Walt Disney World: Be Smart and Stay on Site

       OK, Let's admit it, if you have children there is a good chance that you will take the family on a trip to Walt Disney World.  In fact; last year the four parks that make up Disney World had a combined 48 million visitors, according to the Themed Attraction Association.  So when you finally make the decision on taking that to Disney World, the next most import decision will be where to stay during your visit.

       Because of all the major family attractions in the Orlando area, you can easily find an accommodation that meets your requirements and budget.  But if your reason for visiting the Orlando area is to visit Walt Disney World, then your best bet for were to stay with your family is on site at one of the Disney resorts.  While their upfront price may be higher then comparable accommodations off site, the value they offer during your stay will more than offset those upfront costs.  Here are just some of the reasons that staying on site is the best value for visiting Disney World, and will make your visit much more enjoyable.

NO DRIVING: From the moment you fly into Orlando International Airport, you can start saving by using Disney's Magic Express, a free service for guests staying on site between the airport and the resort.  In addition to saving you the cost of taking a taxi, if you use the free bus service at Walt Disney World, to take you from the parks to the resort hotels, you can eliminate the need to rent a car.  If you do drive during your stay at the resort, your parking at the parks is free.  There is a parking fee for anyone not staying on site, except for annual pass holders, of $13 per day. As a bonus, the Disney buses, drop you off near the main entrances of the parks, instead of some huge distant parking lot.

DINING PLAN: Many families appreciate the ability to budget for their meals for a vacation.  Disney offers the Disney Dining Plans, a variety prepaid meal programs, that cover some or all of your typical meals and snacks during your stay at the Disney World resort.

EXTRA MAGIC HOURS:  One of the benefits of staying on site is the exclusive availability to enter select parks an hour before opening to the general public, or stay an hour plus, after a park closes to the general public.

FLEXIBILITY: Visiting a Disney World park could mean a long tiring day of crowds with cranky kids in the hot humid or rainy Florida weather.  Wouldn't you like the like to ability to take a  mid day break and go back and use the pool at your hotel, then quickly go back to any park on your schedule.  That is the flexibility staying at Disney World offers.

GROUPS: Many of us travel with extended groups of family and friends.  Staying on site offers the members of your group the option to do what they want when they want, and still allows all of you to meet up quickly at the Magic Kingdom for Cinderella's Royal Table; the character meal that all the kids have been eager to do.

DISNEY MAGIC: From your special princess who lives Disney 24/7, to you and your spouse commenting on the professionalism of the entire staffs at the Disney parks and resorts.  Only staying on site offers everyone in your party that special "WOW!"; that brings back countless people year after year.

       Planning a trip to Walt Disney World is a commitment in time and money.  If your like me, you want to create the most value, while offering you the most relaxing, flexible, and fun way of visiting Walt Disney World.  That is the biggest benefit of planning your accommodations at an on site Disney hotel or resort.

All Inclusives Resorts 101

So you have decided to take that vacation to the Caribbean or Mexico.  You know where and when you want to go; and while exploring were to stay during your vacation, you like the idea of going to an all-inclusive resort.  The idea of paying one fee for not just you room, but also for all your food, drink, activities, entertainment, and gratuities can be a great value.  But like everything in life, you need to know what you are paying for.  Each resort may have a different definition of what is included in the price you are paying.  In addition, you need to factor the quality, variety, and quantity of the amenities that the resort offers into your decision.  Below are some of the factors you should use to help you decide what all-inclusive resort will give you the best value for your vacation time and dollar.

Vacation Planning For Over Scheduled Families

   We all remember with fond memories of our vacations when we were kids. The annual summer road trip where we would pack up the family station wagon and head for the beach, cottage, some historical touring or an amusement park. Or your first big trip that required flying in an airplane. But for those of us who want to create vacation memories with our families now, the rules are different on how and when we can take that family vacation. Between the ever increasing demands of our careers and the growing amount of time our children's activities consume; it seems like it is hard to plan for a dinner together, much less for a family vacation. I know from personal experience that these tips can help you plan and enjoy that vacation you always wanted to take with your family.