Leisure Travel Blog

Americans are somewhat familiar with Vietnam because the extended conflict that spanned throughout the 1960s and 1970s. As such, many U.S. travelers are afraid to travel to this small country for fear of facing extreme prejudice. However, the Vietnam of today will pleasantly surprise anyone brave enough to get a firsthand look at this remarkable country. Vietnam is fairly close to Thailand, another hotspot for tourism in Southeast Asia, but it is more stable politically than its popular neighbor. Travelers are often amazed at the old world charm this nation retains while still managing to maintain a growing modern economy.

Most visitors choose Ho Chi Minh City as the basis of their journey because this urban capital offers numerous amenities. Flying in to Ho Chi Ming city can be quite an ordeal due to the length of the flight. There are no non-stop commercial flights there from the United States, so keep that in mind when making your transportation arrangements. Usually there is a stop in Hong Kong, China, followed by a connection that will take you directly to Ho Chi Minh City. Airfare costs an average of $1,300 plus taxes, although booking in advance or putting up with multiple stops can save you some serious cash. Using more than one carrier can also lower the overall cost of a flight. For example, a 1 stop United Airlines flight booked ahead of time will run you around $1,150, not including applicable taxes. Don’t let that price tag deter you, though, because the flight will be the largest expense included in your trip by far.

Once you arrive in Ho Chi Minh, you’ll discover a wide range of lodging options, although your best bet is to prearrange your stay with reservations. Ho Chi Minh has classy and affordable hotels that average around $60 per night. Luxury accommodations are available for around $100 a day, which isn’t bad considering how far your dollars will take you. Consider the Parkroyal  Saigon, which is located very near the airport. For $110, you get wireless internet, breakfast, free transportation/shuttle, full bar, massage, steam room, pool, gym, and laundry facilities. Naturally, there are super cheap options in the city as well, such as the Kim Hotel. You might think this place is a hostel because of the low price tag, but they have private rooms and reduced fees for guests who chose not to make use of their elevator or air conditioning. Their rooms are fairly small and comfy; guests rave about the friendly, helpful staff.

In terms of entertainment, the possibilities are basically limitless. Ho Chi Minh City has been described by admirers as a living organism because the streets are always flowing with energy and people. The city is teeming with small marketplaces and street vendors selling exotic goods, such as silk, spices, and tasty food. These are a goldmine for budget travelers and inexpensive shopping because they are open to bartering despite their already rock bottom prices. The night life features tons of exciting clubs, including Apocalypse Now, Bellevue Bar, and Go2. The restaurant scene in Ho Chi Minh is surprisingly diverse in that you’ll find Brazilian, Japanese, Indian, French, and Italian fare along with traditional Vietnamese cuisine. If you feel like splurging, the Camargue is an excellent choice for an expensive dinner. Nature lovers will be pleased with the vegetarian options around the city, along with the Botanic Gardens and other national parks. Art lovers will enjoy the city’s thriving theatre scene along with its exquisite museums and architectural attractions.

Should you ever get tired of exploring this place, you can always venture out into the rest of the country. Vietnam has gorgeous beaches and plenty of eco-tours that bring guests deep into the mysterious jungles. You can take a 12 day backpacking adventure that goes from Ho Chi Minh City all the way to Hanoi, which comes highly recommended by reputable sources. Vietnam isn’t very kid friendly, but adult vacationers will enjoy themselves immensely.

A lot of budget travelers tend to avoid visiting anywhere in the Middle East at all costs. The region has a reputation for turmoil and that keeps many Americans at bay. While the anti-American sentiment may be strong in some places, that is no reason to completely discount an entire geographic region, especially for those interested in saving money. The Middle East is called the birthplace of civilization, which means it has much to offer in terms of sightseeing, culture, and excitement.

One of the more popular Middle Eastern destinations is Istanbul, Turkey. This modern city happens to be the 5^th largest worldwide with a popular of over 12 million. Istanbul is also the only city on earth that lies on two continents: Asia and Europe. But these impressive features haven’t turned this cosmopolitan megacity into a high priced tourist trap. Visitors can enjoy Istanbul comfortably for roughly as little as $100 per day. Of course, there are 4 star accommodations for those with extravagant taste as well as plenty of hostels for backpacking students. Guests trying to avoid either of these spending extremes might want to stay at the Zeynep Sultan hotel across the street from the Hajia Sophia, a noted landmark. The hotel is attached to a charming café that serves a complimentary breakfast daily. Another hotel in this price range is the Petrol Palace, which costs about $65 per night. They have offer broadband Internet connections in their rooms, along with cable TV, childcare, complimentary transportation, and dining.

No matter where you choose to stay, you will never get bored in Istanbul. The city is filled with glorious architecture, including cathedrals, mosques, and historical sites. There are tons of museums devoted to religion, art, and the ancient past. The relatively new Istanbul Modern is billed as an art museum, but it contains much more. Inside, you’ll find a massive library along with numerous shops and theatres. If you’re afraid of getting lost in this enormous city, you can always take a guided tour of a particular area. The company Gray Line Turkey will cart you around in a double-decker bus, perfect for capturing photos of scenic stops. For the kids, Istanbul has an indoor ice skating rink! Kids can choose to free skate or participate in a hockey game. Many of the 5 star hotels sell day passes, which allows your kids to swim in their pools. The Conrad International Pool has tons of space for them to play in and there are locker rooms to wash up in afterwards.

When it comes to dining, Istanbul is famous for its European style corner cafes. Since it’s a port city, you will be able to find just about kind of food, from traditional Ottoman dishes to Indian cuisine. For example, the Mezzaluna restaurant serves excellent Italian dishes whereas Amedros has savory Turkish treats. For less expensive options, try simply strolling around the city. There are sidewalk cafes everywhere along with street vendors at the many marketplaces. The Grand and Egyptian Bazaars are two hotspots for cheap eats as well as a multitude of souvenirs. Don’t forget to leave Turkey without indulging in their rich coffees. Istanbul, unlike some Arab cities, really comes alive at night. The city is teaming with bars and nightclubs that serve drinks galore.

Visitors often express surprise and fascination with Istanbul’s creative fusion of the old and new worlds. Here travelers discover that they can have the comforts of Europe without the steep price tag along with the unparalleled cultural legacy of the Middle East.

Travelers looking for an exotic, yet relatively inexpensive destination should seriously consider Tangier, Morocco. This bustling port city on the Strait of Gibraltar has a long history of attracting famous eccentrics, including Prime Minister Winston Churchill, playwright Tennessee Williams,  and Beat writer William S. Burroughs. Too many people go in and out of Tangier without stopping to consider it as an ideal vacation spot in and of itself. Consider the fact that Tangier has been around almost as long as recorded human history. Its central location and warm climate made it the perfect addition to trade routes. Today, travelers can enjoy this gorgeous city and take advantage of the affordable prices on lodging, food, and attractions.

Most people arrive in Tangier via a flight to Madrid, Spain. In Madrid, it’s possible to take a short, scenic ferry ride over to Morocco. There is also an international airport in Tangier, and round trip airfare can cost as little as $1,800. No matter how you choose to get there, it’s always best to book your flight well in advance or as part of a travel package. Either of these options will save you a lot of money. Once in Tangier, there are plenty of options in terms of reasonable accommodations. Tangier is filled with 4 star luxury hotels, such as the Tanjah Flandria-Tangier. This hotel offers a relaxed atmosphere, including a pub, a rooftop swimming pool, and restaurant for only $60 per night. Many guests opt for the Tanjah because it is within walking distance of shopping districts and very close to the beach as well.

Tangier’s rich culture heritage means that it’s filled with exciting site seeing and educational opportunities. Perhaps the most popular attraction is the Tangier Kasbah, which is a hotel and art museum. The 17 century building serves as a historical landmark where guests can enjoy live music in its quaint café. The Hercules Cave is another popular place. The cave formed naturally although the Ancient Berbers carved into its walls, making it larger in the process. Tangier’s sprawling, windy beaches provide hours of sunbathing along with excellent surf. Hiking enthusiasts will want to take the all day trip up the nearby mountain, Jbel Mousa.

Simply walking around the city can provide all the entertainment you’ll need. Tangiers is famous for its sidewalk cafes, such as the Café Paris. In the town’s center, you’ll discover the rustic market place filled with hearty meats, fresh produce, herbs, spices, and trinkets. Speaking of shopping, the streets of Tangiers are lined with delightful stores. These humble vendors offer beautiful handcrafts, woven rugs, original artwork, leather goods, massages, and much more. Americans usually delight in the last remnants of the barter system that’s still alive and well in Morocco. Visitors on a budget are encouraged to try their hand at bargaining with the shopkeepers. Remember, never accept the first offer!

In terms of fine dining, Tangier has lots of exquisite restaurants serving up dishes bursting with flavor—-and easy on the wallet. The Cap Spartel restaurant prepares fresh seafood dishes and coastal views. The Casa de Espana is known for its attentive wait staff and tantalizing Spanish cuisine. For a taste of traditional Moroccan food, head to Raihani’s, where you’ll find a mix of French and native recipes.

Budget travelers certainly won’t be disappointed by Tangier. This city acts a gateway to either Europe or Africa, but it stands alone just fine. Come and see why this port town has been a preferred destination for 2 millenniums. Thankfully, you can revel in its sparkling beaches and stroll through the market without stressing over money.

Up until now, the Leisure.com blog has focused on destinations within the United States. But we see no reason to confine our discussions to a single country. After all, there’s a big wide world out there waiting to be explored. Some people may be under the impression that international travel is too expensive for anyone who’s not a part of the jet set, but nothing could be further from the truth. Of course, traveling to most foreign countries requires purchasing plane tickets, a passport, and things other minor things like that. Still, don’t let those barriers lead you to believe that luxurious vacation destinations are beyond your reach for financial reasons. There are plenty of incredible, lesser known resorts that would be thrilled to cater to your every whim.

One such spot is Samara, Costa Rica. This laid back coastal town is literally covered in beaches of glistening white sand, sparkling clear surf, and unforgettable sunsets. Somehow, this virtual paradise has managed to stay under the radar, which means it’s not packed with lame touristy traps or flooded with a sea of vacationers. Samara is ideal as a romantic getaway or a fun family excursion since there are tons of activities to keep the kids entertained. Guests can take surfing lessons, hit the waves, soak up the rays, hike, fish, bike, or go boating, kayaking, bird watching, horseback riding, and snorkeling. There are even Yoga classes and Spanish language courses offered in town! Give your kids a rewarding educational experience while you enjoy your usual fitness regime. Best of all, the village offers “canopy tours” through the rugged Costa Rican forests. The canopy tours allow you to experience nature first hand, and they attract eco-travelers for that reason. While this may sound a little intimidating to some, rest assured that all tours are conducted by highly trained professional guides. There is no reason to feel unsafe because you’ll be in good hands. Their motto is always, “safety first!”

By now you may be thinking that Samara sounds too good to be true. The truth is that taking a similar vacation to a well known area, such as Hawaii, would be pretty pricy; yet Samara remains affordable because the dollar goes a lot father in Costa Rica. Don’t believe us? Take a look at these amazing hotel prices. The average price of a double room in Samara is $40-$50 per night. Those rates won’t even get you into a Motel 6 in Hawaii! Another lodging option is renting a temporary apartment or a private villa. Either of these choices carries a larger price tag, although the extra cash buys you privacy along with serenity. In case you’re wondering, dining in Samara won’t drain your bank account either. Fine restaurants, such as the fabulous El Lagarto, feature exquisite entrées for as little as $8. That’s right; you can eat like royalty as you bask in the island ambiance for the same price as you’d pay for an extra value meal at McDonalds.

Costa Rica lies very close to the equator, so it has a tropical climate similar to most other nations in that geographic region. The weather alternates between dry and wet seasons. The warmest months out of the year tend to be from March through May, which happen to be in the middle of a dry spell. The other super dry months are August and September, making this a perfect place to spend the spring or summer. Well, what are you waiting for? Book your flight to Samara, Costa Rica right away!

Whether you love his policies or despise them, one thing can’t be denied about President Barack Obama: the man knows how to travel. His predecessor, George W. Bush, was famous for vacationing at his beloved ranch in Crawford, Texas. Mr. Obama’s destinations are a bit more eclectic, though he tends to frequent his native Hawaii, along with his adopted home of Chicago, Illinois. The first family obviously enjoys traveling, as they take lots of trips together as a family, which is why we here at Leisure.com thought it might be fun to catalog the President’s journeys.

On Friday, July 16^th, 2010, the first family will head off to a tranquil island off the coast of Maine called Mount Desert Island. The details of the trip have not been released to the general public in order to protect their privacy. Still, it comes as no surprise that they chose this location for a quiet weekend. Anyone interested in truly getting away from it all should consider traveling to this laid back, gorgeous island. While it’s nothing compared to Oahu size wise, residents proudly state that it happens to be the second largest island off the contiguous United States. Its permanent population is a mere 10,000, but it’s usually bustling with activity during the summer tourism season.

The Obamas are rumored to be staying at hotel in Bar Harbor, which is the largest town on the island. Its 3 other towns, Tremont, Mount Desert, and Southwest Harbor, aren’t very far from Bar Harbor, since the island is only 108 square miles in total. Bar Harbor does have its own airport for small planes, but most people land in nearby Bangor, Maine, and then ride the shuttle to the island. Once you get to the island, you’ll be able to rent a car to help you get around. If you plan on staying in the area, the Bar Harbor Inn is an excellent choice. This luxury hotel is pretty expensive, but offers numerous amenities along with quaint décor. The Inn features a spa, beautiful coastal views, a reading room, and an exquisite dining room. Plus, it’s located within walking distance of downtown, which makes it extremely convenient.

Bar Harbor has everything you could want in a sleepy community. The Farmer’s Market is a popular gathering, and Martha Stewart is known to pick up her fresh produce there when she’s in town. Speaking of food, Bar Harbor has lots of great restaurants to choose from, such as the Rose Garden Restaurant. This place serves outstanding seafood, steaks, pasta, and lamb, along with indulgent desserts. The menu items certainly aren’t cheap, but hey, you may as well enjoy yourself when you’re on vacation! Another outstanding dinner option is The Burning Tree restaurant. This place is the spot to sample native fare, and they grow their own produce as well as herbs and spices. Their prices aren’t much lower than those at the Rose Garden, but locals recommend placing a reservation as soon as possible because the place is always packed!

As far as shopping goes, Bar Harbor has the usual chain stores mixed in with some truly unique shops. Take Island Artisans, for example. This is no ordinary craft boutique; their entire selection of pottery, textiles, jewelry, and the like are all made by local artists and craftspeople. When you buy from this store, you are helping to support the creative arts in the area, so you are getting piece of mind along with a distinctive souvenir. Another funky retail outlet is the Bar Harbor Hemporium, which sells eco-conscious products made of natural fibers, such as hemp. They offer clothing, bags, paper, food, body care items, and a wide variety of other stuff that you won’t find anywhere else.

Of course, not everyone wants to spend their vacation lounging around a hotel or wandering around town. For outdoorsy types, there’s always the nearby Arcadia National Park. This is by far the island’s most lucrative attraction, and visitors often make day trips for the sole purpose of spending some time at the park.  There are tons of fun activities to enjoy at the park, including fishing, hiking, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, biking, and marshmallow toasting around an evening campfire. Guests may choose to stick around for a while at the Seawall Campground. There are no camp sites physically on the beach, but Seawall is a ten minute walk from the coastline, which is pretty darn close. The grounds are not for the faint of heart, though. Only people who really want to rough it should try and make it overnight or longer. Those brave enough to tough it out won’t be disappointed and camping is definitely an affordable alternative to hotel lodging. There are some amenities, including free showers and a supply store.

The travel industry is still suffering from the effects of the Great Recession. Additionally, many popular vacation spots in the South are losing business because of the environmental disaster in the Gulf. Despite the fact that it’s July, it feels like vacation season hasn’t even started yet. It seems as though most people are choosing to stay home this year instead of taking an expensive trip. But travelers should be aware that they can have lots of fun without breaking the bank.

Why waste tons of money at a theme park when you can have just as much if not more fun by taking a family camping trip? Of course, you will definitely need to stock up on camping supplies if you don’t already own the proper equipment; however, you can get all the gear you need and still pay less than you would for a stay a resort hotel. For a little extra cash, you can rent an RV and camp in style with lots of amenities. Either way, there is probably an excellent national park not far from your home no matter where you live. You can never go wrong with a trip to the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, or the Redwood Forest. No matter where you decide to camp out, you know you will be doing your kids a great service in the long run. They will get plenty of exercise on a camping trip and they might learn about wildlife and forestry from a park ranger. They may not be very excited at first, but once they taste their first homemade s’mores, they’ll forget about Disneyland.

You can also save money by staying with relatives who live close by place you’d like to visit. This will be cheaper than a hotel and safer, too. Summertime should be spent with family anyway, so why not make arrangements with folks you know you can trust. As long as you are very clear about having you own activities planned so as not to impose, your family will probably be thrilled to have you. This will give you a chance to catch up with your distant family members and let your kids know how much you value these types of relationships. Staying with family affords your children the opportunity to explore a new place while learning a bit about their heritage as well.

If you do decide to stay home this year, why not take advantage of your extra time by planning a vacation for next year? Search on-line for deals on hotels, flights, and other packages so that you won’t miss out next year. You might not be able to book things a year in advance, but you will at least know how much money you’ll need to save up and where you want to spend it! In the meantime, you can plan short day trips to fun places nearby like the bowling alley, movie theater, and the beach. This will keep your kids occupied and create lasting memories they will appreciate when they’re older.

The Hollywood Studios theme park is a tribute to the movie-making/production industry.  If you want to feel like a celebrity, and experience a little old Hollywood glamour, then make sure to visit this park.  The park has many attractions including thrilling rides and live action shows.  The dining options are unique at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, so diners are in for a treat.  Shopping isn’t a problem at this theme park, but not going over your budget might be.

Ever wonder how it feels to be a bug?  In the “Honey, I shrunk the kids” movie set adventure, guests will feel as though they have been shrunk like the characters in the movie.  Children can climb and crawl through various obstacles in this mock movie set.  If you’re a fan of the Indiana Jones franchise, make sure to make time to watch the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular.  This show features stunts that were made famous in the Indiana movies.  Learn how they make those action scenes look so real.  They even pick members of the audience to perform some of the stunts in the show.

If your family is fans of the latest Narnia movie, walk through the Journey into Narnia attraction.  Guests will be able to experience a behind-the-scenes look of how the film was made.  See costumes and props from the hit movie.  Fans of the Muppets can enjoy a fun 3D Muppet film.  Special effects make guests feel as if they are really a part of the production.  But my favorite live show of all is the “Voyage of the Little Mermaid.”  This show captures all the magic of the movie.  The audience truly feels as if they have been transported under the sea.  Your children will love it, but so will you.  Special effects add to the experience, and water mists make you feel as if you are swimming with Ariel and her friends.

For thrill seekers, the Hollywood Studios theme park also offers some exciting rides.  The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is great for older crowds.  Enter a haunted hotel and take the elevator up to the 13^th floor.  Just be prepared when the elevator unexpectedly drops.  The ride drops a few times actually, so you probably won’t want to eat right before the ride.  The Rock n’ Roller Coaster is a high speed coaster with many twists, turns and loops.  What makes this coaster unique is that it is an indoor coaster featuring the music of Aerosmith.  Star Tours is full-motion simulator that transports guests into space.  Guests will feel as if they are a Jedi pilot heading off to battle Darth Vader.  The Studio Back lot Tour is a thrilling behind the scenes tour of a movie set.  In counter many special effects on this ride.  Toy Story Mania is a fun attraction for video game fans.  Shoot the targets, and see who gets the highest score.

There are many places to grab a quick bite to eat at this theme park, but I do have a couple of restaurants you cannot miss.  Try to make reservations ahead of time, because these restaurants have a wait time of anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours.  The Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater restaurant is a one of a kind experience.  Diners will eat there meal inside a replica of an old fashioned car.  Enjoy your burger and milk shake while a large movie screen plays old movies.  The 50’s Prime Time Cafe is another unique experience.  The cuisine is old fashioned American.  Pick from entrees like fried chicken and mashed potatoes and meatloaf.  The interior of the restaurant is designed like a kitchen from the 50’s.  Your waitress will speak to you as if you are family, and she will expect you to have proper manners.

Don’t call Disney’s Animal Kingdom a Zoo.  This theme park offers a variety of attractions, live shows and opportunities to view African animals.  When you visit the Animal Kingdom, be prepared for the heat.  The temperature at this theme park tends to be a lot hotter than anywhere else on the resort property.  Dress lightly and take fans and water bottles with you, when visiting in the summer.  The theme park is large, so be prepared to walk.  Wear comfortable walking shoes.

The Tree of Life is a spectacular sight.  It offers a great photo opportunity.  The tree is 14 stories high and 50 feet wide.  The tree took a long time to build and design.  Look closely at the trunk of the tree and you will see animals carved in.  As you enter the park you can view the Oasis Exhibits which harbor animals like tree kangaroo, giant anteaters, sloths, exotic birds, and Chinese deer.

The rest of the park is broken into sections: Asia, Africa, and DinoLand USA.  In Asia guests can ride Expedition Everest.  This rollercoaster takes you through Mount Everest, but don’t get eaten by the mythical Yeti.  The Kali River Rapids allow guests to take a short rafting trip down the Chakranadi River through the Asian rainforest.  In Africa, guests can ride Kilimanjaro Safaris.  This attraction mimics a real African Safari tour.  See real Lions, antelope, rhinos and other animals native to Africa.

In DinoLand USA, guests will be able to dig up dinosaur bones at the Boneyard, ride the Primeval Whirl rollercoaster, and go back in time on the Dinosaur ride.  Your little ones will enjoy the TriceraTop Spin, which is identical to the Dumbo ride at Disneyland.  DinoLand USA also features a great BBQ restaurant and fun carnival type games.

You are sure to get hungry when spending a day walking around this large theme park.  If you are a fan of BBQ, hit up the Flame Tree Barbeque in Discovery Island.  The best pizza in town is served at Pizzafari also located in Discover Island.  If you are looking for a sit down meal try Rainforest Café located near the entrance of the park.  The Rainforest Café is a popular US chain that serves everything from Jambalaya to giant burgers.  The Tusker House restaurant is on the pricier side, but they do offer a family-friendly buffet serving items like rotisserie chicken and stews.

Guests will also find many beverage and ice cream carts located throughout the park.  Those looking to bring home a souvenir of their experience will find many shops throughout the park.

Epcot is definitely a can’t miss attraction at the Walt Disney World Resort.  This theme park is definitely for the older crowd.  Younger children won’t be impressed by the lack of Disney characters walking around, or themed attractions, but adults will love the ambience and educational opportunities.

If you have purchased a park hopper pass, you might just want to visit Epcot for the food.  You can leave one theme park, and come have lunch or dinner at Epcot.  The World Show Case features architecture, food, and products from countries around the world.  Countries represented at the World Show Case include: America, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Norway and the United Kingdom.

Besides amazing dining opportunities, many of the pavilions feature attractions.  In the Mexico pavilion you will find the Gran Fiesta Tour starring Disney’s Three Caballeros.  This slow moving boat ride takes you through Mexico’s breathtaking landmarks.  In the Norway Pavilion you can also take a boat ride and tour the country side.  In the Canada Pavilion you can enjoy a 360 degree movie about the country.  “Reflections of China” is another circle vision film sharing China’s beauty with viewers.

On the other end of Epcot is where guests can learn more about the planet, explore space, experience sealife, and explore the innovative side of Disney.  Honey, I shrunk the Audience is a 3D show that makes guests feel as if they are a part of the movie.  Ellen’s Energy Adventure takes guests back in time to the era of the dinosaurs.  Comedian Ellen DeGeneres guides the tour.  In the Imagination Pavilion, guests can visit the World of Coca Cola, which allows guests to sample coke from around the world.  You would be surprised, but in some countries Coca Cola is clear.

Living with the Land is an Epcot attraction that takes guests on a boat ride through the rain forest, African desert and American plains.  Guests will learn a lot about the environment on this attraction.  Learn about farming at the Land Pavilion.  Those who ride this attraction will learn about the scientific techniques used by farmers to grow our produce.  Explore the seas with Nemo and friends.  The pavilion features two attractions.  The first takes guests on a ride through the seas in a clam-mobile.  The other is called “Turtle Talk with Crush,” a show that teaches children about sea creatures.

Explore space in the Mission Space Pavilion.  Visit Mars on the flight simulator ride or experience the advanced training lab.  Other Epcot attractions include Soarin’ Over California, Test Track, Journey Into Imagination with Figment, and Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure.  Soarin’ takes guests 40 feet in the air for a hand gliding experience.  Glide over Malibu, LA, the San Francisco bridge and much more.  Feel what it would be like to be a NASCAR driver on the Test Track attraction.

Dining in Epcot is five star experience.  I suggest eating at the World Show Case for a cultural dining experience.  When you eat at Italy, you will get a real taste of Italian cuisine.  The pasta is made fresh, and the cannoli cream is like nothing you have tried in America.  The hardest part is picking a type of cuisine.

When planning your trip to Walt Disney World this summer, make sure to plan out which attractions you want to see.  There is so much to do, see and experience at the parks that it can be overwhelming.  You don’t want to leave thinking that you missed out on something.  For most people, a trip to Walt Disney World does not come around too often, so planning ahead is a great idea.  This theme park guide will help you get the most out of your Walt Disney World trip.

The Magic Kingdom Park in WDW is the equivalent to California’s Disneyland.  The theme park has many of the same attractions; however, if you have been to Disneyland often you will discover that the attractions are a little bit different than the experience you have had before.  For example, although the Pirates of the Caribbean ride is the same as the one in CA, the entrance to the ride is entirely different.  It is more dramatic, as guests are able to walk through an old Spanish style building.  Guests are taken back in time before they even ride the attraction.

Other than that, I am afraid to say that the Magic Kingdom Park lacks much of the magic you would find in Disneyland.  The architecture is not as detailed, and many of the rides are set up in tents, rather than the well designed buildings you would find in CA.  Instead of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, in Florida you will find Cinderella’s Castle.  Two attractions you will find at the Magic Kingdom that you won’t find at Disneyland is Mickey’s PhilharMagic and the Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor.  Other attractions only found at WDW’s Magic Kingdom Park are Stitch’s Great Escape, The Hall of Presidents, The Haunted Mansion, The Magic Carpets of Aladdin and Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress.

If you are visiting WDW on a budget, and live in CA, I suggest skipping the Magic Kingdom Park.  There are so many other parks to visit and things to do that you can’t experience anywhere else.  If you are visiting with little ones, you obviously can’t skip the Magic Kingdom entirely, so try to experience the attractions you can’t find in Disneyland.

When planning your trip, consider park hoppers.  Park Hopper tickets allow you to go from one park to the other.  As a seasoned WDW traveler, I am able to visit two parks a day.  If it is your first time, and you want to spend an entire day at each park, then you will not need to purchase the Park Hopper.  During the summer Florida is very hot and humid, so I prefer to spend my days at the Water Parks and my evenings at the theme parks.  With a Park Hopper pass, you can bounce from place to place.  The Water Park Fun and More option is a great ticket to purchase.  The ticket is still $52 a day, but you will be able to visit the Water Parks, DisneyQuest, The ESPN World of Sports Complex, and enjoy a round of golf if you choose.

To get a schedule of special parades check the Magic Kingdom Theme Park website.