state - Pitstops for Kids

What to do in Anaheim beyond the parks: Anaheim Packing District

November 15, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

If you’ve planned a trip with the kids to Anaheim for the Disney theme parks, hopefully you’re taking my advice and adding at least one ‘rest day’ to your Disney itinerary. Disneyland and California Adventure are now at least a two-day affair, and by extending your Orange County trip to three full days, you can take a much needed break from the parks in the middle. Here’s what to do, beyond going to the beach.

What to do in Anaheim beyond the parks:

Anaheim Packing District:

This pedestrian-friendly district in Anaheim is only minutes from Disney, but feels a world away. Built at the site of one of Orange County’s famed orange groves of a few decades ago, the Packing District is now an eclectic and artistic mix of shops, dining venues, breweries, outdoor walkways and green spaces. It feels urban in a way most of the OC does not, and has been described as the ‘locals’ Anaheim’.

Start at the Packing House, which is two stories of dining options and artisan food speciality shops. The Packing House reminded me of Toronto’s St. Lawrence Market or even Seattle’s Pike Place Market. Kids will go crazy for the sweet milk, boba, and tea concoctions at Mini Monster, served in custom mason jars topped in clouds of cotton candy, and with the hand-dipped popsicles and ice cream at Popbar. I recommend the authentic Indian cuisine at ADYA and the Vietnamese flavors at Sawleaf Cafe, but the best part is that everyone can order from a different venue at the Packing House, then come together to eat at the same table, sharing bites.

The Packing House is surrounded by brew pubs with outdoor seating and kid-friendly amenities (think swings and board games) and more handmade and homemade goodness in MAKE and nearby Farmers Park. Leisuretown, coming soon, will feature more dining options plus a massive swimming pool, among other amusements.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts:

The Segerstrom Center for the Arts is a world-class performing arts center located adjacent to Anaheim in Costa Mesa. Yes, there are shows in Disney, but if you need a break for some genuine culture, this is where to do it. The Segerstrom offers a year-round Family Series, which features kid-friendly shows and performances throughout the year. For young kids, offerings such as Muppet sing-alongs and Journey to Oz are on the schedule for 2018, with shows such as School of Rock for older kids. Dining near the Segerstrom is limited to a few fine dining venues, so I recommend eating before arriving.

Tip: Many families coming to Orange County just for Disney don’t rent a car. You don’t need one to get to the Packing District or Segerstrom. While Southern California is admittedly not known for public transit, ART (Anaheim Resort Transportation) does do a good job of getting families to and from the resort areas and the rest of Anaheim. You can connect to ART directly from Disneyland, and fares are only $5.50 for adults and $2 for kids ages 3-9. Lyft is a good bet as well!

Where to stay:

If you’re not staying on Disney property and want to be centrally located for both Disneyland and additional Anaheim and Costa Mesa offerings, I highly recommend the Homewood Suites Irvine. Minutes from everything, Irvine makes for a central home base that will help you avoid traffic, and is more budget-friendly than Orange County beach towns or Disney-adjacent properties.

The value proposition at Homewood Suites Irvine is high: families get free parking, free breakfast, free WiFi, easy access to Disney, and even a free nightly reception/drink option, that includes enough food to call it a light meal. During my visit, I watched a family of four make a full meal out of Italian cuisine appetizers, drinks (including wine and beer for parents) and desserts served complimentarily, and settle by the outdoor pool for a chill evening. The next evening, it was Chinese food, and my last evening, the reception centered around pizzas and antipasto. Plus, in addition to an outdoor pool and hot tub, the Homewood Suites features an outdoor sport court.

Grown-Up Getaway: What to do in Orange County without the kids

November 10, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

What? Go to Orange County, home of Disneyland, without the kids? Yep! And here’s why you need to go with the fellow grown-up of your choice (and what you need to do):

Orange County without the kids:

Orange County has recently surprised me with mixed use buildings, a more urban flare, and a departure from the beach-and-theme-park vibe I’ve long been used to. Here’s what not to miss in four Orange County cities, including Anaheim.

Spend a day in San Juan Capistrano and Laguna Beach:

Located on the southern end of Orange County, San Juan Capistrano lies adjacent to the beach towns of Dana Point and Laguna Beach, but offers something different than sand and sun. One of the oldest communities on the west coast, visiting San Juan Capistrano adds a layer of history and old-world beauty to your Southern California vacation. Start at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, and try to time your visit to coincide with one of their tours. The powers that be currently at the mission are taking great care with preservation and history, and provide excellent tours for just a nominal fee over the entry fee.

From the mission, peruse the shops adjacent, then cross the railroad trips to the neighborhood of Los Rios. This oldest neighborhood in California is tucked away amid an almost garden-like network of quiet streets, and the cafes, boutiques, and clothing stores here are all run by owners who live on premises.

Head up the coastline through Dana Point to the artist haven of Laguna Beach. Take in the pretty streets and impressive art galleries, stroll through the Festival of the Arts or the fun and funky Sawdust Festival if you’re visiting during the summer season, then throw all your impressions of elegant art and refinement out the window during a counter-culture tour of Laguna with Doug from La Vida Laguna. This fascinating walking tour is a new offering from this company that also leads kayak, surf, and paddle board tours and rentals, and talks visitors through the (slightly) dark and completely fascinating underbelly of Laguna, from the time it served as a hotbed of the LSD craze of the 1960s and housed the Brotherhood of Eternal Love, championed by infamous Timothy Leary.

The two-hour tour isn’t all ‘60s drug culture; during the walk, I also learned a lot about the historic origins of iconic Laguna landmarks and the history of many of the famous shops and homeowners in the area. At the end of the tour, take your pick of Laguna eateries with views of the Pacific.

Enjoy at spa day in Huntington Beach:

Treat yourselves to a spa day a the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach. There are many spas in Orange County, but I recommend this one because of the value proposition: with a spa treatment, you can stay at the property all day, enjoying not only the spa amenities but the pools. Valet parking is included, room service can be brought to the spa, and the Watertable, the Hyatt Regency’s on-site dining venue, is a perfect compliment. And if you crave some beach time, it’s right across the street via pedestrian bridge.

Experience world-class theater in Costa Mesa:

The Segerstrom Center for the Arts, located in Costa Mesa, offers all full line-up of theater productions. Whereas I might have assumed I’d need to travel to Los Angeles for quality theater, the Segerstrom impressed. Begin your night with the fixed pris menu at Silver Trumpet, located directly across the street from the theater. Try one of their craft cocktails or ask for the impressive wine list.

Wine and dine:

Speaking of good food, if you explore only one Orange County dining and shopping mixed-use space, make it the Packing House, located in the Packing District of Anaheim. Just minutes from Disneyland, the Packing House is located on the site of an orange packing plant, now converted to two stories of fun, funky, and locally-sourced food, art, and handmade items.

Be sure to get to the Packing House with plenty of time to stroll, then endure the hard part: picking just one or two places to eat. Split up, and return to the central tables with bites to share. Cuisine is quick-serve, and ranges from Indian and Vietnamese fare to Southern comfort food and boba tea and smoothies. If you visit in the evening, be sure to visit The Blind Rabbit, an authentic speak-easy, with an unmarked door (ask for directions).

Outside the Packing House in the greater Packing District, take your pick between breweries with plenty of outdoor seating and live music, and a selection of wine bars.

Similar to the Packing House, OC Mix is located nearby in Costa Mesa, with more craft and handmade items, plus a smattering of unique home decor and design offerings. An outdoor space with Adirondack chairs and other seating is a good place to chill with a tea or coffee, and two wine bars, including LCA Wines, with unique offerings from around the world for excellent prices, offer tastings.

Eat at ARC if the weather is on the cooler side; this warm-hued venue makes meals entirely on open flame and in a wood-fired oven, in an open-concept kitchen. The casseroles and meat dishes are rich and comforting, and the craft cocktails are on point. If you’d rather eat outside, head to Taco Maria for some of the best upscale tacos in the OC (these are not street tacos, by any means). Take them to the courtyard to eat al fresco.

In nearby Irvine, Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine is tucked away in a largely corporate-looking business district, but has a hopping happy hour, as well as truly spectacular cuisine. Start with one of the artisan cocktails, then pursue the extensive wine list (two days a week, Monday and Tuesday, there are no corkage fees if you want to bring bottle of your own). The best thing about Andrei’s: 100% of its profits goes toward retinal eye disease research, in honor of Andrei Olenicoff, the owners’ son and brother. Yes, 100%.

Where to stay:

Treat yourselves to a truly sleek, new hotel with a beautiful lounge and excellent fully-catered breakfast, right in the heart of Irvine. The Marriott AC Hotel Irvine is a business-leisure hybrid with a second-floor outdoor pool and lounge area, a full bar and lounge indoors, and an upscale breakfast buffet (not complimentary) that serves two additional made-to-order offerings per morning as well.

While the AC Hotel does charge for breakfast and parking, it makes up for these factors in its ambiance and convenient central location. The hardest thing to plan during an Orange County vacation is drive time with traffic, and by staying in Irvine, you’ll be within 15 minutes of Costa Mesa and Anaheim, and less than 30 minutes from Laguna and San Juan Capistrano. I enjoyed the ‘city’ vibe of the hotel, since so often, Orange County is equated with ‘beach’ or ‘Disney’.

Tips for making the most of Knott’s Berry Farm

November 8, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California is, in many ways, the OG of Southern California theme parks. Originally created around an actual berry farm, where the Knott family sold boysenberry jam and homemade desserts and comfort food, Knott’s has retained many of its quaint characteristics, from its famous fried chicken restaurant to its marketplace of artisan shops and holiday-themed decor.

Knott’s Berry Farm tips:

I appreciate that Knott’s still attempts to educate guests on California history, from information on the Pony Express outside its Pony Express ride to pioneer history in Ghost Town and Calico Park, as well as exhibits to explore such as an authentic frontier school house and displays throughout the park depicting the California mission system.

Over the years, thrill-type attractions have been added, allowing Knott’s to essentially become a hybrid of Six Flags-ike roller coasters and the slower-paced fun more aptly represented at Silver Dollar City.

Compared to Disneyland and California Adventure, or even to Universal Studios or Sea World San Diego, Knott’s is a smaller-sized park, easily tackled in one day. Because of its size, the park can feel crowded easily, but unlike Disney, Knott’s still enjoys an off-season: when I visited on a Sunday in October, practically no wait times existed.

Want to fuel up for Knott’s in the morning? Stop at Porto’s, a Southern California institution with a large location adjacent to the park. Plan to get there early and wait in a line at this Cuban bakery, but the crew here has crowd efficiency down to a science, and the prices cannot be beat for homemade pastries and roasted coffee.

Making the most of Knott’s:

1. Arrive at park opening, but there’s no need to rush to rope drop in the off-season.

2. Try to park in the South Lot, to avoid the need to ride a shuttle to the ticket booths, saving you time.

3. During peak season, upgrading to Fast Lane wristbands is worth the cash. That said, this $60 per ticket upgrade is NOT necessary outside the peak summer season. Fast Lane works essentially the same as Universal’s Front of the Line Pass (except it can be used on any ride offering a Fast Lane, as many times as desired, making it a better value). Most Fast Lane return gates are located at the attraction exit, which is a bummer: I dislike looking like a ‘VIP’ or special guest…I’d far rather merge into the regular line. However, during my visit testing the pass, it worked smoothly.

4. Start at the back of the park, and move forward, to avoid crowds that bottleneck near the entrance, where a few of the bigger coasters await. Additional top attractions are further back, and remain empty for longer.

5. Don’t neglect to take in the shows. Get a show schedule at the entrance along with your map, and make a plan for your day around at least a few offerings. Knott’s does a good job with performances.

6. Young kids will enjoy Camp Snoopy the most, with rides suitable for all ages, as well as some offerings in the Boardwalk section.

7. During the Halloween season, Knott’s transforms to Knott’s Scary Farm after 5 pm, requiring a separate ticket, and truly is very scary. I don’t recommend bringing young kids to Scary Farm, but the good news is, you can’t accidentally remain in the park after the transformation.

8. Knott’s Merry Farm, however, during the holiday season, is worth bringing the kids back to, and parents will enjoy the holiday decor, too. (During fall, some of the fall decorations are a bit scary, even in the daytime…be advised.)

9. If you think you may return to Knott’s Berry Farm at least one additional time during the year, consider Annual Passes. APs at Knott’s are only about $15 more than regular admission, making them a deal. Buy your day tickets online instead of at the window, for a big savings (as low as $45 instead of $75).

10. Use the Knott’s app to track wait times and show times.

Have you been to Knott’s Berry Farm? Share your tips!

Missouri with kids: Eco Adventure Ziplines

November 6, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

If you’re crossing the state of Missouri on I-70, plan ahead to make a pit stop at Exit 175 (Hermann/New Florence). Five miles off the highway is Eco Adventure Ziplines. It’s a perfect introduction to high-flying adventure for first timers as well as a great attraction for more experienced high-flyers interested in the natural beauty of this area. From booking to departure, this is an exceptionally well-run, smooth operation in which fun, safety, and nature come together.

The Eco Adventure Ziplines Experience

Founder Mike Seper wanted to transform a piece of rugged, wooded ground, unusable for agriculture, into a place where people could enjoy nature. The deep ravines in this area are ideally suited to ziplining, and he was committed to preserving the natural state of the ground as much as possible.

Mike and his team introduced my son and me to aerial adventures, and it was such a good experience that when we learned he had revamped the course, we returned with my parents. You might expect, as I once did, that it might be intimidating to take that first step off the platforms. It turns out all you actually have to do is sit down and pick your feet up. Both my son and I were pleasantly surprised to find that zip lining delivers a smoother, less body-jolting thrill than, say, a roller coaster.

You might also fear that you’ll screw up the safety equipment and put yourself in danger. But one of the things that makes this such a great introduction to ziplining is that two staff members accompany every tour—one to catch people at the end of each line, the other to hook and unhook you to the lines. Their competence and professionalism set us at ease, while their jokes made the experience enjoyable. They also gave a handful of mini lessons about the physics of ziplines and the ecosystem around us.

Tours begin right by the highway and take off through the woods, making use of deep folds in the hills. There are two options: the Soaring Six and the Treetop Flyer. Both start with the same lines, but when the short course turns back, the Treetop Flyer goes on for a full ten lines. The first two serve as a warmup, teaching you to use Mike’s specially designed braking system and keep yourself facing forward when momentum swings you around. But the high point (pun intended) of the tour is the “Super Zip.” At a quarter mile long, it takes nearly a full minute to cross the valley, and at its highest is more than 250 feet off the ground. It’s a stunning view.

Practical Considerations

Age: Eco Adventure Ziplines‘ tours are available to kids ages 3 and up.
Weight and waistline limits: riders can be no more than 250 pounds with a 42-inch waistline. Younger kids and those under 100 pounds may not be heavy enough to make it all the way across the long lines on their own, but can ride tandem with a guide.
Time: Plan on at least an hour and a half, and possibly two hours, for the Treetop Flyer tour. If you’re not sure whether your kids can handle the longer tour, with its higher zips, you can start with the Soaring Six. After the first few lines, the guides will give you the option to turn back or go on. On our first visit, about half of our group did just this, and most of them opted to complete the Treetop Flyer once they realized how comfortable and enjoyable the zips were.
Clothing: Long pants are more comfortable than shorts, but the only requirement is closed-toed shoes. The team will provide helmets, gloves, harness, and water bottles.
Add-ons: You can bring your own camera/phone on the tour, but you can also rent a specialized helmet-mounted digital camera that will capture the entire adventure on video.

Hours, Admission, and Booking

Reservations are required, so you’ll need to plan in advance. Tours run rain or shine throughout the spring, summer and fall. Weekday tours begin at 11, 1 and 3, with extra weekend departures at 9 and 5, but they will often work with you on scheduling to suit your needs. The booking page is very clear and easy to follow, with color coding and popups to indicate availability. The Soaring Six is $65, and the Treetop Flyer $85. You can also rent a specialized camera to capture the whole adventure on video—bring your own memory card or buy one on site.

Directions

Eco Adventure Ziplines is at 487 South Highway 19 in New Florence, Missouri. Take I-70 to Exit 175 and go south on Highway 19 toward Hermann for just under 5 miles. The small green-and-white building is on the right.

My son and I enjoyed ziplining as guests of Eco Adventure Ziplines, in exchange for an honest review.

How to spend a day in San Juan Capistrano California

November 1, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Located on the southern end of Orange County, San Juan Capistrano lies adjacent to the beach towns of Dana Point and Laguna Beach, but offers families something different than sand and sun. One of the oldest communities on the west coast, visiting San Juan Capistrano adds a layer of history to your Southern California vacation. Here’s what to explore in one day.

Mission San Juan Capistrano:

Start here, at the central attraction of San Juan Capistrano. The crown jewel of the California missions, Mission San Juan Capistrano is one of the only standing missions that can still be visited. Plan to spend a few hours here, and I recommend doing it in the morning, before the day gets too warm, as there’s little shade.

There’s an nominal entry fee to the mission ($9 for adults, $6 for kids), which is well worth it, given the scope of all there is to see here. I recommend upgrading to get the audio tour materials (which comes in an adult version and kids’ version), or scheduling your visit to coincide with one of the guided tours. Tours open up so much more of the history of a place like Mission San Juan Capistrano.

The main attraction here is arguably the ruins of the Great Stone Church, which was once the main cathedral, destroyed in an earthquake in the 19th century. Care has been taken to preserve the ruin and honor the 40-some lives lost. Along the far side of the cathedral, check out the swallow nests on the eaves, and learn about the swallows that still return to the mission each year (though in fewer numbers, due to a number of factors discussed at the mission).

After looking at the ruin, step around the back of the mission to peek in to various small courtyards and gardens, then enter the Serra chapel (tours can be had here, too). For those who are not Catholic, Father Serra, the founder of the mission, was recently granted sainthood, a big event for the mission and its faithful. Much care has been taken to not only preserve the mission, but tell the stories of its people, both the Catholic priests and workers who arrived here as well as the Native Americans whose way of life and personal lives were impacted (for good and bad) by the mission. Both sides of this history is now being told, which is a healing and important step.

Kids will enjoy the barracks of the mission, with 19th century weapons and guns on display, and the mission bookstore and shop sells authentic items and locally-made products. It’s worth taking some time to simply walk through the courtyards and gardens, check out the lily pads and Koi fish and mature fruit trees. A small museum is housed in the interior of the mission on the far side from the chapel and ruins.

Los Rios:

After visiting the mission, head across Camino Capistrano toward the railroad tracks, and cross them at the train station to enter Los Rios. The oldest neighborhood in California, Los Rios looks like a residential neighborhood, because it is: shop and restaurant owners in this district must live on premises. A stroll down Los Rios Street will take families past many small restaurants, bakeries, art galleries, and eclectic shops. It’s fun to poke into the stores, but just as lovely to walk the quiet streets and allow kids to stretch their legs.

Dining in San Juan Capistrano:

On Camino Capistrano, families will find many options, including El Adobe, Ellie’s Table, and Mission Promenade, which features many different dining venues to pick from.

The MaiZe at the Pumpkin Patch

October 30, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

A fun outing for kids of all ages, the MaiZe at The Pumpkin Patch consists of acres of twisting, turning stalks that kept our group of kids entertained (and lost!) for nearly an hour. Located on picturesque Sauvie Island about 10 minutes from downtown Portland, The Pumpkin Patch is just one of many area farms and organic produce markets that give this beautiful location its fall festival atmosphere.

This autumn, the maze is cut in the shape of the Portland Timbers logo in celebration of their inaugural year in the MLS; an additional haunted maze is open after dark, and suggested for only those over age five. (And unless you have a particularly brave child, I’d amend that to include up to around age 10.)

In addition to the maze, the farm hosts wagon rides, an animal barn that operates much like a petting zoo, a hay pyramid, a produce market, and, of course, a pumpkin patch. It gets very busy on weekend afternoons, so I’d advise arriving close to their 10 am opening time for parking and room to explore. Getting an early start also allows families to spend the remainder of the day perusing the many additional farms on the island.

Tip: Be sure to wear cool weather gear and rainboots if it’s recently rained. The ground gets very muddy!

Of course, the MaiZe is just one of many Portland area fall pit stops. To find more, and read about where other traveling families are heading this autumn, check out this discussion on fall festivals at the KOA Campfire community!

Date last visited: October 15, 2011

Distance from the interstate: 8 miles from I-5.

Hours of operation: Sunday through Thursday 10 am to 6 pm, Saturdays and Sundays 10 am to 10 pm. (Haunted corn maze open weekend nights 7 pm to 10 pm.) Hours are for the months of September and October only.

Admission costs: Adults $7, kids 6-12 $5, under age 6, free. Additional fees apply for pumpkin purchases, though animal barn and hay pyramid are free. Haunted maze is $10 per person, regardless of age.

Food Services: Vendors are on-hand with festival fare: caramel apples, hot dogs, cider, corn on the cob, and the like. We apppreciated the inclusion of a quesadilla vendor…untraditional, but welcome!

Directions: The Pumpkin Patch is located at 16525 NW Gillihan Rd in Portland. From downtown, take Hwy 30 west toward Mt. St. Helens for 10 miles. At the junction for Sauvie Island, turn right and over the bridge. Follow signs to the Pumpkin Patch one mile further.

Disneyland California Adventure MaxPass and how to use it

October 25, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Have you heard of the new Disneyland and California Adventure MaxPass yet? Here’s what you need to know about Maxpass, in order to maximize your time in the parks.

First, the facts of Disneyland California Adventure MaxPass:

Disney’s optional MaxPass designed to do two basic things: 1. take FASTPASS paperless in the parks, and 2. streamline your PhotoPass experience. Here’s how:

With MaxPass, families can reserve FASTPASS tickets for rides on the MaxPass app, which eliminates the need to run across the parks to get FASTPASS tickets out of the kiosks. I know what you’re thinking…how will we get our steps in now? MaxPass does not alter the way FASTPASS works: you’ll still only be able to hold one FASTPASS at a time (unless you’ve reached the window of time in which an new one is available), and the rides offering FastPass are the same as before.

I tried out the Maxpass system recently, and I did notice a few small changes going paperless. The longest period of time between making reservations is an hour and a half with MaxPass (instead of two hours with paper FASTPASS), and the return time windows are often sooner than with paper FASTPASS.

And if you use MaxPass, you can have your park photos (you know, the ones taken by official Disney photographers) and character photos put directly onto your app account, instead of having to buy them later. (You have until your park tickets expire to download them). You can also scan your ride photos and put them in the app, too.

When I used the app, I had trouble with the ride photo option: it notes that it can take up to 20 minutes for ride photos to appear, but I didn’t get mine until the next morning…hopefully this is just a temporary or isolated glitch.

How to get MaxPass:

Download the Disneyland app.
Enter the park you’re visiting using your tickets.
Open the app.
Tap the circular character icon at the bottom of the screen (it looks like a Mickey).
Sign in to the app with your Disney account (or create one).
Tap “Get FASTPASS”.
Select all family members who want to use the Disney MaxPass feature (if someone is not listed, link their ticket or pass).
Purchase the Disney MaxPass feature (right on the app).
Go to the FASTPASS section and reserve.

MaxPass facts and tips:

MaxPass is optional and it’s a paid upgrade. I’m disappointed about this, because I loved that Disney resisted adding paid upgrades until now. It’s $10 per family member. (I’ll get to whether I think it’s worth it in a bit.)

The regular (paper) FASTPASS system is still in place. You don’t have to upgrade to MaxPass.

You can pay for MaxPass as an add-on when you purchase your park tickets, or later, right on the app.

MaxPass is unlike Magic Bands (in DisneyWorld) in that you must reserve your FASTPASSes the day-of, in the parks, not before your trip. You can’t even do it in your hotel room….you must be in the parks (though either park is fine).

If some members of your group are using paper FASTPASS instead of MaxPass, you can still link those people to your MaxPass. You won’t be able to reserve FASTPASSes for them, but you can see their schedule and return times.

If you have problems with MaxPass, any Guest Service location can run tech support.

You’ll want to get the app and register as a user before your trip. It’s a hassle to do in the parks.

You can’t get World of Color or Fantastic FASTPASS with MaxPass…just rides.

You’ll absolutely need a portable charger to use MaxPass, as it drains your phone! And it takes data, because the WiFi in the parks is simply not adequate.

If you have kids who don’t have their own phones, one adult can ‘hold’ their FASTPASSES on their device (but the kids will still need to ‘buy’ MaxPass).

Is MaxPass worth the upgrade? It is, if you answer yes to at least a few of these questions:

1. Your family often changes plans mid-day (you can cancel FASTPASS reservations right on the app and start over).

2. You hate running around to physically get passes.

3. You want to see all available ride and return windows at once (the handy map on the app shows you all this, plus your personal reservations for your whole group). If this is your main ‘want’, simply upgrade ONE person to MaxPass.

4. You often buy PhotoPass photos or ride photos (making the $10 worth it for unlimited downloads).

Tip: I recommend trying MaxPass on one or two phones to start with, and if you love the system, splurging for everyone in your group.

How to physically use MaxPass to get FASTPASS:

Follow the prompts one the app to reserve FASTPASSes (you’ll see a list of all available, plus their return windows). If you already have a FASTPASS, it will not allow you to get another one (unless you’re in the time window).

At your return time, go to the FASTPASS return lane and scan your FASTPASS at the computer kiosk at the entrance to the return line (a Cast Member will be there to assist you). Don’t put your phone away yet, though, because you’ll need to scan it again before loading (just like you have to show your paper FASTPASS twice).

After your ride, your FASTPASS will disappear from the app. In the event of a ride closure or breakdown, you’ll automatically receive a Multiple Attraction FASTPASS, which is good for one ride on any attraction with FASTPASS.

Have you tried the new MaxPass system? Do you like it?

Where to stay in Keystone mountain resort area: options for every budget

October 9, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Fall is in the air, and it’s officially ski trip planning season! Throughout the autumn and winter, I’ll be offering a large number of family ski vacation tips, recommendations, and resort reviews in partnership with Mountain Reservations, a great resource for budget-friendly ski trips.

If you’re considering a Keystone Resort ski trip with your family, you know how large (and somewhat intimidating) this Colorado ski resort can be. Considered a ‘best ski resort in Colorado‘, Keystone offers everything from luxury hotel rooms to vacation home rentals. What’s best for your family? Below, we’ve compared three distinct Keystone condominium options, all of which I’ve personally experienced, with something for every budget. Prices range widely from size of condo to season, so be sure to check the Keystone lodging page for up-to-date information.

Lakeside Village Condominiums:

Located within easy walking distance of the dining and recreation options of the Keystone Lakeside Village (adjacent to the Keystone Lodge), the Lakeside condo complex offers no-frills but very roomy ski lodging for families. Reserve condos of up to four bedrooms, and expect large living room space, full kitchens, and lobby ski locker areas. Laundry facilities are in every building. A great option for: large family groups who want lots of space without the isolation of a full rental home. The downside: families will have to take the shuttle bus (free) to the lifts each day.

Key Condo Condominiums:

A great budget option for families who want to be close to River Run village, Key Condo offers cozy, affordable lodging that’s still near the action. I was very impressed with the size of the smallest studio option: it included a bedroom, small living area, kitchen, bathroom with deep tub, and cute loft with double bed. You won’t be doing extensive entertaining in your Key Condo, but you’ll be very comfortable. A great option for: families who want to be near the outdoors (a stream flows directly outside) and don’t mind a five minute walk to River Run. The downside: while do-able, the walk to the lifts is a bit of a trek. Laundry facilities are on-site.

River Run Condominiums:

Not as roomy as the Lakeside Condos, the River Run condos are by far the newest and most beautifully appointed I’ve experienced at Keystone. Located right in the heart of River Run village, families have use of outdoor heated pools, hot tubs, and exercise areas, and are steps from the gondola, Kidtopia activities, and the ski school. A great option for: families for whom convenience is most important. The downside: River Run is the most expensive of the three listed condo options. For a deal on River Run condos, try an off-season Keystone ski resort visit!

Heading to Keystone for a romantic getaway?

For couples and families looking to splurge, the experience at the Ski Tip Bed and Breakfast cannot be beat. This historic inn is located near River Run, and transports visitors to a Swiss style chalet. I’ve had the fortune of experiencing a meal at the Ski Tip, and it was more than dinner…it was an experience. Couples or families can relax in the common room by the fireplace, or in nice weather, can enjoy wine on the patio. Run in B&B style, the Ski Tip is great for shorter visits or romantic stays. Since it’s located on the edge of the White River National Forest, it’s also ideal for cross-country skiers or snowshoers.

As I disclose whenever applicable, I experienced some of the Keystone condo options at a media rate. This post was written in conjunction with my relationship with Mountain Reservations as one of its Mountain Ambassadors.

10 tips for using ferries for Northwest travel with kids

October 6, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

If you travel extensively throughout the coastal northwest, your route will eventually necessitate using Washington State (WSDOT) ferries or BC Ferries. Both are well-run ferry transportation options, but can seem intimidating to the occasional Northwest traveler. My family and I learned the ropes (at least, most of them) the fun way on a 10 day trip throughout coastal BC and Washington islands. What we found families need to know before traveling by ferry with kids in the Pacific Northwest:

10 tips for using ferries:

1. Know which ferry passages can be reserved in advance.

Most BC Ferry routes can be reserved ahead of time (though not all…more on that below), whereas most Washington State ferries cannot. If you’re traveling during peak tourist season (summer), reservations are at very least helpful, and sometimes crucial. BC Ferry schedules are listed clearly, and travelers can create an account on the BC Ferry website to make reservations for most routes. Reserving ahead of time is helpful not only because it ensures your passage, but also because it allows you to use the website to receive email alerts for any schedule changes to your route. Smaller routes, such as the ‘most scenic short-cut in the Northwest’ from Mill Bay, BC to Brentwood Bay, BC, are not reservable, but the heavily traveled routes, such as Vancouver to Nanaimo, always are.

Schedule your ferry passages at the time you plan your travel itinerary.

Ferry passages (and their schedules) just might change your plans. For instance, I was surprised to find out that my preferred route of travel from the San Juan Islands straight to Seattle was not possible, despite being geographically close by, nautically-speaking. Neither was my plan to traverse from Victoria to Friday Harbor. No worries: once I’d seen where offered ferries do travel, I was happy to adjust my plans. After all, there’s really no bad place to be along the Pacific Northwest coast.

3. Be on time.

And by on time, I mean at least 1 hour early, if you’re driving a car onto the ferry. Yes, even if you have a reservation. And yes, even on the small ferry routes. This seems inconvenient, but on our recent trip throughout Vancouver Island, Washington, and Vancouver BC, we didn’t mind. Once you’ve queued, you’re free to turn off your engine and get out of your car. At every ferry terminal we encountered, restrooms were available at minimum. At maximum, we enjoyed restaurants, scenic views, gift shops, and more.

4. Consider purchasing a Waves2Go or Experience Card if you’ll be using ferries for an extended time (or numerous passages).

Waves2Go is WSDOT’s monthly pass, and the Experience Card is BC Ferries convenient swipe card that can be preloaded with fare (at a discount).

5. Budget in the cost of bringing your car along for the ride.

The most expensive passenger on any ferry ride is your car. On our BC Ferry passage from Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver) to Nanaimo, our car cost us $75, and our Washington ferry ride from Sidney BC to Friday Harbor, WA cost us $45 in car fare. (Passengers are typically around $15 on longer passages, and as low as $7.50 on shorter passages.

6. Consider your ferry passage as both transportation and a scenic tour.

Northwest ferry passages are downright beautiful, and often wildlife can be spotted. (We saw jelly fish swimming on our shorter passage, and harbor seals in the San Juans.) In poor weather, most viewing decks have covered areas; go outside rain or shine!

7. Get out of your car as soon as you’re given the go-ahead by ferry personnel.

We quickly learned that there’s precious real estate on every ferry: window seats. The sooner you’re up from the car decks, the better your chances of snagging some. A few seats do have outlets, so don’t forget to bring any devices that need charging from the car. The ‘get out of the car early’ rule goes double on large BC Ferries if you’re planning to purchase a meal (at mealtime) onboard. Lines at breakfast and lunch go long.

8. Entertainment on board a Northwest ferry varies.

On large BC Ferries, you can expect gift shops, child play spaces (similar to what you’d find in airports) and even small arcades. Inter-island and Anacortes ferries in Washington will have snack shops and viewing decks, but little else. Tip: look for partially completed jigsaw puzzles on random ferry tables…they’ve been left for the next passengers. See how many pieces you can contribute before disembarking.

9. Remember to convert your money before leaving BC for Washington, or vice versa.

Washington ferries no longer take Canadian currency for on-board purchases, and shops and restaurants on the Sidney, BC side will not take American as a rule.

10. Don’t forget your passports.

Crossing the border by sea requires the same documentation and immigration process as crossing by land. All adults will need a passport, and kids will need a passport or birth certificate. If you’re traveling without one custodial parent, a letter of consent is required. (We didn’t have one from my husband, who was not with us, and we were allowed to enter Canada anyway, but the officer let us know it is needed.)

Where to stay on Orcas Island: a review of Doe Bay Resort and Retreat

October 4, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

Popular Orcas Island, WA can get busy during the summer season, and lodging on this less developed San Juan Islands vacation destination can fill up fast. Families will find they don’t have too many options: only a few established hotel resorts, lots of B&Bs (not all of them kid-friendly), and two campground choices exist. Camping at Moran State Park and Doe Bay Resort fill up as fast as the rest!

Doe Bay Resort is located right on Doe Bay, and resort grounds directly overlook the bluff. The whole property has a friendly, communal feel, from the general store selling organic local produce, vegan snacks, and sundries to the small restaurant to the group fire pit surrounded by an eclectic mix of cabins, yurts, and camp sites. In fact, the resort is known locally for their music scene: supposedly, they played host to a number of successful alternative bands in recent years. Most of the cabins and yurts are listed as two-person accommodations, so we chose a drive-in camp site (walk-in sites are also available, and if you don’t have too much stuff to cart, would be worth it: sites sit right on the bluff). If you have young kids, I’d opt for something on lower ground.

On resort grounds, families will find a nice grassy area, a restaurant serving breakfast and lunch, and friendly lounge with plenty of games, books, and free wifi, a nice playground, views of the bay (we saw a harbor seal enjoying a morning swim) and most interestingly, natural springs soaking tubs and sauna. Note: the latter is clothing-optional, and they mean it. Children are only permitted in the tubs during certain hours (at the time of our visit, it was 11 am to 5 pm) and they should be prepared to see nudity. In fact, every adult enjoying the tubs were in the nude (apart from me, should you be wondering). I felt it was a good travel experience for my kids, but should you feel differently, you’re now aware. There is a beautiful view from the tubs (with deck area) and a lovely waterfall adjacent, next to which our boys loved climbing and playing.

A word on Doe Bay campsites: Families should be aware that some sites are very small. We were given ‘Antelope’, which was large enough only for a 2-3 person tent, and situated dangerously close to a sharp decline overlooking the common grass area and fire pit. Had we not arrived at the resort after midnight (due to ferry schedules), we would have avoided a very uncomfortable night. Instead, we requested a change in the morning, and were given a far more adequate location for our size party. In general, sites on the right-hand side of the camping loop are larger and flatter, while sites on the left-hand side are smaller and higher up.

Rates and reservations:

Get reservations well ahead of time, particularly for summer weekends. At the time of our visit, we paid $45 per night for a tent site. Yes, this is high, but nearby Moran State Park has similar pricing, and is very hard to get into without far advance reservations.

Amenities:

A laundry room is available for a charge, and camp sites are near a full bath house, which has showers, wash rooms, and flushing toilets. A communal kitchen is also available adjacent.

Dining options:

Families can use the communal kitchen to cook meals (individual fire pit are not available and families are not permitted to make fires. We didn’t eat in the Doe Bay cafe, but it is available (and boosts stunning views in a very relaxed setting). The store also offers some necessities.

Directions:

From the ferry terminal, take Orcas Road toward East Sound. From there, take Olga Road through Moran State Park, then Pt. Lawrence Road to Doe Bay. You’ll see a sign for the resort on the right.