Four Reasons Why I Hate Walt Disney World
I recently took my family to Orlando's Walt Disney World, our first visit to the "House of the Mouse." For my two kids, this was certainly one of their trips of a lifetime and they're itching to go back for more. The whole place is an incredibly impressive experience, and the Disney memory-making machine is certainly a well-oiled success. In 2010, almost 17 million people visited the Magic Kingdom alone; the company's worldwide parks and resorts generated a mammoth $11 billion in revenues in 2011. Big numbers aside, though, there were some areas where I left feeling a little disappointed. Here's why.
Food Fit for a Princess? Hardly.
I wasn't expecting gourmet food and knew that everything would be theme-park prices, but the food we had at both the Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios was a huge letdown. We even tried dinner at the Animal Kingdom Lodge's more upscale Kidani restaurant and left feeling that even its more exotic menu was dumbed-down for mass consumption. Given the huge demand and global clientele, I think Disney's missing a trick in introducing bolder, more imaginative flavors to its theme-park fare. Yell at me all you like about tasting the food at Epcot, but why can't this be a resort-wide focus? Perhaps then I might feel less aggrieved at parting with $40 for lunch for a family of four.
See a photo gallery of scenes from around Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom theme park
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April 20, 2012
Hotel Spotlight: Virginia's Homestead Resort to Debut New Water Park
LET'S PLAY!: Artist's rendering of The Homestead's Allegheny Springs (The Homestead Resort)
Thomas Jefferson, inveterate tinkerer and inventor of things, would have approved. The historic Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia, has been undergoing a $25 million upgrade that will include the nation's first spring-fed water park, plus a new 18-hole miniature golf course. Jefferson himself took to the waters in these parts in the 1800s and would no doubt have enjoyed a ride down one of the three planned waterslides and 400-foot lazy river. Construction is nearing completion on the two-acre water park, which is scheduled to open around July 4th. Consider this just one more reason to take the kids to this tranquil retreat deep in the Allegheny mountains of southwestern Virginia. Beyond the 2012 additions, The Homestead is packed with dozens of family-friendly activities including an indoor bowling alley, movie nights, fishing pond, hayrides, falconry, archery, and more. The resort food is good, though if you want to hold down costs, wander into Hot Springs for a cheap nosh at Lindsey's Roost. Service is friendly and the food is cheap (though not exactly nutritious—think burgers and fried-fish sandwiches). Check out The Homestead Resort's website for the latest seasonal deals and packages.
For more of the world's top family resorts, check out Away.com's Best Resorts & Lodges Guide.
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March 23, 2012
The Best of Easter: Five Places to Seek the Golden Egg
(Thinkstock Images)
Easter usually brings a break for school, basket's full of Cadbury eggs, and of course Easter egg hunts! So to help you decide which way you want to hop, we've found some unique egg hunts and other fun activities along the bunny trail.
The Fabergé Big Egg Hunt
London, England
The world's largest Easter Egg hunt began on February 21st in London and will go through Easter Sunday on April 8th, hosted by Russian jeweler, Fabergé. Over 200 two-and-a-half-feet-tall eggs were designed by famous artists, designers, and jewelers and have been placed throughout 12 "Egg Zones" in central London. So grab your Easter basket (or more likely your cameras and your phone to text each egg's keyword) and get to hunting. At the end of the egg hunt, the eggs will be auctioned off for charity and one lucky egg hunter will win the Fabergé Tribute Egg: The Diamond Jubilee Egg.
Away.com Travel Guide: Going to London
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January 27, 2012
The World's Best Airports for Family Travelers
Butterfly garden at Singapore's Changi Airport (Andy_Mitchell_UK/Flickr)
There are certain world airports that stick out as perennial party poopers when it comes to traveling with kids (London Heathrow being my personal horror show, with its interminably long, draughty, and crowded corridors, which are a nightmare to navigate with jetlagged youngsters). But where are the airports that put some of the play back into travel? Here are our picks (caveat emptor: we can't vouch for freak weather events, transit delays, or unplanned kiddie meltdowns at any of these selections).
Europe Winner: Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
Forego the strike-fuelled chaos of Paris Charles de Gaulle each summer, and use Amsterdam Schiphol as your European transit hub. This bright, smooth-running airport features a free "Kids' Forest" playzone with treehouses, slides, and climbing equipment, plus an outdoor observation deck for teens to get their first lungful of (admittedly, aviation-fuel-soaked) European air.
Regional Runner-up: Copenhagen Airport (CPH), for its home-turf Lego store and family-friendly quiet areas.
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January 19, 2012
2012's Best Family Vacation Destinations
Mackinac Island, Michigan (mackinacisland.org)
2012 may be the year you promised to take the kids to Disney Word. And if so, then we wish you the best. But if you’re looking for a family-friendly destination that goes beyond kiddie rides and water slides, we’ve got you covered with these hot-spots:
1. Mackinac Island, Michigan
A family vacation destination since the mid-1800s, Mackinac Island banned motorized vehicles more than 100 years ago. The result is a quiet yet bustling atmosphere that includes shopping, food, history, nature, and plenty of opportunities for relaxation. Check out:
Fort Mackinac: High on a bluff overlooking the rest of the island, this military fort-turned-museum offers information about 1800s military life, glimpses of authentic buildings, and an interactive children’s exhibit.
Mackinac Trails: Eighty percent of the island is a Michigan State Park, which is evident in the abundant trails for hiking, horseback riding, and bicycling, plus rock formations and other natural attractions.
The Original Butterfly House and Insect World: Stroll through 1,800 square feet of tropical paradise surrounded by hundreds of live butterflies from four continents and check out impressive preserved insects, including a 14-inch walking stick.
For a full-service resort experience including dining, activities, and historic accommodations, stay at Mission Point Resort. This casual, kid-friendly resort offers two-bedroom family suites, a variety of restaurants, on-site movies, kid’s club, and a laid-back atmosphere.
Away.com Mackinac Island Travel Guide
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November 28, 2011
I Heart NYC: A Big Apple Holiday for Every Kind of Traveler
Rockefeller Center during Christmas, New York City (Top Photo Group/Thinkstock)
If one city in the continental U.S. represents everything the holidays stand for, New York City is that place. It has vibrant colors, soft white blankets of snow, beautifully decorated trees, ice skating rinks, and store window treatments that come straight from all of our childhood dreams. In our opinion, NYC is iconic and whimsical during the holidays, a place where even the most Grinchiest can find some sort of joy.
For The Dancer
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Say the word Rockettes and you automatically think of high kicks, glitz, and glam, which is why Radio City's Christmas Spectacular is a must-see over the holidays. The Rockettes dance and dazzle their way through The Twelve Days of Christmas Carol, the Parade of the Wooden Soldiers, the Living Nativity, and more. Each 90-minute performance showcases 36 Rockettes (who are all between 5'6" and 5'10.5") and 1,300 costumes. Live animals such as donkeys, camels, and sheep are a part of the cast as well. Get your jazz hands ready!
For The Shopper
Holiday Window Displays
Many high-end stores on Fifth Avenue, such as Sak's, Lord & Taylor, Bergdorf Goodman, and others off 5th Ave, such as Barneys, Bloomingdale's, and Macy's have display designers working for months on the creations that they place in their store windows. Long ago, Macy's started this tradition of creating magical tales of the holidays in their windows and the other stores have since followed. Children will be in awe of the displays and adults will appreciate the show of artist ability as well. Best of all, window shopping is free!
For The Arborist
Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
A world-wide symbol of the season, the Rockefeller Christmas tree has been a tradition for over 75 years. This year it stands tall, bright, and beautiful; lit by 30,000 LED lights on five miles of wire and topped with a Swarovski crystal star. If trees are your thing, also hop around the city and check out the trees at Madison Square Park, Wall Street, South Street Seaport, Botanical Gardens, and a few of the museums like the MET.
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October 06, 2011
New York City for Families: My Top 3
T-Rex at American Museum of Natural History, New York City (asterix611/Flickr)
New York City is the perennial king of worldwide tourist destinations. It's the place of 1,001 different experiences, tastes, sights, sounds, and perspectives. In fact, there's so much to see and do in the Big Apple, that planning a trip there can seem downright bewildering (and hey, urban lore holds that there are some New Yorkers who've never stepped foot off Manhattan). To add to that Tower of Babel stew of opinions about this great city, here are my three favorite travel experiences with kids in tow in New York City. Don't agree? Got more to add? Tell us in the comments section!
Best Place to Learn: American Museum of Natural History, Upper West Side
The American Museum of Natural History is an impressive space that lays out the world and its wonders for ages young and old. As befits a place that explores the natural world from the beginnings of time (and those places in the cosmos beyond temporal constraints), New York's vast American Museum of Natural History requires days of exploration to do it justice. Tourists with only a day (if not, hours) to spare will want to hit the Hayden Planetarium, Milstein Hall of Ocean Life, and dinosaur exhibits on the fourth floor. Plan ahead to see which special exhibits are showing and to help map out your route, so you're not overwhelmed once you arrive. Among the museum's various hands-on kids' installations, the first-floor Discovery Room is an excellent spot in which to while away an hour or more with children ten and younger. Activities include a dino dig (complete with Perspex goggles and archaeology tools) and a fun scavenger hunt around a faux baobab tree. The museum's website is also packed with educational features, downloadable activity kits, and even a link to a free interactive dino app for the iPhone. Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch in adjacent Central Park once you've had your fill of fossils, dioramas, and planets.
American Museum of Natural History Travel Guide
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August 02, 2011
Top Five American Zoos
(San Diego Zoo)
August is synonymous with back-to-school, and what better way to get those kiddos into the learning mindset then to intrigue them with an educational (but fun!) trip to the zoo. Nothing gets their little minds reeling like a glimpse into the animal kingdom. With close to 200 zoos in the U.S., there are plenty of options close to your hometown, but here are five of our favorite larger versions around the country.
San Diego Zoo
A little more than two miles north of San Diego, you will find the largest zoo in the United States, the San Diego Zoo. It's considered the largest zoo based on the fact that its 100 acres house more than 4,000 animals from 800 different species. The animal exhibits closely imitate the animals’ natural habitats. We recommend taking the 35-minute Guided Bus Tour aboard a double-decker bus, with stops along to allow guests to hop on and off at five different points inside the zoo. Tickets are included in the price of a one-day admission pass. We also recommend allotting three to four hours so you have ample time to walk through the exhibits. A tip from the zookeeper: Many animals are “early risers,” so get up with the sun for prime viewing opportunities.
Indianapolis Zoo
With more than 3,000 animals spread among the park, the Indianapolis Zoological Society is most known for its elephant program. The zoo offers a few different elephant activities including an art adventure where the elephant is the artist of the hour, and an opportunity for guests to help scrub down the largest animal on land. As an added bonus, the African elephant Kubwa just gave birth to her third calf this July. Surprisingly, the landlocked Indianapolis Zoo is also known for its dolphins. They have a unique experience that lets guests meet a dolphin, learn hand signals, and give a fishy reward.
National Zoological Park
Head to the nation’s capital to visit the Smithsonian’s 163-acre zoo for free! Print off a map of the zoo ahead of time and plot your route; but be sure to make a stop at the panda exhibit. The National Zoo is one of only four zoos in the U.S. (San Diego, Atlanta, and Memphis) that has giant pandas to visit. You can also check out the live panda cams on the zoo website to see what the lovable Mei Xiang and Tian Tian are up too.
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July 28, 2011
Ten Places Every Kid Should See Before They Leave For College
Gettysburg National Military Park, Pennsylvania (Tetra Images)
When you have little ones, a vacation isn't really a vacation. Consider these ten landmarks, locales, events as an investment in your child's future, for is a life really complete without realizing just how small you are while standing under the canopy of a 300-foot tree or feeling true American pride while watching a grand slam at Fenway Park? If you approach it right, they might not even realize that it's educational. Here are our top ten places every kid should see before they leave for college.
10. New York City
Yeah, we know, it's crowded and expensive, but imagine the awe radiating from your child as they stand amidst the lights of Times Square. Buy a sandwich from the deli across the street from the Ed Sullivan Theatre, rent bikes in Central Park, and let them try to figure out the subway map in Grand Central Station. During the holidays, skate at Rockefeller Center or crowd the streets for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. '
New York City Family Travel Guide
9. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
It's a bit "heavy" but kids slacking in history class will find a new appreciation for one of the most important events in America's history. Hit up the National Riding Stables to saddle up for a ride along the battlefield. Make sure to stop at Gettysburg National Cemetery where more than 3,500 Union soldiers are buried.
Pennsylvania Family Travel Guide
8. Alcatraz, San Francisco, California
The land that was once home to the toughest prison in America doesn't sound very kid-friendly, but we guarantee nothing but good can come from a child learning that there are consequences for crimes, even if it's a bit extreme. Depart via ferry from San Francisco's Pier 33 to stroll the dark, musty, and cramped quarters of Alcatraz. To really get a feel for what life was like for hardcore criminals in the 40s and 50s, purchase the audio tour narrated by former inmates and guards who spent time in the prison.
San Francisco Family Travel Guide
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July 22, 2011
Dream Big at Atlantis, Paradise Island in the Bahamas
As befits a place that has built its brand around a legendary submerged kingdom first chronicled by Plato around 360 BC, the Atlantis, Paradise Island resort in the Bahamas is upping the fantasy quotient for its younger guests this summer. For the next several weeks, guests can join themed camps that include a Fashion and Fitness Camp hosted by the editors of Seventeen magazine, an Atlantis Marine Adventure Camp that takes campers behind the scenes of Atlantis' impressive marine-habitat operation, and a Second City Fantasy Camp to learn from the same improv outfit that launched the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Mike Myers. The Seventeen magazine Fantasy Camp runs July 25-28; the Marine Adventure and Second City Fantasy camps will occur August 1-4. To book, visit www.atlantis.com.
Of course, even if you don't join one of these camps, Atlantis is one serious bucket of fun (a 20-million-gallon bucket if you take into account all its fresh and saltwater pools and lagoons, waterslides, waterfalls, and marine habitat). Atlantis guests have full access to all these amenities, as well as 35 restaurants, well-regarded kids' programs and activities, plus casino, spa, and shopping for the grownups to join in all that holiday dreaming.
Click here to read a review of Atlantis, one of Away.com's top-rated family resorts.
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