Search Results for: blog disney world planning amp the big family

Adventures at Disney World

Your family is desperate for a Disney World vacation. They’ve been begging you to go for ages, but you just can’t get into the idea. Amusement parks aren’t your thing. Sure, there’s stuff like the Animal Kingdom and special events at Epcot, but even on an off-season Disney might just be too crowded for you. You’re the outdoorsy type, you love adventure. In fact, Adventures by Disney would be more your speed, but that’s way too expensive. You’re in luck, because a little-known fact about Disney World is that there’s tons to do there that one wouldn’t associate with amusement … Continue reading →

Beat the Disney Crowds with TouringPlans.com

It’s actually possible to visit a Disney park and not have to wait in extremely long lines. Depending on the time of year you make your trip, the park isn’t that crowded. However, if you want to take your kids to Disney World and don’t want to pull them out of school in order to do so, you’re looking at visiting during one of the busy seasons: the summer, or around a big holiday. Even if you have to travel to Disney during a crowded time you still have some options for reducing time spent in lines. There is an … Continue reading →

Spring Break Down South

South Point on the Big Island of Hawaii is the southern most point in the United States. However, you don’t have to trek to the 50th state in order to enjoy the sun, sand and surf this spring. California, Texas and Florida are some of the most popular spring break destinations thanks in large part to their mild weather and family-friendly theme parks. If you are planning to take the kids to Florida, but want to bypass Disney, then head to Tampa and check out the following attractions: Lowry Park Zoo Lowry Park Zoo is home to more than 2000 … Continue reading →

Miyazaki: Master of Animation, Pt. 1

“It’s just a wonderful world that (Miyazaki) creates that’s just so different from anything you see out there today.” – Frank Marshall, Executive Producer, “Ponyo” English language version In my review of “Ponyo” earlier this week I mentioned that Hayao Miyazaki’s latest film, though excellent, might be a little off-putting to those who haven’t seen any of the Japanese animation master’s other films. I decided to compile a list, complete with descriptions/recommendations, of all of Miyazaki’s films (available Stateside on Disney DVD) and his involvement in them, which almost always includes him being a main animator. At the end of … Continue reading →

Christmas in Florida

After the Blizzard of 2009, I’m sure more people than ever are considering traveling to Florida for Christmas. I prefer Hawaii myself, but I digress. Sunny Florida is a hotspot for snowbirds looking to escape Old Man Winter’s blast. However, some shy away from flying south because they don’t think the sand and surf make for a traditional Christmas backdrop. Little do they know that Florida is filled with festive displays and attractions this time of year, including: ORLANDO The House of Mouse goes all out for the holidays. If you are planning to travel to Orlando this month, don’t … Continue reading →

Serious Summer Fun

The calendar may still say spring, but with most of the country experiencing temperatures in the 80s and 90s, summer fever is already in full swing. It’s almost time for students to trade in their books for the beach, and for parents to start planning for the clan’s annual summer getaway. If you are looking for activities that will delight the entire family in the coming weeks, consider the following: GREAT AMERICAN FOOD AND MUSIC FEST This annual one-day event has something for everyone. Foodies will be in heaven sampling everything from authentic buffalo wings from Anchor Bar in Buffalo … Continue reading →

What’s All The Fuss at Victoria and Albert’s?

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Victoria and Albert’s restaurant at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is the finest dining experience there is at Walt Disney World. It is a small, intimate and elegant restaurant that has been recognized by the nation’s top food critics and has received a AAA five-diamond rating. This is not an every-day dining experience. It is a very special occasion (and extremely romantic) Victorian retreat. A harpist provides background music during your seven course meal, the restaurant itself is lavishly decorated, the menus are personalized, every lady receives a long-stemmed rose and every table is served by not one but … Continue reading →

Planning Murphy’s Smoky Mountain Getaway

Photo by Don Wang Not counting the family Christmas road trip all of us –even Mr. Meow–took back in 2005 to Denver, the week we spent looking for houses in March of 2005 when we were moving from Jacksonville to Nashville, or last Labor Day weekend when we made a quick trip down to Jacksonville for a couple of days, we haven’t gotten away for a true vacation to somewhere we’ve never been since we went to Charleston in 2003. Well, we’re finally going to take a few days and head up to Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains. A neighbor … Continue reading →

How Children Get Lost at Disney World

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A parent’s worst fear is when their child goes missing. Whether you are in the grocery store or the mall or Disney World, there’s no greater stomach clenching, ice-cold fear than that you experience when your child vanishes while you are out and about. I’ve known that feeling when my daughter darted around a corner once in the grocery store and she kept moving one way while I moved another and it was a pretty terrifying experience. Losing your child at Disney World can make the most magical place on Earth seem like the most terrifying place on Earth. With … Continue reading →

Seniors Planning a Trip to Disney

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Are you over 60 and planning to take the grandkids to Disney World for the first time? Is it your first trip to Disney World? If so, then take a seat and let’s review a few things before you start your planning. After all, taking the grandchildren to Disney World can be an immensely rewarding experience for you and your grandkids, but it’s important to recognize that it can also be very exhausting as well. Have You Ever Been to Disney World? The first time you visit Disney World, you probably felt a sense of culture shock. It is a … Continue reading →