So you thought cruises were just for grown-ups? Think again! Thanks to the huge range of cruise liners and operators available, and given the exciting range of activities that many cruise ships have become famous for, cruising is now a popular holiday for families and kids of all ages.

Here’s a bit of name-dropping for you: What springs to mind when you think of Royal Caribbean International? They’re the ones that have turned cruises into a voyage of sea-faring adventure, with ships like huge floating holiday resorts that are packed to the rafters with impressive facilities like ice skating rinks, rock climbing walls, cinemas and surfing simulators. You’ll also find vast shopping centres, libraries and even laid-back activities like cooking classes or – for the older guests – cocktail-making sessions.

Other popular cruise operators like P&O Cruises, Thomson Cruises and NCL also serve up plenty of fun for all ages. Many now offer dedicated areas and even whole decks for families, with crèche facilities and kids’ clubs for toddlers and teens. From discos and arts and crafts to sports lessons and Fun Factory clubs, your little ones will enjoy hours of non-stop fun while you get to sneak off for a relaxing massage, a spot of retail therapy or a refreshing sundowner in the cocktail lounge.

All that fun, and we haven’t even mentioned the destinations you can visit yet. Family cruises can take in popular sun-and-sand locations like Spain and the Balearic Islands, exotic hotspots like the Caribbean or fascinating voyages of discovery to the likes of Egypt and the Greek islands. How’s that for a family holiday with a difference?

Explore the full range of family itineraries and cruises available across today’s most popular cruise operators, including Royal Caribbean and P&O Cruises, by searching online at Thomas Cook Cruise – http://www.thomascook.com/cruise/.

The above is a sponsored guest post. Photo credit: David Spinks

The post Cruise Vacations: All aboard for family fun appeared first on Pitstops for Kids.

Our Pit Stops for Kids staff often recommends vacation rentals for family travel, so when the folks at VacationRoost approached us about partnering with them for some expert vacation planning tips this summer, it was, as they say, a ‘no brainer’.

Why we recommend vacation rentals:

Hotels and resorts are certainly fun for families and have their place in the vacation experience. We certainly review a lot of them! However, for families planning to stay in one region for a week or more, or families traveling with a large group (perhaps for multigenerational travel), a vacation home saves money and is often more practical. Family members can spread out, often have their own rooms, and not share bathrooms. Vacation rentals sport full kitchens without the price tag of a large hotel suite, and many come with laundry rooms, yards to play in, and driveways for free parking. In short, vacation rentals are homes away from home, taking some of the travel stress out of vacation.

Why we love VacationRoost:

There are numerous vacation rental companies out there, and we’ve worked with many of them with great results. Why VacationRoost? They’re in almost 100 areas across the US, Canada, Mexico, and Caribbean (not to mention a smattering in South America). Families don’t even have to know where they’re going before searching for a VacationRoost home: just narrow it down to a beach vacation or ski vacation, for instance, then let inspiration guide you within the pages of VacationRoost. Or, if you know exactly where you’re headed, no need to waste time: the database can take you to a precise location with the map feature. VacationRoost has competitive pricing, allowing families to stay in hotel suites or condos they may have though out of reach…so don’t be afraid to keep all doors open while travel planning!

Look for Pit Stops for Kids’ posts on family trips in VacationRoost-serviced areas all summer, and find more of our expertise on the VacationRoost blog.

Enter to win a Hydro Flask!

This 21 oz HydroFlask with VacationRoost logo is made from food grade 18/8 Stainless Steel and is 100% BPA-free. Remarkably light, yet extremely durable, you can take this water bottle on any family vacation. We love that that we can easily fill the wide-mouth opening, and that it keeps cold beverages cold and hot beverages hot. You can bring it along whether you’re on a ski holiday or a beach holiday.

Simply enter on the Rafflecopter form below for easy entry!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Open to residents of the US and Canada. Giveaway ends in one week.

Pit Stops for Kids has partnered with VacationRoost for this post. Photo credit: Vacationroost.

The post Win a Hydro Flask from VacationRoost appeared first on Pitstops for Kids.

When deciding whether to spend vacation dollars on an international family travel tour operator (or how much), it comes down to matching the correct operator to your family’s needs. Are you looking for a full-service provider, or not much more than a translator? Do you need all meals planned and activities planned, or do you want time on your own? No matter your budget, here’s what to look for while selecting the right tour company to show you the world.

Experience with kids:

Well, obviously, right? But the fact remains that even tour companies advertising that they’re ‘not your grandmother’s guide service’ may still be just that. Look for a tour operation with youthful (in body or spirit) tour guides and active itineraries. Tour guides experienced in guiding families will also be well-versed in the nitty gritty of kid-centric travel: they’ll be aware of the need for frequent bathroom stops, snacks, and rest periods.

A client list filled with families:

Even if the tour operator you’re considering welcomes families, the other travelers on the itinerary may not. The fact is, more kids are joining their parents for international travel than in years past, and some long-term travelers on luxury international tours haven’t gotten the memo. Why be a pioneering family? Ask a potential tour company for a ratio of families to couples on a given itinerary, and find out if other kids will be present. Many luxury tour operators are now offering specialized family itineraries, designed especially to meet this need.

Evenly balanced itineraries:

To get the most of your international vacation, families will want their itinerary to reflect a mixture of cultural experiences, natural discoveries, and active fun. The best tour operators for kids list activities such as pizza cooking classes in Italy (with time for eating, of course!), hikes with local or native experts in South America, or kayaking excursions in Alaska. Kids learn best by doing (actually, all of us do), so the more activities that give your family hands-on experiences, the better.

Reasonable expectations and flexibility amid guides:

If you bring kids on an international vacation, there will be moments of culture shock, jet-lag, stress, and fatigue. As parents, you may be well-equipped to deal with these realities as they arise, but if your tour operator is not sympathetic, you may miss itinerary stops, or worse, feel pressured to carry on with miserable kids. A good tour operation will build in downtime and be ready for spur-of-the-moment changes in itinerary as needed. As parents, don’t be afraid to request breaks, and be ready to go with the flow.

Specialized, regional experts:

Not all guide operations are experts in all regions. Once you know where your vacation is taking you, spend some time researching the best tour service in that particular country or continent. These operations will have built-in contacts with local attractions and experiences that you cannot find on your own, and have the ability to give you better than a ‘cookie-cutter’ vacation experience. You’ll want to learn more about travel planning in Ghana from Africa tour and safari specialists, for instance.

The right match:

International tour operations range from budget guides to get you from Point A to Point B in countries or regions where a guide is crucial to luxury services that take care of your every need from the moment you touch down. Figure out as a family what you are looking for in your international travel experience, and find the company to match your needs. There’s no need to pay for more than you want, nor any reason to build your vacation a la carte if you’d rather leave it in other capable hands. Ask yourself the following: Will we want lots of freedom to explore on our own? Do we want our meals taken care of? Do we want a highly active trip with lots of hiking and outdoor touring, or a more cultural experience, with ample time in museums and landmarks? 

The above post includes sponsored material. Photo credit: flickr/lifeoftravel

The post What to look for in an international family travel tour operator appeared first on Pitstops for Kids.

Pit Stops for Kids loves Canadian travel! In the past year alone, our crew has toured British Columbia in both winter and summer, looking for the best hotels, tours, and activities for families. We explored Vancouver with kids, took a road trip across Vancouver Island, and skied at both Whistler and Big White. And we didn’t do it alone.

Big news! Family review site Trekaroo, the largest independent community of travel savvy parents in the nation, is expanding into Canada! Families will now be able to search Trekaroo’s database for the inside scoop on Canadian attractions, lodging, restaurants, and tours. To celebrate, Trekaroo will be kicking off their Canada launch with week-long coverage of four major Canadian cities: Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal. Throughout the summer, families can expect week-long features of each city, including travel advice, lodging reviews, and fabulous Canada vacation giveaways.

Are you an expert on a Canadian destination?

Trekaroo understands family travel, and knows that parents depend on expert advice from those in the know. The Trekaroo Canada Founders group is hard at work providing up-to-date, relevant family travel information for the following provinces:

British Columbia

Alberta

Ontario

Quebec

If you have experience traveling in these Canadian provinces, or if you’re a Canadian expert on your home city, we need your reviews! Signing up as a Trekaroo member is easy and free, and once you do so, you can leave reviews to destinations, hotels, restaurants, and attractions you’ve visited. Reviews need only be a few lines long, but they assist fellow family travelers forever.

Earn Canada Rewards!

Because Trekaroo values the traveling community, and knows that no Trekaroo landing page would be complete without the inside scoop from experts, they’re offering Trekaroo Canada Rewards. From now until funds run out, existing and new members can write 10 Canada reviews and get a $10 Amazon gift card. Think of this as a way to share useful information with fellow traveling parents while reaping a reward to boot!

Learn more about Canada Rewards at Trekaroo!

Disclosure: Pit Stops for Kids founder Amy Whitley works as Editorial and Sponsorship Manager at Trekaroo. So no, I’m probably not eligible, darn it.

The post Explore Canada, earn Trekaroo Canada Rewards! appeared first on Pitstops for Kids.

With its white towers and castle-esque peaks, the Coeur d’Alene Resort is easy to spot along the lake shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. When we lived in neighboring Spokane, Washington, our family would retreat to the Coeur d’Alene Resort for family escapes, summer play, and its annual Holiday Light Show. Now that we live further afield, it’s a destination resort worth the drive.

This Preferred golf and spa property is truly a four-season destination: in summer, the lake and mountains beckon with hiking, biking, jet-skiing, and swimming. One of our favorite children’s parks, Fort Sherman Playground, is located within walking distance of the hotel, and the swimming beach is steps away. In winter, skiing is spectacular at Silver Mountain Resort. We love braving the cold while strolling the boat dock pier in winter, and checking out the snowshoe and nordic ski options on lakeside trails.

Seasonal Activities:

In winter, the resort’s Holiday of Lights Show gives the property a magical glow (which extends beyond Christmas) and the Fantasy Cruise to the North Pole is one of those family events that truly makes the holidays come alive.

Outdoor Recreation:

The Coeur d’Alene’s golf course is one of the best in the region, featuring the only ‘floating green’ we’ve seen, where golfers have to bridge a section of Lake Coeur d’Alene to make par. (Tip: have a meal at the Floating Green Restaurant.) This resort is about more than just golf however: situated within reach of Idaho’s most pristine national forest land, it serves as a home base for river rafting expeditions, hiking, camping, and horseback riding. While in Coeur d’Alene, families have all the conveniences of a large town (including high-end shopping), but also enjoy access to the wilderness. An outdoor pool compliments lake swimming, and Silverwood Theme Park offers a family-friendly, small-town theme park experience.

On-property, families can enjoy an indoor pool and wading pool for toddlers, complete with pool toys, an outdoor playground, bike rentals, crafts, and a game room. Add to that all of Idaho’s outdoor recreation, some hours swimming in the lake, and a run through Sherman Park, and you’ve got some tired, happy kids.

Room rates and amenities:

What makes this hotel Preferred Family certified? The Coeur d’Alene features standard guest rooms ranging from tower fireplace rooms to partial view rooms, and kids 17 and under are always free in their parents’ room. All rooms have the standard amenities: coffee makers, mini-bars, and internet access, and families can request high chairs, pack-n-plays, booster seats, car seats, strollers, and the list goes on. Many rooms have full kitchens, so families can eat in easily. A top-of-the-line fitness center is available to all guests. At the time of our latest visit, room rates ranged from $125-$330 per night.

Dining:

Dining options abound, both in the resort and the surrounding area. My husband claims Tito’s Italian Grill serves the best spaghetti, bar none, and the kids and I especially love the abundance of ice cream and candy shops along the main vistas of Coeur d’Alene in summer. Several chain grocery stores are nearby as well.

Directions:

From Spokane (and Spokane International Airport), take I-90 east straight to the Coeur d’Alene Resort. From Kellogg, take I-90 west. Yes, it’s that simple!

Photo credit: Blake Handley.

The post The Coeur d’Alene Resort: a lakeside Idaho Preferred Family destination appeared first on Pitstops for Kids.

Summer is an excellent time to visit Block Island Rhode Island! This small, flat island off the coast of the state is often overlooked (mainland Newport is also a great destination), but families looking for a slower-pased vacation or weekend getaway will love Block Island’s laid back feel, casual dining, and quaint lodging. Block Island has long been known as a romantic ‘B&B’ type of weekend away, but it actually has a lot to offer families with young or school-aged kids. Below, our Block Island guide showcases what’s best for kids:

What to do on Block Island:

Once you’re on-island, you’ll want to get your hands on some bikes. Virtually all of Block Island is covered with free bike paths (open to pedestrians, too), and this is by far the easiest way to get around. In fact, we don’t recommend bringing a car…leave it on the mainland and hop on the ferry without it (see below).

Then head to the beach. The entire perimeter of Block Island’s 3×7 miles contains beach access, and all are public and yours for the taking. Block Island beaches are wide and open, and ideal for families with young kids. It can get windy, as it’s prone to do on many New England beaches, but when the weather isn’t cooperating, there is always the option of packing up and heading to souvenir shops, art galleries, and the toy stores.

Check out the Ball O’Brien Park and North Light House when not beach going, or spend an afternoon indoors at the historical society  (best for older kids). For more active days, head to New Harbor Kayak Rentals for traditional water sports, or try SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding) at Block Island Parasail.

Dining on Block Island ranges from fine dining to farmer’s markets, and it’s easy to bring picnics on a bike ride or to the beach from local grocery stores. Sandwich shops and delis will also pack up picnic to go.

Where to stay on Block Island:

Accommodations on Block Island range from B&Bs and cottage rentals to hotels and inns. For families staying more than a few days, we recommend a home rental with HomeAway. Otherwise, look for lodging that caters to families. A decent number of Block Island hotels discourage children (and some even ban those under 12, like the 1661 Inn and Hotel Manisses). Others, like the Atlantic Inn, are touted as quiet and peaceful…which may or may not be for you. Our picks for kids: The National Hotel and the Narragansett Inn.

Getting to Block Island:

You can only arrive on Block Island by ferry or plane. The island is located 12 miles off the mainland, and for kids, getting there really is half the fun. Most families opt for the most economical means of travel, the Block Island Ferry, which leaves from Point Judith, Rhode Island, and is the only ferry option that allows cars. You’ll need to make a reservation in advance if you’re bringing a vehicle; otherwise, no advance notice is required. If you’re in a hurry, the Block Island Hi-Speed Ferry is an option for travelers without a car, as is the Express Ferry, which departs from New London, CT. Flights on New England Airlines are expensive, but can be had.

Photo credit.

The post Block Island guide for families appeared first on Pitstops for Kids.

Traveling with kids is its own adventure, especially when they are young and have a difficult time entertaining themselves or sitting still for long periods of time. Still, there are things you can do to make it easier (and to help your kids look forward to traveling). Here are a few tips for traveling with kids:

1. Buy Distinctive Luggage

Kids are worriers and it is natural that they are going to worry about whether or not they will be able to find their luggage when you get to your destination. Solve the problem by using a Pottery Barn promo code to get high quality and distinctive luggage. Use puffy paint to help your kids decorate their bags so that they really stand out and are easily recognizable in a crowd.

2. Start the Adventure at Your Front Door

Ask a friend to pick you up and take you to the airport. Offer to pay for his (or her) parking at Newark (or whatever airport from which you are departing) so that the trip is worthwhile for him. You can also hire a shuttle to come and pick you up and then take you home. This way the trip starts at home and ends at home (and you save a ton of money on long term airport parking).

3. Comfortable Clothes

Most adults were taught to dress up while traveling. Some still do. If the trip will be a short one, it’s okay to put your kids into clothes that are a little bit nicer than what they usually wear. If the flight is a long one, though (or if you have an extended layover), let them wear whatever they feel the most comfortable wearing. This will cut down considerably on the complaining.

4. Leashes are not Inhumane

You may hate the idea of those “little kid leashes” (the leashes that clip to a child’s backpack or an over-the-shirt harness. In an airport, though—with so many tempting distractions and things to keep track of and accomplish, these leashes can be a godsend. The last thing you need is for your toddler to wander away while you’re trying to take off your shoes and juggle five security belt container things. Let people stare—at least you’ll never have to worry where your kids are.

5. Plug their Ears

One of the reasons that many babies and toddlers scream on airplanes is that their ears have a hard time adjusting to the pressurization of the plane as it takes off and lands. To help them with this, encourage them to plug their ears when the plane is taking off and again when it is landing. It sounds silly but it keeps the ears from getting plugged and overly pressurized. If you turn it into a game it can even be fun.

Obviously there are tips and tricks for entertaining your kids while traveling as well, but that is another article for another time. Start with these practical tips and then figure out how to make the travel process more entertaining. Good luck!

Consideration was received for the editing and publishing of this article. Photo credit: holidayextras.

The post Tips for traveling with kids appeared first on Pitstops for Kids.

It’s time to start planning beach vacations! Our series of best beach towns for families is constantly building. Our latest addition: Newport, Rhode Island.  For a New England beach feel, plenty of shopping and seafood, and quaint lodging, Newport can’t be beat. Its location along Narragansett Bay is ideal during the summer months, but Newport has much to offer families in the ‘shoulder seasons of spring and fall, too.

What to do in Newport:

1. Tour the Newport mansions along Cliff Walk: Starting from the easy-to-access public beach, Cliff Walk takes visitors along–you guessed it–the cliff overlooking the beach, where a long string of impressive mansions stand sentinel. These mansions are mainly relics of Newport’s golden era of wealth (pre-Depression), but many are still in use today. The walk is 3.5 miles, but it’s just as easy to turn around at any point and return the way you came. You’ll get great views of sailboats on the water as well, and there are numerous benches to stop and picnic or rest.

2. Play at Easton’s Beach (First Beach): This wide-open beach comes with a $20 parking fee during the summer season, but you get a lot for your ‘entrance fee’: a carrousel and concession stand, lots of space for setting up camp along the beach for the day. There’s even a small aquarium, though this certainly isn’t ‘destination-worthy’.

3. Explore the Newport Historical Museum: The Newport museum is located in the heart of historic downtown and while small, is very well done. It’s fee is by donation only, and will take guests from native times to colonization and war periods. It’s great for school-aged kids, with exhibit descriptions just for them, and a welcome relief from the sun and sand for all kids.

Where to stay in Newport:

The Newport Harbor Hotel is located downtown right on America’s Cup Drive. During the high-traffic summer months, you can park your car and leave it, walking to all the area attractions and beaches with kids.  The Newport Harbor Hotel is convenient for families with an indoor heated pool, saunas, and on-site dining for easy meals. They offer seasonal packages, and many rooms have great views of the harbor and boats coming and going.  Read a full review on Trekaroo!

Photo credit: Dougtone.

The post Best Beach Towns: Newport, Rhode Island appeared first on Pitstops for Kids.

Before our stay for the purpose of a Disney’s Grand Floridian review, I admit to harboring high expectations. I imagine this is typical; after all, the Grand Floridian is Walt Disney World’s flagship resort. The moment we stepped off the Disney Magical Express bus into the generously appointed porte-cochère and were greeted by no fewer than three cast members, however, I knew we were in for a memorable stay.

Excellent service can (and should) be expected at all Disney resorts, of course, from deluxe to value, but for the room rate at the Grand Floridian, it’s natural to look for that little something extra. I’m happy to say we found it during our three day stay…again and again throughout the property. First off, there’s the attention to detail to the property itself. High quality storytelling and immersion is the Disney standard, but it’s on overdrive at the Grand Floridian. Every aspect of the buildings and grounds echo back to the golden era of the Florida beach holiday, from the immaculate white buildings to the meandering walkways and the water views in many directions.

The lobby is visually stunning; the moment we walked in, we simply had to look up. The eye just goes north, up story after story to elegant chandeliers and inside balconies. The entire main building is light and airy, filled with furniture to match the Victorian charm of the architecture. There’s a grand staircase leading to the second floor shops and Monorail station (more on that in a moment) and countless verandahs and benches where guests can settle in and take in the passing activity.

We were given a third-floor room in Building 5, Sago Cay. With a Seven Seas Lagoon view looking directly to Space Mountain in the Magic Kingdom, we loved this location. We were only one building away from the quick-service food offerings at Gasparilla Grill, and were steps from the marina, where guests have a perfect view of Wishes (fireworks show). We were located on the far side of Sago Cay, toward the maintenance area and the convention center, so we did notice some noise in the mornings, and we did not have a view of the Magic Kingdom castle. If this is important to you, a room on the water-side of Sago Cay would likely fit the bill. Each building in the Grand Floridian has its own smaller lobby, complete with comfortable seating, and each is small enough that there’s never a long shag to the room.

Our room included two queen beds, plus a couch/day bed that could be used by a small child. The room was larger than most by Disney resort standards, and included a balcony with table and chairs. There is room service available at the Grand Floridian, and cuisinart coffee makers in every room. There are also hair dryers, of course, complimentary wifi, and robes. What we did not have: a mini fridge.

A noticeable omission: as we covered, the Grand Floridian sports luxury hotel room rates, but there were a few omissions from their service that we’d never see in other luxury properties. Firstly, we were not asked if we’d like a bellman to assist us with our luggage. Did we need one? No, but the service should be offered to all guests. Secondly, doors were not held open, and at times, landscaping and maintenance work presided over guest areas during day time hours. Again, did we mind? No, not particularly, but we’re easy to please. It’s worth noting as this is a departure from top level luxury service elsewhere.

Grand Floridian pools, activities, and recreation:

The Grand Floridian boasts two large pools, the Courtyard Pool and the Beach Pool, plus a water play area with climbing areas and slides. There is also a beach area (for sand play only; no swimming), but at the time of our visit in 2013, the beach was closed due to the construction of the Grand Floridian Villas. The Courtyard pool includes beach-entry (gradual), with wading depth for most of the pool. There’s also a hot tub and poolside snacks and drinks. At the Beach Pool, kids will find a quite ambitious water slide (for resort hotels), plus a full bar and quick service dining venue. There are also cabanas for rent.

If you’re feeling very adventurous, the marina offers a variety of personalized watercraft rentals, and the generously staffed concierge staff can assist you with any other dining reservations, golf tee times, or spa treatments. (The Grand Floridian is currently the only Disney resort with an on-site spa, though at the time of this writing, another is under construction at Sarasoga Springs Resort.) Side note (because it seems to be but an afterthought for Disney, too): a small video game arcade is located at the back of Gasparilla’s.

In addition to the character dining experiences available at the Grand Floridian’s 1900 Park Faire, the Grand Floridian hosts an afternoon tea for children with Alice in Wonderland and a Pirate Adventure from the Marina. These activities are open to any WDW guest, but are highly convenient to Grand Floridian guests. There is also a full brass band that plays live in the evenings, and poolside games and entertainment in the afternoons. On select nights, outdoor Disney movie events are held on the Courtyard lawn.

Theme park transportation:

One of the best aspects of a Grand Floridian stay is the ease of Disney transportation options to and from the parks. Transportation to and from the Magic Kingdom is so convenient, in fact, that you never feel as though you’ve left the ‘magic’ at all. To the park, you simply take the Monorail from the second story of the main building directly to the park, a five-minute commute. Back to the Grand Floridian, you take the boat: the dock is located directly across from the theme park exit, and boats come every 15-20 minutes. The boat ride takes no more than 10 minutes, and is fun for kids and relaxing for parents. During our stay at the Grand Floridian, we also took the Monorail easily to dining options at the Contemporary and the Polynesian. We also took it to Epcot, but this does require a transfer, adding to the commute. Still, it was quicker than bus service, and more fun. For bus service to Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, water parks, and Downtown Disney, the Grand Floridian is the final resort stop (of three), making it a direct commute. (However, on the return, you can expect to stop at the Contemporary and Polynesian before arriving at the Grand Floridian.)

Dining at Grand Floridian:

The Grand Floridian is home to some of Walt Disney World’s finest dining, including Victoria and Albert’s, Citricos, and and Narcoossee’s. Did we eat at any of the above? No, though had we time for a parents’ night out, babysitting is available at the Grand Floridian. Instead, we focused on the quick service venues, which were less crowded than their counterparts in moderate and value Disney resorts. We loved the poolside service, and the Grand Floridian Cafe, which offers relaxing table-service meals in a kid-friendly environment. (Breakfast is especially great here.) The aforementioned character dining experiences at 1900 Park Fare will appeal most to little princesses and those hoping to see Alice’s gang at the Wonderland Tea Party or Mary Poppins at the Supercalifragilistic Breakfast. At night, 1900 Park Fare turns into Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner.

Throughout our stay, we felt relaxed, happy, and well-immersed in the famous Disney magic. Is is possible to feel this way at less expensive Disney on-site resorts? Yes…if you don’t think so, you’re doing it wrong. However, with the constant views of the lagoon and passing Monorail, the glimpses of the castle as you round a bend, and the cheerful greetings at every turn, you’d have a hard time not feeling the love.

Room rates:

At the time of our visit (mid-April), room rates began at approximately $600 per night. During ‘value’ season, you can find them for less. Like at all Disney resorts, room rates include Disney transportation (including Magical Express transport from the airport), extra and early magic hours, and the option of the Disney Dining Plan add-on.

Is it worth it?

I hear this question more often than any other when it comes to Disney–or any–luxury resorts. Of course, whether a particular resort is ‘worth it’ to you will depend on your personal tastes, budget, and expectations. That said, having reviewed many luxury and not-so-luxury resorts for kids, here are our opinions on circumstances in which the Grand Floridian may be worth the splurge:

1. If you have small children or babies, and plan to spend the majority of your time at Magic Kingdom. The beauty of the Monorail system (to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and three deluxe resorts) is that babies and toddlers do not have to be taken out of strollers. No need to fold it up as you would on the bus: simply roll it in and out, letting sleeping children sleep. This in itself, but especially combined with the very fast commute to the Magic Kingdom, makes the Grand Floridian a prime resort for the younger set.

2. If you have kids of any age and ease of Disney transportation is a high priority to you. There’s nothing more tiring at the end of a long theme park day than trudging along winding paths to your bus stop or room, or enduring long bus commutes. You’ll experience considerable less of this at Grand Floridian. As mentioned above, it’s the last bus stop en route to parks, and the option of the Monorail and boat are highly convenient. Also of note: the property is not nearly as spread out as some Disney resorts in the moderate and value categories. What does this mean? You won’t be walking half a mile to your room from the bus stop. We were a one minute walk to and from the bus stop at Grand Floridian, in Building 5.

3. If you plan to spend significant time in your resort (as opposed to spending every waking moment in the parks).
Let’s face it: if you pay for the ambiance and comfort of the Grand Floridian, you want to spend some time enjoying it. If you’re the type of family who likes to spend all day (and into the night) at the theme parks, your vacation dollars might be better spent elsewhere. However, if you want a slower-paced Disney experience, you would do well to stay at the Grand Floridian and take afternoons off pool-side or get late starts after leisurely breakfasts by the marina.

As I disclose whenever applicable, I stayed at the Grand Floridian as a guest of Disney for the purpose of review.

The post Disney’s Grand Floridian review: what guests can expect for the deluxe resort price appeared first on Pitstops for Kids.

It’s that time of year…time to buy the kids shoes for summer travel and wear. We know it can be frustrating for parents to buy summer sandals for kids only to have them discarded: maybe they’re too hot or too pinchy or too…something. We understand. I’m lucky in that I am also a staff writer at Practical Travel Gear, where I review travel shoes all the time. Often, those shoes are children’s sandals, or I can at least chat with company experts about which shoes they recommend. Below are our top three sandals for kids this summer:

Keen Medomak

Keen’s cross-trainers for summer are our #1 pick for active kids or active vacations. With the Medomak’s closed front, you can skip the tears of stubbed toes, and the soles have a nice rugged grip for short day hikes or hopping from rock to rock by the summer lake shore. My kids love the easy-to-tighten pull-cord in place of laces, and I love that they’re not impossible to slide on wet feet. They’re fine in water, and the mesh dries quickly. If my oldest had his way, he’d be in flip-flops all the time, but he can tolerate the Medomak because they don’t make his feet too hot (yeah, gross).

They get our pick for best in-and-out-of-water shoe, that can go from hike to lake to airport delay. Find them for under $50 at Amazon: KEEN Medomak CNX Hiking Shoe (Toddler/Little Kid/Big Kid)

Hi Tec Turtle Beach

Hi Tec is an affordable brand that has served us well. We love their hiking boots for kids, and their sandals are no-nonsense: nothing flashy, but they’ll last you the summer and the kids will not complain. The Turtle Beach sandal slips on and off easily, the upper is stretchy neoprene, and they dry off fast. They don’t come off while your kid is running, either. Toes are exposed, so this shoe won’t go from beach to trail, but for short commutes they’ll do the trick.

The Hi Tec Turtle Beach wins out on grab-and-go ease, and you can find them for just $30: Hi-Tec Turtlebeach Sandal (Toddler/Little Kid/Big Kid),Black/Chartruese,4 M US Big Kid

Crocs Cayman Classics

Ah, Crocs. I fought them for a while (I can’t remember why now), but these rubber shoes are a traveling parent’s best friend. My kids love that Crocs never rub or cause blisters, and they’re cushy on their feet when they’re standing for a long time. They’re not much use in water (they fall off…at least they float!), and kids can run too fast in them for risk of one flying off, but for trips back and forth to the beach or the pool, they’re ideal. There are as many Croc styles as there are vacations these days, but we like the classic.

Crocs win our vote for trips to the pool and light packing. We even attach them to our backpacks on overnight trips! Pick up a pair for $28: Crocs Kids’ Classic Cayman Clogs

What are your favorite sandals for kids? We want recommendations!

The post Summer sandals for kids: shoes for summer travel appeared first on Pitstops for Kids.