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Disney World Cheapies and Freebies: Doing Dw on a Shoestring

Disney World Cheapies and Freebies: Doing Dw on a Shoestring

Has the high costs of Disney World kept you and your family from taking the vacation of your dreams? Perhaps you haven’t done enough investigating. Being aware of a number of little known cheapies and freebies might make your dream come true. Not everything at Disney World comes with a high ticket.

Boardwalk

Disney’s Boardwalk, reminiscent of Atlantic City Boardwalk in the 1940s, offers plenty of family fun at little or no cost. For those staying on the Disney property, Disney transportation is available to get to the Boardwalk. For those driving, you can get a free 3-hour parking permit from the lot attendant.

• The promenade along the water offers a breathtaking view. It’s fun to stroll and look.

• Often you will see street performers, such as jugglers, comedians, jazz ensembles or fire-eaters.

• Vendors along the Boardwalk sell inexpensive food treats.

• Carnival-style games are available for a small cost. Try your luck!

• Watch the Friendship Boats coming and going.

Downtown Disney

Downtown Disney offers a number of free and inexpensive things to do:

• Wonderful interactive fountains are amazing and fun. And what a great backdrop for your take-home photos! Jump in and enjoy!

• The kids will go wild at the Lego Imagination Center. The Center offers a 3,000-square-foot play area filled with thousands of Lego blocks. Huge Lego sculptures are also available to study and admire.

• Stop by the Magic Masters shop and see the FREE magic demonstrations. You may learn a few tricks yourself.

• Pleasure Island is an un-gated area at night. That means during the evening hours, guests are allowed in at no charge. It’s a fun place to soak up the ambiance – for free!

Budget Hotels

During the last decade, Disney has built budget-type, motel-type hotels which offers rooms for less than $100 a night. Efficient and clean, these facilities have met with mixed reviews. Check them out before deciding. The hotels are spread over four sprawling properties:

• All- Star Movies

• All-Star Music

• All-Star Sports

• Pop Century

Fort Wilderness

A little-known area known as Fort Wilderness offers one of the greatest bargains at Disney World, and lots of low-cost fun. Families can come in the family RV or rent one of the cabins. Either way, bring a few of your own basic groceries as the prices as the area stores are a little high.

Air-conditioned cabins (about 400 of them) offer the following amenities:

• Fully-equipped kitchens

• Dining table with seating for six

• Air conditioning

• Full bathroom

• Nonsmoking rooms available

• Irons, ironing boards, coffee makers, hairdryers and VCRs in each room

• Patio deck

• Picnic table and charcoal grill

• Fold-away crib

• In-room safes

• Dual line phones with voicemail

• Disney Channel and ESPN

• Daily housekeeping

• Access to nearby laundry facilities/services

The Campfire Program at Fort Wilderness is open to all Disney World guests. You’ll find it near the Meadow Trading Post in the campfire area. A Disney Cast Member leads the sing-a-long while the kids roast marshmallows over the open fire. Your can bring your own marshmallows and snacks, or purchase them at the Chuckwagon.

The kids will be thrilled when Chip and Dale make an appearance and sign autographs. All this is followed by a Disney feature film on the large outdoor screen. Bleachers and benches are available or you can bring your own blankets.

Two heated outdoor swimming pools are available for Fort Wilderness guests – one near the Meadow Trading Post, the second smaller one located near the cabin area.

Guests appreciate the fact that at Fort Wilderness, a boat ferries between Magic Kingdom and the Fort Wilderness dock, which means they beat the crowds following the nightly Magic Kingdom fireworks show.

Food and Drinks

No one will deny that food at Disney World is pricey, but planning ahead can greatly reduce these costs.

Bring your own trail mix, energy bars, or bags of bagels for breakfast – a savings in both time and money. Keep in mind that early morning is the least crowded time of day so you’ll not want to waste it waiting for your order at a restaurant.

For another eating time-saver, take advantage of the counter-service outlets such as the Animal Kingdom’s Pizzafari. Portions are large, prices are small, and service is quick.

Order double cheeseburgers and let the kids split them. It sounds cheap, but it’s another bargain idea to consider when a basic combo meal may run more than ten bucks.

Purchase refillable mugs offered at the Trails End Restaurant and refill them throughout the day at the designated locations.

Bring your own water bottles and fill them at the available fountains. Be sure to bring a carrying strap for them so your hands will be free.

Taking the time to plan ahead and cut a few corners with food and drink items, allows you to enjoy a few splurge meals in the more upscale Magic Kingdom eateries.

Add Your Own Ideas

This is not a comprehensive list of Cheapies and Freebies at Disney World, but it should get your creative juices flowing adding ideas of your own. And maybe, just maybe, it will help your dream vacation to become reality soon.

Lagos And The Neighboring Islands

Lagos And The Neighboring Islands

The Lagos Island comprises a the main business district which is very popular because of its sky rise buildings. The Lagos Island also have many other prominent wholesale marketplaces including the Balogun and Idumota markets. The Nigerian National Museum, Glover Memorial Hall and the Central Mosque all are situated in the Lagos. Below are the other Nigerian Islands surrounding the Lagos. The Ikoyi Island, Lagos The Ikovi Island is on the eastern side of the Lagos Island and joining it by a landfill. Besides, the Island of Okoyi is also linked with the Victoria Island through a bridge carrying the major roadway over the five Cowrie Creek. The headquarters of the federal government of Nigeria and many other important public buildings such as federal secretariat complex are housed in Okoyi island. The old federal secretariat complex is now reestablished. Most Importantly, there also exist military and police barracks too. The main prison as well as the federal high court is amongst the other noticeable state offices placed in the Okoyi Island. The commercial and business activities in the Ikoyi Island are also on the rise and the number offices, shopping malls, and banks is increasing by each passing day. Victoria Island, Lagos The Victoria Island is situated on the southern side of the Lagos Island. Victoria Island is an expensive place in the Nigeria. The real estate properties are very expensive even then a number of new luxury societies and apartments emerging everywhere in the Victoria Islands. In addition to Ikoyi, Victoria Island occupies the main portion in the suburbs of Lagos that possess many sizeable commercial and shopping areas. Iddo Island, Lagos There is a small island across the main channel of the lagoon from Lagos Island and this is called the Iddo Island. Being placed closer to the mainland, Iddo is also an important railroad terminus. Like a peninsula, Iddo Island is now connected to the mainland. There are three bridges that join the Iddo Island to the mainland. One of major bridge is the Third Mainland Bridge that goes through highly populated suburbs through Lagos Lagoon.

Adventure Vacations for Family

Adventure Vacations for Family

Christmas and New Year holidays inculcate a strange joy and gladness in everyone’s heart. Everyone has its own special plans to farewell the exciting year and gaily welcome the newer one. Mostly the holiday plans comprise spending good time with loved ones. As there are different types of people in the world, there are surely different kinds of families across the globe and every family has its own unique way of planning and celebrating holidays. Some of them opt for home-cooked food with cozy parties, some love to go out and sing and dance and then there is one kind which loves to go for skiing, rock-climbing, fishing, kayaking, the name itself is sufficient to arouse their goose bumps.

Adventure outings or sports are really an awesome way for families to have fun-filled time together and to strengthen the bonds of affection among themselves. If tired of same monotonous vacation ideas or you are that die-hard adventure lover who would do anything to go for snowboarding and kayaking instead of sitting idle at home during holiday time, and then here is a list of few adventure ideas for that ideal vacation with your loved ones!

Go Kayaking

Well, one adventure sport which is becoming really popular all these days is kayaking which somewhat resembles canoeing. The only difference between both of them is in their canoe’s construction along with seating arrangement of person. Kayaking is simply a treasure of breath-taking adventure and can be thoroughly enjoyed by adventure lover families. This is hugely enjoyed by swimmers however non-swimmers can have the same pleasure through it with the help of life jackets.

Suggested Destinations: Picturesque Vancouver islands are simply great for Kayaking. Johnstone Strait, Washington’s San Juan Islands, Maine or tropical coastlines of Nicoya Peninsula are few places which can prove to be really fabulous for kayaking exploration. Moreover, the high cost attached to the vacation can be compensated by booking cheap flights to any of these spots.
Go Hiking

Hiking involves climbing through the rocks and hills with a backpack. Well, how can one neglect hiking sprees while experiencing the bounties of Mother Nature? Hiking lets you feel those charismatic hills and dazzling waterfalls. Hiking can turn out to be a real fun, however be very careful while selecting your destination and also don’t forget to consider physical strength of all of your family members.
Suggested Destinations: California’s High Sierra is simply an incredible hiking destination. Also, Lake Tahoe, Mount Lassen, Patagonia in South America are some of the other hiking destinations that are simply amazing while considering hiking vacations.

Camping

Heave a tent along the banks of some quiet and serene river, indulge in swimming or fishing during day time, cook a delicious meal by the riverside, and affectionately hold your loved ones during the night while sitting and chatting at the bonfire flames. Camping is a fabulous way to have that fun enriched vacation with your family.

Suggested Destination: There are plenty of options, so select the one that suits you. North America is one such continent which presents some of the best camping vacations. Nothing can beat the Flat Tops at Colorado or Philip Edward Island. Big Sur, Aloha Lakes and Channel Islands in California can also not be neglected when planning a camping vacation.

Adding to it, one can also indulge in other adventure activities like river crossing, sailing, river rafting, skiing or snowboarding. Simply make up your mind about the most suitable activity along with the most convenient destination. You can save a lot by purchasing cheap air tickets or inexpensive airfares. So, get ready for that adventure enriched vacation this holiday season!

Travelling With Cubs When On Holiday

Travelling With Cubs When On Holiday

If Malaria areas, such as the Kruger, are an issue for family’s with very young children, we recommend enjoying a Safari in one of the Malaria free Game Reserves situated in the Eastern Cape or  Madikwe areas of South Africa. Cape Town and the Garden Route host many child friendly hotels and activities and is travelled and enjoyed by all family’s. The Garden Route and Eastern Cape in South Africa is filled with beaches and game parks in close-proximity, a winning combination with children. As many of our Tour consultants are parents themselves, we have an intimate understanding of the concerns of parents and can best advise you how to make your family holiday work for you!

Garden Route for Children

The Garden Route is an ideal destination for those travelling with families – with a host of fun filled and sometimes adrenalin rush activities available for both children and adults alike,

The Garden Route is without a doubt, one of the most popular holiday destinations for those travelling with children.

Interact with Elephants at the Elephant Sanctuary in Plettenberg Bay, marvel at the stalagmite formations in Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn,  play on the beach in Plettenberg Bay or Wilderness,  watch the monkeys in Monkeyland,  observe the Ostrich‘s in Oudtshoorn or enjoy a boat cruise on the Knysna Lagoon –   your children will certainly be entertained !

For more information, visit our Garden Route activity page

The Garden Route also hosts a wide variety of child friendly accommodation – contact one of our travel consultants to design the ideal family holiday for you !

Child Friendly Game Lodges

JACI’S SAFARI LODGE – MADIKWE PRIVATE GAME RESERVE

Situated in the MALARIA FREE Madikwe Game Reserve. These two exceptional, privately owned lodges, run by Jan and Jaci, together with an outstanding team, will exceed all your safari expectations boasting 75,000 hectares of “Top Ten” territory.

Jaci’s provides the opportunity for the perfect family safari as well as introducing children to the wonders and enjoyment of the African bushveld. Children of all ages are welcome at Jaci’s and are especially catered for.

Family Safaris

Our family safaris have evolved from the specialized children’s safaris, as there was a demand from parents to see and enjoy their children’s wild experiences first hand rather than when they returned to the Lodge, so we had more parents on the specialized safaris than children!! The family safari vehicles are only available at Jaci’s Safari Lodge – now enabling us to put families with children ages 5 – 13 years old on game drives with their parents for the morning and evening game drives.
We still have the fabulous “jungle drive” during the day for the very young children 4 yrs and under.

Jungle Drives

“Jungle Drives” are provided for children 4yrs and younger and go out once a day, between the morning and evening game drives. Parents are welcome to join, but they must behave like children! On the “jungle drive” things of interest to children are pointed out, e.g. toothbrush plants, beetles, etc. The information on the drive is aimed at the age/s of the children on the drive.
The “jungle drive” is included in the children’s special rate.

Meals

Children 12 yrs and younger will enjoy dinner in the dining room ( as the evening meal is an adult affair :)) and enjoy a child oriented menu with things that they prefer, like spaghetti bolognaise, hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and lots of vegetables(to keep Mom happy) etcetera. Children 12 yrs and under sharing with their parents will not be allowed to eat dinner in the boma – the earlier children’s dinner is provided instead. On arrival the chef will ask the children specifically what they like and dislike and use this as a guideline when preparing the children’s menu.

General
Child minding is provided free of charge while the parents are on game drive and during dinner.

Children love Jaci’s Safari Lodge – they especially love the idea of “camping” in a tent! One of the things they comment most about are the bugs, they love the variety and are enthralled by these creepy crawlies. Children love the space at Jaci’s Safari Lodge as well as feeling part of the Jaci’s staff family – this sets the pace for how their experience on Safari turns out for them. Jaci’s is fenced off from the Reserve – but it is still the responsibility of the parents to be mindful of potential dangers as Jaci’s is in a wildlife area.

LALIBELA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE – EASTERN CAPE

There is a huge demand for families wanting a safari holiday in a malaria-free area, because of the risks associated with taking children to a malaria-infested area. Lalibela’s location makes us ideal for families travelling with children, who are wanting to combine a family safari with the Garden Route and Cape Town. We have devised a children’s programme which we feel optimises the safari experience with quality family time

Each family is different and children require varying degrees of attention, which is why the emphasis at Lalibela is to be as flexible as possible to ensure memorable family holidays. An overview of our children’s programme is as follows:
In the early morning Lalibela’s child minders come on duty so that parents can leave for their morning game drive. The children are given a chance to wake up, get dressed and be ready for the day.

Breakfast is served and then it is time for the activities of the morning, starting with a short game drive with their own game ranger and in their own special game viewing vehicle, taking care to avoid any close encounters with dangerous game. Parents are welcome to stay behind and accompany their children on the kiddies’ game drive.

The middle of the day is time for the family to spend together. Before the adults go out on their afternoon game drive, high tea is served for both adults and children. The children then head out on their own afternoon game drive and return to the lodge for an early dinner before getting creative with some arts and crafts activities. Young children are looked after by child minders during the adults’ dinner sitting.

Children of all ages are welcome at Mark’s Camp which has 4 twin rooms on one side of the lodge and 4 family rooms on the other side of the lodge.

SHAMWARI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE – EASTERN CAPE

A truly unique, educational and fun family safari
The colonial-style, Riverdene Lodge with nine inter-leading luxury rooms, rim flow pool, supervised playroom, spacious green lawns and jungle gym facility will ensure entertainment for the whole family.

Upon arrival, the children’s co-ordinator will discuss activity options with the family taking the family’s size, children’s ages and the weather into consideration. Child minding facilities are available at an additional cost for children younger than four years as they are too young to join game drives.

Each child will receive an age-appropriate gift pack.

Exclusive visit to the Born Free Foundation Big Cat Rescue Centre
Activities are focused on promoting the conservation of species and the protection of habitat whilst maintaining a humane and compassionate approach to the welfare of animals.

Shamwari Wildlife Hospital
Different types of wild animals or raptors that are being cared for at the time, under special supervision by the Shamwari veterinarian team, for release back into the wild.

Shamwari Film Studio
Children will be given a sneak preview of the film footage of the new “Shamwari – a wild life” series, which is due for airing in August/September 2008 on the Discovery Channel’s Animal Planet.

Exclusive access to one of the Shamwari Film Studio crew members is available to film and produce a high quality DVD of your Family Safari experience. Advanced bookings are essential as the filming and production of the DVD is at an additional cost. You enjoy the moment while we record the memories.

Children can partake in various social, sporting and arts and cultural activities under the supervision of our children’s co-ordinator. Options could include: African bead making, clay making activities, face painting, star-gazing and African story-telling