Archive for the 'Family Travel' category

Make the Most of Your Universal Studios Tour

Having visited Universal Studios several times, I have learned a few insider tips that make my visits much more fun. Like most, my first Universal Studios tour was very exciting, but I discovered a few things that now make my visits even more thrilling.

I had the good fortune of knowing a Hollywood insider who arranged a VIP tour for me and my family. The best part is, you too can get this same VIP treatment without knowing an insider. More on this in a moment, but for now here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your Universal Studios Tour adventure.

If you go in the summer months it will be very hot. Make sure that you dress in cotton clothing that is cool. You might even consider bringing a change of clothing, so you can change into dry clothes after the rides that soak you, or if your clothes get too sweaty. 

It usually gets much cooler in the evening hours however, so bring a light sweater or jacket if you plan to stay late. 

Do not wear new shoes! There is a lot of walking involved, and you won’t last an hour in brand new shoes. Wear an old pair that are well broken in. Bring an extra pair of shoes to change into if yours get wet.

Universal Studios can be very noisy, and some of the attractions are deafening. If loud noise bothers you, consider bringing earplugs.  And don’t forget the sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats to help protect you from the sun.

Use a backpack or a fanny pack to carry your belongings in – there are also lockers available through guest services if you need a safe dry place to store your things.

The best time to take the Universal Studio Tour is early in the day. The park will remain open several hours after the tour has closed for the day so you’ll be able to see everything after the tour is completed.

Designate a meeting place with everyone in your party, in case you get separated. Make sure that everyone in your party has a map, and that they know how to read it!

Leave small babies and toddlers with a sitter. They will not enjoy Universal Studios, and they will make sure that you don’t enjoy it either if you bring them.

Ok, now for the VIP treatment.

Consider purchasing VIP passes which will allow you to move to the front of the lines for the attractions. This is a huge time saver, and will keep you from wasting valuable time and getting bored.

Don’t go to the park hungry. Eating inside the park is very expensive. The food is much cheaper right outside the gates in City Walk. Also save your shopping for the end of the day, so you don’t have to carry packages around with you.

Universal Studios Tours does have a package delivery service, which will allow you to pick up your purchases at the end of the day near the exit, in case you find a souvenir that simply won’t wait until closing time.

Most importantly, see and do as much as possible, and have fun! Universal Studios has been entertaining us for years, and entertainment is what Universal Studios Tours is all about!

Disney World Traveling

Disney World is probably the most popular theme park in the world with lots of attractions, rides, characters, the works.

Since your visit to Disney is to have fun, it is best to be prepared. Here are a few tips to help make your trip a truly memorable occasion for the entire family.

Best Time to Visit

One of the best times to go to Disney World is during the off season, which is roughly around early January to mid February, or after Labor Day through mid December.

The reason these are great times to visit Disney World are simple … there are less people, less congestion and less headaches. What’s more, it rarely gets cold in Florida, even during winter season, and it gets swelteringly hot and humid during summer, so winter, really is the time to go.

The Proper Lodgings

Though you might save a few dollars by staying in a hotel outside of Disney World, the extra cash you’ll have to cough up if you stay inside is more than made up for by the comfort and convenience of an inside stay.

Imagine traveling from your room, then going through the 47 square mile area that is Disney World, then traveling back to your hotel… exhausting isn’t it?

Choose The Right Schedule

Where to actually go once you get to the park really depends on your companions, kids, teenagers or adults. Here are some suggestions to help you pick the right schedule.

  • Kids:  Go through Cinderella’s Castle and Visit Fantasy Land or Mickey’s Toon Town, the little tots will surely love all the characters roaming around that area. The rides in these parts are built for 6 year olds and below, but mommy or daddy can still squeeze themselves in if they want.
  • Adults or Teens:  A trip to the Magic Kingdom may be in order if you’re with big kids. You can go to Splash Mountain to get wet or to Space Mountain to get some indoor rollercoaster, and fun for the bumpy person, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad should be enough to satisfy their taste for adventure.

Rides for Everyone

If you want something that everyone can enjoy, a ride in the Walt Disney World Railroad can rest those tired feet and at the same time give you an enjoyable view of Magic Kingdom.

Tips for Planning a Disneyland Vacation

Planning a Disneyland Vacation for many is part of the fun of the vacation itself! For others, however, it can be a headache. Before you start planning your vacation, determine whether or not you are really up to planning the trip yourself or not.

If you don’t want to plan your own trip, you have several options. Of course, you can have a travel agent make all of the arrangements for you, but for the best Disneyland experience, you might be better off using the Disney Vacation Planning Services.

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