Discover the expert in you.
Say the word "cruise" when talking about a family vacation and your teen will probably be all over the idea. Mention "Disney" in the same sentence and he might lose some of his enthusiasm. But you can turn your teen's groans into grins as long as you emphasize the right aspects when talking it up before the trip. While cruises in general are relatively safe, your teen needs to know that normal safety rules will apply on the ship, which will help avoid on-board arguments.
"Kingdom Hearts II," a role-playing game for the PlayStation 2, features many sidequests players can participate in, such as coliseum battles. There are four cups to fight in culminating in the Goddess of Fate Cup, after which harder versions of these cups called the Paradox cups are unlocked. However, there is no Goddess of Fate Paradox Cup; instead, it has been renamed to the Hades Paradox Cup. To unlock the Hades Paradox Cup, you must complete the necessary requirements. The cup is a grueling 50-round battle featuring many of the bosses fought previously in the game, including Hades himself.
Give your children a Disney World-themed playroom if that's the happiest place your family has ever been or if you dream of taking them to the magical kingdom but haven't had the chance. Disney World sparks the imagination of individuals young and old and can serve as an imaginary playground for your children within the walls of your home. Use their favorite characters or story backdrops as inspiration for the playroom.
In "Animal Crossing: Wild World" for the Nintendo DS, you can make a copy of your character and transfer him to "Animal Crossing: City Folk" for the Nintendo Wii. When you import a character to "City Folk," you will transfer his face, name and catalog. The character will not retain his bells, the items in his pockets or any items he is storing when you move him from "Wild World" to "City Folk."
"Mall World" is an online game used with the social networking site, Facebook. The application allows you to interact with other friends while purchasing items to sell in your own boutique. With strategic planning, you can draw many visitors to your shop to purchase items, increasing your profit. Be sure to share your shop with as many friends as possible and take the time to create a store that is easy to shop in and carries a lot of stock.
Forge Worlds are user-created maps in the first-person shooter "Halo: Reach." One of the game types players can create is "Invasion," where players are given a three-phase challenge with a single objective to achieve during each phase. Players who wish to do an Invasion on an already constructed map can look forward to a new playing experience.
You and your "WeeWorld" friends can send one another gifts and messages and visit each other's rooms in this online virtual world. Invite friends to join "WeeWorld" by email, and search for existing players by email address or "WeeWorld" username. The game's Friends tab shows you which of your friends are currently online. While you're out visiting your friends on "WeeWorld," give their rooms five stars to help them climb the leaderboard for top-rated rooms.
Your best bet when looking for a lead-free lunch carrier for yourself or your children is to see the words "lead free" on the label when you are deciding on whether or not to purchase it. An abundance of caution will steer you down the right path in selecting safe products to carry the food you pack for yourself and your family.
Whether you are creating an artificial beach, or nourishing an existing beach to make it a more desirable spot for swimming and sunbathing, you will need to pump sand into the beach area. Consider factors such as aesthetics, availability of a particular sand type, heat retention and resistance to being redeposited over time by wind and tide when choosing the sand for your beach.
The best time to visit Disney's Animal Kingdom depends on the individual. If you enjoy hot temperatures and have school-aged children, then the convenience of summer travel may lure you to the park during summer months. If you prefer fewer crowds and more moderate temperatures, then winter or fall is a good choice. Budgetary considerations may help guide your choices as well as packages and tickets are offered at discounted rates at select times of the year.
While a trip to a Disney theme park can be exciting, it can also be overwhelming to decide what you want to see and do while you are there. Disney offers a lot of options, so it can feel impossible to see and do everything, especially if you have never been there before. Some travel agencies offer services to help you plan an itinerary and offer you a book to keep your itinerary straight. However, you can save money by making your own itinerary book at home before you leave.
Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, was opened as a playground for children, but it has evolved into a city the size of San Francisco. The monorail system has made it easy to get around the park and there are more than a dozen different accommodations that all offer free airport pick up. Some of these hotels, such as the Disney Yacht Club Resort and Disney's Contemporary Resort, offer banquet rooms and meeting space for conventions, all in a location that's great to bring your family.
While you get unlimited food and some drinks on cruises, Coca-Cola cards allow you to have unlimited soda for the duration of the trip and usually include a souvenir cup. In 2010 the cards can cost up to $80 for the length of your cruise, according to Gadling. Cruises usually include free water, iced tea and lemonade, as well as tea, juice and coffee in the morning. Instead of buying a card, you could bring your own cola onto the cruise.
Disney Vacation Club, DVC, is a vacation program based on an annual allotment of "Vacation Points." The number of points a member receives depends upon the amount of real estate shares he or she has purchased. These points may be redeemed for vacations at Disney resorts, cruises or many other destinations that Disney has partnered with around the world. Members are free to use their points whenever they like; they are not locked into a particular travel date or room type. To become a member, you must speak to a DVC sales person either by phone, online chat or by…
Abraham Lincoln once said, "No man stands so tall as when he stoops to help a child." The act of helping others -- of giving in a spirit of charity -- benefits not just the recipient but the giver as well. Donating to the needy brings many advantages. Your self-esteem is enhanced, the recipient has his burdens reduced, and you even reap financial benefits.
Traveling the world is the dream of many, including plenty of retirees and students. Bullet trains and economical plane tickets make traveling faster, accessible to more people and convenient. With online reservations for most hotels, booking a place to stay is only a click away. Guidebooks, smartphones with GPS and Internet map sites can help you get around a country or city. To have smooth experiences as a world traveler requires some preparation.
Are you planning a vacation, looking forward to Christmas, graduating, waiting for retirement, expecting a baby or getting married soon? You can build excitement for the big event with a creative countdown. The fun starts once you start the countdown and becomes more intense as the target date approaches.
The Coca Cola Museum in Atlanta, Georgia highlights the history of one of the world's most popular and iconic soft drinks. Field trips to the museum can be educational for students, providing a context of what Atlanta was like in 1886 when Coke was invented, and the historical background of an American institution.
Metrowest Orlando is a planned, residential neighborhood that is similar to a small village, with its' own golf courses, schools, office buildings, single dwelling units, condominiums and apartment buildings. Overall, average rent is higher in Metrowest than in the rest of Orlando, with the median price paid by renters being $1,155 in Metrowest compared to the Orlando average of $802 per month, as of April, 2011. Seasonal rentals are typically higher because they are short term and in increase demand due to Orlando's mild winter climate.
It's a small world after all at Disney's Animal Kingdom, where 1,700 animals from 250 species and some animatronic dinosaurs inhabit a 500-acre theme park. Animal Kingdom is made up of seven separate themed areas: Oasis, Discovery Island® area, Camp Minnie-Mickey, Africa, Rafiki's Planet Watch® area, Asia, and Dinoland U.S.A.® area. Disney's Animal Kingdom has the distinction of being the world's largest animal-themed park. Because most tourists have limited time and resources, several tips can help Disney guests optimize their Animal Kingdom visit.
A Walt Disney World Resort (disneyworld.disney.go.com) vacation in Orlando, Florida, brings to mind images of favorite characters, exciting rides, shows and family fun. While there are reasons to visit Walt Disney World any time of year, June is one of the most crowded months at its theme parks since schools are out for summer. Make the most of your June trip by planning ahead and preparing for the hot Orlando summer.
For many, Walt Disney World in Florida is an attraction that tops their must-see wish list. The span of attractions of Disney World can overwhelm first-timers. For repeat visitors, there is always something that is left to be seen at the end of each visit. Whether you are a first-timer or a repeat visitor, a few tips can help make your trip more fulfilling.
Whether you have an appetite for carnivorous fare or a leafy bite only an herbivore could love, you're welcome to use a Disney gift card to pay for your meal at the dinosaur-themed T-Rex Café in Orlando. T-Rex Café is one of several restaurants and retail locations in the Downtown Disney complex that accept gift cards, which visitors can use to pay for entry or lodging at the Walt Disney World resorts, theme parks and water parks.
Packing for a March trip to Walt Disney World presents some challenges due to variable weather. According to the National Weather Service, travelers can expect a combination of warm temperatures, cold temperatures, sun, rain and turbulent weather. March temperatures in Orlando, Florida, have been known to fluctuate from a crisp 40 degrees to a blistering 92 degrees Fahrenheit. The best way to pack is to prepare for warm, cool and inclement weather, keeping in mind your airline's fees for checked bags, if you are flying.
There are two ways to read "Walt Disney's Comics and Stories," the long-running comic book series from the Walt Disney Company and Gemstone Comics, each and every month. You can find a comic book specialty shop in your area that carries the book and make a monthly trip when a new issue comes out. You can also subscribe to the book and have it mailed to your home each month, saving you the trip and some money off the cover price.
Tillicum Beach campground is located five miles south of Waldport, Oregon on the Pacific Coast. The campground offers almost 60 sites for camping whether you have a tent, RV or trailer. The amenities available include bathrooms, picnic tables, fire pits and piped drinking water. A site can be reserved for up to two weeks, which will allow you to enjoy the birdwatching, fishing and hiking trails available to campers.
The 1962 World's Fair, labeled the Century 21 Exposition, rolled into Seattle, Washington, in April of 1962. It attracted 10 million visitors during six months. In its wake, Seattle was changed -- it had a fresh face and was ready to welcome the world. The Seattle Center, the Pacific Science Center and the skyline-defining Space Needle were all built for the Century 21 Exposition.
The Boardwalk in Walt Disney World is a 1/4 mile-long boardwalk designed to look like Atlantic City in the early 1900s. The Boardwalk is lined with restaurants, shops and clubs and features live entertainment. There is so much to see and do in this part of Walt Disney World that you may need the advice or directions of a Disney employee, known as a cast member. Disney cast members are trained to help all guests, and can be found in many locations throughout the park.
Disneyland, Disney's amusement park located near Los Angeles in Anaheim, Calif., boasts over one square mile of attractions with two theme parks and three hotels. While smaller than Disney World in Orlando, Fla., Disneyland was Walt Disney's first venture into theme parks and now has more than 50 attractions. The park can provide hours of fun for all ages, and there is more to do than just amusement park rides. Guests can also enjoy unique dining, shopping and show experiences while on their trip and make memories that can last a lifetime.
Whether you live in the Orlando area or are in town on vacation, spend quality mommy and daughter time together at some of the area's attractions. You can plan to spend an entire day together playing at local theme parks or opt for an afternoon of pampering. Some local attractions offer a one-stop spot for everything a mother and daughter will need to bonding with each other.
Disneyland in California and Walt Disney World in Florida rank as two of the most popular vacation destinations in the country; hundreds of millions of visitors have entered these theme parks in the past 50 years. New visitors may find themselves overwhelmed by the environment if they don't come in prepared. A few timely tips can help you make the most of your Disney vacation.
One of the most enduring free pastimes in Walt Disney World is the search for Hidden Mickeys. In the early 1980s, Imagineers were designing Epcot as the second park in Disney World. Disney management felt that the cartoon characters belonged only in Magic Kingdom, but the Imagineers disagreed. They began hiding Mickey Mouse shapes all over Epcot, and a game was begun. Today, cast members and Imagineers build and create hidden Mickey Mouse silhouettes everywhere from the carpeting in resort hotels to the ceiling in rides. Finding them is a fun hobby for anyone visiting Walt Disney World.
You can cut down on stops and expenses by making your own travel snacks. There are savory and sweet recipes that are not only delicious, but also easy to make. You can even have your kids help you make no-bake chocolate clusters. Additionally, you can package the clusters, granola and trail mix in individual bags for each traveler in your car.
With three luxury cruise ships named Magic, Wonder and Dream, it's no surprise that Disney Cruise Lines are coveted vacations with a high price tag. On-board the ship, there are plenty of activities for adults and children, no matter where the ship stops on its journey. At more than $1,000 per person, even with special rates, it can be difficult for a family to treat themselves to a Disney cruise. Use discounts and book at the right time to make the trip more affordable.
Planning and mapping a trip online makes traveling easy and, for the most part, foolproof. Take, for example, getting from Tuscon, Arizona, to Disneyland. Not that long ago, this could have been a nerve-racking experience as you pulled off the freeway and tried to navigate through Anaheim and to the Disneyland parking lot. Now, websites such as Mapquest give you step-by-step driving instructions and take the guesswork out of getting to the "happiest place on earth."
Vegetarian snacks can be hard to find on the road, so packing them before you travel is often necessary. Planning ahead of time, before you get on the plane or in the car, can also prevent unhealthy eating at mini-marts and fast-food restaurants. Sometimes a cooler is needed to keep things cold, but often you can pack things that need no refrigeration.
Located in the Southeastern United States, Tennessee has a total area of 41,220 square miles. Tennessee shares a border with eight states, tying it with Missouri for the highest number of bordering states. These states are Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas and Missouri.
The old saying is that there's no such thing as a free lunch. If you have some time to spare, you can disprove that maxim at Walt Disney World. Many tourists schedule extra days in their Orlando vacations just to relax and explore the free sights at Walt Disney World. Disney takes advantage of this by offering them a free $15 gift card in exchange for about an hour of their time.
Disneyland Paris, or Euro Disney as it's often called, is a tourist attraction just outside of Paris based on the world-famous Disney children's brand. Euro Disney is a collection of theme parks containing rides, with accommodations and restaurants for visitors to enjoy. Since Euro Disney is vast and you won't have an infinite amount of time to spend exploring, following a few tips can help you get the most from this attraction.
Walt Disney World's Marathon Weekend near Orlando, Florida, offers several race experiences. Annually occurring at the beginning of January, this event spans four days with races for every member of the family. The weekend kicks off Friday with Disney's Family Fun Run 5K and kid races, including crawlers. Donald's Half Marathon takes place on Saturday, and Mickey's Marathon is on Sunday. But there are some ways to make this adventure stress free as well as memorable.
The two most visited theme parks in the world during 2009 were Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom in Florida and Disneyland in California. With discounts and wide marketing schemes both resorts managed to grow their visitor numbers regardless of the recession. Over the years both of these Disney creations have grown into complex resorts that have several theme parks in them. Planning a visit to either one can make you feel overwhelmed.
Wild and theatrical rides, dancing costumed characters and an abundance of family fun may make all of the Disney destinations seem like a magically similar world of entertainment. However, Disneyland and Walt Disney World offer two distinctly different opportunities, with the main similarity being the quality of enjoyment. These subtle differences and the starkly different locations set these two pleasure domes apart.
A Disney vacation doesn't have to break the bank. With a little planning, research and resourcefulness, it's possible to visit a Disney theme park on a budget -- even with a big family or large group. There are several ways to make it more affordable, but it's usually necessary to plan far in advance, stock up on preparations and memorize some secret tips and tricks about the Disney parks.
Many couples mark their anniversary with flowers, dinner and a movie. You can celebrate your anniversary with a Disney twist at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Disney's unique opportunities and attention to detail will make memories that last a lifetime. When setting up resort, dining and recreation reservations, mention you are celebrating this special event during your stay. Disney cast members are known for a high level of customer service, and they will ensure you have a magical anniversary.
Disneyland in California offers guests the opportunity to dine with Disney characters including Mickey, Goofy and Ariel at one of their five restaurants. Disney's PCH Grill is the only restaurant that hosts meals with Mickey and his friends. Reservations are recommended to secure your dining experience and prices for meals range from $15 to $35.99 per person as of 2011. Cuisine includes American, vegetarian and other healthy selections. Bring your camera and get ready to snap photos with Mickey!
If you are savvy enough or know where to look, you have many opportunities to put your name in for free trip giveaways and vacation packages. It is truly sweet to win a free vacation or trip, and by keeping in tune with ongoing giveaways, you may get lucky. Giveaways may be through a lottery style drawing where it is nothing but making sure your submission is in and a little luck, to giveaways based on skill and merit.
If you are planning a trip to any of the Disney destinations, whether it is Disneyland, Disney World or the Disney Cruise Line -- several travel agencies are available to you. A number of them have exclusively devoted themselves helping you to organize your Disney trips. Although these organizations are not Disney affiliates, all of their agents have undergone extensive training in the Disney way, including the company's rules and regulations.
The Walt Disney World Resorts are a popular destination for more than families with children. Over the years, adults have planned kid-free getaways, honeymoons and romantic rendezvous at the parks and resorts. There are plenty of things for couples to do that are fun, exciting and romantic when visiting Mickey Mouse and friends.
The Disney parks are some of the most popular vacation destinations around the world. The parks include: Disneyland, Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Resort. Each park contains distinctive attractions and the signature Disney theme park fun.
Dublin, Ireland is a cosmopolitan city with award-winning restaurants, beautiful parks and fascinating museums. It is a city with a long and rich history that can turn even a leisurely stroll into a history lesson. In addition to these numerous attributes, it is also a city that is baby and family-friendly. If you are visiting the Dublin area for vacation or to visit family, there are numerous activities geared for babies twelve months and under.