Florida - Pitstops for Kids

Five family friendly activities in Sarasota

March 31, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

While a vacationing family may be perfectly satisfied with spending their entire vacation on the beach in Sarasota, a family that wants to dig deeper (or is considering Sarasota as their new home), will need to have knowledge of some of the more family-oriented activities in Sarasota and the surrounding areas. Even a vacationing family may want to get off of the beach for a while, especially during adverse weather conditions. Fortunately, Sarasota has plenty of family-centered activities to keep everyone busy.

Following are five of the top family-friendly activities in and around Sarasota

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium

For families that are enamored by the vast variety of marine life in Florida, the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium offers the entire family the opportunity to come out and get their hands wet while meeting the sea lions. They will also have the opportunity to view some of the most extraordinary specimens of sea life anywhere.

South Lido Nature Park

For the family that is either tired of the water, or still attempting to get their sea legs, visiting the South Lido Nature Park will allow them to enjoy nature absent of the large body of water. They will be able to enjoy hiking along the nature trails. One of the highlights of visiting this park is the ability to view the water and the skyline at a distance, once they reach the end of the boardwalk. Some other attractions at this park are the mangroves and the trees in pairs that grow in this natural habitat.

Sarasota Jungle Garden

Families can visit the Sarasota zoo, where they will be able to pet and pose with a number of the animals. The kids will be able to feed the flamingos, as well as watch the lemurs at play. For the really adventurous kid, they can get up close and personal with a vulture.

Sarasota Opera

When it comes to the refined cultural arts, Sarasota is not lacking. There is always some type of Opera event taking place, such as the Barber of Seville and the Flying Dutchman. So, after a day at the park or the beach, the family can get dressed up and head out to the opera.

Kids Komedy Club at Florida Studio Theatre

The Kids Komedy Club is an event at the Florida Studio Theatre in which kids perform comedic sketches that they write themselves. It is a great opportunity for the entire family to enjoy unending laughter.

While Sarasota boasts some beautiful beaches, there is so much more to the city. For the vacationing family, or for the family that will be making this beautiful city their home, there will not be one dull moment.

Lara Adams recently relocated her family to Florida for her job in real estate. She writes on the subject in her spare time in the hope of helping others.

Photo credit.

Best travel experiences of 2015: Our top family trips

December 7, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

In the travel industry, there are a lot of articles and advertising messages that tell parents to hurry up and see it all. Go before they grow up. See it before they’re out of school. You only have X number of years left. While I appreciate the effort to get families out their front door, I urge parents to remember that primarily, travel is about time together, sharing experiences and new places, wherever that may be.

Fun contests like the #LuvRitzSweepstakes get this, and help parents take the pressure off travel and add the fun. After checking out our favorite destinations for 2015, let us know where you’d like to go, for a chance to win $5000 in Southwest gift cards. (More info below!)

In the meantime, here are our top travel experiences for 2015! We logged over 70 travel days in 2015. We visited many good destinations, a few just ok ones, a couple of duds, and a handful of absolutely amazing ones. Picking just five for our top travel picks proved hard, as usual!

Three Bars Ranch, Cranbrook BC:

Snagging the top spot is an all-inclusive dude ranch tucked into the Canadian Rockies. Three Bars Ranch eclipsed even our already high standards when it came to dude ranch vacations (Wyoming’s Triangle X Ranch made our top five in 2014). What made it so special: somehow, the team at Three Bars have managed to find that perfect balance of relaxation and adventure, all wrapped up in a friendly atmosphere. It’s 1/3 summer camp, 1/3 cruise, and 1/3 mountain lodge. A week at Three Bars actually leaves you feeling refreshed, instead of needing ‘a vacation from your vacation’.

Black Hills, South Dakota:

Readers of Pit Stops for Kids know we like our vacations rugged, usually with some mountain air thrown in. I didn’t expect to enjoy South Dakota as much as I did. What made it special: beyond Mt. Rushmore, much more history awaits, ready to be peeled like layers on the proverbial onion. Badlands National Park doesn’t get as much attention as it deserves (think of it as a less crowded Canyonlands), and Custer State Park sports over 1000 buffalo, making us wonder why more families don’t opt to come here in lieu of Yellowstone.

Hanalei, Kauai:

I haven’t met a Hawaiian island I didn’t like, but I fell in love with Kauai. With a less touristy and more artsy feel than any other tropical island I’ve experienced, Kauai also offers some of the best hiking I’ve seen. We recommend basing a stay in the small town of Hanalei (or in a home rental in nearby Princeville), and spending the majority of your vacation on the wilder, rainier North Shore. Hit an authentic farmer’s market, swim, and try surfing, kayaking, snorkeling, or tubing. Check out all our Kauai coverage.

Palm Beach, Florida:

Families on the East Coast wanting sun, sand, and Caribbean waters can find all of the above within an easy flight or drive into West Palm Beaches. (There is something to be said for accessibility!) I liked the way city and ocean meet in West Palm Beach, making it easy to spend a full day in the surf followed by a night out with kids in one of the many open-air restaurants. Plus, there are excellent harbor waters in the area, perfect for kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. This part of Florida has interesting history, too: we liked checking out the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. Hands down, stay in a Marriott Vacation Club property like Oceana Palms for the convenience of in-room kitchens.

San Juan Islands, WA:

If you want one location that combines family-friendly activities, outdoor exploration, fine dining, and quaint town life, and you’re on the wrong coast for a visit to Nantucket, head to San Juan Islands, WA. What we love: the natural beauty of the islands, the ferry-entrance, the many state park beaches and coves, the cute towns, and the excellent lodging options. To up your adventure a few notches, book a 2-3 day kayak trip with Crystal Seas.

Honorable mention: Idaho Panhandle

We have to give this awesome region of Idaho a shout-out, because it never fails to surprise us…in great ways! In summer, families can base themselves in either the mountain lake towns of Coeur d’ Alene or Sandpoint, or tuck themselves into the mountains at Kellogg or Wallace. This entire area is rich in mining history and abundant with outdoor opportunities: bike on the newly constructed Hiawatha trail, kayak or swim, or fish. In winter, the skiing is excellent (and affordable) at Silver Mountain and Lookout Pass.

Where would YOU like to go?

Ritz and Southwest Airlines want to know where you want to go and how you enjoy Ritz Crackers. One lucky winner will win $5,000 in Southwest gift cards! Just Tweet or Instagram your response along with #LuvRitzSweepstakes to be entered. (Example: “I want to go to #Dallas for the holidays and enjoy Ritz Mint Thins #LuvRitzSweepstakes”) Personally, the peanut butter, banana, and honey snacks get my vote!

Need more inspiration? Read about our best trips of 2014 and top experiences of 2013!

I partnered with Southwest Airlines and Ritz Crackers on this post. All opinions and destination picks remain my own.

Warm weather vacations to book now

February 6, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Ready to get away from cold winter weather, but a ‘lie on the beach’ vacation isn’t quite your style? The following warm weather vacations at family-friendly resorts offer some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving for kids and teens. Stay active, be warm!

Casa Marina, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, Key West, Florida:

Tucked away on Key West’s southern edge along the largest private beach on the island, Casa Marina, A Waldorf Astoria Resort provides a family-friendly dive location with ease of access to a North American living barrier reef. Offering both a non-certified divers resort course and a full PADI certification course, the resort tailors to aspiring divers who do not yet possess scuba diving certification. Through the resort’s non-certified divers course, participants begin with a pool work lesson in the morning followed by a two-tank reef dive in the surrounding reefs with a certified dive instructor in the tranquil Gulf of Mexico waters. For an exhilarating escape for every family member, Casa Marina provides a large array of awe-inspiring activities in the stunning natural beauty of Key West.

Azul Beach Hotel, Riviera Maya, Mexico:

Families can’t go wrong with Azul Beach Hotel, which is an all-inclusive, luxury boutique hotel just 20 minutes from Cancun. The largest reef outside of Australia sits just feet from the beach at Azul, an easy water taxi ride away. Young kids will love snorkeling here, but everyone will find plenty else to do, including swimming at pools that span right to your suite, kids’ club activities, and beach games with Azul staff. Read more about Cancun-area activities.

El Conquistador, A Waldorf Astoria Resort (Fajardo, Puerto Rico):

Dramatically set atop a 300-foot cliff on the eastern tip of Puerto Rico with its own private tropical oasis set off the mainland, El Conquistador Resort, A Waldorf Astoria Resort provides a waterside haven for families. And did we mention the private island? A luxury catamaran sweeps families off to Palomino, the resort’s 100-acre private island where snorkeling among rainbows of coral, or a scuba discovery program waits. After an hour scuba skills orientation practice, families who have never tried diving before can experience the thrill of breathing underwater in the clear waters of the Palomino reef among small reef fishes.

The Condado Plaza Hilton (San Juan, Puerto Rico):

Home to the stunning Condado Lagoon Reef, the lagoon-side setting of The Condado Plaza Hilton in Puerto Rico makes it the perfect plunge point for families to snorkel azure blue waters through a guided snorkeling reef tour. Led by a member of the Condado Lagoon Reef Restoration Project, the tour allows families to explore the nearby eco-friendly reef featuring more than 300 varieties of fish via the resort’s beach. As the only hotel to boast uninterrupted views of both the Condado Lagoon and Atlantic Ocean, The Condado Plaza Hilton provides countless opportunities for family fun including Puerto Rico’s only saltwater pool among three other oasis-style pools throughout the resort grounds.

Tip: Remember, families don’t need passports to visit Puerto Rico!

West Palm Beach vacation: Marriott’s Oceana Palms

November 17, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

Interested in a West Palm Beach vacation? I was curious about the Florida coastline, so for my first trip to Florida outside of Orlando, I checked out the Palm Beaches area north of Miami. Um, it’s kind of ok here. Maybe I should venture beyond Disney more often!

I stayed at Marriott Oceana Palms, which is a Marriott Vacation Club property. I knew I’d be happy with the resort, as I’d absolutely loved my stay at the Marriott Vacation Club in Boston, and recommend it every chance I get. However, when many parents see the words ‘vacation club’, they think it must not be for them…they either assume they can’t book if they’re not a member, or worry they’ll be pitched to once on site. I can assure you: Marriott Vacation Club isn’t your grandparents’ time share. This points-based vacation ownership program is completely different, with tons of flexibility. However— and this is the kicker —you don’t need to be a Marriott Vacation Club owner to book Marriott Vacation Club villas, anyway.

Quite honestly, this is one of the best ‘think outside the box’ alternatives to booking standard hotel rooms. For the cost of one beachfront hotel room (usually with a square footage of under 400), families can reserve an entire two-bedroom villa with over 1000 square feet of living space, including a kitchen and washer-dryer.

The Oceana Palms is a small, intimate resort right on the beach of Singer Island in West Palm Beach. It looks and feels like any other high-end Marriott resort: you get kids’ clubs, activities and programming, dining, pools and exercise rooms, and beach access. There are two towers in Oceana Palms: the Sunrise Tower and the Sunset Tower. At first glance, it appears that the Sunrise Tower, which is closest to the beach, is the obvious choice. However, thanks to great architectural design, both towers have ocean views. And some villas in the Sunset Tower have larger balconies.

What’s in your villa:

All villas at Oceana Palms are the same: two-bedroom units with everything you need, right down to the whisk in the kitchen. You’ll find laundry soap next to the washer, dish towels and plastic garbage bags, and hair dryers and shampoo. Sometimes, when families rent vacation homes or units, they don’t know what will be waiting for them. We had one unfortunate trip to a vacation home in which we discovered the ‘full kitchen’ lacked an oven! At Oceana Palms, everything is here. You also get two full bathrooms, one on which has a walk-in shower and the other of which has a large tub. Free wifi is available in the rooms and across the resort. The photo below shows a view from a Sunset Tower villa. Get up-to-date room rate information here.

What to do on site:

Oceana Palms boosts ideal beach access…the surf and sand is just steps away past the pool area. At the beach equipment stand, check in with Tony, who can hook you up with snorkel gear, boogie boards, and cabanas. Otherwise, lounge chairs are free for guest use. I split my time happily from beach to pool (which older kids could do on their own quite safely).

In the pool area, you’ll find a zero-depth entry area for young kids, plus a splash zone. On the other end, a lap pool is situated in a quiet corner, and additional pool space occupies the area in-between. Oceana Palms schedules quite a bit of daily activity, with DJs, movie nights, and lessons in everything from crocheting to guitar (a staff member actually learned guitar in order to teach it). If you’re an activities person, you’ll find as much here as you would in an all-inclusive resort. However, if you want a quieter environment, it is possible to escape it.

For additional entertainment, the resort has small details that go a long way. Throughout Oceana Palms, you’ll find ping pong tables, pool tables, lawn games, BBQs for guest use, and a large, fenced play area for young kids. My children spend hours at simple entertainment venues like this!

Oceana Palms has a drop-in dedicated kids’ club space and a teen space, both of which are fun and inviting…and casual, which is nice for families on vacation. There is a casual dining Marketplace, plus poolside Reflections, both good for burgers, sandwiches, and drinks. You won’t find upscale dining on site, but that’s what your full kitchen is for: I recommend shopping before arrival and making many meals in your villa.

What to do in Palm Beaches:

You’ll want to venture off-site while at Oceana Palms. We took a short drive off Singer Island to Jupiter Beach, where to toured the historic Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. The guided tour includes a walk up the many spiral steps to the top of the lighthouse, where amazing views await, and a stop in the small but well-done museum. Pair your excursion to the lighthouse with lunch at Guanabanas, a waterfront bar and grill located adjacent. Guanabanas is more than a restaurant; it’s a full dining experience with the best ambiance I’ve seen for a classic Florida feel. The whole place is outdoors, with vegetation, overhangs, and straw roof shelter.

For another night out, consider heading to the Sailfish Marina on Palm Beach Shores. Part fish market, part marina, and part upscale seafood restaurant, Sailfish has something for everyone. The large building is fairly loud, which means kids will fit right in, and when they get squirrelly, take them outside to the marina, where they can purchase fish food to throw into the water. Wait for the feeding frenzy to begin!

How to get here:

Marriott’s Oceana Palms is located at 3200 North Ocean Drive, Riviera Beach, Florida. It’s just over the bridge on Singer Island, 15 minutes from the West Palm Beach airport.

Where do you stay in West Palm Beach? Would you consider trying a Marriott Vacation Club villa?

As I disclose whenever applicable, my stay with Oceana Palms was hosted, for the purpose of review. All opinions are my own.

Orlando: Life besides Disney

March 29, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

When people think of Orlando with kids, Disney World is likely to be one of the first places that spring to mind on the list of “must-dos”, particularly if you’re traveling with children However, there’s so much more on offer in Orlando that people seem to forget about. Alongside the thrills and spills of the theme parks, there are some terrific kid-centric activities that everyone should consider if they’re planning a trip. There are also some good deals on hotels and timeshares in Orlando outside of the Disney sphere, as well as bargains on flights, depending on when you travel.

First thing’s first, you’re definitely going to want to visit some of Florida’s beaches. While Orlando is inland, the coast is only about an hour away, so if you’re going to be renting a car, you may as well go on an old-fashioned trip to the seaside, that most popular of trips! The kids will love the sun, sand, and surf here, and it’ll give you a great excuse to relax and soak up a few rays yourself. Be sure to pack your sunscreen though as temperatures here can soar to a whopping 92°F (33°C) in July. The Siesta Key is the perfect spot for a serene day out, with crisp white sands and clear blue waters.

Just because you’re on holiday, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t test the kids’ imaginations a little. You can take them to Ripley’s Believe It or Not, where they can put their own grasp of what’s real and what’s imaginary through its pace, and then drop in next door at WonderWorks. The kids will love this completely upside-down building — when you enter you’ll be the wrong way up. Step into the inversion tunnel and you can then head off into more than 100 interactive exhibits that the whole family is sure to love.

This is Orlando and the sun will be beating down on you, so, naturally, you’ll want some time to cool off. Lucky for you, Orlando is home to all kinds of water parks. SeaWorld’s Aquatica is amongst the best, with attractions including the HooRoo Run, a super speedy waterslide that will barely give you chance to scream before you’re plunging into the waters below. While you’re there (not on the slide itself, of course!), you can check out the sea life on display here, which will keep the kids enthralled and maybe even encourage them to learn more about animals.

So there you have it, already plenty of things to do other if Disney World doesn’t tickle your fancy. With a little research, you can find all kinds of extra activities. So, what’s on the agenda?

Photo credit: MarialArtsNomad. The above post is sponsored.

How to find kid-friendly golf courses from California to Florida

March 26, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

Ever since my three kids–now 14, 12, and 9–took up golfing, we’ve planned some of our family vacations around the sport. Parents who golf–or parents of golfers–understand the unique challenge in finding golf courses for kids: you want to experience unique or famous golf courses while on vacation, but you also need to find courses that meet the needs of your kids. Nothing ruins your concentration (and enjoyment) on a premier golf course faster than feeling the pressure from a golf marshall to pick up your child’s ball or move along faster. If you’re packing your kids’ clubs on your next family vacation, here’s a rundown of kid-friendly golf courses across the country:

pga-tour-kids

Note: hover here for more info on buying golf clubs for kids.

Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club:

Naples, Florida is considered the ‘golf capital of the world’. While golfers will find a dizzying array of course options here, the public course at the Naples Golf Club is low-key and relaxed, perfect for kids. Play nine holes or 18, and rest-assured that you don’t need to stay at the resort to get a good rate. The course enjoyed a full refurbishment in 2011, making it one of the top courses in the city, despite accessibility.

Chardonnay Golf Club:

The Chardonnay Golf Club in Napa, California shines for family golf with low-cost rental clubs, golf camps for kids, and golf academies. What this means for visiting families: your kid won’t be the only one out on the links. For adults, the course challenges as it winds through 150 acres of vineyards. Chardonnay is semi-private.

Mount Snow Golf Club:

Located in West Dover, Vermont, Mt. Snow offers junior golf academies for as little as $12/session, making it easy for vacationing families to join the fun without worrying about spending a lot of cash on an ongoing program. And nearby, Smuggler’s Notch Resort offers a Junior Intro to Golf activity as well as kid-centric mini-golf and driving ranges.

Grand del Mar Golf Resort:

At the Grand del Mar, kids 13-17 golf for half price, and kids 12 and under play free with adults (when availability permits). Junior rentals are complimentary, and golf pros are very pro-family. Despite the welcome of children, the course is very challenging and a destination for serious golfers.

Tips for finding a kid-friendly golf experience anywhere:

No matter where you’re headed on vacation, kid-friendly golf courses can be found. Here’s what to look for:

Nine hole courses (ideally partnered with a premiere course)
Resorts with putting courses (perfect for young children in place of the ‘real’ deal)
Clubs with discounted rates for kids (this lets you know children are welcome)
Clubs with PGA Tour Academy programming, such as Oregon’s Pronghorn Club
Courses designed to circle back to the club house at hole 9 (allowing kids to stop early)
Courses attached to kid-friendly resorts, where childcare and kid programming will be on offer

This post is published in partnership with Trivago.com.

Where to stay near the Orlando airport: a review of Sheraton Suites Orlando Airport

February 28, 2014 By Amy Hagstrom

If you’re looking for a place to stay near the airport before or after your Orlando theme park vacation, our pick is the Sheraton Suites Orlando Airport. We made a reservation at the Sheraton following a long travel day, opting to arrive at our main destination of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort the next morning. After all, no need to pay Disney deluxe resort prices when you arrive very late and are very tired.

The Sheraton Orlando is a Starwood property, which I have found to be consistently great. High standards were upheld throughout our stay, from the large family suites (with separate bedroom and living space (with an additional pull-out bed) to the dining options, pool, and shuttle service. Starwood members purchasing their room in points will get a steal: our room in April 2013 only coast us 3,500 points. We ordered room service upon our arrival, and the hotel allowed us to pay for that with points as well.

Rooms are all suites, with two TVs, a large bathroom with plenty of counter space (though only one sink in our room), mini fridges, microwaves, and coffee makers. There’s extra counter space near the microwave in the living space, making it easier to prepare simple snacks and breakfast. If you opt to eat at the hotel, they do offer room service (a lifesaver when we arrived very tired) and an on-site restaurant. There’s also a Starbucks if you’re in a hurry in the morning, and a fitness center with indoor-outdoor pool (and patio) and hot tub. Note: the pool is definitely not heated, but the hot tub is very warm…ideal in my book, but may not be in yours.

We called the front desk for the complimentary shuttle service from the airport as soon as we had our bags, and it arrived within minutes. The drive is only five minutes, and return service is offered from the hotel lobby every half hour.

We were only at the Sheraton for 14 hours, but had a great night’s sleep (Sheraton beds are some of the best, I believe), a cooling swim, a nice late night meal, and a good cup of coffee. Plus convenient transportation. We did all of the above with our Starwood points, but room rates at the time of our visit started at only $100 per night, a great value for a Sheraton hotel.

Date last visited:

April 2013

Distance from the interstate:

Right on I-4.

Directions:

if you’re driving, the Sheraton is located at 7550 Augusta National Drive. From Orlando International Airport, it’s only a five minute drive.

We’ll be making the Sheraton Airport Suites our go-to pre-Disney stop-over from here on out!

Educational Travel for kids: Orlando beyond the theme parks

December 17, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

When most families think of Orlando, two words come to mind: theme parks. We understand; after all, we offer Disney World tips for families and reviews of Disney attractions. However, families looking for educational travel ideas, whether as pit stops en route elsewhere on Florida vacations, or during an Orlando vacation, will find much to engage kids’ minds. At the following Orlando attractions, Mickey may be absent, but fun is present and accounted for.

Orlando Wonderworks:

The building of the Orlando location for the Wonderworks chain of kid zones is upside-down…a sure sign that kids rule at this indoor play-and-imagination-mecca. Kids will immediately think Wonderworks is all about fun, but with over 100 interactive exhibits on science, perspective, and technology, they’re learning more than is let on. When they do catch on that lessons are being imparted, there’s always laser tag for ‘recess’. Admission is $24 ($19 for kids) but is not all-inclusive…be prepared to spend more. Located centrally on International Drive.

Orlando Science Center:

It’s tough being a science center in the theme park capital of the world…Orlando Science Center has steep competition for kids’ attention. However, once here, yours will most likely not want to leave. With an interactive Sesame Street exhibit for toddlers and preschoolers and science labs and a science ‘park’ for older kids, everyone will be occupied. Located on 777 E. Princeton Street, admission is $19 for adults and $13 for kids…a tad lower than your standard theme park admission costs. Read reviews of the Orlando Science Center.

Orange Country Regional History Center:

Need a new perspective on Orlando after too much stimulation, creative landscaping, and ‘experiences’? The History Center shows kids what Orlando looked like before Disney, starting with natural history and native plants and animals, then progressing through First People, First Contact, and pioneering history. And yes, there’s a permanent exhibit on Walt, too. The building is big and bright, and families get the feeling of being out-of-doors while still enjoying the A/C. Located at 65 East Central Blvd, the museum does close at 5 pm daily. General admission is $12 for adults and $9 for kids.

Gatorland:

Orlando’s Gatorland is more than just a thrill for families who like to get up-close and personal with huge reptiles. Kids learn about swamps, alligator breeding programs, and alligator habits. Their Adventure Hour takes kids even closer to the action, and is only $10 per person more. Yes, there are also zip lines, making Gatorland more like a theme park than a zoo, but families spending a half-day here will come away with a decent education. Admission is $27 for adults (13 and up) and $19 for kids, and the park closes at 5 pm. Parking is free. Read reviews of Gatorland.

Not staying on theme park property? Find Orlando accommodations at Trivago.com.

Photo credit: Brian Marshall and Jim Moore

A stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

April 16, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of our family’s favorite–if not thefavorite–DisneyWorld resort. When readers ask me, “Why pay to stay at a DisneyWorld resort?” I always cite Disney’s impeccible attention to detail, from the in-room touches to the grand lobbies to the on-site restaurants…always themed to perfection. No where is this attention to detail more evident than at Animal Kingdom Lodge.

From the moment you pull up outside Jambo House (the main lodge), you’re greeted by sweeping thatched rooftops, the vast lobby with its four-story high beams, tapestries, and woodwork, and more than one smiling Cast Member saying, “Welcome home!” Inside, Disney has paired their (let’s face it, sometimes romanticized) take on safari Africa with real artifacts depicting African tribal life and wildlife. Guests can take tours of the property to learn more, but just a wander around the lobby and hallways will yield an interesting cultural lesson.

And then there are the animals. Roaming three separate 30 acre expanses within the resort property, they can be viewed from the observation decks off the lobbies and hallways (a great way to see them if you’re simply touring the resort or enjoying a meal at one of the Animal Kingdom Lodge restaurants) and from ‘Savanna View’ room categories. Before staying in a Savanna View room (on average, $65 more expensive that a pool view room and $85 more expensive than a standard view room), I wondered whether the upcharge would be worth the money. Answer: yes. If you can budget for the extra expense, do so. Waking up to giraffes, wildebeests, or elephants outside our balcony never got old. (Though in full disclosure, I think I got a bigger kick out of it than the kids!) If a Savanna View room is not in your budget however, a stay at the lodge is still worth your consideration; the animals can be spotted throughout the resort, including adjacent to the pool!

Animal Kingdom Lodge room amenities:

Room amenities obviously vary by room type, but all will include split bathrooms and either two queen beds, one king, or a queen and a set of bunk beds. Our Savanna View room comprised of two queen beds, but it was the extra balcony space (and views) that made it worth it. (Other room categories also feature balconies…just without the animal views.) All rooms come with free daily coffee, a mini fridge, hairdryers, Disney’s signature H20 spa products, and available laundry service. (The standards you’d expect.) We especially loved the effort Animal Kingdom Lodge goes to in their recycling efforts. Separate recycling bins are located throughout the resort, and even within the rooms, so it’s easy to do your part even while on vacation.

What you get with the Disney ‘deluxe’ category:

Because Animal Kingdom Lodge falls within DisneyWorld’s ‘deluxe’ category of resorts, a childcare facility, Simba’s Clubhouse, is located on-site (for an extra hourly fee), and the resort hosts not only a cafeteria-style counter service restaurant, but a sit-down restaurant and one signature dining restaurant. It also features two fitness centers and a spa, two Animal Kingdom Lodge pools (one in the main Jambo House and one in the newer Kidani Village), both with hot tubs (important to my family). Room service is available, and there’s a full bar poolside (as well as a shaded playground). Activities are led every afternoon by a live DJ at the main pool (my kids loved playing Disney trivia and a Disney version of a ‘cake walk’ where small prizes could be won), and additional kid-oriented activities are scheduled daily in the lobby. During our visit, a Cast Member was leading crayon rubs of the African emblems and art on the lobby floor.

What cannot be measured in room rates or vacation value is how truly ‘apart’ Animal Kingdom Lodge feels. We’re Disney fans, but after we leave the parks for the day, we don’t like feeling like we’re still in one…Animal Kingdom Lodge has those small Disney touches, but doesn’t feel overly ‘Mickey-i-fied’. You really do feel away from it all, tucked into your own imaginary corner of a Disneyesque Africa.

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Animal Kingdom Lodge restaurants:

In addition to room service, Animal Kingdom Lodge features their counter-service cafeteria, The Mara, which is located adjacent to the main pool. We ate here for both breakfast and lunch during our stay, and never paid more than $7 per person for a well-made entree. The lodge also hosts one of DisneyWorld’s most touted signature dining restaurants, Jiko, The Cooking Place, and two moderately priced (by Disney standards) family restaurants: Sanaa (in Kidani Village) and our family’s favorite, Boma: Flavors of Africa. Everyone in our family, from the picky seven-year-old to the adults, love this African buffet. It’s not cheap, but worth the price to try so many unique and delicious dishes. (You have to try the coconut rice!) Tip: visit Boma on the dining plan to get the most value!

Date last visited:

March 2012

Room rates:

Room rates at any Disney resort vary drastically by room type and season. Value season pricing for Animal Kingdom Lodge generally starts at $265 for a standard view room, but better deals can certainly be had by going through a Disney-specific travel agent (our recommendation is Dreams Unlimited).

On-site perks:

No matter what DisneyWorld resort you stay in, you’ll enjoy certain perks, such as Disney Transportation (both to and from all parks and resorts during your stay), Disney’s Magical Express (which picks you up from and returns you to the airport, as well as handles all your bags…you can ‘check’ them right at the resort!), the option of the Disney Dining Plan (worth it!), and early and late entry into the parks during Extra Magic Hours. And since Animal Kingdom Lodge is a deluxe resort, you can take advantage of the on-site concierge, who can not only find you reservations for dining and other activities, but can print your boarding passes before you depart.

Directions:

If you use Disney’s Magical Express, you don’t need to worry about directions, but if you’re driving, the resort address is 2901 Osceola Pkwy Lake Buena Vista. Signage is easy to follow (follow directions to Animal Kingdom and the Blizzard Beach water park).

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge hosted Pit Stops for Kids at no charge, as part of the Disney Fantasy media preview cruise. While we appreciate their hospitality, all opinions of the resort are our own. Photo credit: BestofWDW and Pit Stops for Kids.

Legoland California’s Star Wars miniland and water park

August 22, 2011 By Amy Hagstrom

While we were in Southern California last week, I had the opportunity to stop by one of our favorite theme parks for the younger set: Legoland California.

We love Legoland for their whimsical, primarily-colored theme, their young kid-friendly rides, and ample activities for the toddler and preschool set, but most exciting on this most recent visit was the showcasing of their new Star Wars Miniland! Yes, we’re a family of Star Wars-loving geeks, but even if you’re not, you’ll be floored by the attention to detail present in this multi-section display. I could have stood and looked for hours!

Of course, Star Wars in miniature is not the only new draw to Legoland California. The Legoland Waterpark features a 45-foot tower featuring slides and cascading, dumping water, two sandy beaches, and my favorite: the ‘build-a-raft’ river where kids create their own floatation devices. One word of warning: if you’re planning to enter the park later in the day, beware that the water park does fill to capacity. When it does so, water park passes may not be purchased at the main gate until enough guests have exited the area. It’s best to go early, or purchase a regular ticket that can be upgraded should the water park open up.

One thing I love about Legoland is that while it has certainly grown, deals can still be had. Did you know kids eat free from 5 to 7 pm? Or that the park offers free admission in its last hour before closing? Be sure not to buy more ticket than you need: if you’re not planning to visit the aquarium or water park, you don’t have to pay for it!

Plus! Did you know Legoland Florida is slated to open in October of 2011?! Autumn is a great time for families to visit Central Florida: the crowds have thinned, the weather has cooled, and room rates throughout the region have lowered. This park will certainly be on our list the next time we’re in the state!

San Diego on Dwellable