Whenever I?m about to leave on a road trip there is always someone that groans and feels sorry for me. Well, I?m here to tell you they don?t have to be torture. I happen to love them and I?m about to share with you a few of my personal survival tactics.

1.Your travel companion must and I repeat must be easy going. I am fortunate enough to have a most awesome husband. He, (unlike my father growing up) has the patience of Job and absolutely no problem pacing our trip. My experience growing up was quite the opposite. You stopped only for gas, bathroom stops must be timed with such. Hotel stops if you were lucky enough to get one was long after dark and too late to swim. Food was packed at the beginning and better last the trip!

2.It?s good to have a hobby. Some of my personal favorite car ride pastimes include Sudoku, rag mags and scrap booking. That?s right I even manage to scrap book in the car!

3.Know your route. Because my husband and I frequently visit family in Pennsylvania we are well familiar with the trip. ( Sixteen times this past year) We have made our own travel information log of our favorite stops along the way. For example we know that at exit 6 in Georgia, gas in very cheap, exit 8 in South Carolina is a good overnight stopping point. (outlet mall included). Exit 95 wonderful outlet mall and perfect timing for a car nap for the driver while the passenger(s) shop. Last but not least exit 33 in Virginia has the much needed Starbucks! So you see, by having points of interest along the way, you always have something to look forward to. These can be tailored to your own personal likes.

Do you see how just applying these few points a car trip can actually be fun!

Find out about DiscountHotels like BostonHotels and HawaiiHotels

You are planning a holiday abroad for your family, and want everyone to have a good time. You surf the internet for hotel descriptions, but from the pictures that you see and what you read, all hotels project a perfect image of themselves. How can you tell which ones are better? You have never been there and know no one at your destination. At the same time, you don?t want a hotel room that will bust your budget. How do you choose?

Check Independent Hotel Ratings

Well, the first step you can take is to visit hotel search engines for guest ratings for hotels represented by the search engines. In addition to pre-negotiated rates with individual hotels, most agents ask for ratings and comments from previous guests. Reading their comments will give you a fair idea on what to expect from the hotels located in your destination. Be sure to read a few comments in order to get a fair overview. Certain incidences described may only be rare occurrences that may already have been corrected.

Hotel Chains and Facilities

Are they part of an international hotel chain? Most international chains have stringent standards that are adhered to as well as a standard theme across all chains. They may have similar facilities (health clubs, spas, business centers, etc) which are important to maintain the hotel?s high standards. Other things you can look out for include concierge, shuttle services to the city, airport transfers as well as good laundry services.

Location

Perhaps one of the most critical things when selecting a hotel is its location. Hotels that are near to shopping areas, train stations or the city center charge higher rates as compared to those located elsewhere. Analyze a map of the area before you book to determine the nearest shopping areas or access to trains which will give you much convenience in moving around. Also, check with the hotel if they have any large tour groups coming in at the same time. Hotels charge higher rates during high occupancy periods and do not have the flexibility of late check-outs. These are important aspects which, if overlooked, may affect your tour schedule as well as your impression of the hotel?s level of hospitality.

Rates and Discounts

Hotel rates are a huge factor when it comes to choosing a hotel. However, paying more does not necessarily mean that you will receive an equivalent level of service and standards. One of the ways to maximize on prices would be check if they are part of an alliance with flights or car rental companies, which offer discounts to customers of their allies. Sometimes, credit card companies offer their cardholders exclusive rates to special hotels which can be pretty attractive. Additionally, if it?s possible to use your frequent flyer points to redeem hotel discounts, this could help reduce hotel costs as well.

Boutique Hotels

Finally, apart from chain hotels, boutique hotels may are great alternatives for romantic getaways for couples or families seeking hotels of a more distinctive theme. Many boutique hotels have fewer rooms but offer more value added services such as spas within the bedroom, breakfasts in bed or even in-room massages. In the end, your choice of hotel really depends on what you want out of your holiday.

You may visit Hotels Search EU PTY LTD to find the most trusted hotels at top destinations across the world.

Author Bio:

Both Erica Johnson & her husband David love to travel, ski and meet people from different cultures. They have traveled all continents to experience hospitality, adventure, sports, exotic foods, learn new languages and understand history.

Diving enthusiasts know the South Pacific is home to some of the most awe-inspiring underwater sights in the world, with few as breathtaking as Fiji, a scenic archipelago of more than 300 islands spread over an ocean area of more than 200,000 square miles. Fiji offers hundreds of spectacular Fiji diving sites to please even the most discriminating diver.

Many of the Fiji coral reefs provide a wide variety of Fiji diving possibilities for novices and expert divers, including wreck dives, night dives, and drift dives, among others. Some of the more stunning reefs include:

The Outer Barrier Reef provides some of the more stunning Fiji diving spectacles. If one is looking for colorful fish swimming in and out of equally rainbow-kissed coral, one would do well to visit Gotham City, one of the more renowned diving sites in Fiji, or possibly the Big W, where big fish, including mantas and sharks, often cruise on their way out to the ocean. The Namotu Reef on one of the Outer Barrier Reef’s passages, offers Fiji divers a fantastic view of sharks, marlins, and manta rays; the Namotu Wall, on the other hand, provides an unbelievable view of aquatic life, with turtles, sharks, and schools of fish in great abundance.

Meanwhile, if one is looking for a nontraditional Fiji diving site with unexpected results, one can visit Barrel Heads, where reef sharks, turtles, hard coral, and sea fans are known to proliferate; the Castaway Passage, renowned for its incredible visibility of more than 30 meters; or The Big Blue which sports a remarkable variety of coral canyons. Drift dive enthusiasts will appreciate the Wilky Wall, a drift dive over Fiji’s most beautiful coral reefs, and the Wilkes Passage, a thrilling passage that runs with the ocean current.

The Malolo Barrier Reef, on the other hand, is an equally impressive Fiji diving site for its exciting, abundant aquatic life. The Supermarket is arguably the world’s most famous diving site for sharks. Grey reef sharks and white and black tip reef sharks are all over The Supermarket. The B26 Bomber, so-named because of the namesake American aircraft that crashed in its 26m area, provides an interesting goal to divers seeking a bit of history by encouraging them to find the parts of the doomed airplane, kept together by rope on the ocean bed. The Salamanda Shipwreck is another exciting wreck dive; the Salamanda, a 40m cruise ship that sank in 30m of seawater, is now a breeding ground for soft coral, shrimp, crabs, and sea anemone.

Other Fiji diving spots worth checking out are Jackie’s Reef, a favorite of coral viewing boats for the past three decades for its diverse fish population; Vomo Island, which hosts Ronnie’s Reef’s sensational coral canyons and Vomo Caves’ intricate caverns and unforgettable swim-through passages; Tui’s Reef, a popular night Fiji diving spot where crayfish, clams, moray eels and other tropical aquatic life come out to feed; Stonehenge, ideal for novice divers because of its shallow depths; Bird Rock, renowned for its swim-through passages and caves, soft corals and plentiful fish action; the Circus, phenomenal for its abundance of multicolored coral; and Coral Gardens, a relatively shallow reef dive with oh-too-different corals and reef.

Visitors to Fiji would do well to find a resort in Fiji close to some of the better Fiji diving spots, of which there are many. One particular Fiji resort that’s renowned for its proximity to the more famous diving sites is the Nomads Skylodge Resort (http://www.nomadsskylodge.com). This Fiji resort, the newest island newest hideaway on Nadi, Fiji’s third-largest town, is ideal Fiji accommodations for wedding and other celebrations because of its ideal location. Everything is conveniently within reach at the Nomads Skylodge Resort in Fiji, and its stellar event facilities and welcoming ambience are renowned throughout the region as a must-visit for Fiji wedding venues. Another great factor for considering the Nomads Skylodge is that you can now reserve directly with this Fiji resort online! Their official hotel website guarantees Guests their Nomads Skylodge reservations (with instant confirmation!) at the best rates on the Internet.

So what are you waiting for? Come visit Fiji and enjoy the finest diving in the world today!

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http://www.nomadsskylodge.com

http://www.directwithhotels.com are empowered with all the marketing and technology needed to increase profit-per-reservation and guest loyalty direct from the Official Hotel Website.

Chicago is famed for a number of things, but many people don?t associate the city with its amazing park district. This is a shame because with more than 7300 acres of parkland, encompassing 552 parks, 16 lagoons, 33 beaches and housing one of the world?s largest fountains, it is truly a great place to visit.

One of the most impressive and popular landmarks is definitely the Buckingham Fountain. The fountain is a great draw for tourists when it is turned on in April to signal the onset of summer. Constructed of Georgia pink marble, the attraction was first opened in May 1927 and still puts on spectacular 20 minute displays every day from mid April through to early fall, on the hour every hour between 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. The displays consist of all the fountain’s 134 jets shooting approximately 14,100 gallons of water per minute, with the center jet shooting 150 feet into the air accompanied by a tremendous light and music presentation.

The fountain was originally designed by Edward H. Bennett, influenced by the Latona Basin in Louis XIV’s gardens at Versailles, to represent Lake Michigan with four sea horses, created by Marcel Loyau, to symbolize the four states that touch the lake.

The fountain was dedicated to the people of Chicago in 1927 in memory of Clarence Buckingham, the late brother of Kate Buckingham who commissioned the creation of the structure. Kate Buckingham had a vision to construct a fountain which created the effect of soft moonlight, and she worked tirelessly with the fountain’s many technicians to test out a variety of colors for the glass filters and different water currents in order to produce a mystical, ethereal feel to the whole piece.

The pond life around the area is often teeming with frogs, herons, and dragonflies, and the shrubs are frequently filled with resting migratory birds; the lush prairie region is also embedded with native grasses and wildflowers, making the Park District of Chicago a beautiful and serene place to go to while staying in the city. It is within easy distance of the Sears tower, one of the tallest buildings in the world, with its new Skydeck, the up market Merchandise Mart Mall, which will make even the most enthusiastic of power shoppers happy, and luxury hotels like the fabulous Conrad Hotel – so you can get a taste of nature but enjoy all the luxury and amenities that a big city can provide.

Andrew Regan is an online journalist who enjoys socialising at his local Edinburgh rugby club.

Los Angeles is full of exciting and wonderful things to see. You can explore the tall skyscrapers of downtown or head out to Hollywood and try to get a glimpse of the stars.

Lovers of the art scene can join up with the regular downtown art walk. It occurs every second Thursday and is a self-guided tour through many of the popular art exhibitions in the downtown area of Los Angeles. Downtown L.A. also holds the Museum of Contemporary Art and visitors can get in every Thursday free between the hours of 5 to 8 pm.

Olvera Street is one of the oldest parts of Los Angeles and is filled with restored and interesting architecture. It?s also filled with lots of artists and craftsmen and tourists can stroll through daily from 10 am to 7 pm and see the sights and purchase souvenirs though there is no requirement.

Science lover?s can take a look-see of the California Science Center in downtown Los Angeles where every day visitors can view the permanent exhibits for free. The Griffith Observatory planetarium is also free to visitors.

While you?re in Los Angeles you should certainly visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame and have pictures taken of yourself with the stars honoring some of Hollywood?s most famous. The La Brea tar pits are also along this famous walk and you should pass up the chance to take a look at some of prehistoric history of Los Angeles. The Hollywood Forever Memorial Park is on Santa Monica Boulevard and is the permanent resting place of several film and acting greats. Take some flowers and honor the gravesite of one of your favorite stars. The graveyard is filled with both outdoor graves and two huge indoor mausoleums, visitors can usually buy maps to the stars graves to assist them in their visit.

Gail Leino is known throughout the internet world as Mrs. Party. She has become the internet’s leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies with clever themes. Her simple party planning approach demostrates how to use proper manners while teaching etiquette with organizational skills. She shares lots of interesting fun facts. See travel vacations for more tips and holiday spot destinations.

When it comes to hotels within China, you just have to be a little careful.

?Hotel Travel Guide China – International Brand hotels, 4 and 5 Star

Mostly these types of 4 and 5 star hotels will be ok, generally they will be run by a western boss and have western heads of all the departments.

Training, etc, of the staff, consistency of the level service from an international brand hotel is important, so most will have enough English speakers around to make your stay welcome and hassle free.

The breakfast will be catered for both Chinese and Western appetites, with the hotel occupancy rate around 50 ? 50 Chinese to Westerner.

?Hotel Travel Guide China ? Chinese hotels, 4 and 5 stars within the Major Cities

Within the major cities, most will be as the International brands and the level of service just as good.

Within the restaurants and shops, the English should be at a level that you would get most things without too much bother.

If the clientele is Westerner and Chinese, the breakfast will be all the usual food that you will recognize.

?Hotel Travel Guide China ? Chinese hotels, 4 and 5 star, Rural location

I lot of Chinese travel, for these hotels this is their major business, not westerners, the westerners are classed as an extra, which has come along over the last few years.

Some have not learnt to deal with this extra business yet.

These more out of the way Chinese 4 and 5 Star hotels are a little different; comparatively the fixtures and fitting will be the same standard as any 4 or 5 Star hotel, however sometimes the same care and attention in the maintenance and service to the customer will be different to what you will be used too.

Not necessarily worst or bad, just different.

Western and Chinese expectations in all areas of the China travel business are different, this is the why I set up Travel-the-Real-China .com.

The level of English generally will not be as good, so just take your time, they will find someone, or you will work, just keep your cool.

I have stayed at some great Chinese 4 and 5 star hotels, and been very happy, so do not be put off.

All I have visited have been clean tidy and for an overall statement: a pleasant stay was had by all.

The breakfast will be a Chinese breakfast and if it is a regular stop for Western travelers, some western food will be served.

If it is an out of the way place, you may not get the type of breakfast you expect, the Chinese eat different things for breakfast, so to get a simple cup of tea or coffee and some toast just will not happen.

There will be hot water, if you have to have your tea or coffee, bring your own.

The breakfast will have lots of food, just not, what you will be expecting.

?Hotel Travel Guide China ? Chinese hotels, 3 star

These 3 star Chinese hotels usually gets very high traffic and occupancy? mostly Chinese, and now the westerners, especially with the major cities

For these hotels, maintenance is not high on there lists, so you may find a few things that will not work or have fallen of the wall.

If it is dangerous, most of the time, something will be done, otherwise no one will care.

Within the major cities most will be clean and tidy and offer some sort of western food for breakfast. Out in the remoter areas? not really.

The breakfast will have lots of food, just not, what you will be expecting.

Take some tea and coffee if you really need this there will always be hot water.

The level of English within the major cities will be, just enough for you to check in, and out in the remoter areas, checking in can take come time.

There is a high number of these hotels and it can be a great way to see the country, in Tibet the 3 star hotels are a little pricy, however within China most are good value and will be clean with showers in all the rooms.

You just need to be a where; its good value, clean and some small things maybe a little frustrating with it, however that?s China.

Go with the flow, its part of the adventure of China.

?Hotel Travel Guide China ? Shanghai hotels – Special rates and location

I know of a few small and very good value inner city hotels within Shanghai.

These are Chinese hotels and will not be on anyone?s list to book, as they are new and classed as Chinese business hotels.

Please contact to author if you would like to know more details.

I hope this Hotel Travel Guide China gives you a good overview if you would like more info please let me know.

John Mckenna
www.Travel-the-Real-China.com
john@travel-the-real-china.com

Hi I’m John Mckenna, I am from New Zealand and have lived in Shanghai China now for 3 years.

I own and operate http://www.Travel-the-Real-China.com my site provides experienced based Travel and Tour information on the wonders of Travel in China, the Real China, Ancient China, China at its very best.

Your well-deserved vacation is near and you are thinking about making reservations. You have two basic choices:

Do you book different components of your holiday such as airline, hotel, and car rental separately or do you book the components as a package, all in one booking?

Depending on whether you have the time and the patience, you could book separately, which sometimes can lead to some savings. However, if you prefer to have everything ready and included in one price, then the package alternative is for you.

Holiday packages can be cheaper than other alternatives because the company selling the products has already negotiated substantial discounts, some of which are passed down to you, the consumer. The principle of packaged holidays is that places and seats are reserved in huge numbers, thus making an individual package relatively cheap.

In a sense it is good to know that all the reservations have taken place. An added bonus can be traveling with other like-minded people possibly leading to friendship. Also in case any difficulties arise, there is often a company representative who will be able to help you.

It is worth bearing in mind, the apparent ease and convenience that packages bring can have downsides too. This is how lower prices are achieved:

1. Your plane may depart late at night. Be prepared for this and it won’t be too much of a disappointment. Alternatively if you have the choice to have a late night departure you should notice a lower price. If not, ask for the discount. You’ll be amazed how often you get discounts by simply asking.

2. The allocated seats on the aircraft are sometimes in the middle (away from windows). This may be important if you are traveling with children. Make sure you carry plenty of suitable entertainment. Note that the in-flight movie may not be interesting for the children.

3. If there are several members in your party, you may not all be able to sit together. Again this is even more important if you have children with you.

4. Your hotel room may not offer the best view possible, nor may it be the quietest. Can you handle this? Ask before you book, find out the situation and take alternative action if necessary.

5. Packages are geared to suit groups, as opposed to individuals. They are not always flexible. Flexibility costs extra, quite a bit extra.

6. Cancellations usually involve a penalty or at least an administration charge, which can be more than you expect. Always ask before booking.

7. Extras such as upgrades and add-ons can attract a substantial premium.

8. You are stuck with other travelers in the group, whether you like them or not. There is always at least one annoying person in the group but then there are usually a few very interesting and likeable people too.

8. Popular packages are usually fully booked early. You may have to settle for an alternative.

9. Your airline may take an indirect route and a stopover may be on the cards. The right holiday packages can be fun and the majority of people using them are pleasantly surprised. Don’t let the downsides to package holidays put you off.

Remember, there is no such thing as a ‘perfect set-up’. Provided you go into it with reasonable understanding and an open mind, you’re sure to have a great time.

Sami T Fab operates a dedicated travel and vacation information website packed full of free travel tips and informative content.

For more tips on travel deals and other travel subjects of interest to you, please do visit http://www.Travel-Hotel-Beach-Vacations.com

The Parador Santo Domingo De La Calzada occupies a former 12th century hospital built to serve the pilgrims on the Road To Santiago. The first known pilgrim, the French Bishop of Le Puy, stopped in this city on his traverse of what was later to become know as the Way of St. James.

Both the city of Santo Domingo, and the Parador Santo Domingo De La Calzada have been inextricably bound up in the history of this famous pilgrimage route – the Road to Santiago. The founder of this city, a priest named Domingo, was instrumental in establishing the route to Santiago. He was given money with which to purchase lands through which the route ran, and he built bridges over impassable rivers along the way. He also built, in the 11 century, a hospice for pilgrims – on which site the later hospital (now the Parador) was eventually built.

The Parador Santo Domingo is in the heart of the compact old quarter, in an area steeped in history. Directly adjacent to the Parador Santo Domingo is the cathedral with its wonderful bell tower. The Albergue del Peregrinos and it Jacobean museum is also right next to the hotel.

The gastronomy of the region is renowned, and many travel here from afar expressly for that reason. As well as being in the heart one of the world’s most famous wine regions – La Rioja – this fertile land along the Ebro river has hundreds of small farms and large vegetable gardens that yield, perhaps, the highest quality produce in Spain. These provide the raw ingredients for unforgettable dining experiences. A meal in the Parador restaurant should not be missed!

Neither should the traveler miss the opportunity to visit a few of the Rioja wineries and vineyards. Sample some of Spain’s most famous wines – see how it is made – visit the big (and small) Bodegas and maybe a wine museum or two – learn the history and workings of the craft – all this will make your visit a memorable one indeed.

Interesting nearby excursions from Parador Santo Domingo De La Calzada:

- The old quarter of the city is right outside your bedroom window, and makes for very interesting rambling.

Interesting day trips from the Santo Domingo De La Calzada Parador include:

This city is perfectly situated to serve as a base for day trips into the Rioja wine district and points further afield.

- Logro?o and Haro – these are the two wine centers of the Rioja area where many of the well-known Bodegas have their outlets (especially in the Barrio de la Estacion near the train station in Haro).

- La Guardia is a fascinating hilltop village whose inhabitants have tunneled out miles of underground passages through the centuries – in which they age their beloved Rioja wine.

- Burgos and its awe-inspiring Gothic Cathedral is well worth a visit – about 45 min drive.

- Bilbao and its Guggenheim museum are only about an hour and 45 minutes drive north (fast freeway from Haro).

Staying at the Parador Santo Domingo De La Calzada is to stay in a place literally dripping with history (and the famous wines of La Rioja!). It is an experience not to be missed by any aficionado of Spain.

For more information on the Santo Domingo Parador – go to http://www.SpainParador.com where we make it easy to plan and arrange your next trip to Spain. This time stay in palaces, castles, and other places of great historical interest and rare beauty – the wonderful Paradors of Spain.

If you are a little wary of choosing the hotel because of the price, ask to receive brochures and photos through the mail; or better yet, go on the Internet if they have a website and check out details. If you like the hotel and you?re online, you can go ahead and book a room immediately. You?ll also find out details like whether there is cable television, a pool, health club, daycare, etc. Other details like the distance from shopping areas and places of interest will also be available to you on the Internet.

If you are a little wary of choosing the hotel because of the price, ask to receive brochures and photos through the mail; or better yet, go on the Internet if they have a website and check out details. If you like the hotel and you?re online, you can go ahead and book a room immediately. You?ll also find out details like whether there is cable television, a pool, health club, daycare, etc. Other details like the distance from shopping areas and places of interest will also be available to you on the Internet.

Some of the popular affordable hotels in Boston are The Howard Johnson Inn of Boston located next to Fenway Park; Chandler Inn Hotel located in downtown Boston; Hampton Inn of Boston, located one mile from Logan Airport; The Ramada Inn, downtown Boston and a very popular family hotel; A Bed and Breakfast in Cambridge, a 1897 colonial revival house and the Beacon Inn of Boston.

In Boston, your choices are definitely not narrowed down because you are looking for an affordable, comfortable and conveniently located accommodation. Go online or call the Boston Chamber of Commerce for more information.

Boston Hotels provides detailed information about Boston hotels, Boston luxury hotels, cheap Boston hotels, downtown Boston hotels and more. Boston Hotels is the sister site of Florida Timeshare Rentals.

I?m sure you all know about Disney World?s amazing theme parks, but are you familiar with the myriad of fascinating activities for children offered throughout Walt Disney World that are either complimentary or offered for a reasonable fee to Disney resort guests? Here are some of the best:

? Snag a Bass On a Kid?s Fishing Excursion. 1-hour angling trips just for children are available from the resort marinas of Disney?s Contemporary, Polynesian, Yacht and Beach Club, and Boardwalk Inn and Villas. For miles of shore fishing head over to Disney?s Ft. Wilderness where cane poles and rods and reels may be rented at the Bike Barn in the Meadow Recreation Area. Fishing excursions are approximately $25 per child. Call 407-WDW-PLAY for reservations.

? Enjoy the Old West. Hayrides depart each evening from Pioneer Hall at Fort Wilderness for a 45-minute trip. Very tame, cowboy-guided trail rides are also offered, or younger children can opt for a $2 pony ride at the Fort Wilderness Petting Farm. Hayrides are $8 per adult and $4 per child; no reservations taken. Trail rides are $30 per person; reservations are required and may be made up to two weeks in advance by calling 407-WDW-PLAY.

? Sing-Along in Front of the Campfire. Families gather round the campfire each evening at Ft. Wilderness for a sing-along, marshmallow roast, and a Disney animated movie. Complimentary to all Walt Disney World resort guests.

? Watch the Electrical Water Pageant Parade. Nightly on the Seven Seas Lagoon is a delightful 1000-foot string of illuminated barges featuring King Neptune and his court of whales, sea serpents, and other deep-sea creatures. The free show can be seen from the beaches of Disney?s Polynesian, Grand Floridian, Contemporary, and Wilderness Lodge Resorts.

? Ride Up Front with the Monorail Driver. Simply ask the Cast Member on duty. They will be happy to oblige as long as the front car is empty.

? Take a Spin on a Watermouse Boat. Rent one of these two-seater mini-power boats and zip around one of Disney?s lakes at 22 miles per hour. Kids love them, but they’ll need to bring someone along in the boat with a valid driver’s license. Available at the Contemporary, Polynesian, Grand Floridian, the Yacht and Beach Club, Downtown Disney, and the Wilderness Lodge. Approximately $22 per half-hour.

? Dive into One of Disney?s Fabulous Themed Pools. You can?t do much better than a dip in one of Disney?s wonderful swimming pools. Children?s favorites: the Volcano Pool at Disney?s Polynesian Resort featuring a smoking volcano slide, underwater music, and sparkling waterfall, all with a superb view of the Seven Seas Lagoon; the Wilderness Lodge?s boulder-lined pool featuring waterfalls, rocky overlooks, water slide, and a nearby geyser; the eye-popping Stormalong Bay, a mini-water park complex that meanders between the Yacht and Beach Club, offering three acres of winding, watery delight including sandy bottom pools, a giant ?shipwreck? waterslide, a tidal whirlpool, bubbling hot tubs, a kiddie pool with its own slide next to the beach, and enough length to float lazily in inner tubes to your heart?s delight.

? Search for Buried Treasure on a Pirate?s Cruise. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, children ages 3-10 sail from the dock of Disney?s Grand Floridian Resort on a 2-hour supervised trip to a deserted island. $28 fee includes snacks, bandanas, and treasure. Call 407-WDW-DINE for reservations.

? Attend a Children?s Tea Party. A ?Wonderland Tea Party? happens Mon-Fri at 1:30 P.M. in 1900 Park Fare at Disney?s Grand Floridian Resort. Hosted by characters from Alice in Wonderland, the little ones play games, listen to stories, and drink apple ?tea?. $28. Strictly for children ages 3-10. Call 407-WDW-DINE for reservations.

? Take in a Character Meal. These extremely popular dining opportunities, offered at both the Disney theme parks and resort hotels, are a perfect way for your children to spend extra time with favorite Disney characters. Meals are offered in three ways depending on the restaurant: buffet-style, family-style, or pre-plated meals; regardless, it?s essentially all-you-can-eat. Characters work the room, stopping at each table to interact with guests, pose for photos, and sign autographs. Book priority seating early, particularly for Cinderella?s Royal Table, Epcot?s Princess Breakfast in Norway, and Chef Mickey?s by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

Cara Goldsbury is the author of The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World: How to Get the Most Out of the Best Disney Has to Offer available at 800-247-6553, or www.luxurydisneyguide.com