Travel Archives - Page 2 of 24

5 Underrated Rides at Disneyland

June 23, 2022 by admin

When planning a family vacation to Disneyland, making your itinerary can feel overwhelming. With countless activities including rides, games, and world-famous restaurants, there is more than enough to do at Disneyland throughout the duration of a short trip. While you’ll want to be sure not to miss famous attractions like Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, there are also countless underrated attractions that many travelers miss during a busy day at the park. Whether you’re planning your children’s first Disneyland vacation or jetting off on an Access Global flight to the park for the 5th time, here are a few underrated rides that many people miss.

1. Storybook Land Canal Boats

If you are a fan of classic Disney movies, this lesser-known attraction was made for you. Hop on an open-air boat and visit miniature homes and villages from your favorite classic Disney films, such as Alice in Wonderland and Cinderella.

2. Mark Twain Riverboat

If you are searching for some much-needed peace and quiet amidst the hustle and bustle of a busy day at Disneyland, the Mark Twain Riverboat is just the ride for you. Take a slow and relaxing journey through the Rivers of America on a replica of a Missippi Riverboat.

3. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Located near Splash Mountain, this ride rarely has a long wait due to its close proximity to one of the park’s most popular (and frequently busy) attractions. This classic dark ride is family-friendly and is the perfect place to cool down on a hot summer day.

4. Tarzan’s Treehouse

This interactive playground is the perfect place for kids to release some energy while parents rest. Due to its slightly hidden location in the park, it is rarely busy, making it another great spot to cool off and decompress during a busy day while still allowing your kiddos to have fun playing alongside one of their favorite Disney characters.

5. Snow White’s Scary Adventures

This classic dark ride lives up to its name and is actually quite scary for young children. Dark rooms, loud noises, and scary imagery make this attraction creepy for riders of all ages, yet are often overlooked in favor of more notable or traditionally thrilling rides. If you want a quick thrill without a long wait, be sure to check out this ride.

3 Amusement Parks You May Not Have Visited

June 23, 2022 by admin

Summer is here, and it’s the perfect time to visit a thrilling theme park with your family! But which one should you go to? While some of the heavy-hitters like Disneyland, Universal Studios, and Six Flags would be a blast, wouldn’t it be nice to try something completely new? There are tons of different theme park options available, and you may find that they have their own charm completely unique from the popular staples. So take some time off work, whether that’s working construction or at a company like HSI, grab the family, and hit the road!

Dollywood, TN

Tennessee is known for its love of country music, and that is expressly represented in Dollywood. Located in the Smokey Mountains of Pigeon Forge, this quaint amusement park has been owned and operated by the legend herself since 1986. The park is full of rides for all ages, a steam locomotive that takes you through the hills, plenty of shows, shops, and, of course, music.

This park is unique in the sense that it brings forth some southern charm along with the thrill rides that we’ve all come to expect when visiting.

Hershey Park, PA

Chocolate, anyone?

Located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, this famous land of wonder and treats has been around since the early 1900s, but it has gone through some major upgrades since then. Just like Disneyland was named after Walt, so to was Hershey Park named after Mr. Hershey himself, and his park is perfect for guests of all ages.

There’s a mountain of activities to explore here, with over 70 rides consisting of coasters, a waterpark, kiddie rides, and even a zoo! Plus, seasonal additions take place depending on the time of year, such as the Hershey Park After Dark event in the fall and the Hershey Park Christmas Candyland in the winter. Once you get hungry from all the fun, you’ll have a slew of different dining options to choose from, along with the best Hershey treats you could imagine.

Silver Dollar City, MO

Feeling a bit rustic? Silver Dollar City has you covered.

This cozy park can be found in Stone County, Missouri, right next to Branson, and has been around since the 60s. Here you’ll find a variety of trade shops, such as glassblowing, smithing, homemade candies, quilts, and much more. There are also loads of rides that give off “old-timey” feels straight out of the 1880s, like traveling through goal mines on coasters, flying through the air on a barn ride, being shot off on rails via powder keg, boarding a train with bandits, and much more.

There are lots of entertaining shows and delicious places to eat as well, and if you decide to go at Christmas time you’ll be in for a real treat. Parades, a million lights around every corner, and other festive themes are waiting for you!

Get Your Tickets!

Sure, you could go to one of the popular amusement park options like Universal Studios or Disneyland, but if you’re looking for something different, these parks are certainly worth a look. Get your tickets now and prepare for the time of your life!

Taking the Family to Disneyland? Here are a Few Things to Keep You Busy Besides Rides

May 28, 2022 by admin

You might be thinking, “why would anyone go to Disneyland and not ride the rides?” and you’ve got a point. Disney is home to some of the most incredible rides in the world, but there is so much more to the park than that. Like what? We’re glad you asked. Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable family vacation at Walt Disneyland!

Eat at The Golden Horseshoe

There is no shortage of Disney-themed dining locations to choose from if you’re stomach is rumbling, and one of the most entertaining is The Golden Horseshoe. Here you’ll be able to fill up on tasty food and watch a fun show at the same time. If you’re lucky, you might even get called up on stage to participate!

Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room

This tiki-themed show features over 300 taking birds that sing and dance various songs and crack a few jokes in the process. Along with plenty of flowers, tiki drummers, totem poles, and other similarly inspired additions. It’s a great way to kick back and take in the island feels of Disney park.

Visit the Fantasy Faire Royal Theater

This show is great for young children, as it lets them see live performances from some of their favorite Disney movies, like Tangled and Beauty and the Beast. Each show is typically shown three times a day every hour and fifteen minutes before switching to a different production.

Fantasyland Theater

If you’re looking for a high-quality show, look no further than Fantasyland Theater. These showing are a little more specific due to the work that goes into production, so you’ll want to check times before going. The shows themselves incorporate a variety of different Disney elements and characters that come together for an entertaining display.

The Shooting Exposition

Do you consider yourself an expert marksman? Then go test your skills out at the Shooting Exposition, where you’ll get to fire your rifle at nearly one hundred different targets in order to get the high score. If your aim’s a little rusty, you might want to check out Outdoor Solutions shooting school if you ever want to leave the park with a prize—and your dignity.

Watch Fantasmic

Fantasmic is hands-down the best thing to do in the park if you’re wanting a break from the rides. The show happens twice a night, and at nearly thirty minutes long, you know you’re in for a real treat. The show has been recently revamped and features a host of many different characters, featuring dancing, lights, music, fireworks, and much more. This is an absolute must!

The Magic Never Ends

Disney is an amazing place to hop aboard thrilling and interactive attractions, but you might find that the real magic lies in other areas of the park. Whether you’re watching a fantastic show, observing a passing parade, or dining at one of many Disney-themed restaurants, Disneyland is a place where the magic never ends.

3 Tips for Taking Young Children on a Cruise

May 1, 2022 by admin

One of the best ideas for your next family vacation is a week-long cruise. Often overlooked as they are thought by many to be too expensive, cruises are a great way to spend time together as a family with most or all costs covered upfront and keeps all activities and amenities together in one central place. One major benefit of a cruise is that you get all of the entertainment of a normal vacation without worrying about additional transportation; you don’t need to drive to any restaurants, pools, theme parks, etc. from a hotel, and don’t need to worry about paying for parking. For an extra bit of luxury on a family vacation, consider chartering a jet from a company like Access Global to the destination your cruise is departing from.

Taking a cruise with young children can be stressful, so here are a few mom-approved tips to make sure your vacation is smooth sailing.

Research Entertainment Options

While many cruises have options for family-friendly entertainment or activities designed just for kids, some cruises are more family-friendly than others. Choosing an option like a Disney Cruise that is designed for children and their families will ensure that your children are included and able to be entertained the entire time they are on board. You should look into a cruise’s options for entertainment ahead of time, to ensure that they will appeal to your child. For example, some ships have kids clubs that feature a play area or video game station where children can interact with one another and play in the same room, whereas others have go-karting or rollerskating rinks onboard. Many cruises have performances like a circus or live music show, and others have character meet and greets with characters from their favorite shows, Think about the kinds of activities your child enjoys most, and choose a cruise accordingly.

Get the Right Dining Plan

Many cruises allow (or require) you to reserve specific meal times in advance. When doing so, it is helpful to consider your child’s behavior and eating habits. Try to plan your child’s meals around the activities they know they want to participate in, to avoid being in any time crunches or in a rush during what should be a relaxing trip. Also, be sure to pack lots of snacks. Although snacks are usually included in your cruise’s meal plan and the ship will likely have any food you desire, having your child’s favorite snacks on hand can come in handy during long waits for food or activities or early mornings/late nights when onboard cafes and stores might be closed.

Pack Light

Taking a cruise unfortunately means living in close quarters due to the small room size and lack of extra space onboard. While you want to make sure that you have everything you could need for a week of traveling, be careful not to overpack. Try to stick to basics, and plan to wear an outfit or two on board to save space. Also, keep in mind that if you forget something you end up needing, it is likely that it will be available in an onboard convenience store; although paying for something you have at home is frustrating, it avoids taking up space with things you might not end up using.

Unexpected Destinations for Family Vacations!

January 27, 2022 by admin

Vacationing with the family is like flying first class vs private jet: no matter what happens, it’s going to be an amazing time. You get to travel to incredible locations with your favorite people and experience new destinations together. It’s choosing the perfect vacation for a family that can be difficult. Driving or flying? Budgeting or splurging? How many days? Once you figure out the logistics, then you can worry about the preferences! Someone is always going to initially complain or be unhappy, but all of that will fade once you arrive. If you need some inspiration, consider these unexpected destinations for your next family vacation!

Branson, Missouri

You may not think of it, but Branson, Missouri has all of the components for the perfect family vacation. You can make everyone happy. We’re talking top-notch sports facilities, gorgeous clear water lakes, exciting dinner theaters, museums, and a modern landing with shopping and restaurants. In case you haven’t heard, Tiger Woods opened his 19-hole course, Payne’s Valley Golf Course, nearby in 2020. It’s everything you’d hope for from the iconic golfer, both challenging and beautiful. Another Branson attraction is actually about 20 minutes south. Table Rock Lake is known for its beautifully clear water and gorgeous shoreline. Inside, outside, rain, or shine, Branson has some sort of unique entertainment. You just have to give it a chance.

Fort Robinson, Nebraska

For the history buff and conservation enthusiast, Fort Robinson, Nebraska is the place for you. As a former military base from the late 1800s, it has a ton of history. It was active during multiple wars, trained K9 units, and served as a POW camp. If you’re not interested in the history, consider the sites. Fort Robinson has beautiful views, hiking trails, equestrian trails, kayaking, and best of all, guided tours through bison country. The cute, “wild” donkeys that approach your vehicles for pets and snacks make this destination a must!

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg, Tennessee really is a great place to visit. The mountains are truly stunning and offer the adrenaline seekers the fix they might need. White water rafting, hiking, or a walk across the Sky Bridge will get the heart pumping. If you’re more interested in indoor activities, there are museums and theater shows aplenty…they even have an indoor waterpark. You could spend your morning exploring the aquarium, grab a quick lunch at one of the many local steakhouses, and spend the afternoon ziplining through the Great Smoky Mountains. The options are endless.

If you’re interested in a family vacation that won’t break the bank and will keep everyone happy, search no more. You now have three more destinations to add to the list!