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Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Where to go this summer: Top family-friendly destinations and discounts for 2025
Ready for a summer vacation to remember? I've got all the details on major events, new hotels, hair-raising roller-coasters, and special deals and promotions sure to make summer 2025 a memorable one. Whether you're into beach vacations, outdoorsy getaways, or city escapes, there's something new and exciting you'll want to check out this summer. Here are my top picks for the best destinations, debuts, and deals for a fun-filled family vacation in summer 2025. Why you can trust us: At FamilyVacationist, our picks are always based on our own real-world experiences, local knowledge and interviews, and in-depth analysis of travel trends. Read more about our travel recommendation methodology here. The new Universal Epic Universe and the 70th anniversary of Disneyland are getting a lot of the theme park headlines these days. Not to be left out, Walt Disney World Resort is offering some major summer deals, too. But there are also plenty of other new theme park thrills and special celebrations all over the country. Dollywood is celebrating its 40th anniversary with new shows and other events, and Silver Dollar City is marking 65 years with new shows and dining experiences and other down-home fun. SPLASH ZONE: 13 thrilling outdoor water parks where you can beat the summer heat (updated for 2025) In Virginia, Kings Dominion is celebrating its 50th anniversary season with new ride Rapterra, the world's tallest and fastest launched wing coaster. Busch Gardens Williamsburg is also marking its 50th anniversary, debuting new family-friendly inverted roller-coaster Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf's Revenge. Ohio's Cedar Point opens Siren's Curse, the tallest, longest, and fastest tilt coaster in America, this May. (Fun fact: The structure utilizes an old 160-foot Lake Erie shipping crane.) At Georgia's Wild Adventures – a theme park, water park, and animal park all in one – guests can check out the new Water's Edge expansion featuring three family-friendly rides. Kentucky Kingdom debuts its new family zone Discovery Meadow this summer, inspired by Kentucky's Bluegrass heritage and featuring three new rides. SUN AND SAND: 11 best family beach vacations in the U.S. (updated for 2025) For the first time since 2019, both Walt Disney World Resort water parks – Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon – will be open at the same time this summer. And in 2025, Disney Resorts Collection hotel guests receive admission to one of the water parks on check-in day included with their stay. Dollywood's Splash Country is celebrating its 25th anniversary season in 2025 with the return of its Splash Bash Music Series and new food offerings, along with old favorites like RiverRush (Tennessee's first water coaster) and a 25,000-square-foot wave pool. And Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles is marking its 30th anniversary this summer with a multimillion-dollar makeover that includes the restoration and resurfacing of all slides and upgraded food and beverage options. Inland surfing spot Waco Surf in Waco, Texas, is adding The Lil' Wedgies mini slides to its water park offerings this summer. Designed specifically for young guests, the slides empty into a shallow wading pool ideal for little ones. The site is also home to what's rumored to be the longest lazy river in Texas. EASY VACATIONS: 6 affordable family travel adventures where someone else does all the planning The Erie Canal turns 200 this year, and celebrations are taking place around Buffalo, New York, to honor the historic waterway. Events and activities include the 'Waterway of Change: A Complex Legacy of the Erie Canal' exhibit at Canalside, a replica canal boat open for public viewing throughout the summer, and walking tours around the area of the canal's original 1825 western terminus. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is celebrating its 100th anniversary in a big way in 2025, fitting for the world's largest children's museum. Little ones will love 'Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: The Exhibit,' older kids can check out costumes from "Black Panther" and other flicks in the 'Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design' exhibit, and the whole family can ride the Centennial Ferris Wheel outside the museum. (Indianapolis is also one of our best places to go with kids in 2025.) The Force will be strong in Columbus, Ohio, this summer. At the Center of Science and Discovery (COSI), the 'Unofficial Galaxies' exhibit showcases props, ships, costumes, and more from the Star Wars franchise. Grab Land-Grant Brewing Co's Lightspeed beer at the Cantina within the exhibit, and make a weekend of it at The Junto hotel, where The Dark Side or Light Package lets you choose your allegiances and receive perks like themed cocktails and exclusive merchandise. Kansas City, Missouri, is home to the new Museum of BBQ, the world's first museum focused on the much-loved cooking style. Exhibits dig into the history and different regions of American barbecue, with plenty of immersive activities including a baked bean-spin on a ball pit. HIT THE BEACH: 2025's top family beach resorts in the U.S. Beat the summer heat by checking out Tucson's new Astro Trail. Download the free digital Astro Trail guide, and you can score discounts and earn points by checking in at stops along the trail to win prizes. (You can also pick up a physical copy at the Southern Arizona Heritage and Visitor's Center in downtown Tucson.) Stops include Kitt Peak National Observatory, Saguaro National Park, and Pima Air & Space Museum, and many sites offer nighttime stargazing opportunities when temperatures are much cooler. Boston's celebrating the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution all over the city throughout 2025. That includes special museum exhibits, themed tours, and reenactments. AT THE WATER'S EDGE: 17 best lake resorts and hotels in the U.S. for families (updated for 2025) Something super is coming to Gaylord Hotels' Tennessee, Florida, Colorado, and Texas locations this summer. In partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences, Gaylord Hotels will debut DC Summer, featuring super hero scavenger hunts, themed character dining, super hero water park celebrations, and pop-up retail stores with exclusive DC merchandise. At the Gaylord Texan Resort, the brand-new Universe of Light Featuring DC attraction will take guests on an immersive journey through the first-ever DC super hero-themed lantern show in the U.S. Hotels are offering lots of fun, family-friendly packages for summer 2025. Grand Hyatt Vail's Wild West Package includes scenic horseback rides and a fireside camp-style dinner under the stars, while Hyatt Place Page/Lake Powell's Sweet Summer Fun! package features an in-room candy charcuterie board and a locally made Navajo dreamcatcher keepsake. Omni Hotels & Resorts is making a summer stay more appealing with 15% off two-night bookings and 20% off three or more nights through September 14, 2025. Kids 10 and under also eat free for breakfast and lunch all summer at Omni outlets that have a children's menu, with the purchase of an adult meal. At dinner, kids get 50% off the children's menu. CAN'T MISS: America's 10 most stunning national park lodges are every bit as iconic as the parks they represent If Hawaii sounds good right about now, check out the Ohana (Family) Package at Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, which includes a daily buffet breakfast for four, two ocean-themed stuffed animals, a s'mores kit, and daily shave ice for four. (Make sure to go snorkeling right off the hotel's beach, where you might be lucky enough to spot sea turtles.) The Suite Family Package at Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau includes 25% off the best available rate on suites, free kids dining at Vacation Café with a paying adult, $10 in daily arcade credits, and four movie tickets. For multigenerational groups, The Shore Club Turks and Caicos is offering savings of up to 25% on its Estate Villas for stays through July 31. And longtime family favorite South Seas on Florida's Captiva Island is offering a variety of deals to celebrate its grand reopening after suffering damage from Hurricane Ian, including 25% savings on stays of two nights or more and up to 35% off regular rates for stays of seven nights or longer. Red Roof's 'Redi to Roadtrip' promotion is offering a 10% discount and double RediRewards points to Red Roof RediRewards members, AAA and AARP members, and government and military personnel who book direct online or 800-RED-ROOF for stays through September 2, 2025. BWH Hotels also has a summer promotion, offering members of its Best Western Rewards program the chance to earn 10,000 loyalty points by completing a three-night stay at any brand hotel or up to 20,000 bonus points for stays of six nights by September 1, 2025. TRIED-AND-TRUE: These are the 11 best family road trip routes in the U.S. Want to stay somewhere new this summer? You have lots of options. Design lovers will appreciate The Tallison, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel in Carmel, Indiana, inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West, and the swanky Nobu Hotel Toronto. Canal House Georgetown, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel offers a sophisticated new way to stay in the nation's capital, while Mountain Modern Sedona makes it easy to explore the iconic Arizona destination. And if your summer plans include Grand Canyon National Park, consider a stay at Trailborn Grand Canyon, a new American West-inspired hotel on Route 66 in Williams, Arizona. If it's not summer without a trip to the beach, the new Blue Flamingo Resort Key West offers guest rooms and suites with plenty of tropical touches, while Three Ducks Westhampton is a stylish new option in the Hamptons. Or for a different spin on a beach vacation, stay at the new OS Hotel in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, part of a development that includes a food hall in the city's historic art district but is still close to Ocean Springs Front Beach. MAKE MEMORIES: 101 fresh vacation ideas for the best trip ever (updated for 2025) Book by June 16 to take advantage of Bermuda's annual HellOOO Summer Sale, which offers deals for travel through the end of the year. You can score savings like 25% off a stay at Azura plus a $100 F&B credit, up to 20% off and a $50 nightly resort credit at Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa, and 15% off stays plus daily breakfast for two and up to $500 in resort credits at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club. Lodging properties throughout the Santa Barbara South Coast are taking part in Visit Santa Barbara's Third Night Free promotion. Book and stay by dates vary by property, and participating hotels include Rosewood Miramar Beach, Hotel Santa Barbara, and Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. It's a summer of savings in Frisco, Texas, where families can enjoy savings of up to 30% off summertime stays at hotels like Omni PGA Frisco Resort, Hall Park Hotel, and The Westin Dallas Stonebriar Golf Resort & Spa. This summer's best destinations, discounts and deals for family vacations originally appeared on 25 best U.S. family resorts and hotels for a vacation to remember 14 most epic all-inclusive family resorts in the world (2025 update) Dreaming of summer vacation? These 15 trip ideas will please the whole family Need a summer read? These 33 magical books are perfect for kids and teens The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. and are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we review and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations. If you buy an item through a link in our content, we may earn a commission. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: From Disney to the beach: Summer 2025 family vacations with savings
USA Today
a day ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Where to go this summer: Top family-friendly destinations and discounts for 2025
Where to go this summer: Top family-friendly destinations and discounts for 2025 Show Caption Hide Caption Preparing for summer air travel? Here's what we know now Summer travel is always busy, but there are tips on how to avoid unnecessary flight issues. Here's what we know now. Ready for a summer vacation to remember? I've got all the details on major events, new hotels, hair-raising roller-coasters, and special deals and promotions sure to make summer 2025 a memorable one. Whether you're into beach vacations, outdoorsy getaways, or city escapes, there's something new and exciting you'll want to check out this summer. Here are my top picks for the best destinations, debuts, and deals for a fun-filled family vacation in summer 2025. Why you can trust us: At FamilyVacationist, our picks are always based on our own real-world experiences, local knowledge and interviews, and in-depth analysis of travel trends. Read more about our travel recommendation methodology here. Theme park thrills The new Universal Epic Universe and the 70th anniversary of Disneyland are getting a lot of the theme park headlines these days. Not to be left out, Walt Disney World Resort is offering some major summer deals, too. But there are also plenty of other new theme park thrills and special celebrations all over the country. Dollywood is celebrating its 40th anniversary with new shows and other events, and Silver Dollar City is marking 65 years with new shows and dining experiences and other down-home fun. SPLASH ZONE: 13 thrilling outdoor water parks where you can beat the summer heat (updated for 2025) In Virginia, Kings Dominion is celebrating its 50th anniversary season with new ride Rapterra, the world's tallest and fastest launched wing coaster. Busch Gardens Williamsburg is also marking its 50th anniversary, debuting new family-friendly inverted roller-coaster Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf's Revenge. Ohio's Cedar Point opens Siren's Curse, the tallest, longest, and fastest tilt coaster in America, this May. (Fun fact: The structure utilizes an old 160-foot Lake Erie shipping crane.) At Georgia's Wild Adventures – a theme park, water park, and animal park all in one – guests can check out the new Water's Edge expansion featuring three family-friendly rides. Kentucky Kingdom debuts its new family zone Discovery Meadow this summer, inspired by Kentucky's Bluegrass heritage and featuring three new rides. SUN AND SAND: 11 best family beach vacations in the U.S. (updated for 2025) Water worlds For the first time since 2019, both Walt Disney World Resort water parks – Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon – will be open at the same time this summer. And in 2025, Disney Resorts Collection hotel guests receive admission to one of the water parks on check-in day included with their stay. Dollywood's Splash Country is celebrating its 25th anniversary season in 2025 with the return of its Splash Bash Music Series and new food offerings, along with old favorites like RiverRush (Tennessee's first water coaster) and a 25,000-square-foot wave pool. And Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles is marking its 30th anniversary this summer with a multimillion-dollar makeover that includes the restoration and resurfacing of all slides and upgraded food and beverage options. Inland surfing spot Waco Surf in Waco, Texas, is adding The Lil' Wedgies mini slides to its water park offerings this summer. Designed specifically for young guests, the slides empty into a shallow wading pool ideal for little ones. The site is also home to what's rumored to be the longest lazy river in Texas. EASY VACATIONS: 6 affordable family travel adventures where someone else does all the planning Major milestones and new attractions The Erie Canal turns 200 this year, and celebrations are taking place around Buffalo, New York, to honor the historic waterway. Events and activities include the 'Waterway of Change: A Complex Legacy of the Erie Canal' exhibit at Canalside, a replica canal boat open for public viewing throughout the summer, and walking tours around the area of the canal's original 1825 western terminus. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is celebrating its 100th anniversary in a big way in 2025, fitting for the world's largest children's museum. Little ones will love 'Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: The Exhibit,' older kids can check out costumes from "Black Panther" and other flicks in the 'Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design' exhibit, and the whole family can ride the Centennial Ferris Wheel outside the museum. (Indianapolis is also one of our best places to go with kids in 2025.) The Force will be strong in Columbus, Ohio, this summer. At the Center of Science and Discovery (COSI), the 'Unofficial Galaxies' exhibit showcases props, ships, costumes, and more from the Star Wars franchise. Grab Land-Grant Brewing Co's Lightspeed beer at the Cantina within the exhibit, and make a weekend of it at The Junto hotel, where The Dark Side or Light Package lets you choose your allegiances and receive perks like themed cocktails and exclusive merchandise. Kansas City, Missouri, is home to the new Museum of BBQ, the world's first museum focused on the much-loved cooking style. Exhibits dig into the history and different regions of American barbecue, with plenty of immersive activities including a baked bean-spin on a ball pit. HIT THE BEACH: 2025's top family beach resorts in the U.S. Beat the summer heat by checking out Tucson's new Astro Trail. Download the free digital Astro Trail guide, and you can score discounts and earn points by checking in at stops along the trail to win prizes. (You can also pick up a physical copy at the Southern Arizona Heritage and Visitor's Center in downtown Tucson.) Stops include Kitt Peak National Observatory, Saguaro National Park, and Pima Air & Space Museum, and many sites offer nighttime stargazing opportunities when temperatures are much cooler. Boston's celebrating the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution all over the city throughout 2025. That includes special museum exhibits, themed tours, and reenactments. AT THE WATER'S EDGE: 17 best lake resorts and hotels in the U.S. for families (updated for 2025) Hotel happenings Something super is coming to Gaylord Hotels' Tennessee, Florida, Colorado, and Texas locations this summer. In partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences, Gaylord Hotels will debut DC Summer, featuring super hero scavenger hunts, themed character dining, super hero water park celebrations, and pop-up retail stores with exclusive DC merchandise. At the Gaylord Texan Resort, the brand-new Universe of Light Featuring DC attraction will take guests on an immersive journey through the first-ever DC super hero-themed lantern show in the U.S. Hotels are offering lots of fun, family-friendly packages for summer 2025. Grand Hyatt Vail's Wild West Package includes scenic horseback rides and a fireside camp-style dinner under the stars, while Hyatt Place Page/Lake Powell's Sweet Summer Fun! package features an in-room candy charcuterie board and a locally made Navajo dreamcatcher keepsake. Omni Hotels & Resorts is making a summer stay more appealing with 15% off two-night bookings and 20% off three or more nights through September 14, 2025. Kids 10 and under also eat free for breakfast and lunch all summer at Omni outlets that have a children's menu, with the purchase of an adult meal. At dinner, kids get 50% off the children's menu. CAN'T MISS: America's 10 most stunning national park lodges are every bit as iconic as the parks they represent If Hawaii sounds good right about now, check out the Ohana (Family) Package at Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, which includes a daily buffet breakfast for four, two ocean-themed stuffed animals, a s'mores kit, and daily shave ice for four. (Make sure to go snorkeling right off the hotel's beach, where you might be lucky enough to spot sea turtles.) The Suite Family Package at Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau includes 25% off the best available rate on suites, free kids dining at Vacation Café with a paying adult, $10 in daily arcade credits, and four movie tickets. For multigenerational groups, The Shore Club Turks and Caicos is offering savings of up to 25% on its Estate Villas for stays through July 31. And longtime family favorite South Seas on Florida's Captiva Island is offering a variety of deals to celebrate its grand reopening after suffering damage from Hurricane Ian, including 25% savings on stays of two nights or more and up to 35% off regular rates for stays of seven nights or longer. Red Roof's 'Redi to Roadtrip' promotion is offering a 10% discount and double RediRewards points to Red Roof RediRewards members, AAA and AARP members, and government and military personnel who book direct online or 800-RED-ROOF for stays through September 2, 2025. BWH Hotels also has a summer promotion, offering members of its Best Western Rewards program the chance to earn 10,000 loyalty points by completing a three-night stay at any brand hotel or up to 20,000 bonus points for stays of six nights by September 1, 2025. TRIED-AND-TRUE: These are the 11 best family road trip routes in the U.S. Want to stay somewhere new this summer? You have lots of options. Design lovers will appreciate The Tallison, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel in Carmel, Indiana, inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West, and the swanky Nobu Hotel Toronto. Canal House Georgetown, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel offers a sophisticated new way to stay in the nation's capital, while Mountain Modern Sedona makes it easy to explore the iconic Arizona destination. And if your summer plans include Grand Canyon National Park, consider a stay at Trailborn Grand Canyon, a new American West-inspired hotel on Route 66 in Williams, Arizona. If it's not summer without a trip to the beach, the new Blue Flamingo Resort Key West offers guest rooms and suites with plenty of tropical touches, while Three Ducks Westhampton is a stylish new option in the Hamptons. Or for a different spin on a beach vacation, stay at the new OS Hotel in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, part of a development that includes a food hall in the city's historic art district but is still close to Ocean Springs Front Beach. MAKE MEMORIES: 101 fresh vacation ideas for the best trip ever (updated for 2025) Destination deals Book by June 16 to take advantage of Bermuda's annual HellOOO Summer Sale, which offers deals for travel through the end of the year. You can score savings like 25% off a stay at Azura plus a $100 F&B credit, up to 20% off and a $50 nightly resort credit at Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa, and 15% off stays plus daily breakfast for two and up to $500 in resort credits at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club. Lodging properties throughout the Santa Barbara South Coast are taking part in Visit Santa Barbara's Third Night Free promotion. Book and stay by dates vary by property, and participating hotels include Rosewood Miramar Beach, Hotel Santa Barbara, and Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. It's a summer of savings in Frisco, Texas, where families can enjoy savings of up to 30% off summertime stays at hotels like Omni PGA Frisco Resort, Hall Park Hotel, and The Westin Dallas Stonebriar Golf Resort & Spa. This summer's best destinations, discounts and deals for family vacations originally appeared on More from FamilyVacationist: The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. and are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we review and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations. If you buy an item through a link in our content, we may earn a commission.
New York Post
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Disney World reveals new look for Jack Skellington character
Finally, a change at the House of Mouse nobody's complaining about. Jack Skellington is getting a special and spooky makeover for fall — and Disney fans are losing their minds. With Walt Disney World Resort preparing well ahead of schedule for their annual Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Orlando, planners have leaked a peak at the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town — showing off a brand-new look that's already turning heads.
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Travel + Leisure
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Travel + Leisure
These Insider Hacks Will Make Your Next Walt Disney World Vacation Even Better
The entrance was subtle—a wooden door flanked by Japanese lanterns, at the end of a short stone path—and by Walt Disney World Resort standards, very quiet. Just behind us, but seemingly a world away, hundreds of people were posing for selfies in Epcot's Japan pavilion. But my family of three was there for an omakase dinner at Takumi-Tei , or 'House of the Artisan,' a restaurant tucked into the Mitsukoshi Department Store. Across five intimate, interconnected dining rooms, each themed to an element (ours was stone), Takumi-Tei provides a welcome break from the crowds. The multicourse, take-your-time dining experience allows for warm, unhurried service, something that's rare at theme parks. After trying everything from Wagyu-beef tempura to bluefin tuna sushi topped with house-made takuan, or pickled daikon, we left to watch another dazzling show: Epcot's evening fireworks. The Island Tower, a new addition to Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows. Jacqueline Gifford/Travel+Leisure Disney has always been about the pageantry. But these days, its parks and other Orlando-area resorts are enhancing their food, accommodations, and amenities in a bid to appeal to luxury travelers. At La Cava del Tequila, a low-lit bar within the pyramid at Epcot's Mexico Pavilion, there are specialty cocktails crafted by celebrities, including Lily Aldridge, and made with cult-favorite spirits like Casa Dragones tequila. Wine Bar George, part of the Disney Springs entertainment complex, serves famous labels by the ounce (Château d'Yquem at $65 a sip, anyone?) curated by Master Sommelier George Miliotes. Last year, Victoria & Albert's , at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa , became the first restaurant at a U.S. theme park to earn a Michelin star. Not to be outdone, Capa, the Spanish-inspired steak house at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort , now has a star, too—and an elevated (yet still kid-friendly) rooftop setting on the 17th floor. Part of the Golden Oak residential community, the Four Seasons, now in its 11th year, helped usher in this shift toward premium spaces in the Orlando area. 'We love booking our clients there,' says Karen Magee, president of Valerie Wilson Travel and a member of T+L's advisory board. 'Their kids' club is top-notch, so parents can easily recover from the chaos of the parks.' Golf is a renewed focus for the nearby Waldorf Astoria Orlando , which just completed a multiyear enhancement of its 18-hole championship course, in addition to a sleek refresh of its rooms. The new Conrad Orlando offers private moments such as s'mores around a firepit or family photo sessions by the expansive beach of the Evermore Orlando Resort complex. The new Island Tower at Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows is inspired by "Moana"; stylish outdoor lounges on the upper floors give visitors secluded spots to unwind. 'Too often, parents feel like Disney is something they endure for their children—rather than enjoy with them,' says Caitlin Pfitzinger, a Florida-based travel advisor with Embark Beyond, who plans around 15 theme-park trips for clients each year. 'Whether it's skipping the lines with a VIP guide, securing coveted dining reservations, or crafting a seamless multi-park itinerary, my goal is for parents to actually experience the magic alongside their children.' For me, that magic kicked in when my son Bobby's eyes lit up at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge during an exclusive make-your-own-light-saber experience at Savi's Workshop. And then we geeked out at the Haunted Mansion—Bobby's very first Magic Kingdom ride—with our private guide. 'When an itinerary balances luxury, convenience, and quality,' Pfitzinger explains, 'Disney becomes a shared adventure for all.' A starter at Takumi-Tei, a 'hidden' restaurant inside the park. Universal Epic Universe became the first major theme park to open in the U.S. in 25 years when it debuted last month at Universal Orlando Resort. The state-of-the-art destination has five 'worlds,' including a Super Nintendo–themed area, a new Wizarding World of Harry Potter experience, and Dark Universe, an eerie enclave inspired by classic monsters. Visitors can expect one-of-a-kind rides, cutting-edge entertainment, and on-theme dining, in addition to plush accommodations at the new Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, which has a sprawling pool, a rooftop bar overlooking the attractions, and a private entrance to the park. —Elizabeth Rhodes The author and her family, with guide Jonathan Herd. Jacqueline Gifford/Travel+Leisure If you're strapped for time or traveling with a large group that has specific needs, it may be worth splurging on a guide from Disney Private VIP Tours, a service affiliated with Walt Disney World Resort. 'These guides are incredibly knowledgeable and can navigate the parks with their eyes closed,' says Stacy Fischer-Rosenthal, the president of Fischer Travel and a member of T+L's advisory board. Here are four benefits of this service, which costs $450–$900 an hour, not including park tickets, for up to 10 people. PICK A PARK, ANY PARK My family chose to focus solely on the Magic Kingdom. Our guide, Jonathan Herd, walked us through seemingly every inch, surprising us with treats such as Tiana's famous beignets and securing a prime viewing spot for the afternoon parade. If we had wanted to move on to Epcot, Hollywood Studios, or Animal Kingdom, we could have: we had a full day of Herd's time. SKIP THE WAIT Clients use the Lightning Lane, a VIP alternative to the regular line, but it's realistic to expect short waits. That said, our longest was 10 minutes—compared to what could have been an hour or more. For a couple of rides, including Pirates of the Caribbean, we got to use a behind-the-scenes entrance that's typically only available to Disney staff. GEEK OUT ON TRIVIA Herd shared interesting factoids throughout the day, noting that the Haunted Mansion is adorned with chess pieces (but no knights); Space Mountain blasts themed music for the holidays; and windows along Main Street, U.S.A. bear the names of influential Disney employees. GET INSIDER MERCH It's easy to spot VIP tour guides by their plaid-accented uniforms. Clients can purchase their own plaid at a special shop on Main Street. —J.G. A version of this story first appeared in the June 2025 issue of Travel + Leisure under the headline 'Keys to the Kingdom.'
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Disney World Guest Caught Climbing Animal Kingdom's Tree of Life as Bystander Surmises, 'That's a Lifetime Ban'
A woman was captured on video carefully climbing up a section of the Tree of Life located at Disney's Animal Kingdom In the video, bystanders could be seen saying that "security" was called in response Walt Disney World Resort said on its website that 'engaging in any unsafe act or other act that may impede the operation of the Walt Disney World Resort" is prohibited There are many unique things to see at Disney's Magical Kingdom — though a guest in the Tree of Life isn't one of them. One Disney Park visitor was captured in a TikTok video shared by cassieeee.m on Thursday, May 1, climbing the Tree of Life located at Disney's Animal Kingdom at the Walt Disney Resort in Florida. In the short clip, she could be seen zooming into what appeared to be a woman wearing a white shirt, shorts and white sneakers carefully climbing up a section of the tree above a waterfall. The TikToker wrote over the video, 'Ayo, we just climbing any trees now?' Shortly before the clip ended, the camera could be seen panning to the ground, as a woman could be heard saying, 'That's a lifetime ban.' Another woman responded, 'Oh, yeah. She's calling security right now.' Related: Man Arrested for Camping at Walt Disney World's Discovery Island After Thinking It Was 'Tropical Paradise' 'What da flip? People climbing the tree of life today at [the] Animal Kingdom,' the TikTok video was captioned. Several people in the comments wondered how the woman could have gotten that far and also speculated what kind of consequences the woman might face for climbing the tree, which is in a secured area of the park. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. One person wrote, 'How do you even get that close to the tree of life without someone stopping you?? 😭' Another wrote, 'aren't there animal enclosures allll around the tree of life? 😳I think most of them are birds but still…' 'Now what would possess someone to even attempt that … 😭 lifetime ban incoming,' another TikToker chimed in. Another seconded that saying, 'That's some crazy work, all that money to get banned for life.' The commenters were likely referring to the strict rules on Walt Disney World Resort properties. These rules include 'engaging in any unsafe act or other act that may impede the operation of the Walt Disney World Resort or any part thereof,' according to its website. Related: Florida Man Banned from Disney World After Allegedly Trying to Sneak Cocaine into Magic Kingdom in 'Bulky' Wallet Walt Disney World Resort said on its website that it reserves the right to 'deny admission, prevent entry or require a person already admitted to leave the Walt Disney World Resort or any part thereof, without refund, liability or compensation, for failure to comply with any of these rules…' Walt Disney Parks did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment on the incident. Last month, a man was arrested after he was seen climbing on top of the entrance of Tiana's Place, a New Orleans-inspired restaurant inspired by The Princess and the Frog movie, in Disneyland, according to KTLA. It is unclear what kind of consequences he faced from the Disney Park. Another man was banned from Disney World earlier this week after allegedly attempting to sneak a wallet full of cocaine into the Magic Kingdom, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by PEOPLE. He was flagged at a security checkpoint before entering the theme park. Read the original article on People
