Cruising with Carnival! 4 Reasons it’s the Perfect Family Vacation

June 29, 2016 by Kathryn 24 Comments

My family and I have been lucky enough to take some pretty amazing vacations over the years. From road trips to resorts, we’re not picky about where we go or how we get there since every new place has something different to see and do. But I have to admit that I’m especially excited for our next vacation…a Carnival 7 Day Western Caribbean Cruise! These are four reasons I’m especially looking forward to my first ever Carnival Cruise experience.

1) Amazing Food

If there’s one thing that can make a vacation stand out in my mind, it’s delicious food. And it’s clear that the Carnival Magic, our home for the week-long cruise, will have plenty of it! Personally, I can’t wait to try one of the burgers at Guy’s Burger Shop, created by Food Network star Guy Fieri. With a unique toppings bar, a burger can become a personalized work of art! And as a family that can’t get enough Mexican food, the homemade tortillas and salsa at the Blueiguana Cantina are something that I’m sure will make that restaurant a favourite too. [Read more…]

Have Half a Day Free in Orlando? Try These 3 Fun and Affordable Family Activities

June 28, 2016 by Kathryn 18 Comments

In my opinion, one of the best things about a family vacation is finding a fun activity that adults and kids alike can enjoy during that inevitable free half day or so. And in the Orlando area, there’s no shortage of activities to fill a family’s extra time!

If you have a few extra hours to enjoy with your family and you’re wondering what to in Orlando, you’re in luck! These three excursions are affordable, tons of fun and sure to create lasting memories.

1) Wild Florida Airboat Rides

Getting out of the city and into nature is as easy as heading to Wild Florida Airboats and Gator Park, just 45 minutes from Orlando. And once you’re there, an airboat ride is the perfect way to see the untouched natural beauty of Florida. Choose between a thirty minute or a one hour ride and get ready both for high speed thrills and serene natural beauty as you cruise through the Florida Everglades.

I’ve wanted to go on an airboat ride since my first trip to Orlando, so I was thrilled about finally getting the opportunity. I was surprised by just how loud the airboat was, and grateful that optional ear protection was included! We cruised over the water in search of wildlife and from birds to alligators, there was plenty to be seen.

I was surprised by how clear and shallow the water was and had a great time learning about the plant and animal life in the area. Best of all, once the ride ends, families have the option of checking out exotic animal shows, gator feedings and ranch buggy tours too! [Read more…]

Only Have Time to Visit One Walt Disney World Park? Here are 4 Reasons to Choose Disney’s Animal Kingdom

May 27, 2016 by Kathryn 57 Comments

When it comes to visiting Walt Disney World, spending a few days exploring the four different parks is almost a must. With so much to see and do, my ideal Walt Disney World vacation would involve spending at least one full day in each park. Sometimes, though, time just doesn’t let that be an option. I’ve already shared my outline for exploring the best of all four Walt Disney World parks in one day. But if you’d rather spend the day at just one single park this summer so that you can experience it to the fullest, make it Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Wondering why? Here are my four reasons this should be your must-visit Walt Disney World park.

You’ll Learn as You Explore

Like every park at Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom has plenty of fun rides and entertaining shows. But above and beyond that, the park has learning experiences and one of the best is the Kilimanjaro Safaris ride. Journey on an African safari so authentic that you’ll almost believe you’ve travelled to another continent. The effort that Walt Disney World has made into both providing a natural habitat for its animals and preserving some of our world’s most endangered creatures is admirable. And the animals clearly feel at home in the environment, which means there’s ample opportunity to see them up close. The guides on the tour are full of facts about the animals and it’s impossible not to come away from the ride feeling a deeper connection to the many fellow creatures that share our planet. For those that prefer walking, the Maharajah Jungle Trek lets visitors view tigers, birds and lizards up close on a green and pleasant walking trail. [Read more…]

Whether You’re a Kid or an Adult, Everything is Awesome at the LEGOLAND Florida Hotel!

March 18, 2016 by Kathryn 25 Comments

When I heard the news about the opening of the new theme hotel last year at the LEGOLAND Florida Resort, I couldn’t help but want to check it out firsthand. With two LEGO-crazed boys at home and a pretty solid love of the interlocking bricks myself, I was sure it would be a place to remember.

And recently, my dream came true when the LEGOLAND Florida Hotel invited us to spend the night on our recent trip to the Orlando area. With bags packed, my boys, their Nanny and I set off to see just what this new hotel had to offer.

Everything is LEGO!

From the second we drove up to the hotel, we knew that our experience was going to be an amazing one. The exterior of LEGOLAND Florida Hotel provides a vibrant, LEGO-filled welcome that illustrates the type of experience to be found upon walking through the doors.

Almost life-sized LEGO creations, including a dragon, a knight, a pirate and more dominate the front of the hotel, while brightly coloured brick detailing on the outer walls gives the entire hotel a LEGO look. But as much as the exterior of the hotel impresses, the interior is even better.

The check-in desk was one of my personal favourite features. Behind the large LEGO man riding a bicycle (a moving feature that’s an immediate draw for the eye), an entire wall of Minifigures are on display. LEGO Minifigures have always been something I loved, so I could have studied the wall in detail for hours.

The lobby also featured numerous large LEGO creations including a pirate bed big enough for a child, characters including a waiter and a porter, and another perching dragon. [Read more…]

Don’t Miss These 3 Must-Experience Family Attractions in Toronto, Ontario

March 4, 2016 by Kathryn 30 Comments

Canada has many popular cities when it comes to family vacations, but Toronto is easily one of the top choices for travel…and with good reason! From museums and art galleries to theatres and shopping malls, the city has something to please everyone.

But there are some Toronto experiences that absolutely cannot be missed, especially for families visiting the city for the first time. If you have a trip to Toronto in your future, these are three attractions that you’ll want to make sure you fit into your schedule!

The CN Tower

The tower that helped make the Toronto skyline (and the city itself) stand out among other world capitals is a place that everyone should visit when in the city.

While it may seem like the CN Tower doesn’t have a whole lot to impress children, the speedy ride in the elevator is something kids of all ages will love, and the glass floor that lets visitors look down and see just how high above the ground they are is sure to thrill…and maybe even terrify a little! [Read more…]