you visit. San Diego offers some of the best restaurants, shopping and weather in the continental U.S.
Average cost for family of four ( Park entry only) $240. not including tax.
Best Vacations, Mom of Five
The park now offers shows... Believe, the current Shamu show and Clyde and Seamore's Risky Rescue, a laugh filled show with sea lions and otters.
Rides include Journey to Atlantis, a splashdown roller coaster. Two shows featuring Shamu are available during the night--Shamu Rocks, a rock concert, and the fireworks show Shamu's Skysplash.
The Dolphin Cove (Seaworld) features Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. SeaWorld staff educates the public on their behaviors and lifestyle. Guests can interact with the dolphins and purchase fish to feed the animals.
SeaWorld's Penguin Encounter features over 300 penguins and eight different species. It is only one of two places in the world where Emperor penguins are kept in captivity.San Diego also has two short-finned Pilot Whales,the only ones in the country, four Beluga Whales and three Commerson's Dolphins.
Rides and Amusement
Journey to Atlantis,a wild boat ride that takes a plunge down a flume drop into a lake of water below.
Bayside Skyride, over Mission bay It travels over a corner of Mission Bay on two poles and lands on the other side. Then an attendant pushes your gondola around to catch the wire to take you back to the other side.
Lights, Camera, Imagination 4-D!, a three-dimensional film experience featuring Elmo and his friends from Sesame Street. Some effects include water-jets, rain, blasts of air, vibration, and "rats".
Shipwreck Rapids, A raft ride into the shipwrecks of the deep with twist and turns, you even flow through a live-turtle exhibit.
Seaworld Skytower, a 320-foot observation tower built in 1969, the ride was refurbished in 2007. A view of Seaworld and San Diego, it rises at a rate of 150 ft. a minute.
Your whole family will enjoy SeaWorld San Diego no matter when you visit. San Diego offers some of the best restaurants, shopping and weather in the continental U.S.
Average cost for family of four ( Park entry only) $240. not including tax.
Best Vacations, Mom of Five
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Southern California (Disneyland)
"To all who come to this happy place - welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams, and the hard facts that have created America ... with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.
Thank you."
—Walter E. Disney, July 17, 1955
I LOVE DISNEY !!!
OK... I said it... Still even as an adult Disneyland will forever be my favorite place on earth. I grew up at Disneyland. Born just five years after its opening, and living within an hour of the park, it was some of my fondest memories of childhood. While there are a few changes since the opening of the park, Disneyland has maintained its charm and warmth that seems missing in other theme parks. It's family atmosphere, courteous employees and overall ability to make you feel that everything in the whole world is beautiful is unique to Disney.
In the late 1990s, work began to expand on the one-park, one-hotel property. They added another theme park, Disney's California Adventure Park. Also a shopping, dining and entertainment complex, Downtown Disney, a remodeled Disneyland Hotel, Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel.
When you visit Disneyland stay at a Disney Hotel. You will be treated to not only clean comfortable rooms and great service, but you have easy access to the parks, transportation and extended hours for Hotel guests ONLY!. These few hours that are set aside for Hotel guest to enjoy rides without waiting in long lines. Usually 1 hour before the park opens, or 1 hour after the park closes to the public.
The Disneyland Hotel is actually in Downtown Disney, which has all the great restaurants, bars, shopping and entertainment. Disney's Grand Californian Hotel resides in the new California Adventure Theme Park. Walk outside and your in the middle of it all!. The Magic Kingdom Park just a few steps away.
The Magic Kingdom
Here's a general breakdown of the themed areas:
Main Street, U.S.A., an early 20th century Midwest town
Adventureland, featuring jungle-themed adventures
Frontierland, illustrating western frontier
Fantasyland, bringing fantasy into a reality
Tomorrowland, looking into the future.
Mickey's Toon Town- home to Disney's most popular cartoon characters
Magic Kingdom captures the enchantment of fairy tales with exciting entertainment, classic attractions. Meet your favorite beloved Disney Characters. Learn how fantasy becomes reality, become a pirate, laugh with funny monsters and be thrilled by climbing mountains. Enjoy the spectacle of the parades and fireworks shows—dreams come true for children of all ages
Top Pick Rides! ...
...Indian Jones Adventure and the Haunted Mansion
...Space Mountain and Star Tours
... Buzz Lightyear Astro Blaster and Pirates of the Caribbean
...Splash Mountain and Peter Pan
...Finding Nemo and Dumbo
...Autopia-Cars and Matterhorn Bobsleds
...Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin
California Adventure Park
From the gold rush to Hollywood's golden era to the timeless allure of the beach, discover the Golden State, California. Its boardwalk and Carnival type rides give a feeling of an age gone by. While bringing you into the future with rides like Soarin' Over California and the thrills of white water rafting on Grizzly River Rapids!
Top Pick Rides...
Soarin' Over California
California Screaming- Wild Roller Coaster Ride
Grizzly River Rapids
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Best Picks for Breakfast
Disneyland Character Dining
Magic Kingdom - Plaza Inn – Breakfast with ‘Minnie and Friends’
California Adventure - Ariel's Disney Princess Celebration
Disneyland Hotel - Goofy's Kitchen
Grand Californian - Storytellers Breakfast
Paradise Pier - PCH Grill Breakfast
Dinner at the Magic Kingdom
The Golden Horseshoe Revue
The Golden Horseshoe Saloon a live stage show with a frontier or old-west feel. Starring Lily Langtree (or Miss Lily) and Sam the Bartender. Most recently, Billy Hill and the Hillbillies have played their guitars and banjos in a bluegrass-and-comedy show
Dinner Downtown Disney
Rainforest Cafe'...Top Pick
Top Entertainment ... Love Fantasmic!
Billy Hill & The Hillbillies,
Celebrate! A Street Party,
Jedi Training Academy
Nighttime Entertainment
Fantasmic and Magical.
Average cost for a family of 4 (park entry only for 2-Day Park Hopper)
$532.00 not including tax
Best Vacations, Mom of Five
Thank you."
—Walter E. Disney, July 17, 1955
I LOVE DISNEY !!!
OK... I said it... Still even as an adult Disneyland will forever be my favorite place on earth. I grew up at Disneyland. Born just five years after its opening, and living within an hour of the park, it was some of my fondest memories of childhood. While there are a few changes since the opening of the park, Disneyland has maintained its charm and warmth that seems missing in other theme parks. It's family atmosphere, courteous employees and overall ability to make you feel that everything in the whole world is beautiful is unique to Disney.
In the late 1990s, work began to expand on the one-park, one-hotel property. They added another theme park, Disney's California Adventure Park. Also a shopping, dining and entertainment complex, Downtown Disney, a remodeled Disneyland Hotel, Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel.
When you visit Disneyland stay at a Disney Hotel. You will be treated to not only clean comfortable rooms and great service, but you have easy access to the parks, transportation and extended hours for Hotel guests ONLY!. These few hours that are set aside for Hotel guest to enjoy rides without waiting in long lines. Usually 1 hour before the park opens, or 1 hour after the park closes to the public.
The Disneyland Hotel is actually in Downtown Disney, which has all the great restaurants, bars, shopping and entertainment. Disney's Grand Californian Hotel resides in the new California Adventure Theme Park. Walk outside and your in the middle of it all!. The Magic Kingdom Park just a few steps away.
The Magic Kingdom
Here's a general breakdown of the themed areas:
Main Street, U.S.A., an early 20th century Midwest town
Adventureland, featuring jungle-themed adventures
Frontierland, illustrating western frontier
Fantasyland, bringing fantasy into a reality
Tomorrowland, looking into the future.
Mickey's Toon Town- home to Disney's most popular cartoon characters
Magic Kingdom captures the enchantment of fairy tales with exciting entertainment, classic attractions. Meet your favorite beloved Disney Characters. Learn how fantasy becomes reality, become a pirate, laugh with funny monsters and be thrilled by climbing mountains. Enjoy the spectacle of the parades and fireworks shows—dreams come true for children of all ages
Top Pick Rides! ...
...Indian Jones Adventure and the Haunted Mansion
...Space Mountain and Star Tours
... Buzz Lightyear Astro Blaster and Pirates of the Caribbean
...Splash Mountain and Peter Pan
...Finding Nemo and Dumbo
...Autopia-Cars and Matterhorn Bobsleds
...Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin
California Adventure Park
From the gold rush to Hollywood's golden era to the timeless allure of the beach, discover the Golden State, California. Its boardwalk and Carnival type rides give a feeling of an age gone by. While bringing you into the future with rides like Soarin' Over California and the thrills of white water rafting on Grizzly River Rapids!
Top Pick Rides...
Soarin' Over California
California Screaming- Wild Roller Coaster Ride
Grizzly River Rapids
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Best Picks for Breakfast
Disneyland Character Dining
Magic Kingdom - Plaza Inn – Breakfast with ‘Minnie and Friends’
California Adventure - Ariel's Disney Princess Celebration
Disneyland Hotel - Goofy's Kitchen
Grand Californian - Storytellers Breakfast
Paradise Pier - PCH Grill Breakfast
Dinner at the Magic Kingdom
The Golden Horseshoe Revue
The Golden Horseshoe Saloon a live stage show with a frontier or old-west feel. Starring Lily Langtree (or Miss Lily) and Sam the Bartender. Most recently, Billy Hill and the Hillbillies have played their guitars and banjos in a bluegrass-and-comedy show
Dinner Downtown Disney
Rainforest Cafe'...Top Pick
Top Entertainment ... Love Fantasmic!
Billy Hill & The Hillbillies,
Celebrate! A Street Party,
Jedi Training Academy
Nighttime Entertainment
Fantasmic and Magical.
Average cost for a family of 4 (park entry only for 2-Day Park Hopper)
$532.00 not including tax
Best Vacations, Mom of Five
Southern California (Universal Studios Hollywood)
Universal Studios Hollywood is a movie studio in Universal City, Los Angeles, California and is the original Universal theme park. It is one of the oldest and most famous Hollywood movie studios still in use today. When I was a kid they offer tours of the real Universal Studios soundstages and sets. Now it is a full-fledged theme park.
Waterworld: A Live Sea War Spectacular, Shrek 4-D and The Adventures of Curious George. Studio Tours: ("Earthquake: The Big One", "Jaws", "Flash Flood", "The Fast And The Furious: Extreme Close Up", "The Mummy's Tomb", Desperate Housewives Wisteria Lane and famous movie sets from Universal movies). The Simpsons Ride, Creature from the Black Lagoon- The Musical, Universal's Animal Actors, 2-D and 3D: Battle Across Time, The Blues Brothers R&B Revue and Universal's House of Horrors. There is a little bit for every age to enjoy.
Note some of the more extreme rides do not allow small children. Some children may also be frightened by some of the Studio Tours ex:"Earthquake The Big One". Top Picks: Jurassic Park, Revenge of the Mummy, Backdraft, all Great rides but scary! Average cost for a family of 4 (Park entry only) $260.
Best Vacations!, Mom of Five
Waterworld: A Live Sea War Spectacular, Shrek 4-D and The Adventures of Curious George. Studio Tours: ("Earthquake: The Big One", "Jaws", "Flash Flood", "The Fast And The Furious: Extreme Close Up", "The Mummy's Tomb", Desperate Housewives Wisteria Lane and famous movie sets from Universal movies). The Simpsons Ride, Creature from the Black Lagoon- The Musical, Universal's Animal Actors, 2-D and 3D: Battle Across Time, The Blues Brothers R&B Revue and Universal's House of Horrors. There is a little bit for every age to enjoy.
Note some of the more extreme rides do not allow small children. Some children may also be frightened by some of the Studio Tours ex:"Earthquake The Big One". Top Picks: Jurassic Park, Revenge of the Mummy, Backdraft, all Great rides but scary! Average cost for a family of 4 (Park entry only) $260.
Best Vacations!, Mom of Five
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