Latest news with #Walt Disney World
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
5 Theme Parks That Offer Middle Class Families the Most for Their Money
While many families flock to Universal Studios to experience Epic Universe for the first time, or take advantage of Walt Disney World deals like 50% off kids' tickets this year, Orlando isn't the only theme park destination. Families can find sunny weather, welcoming parks and tremendous value for their money all across the U.S. Read More: Check Out: As you plan your summer getaway, consider the following five theme parks with affordable prices and world-class roller coasters. Whether you're the road-trip type or prefer to fly, these popular destinations are near major airports and hotels packed with amenities to make your vacation easy to plan. Make sure to check out restaurants and attractions in the surrounding area; each region has a unique vibe to appreciate. Hersheypark: Hershey, PA Hersheypark now boasts the title of theme park with 'the most coasters in the Northeast.' With 15 roller coasters plus other thrill rides including the new Twizzlers Twisted Gravity (listed as the world's tallest 'Screamin' Swing') plus a zoo and waterpark, Hersheypark offers fun for the whole family. Purchasing a one- or two-day pass gives you access to free extra hours the night before your first full day visit — just visit the park with your ticket two hours before closing. Grab dinner at the park, make a game plan for the following day, or hop on a few of your favorite rides. Hershey offers deals when you purchase tickets online, including a discounted family four-pack that includes a voucher for general parking and two-day deals for $45 per day (parking is not included). Fast Track passes to skip the lines use surge pricing and range from $45 up to $300, so it's best to plan ahead and visit at off-peak times if you're on a budget. Explore Next: Busch Gardens: Williamsburg, VA Williamsburg, VA, offers so much value as a family vacation destination, it's no wonder Westgate Resorts recommended staying in the area seven days to immerse yourself in the history and thrills. 'I expected a bunch of old buildings and some people dressed up in old-fashioned costumes… I got [an] immersive mix of living history, thrill rides, amazing food and super chill vibes,' wrote the Westgate blogger. If you have only two days in the area, spend them at Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens. While U.S. history permeates the region of Williamsburg, Busch Gardens offers European flair. Now through July 31, the theme park presents the Summer of Wonders, showcasing art and décor throughout the park's villages — plus concerts and exclusive food selections. Members, Pass Holders, and Military Pass holders get free beer, while other guests ages 21+ can enjoy up to two 7 oz. pours for 50 cents each. The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf's Revenge is an all-new, family-friendly inverted coaster you won't want to miss. Six Flags Fiesta Texas: San Antonio, Texas Have you ever imagined riding a roller coaster over an old rock quarry wall? If so, soar out to Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio for the Superman: Krypton Coaster. Along with the breathtaking scenery and better-than-average food, this park has one of the best lineups of roller coasters for thrill enthusiasts, plus excellent theming throughout. The storyline and animatronics on Dr. Diabolical's Cliffhanger rival what you'd see at Disney or Universal, and Pirates of the Deep Sea, an interactive, dark shooting gallery ride, gives Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom a run for its money. Get to the park at opening to beat the lines. Keep an eye out for characters in DC Universe, and ride the monorail for a superhero's view of the park. Fiesta offers such an all-around great experience, it earned the No. 2 spot behind Cedar Point in the Six Flags Entertainment family, according to an enthusiast site that ranked all 26 Six Flags / Cedar Fair parks for 2025. Be sure to leave time to explore the city of San Antonio, including the River Walk and Pearl, the city's historic district, where reclaimed materials from the city's brewery add unique character to the streets, hotels and restaurants. Cedar Point: Sandusky, Ohio Not surprisingly, ranked Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio the No. 1 park in the Six Flags Entertainment family. While Orlando may be known for top-tier theme parks, Sandusky is often called the 'roller coaster capital of the world,' mostly for the line-up of rides at Cedar Point. In addition to the top-ranked Cedar Point, Sandusky is also home to Kalahari Resorts and Great Wolf Lodge, indoor waterparks offering fun for the whole family. Cedar Point has five resorts of its own, too, including the affordable Castaway Bay. Park admission to Cedar Point also includes access to a mile-long beach on the Lake Erie shore, with family games, watersports and live entertainment at night. When you purchase a Gold or Prestige season pass to Cedar Point (or any Cedar Fair or Six Flags park), you can also buy an All Park Passport add-on, giving you access to all 26 parks Cedar Fair and Six Flags locations, making this one of the best values in theme parks today. Dollywood: Pigeon Forge, TN Dollywood blends the magic of the Smoky Mountains with world-class roller coasters and rich country music culture. Coaster enthusiasts will love the Lightning Rod, a steel and wood hybrid, and Wild Eagle, a wing coaster set amid mountain scenery. The theming at Dollywood is unlike any other park, creating an immersive experience that Dolly Parton fans will especially appreciate. The food has a Southern flair, with selections like fresh-baked cinnamon bread with apple butter, and a menu of classics like pot roast, catfish or Southern fried chicken at Aunt Granny's. Stay on-site in the HeartSong Lodge & Resort, the DreamMore Resort & Spa, or in the nearby Bear Cove Cabins. Dollywood also offers discount packages to stay in other Pigeon Forge hotels, with Dollywood passes and a hotel stay starting at $219 per night. More From GOBankingRates 6 Big Shakeups Coming to Social Security in 2025 This article originally appeared on 5 Theme Parks That Offer Middle Class Families the Most for Their Money
The Independent
21-07-2025
- The Independent
Daunted by Disney? How ‘Mouse Counselors' can help plan VIP theme park trips
Booking a trip to a Disney theme park can be a daunting experience even for seasoned Disney vacationers. The options for passes, restaurants, rides and hotels are seemingly infinite, and what's on offer continually changes. And then there's the terminology to get to grips with, from "Lightning Lanes" to "rope drop". Recognizing that it's all too easy for the Happiest Place on Earth to become one of the most confusing and frustrating, a cottage industry of planning and support agencies has emerged to offer Disney-goers a helping hand with the planning and booking — and understanding what's worth doing and what isn't. "Mouse Counselors" is one such company, formed in 2008 by the husband-and-wife team of Phil and Bonnie Marino, who explain that their counselors are 'graduates of the College of Disney Knowledge' (an online training program for Disney travel agents). There are caveats to bear in mind, as we explain, but Sebastian Garrido, from Mexico City, tells The Independent that this firm "was the very reason a recent trip to Walt Disney World did not end up being totally overwhelming". So, how does the Mouse Counselors service work? First, the customer is sent a form to fill out that details the ride and restaurant options, with a weekly email explaining parts of the experience in more detail. Nearer the departure time, you'll have a Zoom review with your "Mouse Counselor", which is a chance to run through any outstanding questions. When you arrive at the park, you won't be armed with an itinerary as such, but if your 'counselor' has done their job, you'll know which rides you should aim for at rope drop — early entrance for those staying at a Disney resort — and which you should add to Lightning Lane multi and single passes. Mouse Counselors are also trained to reveal the rides for which a pass would be redundant, because they don't get booked up or have a very high capacity. The result should be a trip unscarred by soul-destroying queues. To add to the VIP vibe, Mouse Counselors aim to secure reservations at difficult-to-book restaurants. Sebastian, the digital marketing manager and copywriter at Vibe Adventures, said: "Mouse Counselors got us into Oga's Cantina and Space 220, the latter of which I had been attempting to book on my own unsuccessfully. It was all done for us." He added: "We didn't have to think about Genie+, Lightning Lanes, or dining reservations, they took care of everything and even made changes on the fly when weather disrupted our plans." Praise for Mouse Counselors was also posted to a dedicated Facebook page by a couple listed as Matt and Nicole, who said that counselor Tracey helped them 'learn, navigate and plan their trip'. They added: "It was so comforting knowing that we didn't have to worry about reservation conflicts. She was able to help us book the restaurant reservations we had hoped for and sent us great information and tips to plan for our trip. It went perfectly!" Giving Disney-goers the feeling that they're being looked after by a personal butler is also what Pixie Vacations strives for. It's run by former Walt Disney World employee Steven Griswold and his wife and helps plan Disney World, Disneyland and Disney Cruise Line vacations. Steven told The Independent: "We really focus on your particular family and what type of vacation you are looking for. 'For example, if you have young kids you might be more interested in the Magic Kingdom and booking a Disney resort close to the Magic Kingdom that is on the monorail or walkable, so you can quickly get back to your resort for an afternoon nap instead of waiting for a bus and a travel time to and from the Magic Kingdom park." If all this sounds expensive, you're in for a shock, because neither Mouse Counselors nor Pixie Vacations charge a fee if you book with them. Instead, they're paid a commission by Disney for each trip booked. Steven reveals: "We don't charge any fees, so booking with us at Pixie Vacations costs you no additional amount and you get our first-hand experience and tips from actually being in the parks. "We are not a call center paid to get as many people booked as possible and off the phone. "We work with you to learn about your vacation preferences and budget and then offer suggestions that fit your needs. "We are also always looking at what new offers there are and checking to see if a new special offer saves you money. If there are new discounts, we will move your reservation to the lower-priced offer. "Disney will not move you to better deals without you knowing about the specific new offer and you calling them and waiting to talk to someone about changing your booking." Is the system too good to be true? Sebastian, 27, noted happily that he "didn't pay a cent over the cost of booking with Disney directly" and Pixie Vacations customer Michelle Thornton, from Georgia, told The Independent: "Pixie Vacations' services are free. But honestly, even if they weren't, I would still use them to book our Disney vacations. They're just that good." Despite this gushing praise, there is a warning to heed. While booking with travel services such as Mouse Counselors and Pixie Vacations is free, their usefulness does depend on how much money you spend, according to one customer, who told us: 'You should be prepared to stay at the resorts, buy lots of passes and go to the restaurants, which does bump up the cost of the trip substantially."
Forbes
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Stay In The Magic: A Review Of Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
Guests visiting Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, ... More Fla. 'There's a hundred and four days of summer vacation, and school comes along just to end it. So the annual problem for our generation is finding a good way to spend it. Like maybe…' GOING TO DISNEY! See what I did there? PHINEAS AND FERB - "Last Day of Summer" Although our favorite sibling duo, Phineas and Ferb, didn't spend their summer days in Orlando, they still had a lot of fun and exciting adventures during their annual break–and you can, too! Between solo adventures, trips with my fun-loving nieces and nephews to theme parks, work trips, and catching spontaneous Delta flight deals, I've already had the joy of visiting Disney about seven or eight times this year. Since each park and resort offers something unique—whether it's seasonal activities, special menus, or entertaining performances—each visit feels fresh and exciting, making every experience special. Ronny's family at Disney. Whether you're looking to keep it budget-friendly or go all out with an 'over-the-top' adventure, it's really all about what best fits your style and desires. With a passion for storytelling and carefully thought-out details, one essential thing for families to know is that you can experience almost all that Disney has to offer without setting foot into a park when you 'stay in the Magic.' Here's what our recent stay was like. Overview of Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort Caribbean Beach Resort is a moderate-level hotel with a tropical theme, which I truly loved as an 'island gal' at heart. We had the pleasure of staying here during our recent visits in May and June. The vibrant, colorful buildings captured the lively and diverse spirit of the Caribbean. Each building's name—such as Barbados, Trinidad, Martinique, and Aruba—enhanced the delightful feeling of traveling through different Caribbean countries right from the hotel. With that in mind, it is a rather massive property, and depending on which 'country' you're in, you can be pretty far from the Skyliner or the main entry (Old Port Royale). Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort Room Each of our visits was in Aruba. It was a fairly standard room, featuring double beds, a flat-screen TV, a round table and chairs for dining in the room, a mini-fridge, and ample storage space. The bathroom was separated from the room by a sliding double door. While all the rooms have been renovated, some feature a 'Little Mermaid' theme, adding a unique and exciting element to your stay. From my understanding, these rooms can not be requested, but you can get lucky if you're staying in Trinidad. Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort In our building, we were located near a pool and within a 90-second walk to the Skyliner. This hotel is one of four along the Disney Skyliner route, making it really convenient! We enjoyed a quick 15-minute ride to Epcot or Hollywood Studios. On days when we headed to Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom, the bus ride was about 20 minutes, making travel extremely easy and hassle-free. I would like to mention that, although there are accessible rooms, there are no elevators available. If you travel with heavy luggage, groceries, or kids, climbing a few flights of stairs might be challenging for you. How To Spend Your Day At Caribbean Beach Like many of the other resorts, you can find a lot of things to do on-site to occupy your day. The property boasts six pools, each with its own unique charm. The main pool, conveniently located near the lobby and Banana Cabana, is a hub of activity. It's not just a pool-it's a pirate-themed adventure zone with a splash pad for the little ones, a hot tub for the adults, two thrilling water slides, and a zero-entry area for easy access. The other five pools offer a more serene atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing evening swim, with one just steps away from the rooms. Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort Pool Caribbean Beach's dynamic activities team, stationed both in the lobby and poolside, ensures there's never a dull moment. From engaging scavenger hunts to creative crafts, brain-teasing trivia, and exciting games, there's something for every family member to enjoy. If you want a little rest, grab a book and head to one of the waterfront hammocks to lounge about for a bit. Or, take the kids over to Caribbean Cay for some playtime at the playground. There are plenty of shaded seats to hide from that blaring Orlando sun. In the evenings, join other families for a movie night under the stars or roasting marshmallows at the nightly campfire. For those who want to be a little more active, fishing excursions are available, and there's a jogging trail for the fitness gurus. Where To Eat On Property This is always my favorite part of any hotel review: the food options. There's nothing worse than arriving at a hotel after a long travel day and finding limited or no tasty dining options on property. With Caribbean Beach being a moderate-level resort, they have more options than what you'd find at one of the value resorts. You can have poolside dining from Banana Cabana or Spyglass Grill. Or, spring for table service at Sebastian's Bistro. Centertown Market is another option providing quick-service meals. Sebastian's Bistro At Disney Caribbean Beach Resort Sebastian's offers more than just a meal-it's a family-style dining experience that's incredibly delightful. Drawing inspiration from both Caribbean and Latin cultures, it's the perfect complement to a stay at a Caribbean-themed hotel. We indulged in some of their signature dishes, including mojo pork, fried coconut shrimp, cilantro rice, and plantains, all served in a warm and inviting atmosphere. The drink menu is quite solid, offering a wide variety of beers, wines, and cocktails. If you want a drink that will make you feel like you're on an island sitting under a coconut tree at first sip, go for the Pineapple Mule or Tallawah Punch. They're only open for dinner, and reservations are highly recommended. Breakfast At Centertown Market Centertown Market became our go-to spot, primarily for its convenience before visiting the parks. But if you're looking to skip the parks and enjoy a more substantial meal before relaxing by the pools or in your room, it's still the perfect choice. And the best part? You can enjoy a delicious breakfast or lunch here. The Caribbean and Latin flair was also evident in the dishes here, with options such as fish tacos and ribs. But also more laid-back options, such as sandwiches, pizzas, and burgers. Of course, those beloved Mickey Waffles are available for breakfast! Banana Cabana At Caribbean Beach Resort We love bar food because it often features those go-to comfort foods, such as wings, chips and dip, or loaded fries. All of which are on Banana Cabana's menu. The jerk chicken sandwich and seafood fritters are also excellent choices for a mid-swim meal. Spyglass Grill At Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort Nestled by the Trinidad pool area, this little gem is a must-visit for food and coffee enthusiasts. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner as a quick-service dining option, we serve up high-quality meals and drinks that will leave you satisfied. We recommend trying the Breakfast Cuban, served alongside potatoes, which offers a decent portion size that will leave you feeling full. And don't miss out on our specialty coffee drinks, such as lattes, and the Joffrey's Coffee Cold Brew Shakin' Jamaican. It's a mouthful to say, but a great drink to start the day! The patio area overlooks Barefoot Bay, offering gorgeous views. The Perks And Magic You Can Experience At Any Disney Resort Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort Many families consider staying off-site to save money during their Disney trips, including my family. And, while there are numerous cool hotels in the area (such as Caribe Royale Orlando, The Grove, and Villatel Orlando), visitors will miss out on some incredible perks. Aside from all the ways you can spend your day(s) frolicking about the hotel, let's unpack some of the fantastic things happening at Disney resorts when you opt to 'stay in the magic.' Appearance From Minnie & Mickey Dining At Contemporary Resort The best part about visiting Disney is the opportunity to meet the characters–something you can do without visiting the parks! There are various events at different resorts, including character breakfasts and dining experiences. But, if you're lucky, your resort will have some special friends drop by! From classic Disney princesses to the latest Pixar heroes, you never know who you may see. Your resort will have a sign posted in the lobby with the details, making it easy to plan your day around the appearances. As you've read, there's always something for families to enjoy. My older kids can spend the entire day in the park without a second thought. However, the younger ones tire easily. They get cranky, and the last thing we want is a long wait and bus ride back to the rooms. That's why I appreciate the variety of activities available around the clock. We can participate, head back to the room for naps, and jump back into some fun when they're ready. Sometimes, when a meltdown is looming, it's a relief to avoid those long waits and bus rides, I can tell you that. Movies Under The Stars Event When we stayed at Caribbean Beach Resort, we enjoyed themed movie nights and had fun at the craft stations designed for kids. At Art of Animation, we even tried drawing our own animations! Each resort has activities themed to its property. For example, at Coronado Springs, guests delight in music, crafts, and trivia inspired by Mexican and Spanish cultures. Disney Skyliner These resorts also offer free and direct transportation to the parks by bus, monorail, or Skyliner, eliminating the need to worry about traffic or long walks from the parking lot. Plus, after a full day of exploring all the parks, I don't really feel like driving. How about you? As mentioned earlier, the Caribbean is a large property. Guests have the option of being picked up and dropped off at Old Port Royale (the main entrance) or designated bus stops located outside each building. Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park The best part about this summer is that if you're staying at a Disney resort, you get free entry into one of the water parks on check-in day! For Typhoon Lagoon, that's a fantastic saving of $68-$75 for each person in your group. You can grab a cabana rental, but you'll likely spend a lot of your time in the lazy river and the wave pool! Plus, It's A Cool Kid Summer! Cool Kid Summer With Disney's newest event, 'Cool Kid Summer,' designed especially for families with children, the fun is just beginning. This fantastic event began at the end of May and will continue until September 1, 2025. Expect lots of surprises, chances to see new characters, lively DJ dance parties, and plenty of ways to save. Each park is offering something new and exciting, so be sure to check out the line-up linked above. If you couldn't tell from our earlier mention, we're repeat fans of both Disney and Caribbean Beach Resort! It has a lot to offer, with a wide range of delicious food and fantastic value for families. We're already looking forward to three more trips this summer!
