The Joovy CocoonX2 ~ My Top Pick For Summer Day Trips

Lisa Arneill
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The Joovy CocoonX2 ~ My Top Pick For Summer Day Trips
CocoonX2 Double Stroller at the beachWhen Joovy introduced their Cocoon stroller in 2010 I was first in line.  During the Summer we visit a lot of amusement parks and zoos and I wanted something that would keep the kids comfy but also hold everything we need for the day out. When the stroller or pod (as I like to call it) arrived, I was excited to buckle the kids in and get them out. That Summer I used it around our neighbourhood, at the zoo(twice), Canada’s Wonderland, Ontario Place, African Lion’s Safari and at the park a million times. It was awesome. I had chosen the double model(X2) so each boy had their own harness and space inside the pod. Because they were side by side, they also both had the same view which made them happy. CocoonX2 Double Stroller back storageAt the back there is a huge space for parents to store anything they need for a day out. This storage compartment is 8″ deep which will easily allow it to hold jackets, lunches and the biggest diaperbag you can get your hands on. There is LOTS of space here. I can stuff everything I need for day to evening when we are out with the boys and not ever feel like I don’t have enough room. Plus, the Cocoon has a huge panel on the back that zips up so all of you gear is out of sight. The stroller itself has two 20″ wheels on the back and pneumatic swivel 8″ front wheels. It also comes with a bike tow hitch and a single jogging wheel that can be attached to the front if you want to take it over rugged terrain. I personally prefer to just use it with the double wheels on the front as I find it pushes the best when configured this way. CocoonX2 Double StrollerI also like that the whole front is mesh. It can be zipped back but I like to keep it closed to keep the kids in.  I also like that there is a plastic cover that fits over the mesh for rainy days.  When we’ve been caught in the rain, this cover is perfect to keep the kids dry.  To ensure the air circulates through the stroller I open the panel on the back just a bit and it seems to do the trick. I am often asked which stroller is my favorite for travel, day-to-day and when we head out for family excursions. If I was honest I would have a different answer for each situation. For travel I use a double umbrella, for running errands I have a single with a board on it and for daytripping in the Summer I have the Joovy CocoonX2. I wouldn’t EVER put this stroller on an airplane because it is too big, I don’t often bring it to the mall because it doesn’t fit through most stores, but when we are headed out for the day it is the best option. CocoonX2 Double Stroller folded For more information, please read our full review here.

Daytripping in Ontario at The Tall Ships Waterfront Festival

Lisa Arneill
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Daytripping in Ontario at The Tall Ships Waterfront Festival
This Summer the Tall Ships will be making their way through the Great Lakes. These ships are replicas of some of the privateer vessels that fought during the war of 1812.  Many of these ships were built to preserve maritime history and to teach new generations about the war and its historical significance. STV Unicorn - tall ship tour Toronto When I saw that Toronto was hosting the Tall Ships festival I jumped at the chance to show my boys this incredible fleet. STV Unicorn - Tall Ship Tour They are both fascinated with trucks, cars, boats, trains, planes, basically anything that moves(big and small) so I hoped they would love seeing this beautiful vessels up close.  Anyone could visit the waterfront and see the ships, but you needed a festival pass to tour them.    The best part for my pair, however, was being able to get onboard each ship and see how they were laid out. Steering the ship - STV Unicorn tall ship tourChecking out the Galley The crew members were scattered throughout the ship to answer questions and show the kids cool features about each schooner. As my boys explored I was able to chat with some of the crew on the ships, who revealed that most of the vessels are used for training. Built in 1981, the Fair Jeanne offers 5-21 day programs for both young and old sailors.   High School students will love that the longer program will result in a credit. Students will earn Drama credits ‘through ‘living’ history; sailing alongside other tall ships between Canadian and American ports, participating in large-scale re-enactments and engaging in mock sea-battles with plenty of cannon fire’.  Adults who would like to learn more about how the tall ship runs can register to be part of the crew while it sails to the Festival circuit. Fair Jeanne Tall Ship Festival Toronto The Pride of Baltimore II was commissioned in 1988 as a sailing memorial to her immediate predecessor, the original Pride of Baltimore, which was tragically sunk by a white squall off Puerto Rico in 1986, taking her captain and three crew members down with her. This majestic ship has sailed nearly 200,000 miles, and visited over 200 ports in 40 countries educating the public about the war of 1812. Pride of Baltimore Tall Ship Tour Pride of Baltimore Tall Ship Festival U.S. Brig Niagara is a training ship that is comprised of 1/3 professional 1/3, trainees, 1/3 apprentice crew members. With a crew of 38, the ship sails around the Great Lakes for the festivals, while also offering educational opportunities and day sails for special events.  We were able to go down below on the Brig Niagara, which was pretty exciting for the kids! us brig niagara Tall Ship Festival The biggest ship in the fleet is Norwegian’s SØRLANDET.  Built in 1927, SØRLANDET,  is currently the home of Class Afloat, a Canadian accredited organization dedicated to bringing the “classroom to the world” for high school students preparing to enter college or university. Sorlandet Tall Ship in TorontoSorlandet in Toronto   It has been years since I walked Toronto’s Harbourfront and I have to say it has come a long way.  It is now a beautiful place where visitors of all ages can come and explore.  There was a lot of things for the kids to see and many places to grab a snack.  Plus, it was 30 degrees the day visited but the breeze made it feel much less, which was nice! I knew the day was a success when my oldest son asked me at bedtime, ‘Mom, What happened during the war of 1812?’ If you missed the Toronto show and want to still see the Tall Ships they will be touring Ontario: Thank you to the TO Waterfront Festival for providing us with passes to the event

Experience Niagara Falls On The Maid of The Mist!

Lisa Arneill
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Experience Niagara Falls On The Maid of The Mist!
Whether you have visited once or 50 times, Niagara Falls is majestic and hypnotizing.  The Horseshoe Falls, which are known as the Canadian Falls, are 180 feet (57 meters) high, 2,600 feet (790 m) wide and flow at approximately 35 miles/hour. The American Falls, which are separated by goat island are 70–100 feet (21–30 m) high and 1,060 feet (320 m) wide. The maid of the mist, horseshoe falls, Niagara Falls In the past we have stayed in Niagara Falls with our boys, but have never actually taken them down to see the Falls. While at the Travel Bloggers Expo(TBEX) a couple weeks ago I received a Niagara Parks toy view finder along with 4 photo disks of the Falls and the other attractions in the area.  As soon as I unpacked my bags, my youngest son grabbed the view finder and immediately starting going through the photos.  For the next few days all he could talk about were the falls.  Wanting to get there before the Summer crowds started to arrive, I planned an adventure day for the three of us and off we went! When we drove by the falls while looking for parking, my two could see the water pouring over the shelf and were immediately excited.  My oldest couldn’t get over how big they were and right away he asked if we were still in Canada. (A proud moment!) After we parked and headed down to the falls the first thing they spotted was the boat going into the falls.  ‘Mom, are there people on that boat?’, my little guy questioned me.  When I answered yes, he then asked if he was big enough to ride on the boat too.  ‘Yup!’, I replied, to which he started into a sprint headed to where he though the entrance could be. Checking out Niagara Falls Maid of the mist, Niagara Falls As a Canadian, the Maid of the Mist can sometimes be seen as something tourists do, but not locals.  And I can see how it got it’s reputation.  Those boats are synonymous with the Falls.  In fact, you can’t even look down at the water below without seeing a boat either headed in or coming out of the rocky waters that sit in front of the tidal wave of water that comes down. Maid of the mist Horseshoe Falls, Niagara Falls So I get it, but I have to say The Maid of the Mist is a Must Do.  The views you get from that boat are second to none and if you really want to ‘see’ the falls this is as good as it gets.  I hadn’t done it in 25 years so I was a little excited as well. When you arrive at the pier you will be given a poncho because you WILL get wet.  Once you put that on, you head onto the boat and set sail. Maid of the mist dock, Niagara Falls In total the ride is about 30 minutes and you sail closest to the U.S. Falls both there and back. So don’t stress about being on the wrong side of the boat because you will get your chance to take a couple good pictures of both sides of the river during your trip. Niagara Power plant Niagara Falls Because the kids are still in school here, families in Ontario haven’t started to travel.  For this reason our boat wasn’t packed, which was nice.  My oldest son has autism so he doesn’t tend to show his excitement like my little one.  He enjoyed the views from a box that sits along the side wall while my youngest stood with me just a couple feet away. Despite the powerful waters at the bottom of the horseshoe falls, the boat goes right in and sits there for a few minutes so you can take pictures and video. As you can see from the photos I got, the mist coming off the falls and the water that is falling around you makes it hard to really get a good shot.  I highly recommend putting something on you camera if its not waterproof as it does feel like its raining when you are in the thick of it and you gear could get damaged. On the maid of the mist, Niagara FallsIn the falls on the maid of the mist, Niagara Falls After sitting in the rocky waters for a bit, the boat turned around and we headed back. The energy on the boat was pretty incredible. Its not everyday that you are able to get so close to one of the original wonders of the world.  And even though the boat was filled with a variety of tourists from everywhere, all speaking different languages – the excitement was universal. It is 19.75 for Adults to ride the Maid of the Mist and 12.65 for kids aged 6-12. Children under 5 are free when accompanied by an adult. We were using an Adventure Pass, which gives you access to many of Niagara’s attractions at a discounted rate.  If you are planning to visit and really see what the area has to offer, this pass is your best bet. While in Niagara Falls that day we visited the Niagara Butterfly Conservatory, the Whirlpool Aero Car, the Maid of the Mist and Niagara Fury.  It truly was a day of adventure my guys won’t soon forget! Thank you to Niagara Parks for providing us with an Adventure Pass to facilitate our review of the Maid of the Mist.

The Royal Princess is Christened in Southampton London!

Lisa Arneill
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The Royal Princess is Christened in Southampton London!
This morning the world was watching as The Duchess of Cambridge, Catherine(Kate) Middleton named the new Royal Princess Cruise ship in Southampton. Catherine Middleton Duchess of Cambridge Christens the Royal Princess Catherine Middleton on board Royal Princess The Royal Princess encompasses the class and sophistication Princess Cruise lines has been long known for. The highly anticipated ship is 131 feet longer that the Crown Princess at 1,082ft. It weighs a 141,000 Gross Tonnes and is able to carry 3600 passengers. Royal Princess in Southampton A complete departure from the Grand-class cruise ships that have been the go-to for the cruise line for the last 15 years, the Royal Princess is completely re-designed from the bow up to feature many incredible spaces for vacationers. Royal Princess - - Atrium
Among the special features found on board is a dramatic multi-story atrium serving as the social hub of the ship, offering a host of dining and entertainment options; an over-water SeaWalk, a top-deck glass-bottomed walkway extending 28 feet beyond the edge of the ship; plush private poolside cabanas that appear to be floating on water; the new Princess Live! television studio; the largest pastry shop at sea; a special Chef’s Table Lumiere, a private dining experience that surrounds diners in a curtain of light; and balconies on all outside staterooms.
As mentioned above, the outside cabin category has been removed on the Royal Princess.  Cruisers can chose from an inside cabin(175 sq. ft), balcony(222 sq. ft), deluxe balcony(233 sq. ft), mini suite(299 sq. ft) or a bevvy of full suite cabins including the owner’s suite, which is 680 sq. ft.(below). Royal Princess - owner's suite Parents will also be happy to know that there are a large number of the kid friendly spaces on board including:
  • Pelicans (Ages 3-7) – There’s an exciting toddler area, a mini air hockey table, great arts and crafts stations, plus a space for group activities like movie nights.
Royal Princess - Pelican ClubRoyal Princess - Kids Club
  • Shockwaves (Ages 8-12) – Offering games and activities like air hockey, skeeball, and video game stations – not to mention a dedicated lounge with a giant TV and arts and crafts tables.
Royal Princess - kids clubRoyal Princess - -teen lounge
  • Remix (Ages 13-17) – Featuring a new lounge area, perfect for meeting new friends, with skeeball, foosball, and great video games.
  Royal Princess - outdoor lounge teens The Royal Princess‘ maiden voyage will sail to Barcelona from Southampton with stops in Vigo (for Santiago de Compostela), Lisbon, Gibraltar and Málaga (for Granada) on June 16. This Summer it will offer 12 day Mediterranean itineraries from Spain to Italy before it crosses the Atlantic in October to cruise the Caribbean out of Ft. Lauderdale in November. My family has been lucky enough to sail on the Grand Princess, Crown Princess, Star Princess, Ruby Princess, Caribbean Princess and Emerald Princess so we are looking forward to meeting the Royal and seeing what she has to offer!

Exploring the Niagara Gorge in The Whirlpool Aero Car

Lisa Arneill
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Exploring the Niagara Gorge in The Whirlpool Aero Car
As a kid we visited Niagara Falls quite a few times. As an adult, it was where my husband and I would celebrate Canada Day every year.  And while I have seen the falls from both sides of the border, I am a little embarrassed to admit that I have never driven up the Niagara Parkway to see what parks and attractions were in the North Niagara area. After a bit of research I found a couple tours that I thought my boys would like. The Whirlpool Aero Car is an exciting, quick trip that offers incredible views of the Niagara gorge.  Located between Niagara-on-the-lake and the falls, this cable car, which was originally designed almost 100 years ago, is suspended high above the famous Niagara Whirlpool. In 10 minutes it makes the one kilometer round trip to the other side of the gorge and back while carrying up to 35 standing passengers. View of Whirlpool Aero Car Niagara Falls When we arrived we took our spot in the middle of the car, excited to get a better look at the two waterways that intersect to create the whirlpool. View from Whirlpool Aero Car My boys are pretty small so the operator let them stand at the end of the row so they could see better. As the car moved along the cables the announcer treated us to some interesting facts about the whirlpool. The rapids, he said, are a class 6; which are considered to be ‘so dangerous that they are effectively unnavigable’. View from Whirlpool Aero Car Niagara Falls Over the years(1961, 1967 and 1984), the car’s design and function has been updated. When we stopped at the other side, passengers on the outside switched sides by walking around the perimeter of the car in a circle.  This gives everyone the chance to see the gorge from all angles.  Riders in the middle are up a little higher than the outside row so they can see both sides throughout the trip back and forth. View from Whirlpool Aero Car Niagara Falls Views from all sides of the car are stunning.  You can see all the way down the gorge on both sides. If you look carefully the water in the gorge comes down and then turns 90 degrees and keeps going creating the whirlpool View from Whirlpool Aero Car
In the whirlpool, you can see the “reversal phenomenon.” When the Niagara River is at full flow, the waters travel over the rapids and enter the pool, then travel counter-clockwise around the pool past the natural outlet. Pressure builds up when the water tries to cut across itself to reach the outlet and this pressure forces the water under the incoming stream.
After you exit the ride there are a few platforms that overlook the gorge that allow you to get more pictures.  There is also a gift shop and cafe to grab a quick bite. Whirlpool Aero Car My boys loved this ride and could have gone back and forth on the Aero Car all day long. Tickets only work, however, for one time. Admission is $13.50 Adults (13+ years), $8.50 Children (6 to 12 years). Children 5 and under are free! Parking is also free and located right in front of the attraction.
  • Thank you to Niagara Parks for providing us with an Adventure Pass to facilitate our review of the Whirlpool Aero Car.

Club Med Offers Free Vacations For Kids Under Four

Lisa Arneill
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Club Med Offers Free Vacations For Kids Under Four
Family travel can get expensive. Flights, hotels, meals and attractions, by the time you get there and unpack you can easily be into your vacation by $5,000 or more if you have 3 or more kids. Helping you to cut costs Club Med recently introduced their ‘Kids Under Four Stay Free’ promotion. Since launching in May, bookings for families with children ages two to three years have increased by 33%, which is evidence that families are looking for value priced vacations. CLUB MED KIDS STAY FREE Understanding the importance of this for young families, Club Med has extended the offer, which means it’s the perfect time to get away! Parents of older children will appreciate that Club Med also extends a 50% off discount for children’s vacations ages four to 12 and 40% off for ages 13 to 15. CLUB MED KIDS PRICING Club Med caters to families with deluxe family rooms and countless family-friendly features and activities. Children’s programs invite little ones from four months – 17 years to participate and grow in programs specially designed for their age group. Activities include a wide array of land and water sports, along with Le Petit Chef™ cooking lessons, Zumbatomic™ and more. The Baby Welcome Program makes it exceedingly easy to travel with a baby. Upon arrival, parents are provided with highchairs, cribs, strollers, bottle warmers, bathtubs and more to ensure a seamless vacation experience. Club Med Kids The fine print: Children under 4 stay free at Ixtapa Pacific & Cancun Yucatan (Mexico), Punta Cana (Dominican Republic), Sandpiper Bay (Florida), Columbus Isle (Bahamas), La Caravelle (Guadeloupe), Buccaneer’s Creek (Martinique). Children eligible to stay for free must be lodged in the same room as the adults, or in a connecting room. For flights booked through Club Med, tickets for children must be paid for by the client. This offer is valid for stays from April 27, 2013. Blackout dates may apply. Sandpiper Bay club med
  • This is not a sponsored post.
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Daytripping in Ontario ~ Visiting the Niagara Butterfly Conservatory

Lisa Arneill
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Daytripping in Ontario ~ Visiting the Niagara Butterfly Conservatory
I love butterflies and always jump at the chance to see these delicate high-flying insects up close.  If you live in Ontario the Niagara Butterfly Conservatory is one of the best places that you can visit to see a large variety of butterflies. Located on the grounds of the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, the conservatory is situated between Niagara-on-the-lake and the famous Falls. During a visit to Niagara Falls on Friday, we stopped by the conservatory.  Always fascinated by ‘bugs’, my boys love learning about new animals so I knew this would be perfect for them. When you arrive at the Botanical Gardens you will be able to park right on site($5).  As you walk along the path from the parking lot you can’t miss the conservatory.  The glass roof is prominent as is the wrought iron butterfly just by the front doors. Niagara Butterfly Conservatory - entranceNiagara Butterfly Conservatory - iron butterfly entrance Before heading into the greenhouse, we watched a quick video that showed the metamorphosis butterflies go through before they emerge from the chrysalis. As soon as we opened the door a flurry of butterflies welcomed us.  Enthusiasts in front of us were already snapping away.  Like celebrities on the red carpet, the butterflies only stop for a second so you have to be quick! Niagara Butterfly Conservatory - butterflies fluttering around I have been to other conservatories and often found an abundance of butterflies at the door but less throughout.  This was not the case here.  At every turn there were more and more floating through the air.  It was mesmerizing.  I tried to get a picture of all of the butterflies hovering above but it was hard because they are fast – they have places to be! I stepped up my game and managed to snap quite a few sitting on rocks and in the foliage. Niagara Falls Butterfly Conservatory The hot spot on the upper level of the conservatory appeared to be a huge patch of false vervain.  There were easily 30 butterflies floating above these purple flowers.  Again, it was tough to capture.  All of the orange specs on the image below are butterflies. Niagara Butterfly Conservatory - butterflies in the false vervain Not just pretty, the butterflies are also very sociable.  If you stand still for just a moment they will land on you.  The dad behind us actually had one land on his face and the husband of another couple in front of us was lucky enough to have two rest on his arm. Niagara Butterfly Conservatory - butterflies resting on a visitors My boys are still talking about all of the colorful butterflies they saw during our visit. It is one thing to see something in a book but another to actually see them in action.  Watching them float from one flower to another and then on to the person beside you is pretty sensational. If you are in Niagara Falls this summer I highly recommend a visit to the Niagara Butterfly Conservatory. Not only is it full of beauty, but the lush vegetation that lines the paths sets the scene for a park like walk full of adventure. paths headed through Niagara Butterfly Conservatory With ramps throughout, it is fully accessible for visitors who are in wheel chairs and also parents pushing strollers.
  • Admission is $13.50 Adults (13+ years), $8.80 Children (6 to 12 years). Children 5 and under are FREE!
Thank you to Niagara Parks for providing us with an Adventure Pass to facilitate our review of the Butterfly Conservatory.

Featured Review ~ Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa

Danielle Findlay
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Featured Review ~ Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa
When a family wedding was announced, I’ll admit that the chosen destination wasn’t tops on my travel list. Some of the comments I’d read from past travelers online showed Jamaica in a less than stellar light, after all. Now, after having been to the Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa in Lucea (just outside of Montego Bay) I’m so grateful that the bride and groom brought us to this amazing locale. Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa - entrance After a forty minute shuttle ride from the Montego Bay airport we were greeted in the lobby of the Grand Palladium by friendly staff and a cold tropical drink. My husband and I brought our two kids (ages 5 and 8) along on vacation and they were handed juice upon arrival and made to feel just as welcomed.  There was a short wait to check-in but the process itself was rather quick. Afterward we were brought immediately to our room by shuttle. The junior suite was quite nice and rather spacious. My husband and I found our Queen bed to be perfectly comfortable (although slightly short on pillows), but the pull out couch that was for the kids to sleep on was not quite what I had expected. When pulled out to a bed the couch was low to the ground and very short, just barely large enough for our two small kids to fit. No complaints from the kids though, they seemed to enjoy it just fine. The bathroom was a good size complete with Jacuzzi tub and a very spacious stand alone shower. The rooms were kept clean and housekeeping staff were very respectful of our belongings and our needs. (As an aside, our safe didn’t work the entire week that we were there. We had to get a little creative hiding some of our valuables just as a precautionary measure, but it really seemed like a non-issue at this particular resort). The Grand Palladium shares facilities and services with the neighbouring Lady Hamilton Resort & Spa. My family of four booked our stay independently from the rest of the guests who were attending the wedding and as a result we accidentally booked at the Grand Palladium rather than the Lady Hamilton. When I realized what we’d done at check in I was quite upset – it wasn’t until we had an opportunity to explore the site that I realized just what our error had actually meant. While our room was a six or seven minute walk to the area where the rest of the guests were staying we had full use of all of the same facilities and we paid less for our stay (not so upsetting in the end). The only notable difference was that we were unable to make dinner reservations in advance as the others could. As it turned out it wasn’t a problem and many of us dined together most nights. After a few too many trips to the buffet table at dinner I personally welcomed the additional exercise that came with the brisk walk back to our room. At the end of a long day in the sun when the kids were maybe a bit too tired for the long walk we hopped on one of the free shuttles. There were a number of pools throughout the resort with the main pool located right in the centre.  The main pool is billed as the largest pool in Jamaica; it certainly never felt crowded! The pools (including the main) have varying depths which made it perfect for kids, they were able to wade in the shallow end in a space that was rather substantial. The sheer size of the main pool meant that it was quite the paddle to the swim up bar, but definitely worth the trip. The water was very clean and well maintained but quite cool, surprisingly. There were more than enough loungers to choose from and the deck included both shaded and sunny areas for rest.  Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa - pool Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa - overviewThere were a number of beach areas attached to the resort. Unfortunately in some spots it was too choppy and rocky for swimming. The sand in Lucea is certainly not the sand of Negril, but the beaches did have beautiful rest areas including elevated sunning decks and shaded loungers. The largest beach connected to the resort is perfect for swimming and provides an opportunity for fantastic snorkeling and other water sports (included with the resort stay).  The resort included 7 a la carte restaurants and 3 buffets. For fast service very near the pool the buffets were the best option. They offered a wide array of different foods for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  The Italian and Indian restaurants (Reggaetoni and Bhogali, respectively) were the favourites among our groups. The Asian style (Lotus House) Restaurant was met with much less fanfare, however. My personal favourite was Bubba’s bar-b-que house. The entrÈe was entirely delicious (perhaps not as filling as the indulgent buffet), but the cherry on top, so to speak, was the chocolate cake for dessert, likely one of the best cakes Iíve ever had. For onsite entertainment after dark the resort offered some great stage shows, music and dancing at the disco, and live entertainment at the Infinity bar (overlooking the main pool and ocean).  There are several options and tours available for exploring offsite. We took a trip into Negril for some shopping and to check out the cliff divers at Rick’s Cafe. Everyone in our group regardless of age enjoyed the afternoon. Some from our extended group set off for the Luminous Lagoon,  a sparking and glistening night time water experience – but the water didn’t sparkle much for our  group, evidently. The bus ride from the resort to the dock left a couple of people too sick to continue on to the boat and for those who did they found the experience less than exhilarating. For the families with young children, the entertainment options available at the resort outweighed packing the kids up for another excursion.  Ultimately the service at the resort was great. The staff were courteous, helpful and friendly. Be prepared with a pocket full of small bills for tips, of course (change is available with the cashier in the lobby). Coincidentally our daughter celebrated her fifth birthday during our stay at the Grand Palladium. With just a mere mention to the kitchen staff she was treated to a birthday song and dance in the middle of the restaurant and a special personalized dessert.  Although initially double booked, the wedding was done beautifully from start to finish and the resort took measures to make up for their booking error. Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa Overall our trip to Lucea and our stay at the Grand Palladium exceeded both my expectations. I’d be happy to stay at a Grand Palladium resort elsewhere and I look forward to visiting Jamaica again one day (hopefully sooner rather than later)!

The World Of Springfield Coming To Universal Orlando Resort!

Lisa Arneill
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The World Of Springfield Coming To Universal Orlando Resort!
This Summer the wildly popular(and longest running) scripted show, The Simpsons will have their town come to life inside Universal Resort’s Orlando theme park. Springville Oregon Simpsons Universal’s Springville will allow guests to enter the world of The Simpsons like never before.  It will be the only place in the world where vacationers can walk the streets of Springfield and experience the places and foods featured on the show. UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT THE SIMPSONS For the first time ever – anywhere – fans will be able to walk down Fast Food Boulevard and visit the places that helped Springfield stake its claim as “Shelbyville by the Sea.”  They will be able to grab a Krusty-certified meat sandwich at Krusty Burger, snatch the catch of the day at the Frying Dutchman, get a slice at Luigi’s Pizza, go nuts for donuts at Lard Lad, enjoy a “Taco Fresho” with Bumblebee Man and imbibe at Moe’s Tavern.  Also expect the new area to offer Duff Beer, which will be brewed exclusively for Universal Orlando. The new attraction – called Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl – will take “foolish humans” on an intergalactic spin designed to send them into orbit.
“This will be a must-see experience for Simpsons fans all over the world,” said Mark Woodbury , President of Universal Creative. “For the first time ever, they’re going to be able to enter a world that they’ve only seen on television – and we’re really excited to bring that world to life.” “This new expansion will broaden and deepen the already incredible experience at Universal, by bringing to life the iconic landmarks of Springfield that fans have grown to love,” said Jeffrey Godsick , President, Fox Consumer Products. “Fans will literally be able to live and breathe Springfield as they visit the statue of Jebediah, enjoy a Krusty Burger, and have a seat at Moe’s Tavern, which are just a few of the great experiences awaiting at Universal.” “It has been an honor to bring the world of the Simpsons to life in such a letter-perfect way,” said Denise Sirkot , President, Worldwide Brand, Gracie Films. “Truly this is the Krustyest place on earth.”
Over the last 23 years the Simpsons has collected fans both young and old. The new Springville will be a great place where they can all come together to pay tribute to their love for the show.

Adventures By Disney Announces 2014 Vacations

Lisa Arneill
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Adventures By Disney Announces 2014 Vacations
Adventures By Disney is the perfect vacation for families who want to see the world but don’t want to spend the next 6 months planning it.  Blending luxury accommodations with unique excursions, Adventures By Disney pairs vacationers with Guides who act as a concierge/escort while on your private tours. Launched in 2010 with destinations in Egypt, Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and North and South America, Disney added Southeast Asia, Scotland, Wyoming and Costa Rica in recent years. This year they have further increased their list of locales to include Austria, Germany & Czech Republic, and have enhanced their adventures in Italy!

“At Adventures by Disney, we make it our priority to provide families with unforgettable adventures across the globe, and especially this year we introduce an incomparable glimpse into some of Europe’s most beloved cities through storytelling and hands-on activities,” said Ken Potrock , Senior Vice President, Adventures by Disney. “The new Central Europe itinerary will send families on a journey through storybook villages, while the updated Italian vacation will immerse them in the stories and traditions that define Italy. Additionally, we are excited to introduce updates to some of our classic trips to include even more activities for teens.”

the Charles Bridge Prague When you chose the Prague, Salzburg, Vienna & Bavarian Alps (9 Days / 8 Nights) itinerary you will be treated to an incredible vacation full of exclusive tours.  Vacationers will tour of Ceský Krumlov, Eishöle Ice Cave, Hellbrunn Castle and Salzbergwerk Berchtesgaden Salt Mine. You will also have the opportunity to discover the art of marionette making and try their hand at pretzel-making! the Bavarian countryside near Berchtesgaden, Germany If you chose the Italian adventure you will tour Rome, Florence, Venice & Tuscany (9 Days / 8 Nights). Trip Highlights Include:
  • VIP Experience at The Colosseum – Visit the majesty of Rome’s glorious past and the birthplace of modern civilization as you walk through history amongst the ruins of the Colosseum, including a special opportunity to tour the underground tunnels and step “on stage” as you enter the Arena.
  • Private After-Hours Tour of the Vatican City Museum – Travel through 5 centuries of human civilization as recorded by the greatest artists throughout history on this private tour that also includes a visit to Michelangelo’s wondrous masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel.
Vatican Museum
  • Tuscan Pasta-Making Class – Gather the family together for a private pasta-making lesson at Castello Vicchiomaggio. Afterward, delight in a wonderful lunch featuring an assortment of hot pasta dishes, as you enjoy the picturesque view from the hilltop castle.
  • VIP Tour of Palazzo Vecchio – Get a private tour of Florence’s landmark town hall, including the stunning frescoes, beautiful artwork — and secret passages! You’ll also climb the tower for a panoramic view of the city and don medieval costumes for fun photo opportunities.
  • Create Your Own Venetian Mask – Meet a renowned mask-maker who showcases his dazzling disguises for Carnivale in an exclusive event where you’ll construct a masquerade masterpiece of your own.
  • Private Gondola Ride in Venice –  Glide through the “Serene City” as you and your family are treated to the enchanting experience of exploring the canals of Venice by gondola.
Venice

Adventures by Disney launches special teen-focused departures in 2014:

  • Peru: Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco & Lima – this South American adventure will now include authentic experiences for teens including taking a spin at salsa dancing with the locals and horseback riding through the rugged  landscape. The tales of ancient civilizations will come alive during a bonfire and stargazing.
  • Costa Rica: San Jose, Tortuguero, Arenal National Park, and Guanacaste – an exotic journey through the lush rainforests and thrilling wildlife of Costa Rica are enhanced with a teen-centric beach party on the country’s pristine sands. The jungles, volcanoes and waters of the region will be forever with families as teens partake in photography classes.
  • Arizona & Utah: Sedona, Grand Canyon, Arches National Park and Moab – venture into the heart of the Southwest with a bike ride through Boynton Canyon in Sedona and an exhilarating hike through the Grand Canyon at sunset.
We have yet to travel with our kids overseas mostly because I am overwhelmed by where to start. Adventures By Disney takes care of all of the small details and ensures that your family hits all the hot spots, while infusing important cultural moments into your vacation. Also knowing that your hotels have been selected by a brand that is known to be the best in the travel industry also gives me piece of mind. Most of your meals are also included which ensures that you won’t be spending you whole vacation looking for a reputable place to feed your family. Disney is not cheap, but neither is traveling abroad.  Often a once in a lifetime trip for many, you also want it to be done properly.  I have only read good things about Adventures by Disney and hope to try it someday.  Prague is definitely calling me name! If you would like more information, please visit Adventures By Disney.
  • It is worth noting that the minimum age for these trips is 4 and the suggested age is 6+.
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