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Posts Tagged ‘pool’
Sunday, August 29th, 2010
Whether splashing in the waves, searching for fishies while snorkeling, or sipping a tropical drink from a lounge chair, nothing says “family vacation” more than a day at the beach! I asked some of the best family travel bloggers to tell us about their all-time favorite family-friendly beach hotels. From where to take a dip with babies and toddlers to the best beach hotel for active families, there’s sure to be something on this list that will appeal to you. As a beach-loving mama, I couldn’t resist including a favorite of mine too!
Last summer I posted a story about the 10 Best Family-Friendly Hotel Pools. There must be a lot of water lovers out there because this is consistently one of the most popular posts on Travel Mamas. Grab your sunscreen and sand toys - this year we’re headed to the beach!
Hilton Waikoloa Village on The Big Island, Hawaii
(Photo courtesy of Sharlene Earnshaw)
Most Superb Slice of Tropical Paradise by Sharlene Earnshaw, Trekaroo
With its lagoon surrounded by white sandy beaches, three unique pools, relaxing spa, two championship golf courses, and dolphin program, it’s hard to beat the family friendly fun at the Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island of Hawaii. Where else can you snorkel with sea turtles, slide down a 175-foot waterslide, take a luxurious coconut milk bath, and chow down Polynesian style at a luau without ever leaving the resort? Kids will love the crafts, games, and water activities they can participate in at the resort’s Camp Menehune, while parents experience some child-free time participating in one of Waikoloa Village’s many activities or simply savoring some peace and quiet at the adults-only pool. With so much to do at this tropical island resort, your family may never want to board that airplane home!
Hotel Del Coronado on Coronado, California
(Photo courtesy of Hotel Del Coronado)
Grande Dame of Beach Hotels by Colleen Lanin, a.k.a. The Travel Mama
Lucky for me, the Hotel Del Coronado on the Coronado peninsula across from downtown San Diego is a mere half-hour drive from my home. A tourist attraction in its own right, many people stop by “The Del” (as it is known to locals) just for the day to eat its famed brunch, enjoy its immaculate stretch of beach, peruse its fancy-schmancy shops, or snack on fresh crab legs and sip martinis in its swanky seaside bar. Adding to its old-school charm and glamorous vibe, many movies have been filmed here, most notably Some Like It Hot starring Marilyn Monroe. This is a favorite place to bring out-of-towners; its stunning beach and turreted architecture always elicit oohs and ahhs. After years of daydreaming of spending the night at this grande dame of beach hotels, my husband, then baby daughter, and I checked in for a long weekend. It lived up to all of my inflated expectations…and then some! During the summer, the resort offers family-friendly activities like S’mores Night on the beach and Flick N’ Float movie night, where kids can watch a film from an inner tube. For the holidays visitors and guests alike can take a spin on its oceanside outdoor ice skating rink!
Holiday Inn on the Beach Destin, Florida
(Photo courtesy of Jennifer Close)
Most Affordable Beach Hotel for Busy Kids by Jennifer Close, Two Kids and a Map
Holiday Inn on the Beach Destin, Florida is perfect for parents on a budget who are looking for activities to keep their kids busy. The hotel’s KidSuites come complete with bunk beds, a separate area for mom and dad, and video games. The Buccaneer Program for kids runs through the summer and includes carnivals, treasure hunts, Parent’s Night Out and much more. There is a DVD rental box for watching movies in your room but there is plenty to keep the kids busy in the clubhouse area. Besides sitting on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, there are two pools (one of which is inside for those rainy afternoons). The hotel is also very close to many family friendly activities like Big Kahuna’s Waterpark, miniature golf, and tasty restaurants.
Club Med Ixtapa Pacific, Mexico
(Photo courtesy of Corinne McDermott)
Best Beach Resort for Babies & Toddlers by Corinne McDermott, Have Baby Will Travel
Sapphire-blue Pacific water meets the golden sand of Playa Quieta to create a wonderful setting for a fabulous resort that welcomes every member of your family. Club Med Ixtapa Pacific offers spacious, renovated rooms, lush gardens and grounds, two great pools, plus all the usual Club Med activities. There’s the Mini Club for kids four and up, the Petit Club for guests aged two to four, and the Baby Club, for babies as young as four months. You’ll also find baby-welcoming amenities like cribs, high chairs, baby baths, baby food and snacks, as well as several stations for preparing baby’s food and bottles.
Viva Cala Mesquida Resort on Mallorca, Spain
(Photo courtesy of Andrea Fellman)
Best Quiet Island Beach Retreat by Andrea Fellman, Have Kids Still Travel
Mallorca is just off the coast of Spain and is apart of the Baleric Islands. It is the hottest European vacation destination and for good reason, it has over 200 beaches! Unlike the neighboring party island of Ibiza, Mallorca is a great family destination. Viva Cala Mesquida Resort is a perfect choice for a private family getaway. The hotel even has a mascot, Bufo the Galactic Super Hero! Bufo entertains the kids nightly at the Bufo Disco. Plus, the Bufo Mini Club offers childcare daily from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. The resort has two sandy playgrounds complete with all of the buckets, shovels, and toys your kids will need. The kiddie pool has a few different slides and is shallow enough to splash around with young ones. The beach is only a short walk down a paved path and it is set in a very private and secluded bay.
Forte dei Marmi, Italy
(Photo courtesy of Amie O’Shaunessy)
Beachy Destination Most Worthy of the Journey by Amie O’Shaunessy, Ciao Bambino
Most people think of Cinque Terre or Positano when they dream about the coast in Italy. Both are incredible and must be experienced. For families with young children, however, these destinations can be tough with rugged terrain and limited open space for running around. Not so in Forte dei Marmi. A plethora of beach clubs offering chairs, umbrellas, and fresh meals plus calm waters and a flat sandy beach make this venue a joy for a family beach holiday, Italian style. We recommend the California Park Hotel in Forte dei Marmi on Ciao Bambino. This hotel is just blocks from the beach with friendly service and a comfortable atmosphere for all.
Azul Beach in Riviera Maya, Mexico
(Photo courtesy of Kara Williams)
Top Pick for Pampering by Kara Williams, The Vacation Gals
I have at least a half-dozen favorite family-friendly beach hotels, but one that really stands out among my frequent tropical vacations in Mexico is the all-inclusive 98-room Azul Beach. Kids are greeted with smoothies (parents get champagne!). The resort partners with Fisher-Price, so you can borrow toys for use during your stay. Also on complimentary loan for little ones: a baby monitor, stroller, bathtub, bottle warmer and more. For older children (ages four to 12), every day brings fun activities at the Azulitos Kids’ Club. My family loved lolling on one of the comfortable beach beds just steps from the ocean, especially because we enjoyed the services of our very own beach butler! He brought us cold drinks and offered snacks, and when we left our bed to frolic in the mellow waves, he’d fluff the pillows, tidy it up, and leave our kids towel animals! If Azul Beach is booked when you’re looking to travel consider the sister property, Azul Sensatori, just down the beach. This is a newer and bigger property, with 438 spacious rooms, including guaranteed family connecting suites. Both Azul properties are near Puerto Morelos, on the Riviera Maya, a short 20-minute drive from Cancun International Airport.
The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida
(Photo courtesy of The Breakers)
Awesome Active Family’s Resort by Amie O’Shaunessy, Ciao Bambino
I get restless on the beach so it’s always important for us to find beach hotels that have plenty of alternate activities. The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida fits this requirement in every way. Golf, tennis, a world-class spa, boating, croquet, shopping, excellent restaurants…check! They also offer top-notch children’s amenities including a kids’ club for ages three to twelve and an enormous game room. There’s no getting bored at this hotel, even in bad weather. Top it off, the service is exceptional and there is nothing that staff won’t do to ensure every age is happy and relaxed while on vacation. Read our complete family-friendly hotel review about The Breakers for more information and offers.
Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach Club on Kauai, Hawaii
(Photo courtesy of Glennia Campbell)
Beach Resort Most Deserving of Multiple Visits by Glennia Campbell, The Silent I
My favorite beach hotel in the world is the Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach Club on Kalapaki Bay in Kauai, Hawaii. My family likes to try a new place for every vacation, but Kauai Marriott is one of the few places we go back to repeatedly. The hotel is situated on a strip of golden sand overlooking peaceful Kalapaki Bay. The beach is usually far less crowded than Poipu on Kauai’s South Shore. If you don’t want to get sand in your suit, there is a narrow strip of grass shaded by palm trees where you can pull up a deck chair and read while the kids frolic in the gentle waves. The last time we visited, our nine-year-old took a surfing lesson right in front of the hotel while we sat and watched from the patio at Duke’s Canoe Club, tropical drinks in hand. The hotel also boasts the largest single-level pool in the state. We love the Kauai Marriott so much, we bought a half timeshare so we can go back “home” every other year.
Crystal Cove Beach Cottages in New Port Beach, California
(Photo from www.CrystalCoveBeachCottages.com)
Coziest Seaside Cottages by Debbie Dubrow, Delicious Baby
Crystal Cove Beach Cottages in Newport Beach, California are the perfect place to recuperate after a few days at Disneyland. These restored historic cottages, located in a secluded cove, aren’t fancy, but you and the kids will be outdoors enjoying the sunshine, the sand, and the tide pools all day anyway. Each cottage has a microwave and refrigerator, so while you won’t be doing any heavy cooking, you can certainly pour yourself a cold glass of wine after the kids are in bed. Reservations can be made up to seven months in advance and the cottages fill up quickly.
Did your favorite make the list? Leave comment below about which beach hotel you like most and why!
Learn more about these fabulous family travel bloggers:
Glennia Campbell (Beach Resort Most Deserving of Multiple Visits) writes and publishes the family travel blog, The Silent I, chronicling her family’s adventures around the world. The three of them have traveled to 25 countries, kid in tow, including Greenland, Libya, and the Galapagos. She is co-founder of MOMocrats, a political collaborative blog for progressive moms, and is a contributor to the Korean-American parenting blog, Kimchi Mamas.
Jennifer Close (Most Affordable Beach Hotel for Busy Kids) loves to explore and take new adventures with her family. She writes about her adventures on her family travel blog, Two Kids and a Map, and writes about exploring Pensacola at Pensacola with Kids.
Debbie Dubrow (Coziest Seaside Cottages) blogs about traveling with her three kids (ages five, three and one) at DeliciousBaby.com. Check out her kid friendly city guides for ideas about things to do with kids in cities around the world. Follow her on Twitter at @deliciousbaby.
Sharlene Earnshaw (Most Superb Slice of Tropical Paradise) is the Blog Editor in Chief for Trekaroo, and mother to two travel addicted toddlers. If you can’t find them enjoying the day at one of California’s spectacular beaches, then they are probably off discovering something new on one of their many travel adventures. Follow her on Twitter at @doubleadventure.
Andrea Fellman (Best Quiet Island Beach Retreat) is a mom who hasn’t lost her style to Motherhood. She is the creator of Savvy Sassy Moms an online destination and information source for everything fun and fashionable for moms, babies and kids. She also writes about her passion for traveling with kids over at Have Kids Still Travel.
Colleen Lanin (Grande Dame of Beach Hotels) Hey! That’s me! I’m the creator/editor of TravelMamas.com, a freelance writer whose articles have appeared in Babytalk Magazine (sister publication of Parenting), San Diego Family Magazine, and 101 Things To Do San Diego. Want to know more about me? Check out About Travel Mamas. It would be sweet if you would follow me on Twitter too at @TravelMamas.
Corinne McDermott (Best Beach Resort for Babies & Toddlers) is the mother of two and the founder of Have Baby Will Travel: Your Online Guide for Travel with Babies and Small Children. She’s appeared on Canada’s top-rated talk and morning shows delivering tips on travel with tots, and her writing’s been featured in such magazines as Canadian Family and Oh Baby magazines. Corinne contributes a monthly column to parent resource sites across North America as a Family Travel Expert. Connect with Corinne online at Have Baby Will Travel or on Twitter at @hvbabywilltrvl.
Amie O’Shaughnessy (Awesome Active Family’s Beach Resort & Beachy Destination Most Worthy of the Journey) is a mom with perpetual wanderlust and the editor of Ciao Bambino, a worldwide family travel resource providing the insight and information parents need to plan everything from weekend getaways to multi-week vacations with kids. Ciao Bambino makes it easy for families to uncover the best of where to go, where to stay, and what to do once they get there.
Kara Williams (Top Pick for Pampering) is a freelance writer who co-owns TheVacationGals.com, where she and her buddies cover all things related to family travel, girlfriend getaways and romantic escapes. She makes her home in the Colorado Rockies with her husband and two school-age children. Follow her on Twitter at @karasw.
You might also like:
• Child-Friendly Accommodations
• JW Marriott San Antonio – Where Luxury Combines with Good Ol’ Family Fun
• Nickelodeon Suites Resort: A Hotel & Water Park for a Splashing Good Time
• 10 Best Family-Friendly Hotel Pools in the World
Tags: babies, beach, family travel bloggers, golf, island, kids, kids' club, luau, pool, resort, snorkel, spa, surfing, tide pools, toddlers, tropical drink, waterslide
Posted in Interviews & Guest Posts, Where to Travel with Kids | 4 Comments »
Sunday, August 1st, 2010
For weeks before our San Juan getaway my five-year-old daughter, Karissa, asked daily, “How many sleeps until our vacation?” She danced around the house singing, “Puerto Rico…Puerto Rico!” She bragged to neighbors and waitresses about her impending trip with just mommy…no little brother, no daddy. This would be a special time for the two of us to talk, frolic on the beach, play games, and do other mommy-daughter stuff.
Mommy and daughter at El Morro in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Despite the lengthy travel time (12 hours door-to-door each way from my home in San Diego), when I was invited by the San Juan Marriott to spend a few days at their resort with three other fabulous family travel bloggers and their children, I jumped at the chance! We were joined by Debbie Dubrow of Delicious Baby, Amber Johnson of Crazy Bloggin Canuck, Corinne McDermott of Have Baby Will Travel, and their kiddos.
Water Fun
If you’ve read some of my previous posts, you might know that I’m a sucker for great hotel pools (and not just because of my kids)! A zero-entry pool with shallow water and gorgeous waterfall fountains was a fantastic splashing spot for babies, toddlers, and kids of all ages. We spent most of our time in the main pool with its tropical flower mosaic-tiled floor.
San Juan Marriott’s Zero-Entry Fountain Pool
On our first day at the resort we tossed a beach ball back and forth and ignored the burgeoning droplets that had begun to fall from the sky. The closed waterslide taunted Karissa, who begged me to let her slide down it just once pleeeease despite its sign announcing “closed” (apparently due to rainy weather). We warmed up in the hot tub, although the sign posted clearly prohibits children under age 12 from entry.(Shhh…don’t tell!) Too soon, heavier rains forced us out of the water.
Sipping a strawberry smoothie at the swim-up bar
Thankfully, a couple days later a sunny morning allowed for some all-out poolside fun! We swam with our friends before pausing for fruit smoothies at the swim-up bar.
Finally, it was time for what every child-sized hotel guest had been waiting for…the waterslide opened! Children and grown-ups alike took turns zooming down the winding slide. I have visited a lot of resorts with fabulous pools and never have I experienced such joyous frenzy surrounding the waterslide! The lifeguard at the top egged us all on to “scream on the way down.” (My daughter took this directive quite seriously!) Truly, this was my favorite part of our trip. When you’re zipping down a waterslide, there’s no time to think about bills, or work, or to-dos…it’s just pure fun, fun, fun!
The waterslide at the San Juan Marriott
As we drove past other hotels in the area, it seemed the San Juan Marriott had snagged the best beachfront location of the bunch. Its expansive stretch of sandy beach lined with lounge chairs and blue and white striped umbrellas was a wonderful place to laze away the day.
Rainy Day Activities
What is there to do in San Juan when it’s raining? Not a whole lot, frankly. San Juan is where to go for a sunny getaway and typically rain is rare, especially during the summer. Thankfully, the kids didn’t seem to mind the rain a bit. Really, children just want to spend time with YOU, it doesn’t matter what the weather is.
One day we were scheduled to visit the Rio Camuy Cave Park, which apparently houses a raging underground river. While this sounded intriguing our visit had to be canceled due to the rains. Instead, we went to Museo Historico de la Biblio, which reminded me a bit of the attractions in Las Vegas for children. There were animatronic dinosaurs and wooly mammoths that roared if you feed them a couple of quarters, miniature golf, an indoor ice skating rink, kiddie carnival rides (the children’s favorite), an aquarium (the moms’ favorite), and a pizza place for lunch. I wouldn’t bother making a trip here if the weather is nice, but it certainly was an entertaining rainy day diversion for the kids.
Karissa and her new crush, Everest, on the indoor carousel at the Museo Historico de la Biblio
When all else fails, go out for ice cream! Another rainy afternoon Karissa and I walked to Haagen Dazs with Debbie (Delicious Baby) and her two sons, Elan (14 months) and Everest (five). My daughter and Everest were quite smitten with each other, so they would have been happy wherever we went. My berries and cream cone, however, kept me happily distracted for awhile.
Old San Juan
Downtown, known as Old San Juan, was a charming, hilly area filled with pastel-colored buildings and cobblestone streets. There were horses clopping through town pulling families and couples in carriages, which looked like a delightful way to take in the sights. We didn’t have much time to explore but I did some serious speed shopping and purchased a Christmas ornament for the family, a pink quartz necklace for me, a small bottle of rum for daddy, and some adorable hair ribbons for Karissa.
El Morro
Puerto Rico’s best known fortress, El Morro, began construction by Spain in 1539. Before heading to El Morro, pick up a kite in town. After exploring the fort’s ramparts and taking in the sweeping views from its rooftop, take advantage of the windswept grassy landscape and soar your kite through the windy skies. Be sure to hold on tight to the string; poor Everest lost his kite to the wind gods and was quite inconsolable afterwards. Luckily a piragua (snow cone) was distraction enough to lift his spirits.
The kids slurping up their piraguas at El Morro
The Mommy-Daughter Experience
It was awesome to have some undistracted one-on-one time with my little girl for a few days. On the airplane, we played a travel version of Hi-Ho Cherry-O and Zingo To Go, created Color Wonder Glitter princess pictures, read books, and watched videos. We splashed together in the swimming pools and rode down the waterslide together. Over meals, we discussed the merits of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse versus Caillou.
That’s my girl!
No matter my travel partner, toward the end of most trips, I’m ready for a break from nonstop closeness. This was even (especially?) true when traveling with an adorable, sweet, loving, whining, fidgety, demanding five-year-old. After awhile, we ran out of cartoons, classmates, and candies to discuss. We sat in silence across each other at lunch in the airport during our layover on our way home. We’d had our fill of time, love, and attention.
In time, though, I won’t remember those last draining 12 hours of travel. I will remember my daughter’s raucous laughter as I swung her through the pool’s water, her squeals of joy as she zipped down the waterslide, and the friendships we forged with the other traveling moms and their kids.
Want to read more about San Juan? Look for my upcoming story on Kid-Friendly Food in Puerto Rico.
Have you gone on a mother-daughter vacation? How’d it go? Please leave a comment below!
You might also like:
• JW Marriott San Antonio – Where Luxury Combines with Good Ol’ Family Fun
• Nickelodeon Suites Resort: A Hotel & Water Park for a Splashing Good Time
• 7 Tips for a Fabo Cabo Girlfriend Getaway
• 10 Best Family-Friendly Hotel Pools in the World
A note from the Travel Mama: My daughter’s and my flight, accommodations, and many other expenses for this trip were paid for by the San Juan Marriott. I always provide my honest opinions, regardless of who’s footing the bill. ThinkFun also provided us with a free Zingo To Go game.
Tags: beach, carousel, ice cream, marriott, museo historico de la biblio, piragua, pool, Puerto Rico, San Juan, waterslide
Posted in Where to Travel with Kids | 7 Comments »
Sunday, July 18th, 2010
You know those rare vacation moments when you look around and think, “I don’t ever want this experience to end!” My one-day adventure through the Sicilian countryside was filled with those.
There are many who look down upon all tours, no matter the form, for being inauthentic…too touristy…maybe even cheesy. I like travel in nearly all forms: cruise, train, road trip, independent, relaxing, adventurous, romantic, girlfriend getaway, kid-centric, and beyond. And, I like a good tour from time to time, especially one that gives a glimpse into a location’s essence that you might not be able to find on your own.
A slice of Sicilian heaven
Sicily was the first stop on our Disney Mediterranean Cruise. As our bus rambled through the gorgeous Sicilian landscape, our proud tour guide gave a brief lecture on her country’s history and culture. My daughter, Karissa (then age two), draped her body across mine and dozed during our one-hour trek, allowing me to savor a rare moment of snuggly relaxation. The guide on our “A Day on the Farm” excursion told us in a lilting Italian accent that Sicily’s central location in the Mediterranean Sea has made it a target throughout the ages by conquering forces from Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines to Arabs, Normans, and more. She said the island’s residents to this day consider themselves Sicilian, not Italian.
My daughter snuggled up in her beach towel on my lap
Upon arrival at Villa Dafne, an agritourism farm/hotel in Alia, the children were given lumps of dough to roll into little balls. Afterwards, we were served delicious pieces of airy focaccia topped with tomatoes and olives (not formed by the kids). Then we were given bowls of fresh ricotta to sample. The warm, lumpy cheese was a bit too reminiscent of something else entirely unappetizing of the same temperature and consistency, so after one bite I discreetly dumped the rest in a trash can. Adults helped themselves to some red Sicilian vino while kids sipped bottled water.
Foccaccia topped with tomatoes and olives
Then we donned requisite blue swimming caps and jumped in the pool, where we splashed alongside resort guests of various nationalities. As my husband tossed my giggling daughter about in the water, I was overwhelmed by the bittersweet perfection of that moment. The aqua blue of the pool, surrounded by the golden hills…I wanted to stop the clock and forever be enveloped by Sicily’s beauty, the sun shining down on our happy little family, the sounds of children at play ringing through the air. I knew it would be over all too soon.
My daughter and I taking a dip in a pool in the Sicilian countryside
Before long it was time to depart that watery spot of heaven. Thankfully the transition was an easy one because it involved eating a multi-course organic farm-style Sicilian lunch. After one more small glass of wine, I switched to Coca-Cola but my husband, Phil, drank my portion and then some. We were treated to several appetizers involving things like eggplant, tomatoes, and olives. Then we dined on homemade pasta shaped into little shells and served with chicken in a fresh, earthy broth. It was a dish that I will probably never stop craving. It pains me to know that I will never taste anything like it again, unless, of course I return to that little farmhouse hotel. (I might have to, if only for that pasta dish!) Then lamb was served, which we declined due to full bellies (and my personal aversion to eating baby animals of any sort).
A fountain at Villa Dafne
Finally, it was time for a dessert of cannoli. Ever since, I have been on a quest for an authentic cannolo. I have found a few good cannoli, but none even in the same realm as what we tasted that day. Our tour guide had prepared us for the wonders of this sweet treat. She told us that to get a taste of true cannoli, one must come to Sicily. She warned us that the Italian version of Sicily’s national dessert should be avoided at all costs. She said, “You are more likely to get authentic cannoli in America than in Italy because Sicilians who have moved to New York City and beyond carry on the true recipes and methods of making the dessert, unlike the excuse for cannoli that can be found in Rome.”
Prickly Pear Cactus Crop in the Sicilian Countryside
Some cannoli shells are flimsy and soggy while others are overly dense and greasy, having been over-cooked to stay crunchy while holding the creamy center for hours on end. According to our guide, the dessert should be stuffed with Ricotta cheese just prior to eating. Most cannoli cream I have encountered, even if delicious, had a slightly grainy texture. The genuine cannoli we were served consisted of an impossibly crisp, light shell that crackled when bitten. The filling was a cloud of sweet velvety goodness.
My daughter dutifully mooed at these Sicilian cows
Sufficiently plumped, bronzed, and relaxed – we and our cruise mates re-boarded the bus. After a quick stop to spy on cows and watch brave fellow cruisers milk goats, my good fortune continued. The bus was equipped with a television screen on which old-school Mickey Mouse cartoons played to the delight of tired children and their parents. While Phil slept off his numerous glasses of lunchtime wine (I can hear him now, “But it’s table wine – it’s not that strong!), I happily stared out the window at a patchwork of verdant and sun-bleached rolling hills speckled with vineyards of twisted grape vines and crops of prickly pear cactus bearing a few gems of their burgundy-colored fruit.
Not all vacation days are blissful. Most aren’t, in fact. But some are. And this one was.
Sadly, the current Disney European Cruises do not stop at Sicily. This stop has been replaced by Valletta, Malta. Of course, I wouldn’t mind exploring this nation, which is spread across seven islands and is home to ruins that predate the Egyptian pyramids and England’s Stonehenge. Ahhh…a girl can dream…
How do you feel about Sicily or about group travel tours? Please share your thoughts below!
You might also like:
• Disney Cruise – The Ideal Family Vacation
• Happiest Travel Memories
• 10 Best Family-Friendly Hotel Pools in the World
• The Best & Worst of Barcelona with Kids
Tags: cannoli, Disney Cruise, farm, mediterranean, pool, Sicily, Villa Dafne
Posted in Air Travel, Road Trips & Cruises, Where to Travel with Kids | 4 Comments »
Sunday, May 16th, 2010
Here’s what I have been telling anyone who will listen ever since I set sail with Mickey Mouse and friends in 2007: A Disney Cruise is THE ideal vacation for families. Whether you have a baby, kid, or teen…everyone’s needs (and wants!) are met on a Disney Cruise. Plus, the children are so entertained and catered to, parents are free to do something so rare on a vacation with kids…relax!
Our ship, Disney’s Magic
During my cruise through the Mediterranean, I was accompanied by my husband and then two-and-a-half-year-old daughter. My son was stowing away in my belly too, as we discovered while onboard the ship! Some of my favorite memories as a family of three took place during this vacation.
Here are just some of the reasons I am such a big fan of cruising Disney-style…
Incomparable Service
The service we received aboard Disney’s Magic was beyond belief. Our waitress cheerfully brought us extra dessert when we couldn’t decide on just one and even stopped by to cut up our daughter’s pizza while inquiring about our day. Our room steward made sure our cabins were kept in tip top shape, always greeted us by name, and transformed regular bath towels into bunny rabbits and stingrays each night. Everyone went above and beyond to make sure we had an unforgettable experience!
It was a treat to return from dinner every night to find a different towel creature, like this elephant, waiting for us
Delightful Dining
During our 10-night cruise, most days we chose to eat room service breakfast on our stateroom’s balcony, taking in the view of various picturesque port towns as we nibbled on fresh fruit, yogurt and baked goodies. On our last day at sea, we attended a character breakfast with Lilo and Stitch doing Elvis impersonations and dancing the hula in one of the ship’s restaurants.
Our lunches, for the most part, were eaten onshore. During at sea days, we grabbed quick, easy meals from the ship’s eateries, like Pluto’s Dog House (which serves hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, and the like), Pinocchio’s Pizzeria, or Goofy’s Galley (with healthy options like wraps and fresh salads).
Each evening, we were seated with the same family (a wonderful foursome from Eden Prairie, Minnesota) and we kept the same wait staff for every dinner. However, we rotated through three restaurants: Lumiere’s (with a French ambiance), Animator’s Palate (with walls that start out black and white but which come alive with Disney characters in colorful lights), and Parrot Cay (with a Caribbean theme). The menus on our cruise were themed to the Mediterranean, serving Spanish, Italian, and French meals plus some standard American options and kid favorites. Even the meals onboard a Disney ship are magical - just as our little one would start to get too squirmy, Beauty and the Beast would come waltzing through the dining room!
Dressed up for formal night at Animator’s Palate
Carrying the tradition over from Disney’s Caribbean cruises, one night’s theme was Pirate Night, during which diners sported free pirate-y bandanas or dressed up in more elaborate garb brought from home or purchased on the ship.
The crème de la crème was Palo, an adult-only fine-dining restaurant that requires reservations. We partook of the scrumptious brunch and a to-die-for dinner but didn’t have time enough to book a high tea this time around.
Awesome Kids’ Clubs
A Disney Cruise is paradise, especially for children! Instead of offering a casino like most cruise lines, Disney puts that space to use for its various clubs for kids of all ages. Parents can indulge in a spa treatment, relax by the adult-only pool, or dine at Palo sans kids without guilt, knowing their offspring are having the time of their lives at the onboard kids’ clubs.
Our tablemates even had a hard time convincing their six-year-old and nine-year-old sons to join us for dinner each night because they wanted to stay at Oceaneer kids’ clubs (for ages three to 12 years) and play, play, play! There is also a teen club on each Disney ship, where kids aged 13 to 17 enjoy dance parties, board and video games, and Karaoke.
Most cruise lines’ childcare programs do not accept children until age two or three, but babies as young as three months are welcomed in the Disney Cruise Line nurseries. We worried when we dropped off our daughter at Flounder’s Reef Nursery the first time and she began to wail. But then we stopped by five minutes later to take a peek at her though a giant one-way window and saw her happily playing with the counselors and a rainbow of toys. This put our minds at ease, allowing us to enjoy our date night free from worry.
On our last night my husband, Phil, told Karissa she was all done with Flounders, which set her off crying and carrying on once more…this time because she wanted one last chance to return to the nursery!
Entertainment
The live shows aboard a Disney Cruise are Broadway caliber and feature favorite characters from movies like Toy Story and Cinderella. Even our wiggly toddler stayed entertained through most of the performances.
Karissa was in awe of Minnie Mouse in her gorgeous gown following the Golden Mickeys live stage show
There’s even a movie theatre aboard the ships in which new-release Disney movies are shown on screen. For example, Pirates of the Caribbean 2 was in theatres on land and at sea during our sailing.
There are bars and nightclubs onboard the ship too but we were never up late enough to explore those much. Instead, Phil and I enjoyed a glass of wine or two on our stateroom’s balcony after our daughter was tucked in for the night. I have heard the party scene aboard a Disney ship is much more subdued than other lines though. So, if you’re looking to party-hardy – a Disney Cruise is probably not up your galley!
Family-Friendly Staterooms
Not only are Disney’s staterooms larger than most cruise lines, but also they offer some special amenities that cater to families’ needs. First of all, they offer not one but TWO sinks to make getting ready for the day easier.
Disney is the only line I know of that offers a privacy curtain that can be pulled shut to separate the adult sleeping area (with a queen bed) from the kid sleeping area (which is usually outfitted with a single bed or bunk beds, depending upon which room type you book). This is absolutely fabulous for parents traveling with young children whose bedtimes are much earlier than their own. Rather than turning in before sunset, Phil and I were able to quietly watch television, read in bed, and snuggle up a bit!
Karissa tucked into her single bed in our stateroom with a stuffed Mickey Mouse
Disney’s new ship, Dream, will offer virtual portholes for interior cabins that will display a live view of the scenery, plus animated Nemo characters swimming past every now and then!
Water Fun
Most cruise lines do not allow non-potty-trained children in their pools for sanitary reasons. However, Disney offers a fountain pool with a special filtration system that allows babies and toddlers to have a splashing good time aboard their ships! There are also family pools, an adult-only pool, and even a small staff-only pool!
The new Dream ship will offer a sweet looking waterslide called the AquaDuck that will send riders out over the ocean in a see-through tube slide! Plus, the Dream’s Nemo’s Reef splash area for kids looks like buckets of fun!
Karissa and I splashing in the toddler pool
(See how dedicated I am to you, my fellow Travel Mamas? I’m even willing to post a photo of myself in a swimsuit!)
Shore Activities
During our cruise through the Mediterranean we explored the ruins of Pompeii, perused museums and shops, ate long lunches of pasta and vino, and lazed on sandy beaches. Some days we chose Disney-organized shore excursions while on other days we opted to explore on our own. Even on days filled with lots of grown-up activities, our daughter was content, especially when she was greeted with a big hug from characters like Donald Duck or Minnie Mouse the minute we returned to the ship.
Kids got a chance to roll out foccaccia dough as part of our Sicilian “Day on the Farm” Disney shore excursion
Here’s a little Mickey-shaped dough creation one of the guides made
With Disney, kids aren’t just tolerated on shore excursions, they are catered to! This year, for example, the Highlights of Rome for Families excursion includes a 45-minute puppet show for kids supervised by Disney youth counselors at Villa Borghese while parents have a bit of time to themselves to shop or sightsee. Of course, there are excursions that cater to an older crowd too, like a Cooking Lesson in Tuscany for those aged 21+ in La Spezia, Italy or the Screamin’ Eagle jet boat ride just for teens on the Caribbean cruise to the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Disney Does Europe
Disney Cruise Line is sailing through Europe for the second time this summer. The itinerary for the Mediterranean cruise has changed somewhat since we took that cruise, making me drool even more over this year’s schedule! For the first time there will also be cruises through Northern Europe and Scandinavia. (Drool again!)
Join me throughout this summer as I reminisce about my Disney Mediterranean Cruise onshore experiences and dream about this year’s European Disney Cruise itineraries!
Are you dreaming of a Disney Cruise too? Why or why not? Share your thoughts with other Travel Mamas and Travel Daddies in the comments below!
You might also like:
• Carnival Cruise Line’s Onboard Activities for Kids
• Epcot’s Best Rides & Hidden Gems for Kids
• Romance at Disneyland
• Top 10 Disneyland Attractions for Babies & Toddlers
A note from the Travel Mama: My family paid for this cruise and I did not receive any compensation or goodies from Disney related to this story. I will always let you know if I receive any money or products related to a blog post.
Tags: caribbean, Cruise, disney, France, Italy, mediterranean, pool, spain, waterslide
Posted in Air Travel, Road Trips & Cruises, Where to Travel with Kids | 11 Comments »
Sunday, April 18th, 2010
I was asked to share a few of my happiest travel memories to coincide with Lay’s potato chips’ Happiness Exhibit, a campaign that showcases the moments of simple happiness that people treasure most. Share one of your happiest travel memories in the comments below for a chance to win a $200 gift card to Southwest Airlines, provided by Lay’s potato chips!
Happiness is Family
When we travel with family, the focus isn’t on work, school, and never-ending to-do lists. Family vacations allow us to spend quality time with people we love, live more fully in the present moment, take notice of our surroundings, and enjoy life. This must be why my daughter often cries at the end of a vacation, “But I don’t wanna go home!”
And, it must be why so many of my happiest childhood memories took place while on a family vacation…swimming in indoor hotel pools with the gleeful calls of “Marco! Polo!” echoing against the walls…playing 20 questions in the backseat of our spitfire orange station wagon…or knowing I was safe on Disney’s Haunted Mansion ride because my dad told me my green Mickey Mouse ears would protect me. I am pictured above at age four (sporting my magical green mouse ears) with my brother and Pluto at Walt Disney World in Florida.
Happiness is Getting Away from it All
One of the happiest moments of any trip for me is after I arrive at my destination and I realize, “Hey, I’m on vacation!” Here I am pictured with my son, Leo, with my hometown San Diego in the background on a Carnival Cruise to Mexico. A sweet thing about a cruise is, the minute you step onboard, your vacation starts!
Happiness is Being Together
Since my two siblings and I live in three different states and we each have families of our own, it is a very rare occasion when we, our children, and our parents are all able to meet in one place. We made a point to get together in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico for a few days of family fun in the sun before my brother, a naval officer, was deployed to Iraq for six months.
While it was thrilling to swim with dolphins in The Bahamas and to climb a waterfall in Jamaica, most of my happiest travel memories take place when doing simple things with people I love. By far my favorite memory of this trip was simply splashing around in one of the hotel’s pools with the whole family.
In total, there were fourteen family members who went on this multi-generation vacation. From left to right, pictured above are my niece Siobhan, husband Phil, nephew Trevor, and sister Karen hamming it up at the pool at Solmar Resort.
Happiness is Relaxation
It is a happy moment indeed when children successfully take a nap while on vacation! This is especially true when such a nap takes place poolside at a beautiful resort, allowing for a mid-day snooze or dip in the pool for the Travel Mama and Travel Daddy! Here’s a photo of my daughter, Karissa, asleep in her stroller at the Kauai Marriott Resort in Kauai, Hawaii.
Happiness is Dreaming
I spent a lot of time visualizing taking my baby to Disneyland to distract myself from contractions during a very, very, very long labor with my firstborn. I couldn’t think of a happier place to be. It is, after all, The Happiest Place on Earth!
So, for my daughter’s first birthday rather than throwing her a birthday party, we took a three-day trip to Disneyland. Did the trip live up to my expectations? I think this picture of Karissa clapping with joy on her inaugural Disney ride aboard Dumbo’s back says it all!
Happiness is Simple
The message of the Lay’s potato chips’ Happiness Exhibit is that the happiest moments in our lives are truly the simple ones. From the online exhibit, select photos will be chosen to be featured on millions of Lay’s potato chip bags. You can submit photos that showcase simple, happy moments to Lays.com. Submitting photos on the Lay’s site does not affect your chance of winning the Happiest Travel Memories Contest on TravelMamas.com but it sure would be fun to see your photo on a bag of Lay’s potato chips!
Happiest Travel Memories Contest Sponsored by Lay’s Potato Chips
I shared just a few of my happiest travel memories with you. Now it’s your turn! Leave a comment below describing one of your happiest travel memories for a chance to win a $200 Southwest Airlines gift card. Lay’s potato chips will provide the prize to the winner.
This contest ends at 11:59 pm Pacific Standard Time on Saturday, May 1, 2010. The winner will be selected at random using Random.org and will be notified by email. If no response is received within one week, the first winner will forfeit the prize and another entrant will be selected. THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED. To find out who won and to read my favorite entries, read Thanks for Sharing the Memories.
You can enter a maximum of four times, using each method of entry once. The first option is required for entry. For each bonus entry, you must add an additional, separate comment to this blog post.
• REQUIRED ENTRY: Leave a comment below about your happiest travel memory. Please be specific! General comments like, “I love to travel” or “I have many happy travel memories” will be disqualified.
• BONUS ENTRY: 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:
Share a happy travel memory on @TravelMamas to WIN $200 for AIRLINE TIX from Lay’s potato chips http://bit.ly/arRHw7 #giveaway
• BONUS ENTRY: Become a Fan of Travel Mamas on Facebook. Then submit a comment like the one below, filling in the blanks, on the Travel Mamas Fan Page wall. Be sure to come back here and repeat the phrase in a separate comment on this blog post!
If I win the Happiest Travel Memories Contest on TravelMamas.com I will go to ___________ because _______________.
• BONUS ENTRY: Become a Travel Mama to receive bimonthly e-newsletter updates. If you already receive the e-newsletter, that counts! Just be sure to make a comment below saying that you are on the distribution list!
You might also like:
• Beach Day in Zihuatanejo, Mexico
• Carnival Cruise Line’s Onboard Activities for Kids
• 10 Best Family-Friendly Hotel Pools in the World
• Top 10 Disneyland Rides and Attractions for Babies and Toddlers
• Why We Travel with Children
Tags: cabo san lucas, California, Cruise, disney world, disneyland, Florida, hawaii, kauai, lay's potato chips' happiness exhibit, Mexico, multi-generation vacation, pool, San Diego, vacation naps
Posted in How to Travel with Kids, Where to Travel with Kids | 357 Comments »
Sunday, March 21st, 2010
To celebrate the one-year anniversary of TravelMamas.com, one lucky family will win a vacation package to San Antonio, Texas at the world’s largest JW Marriott Resort! Because the point of a vacation is to relax and have fun, the two-night package at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa includes special goodies to pamper every member of the family. Approximate retail prize value is $1,000. Read on to learn how to enter!
Earlier this month my family spent a few days at this beautiful resort. All vacations hold a special place in my heart for the moments of togetherness and wonder that can only be felt through travel. However, some destinations stamp a bigger imprint on my heart. It is the memories garnered on these trips that lull me to sleep on restless nights. The world is big with many new places to explore so I seldom like to return somewhere I have already been. However, I am already dreaming of a return trip to San Antonio, and to this JW Marriott in particular.
Lantana Spa
Let’s start with something all moms deserve…a little relaxation at the spa! After a dip in the whirlpool, I received a Saving Face facial. This included a gentle enzyme peel and healing mask as well as an upper body massage and nourishing hand treatment. If you can’t decide between a facial and a massage, this is a good choice because it felt like both rolled into one heavenly treatment.
Next, I had a Restorative Organic Massage with a scalp massage, hot towel massage and foot treatment. While this allowed me to slip into that lovely state of spa-induced half-awake, half-comatose Zen; it felt more like a body treatment than a massage to me. With eight other massages to choose from, next time I think I’d opt for the Citrus and Sunflower Organic Massage, which combines essential oils with a traditional full body massage.
Rather than hurrying back right away, I took advantage of this rare bit of me-time by showering and readying at the spa. They had everything I might need right there from lotions, soaps, and mouthwash to disposable razors. I was a happy bowl of pudding by the time I left to rejoin my family!
The Lantana Spa suggests you arrive at least a half hour early to check-in and take advantage of the spa’s hot tub, sauna, and steam room. I suggest you go even earlier; how often do you get to relax and have some time to yourself, free of a kid pulling at your pants leg or complaining that their brother got the bigger half of the cookie?
TPC PGA-Tour Golf Course
I have only golfed once in my life but my husband, Phil, was thrilled to have a chance to golf at a TPC PGA-Tour golf course. He was given the choice of two courses, one of which was regarded as easier and therefore more appropriate for the non-professional. Phil is a pretty decent golfer so he chose the more difficult course.
A view of one of the resort’s two TPC PGA-Tour golf courses from the adult infinity pool
Here’s what Travel Daddy Phil had to say, “Hold on to your golf pants…when they say the course is tough, they mean it! Greg Norman designed the course and it was definitely intended to challenge. The practice areas and course were in perfect condition and it was just gorgeous. I was supposed to play with a couple other guys but the impending rain kept them off the tee. Although I played by myself, I had a great time, and, I didn’t have to tell anyone what my score was!”
Range Riders Kids Camp
If you will be staying here during a busy time, like spring break or summer, be sure to sign up for Range Riders before you leave home so you can snag a spot in this delightful camp for kids.
Upon check-in at the hotel my daughter, Karissa, received a treasure map that led us to Range Riders. Following the map’s path was a wonderful way to get her excited for her adventure away from mom and dad!
An enthusiastic Karissa following her treasure map to Range Riders
During warm weather, kids are asked to bring a bathing suit and sunscreen for a splashing good time with the counselors and other campers at the kiddy pool. No need to worry about safety either since kid-sized life vests help keep children safe poolside.
I stopped by a couple of hours into Karissa’s Ranger Riders experience and she begged me to let her stay longer (which I happily obliged). She had a busy day, filled with lunch, crafts, and make-believe play. She had a lot to show for her efforts too. A photo of Karissa standing by the Range Riders’ life-size plastic bull was placed into a frame that she painted herself and decorated with stick-on jewels and puffy letters to spell-out her name. She also drew a stick-figure portrait of her family with special markers on a souvenir Range Riders t-shirt.
Due to my daughter’s age (we celebrated her fifth birthday at the resort), this was Karissa’s first experience at a hotel kids’ camp. Many resort kids’ camps start at the age of five, but this program allowed kids aged four and older who are potty-trained.
The Range Riders Kids Camp
When I asked Karissa if she liked Range Riders, she said, “I loved it!” What did she think was the best part? “My teachers, Miss Perry and Miss Courtney!” I can’t think of a better endorsement than that.
River Bluff Water Experience
The best part of our stay at JW Marriott San Antonio was the time we spent together at the resort’s River Bluff Water Experience.
We could’ve spent all day just splashing in the little kids’ zero-entry pool, with its fountains, three small slides, but there were too many other watery diversions to enjoy!
The kids’ pool and splash area with the Water Tower in the background
My husband and I took turns climbing the Water Tower to zoom down the Acequia Tube Slides with our daughter in a double inner tube. There are two exhilarating options – one slide that is mostly open-air and one mostly-enclosed tube slide. Karissa didn’t want to brave the latter, so I went it alone (for research purposes, of course!).
Not only was the River Bluff Water Experience a whole lot of fun, but also it was beautiful. The 1,200-foot lazy river was lined with Cyprus trees and walls made from natural rock. I almost felt as if I were floating down a real river through the Texas Hill Country!
For some mischievous fun, kids can spin and pump various mechanical doo-dads to spray other guests afloat on the river. This may have been my two-year-old son Leo’s favorite part! He giggled and stomped his feet as he watched in awe when his actions from above made the water shoot out below.
Leo spinning a pump to spray water onto the lazy river
Restaurants and More
For dining, there were six restaurants plus room service to choose from. The fanciest was 18 Oaks, where I dined on a sublime steak. The most unique eatery was the High Velocity Sports Bar with its winding wall of television screens. For a quick breakfast or snack option, there was also a Starbucks onsite.
The winding wall of television screens for the ultimate in sports viewing at High Velocity
A favorite memory from this trip was listening to live country music echoing through the resort’s two-story lobby as my kids joyously danced about. The lobby contains a bar on the lower level with billiards plus checkers and chess tables inviting guests to linger in this expansive lounge.
A Truly Special Place
While San Antonio offered plenty to do outside the resort, the JW Marriott San Antonio was the kind of place you don’t want to leave. Maybe it was because it was a new resort, but the staff exuded a warmth and excitement that is rarely found. You could easily spend a whole week just enjoying the resort’s amenities and never get bored.
So what are you waiting for? Enter to win a family getaway at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country!
Travel Mamas Anniversary Vacation Package Giveaway
The winning family will receive:
- Two Nights Accommodations in a Deluxe Room at JW Marriott San Antonio
- Breakfast for a Family of Four Daily
- One 50-Minute Spa Treatment at the Resort’s Lantana Spa
- One Round of Golf at One of Two Onsite TPC PGA-Tour Golf Courses
- Four Hours at the JW Marriott’s Range Riders Kids Club
THIS CONTEST HAS ENDED. THE WINNER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED BY EMAIL. IF THE WINNER DOES NOT CLAIM THE PRIZE WITHIN ONE WEEK, ANOTHER WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN AT RANDOM. THANK YOU FOR ENTERING! This contest ends at 11:59 pm Pacific Standard Time on Saturday, April 3, 2010. The winner will be selected at random using Random.org and will be notified by email. If no response is received within one week, the first winner will forfeit the prize and another entrant will be selected. JW Marriott will provide the prize to the winner. The value of the package is $1,000. The prize is valid for one year and must be redeemed by March 31, 2011. The prize information must be presented when making reservations. There is no cash value. There are no substitutions in the prize package items. The prize is not transferable.
Here’s how to enter:
You can enter a maximum of four times, using each method of entry once. The first option is required for entry. For each bonus entry, you must add an additional, separate comment to this blog post.
REQUIRED ENTRY: Leave a comment below about which feature of JW Marriott San Antonio you would most like to experience and why. Please be specific! General comments will be disqualified.
BONUS ENTRY: Follow @TravelMamas on Twitter and tweet this contest. Be sure to add a link to your tweet below! Copy and past the following phrase into Twitter:
I want to win a luxury vacation at Marriott’s NEW @JWSanAntonio to celebrate @TravelMamas 1st anniversary! http://bit.ly/9rYlN8
BONUS ENTRY: Become a Fan of Travel Mamas on Facebook. Then submit a comment on the Travel Mamas Fan Page wall stating why you deserve to win a getaway to JW Marriott San Antonio. Be sure to come back here and repeat your comment below!
BONUS ENTRY: Become a Travel Mama to receive bimonthly e-newsletter updates. If you already receive the e-newsletter, that counts! Just be sure to make a comment below saying that you are on the distribution list!
A note from the Travel Mama: In preparation for this incredible giveaway, my family and I were hosted by the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa for a three-night stay.
You might also like:
• Family Fun in Texas Hill Country
• Happy One-Year Anniversary TravelMamas.com!
• Nickelodeon Suites Resort: A Hotel & Water Park for a Splashing Good Time
• 10 Best Family-Friendly Hotel Pools in the World
• Top 5 Things to Do in San Antonio
Tags: golf, hotel kids' camp, jw marriott, pool, san antonio, spa, texas, waterslide
Posted in Where to Travel with Kids | 309 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 Where to Travel with Kids | 3 Comments »
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