Discount Disneyland Vacation Packages - Discount Travel When Times Are Tough

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Having a vacation in Disneyland, just like having a vacation anywhere else, requires careful and deliberate planning. This holds true the most when you're having a vacation with your family. Discount Disneyland vacation packages should come in handy if you want to be spared of the hassle of having to book a flight, a hotel, transportation from your hotel to Disneyland, tickets for the attractions, and other minor but pesky details.

When considering a vacation package, take note of the hotel, the airfare, theme park admission prices, transportation, and meals. Most of all, take note of "hidden" fees such as processing fees by travel agencies whether online or office-based to make sure you're not being overcharged.

Discount Disneyland vacation packages should already market themselves as more affordable than booking everything by yourself, but they should be more affordable than they are already on off-peak seasons. Budget constraints can be further minimized if your timing is right. Take advantage of discount Disneyland vacation packages that are available on lean, off-peak, or as what travel industry insiders call "value" season. Usually, these off-peak seasons comes in fall, where students go back to school, a main cause of a drop in tourists.

Moreover, attractions are being renovated during the value season, so you may miss some major attractions and feel like you didn't get your money's worth. Last but not the least, budget vacation packages will only give you, at most, 2 days in Disneyland. Be ready to be rushed in all the attractions and be prepared to accept that you cannot go everywhere in Disneyland in 2 days, as it is quite a huge place.

Budget Disneyland Vacations

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Perhaps you have always wanted to go to Disneyland for that dream vacation. You may have thought that it was too expensive, but you will actually find that it is possible to play out budget Disneyland vacations that won't cost you all that much. If you are willing to do a bit of planning, there are ways to save some money and still go on that vacation that you have been dreaming of for so long.

Go During the Off Season

One great idea to help you go on that vacation to Disneyland is to go during the off season. Budget Disneyland vacations are easy to book when you choose the off months that are not quite as popular for tourists. Not only can you save on the actual admission charges to Disneyland during this time, but hotels, resorts, and flights are usually cheaper during these times as well. The best months to book in usually include February through May or September through November.

Go with a Package Deal

When it comes to getting budget Disneyland vacations, going with a package deal is often the best option and the cheapest. You will find that package deals can save you a huge amount of money. Purchase everything separately and you will spend a lot more. Often you are able to get nice packages that include your airfare, your hotel, a rental car, and even tickets to Disneyland and various events in the area. These package deals offer great savings. Although it may take a bit more planning for you to get the entire package, it is worth it for all the savings you'll enjoy.

Get Tickets in Advance

Getting tickets in advance can help you to take budget Disneyland vacations that don't break the bank. This is especially true when it comes to booking your airline tickets. The closer you get to the date of departure, the more you will end up paying. Book early and you will be able to save a significant amount. Even booking the actual tickets to Disneyland can help you to save as well. Often you can find special promotions and book ahead of time for a great deal that suits your budget.

Work to Save Money on Food

If your goal is to take a vacation on a budget to Disneyland, one way to stretch your budget is to work to save money on food while you are vacation. Plan only to eat a certain amount of meals out. Some meals may come with your package, but you won't have all your meals offered to you. Eating out can get expensive fast. Try to find a room where you will have a fridge so you can keep snacks and even some lunch or breakfast items around to eat. This way you don't rack up a huge amount of money just on eating while on vacation.

Budget Disneyland vacations do exist. You don't have to give up that dream of going to Disneyland with the kids just because the budget is tighter this year. Look for good deals on packages to Disneyland and look for other ways to save. This way you can enjoy your vacation while spending as little money as possible.

Even the Big Kids Can Have Fun at Disneyland in Florida

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I flew to Orlando Florida from Edinburgh in the summer of 1996 to visit Disneyland, and I was not disappointed. I stayed in Kissimmee in Orlando which is not far from all the big parks. I stayed in a lovely hotel with a swimming pool and outside bar. Being America, I wasn't short of things to do. Disneyland itself was absolutely fantastic. The Americans really know how to do things. If you have children or you are still a child at heart then this is the place for you. The rides are amazing, as is the general landscape of the parks. Your every visual need is catered for in large doses! Of course the fantastic weather makes it all the better; not having to plan your day around the rain and having appropriate clothing,as we do in this country, is a huge bonus. However, when I was there in August there were the most amazing lightning storms. Which were great, if you were indoors, but not so great if you were caught out in it. The torrential rain is one thing, but the huge forks of lightning are another.

You really need to spend all day, maybe even two, in each park to do them justice. Be warned that the queues for the rides can be extremely long. However, the park has set up lots of things to keep you entertained while you are waiting. The wait may still be a bit too long for very young children though.

The biggest rides are truly amazing. With each demonstrating a host of technologies all utilised to make you feel like you have actually been transported to a different place. One moment you can be up Space Mountain, while the next you can go all the way Back to the Future. Bush gardens was a real favourite of mine. While it of course has a huge variety of wild animals, the rides are also truly amazing. My favourite being the Tanganyika Tidal wave: get ready to get very wet! There are also a huge variety of places to eat within the park. You should have no problem finding food to suit every diet but be warned: this is America and the portions are absolutely enormous.

Night life is also extremely varied. You can experience anything from a quiet meal to live entertainment all available within a very short distance. Most Americans still take taxis, even over short distances, so you may as well do the same. Obviously there are some less safe areas that you may want to avoid, like downtown Orlando. The parks themselves though, don't close at night. They just come alive again so you can choose to experience New Year's Eve every night of the week if you want to. The American people are extremely friendly and always willing to help you have a great time, especially at Disneyland. They may seem a little over the top at breakfast when you need some peace and quiet to recover from the night before though.

Plan a Trip to Disneyland Paris

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One of the top tourist destinations in France, Disneyland Paris, features Walt Disney Studios Park and Disneyland Park, seven themed hotels, Golf Disneyland and Disney Village. It is about one-fifth the size of Paris itself. Disneyland is a place which may bring back your childhood memories and also the child in you. It's a place where you can forget all your worries and enjoy the experience. Disneyland proves to be the perfect combination of fun and a recreational vacation, allowing both adults and children to have a great time.

HOW TO REACH DISNEYLAND:

Plane: With regular flights to Paris from all over the world there's nothing to worry about. Direct transfers operate from the Paris airports to the Disneyland resort. Taking a flight is the most convenient way to reach here.

By Car: Paris has a well connected road network which makes travelling by car also an easy option.

By Train: There are direct trains to Disneyland's resort as it has its' own railway station

WHERE TO STAY:

Disneyland Paris has seven hotels inside to suit your budget which provide leisure and sports facilities including tennis courts, pools, exercise rooms and pony rides. Also there's a chance for you to meet the Disney Cartoon Characters within the hotel complexes. There are several packages, the most popular one being the two-nights and three-day stay available at a good price. Also there are several new hotels close to the park with more coming up.

FOR THE DISABLED:

Disneyland has special facilities for the disabled. There's a special guide available which can be taken from the Disneyland website.

THINGS TO DO

The Euro Disney Resort is the combination of hotels, restaurants, rides and lot of other recreational attractions.

Disneyland Park Paris

At Disneyland Paris you have the Adventure Land, Frontier Land, Discovery Land and Fantasy Land. A train runs through these different "lands," enabling easy access.

WaltDisney Studios Park

As well as the Disneyland Park you have the Walt Disney Studios. Here you have the Toon Studio, Front lot, Hollywood Boulevard - and there's even a Backlot.

Golf Disneyland

Golf Disneyland has specially been created for the adults with a 9 and 18 hole course. The fun though is not only for just adults as there is also a kids section at Golf Disneyland.

DisneyVillage

This is the place where you have all the fun element except for the rides, from eating at restaurants to shopping, bowling and disco, you have it all. There are special shows and theatres for more entertainment.

LakeDisney

LakeDisney is a man-made lake at Euro Disney - situated right at the center of the three park resort hotels. It adds to the beauty of Disneyland.

Getting Around at Disneyland Paris

You may get around most of Disneyland easily through the Disney Railroad which includes getting between the two major theme parks. There are also shuttle buses free of cost which run between the entire hotel area.

Overall Disneyland is a great escape from the real world into a fantasy land that will amaze both children and adults alike. As with all Disneylands, the setup and execution of your visit is very professional.

Fun Vacation Spots For Kids

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Depending the way you plan your vacation with kids, it can either be a memorable fun-filled experience or a disaster. The time you and your kids decide to go on a family vacation, the most important thing to do is take into account what your kids like to do and what they do not. In addition, also consider how your kids will cope with crowds, heat and noise. All these factors play a big role in zeroing on the ideal vacation place for your family.

It is not necessary that fun vacation spots for kids have to be expensive places. Most children are pleased very easily and are content with simple things. It is amazing to see how excited kids can get when making sandcastles.

Anyway there are some fun vacation spots for kids that also have something to offer adults.

Walt Disney World Resort: It is the most visited recreation park in the world. All kids would love to spend a holiday here living the magical moments of Disneyland. There are two theme parks, two water parks, 23 themed hotels, and unimaginable dining, shopping and recreational places. This is one of the best places to visit with children who would feel excited about riding the giant roller coasters and meeting their favorite cartoon and fairytale characters.

Old Orchard Beach, Saco, Maine: Offers so many attractions that your kids will be busy right through the vacation. Besides the amazing sand and pristine clear water, there are amusement rides, plenty of eating joints and carnival games. You can also go downtown to shop at the candy stores and boutiques.

Hershey Park: This beautiful theme park spans 110 acres and has around 60 rides. There are exciting water rides, family rides, kids' rides, and live concerts and shows. And which will not want to spend a vacation in the Chocolate Town of US.

Snowbird Resort, Utah: Come winter, you can head to this resort to enjoy various winter activities like snowboarding, snowmobiling, snow tubing and ice skating. Right round the year, the resort holds live music concerts and organizes many competitive races. You can even enroll the kids into ski schools to hone their skiing abilities.

A Behind the Scenes and Almost Underground Tour of Disney World By a Former Disney Cast Member

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OK, OK, so you've been to Disney World about 87 times.

But how would you like an exclusive, private tour to see Walt Disney World as few ever will? As a former Disney World Cast Member I have volunteered to be your tour guide through the behind-the-scenes world of what makes Disney World so magical.

You'll have fun learning about a variety of backstage locations. We'll also take a peek under the Magic Kingdom Park and see Cast Member costuming, wardrobe, the so-called tunnel system, Disney's nursery and tree farm, waste treatment facilities and other service areas.

Let's start at the end, with sludge. Sludge from the water treatment facility is everybody's business dried out and then used on the grounds for fertilizer. Reclaimed tinkle water is used for watering grass and plants. The water valves are labeled "Reclaimed Water - Do No Drink" Thanks for the heads up, Mickey!

Now we'll visit the plant nursery. Remember all those cool and cute topiary designs around the park? Well, this is where Disney Cast Members grow and shape the topiary critters. All this coolness takes time; about seven to eight years to grow a single topiary character. One of my personal favorites is a smiling Mickey Mouse holding a Disney Vacation Club [http://www.edisneytimeshare.com] sign near the entrance to the Wilderness Lodge Hotel.

Then there is the parade storage area behind Splash Mountain. The back of Splash Mountain has many doors labeled, for example, "Access to Scene 31". Here you'll see Mickey Mania, Spectromagic, and the Electric Water Parade paraphernalia. You can walk around and look at the parade pieces all you want. But no photos please. The Spectromagic floats are made of mesh, so the driver can see out, and are covered with small Christmas-type lights controlled by computers. There is also a small fan to cool down the driver. If you or the kids have always wanted to look inside the Sea Witch float from The Little Mermaid, this is your big chance.

When I was a Disney cast member I strolled the tunnels on my breaks and dined in the underground cafeterias. Very romantic. Actually, the tunnels are fake. Since the water table is very high in Florida it would be costly to keep real tunnels dry. Disney thus built a neat system of utility corridors at ground level and then covered them with dirt. This made a new ground level one floor higher. The Magic Kingdom was built on top of this. Therefore, Main Street USA is actually on the second floor.

The "Utilidors" make a circle around the park connecting all of the Lands and rides. There is also a utility corridor under Main Street USA connecting the entrance to Cinderella's Castle. All of the Magic Kingdom utilities are nestled within the Utilidors. There is water, electricity, fiber optic cable, and the ultra-cool Vacuum Trash System.

The Disney World Vacuum Trash System has become a model for several other very large buildings, and even parts of cities and municipalities. The system uses pipes about two feet in diameter to suck all the trash to a central collection point.

Another unusual device in the Utilidors supplies the various odors to different parts of the park. There is one under the bakery that releases chocolate cookie smell into Main Street. Mickey wanted to use real cookie smell, as I recall. But, alas, there was no way to produce non-stop chocolate chip morsels. So, these odor producer machines are used for cookies and that just-right smell in many other places; smoke, orange groves, and so forth

The Utilidor also has various Cast Member services like a Credit Union, a 2-Hour Film Developer, cafeterias, and lockers. Costuming and wardrobe is also located down here. When I worked there I was always amused to see my favorite characters wandering around half dressed or carrying their heads. The walls of the Utilidors are color coded. There are also many maps and directional signs to help lost Cast Members (like me).

So when you visit Disney World for your 88th trip, keep an eye peeled for a sudden and magical character appearance. Mickey or Minnie may just pop out of a hidden door leading from the Utilidor below. And you'll know their secret!

Top Five Theme Parks

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5. Thorpe Park

Our top five theme parks start with Thorpe Park situated right here in the UK. The Nemesis is the star attraction here; you will have probably seen the television adverts of the decent into the dark volcano. Experience the rollercoaster's intense, extreme ride that will have you pumping full of adrenaline, huge drops and fast turns will leave you disorientated and exhilarated at the same time. This is the main attraction but there is plenty to cater for the younger people too.

This park is best for thrill seekers.

4. Chessington

At number four we have Chessington which is a great place for the younger kids and teenagers. They have many new attractions including Beanoland and the Bubbleworks ride which is a water ride for the family filled with foam. Then there is Dragon's Fury, a rollercoaster all the family will enjoy and Vampire which is one not too miss, great fun but not too fast.

Chessington theme park is for families with younger kids or teenagers.

3. Disneyland Resort California

California is the home of two Disney theme parks, the Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. There are also three resort hotels plus a shopping district to keep you entertained.

There you can find new attractions and themed experiences that coincide with new Disney films. In these resorts you can meet all the Disney cast members which the kids will surely love. The resorts will keep the whole family entertained in this magical place.

These parks are best for kids as well as adults of any age.

2. Disneyland Paris

In at number 2 is the world of Disney in Paris. There is Disney Village which is full of entertainment day and night. There are seven Disney hotels, seven! Stay there to have the full Disney world experience. No one does theme parks as well as Walt Disney and Paris is no exception. There are fun filled rides for the whole family, opportunities to meet the kids favourites characters, parades, shows all finished off the amazing Disney service.

Disneyland Resort Paris is for the whole family.

1. Walt Disney World Florida

The best theme park in the world is Walt Disney World in Florida. This is the daddy of all the Disney resorts with four theme parks to discover. There are water parks here as well as other entertainment such as dining and shopping districts, health spas and golf resorts.

Disney World has to be experienced at least once in your lifetime. You can find all the normal experiences that Disney World has to offer and more. Go check out flights to Florida now!