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Posts Tagged ‘orlando’
Monday, December 19th, 2011
Traveling is often a mixture of pleasure and pain. For families with young children, the experience can be quite trying. Several of the world’s airports have recognized the challenges of flying with children and have taken steps to make traveling through their facilities a much more enjoyable experience. Here are five airports that are particularly good destinations or layovers for both parents and kids.
O’Hare International Airport – Chicago, USA
Located in the heart of the American Midwest, flight delays due to inclement weather are commonplace at O’Hare. As any parent knows, the waiting time for a flight can tax a child’s patience even when everything is running on time. There are diverse ways to keep kids entertained at O’Hare when the wait becomes much longer than expected. The Chicago Children’s Museum has set up numerous interactive exhibits including “Children on the Fly.” It offers children the opportunity to learn about airport operations with a fantasy helicopter to refuel, cargo plane to load and unload, and a miniature air traffic control tower. There are also plenty of play areas where kids can zip down slides or play with LEGO bricks.
Heathrow International Airport – London, England
Getting to and from the Heathrow airport is made much easier by taking the train. Heathrow has direct train routes to and from London that leave and arrive every 15 minutes. There are also bus and coach routes from areas outside London that go directly to the airport, saving families from the added stress of transferring their luggage and children multiple times before they can even check-in for their flights.
Once at the airport, waiting for your flight to board is made less stressful thanks to the numerous arcades and play areas for younger children. Families with very young children benefit from the many changing and feeding areas located throughout each terminal.
Kuala Lampur International Airport – Kuala Lampur, Malaysia
Kuala Lampur International is a relatively new airport that focused from the beginning on making travel more enjoyable for adults and kids alike. The airport is packed with casual restaurants and arcades. The Plaza Premium Lounge is an especially nice area to wait for a flight. Children under age 6 can enter free of charge while older kids pay a small fee that covers the entire day, should you be on an extended layover or flight delay. The lounge offers free Internet access, television, showers, nap areas and more.
Schiphol Airport – Amsterdam, Netherlands
Schiphol is one of the most relaxing airports you could ever hope to visit. The walls are adorned with original paintings by Dutch masters. The airport also features a library where you can read books in more than 25 different languages, watch films and TV shows, or listen to music. Most of these electronic amenities can be downloaded free, so you can finish what you were watching or listening to on your flight. The Kids Forest is an indoor playground with plenty of climbing equipment, slides and other ways for kids to release their energy. Mothers will love the Babycare Lounge where the cribs all have fresh linens and a comfortable changing and feeding area.
Orlando International – Orlando, USA
With Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Orlando and Sea World, Orlando is one of the most popular destinations for families in the world. The airport is designed to keep kids comfortable and entertained. Plenty of open space, indoor trees, and aquariums adorn the concourses. The life-size sculptures of Disney characters scattered about will also keep their imaginations engaged. The seating areas are designed to make eating and relaxing much more pleasurable for families.
Many parents used to dread booking airline tickets for their families because of the lack of activities for the kids at check-in and during the flight. Family-friendly airports like these make it easier for you to start enjoying your vacation as soon as you get to the airport.
Photo by xpistwv. (Creative Commons)
What is your favorite (or least favorite) airport for families traveling with children? Tell us in the comments below!
You might also like:
• Do You Care About Keeping Your Child Safe when Flying?
• How to Survive Meltdowns & Meanies when Flying with Children
• The Bright Side of Flying with Kids
• Tips for Flying Standby & Handling Flight Delays with Kids
A Note from The Travel Mama: This post is sponsored by Cheapflights.co.uk. Learn more about post sponsorship opportunities.
Tags: airplane, airports, children, family, Heathrow, kids, Kuala Lampur, O'Hare, orlando, parents, Schiphol
Posted in Family Vacations, Travel Tips | 7 Comments »
Thursday, December 1st, 2011
I knew beautiful holiday decorations awaited us at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando, Florida. I was surprised, however, by how many festive activities were available to guests. In addition to the DreamWorks Experience, here are some of the fun must-dos on a visit to this family-friendly resort during the Christmas season.
View from our Gaylord Palms hotel room
Look for polar bears.
When you check in, you will receive a “Polar Bear Pursuit Hunt” pamphlet to help you find Coca-Cola bears hidden throughout the property. The pamphlet gives hints where to find the polar bears if you get frustrated. There are also 10 hidden bonus bears. Once you find all the bears, submit your answers online to be entered into a drawing for a prize. The bears are hidden all over the place so it took us all three days of our trip to find them.
This activity was a great distraction for my family! My husband and I have children that will hike for miles in the forest but complain about walking from the car into the grocery store. As we wandered the expansive property each day, my children were too busy looking for polar bears to complain about their feet hurting or ask how much longer till we get there. We found all 10 polar bears and five of the bonus bears during our visit.
A polar bear find
Watch a show.
There is a stage set up in the middle of the property where four different free shows are performed several times daily. The shows begin around noon and are performed off and on until around 10 pm. If you are staying in a room that overlooks the atrium, you will hear each show. Though we could hear the shows throughout the day while we were in our room behind the stage, it wasn’t distracting once we got used to it.
My favorite activity by far was watching the Luminescence Live Musical Review. The band plays music that will be familiar to you if you are a fan of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. While the live music is playing you are treated to acrobats by a pair of aerialists. Arrive early to snag a seat in chairs or tables or you can just pick a spot on the stairs. We sat on the stairs and felt like we had a great view of the show. The stage is near Java Coast and Haagen-Dazs so you could grab a snack to eat while you watch.
Luminescence Live Musical Review
Tell Santa what you want for Christmas.
Santa is set up in his own little area of the property where you can tell him what you want for Christmas and get your picture taken. Each time we walked by, Santa was available and the line was short. Packages start around $20.
Green chocolate fountain at Shrekfeast character breakfast
Have breakfast with Shrek and his pals.
Each family member has a chance to become an honorary ogre at the Shrekfeast character breakfast. When you walk into Villa de Flora to be seated, you will pass a huge buffet area with many choices. The Town Criers will stop by and let you know what to expect. Children are given a menu that has an ogre oath and activities for them to complete while they eat. My kids, however, were too distracted by frequent visits from Shrek, Princess Fiona, and Puss in Boots. They were disappointed to miss Donkey, but apparently he was in the kitchen!
Food choices range from Shrek-shaped waffles, fruit, made-to-order omelets and more. A favorite is the green chocolate fountain. The breakfast is included in some packages or can be purchased separately. Reservations are recommended ahead of time.
Everyone received a set of ogre ears (the girls got princess ogre ears) upon completing the ogre oath. My kids loved that I forgot I was wearing my princess ogre ears for half the morning. In my defense, I thought they were my sunglasses on my head!
Meet Shrek at Gaylord Palms
The Gaylord Palms Resort offers plenty of holiday activities to keep you and your family busy during your visit.
Which of these holiday activities would you most like to experience? Tell us in the comments below!
Jennifer Close loves to explore and take new adventures with her family down the street, across the country and around the world. She writes about her adventures on her family travel blog, Two Kids and a Map, and writes about exploring Pensacola at Pensacola with Kids.
You might also like:
• Christmas DreamWorks Experience at Gaylord Palms Resort
• Christmastime at Disneyland
• Disneyland-Hilton Garden Inn Passports with Purpose Prize Pack
• Epcot’s Best Rides & Hidden Treasures for Kids
A Note from The Travel Mama: As a representative for Travel Mamas, Jennifer was invited to experience the holiday activities at Gaylord Palms as part of a complimentary media visit.
Tags: character breakfast, Christmas, Florida, gaylord palms, Luminescence, orlando, polar bears, santa, shrek
Posted in Family Vacations, Hotel Reviews, Restaurant Reviews, Theme Parks | 3 Comments »
Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011
Is it possible to see snow and ice in 85 degree weather? It is if you are visiting the Gaylord Palms Resort in Florida! The Gaylord Hotels have created a Christmas experience full of ice, snow, gingerbread decorating, and DreamWorks characters. It was a perfect way for my family to get geared up for the holidays.
Shrek and Donkey ice sculptures at the Gaylord Palms DreamWorks Experience
ICE!
ICE! was our first stop at the DreamWorks Experience. For the last month, 40 artisans have been creating sculptures from ice. My entire family was in awe as we wandered around the different ice sculptures that were carved from two million pounds of ice. You will recognize the characters from the movie, Shrek, including Donkey, Princess Fiona, the Three Blind Mice, Puss in Boots, and Shrek himself. The colorful sculptures are so intricately detailed that it is hard to believe that they are carved from ice.
About halfway through the exhibit, sit five slides of various sizes carved from ice. When we were there, only three of the slides were available so there was a little line but it constantly moved. After three rides down the slides, the kids decided that they were too cold and were ready to go.
The exhibit ends with one of the most beautiful Nativity scenes I have ever seen made from crystal clear ice. It took my breath away. Even my son exclaimed how beautiful it was when we rounded the corner and saw it. You have an option to purchase your souvenir photo at the exit of ICE! This is the only place that you can purchase your ICE! photograph.
Being the good Floridians that we are, my family doesn’t own very many items that can constitute as winter clothing. Luckily, before heading into ICE! You can pick up a bright blue parka. There are a number of sizes for both children and adults. Long pants and closed-toed shoes are required for your visit and I highly recommend hats and gloves. ICE! is kept at 9 degrees Fahrenheit so it is COLD!
Nativity scene at ICE!
Kung Fu Panda Awesome SNOW
My children have only seen snow a handful of times so our visit to Kung Fu Panda Awesome SNOW was a treat, especially since much of our holiday travel will be spent in the warm South!
While we waited in line, we watched the pre-show, a Kung Fu Panda movie shown on a large screen. The show kept them quiet and content while we waited for our scheduled time.
Kung Fu Panda’s Po took us into the snow area where everyone jumped in to play right away. There are several play structures and lots of open area to make snowmen and snow angels. Grab a mat and slide down the 64-foot pagoda slide or visit my son’s favorite spot and throw snowballs at Tai Lung!
Kung Fu Panda Awesome SNOW has 130 tons of snow that is made every day. It is cleaned up between each session and maintained throughout the visits as well. Just like snow that falls outside, it gets icy in some spots so wear sturdy shoes and watch your step. You will want your jacket because the room is kept at 55 degrees, but after a few minutes of running around it does warm up.
We were allotted one hour to play in the snow and although we thought that wouldn’t be long enough, we tired quickly. My family stuck it out until the end of our session, but many other visitors had already left. Po will come back and dance a little in one of the pagodas as walk you out when your snow session is over.
Kung Fun Panda Awesome SNOW
Gingy’s Gingerbread Decorating
Gingy’s Gingerbread Decorating was one of our favorite parts of the DreamWorks Experience. Well, it was one of our favorites once my daughter got over her fear of Gingy and finally climbed out from under the table!
Projects range in size and price. There is a gingerbread cookie family, a large gingerbread house, and a gingerbread house ornament. Each project comes with icing and candies with which to decorate. Prices start at $19.99. After running around in the ice and snow, gingerbread decorating was a great way to calm down and take a break. Each of the projects is large enough that you can decorate one together as a family.
Gingy’s Gingerbread Decorating
DreamWorks 3D Theater Experience.
We lined up with our movie tickets in hand and headed into the Puss in Boots movie “premier,” complete with a walk down the red carpet and a picture with Puss in Boots. Included with each ticket, we got to choose two snack items and a drink. Choose from candy, popcorn, hot dogs and more. If you can time your movie showing around lunch or dinner, this is a great way to save money during your visit.
Experience it for yourself
This season the DreamWorks Experience at Gaylord Palms is open until January 2, 2012. There are a number of packages available to suite your family’s needs. The one-night package begins at $149 per person for the first two occupants and the two-night package starts at $199 per person. You can add occupants for an additional fee and children ages 3 and under are free. I recommend staying in the beautiful Gaylord Palms Resort but if you have plans to visit Orlando and are already booked at another hotel, you can purchase tickets to visit for the day.
If you aren’t going to be near the Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee (near Orlando), a DreamWorks Experience is being offered at each of the other Gaylord Hotels: Gaylord National (15 minutes south of Washington D.C. in National Harbor Maryland), Gaylord Opryland (in Nashville, Tennessee), and the Gaylord Texan (in the heart of Texas in Grapevine).
We had such a great time celebrating the beginning of the holiday season at the Gaylord Palms that we plan to make a trip to the DreamWorks Experience an annual visit.
Jennifer Close loves to explore and take new adventures with her family down the street, across the country and around the world. She writes about her adventures on her family travel blog, Two Kids and a Map, and writes about exploring Pensacola at Pensacola with Kids.
You might also like:
• Christmas at Knott’s Berry Farm with Snoopy & Friends
• Holidays at Disneyland
• Holidays in Phoenix at Zoolights
• The Travel Mama’s Guide to Orlando & Kissimmee with Kids
A Note from The Travel Mama: As a representative for Travel Mamas, the author was invited to experience the DreamWorks Experience as part of a complimentary media visit.
Tags: Christmas, dreamworks experience, Florida, gaylord hotels, gaylord palms, ice, kissimmee, orlando, snow
Posted in Family Vacations, Hotel Reviews, Theme Parks | 5 Comments »
Tuesday, October 18th, 2011
Lovers of the little interlocking LEGO bricks whooped it up under a shower of brightly colored confetti before rushing toward the gates of the new LEGOLAND Florida at the park’s grand opening this past weekend. Having been at the park the day prior during a preview for media, and as a former LEGOLAND California annual pass holder, I was on a mission to get to the best rides in the park.
LEGOLAND Florida Grand Opening
“What suckers,” I thought as I whizzed past families posing with huge sculptures of Albert Einstein, dinosaurs, Darth Vader, giraffes, and southern belles formed entirely from thousands of those ingenious LEGO bricks. I, much like Charlie Sheen, was winning. I would avoid the insane lines that were sure to form as the throngs crowded the park.
Winners aside, here are seven reasons you should visit LEGOLAND Florida.
1. Interactive attractions for children
LEGOLAND Florida General Manager Adrian Jones bragged that while most other amusement parks offer primarily passive entertainment, LEGOLAND’s attractions are interactive. Kids drive mini cars around two-lane streets featuring a round-about and stop signs at Ford Driving School. They build and race LEGO vehicles and can even build and program computerized LEGO MINDSTORMS robots in the Imagination Zone. And they get a work-out pulling themselves up a rope pulley on Kidpower Tower or romping through play areas (DUPLO Village and DUPLO Barn for little kids and the Forestman’s Hideout and Pharoah’s Revenge for big kids).
Another interactive favorite for all ages is the Lost Kingdom ride in Land of Adventure. Riders rack up points for shooting targets throughout the Egyptian-themed dark ride with their own laser guns. Hint: shoot the light on the cobra in the pot in the final room over and over to boost your score.
Kidpower Tower is one of 50 rides, shows, shops, and attractions at the new Florida theme park
2. Roller coasters
No amusement park would be complete without roller coasters. LEGOLAND Florida is home to four coasters (one more than is offered by its California sister). All are gentle, yet exciting enough to please both youngsters (my 6-year-old would love them all!) and adults. True thrill seekers may find the coasters a bit too tame but I enjoyed each ride’s unique theme and different feel, from the wooden dinosaur-themed Coastersaurus to the suspended steel Flight School on which riders’ feet dangle below them as the coaster soars across the tracks.
The Flight School roller coaster is more mellow than it appears
3. Cypress Gardens
Thirty-nine of LEGOLAND Florida’s 150 acres make up the historic Cypress Gardens. Originally opened in 1933, Cypress Gardens (which has retained its name), became famous for its gigantic Banyan Tree, southern belles sporting hoop skirts, and water ski shows with skiers forming daring human pyramids as they swooshed across the adjacent Lake Heloise. Jones said, “Some people see this as the end of Cypress Gardens. I prefer to see it as a new beginning.”
During a tour with proud Landscape Manager Nigel Dunning, I learned all about the native and exotic plants of the garden. The Cypress trees have “knees” (roots that grow as tall as flood waters reach, allowing the trees to breathe). The beautiful but thorny Silver Bell trees bloom pink in the fall (during my visit) and turn fluffy like dandelions to spread their seeds. The park’s treasured Banyan tree, brought here in 1936, is a native to India and Asia but must be kept alive with an army of 36 turbo jet heaters when the temperature dips below 35 degrees Fahrenheit here in Florida.
To understand how big the Cypress Gardens Banyan tree is, look for the people in the left bottom corner of the picture (and, yes, this is one single tree)
4. Water ski show
Although there is no pyramid of water skiers, LEGOLAND is keeping the water ski show tradition alive with a pirate-themed, upbeat show on Lake Heloise. The Battle for Brickbeard’s Bounty has children and adults laughing, cheering, and gasping as Captain Brickbeard and his band of pirates are defeated by Miss Miranda and her imperial soldiers in a showy display of water ski jumps and tricks. The first five rows get splashed so guard your cameras and cell phones!
Miss Miranda’s imperial soldiers in the Battle for Brickbeard’s Bounty water ski show
5. Locally sourced, healthy food options (& sinful treats!)
As far as theme park food goes, LEGOLAND Florida menu options are tasty, fresh, and reasonably priced. (Ex: $7.99 for a cheese hamburger made from never-frozen, local beef served with lettuce, tomato, a pickle and a side of fries). According to Executive Chef Robert Sit, the park’s food is locally sourced and seasonal as much as possible, which is better for nutrition, flavor, and the environment. While traditional amusement park treats like ice cream cones and pizza can be purchased at the park, an effort is made to provide healthy dishes as well, like juicy rotisserie chicken served with roasted vegetables. Plus, all kids’ meals come with a whole piece of fruit and choice of water or milk instead of French fries and soda.
Eat a healthy meal and then splurge on an order of LEGOLAND’s signature Granny’s Applefries: granny smith apples coated in a flour mixture before being deep fried and dusted with cinnamon sugar and served with whipped cream.
LEGOLAND’s signature treat, Granny’s Applefries
6. More LEGO fun to come
Located in Winter Haven, the new theme park is a good hour drive from Orlando’s airport and most tourist attractions and hotels. According to Jones, the goal is to expand LEGOLAND from its current one-day draw to a multi-day destination.
I couldn’t get anyone to spill all the LEGO bricks about specific attractions on the docket but LEGOLAND Spokesperson Jackie Wallace said, “This is just the beginning for us. So many plans are on the drawing board for LEGOLAND Florida.” By next year, you can expect to see a LEGOLAND Water Park added. Additional rides and interactive attractions plus a LEGO-themed resort hotel are also in the works.
A southern belle built from LEGO bricks is a nod to the history of Cypress Gardens, the botanic garden preserved within the amusement park
7. LEGO brick creations
The star attraction of any LEGOLAND park is Miniland, where famous buildings and structures from around the real (and imaginary) world are brought to life. Unique to the Florida park are LEGO brick representations of various home-state cities and sites like Miami Beach, the Kennedy Space Station, the Daytona International Speedway, and Key West.
I shouldn’t have been surprised by the excitement over all things LEGO as I dashed past photo-snapping families on opening day. It’s those plastic sculptures formed from 50 million LEGO bricks that make this park different from all other non-LEGO amusement parks. Orlando residents and visitors are a spoiled bunch when it comes to theme parks. They’ve been there, ridden that. But the LEGO creations have visitors oohing, ahhing, and snatching up LEGO model kits from gift shops with abandon. Just like Charlie Sheen, it appears I wasn’t winning after all.
Miami Beach in Miniland USA
Can LEGOLAND Florida survive?
Ownership of this historic park has changed hands a few times over the years and there is much hope in the Orlando and Winter Haven communities that LEGOLAND Florida can revive this once popular tourist attraction. The question is…will LEGO be enough of a draw to lure visitors 60 minutes away from the king mouse of amusement parks?
What do you think? Will the new LEGOLAND park succeed in Florida? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!
You might also like:
• Hilton Garden Inn Vacation Wishes Giveaway
• LEGOLAND California for All Ages
• Nickelodeon Suites Resort: A Hotel & Water Park for a Splashing Good Time
• The Travel Mama’s Guide to Orlando & Kissimmee with Kids
I took the photos of the Kidpower Tower, the Banyan tree, Granny’s Applefries, and Miami Beach in Miniland USA. All others were taken by Chip Litherland Photography and provided courtesy of LEGOLAND Florida.
A Note from The Travel Mama: As a member of the media, much of my visit to LEGOLAND Florida was hosted.
Tags: apple fries, banyan tree, cypress gardens, Florida, grand opening, legoland, orlando, water ski show, winter haven
Posted in Family Vacations, Theme Parks | 7 Comments »
Monday, May 9th, 2011
Global Resort Homes provides spacious accommodations in vacation rental homes in Orlando - from luxury two-bedroom condos to seven-bedroom homes that can sleep up to 14! With lots of space, laundry facilities, and full kitchens - families have the amenities of home while on vacation. Plus on-site playgrounds and pools make these vacation homes fun for children (and grown-ups!). One lucky winner will be packing their bags and heading to Florida for a free seven-night stay in a four-bedroom vacation home, thanks to Global Resort Homes.
To enter this giveaway, you told me why you’d like to win a Global Resort Homes vacation. Many entrants said they would like to visit Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, the beach, and other Florida attractions. Others said they would love to use the extra accommodation space for a family reunion vacation. Some of you wanted to cook meals to save money while on vacation and others liked the convenience of doing laundry on-site. Some families wanted the privacy and quiet that a vacation rental home provides.
The winner of a week in a Global Resort Home said, “A cramped family of five would love to win!” Well, Karen Campanale, you certainly don’t have to worry about being cramped on this vacation since you’ll have a four-bedroom home in which to spread out! Karen faithfully entered this giveaway every day and liked Global Resort Homes on Facebook as a bonus entry. In reading through her entries I learned that Karen already has a nine-person trip to Orlando planned, where she hopes to escape 60 degree weather. In one entry, Karen said she, “can’t think of a better Mother’s Day present for me and my mom!”
I agree, Karen. Now, go call your mom and tell her the good news!
If you didn’t win, don’t despair! You could still win a trip to Orange County, California including airfare, hotel, and entertainment or win $5,000 for an Austin-Lehman Adventures dream vacation. Go enter now!
Thank you to everyone who entered the Global Resort Homes giveaway on TravelMamas.com. The winning entry was chosen at random using Random.org. If the prize is not claimed within 48 hours of notification, another winner will be selected.
You might also like:
• Disney’s New Ship Is a Dream for Babies, Toddlers, and Children
• Disney’s New Ship Is a Dream for Grown-Ups Too!
• Disney’s “World of Color” Premiere & My Red Carpet Hullaballoo
• How to Plan a Disney World Vacation
Tags: Florida, giveaway, Global Resort Home, orlando
Posted in Family Vacations, Giveaways, Hotel Reviews, Theme Parks | 3 Comments »
Sunday, May 1st, 2011
Orlando is one of the world’s most popular family vacation destinations, and for good reason – Disney amusements, water parks, SeaWorld, Universal Studios, and other kid-friendly attractions abound in this sunny locale. Here’s one more very appealing reason to visit Orlando this year…a free weeklong stay in a four-bedroom Global Resort Home! Read on to find out how to win this incredible prize.
Why cram into a hotel room, when you could spread out here?!
Just for Travel Mamas
Global Resort Homes is offering a complimentary seven-night stay at one of their Orlando vacation rental homes to one lucky Travel Mama or Travel Daddy. With four bedrooms in which to rest your tired amusement-park-stomping tootsies, you might even want to invite Grandma and Grandpa along to join in the fun (and watch the kiddos for you while you duck out for a night on the town)!
Unwind in one of four bedrooms in your Global Resort Home
Rest & Savings
Earlier this year, my family and I were lucky enough to stay in a Global Resort Home for a couple of nights during our Orlando vacation. After being on the go, go, go for several days - staying in a big ol’ home felt like a restful reprieve from our travel activities. Plus, stocking up on breakfast items and dining in one night saved some cash for other vacation splurges.
There’s plenty of space in a Global Resort Home
Convenience & Fun
Laundry facilities in our vacation home enabled me to wash some clothes while my two children had a blast attempting to shoot pool on the billiard table, playing air hockey, and riding the rocking horse in our very own game room. And what family wouldn’t want a private pool and spa to splash around in during a Florida vacation? Plus, the community playgrounds are fabulous spots for little ones to expend energy.
We were even able to obtain bed rails from Global Resort Homes to keep my toddler from rolling onto the floor in his sleep. Other rent-able items include travel cribs, full-size cribs, strollers, and more.
This Global Resort Homes castle-themed playground is sure to please the kids
Lots of Space, Affordability & Location
If vacationing in the Orlando area, Global Resort Homes provides spacious accommodations at a rate cheaper than most hotels, especially if you calculate the price based on square feet! Choose from a wide range of accommodations – from luxury two-bedroom condos to spacious seven-bedroom homes that can sleep up to 14! All are conveniently located near Walt Disney World parks and other attractions; some offer shuttle service too (at an additional fee).
The Prize
Global Resort Homes has several Orlando locations. Depending on availability and location preference, Global Resort Homes will provide a four-bedroom (or larger!) home for seven nights to one Travel Mamas entrant. Blackout dates apply: March, April, June 15-July 31 and December 15-January 7. Good for travel within one year of award date. Approximate value is $1500-$2000.
Enter to Win!
You can enter this contest once per day by adding a comment below about why you would like to win a Global Resort Homes vacation. All entries must be received by Sunday, May 8 at 11:59 pm Pacific Standard Time.
You can also get a one-time bonus entry by liking Global Resort Homes on Facebook and mentioning the Travel Mamas contest on the page. Be sure to add a separate comment to get credit for your bonus entry.
The winner will be selected at random using Random.org and will be notified by email. If the prize in not claimed within 48 hours of notification, the winner will forfeit the prize and another entrant will be selected. (Check your spam, people! The last winner never claimed her prize and I wound up awarding the prize to someone else!) I will name the winner on TravelMamas.com as well, so if you want to be sure not to miss out on your prize, you can always check back here to find out who won. THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED. Find out who won now!
Want another chance to win an incredible vacation? Enter to win $5,000 for your dream vacation now!
Would you like to be notified of other giveaways and happenings on TravelMamas.com? Sign up for the Travel Mamas e-newsletter now! Mailings are typically sent once per month.
You might also like:
• Austin-Lehman Adventures Giveaway
• Epcot’s Best Rides & Hidden Treasures for Kids
• The Travel Mama’s Guide to Orlando & Kissimmee with Kids
• Win a Trip to Orange County, California!
A Note from The Travel Mama: Thank you to Global Resort Homes for sponsoring this giveaway and for providing my family with a two-night stay in one of their beautiful vacation homes.
Tags: disney, family vacation, Florida, giveaway, Global Resort Home, orlando, rental home, vacation
Posted in Family Vacations, Giveaways, Hotel Reviews, Theme Parks | 389 Comments »
Sunday, January 30th, 2011
My family crammed a lot of fun attractions, tasty food, and kid-friendly accommodations into our nine-day Florida vacation. Along with my husband and two young children, I visited three Disney parks and hung out with alligators and their crocodile cousins at Gatorland. We rested our heads in two hotels, one vacation home, and on board Disney’s new ship, Dream. Plus we sampled cuisine from Cuba, Canada, Spain, and beyond. Throughout it all, I wrote about our adventures on the i.seeKissimmee blog. Here’s a little round-up of our experiences and my recommendations for your next trip to the Orlando area.
Giddy About Kissimmee
This post is an ode to the fun and excitement of planning a trip to Kissimmee, Florida.
Mona Lisa Suite Hotel – A Hip Place for Families
Check out my review of this artsy hotel with a gorgeous pool and space to spread out. I especially recommend this suite hotel for families with tweens and teens who will appreciate its “cool” factor.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom with Young Children
The Animal Kingdom Park is a magical blend of animals, education, and all-out fun. It is fairly easy to tackle in one day, even if accompanied by small children whose stamina and attention spans wane after a few hours. Here are five tips for making the most of a visit to this Disney park with little kids (kindergarten-age and younger).
Celebration – Cuban Cuisine & Ice Cream in a Quaint Setting
Celebration, Florida is the Mayberry-esque town designed and developed by Disney. Celebration’s downtown is a small, walk-able, picturesque handful of shops, restaurants, and one hotel. I recommend a visit, especially to dine (and drink!) at the Columbia Restaurant and indulge in some delectable treats at Kilwin’s Chocolates and Ice Cream!
Epcot Family Favorites
Epcot, my favorite Walt Disney World park, offers delicious cuisine from around the world, teaches children (and adults!) about other cultures through hands-on experiences, and offers a glimpse into the future. Check out these six absolute must-sees if you have just one day to explore this enormous amusement park.
Epcot’s Le Cellier Steakhouse – Upscale Canadian Cuisine
If you think amusement park food is ho-hum, you have never visited Epcot! Long before we left home, there was much deliberation over which of the 11 World Showcase countries to choose for an international family dinner splurge. We were wowed by our choice of Le Cellier Steakhouse in the Canada pavilion. Check out my review of their savory steaks and maple-flavored cuisine.
Gatorland is Full of Surprises for Families
Discover six ways a visit to Orlando’s alligator farm and wildlife refuge, Gatorland, might surprise you.
The Magic, The Memories, and You Premiere at Magic Kingdom
Cinderella’s Castle comes to life like it never has before in a new show at Florida’s Magic Kingdom Park in The Magic, The Memories, and You. The show uses the castle as a backdrop for an impressive display of images and lights set to music. What makes this show unique is how it showcases up to 500 photos of actual Disney theme park guests taken that same day.
Cafe Tu Tu Tango – Tapas and Art
Cafe Tu Tu Tango, a wild tapas restaurant with an artistic flair, provides a unique dining experience in the Orlando area. Vibrant paintings crowd every wall, live Flamenco dancers perform, and artists paint creations before your eyes.
Rent a Vacation Home for Space, Sanity, and Sleep
Staying in a vacation rental home for the last leg of our Kissimmee adventures gave my family room to spread out, play together, eat a few peaceful meals, and enjoy some restful sleep. If you’re interested in space, sanity, and sleep while visiting Orlando, you should check out this post.
Kissimmee Wish List
Was all of this enough to satisfy our appetite for Orlando and Kissimmee? Noooo! We are already daydreaming about where we want to visit, eat, and sleep during our next trip to Florida.
What’s on your Orlando/Kissimmee wish list? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!
You might also like:
• Disney Dream’s Christening Ceremony – Dreams Do Come True
• How to Plan a Disney World Vacation
• Nickelodeon Suites Resort: A Hotel & Water Park for a Splashing Good Time
• Travel Apparel Giveaway from Fresh Produce
Tags: Cafe Tu Tu Tango, Celebration, Disney Cruise, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Dream, epcot, Florida, Gatorland, i.seeKissimmee, kissimmee, Le Cellier, orlando, vacation rental home
Posted in Family Vacations, Hotel Reviews, Restaurant Reviews, Theme Parks | 5 Comments »
Sunday, February 28th, 2010
In my last post, I wrote about my experience at the Nickelodeon Suites Resort with my preschooler daughter, my toddler son and my mom. I told you about the family-friendly suites and many of the fun on-site activities at this themed Orlando hotel, like miniature golf, 4-D movies, and interactive live shows. I’ve saved the best for last…the character breakfast, the water park and pools, and the slime! Read on to learn how you can win a two-night stay and other Nick-style fun for a family of four at the Nickelodeon Suites Resort!
I made reservations one morning for the Character Breakfast at the Nicktoons Café. Nickelodeon characters like Dora the Explorer, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Patrick the Starfish visited each table. Then all of the characters and other staff danced and sang in a chorus line for the diners. Dora, my daughter’s favorite, was in no rush to leave the kids. She happily played with all of the children, dancing to techno music and giving high-fives galore. It was the most diner interaction at a character meal I have ever experienced! There was an extensive array of hot and cold breakfast goodies. My favorites were the chocolate chip pancakes, cinnamon rolls, and the cooked-to-order omelets.
From the character meal to a pool-side lunch and sit-down dinners, my mom and I were both pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food. We had a sit-down dinner two nights at The Mall’s Nicktoons Café. We figured at a place where the focus is on kid-fun, perhaps quality food would not be a priority. Thankfully we were wrong and all of the food we had was quite tasty. We could also purchase food from a minimart or four fast food options at the Food Court. For poolside eats, grab a hamburger or chicken strips from the Lagoon Grill & Bar. The jerk-seasoned chicken sandwich was especially yummy!
On our last day at the Nick Hotel, we were determined to check out the hotel’s vast pool and numerous waterslides despite a cloudy, sprinkling sky. The giant structure of slides was a bit intimidating for my young children, but older child guests looked as happy as, well, kids at a water park! The highlight for big kids was the daily afternoon Mass Sliming, when 400 gallons of green “slime” poured over giggling children.
Our family kept warm in the heated zero-entry pool and over in the Kids’ Play Area with its five-foot slides and shooting fountain. My mom, Ellen, was the only adult in the kiddie area brave enough (or silly enough?) to ride the slides with the children to appease her grandchildren’s pleas of “Again, Grandma, again!” (Yes, that’s my mom – a true Travel Grandma – pictured below on the slide with my son, Leo.)
Think it’s all for the kids? I saw some adults riding those big waterslides! Plus, there’s a poolside bar that offers tropical alcoholic (or non-alcoholic) beverages for the parents!
The Nick Hotel is an affordable, fun way to visit Orlando with children. When the kids are occupied and happy (and not whining!), that’s when I’m happy (because it’s easier for me!).
Want in on the fun?
Book your Nickelodeon vacation and/or Enter to win a two-night stay in a two-bedroom KidSuite for a family of up to four at the Nickelodeon Suites Resort! The winner will also be awarded one character meal (for two adults and two children), four 4-D Movie wristbands, 300 points for use at the arcade, and a gift basket of Nickelodeon goodies. Approximate value is $500. The contest ends on Saturday, March 6, 2010. The winner will be randomly selected using RANDOM.org and will be notified via email. If the prize is not claimed within one week, the winner will forfeit the prize and an alternative winner will be selected. Based on availability. Not valid during Holiday Weeks, Special Events and Expected Sell-Out Dates. Two Night Accommodations (Room and Tax) Resort Fee Not Included. THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED. The winner will be announced on Travel Mamas on Monday, March 8, 2010.
You can enter a total of four times. To enter:
1) Make a comment below about which hotel attraction mentioned in this story or Nickelodeon Suite Resort – Part 1 your family would enjoy most and why. All generic comments like, “Thanks for the contest” or “I want to win” will not count as entries.
2) Follow @TravelMamas on Twitter and tweet this contest. Be sure to add a link to your tweet below! Copy and paste the following phrase into Twitter:
Pick me! I wanna win a splashing good time with a 2-night stay at @NickHotel in Orlando on @TravelMamas http://bit.ly/dxuN3N
3 & 4) View last week’s post, Nickelodeon Suites Resort – Part 1 for two more chances to win now!
You might also like:
• How to Plan a Disney World Vacation
• Inspiration from a Disney Expert
• Nickelodeon Suites Resort – A Family Hotel with Amusements Galore
• 10 Best Family-Friendly Hotel Pools in the World
A note from The Travel Mama: The Nickelodeon Suites Resort invited my family and me to stay at their resort for three nights free-of-charge. It was so much fun; we booked an extra night at a discounted rate.
Tags: character meal, Florida, Nickelodeon Hotel, orlando, water park, waterslide
Posted in Family Vacations, Giveaways, Hotel Reviews, Restaurant Reviews, Theme Parks | 72 Comments »
Sunday, February 21st, 2010
With onsite activities like an elaborate water park, miniature golf, and live audience-participation shows, the Nickelodeon Suites Resort in Orlando, Florida is a destination unto itself or an affordable hotel option for families who want to take free shuttles to nearby Disney World theme parks and other attractions. I recently spent four nights at the Nick Hotel with my daughter (Karissa, almost five), son (Leo, almost two), and mom (Grandma Ellen, 65). Read on to learn how you can win a two-night stay and other Nick-style fun for a family of four at the Nickelodeon Suites Resort!
All of the rooms at the Nick Hotel are suites. (As a light-sleeper, all I can say is, Halleluiah!) We stayed in a two-bedroom KidSuite, with bunk beds in a character-themed room, a king-size bed in the master, and a pull-out queen sofa bed in the living area. There was also a kitchen area equipped with a small fridge, sink, microwave, and coffee maker – making simple breakfasts and snacks a snap. A suite allows for better sleep, and therefore less cranky pants and a happier vacation for all!
After a long day of air travel (with a screaming toddler) from San Diego, we wanted to take it easy our first full day at the Nickelodeon Suites Resort. However, the overcast weather did not cooperate with our plans to explore the on-site Lagoon Water Park and Pool. I worried there wouldn’t be enough to keep us occupied, but there was plenty for us to do!
First we played a couple rounds of free miniature golf. Even my little guy got in on the action!
After lunch and naps, we headed to The Mall. From restaurants to entertainment and shopping, you can find all sorts of indoor fun here.
First, we checked out Nickelodeon’s 4-D Theatre. We sported 3-D glasses to experience stuff “jumping” out at us from the movie screen. The fourth “D” came in the form of misted water, scents (think flowers), and rumbling seats. You can pay per flick, or for a little more, get a wristband for unlimited viewing throughout your stay. My daughter was scared by the first movie, Deep Sea, about ocean creatures but she stuck it out nonetheless. Her brother, on the other hand, started crying less than one minute into the film so I had to whisk him away. I took Karissa back in for a viewing of Nick Jr’s The Wonder Pets: Save the Sheep! This show did not require the glasses and was more her speed.
Next stop? The Kid’s Spa. Karissa chose sparkly blue from a rainbow of colors for her finger nails. She’s quite the girly girl and loved the attention from her sweet nail technician. The spa also offered temporary tattoos (for both boys and girls), hair braiding, and pedicures.
Minding the pretty nails, we headed for The Arcade, where there were games for little ones (virtual bowling and mini basketball) to teens (ski ball, Guitar Hero, and air hockey). The kids earned points while playing, and redeemed them for little trinkets and toys.
Before dinner, we attended Nick Live Goes Wild, a high-energy audience-participation game show at Studio Nick. The losing team’s dad got a cream pie in the face, while the winning team’s tween son got doused with slime (which, apparently, was a really cool thing for a boy that age)! Late night shows included Family Improv, Who Knows Best?, and Karaoke.
Nick After Dark was also located in The Mall for children ages five through twelve. Alas, my children were too young to participate but backstage passes to the Nick Studio and hands-on slime-making would be enough to keep most kids happy for an evening while mom and dad slip out for some grown-up fun.
There was so much to do- I couldn’t squeeze all of the information about the Nick Hotel into one story! Check back next week to read about character dining and the resort’s fabulous water park in Nickelodeon Suites Resort – Part 2.
Want in on the fun? Enter to win a two-night stay below or book a two-bedroom KidSuite for just $99! That’s nearly 50 percent off the average standard rate! This awesome rate is being offered for a limited time to Travel Mamas readers only. The final date to book this deal has been extended to February 28, 2010. Learn more about this offer.
Enter to win a two-night stay in a two-bedroom KidSuite at the Nickelodeon Suites Resort! The winner will also be awarded one character meal (for two adults and two children), four 4-D Movie wristbands, 300 points for use at the arcade, and a gift basket of Nickelodeon goodies. Approximate value is $500. The contest ends on Saturday, March 6, 2010. The winner will be randomly selected using RANDOM.org and will be notified via email. If the prize is not claimed within one week, the winner will forfeit the prize and an alternative winner will be selected. Based on availability. Not valid during Holiday Weeks, Special Events and Expected Sell-Out Dates. Two Night Accommodations (Room and Tax) Resort Fee Not Included. THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED. The winner will be announced on Travel Mamas on Monday, March 8, 2010.
You can enter a total of four times. To enter now:
1) Make a comment below about why you would like to have the “slime” of your life at the Nickelodeon Suites Resort. All generic comments like, “Thanks for the contest” or “I want to win” will not count as entries.
2) Tweet this contest! Copy and paste the following phrase into Twitter. Be sure to post another comment with a link to your tweet!
I want to have the slime of my life with a FREE 2-night stay at @NickHotel on @TravelMamas http://bit.ly/dfvn7h
3 & 4) Read Nickelodeon Suites Resort – Part 2 to enter the contest two more times now!
For more information on this topic see:
• Get a Good Night’s Sleep on Vacation with Kids
• How to Plan a Disney World Vacation
• Nickelodeon Suites Resort: A Hotel & Water Park for a Splashing Good Time
• 10 Best Family-Friendly Hotel Pools in the World
A note from The Travel Mama: The Nickelodeon Suites Resort invited my family and me to stay at their resort for three nights free-of-charge. We also received a free character breakfast. It was so much fun - we booked an extra night at a discounted rate.
Tags: Florida, miniature golf, Nickelodeon Hotel, orlando, spa, water park, waterslide
Posted in Family Vacations, Giveaways, Hotel Reviews, Theme Parks | 240 Comments »
Friday, February 5th, 2010
Tomorrow my family is headed to the Nickelodeon Suites Resort in Orlando, Florida. Mama’s happy when the kids are happy, so I know I’ll be happy here!
To prepare for our trip, I have been showing my almost five-year-old daughter, Karissa, around the Nick Hotel website. I’ve promised a trip to the Kid’s Spa to get her finger nails painted any color she wants. I’m sure the whole family will love the free live entertainment and shows like family improv and Karaoke. Karissa is beyond excited about a character breakfast with favorites like Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob SquarePants.
My daughter is most jazzed up about the gigantic water park filled with fountains and slides. It’s supposed to be a bit cloudy during our stay, but since the water is heated and she and her nearly two-year-old brother, Leo, adore anything to do with water, I’m sure we’ll be spending a lot of time poolside!
I first learned about this hotel when one of the travel industry experts I interviewed for my story on the 10 Best Family-Friendly Pools in the World, Theresa Jorgensen of SixSuitcaseTravel, recommended the Nickelodeon Suites Resort for its seven slides and flumes, and easy access zero-entry. A 400-gallon tank spills water on splashers throughout the day but the highlight is the daily sliming each afternoon.
Sound fun? You can go too! Check out this sweet deal just for Travel Mamas and Travel Daddies like you!
Exclusive offer for Travel Mamas readers: $99 rate at Nickelodeon Suites Resort
Limited time only! Book by February 19, 2010 – OFFER EXTENDED – Book by February 28, 2010!
Start planning your next great getaway with Travel Mamas and Nickelodeon Suites Resort in Orlando, Florida. From water parks to getting slimed, you’ll enjoy it all at Nick Hotel. Meet SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer and experience interactive Nickelodeon entertainment. Pack your bags because for a limited time your family vacation starts at just $99 a night on select nights through May 2010.
- $99 per night in a 2-bedroom KidSuite on select dates
Average cost without discount is $189. That’s a savings of nearly 50%!
Call 1-877-642-5111 and ask for Travel Mamas. Or book online.
Valid for new reservations only. Offer based on limited availability through May 31, 2010. Must book by February 28, 2010. Rates and conditions subject to change. Restrictions apply. Black-out dates: 2/12 – 2/18, 3/12 – 3/18, 3/25 – 4/8, 4/16 – 4/27, weekends in May, 5/28 – 5/31. Cannot be combined with any other special offers or promotional rates. The resort fee of $25 USD, plus tax, per night will be charged, which includes scheduled bus transportation to the four Disney Theme Parks, Universal Studios, Wet N Wild and SeaWorld, poolside entertainment, water park features, business center, high-speed internet, parking and unlimited local phone calls. This fee is not included in the room rate and will be charged regardless of service usage.
A note from The Travel Mama: The Nickelodeon Suites Resort has invited my family and me to stay at their resort for three nights free-of-charge. It looks like so much fun, we decided to book an extra night at a discounted rate.
You can also enter to win a two-night stay at the Nickelodeon Suites Resort! To find out more and enter see:
• Nickelodeon Suites Resort – A Family Hotel with Amusements Galore (Part 1)
• Nickelodeon Suites Resort – A Hotel & Water Park for a Splashing Good Time (Part 2)
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Tags: character breakfast, Florida, Nickelodeon Hotel, orlando, pool, spa, waterslide
Posted in Family Vacations, Hotel Reviews | 3 Comments »
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