Suitcase Packin’ Mama

Disney does the Galapagos

Cindy Richards — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:57:00 GMT

My list of dream family vacations is a long one, but a visit to the Galapagos, a safari in Africa and a cruise along the Alaskan coast are high on the list. Turns out the ultimate family vacation provider, Disney, has those places high on its list as well.

Adventures by Disney, the tour operator that understands how to do organized tours for kids, is adding eight new trips for 2009: South Africa, the European Alps and the Galapagos as well as a new tour of Italy (Sorrento and Florence), and three U.S. tours--Alaska, the Northeast (Boston, Newport and New York City), northern California (Lake Tahoe, Yosemite and San Fransisco)--and one that empasses parts of the United States and southwest Canada that visits two of the most beautiful places on Earth--Glacier National Park and Banff.

The Disney tours aren't cheap, but they are fab. At least the Viva Italia trip I took last summer with my kids (Rome, Tuscany, Florence and Venice) certainly was. (Early booking rates for the Viva Italia tour are about $3,000 for kids and $3,400 for adults, not including air fare.) The accommodations were first rate, the two Disney tour guides were endlessly cheerful, helpful and efficient, and the trip was educational as well as fun. My only complaint was the food. In the land of pasta (have you ever met a kid who wouldn't eat spaghetti?) the tour operators arranged for the kids to get burgers, fries and chicken fingers at several of the meals. Since the meals were set ahead of time, there was no choice. It was a small disappointment in an otherwise nearly perfect experience.

When traveling, there's always the question: To tour or not to tour? Generally, I am of the opinion that not to tour is best. It gives you the flexibility, as my husand likes to say, to go in search of the world's biggest ball of twine. (It's how we ended up spending a pleasant afternoon in Plaines, Ga., on a trip home for Orlando one spring break.) But when traveling with kids in tow, there's something nice about knowing someone other than you is taking care of everything. It was, without a doubt, the most relaxing trip I have ever taken with the kids. All I had to do was remember what time to show up the next morning. As a mom, I couldn't ask for more.

Have you been on a Disney tour? Was your experience as great as mine?

Beautiful Buccaneer

Cindy Richards — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 21:12:00 GMT

Once of the best things about being a travel writer is the ability to stay at some of the world's nicest resorts. Add The Buccaneer on St. Croix to that list.

Owned by the same family since 1948, this resort is beautiful, the staff is endlessly helpful and pleasant and, best of all for families, lots of stuff is included in the per-night price, such as a buffet breakfast, all the pool and water toys, kayaks, even an in-pool scuba lesson and the kids' club.

Located right on the beach (three beaches actually), The Buccaneer has a variety of rooms, one more fabulous than the next. Several are great for families (including two-room suites that give parents that most coveted of vacation specials: a separate bedroom). It's no surprise that this resort was named one of the best family resorts by Forbes.com in 2004.

Room rates range from a low of $280 in the summer months to more than $1,000 over the Christmas holidays. But there are deals on the Web site (www.thebuccaneer.com) and right now, families with kids under 18 can get a second room for half price.

Free car seat rental

Cindy Richards — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:24:00 GMT

I'm just back from Tampa, Fla., where I grew weary watching all those families dragging all those car seats through the airport. I returned home to news that Hertz will rent up to two car seats free to AAA members who book the seats when they reserve the car. You need an AAA number and promotion code 121623. The deal is good through Sept. 30, subject to availability, of course.

Unfortunately, I'm not sure how many families will benefit. After all, it's still not safe to put a small child in an airplane seat without a car seat. There's no law requiring parents to strap little ones into car seats on planes, but there ought to be. Families that want to ensure the safety of their most precious cargo still will have to drag those car seats through the airport with them.

Six Flags deal

Cindy Richards — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 15:27:00 GMT

If you're one of those trendy new staycationers (don't you love how the marketers find a way to make not getting an exotic vacation sound cool?), then you'll want to know that Six Flags Great America has a twofer deal going on. It's only available online and only good for visits through July 3.

The deal means it costs just $27.50 a person to get into the area's biggest amusement/water park. After July 3, prices go to $39.99. It's still a savings off the standard $54.99, but why pay more than you have to? Buy the tickets now.

Dells update

Cindy Richards — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 20:48:00 GMT

If you were thinking of heading to the Dells this summer, don't be scared off by the news that Lake Delton has drained. The Great Lake Fiasco means there are deals to be had. A few of the mom-and-pop hotels that sit on the shores of what used to be Lake Delton are offering deals to draw customers--free or half-off tickets to some of the top Dells attractions including a ride on the Original Wisconsin Ducks and what's left of the Tommy Bartlett Ski, Stage and Sky Show (hint: there's not enough water left in the lake to ski on).

My family are veteran Dellsgoers--starting with my parents who honeymooned there in 1956. We love it--indoor waterparks, Noah's Ark outdoor waterpark, the kitschy, over-the-top mini-golf courses, you name it. If you haven't been, this may be the summer to go. You'll save a little and make some great memories with your kids.

Don't dump your vacay

Cindy Richards — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 19:20:00 GMT

A new poll from Yahoo says 51 percent of people it polled are going to skip their vacation this summer. Too much to do at work, too much worry about the future. DON'T DO IT. Vacations are too important to your mental health,your family and your need for recharging.

Maybe you can't afford the two- week trip to Disney, but you can afford to take time off. As a dear friend of mine told me early in my career: "The company would go on if you got hit by a bus, wouldn't it? Then it can go on while you're on vacation."

There are plenty of cheap ways to vacation, including camping (which would never be my choice) and staying at home (which can be done, but it's difficult for us Type A's to actually forget about work or mowing the lawn or any of the hundred other things you could be doing instead of whiling away a day at the beach building sand castles with your kids). TravelingMom.com had these tips for vacationing at home during spring break. They would work just as well for vacationing at home during the summer.

How are you planning to get in a little R&R without breaking into the kids' college fund this summer?

UP with Michigan

Cindy Richards — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 18:52:00 GMT

Perhaps it's because my summer vacation is going to be spent driving through Michigan on our way to the UP, but this latest roundup of cool stuff to do in Michigan from the state tourism office caught my eye. Thought I'd pass it along. More info is at michigan.org.

ARTFUL HIGHWAY

Fill up the tank and head due west for a cruise on the Blue Star Highway to land in Saugatuck for the annual Waterfront Film Festival June 12-15. The Chicago Tribune praises the event as a "laid back Sundance"; Screen Actor Guild magazine ranked it as one of the top five film festivals. Flick fans flock to Lake Michigan’s coastline to suspend disbelief for three days and see indie films made in the US. Considered a "middle coast" venue for independent filmmakers to show their artwork to sophisticated audiences, this event has grown from its inception in 1999.

T-RIFFIC PROGRAMS

Got T? Model T owners can drive their Tin Lizzies right into Greenfield Village, the living history museum in Dearborn (with special pass). It’s the Year of the Car in Michigan, in recognition of the centennials of the 1908 founding of General Motors and Henry Ford’s creation of the Model T. Not surprisingly, it’s possible to immerse oneself in everything Model T, through daily programs and occasional events at the Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village. Visitors can get hands-on experience building a Model T (miniature and full-size) at the Museum, and take a "Model T 101" class in the Village. The annual Motor Muster June 14-15 features cars from the 1930s through the ‘70s, this year with a special exhibit of "T-bucket" hot rods from the 1950s and 60s. No T? This is the only place in the U.S. where visitors can ride along in an authentic Model T, "the car that put the world on wheels."

MARITIME REALITY SHOW

Visitors can submerge in their own maritime reality show by exploring shipwrecks in real time via live video feeds from the depths of Thunder Bay. The facts and lore surrounding nearly 200 shipwrecks in and around Thunder Bay will be available for maritime history buffs to check out this summer at Alpena’s Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center. Serving as a regional resource for maritime history, underwater archaeology, and Great Lakes research, this "green" sustainable building is on track to become certified at the Gold level by the Green Building Council’s LEED Program (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). The free opening exhibit celebration is scheduled for June 15.

SIX IF BY SEA

Led by the Highlander Sea, the "flagship ambassador" for Michigan’s Blue Water Area, the billowing sails of a half dozen tall ships will delight visitors at the Sail Port Huron festival, June 27-29. In addition to the Highlander Sea, participating vessels include the Pride of Baltimore II, a replica of an 1812 Baltimore clipper topsail schooner, and Niagara, a reproduction of Commander Oliver Hazard Perry’s warship in the Battle of Lake Erie in 1813. Activities on land at Vantage Point include an art fair, live music and food, plus fireworks Saturday night.

WINING AROUND FOR 15 YEARS

Located on a 65-acre estate on Old Mission Peninsula, in one of the most scenic areas of the Great Lakes, Chateau Chantal winery celebrates its 15th anniversary in July. What began as a cherry orchard developed by a former priest and Felician sister, this old world winery has reaped several awards for its exceptional wines and offers a charming bed & breakfast plus culinary classes. The Chateau Chantal cherry trees were replaced were with the grafted vinifera grape vines – the same type of wine grape grown along other parts of the 45th parallel in the Bordeaux region of France.

A FESTIVAL THAT THINKS

It’s going to be a party with a purpose with plenty of high voltage music and fun. The Rothbury Festival, July 3-6 at the Double JJ Ranch in Rothbury (the Double JJ is one of my family's favs) will corral more than 70 bands including Dave Matthews, Snoop Dogg, John Mayer and Widespread Panic. This year’s festival theme: Finding Energy Independence Scientists have been invited to participate in a "think tank" to lead discussions on clean energy and climate change. Enter the Tripolee Dome for a three-hour music show, yoga workshops, Earth Harp instructions or learn to be a DJ. Watch the Conscious Alliance build the largest "cansculpture" to attempt a Guinness World Record with cans later donated to the Rothbury Food Drive, or see new art installations that will be created to raise awareness of political, social and environmental issues.

U-PICK, U-ENJOY

It has about 200 seeds, grows in all 83 Michigan counties, and is the preferred fruit of more than half of kids ages 7 to 9. This member of the rose family is the first fruit to ripen in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula each spring, and its season runs through July in the Upper Peninsula. It is celebrated at festivals---from Belleville in mid-June to the U.P. town of Chassell in July. It is delicious in pies, over shortcake, and by the handful at U-Pick farms across the state.

PAPARAZZI ALERT: MADONNA IN SIGHT

The Traverse City Film Festival (July 29 – Aug 3) has grown to become one of the largest film festivals in the Midwest, and one of the most respected in the country. Last year, there were over 80,000 admissions to nearly 100 screenings, a number of them U.S. or world premieres. A special emphasis is given to foreign films, American independents, documentaries, and films which have been overlooked but deserve the attention of a public starved to see a good movie. The festival also presents classic movies free of charge on a giant, inflatable outdoor screen overlooking Grand Traverse Bay in the Open Space Park at dusk. Panel discussions with directors, writers, actors, and other members of the film industry are offered daily. This year, five hundred and forty lucky film fans will get to see the all-time queen of popular Michigan’s own -- the one and only, Madonna -- live in person when she brings her new documentary, "I Am Because We Are," to the TCFF this summer.

June 28-29

Red, White and Blue Collar Festival Oscoda

This family oriented festival will feature several music acts, magic shows, a petting zoo, canoe race, fireworks, Michigan microbreweries and food as well as booths highlighting the areas' diverse community organizations and services.

July 2-5

Salute to America Dearborn

Walnut Grove historic district at Greenfield Village, a part of The Henry Ford, is transformed into a patriotic sea of red, white and blue as the Detroit Symphony Orchestra presents a rousing program of American musical favorites in celebration of Independence Day

July 2-6, 2008

Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival Battle Creek

Lift off in a colorful hot air balloon or just watch the daily evening balloon launches. This event takes to the sky and is down to earth with custom car and motorcycle shows, carnival, arts & crafts, concerts and fireworks.

July 2-6, 2008

Comerica CityFest Detroit

Food, free entertainment, children’s activities, and unique marketplace fill Detroit’s New Center.

July 2-6, 2008

Manistee National Forest Festival Manistee

The logging heritage of the Victorian Port City on Lake Michigan is recognized at this annual festival featuring an entertainment tent, carnival rides, arts & crafts, fish boil, Grand Parade.

July 3-5, 2008

Bay City Fireworks Festival Bay City

Nightly pyrotechnics over the Saginaw River, daily entertainment, carnival, fun for all ages.

July 3-7, 2008

4th of July Bessemer Blast Bessemer

The Moving Wall will visit this U.P. favorite event for over 100 years. F16 Fighter Jet Fly Over, and largest fireworks display in the region. Dance and enjoy entertainment, the 4th of July parade and fireworks.

July 4, 2008

Bark River 4th of July Celebration Bark River

Just west of Escanaba, watch the annual parade, plus food, games and fireworks.

July 4, 2008

Biggest Little Fourth in the North Barton City

Barton City is tucked away in the very center of Alcona County. The annual event draws more than10,000.

July 4, 2008

Parade and Fireworks Port Austin

The parade starts in downtown Port Austin in Michigan’s Thumb region followed by evening fireworks on Lake Huron.

July 4, 2008

Fireworks and Parade Wyandotte

71st annual Independence Day parade is preceded by fireworks on the Detroit River on June 27.

July 5-12, 2008

National Cherry Festival Traverse City

The precision flying U.S. Navy Blue Angels launch the 82nd celebration of the region’s fruit at numerous sites around Traverse City and along Grand Traverse Bay. With more than 150 scheduled events there’s something for all ages, from colorful parades to sporting events, contests, and carnival rides and games.

Keep your feet on the ground this summer

Cindy Richards — Fri, 30 May 2008 15:30:00 GMT

As if it isn’t already tough (and expensive) enough to fly with kids, the airlines are making it worse by charging us to check our bags. Luckily, my kids are old enough to be responsible for their own luggage, so they each get one carry-on bag and that’s it. But when they were smaller—why is it that the younger they are, the more stuff they need?—that never would have worked. (For a new take on this bag check fiasco, check out this blog posting at www.travelingmom.com and get really angry over one woman’s tale of *** pump woe.)

Anyway, if the airline charges and aggravation are enough to keep your feet on the ground this summer, consider checking out these closer-to-home festivals, both within driving distance of Chicago:

Luminato in Toronto is in its second year and there are myriad offerings for kids and families, including an appearance by the incomparable Dan Zanes, a Fred Koch favorite. Although you need to buy tickets to Zanes, the majority of the programming is free. Check out the entire schedule here, which includes a handy “families” tab at the tip. And Toronto is only about 450 miles from Chicago, about a 10-hour trip with kids.

If that’s too far, try Bloomin’ Days in Kenosha, the charming little town just north of the Wisconsin border. Also in its second year, the festival is June 6-7 and includes live outdoor music, art and flowers, at 54th Street & 6th Avenue in downtown Kenosha. Hours are Friday 5-10 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Find out more here.

Muppet sex

Cindy Richards — Thu, 22 May 2008 16:12:00 GMT

That headline got your attention, right? And well it should. After all, watching Muppet sex was a bit of a shock for me, which is why I'm blogging about it rather than the next best travel deal. The hot Broadway show, Avenue Q, opened Wednesday at the Cadillac Palace Theater for a short run. The advertising warns that it "may not" be appropriate for children under 13. I'd say that's an understatement. The show is quirky fun for adults, but no place for kids.

I had media comps and was scheduled to go with my husband, who came home from work too pooped to head back out. I was having trouble finding a last minute date and considered taking one of my kids, Tess, 12, or Evan, 14. Both are pretty mature for their ages, but I am not mature enough to sit next to them while two Muppets have sex in a great variety of interesting positions on stage. So I was really glad that a neighbor was free and willing to join me. She and I had a great time, laughed uproariously and generally enjoyed the heck out of the show.

So if you're into quirky theater (if not Muppet sex), check out Avenue Q. But hire the sitter first.

Rock ‘n’ roller coasters

Cindy Richards — Mon, 05 May 2008 12:40:00 GMT

There’s a new entrant into the amusement park world and it’s full of heavy metal music: Hard Rock Park. Brought to you by the same rockers who do the Hard Rock Café and Hard Rock Hotel, this park is in Myrtle Beach, S.C. My coaster-loving daughter, Tess, 12, and I visited Sunday and we both loved it.

We were there during what they call the “soft opening.” On the downside, that means they still are working out the kinks, so some of the rides would shut down for short periods of time, some of the shops are still under construction and one coaster, the Maximum PRM, was closed by order of the DoPES (Department of Plant Engineering Services). On the upside, it also means a very small crowd so we got to ride every ride that was operating, sometimes twice in a row.

The only ride we didn’t choose to repeat was the bone-rattling, headache-inducing Led Zeppelin—an intense coaster that zips over, under and upside down at 65 mph while Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love” rocks you from the in-car speakers, although it sometimes was hard to hear over the sound of my own screaming. We loved it, but once was enough.

This park seemed small by our Great America standards, which made it feel like it would be manageable even with smaller kids. And, although many of the rides have height restrictions that would keep little ones out, there is plenty for them to do here—from play areas to Reggae River Falls where they can get soaked and soak one another to the strains of Bob Marley to the Punk Pit inflatable obstacle course where they can challenge Mom and Dad to a race and Garage Jam, where they can propel foam balls to amazing heights.

When the thrills get to be too much, there is plenty of entertainment to keep you rockin’ even while you’re restin’. We listened to a live concert by Black Label on the main stage—a nice way to chill and get out of the sun for a half hour. And there are several kitschy live shows as well. Don’t miss the Roadies Stunt Show. There was so much going on during this 20-minute acrobatic extravaganza that we could have watched again to see everything we missed the first time.

If you’ve never been to Myrtle Beach, you might think of it only as a golf mecca. But it’s much more, plenty of which is perfect for kids, families and non-golfers. Next we’re off to see some of what the PR guy calls “Old Myrtle Beach”—the nature centers and wet lands. I’ll let you know how it goes.

10 big draws in Puerto Rico

Cindy Richards — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:44:00 GMT

I'm just back from a magical long weekend in Puerto Rico where my husband and I celebrated our 15th anniversary, sans kids. On the plane coming home last night, we wondered whether it was magical because it was Puerto Rico, or because we went there without kids. I think a little of both.

Regardless, it was magical. And here are 10 reasons why you should put Puerto Rico on your travel wish list:

10. It's easy. You're still in the United States, so there's no need to change money, buy a translation dictionary or get a passport.

9. It's historic. Old San Juan was built in the 1500s and the original forts and 20-foot-wide city wall are standing still.

8. Its people. We met only one Puerto Rican who wasn't smiling, happy and willing to help us find our way. And he just seemed grumpy about being at work.

7. It's close. There are direct flights from Chicago (although we had a connecting flight through Atlanta for reasons that are too complicated to explain here).

6. Its atmosphere. This is an Hispanic culture, so the people are friendly, the food is good and kids are always welcome.

5. Its culture. We danced salsa (not like the Puerto Ricans dance salsa--we danced like two white people from Chicago, but we tried), we ate Tripolettas (sandwiches made of thinly sliced pork, beef and chicken on a fluffy white roll with mayo, ketchup, lettuce and tomato) and mofongo, a traditional dish of mashed plantains.

4. Its accommodations. We stayed as guests in two places, the luxury Wyndham Rio Mar Beach Resort in Rio Grande a few minutes from the rain forest and at the Sheraton Old San Juan, right along the water front in the old city, within easy walking distance of all the sites.

3. Its weather. The sun shone brightly and the trade winds kept us cool every day despite the 85-plus degree temperatures. Locals said it gets hot and more humid in the summer. But that happens in Chicago, too.

2. Its nature. We spent time in El Yunque (El June-kay), the only rain forest that is a part of the U.S. Forest Service. We walked the mile-long path into the rain forest to dip our toes (or, for some, our entire bodies) into the cool waters at the base of a roaring waterfall. This is not to be missed.

1. Its diversity. The very best thing about Puerto Rico is the diversity of the Puerto Ricans. The people carry the blood of the indigenous Taino indians, the Spanish invaders and their African slaves, so their looks range from light-skin Caucasian appearances to dark-skinned African features--all in one family. It seemed like something our kids should see--the vision of a diverse group of people who all share one identity as Puerto Ricans. I hope it is a glimpse of what America will look like to our grandchildren.

Swingin' family time at Club Med

Cindy Richards — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:34:00 GMT

I had long thought of Club Med as a mecca for swinging singles and since I missed that boat in my BC (Before Children) days, I figured Club Med was not for me. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

My husband, 12-year-old daughter and I spent three action-packed days at the Club Med Ixtapa Pacific on the Pacific coast of Mexico and easily could have stayed for a full week, the standard Club Med deal, without running out of interesting things to do.

We swam, played in the churning surf, ate, drank, walked, learned yogalates and got sunburned. We didn’t—but could have if we had the time—learn to swing on a circus trapeze, roller blade, practice archery, sail, kayak, play tennis, beach volleyball, soccer or mini golf, take a cardio class or get toned up. All of that is included in the one price, which starts at $1400 per adult for seven days, not including airfare from Chicago. Kids ages 4-15 are 50 percent of the adult rate and kids ages 2-3 are 30 percent. The only extras were the spa services (which are resort-pricey at $170 for a 75-minute massage), bottles of wine (not necessary since the restaurants offer decent house wines) and excursions (there are 14 choices—we did the evening horseback ride along the ocean and it was fabulous and worth every peso).

Unlike other resorts that offer kids clubs that keep children inside a dark room playing on computers and doing kiddie crafts, Club Med is a sports resort. The kids swim, play games, learn circus tricks and spend them time outside, heading indoors for lunch at their own special restaurant. Babies and toddlers have their own space and parents get a key to a special room stocked with baby food, diapers and other baby needs and accessible 24 hours a day.

Babysitting in the room is available at $20 an hour for little ones or put the kids in the pajama club at $20 per child for the evening and have a quiet adults-only dinner at one of the specialty restaurants, Miramar, the Argentinean steakhouse, or La Luna Azul, the fusion restaurants, both of which offer delicious fare that is lost on kids.

The staff is ceaselessly friendly and helpful, if not always quick. The G.O.s (it translates roughly to “Gracious Organizers” of your vacation) speak at least two languages and spend their on duty and off duty hours taking care of and schmoozing the guests. They all feel like friends by the end of the week, which makes it that much more fun to see them perform in the 80s show on Wednesday night.

The only downside to Club Med Ixtapa is getting there. Unlike the resort areas on the Gulf of Mexico, there are no direct flights from Chicago to Ixtapa, which makes for a long day of traveling when you factor in a layover in Mexico City.

Thaw out in Chicago parking garage

Cindy Richards — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 16:41:00 GMT

I just love creative marketing. It's one of the fun things about being a travel writer. (OK, it ranks second to the actual travel, but getting a cool press release or seeing an innvovative marketing campaign definitely beats the standard PR tripe most of us journalists get.)

The latest comes from South Carolina, which has a special campaign aimed at getting us Chicagoans to "thaw out." The Web site is fun. Push the buttom and watch the snow melt (if only it were that easy) and it has a link to a page offering a bunch of deals for family getaways. If there's no travel money in your family budget, you can head to the northwest corner of the Millenium Park parking garage for a pretend ride on a wind surf board. Take your photo braving the waves and send it in for the weekly contests. The grand prize is a two-night, three-day stay at the Inn at Harbour Town at Sea Pines at Hilton Head Island, S.C..But hurry, the wind surfing wall comes down Sunday.

It's been years since I was in S. Carolina--back in my BC (Before Children) days. But I'm hoping to get there this spring with my daughter. If you've visited recently and have some great family travel tips for S.C., please share. I'll do the same after my visit.

Deals in Dells, Bahamas

Cindy Richards — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 22:16:00 GMT

My absolute favorite Wisconsin Dells hotel, Chula Vista, has a great deal going. For $129.50 a night (a two-night stay is required), you get four passes to the new 80,000-square-foot indoor water park, an upgrade to a junior suite, 100 tokens to use in the game room, a $25 dining credit at any of the resort's restaurants and a large pizza delivered to your room. Deal is good through April 30 for Sunday-Thursday stays. Only downside: March 23-27, the week of our spring break, is blacked out. But check out the details here.

I love the Chula Vista because it is situated on an idyllic spot along the river and well off the main drag so you get a break from the Wisconsin Dells kitsch, which can become a little overwhelming. I haven't been back since the new indoor water park opened (my family loves the outdoor water park there), so if you go, let us know how it is.

That Chula Vista sale rate is the same price I paid last weekend for an overnight at the Rockford Coco Key water park and hotel with my daughter and two of her friends. And we didn't get any of those nice extras--the pay per view movie option wasn't even working and they made me pay twice for locker rental at the water park--once on the day we arrived to find our room wasn't ready and again the next day after we checked out but our water park wrist bands were good for another three hours. The girls (12-year-olds) actually preferred the big hotel pool to the waterpark, which they pronounced much better for little kids.

Further afield is a deal at the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas. You've probably heard of the Atlantis; its advertisements are everywhere. And it is a pretty cool place. My daughter and I enjoyed it--especially the restaurant alongside the aquarium where we watched the fish swim majestically as we ate our breakfast. The only downside: breakfast for the two of us cost more than $70.

So it's important to note that the Atlantis is having a sale. A room that normally rents for $380 a night can be had for $179 from April 27 through July 1. Book by March 14. Get the rest of the details here.

Just know before you got that the Atlantis is the antithesis of an all-inclusive resort. Instead of knowing exactly how much you'll spend, at the Atlantis, you know you'll spend a bunch. The dad I sat next to on the flight home told me he had taken his kids twice. He plans on spending $500 a day for his family of five. It made me wonder why he was sitting next to me in the coach section of the plane.

Spring trippin'?

Cindy Richards — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:14:00 GMT

The ice won't melt, the wind won't stop and the cold won't go away. Must be time to start planning that spring break trip. (OK, so maybe there are a few of you have had the plane tickets and the plans made since last spring. Give the rest of us a break and just move on to a more organized blog, will ya?)

If your plans this year include that once-in-a-lifetime trip to Disney World, my first words of advice are: Don't do it. Yes, take the kids to Disney World, but don't do it during spring break. That's when the rest of the world is there. Consider a summer trip. Or take a long weekend some other time during the year (May and early June are always good times to go) when you can actually enjoy the park rather than grouse about waiting in lines. No one does it better than Disney, but even the Disney magic doesn't make the lines go away.

If, however, you insist on heading there next month, take a gander at the new Disney advice site, www.disneyworldmoms.com, before you go. The company recruited a panel of moms (and one dad, Bret C. who lives in suburban Chicago) to take questions and offer advice on the best way to do Disney.

For most families, the trip to pay homage to Mickey shoots the family travel wad. So do what you can before you go to make sure it's as fun and memorable for you and as it will be for the kids.