Disney Archives — Thrifty Mommas Tips https://www.thriftymommastips.com/tag/disney/ Travel, Health & Family Tue, 07 Apr 2026 17:55:33 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.4 https://www.thriftymommastips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/cropped-thrifty_logo_header-32x32.png Disney Archives — Thrifty Mommas Tips https://www.thriftymommastips.com/tag/disney/ 32 32 77340857 Top 5 Frequently Asked Disney Vacation Questions https://www.thriftymommastips.com/top-5-frequently-asked-disney-vacation-questions/ https://www.thriftymommastips.com/top-5-frequently-asked-disney-vacation-questions/#comments Tue, 13 Nov 2018 11:26:46 +0000 https://www.thriftymommastips.com/?p=23124 This is a sponsored conversation with local business Click the Mouse London.  Let’s face it, a Disney trip is a rite of passage, an experience you have to share with your kids at least once. Even if your kids aren’t big on princesses or Mickey Mouse, you don’t want your kids to miss the chance to experience the wonder and joy only a major theme park can offer.   In both Disney and Universal parks, the immersive experience can’t be beat and the level of service is second to none. But if you aren’t very familiar with Disney and Universal (like you didn’t know that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is not actually at Disney) or you are intimidated by making arrangements yourself, then you should consider booking your vacation with an Authorized Disney or Universal travel agency. Ryan Starkweather and Lauren Starr run Click The Mouse London, a local travel agency specializing in Disney and Universal travel packages for families from London to Windsor and surrounding areas. Their business and passion is making Disney dreams come true for other families. Recently I sat down with Ryan and Lauren to hear some of their client’s most frequently asked Disney vacation questions. The Top 5 Frequently Asked Disney Vacation Questions Is the Dining Plan Worth It? In short, yes. We always say, you are going to eat so why not pre-pay? You book the Dining plan when you purchase your trip, which means you can pay in advance for your food. We really enjoy it because it lets us feel like our trip is all-inclusive. The Tiers Explained Quick Service Tier 1 Now if your kids can’t sit through a meal or you don’t want many sit down meals you should consider the Quick Service (first tier) dining plan. It has two snacks and two cafeteria-style/quick service meals per person per night stay  (credits are based on the number of nights you stay at a Disney resort). Because you are not eating at sit down restaurants you don’t need to worry about gratuities. Use snack credits for breakfast, or to try all the new snack options that pop up around the parks. Disney Dining Plan Tier 2 The Disney Dining plan (second tier) gets you 1 table service meal in addition to your 1 quick service meal and 2 snacks. Many different restaurants offer character meals (where characters like Cinderella or Mickey Mouse visit your table while you eat) but these can be pricey if you pay out of pocket. When you purchase the Disney Dining plan, you can use table service credits for these meals (although a select few take two credits per person). Deluxe Plan Tier 3 We can’t imagine eating enough food to make the Deluxe plan (third tier) good value, but for families that want to have two sit down meals and a quick service meal each day plus two snacks this is the right plan. New in 2018 is the bonus that all three plans offer an alcoholic beverage with each quick service and table service meal! How old do kids need to be to go to Disney? Disney prides themselves on making rides for all ages and we agree. With a few exceptions, like Expedition to Everest, Space Mountain, Flight of Passage and Tower of Terror, 95% of rides are geared to all ages. Where else can you guarantee that you and your kids will have fun? A lot of people say to us: I have an 18 month old, are they too young? We say you will remember that trip forever and you will experience the magic through your kids’ eyes. The first time we took our daughter to Disney she was 8 months old and that is one of our favourite trip memories. Generally, a trip to Walt Disney World is something many families want to do before their kids are 10 years old and Universal is somewhere they visit with their tweens. But this all depends on your kids and their temperament. We try to buy experiences for our kids instead of toys as much as possible. Some of our most vivid memories are of our kids on vacation. When should we use our Fast passes? We think mid to late morning is usually the best time. This fluctuates if you are going back to your hotel for a break from the heat – which we usually recommend. After you use your third Fast pass you can go online to get a 4thand 5th Fast pass. By squeezing your passes in during the morning you can maximize your riding potential.   Do I need a park hopper ticket? Generally we would say no for Disney. If you have smaller children and are visiting for at least a few days or if it is your first visit, we don’t think you need the park hopper. Travelling between parks can waste time. However, there are certainly advantages to this ticket upgrade. First, it gives you lots of flexibility in your day. If you want to start at one park, ride all the rides but then see a special show at a second park in the same day you can. It also works well if your family is divided on their must sees. For Universal we recommend their version of the hopper ticket. If you want to ride the Hogwarts Express, you need a park to park ticket and we think this ride is one you need to ride both ways!   Why should I book my vacation with a travel agent? There are many pieces to a successful Disney family trip. Flights, resorts, dining packages and Fast passes all require advance planning. We hear from clients that this is daunting.  Many people have heard they are supposed to book things in advance but they aren’t sure what a Fast pass is or where to meet characters for dinner. We love helping people with this. We will wake up at 6 am to book your dining or stay up until midnight to book your cruise excursions. You can also call us when you are on holiday with questions. Special Needs Disney Travel Arrangements? No Problem. We book many trips for people with autism and sensory challenges, says Ryan. With my background in developmental services, I am able to find all the quietest spaces if that’s what you need for travelers with sensory issues. I can arrange for special equipment like wheelchairs, walkers, or commodes and can get those sent to your resort affordably. So What Does it Cost to Use Click the Mouse Services? Having us at Click the Mouse London build out your trip and help you with your itinerary is free, because Disney and Universal pay agents a commission. The price you pay when booking with us is the same as if you booked directly with a travel provider. The difference is that we will provide you with personalized, consistent support from start to finish, says Ryan.   Don’t Settle for Bad Disney Advice The thing about Disney and Universal is that if you get bad advice you won’t know any better and you could miss out, or be left feeling like it’s not quite as magical. Click the Mouse London helps you stack the deck in favor of the best family vacation yet. Here’s How to Contact Ryan and Lauren: Click the Mouse London offers free no-obligation estimates to Disney and Universal as well as Disney Cruises. You can ask for one by clicking on the link above today to get your trip started. Read more: http://www.mouseducktravel.com/  

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]]> https://www.thriftymommastips.com/top-5-frequently-asked-disney-vacation-questions/feed/ 24 23124 Family Fun 2.0 with Ebates Travel Thursdays https://www.thriftymommastips.com/family-fun-2-0-with-ebates-travel-thursdays/ https://www.thriftymommastips.com/family-fun-2-0-with-ebates-travel-thursdays/#comments Thu, 09 Aug 2018 10:13:52 +0000 https://www.thriftymommastips.com/?p=21980 This post has been sponsored by Ebates Travel Thursdays which means I received compensation. My opinion is all my own and it is also truthful. Summer is rapidly running out and that makes me sad. I still don’t feel like I got enough of a vacation. Why does summer go so fast? Every year I love to take time with my family before they go back to school. This year my oldest had a job and work was ridiculously busy here too so we didn’t really get time away together as a family. Don’t get me wrong I am glad she got a job and I am happy to be busy working too, but I keep feeling I missed something. The older my kids get the more precious summers are in some ways. Why? Because there are very few summers left before my teenagers leave for college or university. Oh I know we can still vacation together when they are older but it’s not quite the same. And there are still so many places to visit. Family Fun 2.0 Lately I can’t stop thinking about Orlando and Disney. In fact, all roads are pointing to Disney lately. Odd but true…multiple little signs this week screaming Orlando or Anaheim, LA. I feel like it might still be possible to squeeze in one final summer trip and why not Disney? For months now it’s been in the back of my mind. If not now, then when? My kids are still into rides and Disney travel experiences. We have still not seen The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando. I’d love to make that happen. California is on our family travel and vacations bucket list too. Or what about Disney in California and Anaheim, LA? Universal Studios Hollywood would be an incredible family adventure too. Disneyland Park and Adventure City look amazing. The last time we actually were at Disney World together it was my older daughter’s tenth birthday. Together we braved as many rides as possible to celebrate her turning double digits. 10!! And we went to the Space Coast afterwards to visit the Kennedy Space Centre. The trip was magical and I wanted it to spark interest in science and motivate my daughter to learn. The sky is the limit, right? That family trip was a success. Frankly it feels like we might be in need of a bit of Pixiedust and Disney magic this year too. And speaking of magic…when it comes to booking travel I work hard to find the best deals. Family travel has to be affordable. That’s why Thursday is now my favourite day to look for and book travel. So What is Ebates Travel Thursdays? Ebates launched Travel Thursdays back in February, a 24-hour promotion on Thursdays. Don’t miss out on 10 % Cash Back at Ebates Hotels and more, Thursdays only. And there are impressive savings on airfare, rental cars, cruises and activities too. Each Thursday, Ebates shoppers can earn up to 10 percent cash back on more than 280,000 hotel bookings worldwide listed on the site. The service works similarly to other major travel booking platforms but uses Ebates’ cash back for extra savings. At 10 percent cash back, with Ebates Travel Thursdays members can receive an average of $40 cash back for a three-night stay or $70 for a five-night stay. Ebates Cash Back Visa® Credit Card holders will automatically receive an additional 3 percent cash back when booking travel through Ebates, increasing the total amount saved to 13 percent. WHAT? That is my kind of savings!  I love Ebates. If you are going to purchase anything online visit the site and purchase through their links. You get cash back on purchases. Many of my friends, who are also moms, use Ebates too. They have great coupons, discounts, promotions and special deals, including free shipping. Anything Else You Should Know About Ebates Travel Thursdays? Additionally, each Ebates Travel Thursdays offers special pricing and deals on airfare, rental cars, cruises and activities, offering members up to 50 percent savings and the cash back. Cruises and rental cars can add up fast, so don’t forget to use Ebates every time you book either one of those travel items.  There’s still time to cap off your summer with a batch of fresh memories and a wonderful trip. Family travel is one of my favourite ways to spend time together. And saving money makes me happy. Put the two together and it’s a winning combination. Now that I’ve put the bug in your ear…or your Mickey Mouse ears…where will you go next?

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]]> https://www.thriftymommastips.com/family-fun-2-0-with-ebates-travel-thursdays/feed/ 5 21980 Disney World Hacks for a Better Vacation https://www.thriftymommastips.com/disney-world-hacks-for-a-better-vacation/ Tue, 26 Jun 2018 13:09:52 +0000 https://www.thriftymommastips.com/?p=20428 Disney World Hacks can definitely help you make the best of your time in the Magic Kingdom. When you take the time to research, you’ll quickly find tons of Disney World hacks resulting in a better Disney World vacation. Hacks can help you make the best of your time on vacation anywhere and since Disney is the happiest place on earth wouldn’t you like to enjoy every minute. These are a few Disney travel tricks and tips to consider when planning your Disney vacation. Make Advance Dining Reservations The most popular restaurants in every Disney park tend to fill up a very quickly. Simply stated, all of these particular eateries offer more than just a great meal. Each one is a memorable dining experience that you won’t want to miss. Using the My Disney Experience app, available on both Google Play and the App Store, you can make reservations for most restaurants as early as 180 days in advance. This gives you ample time to choose your favorites and secure your seats, long before it’s time to pack! Visit When School is in Session Disney World is ALWAYS busiest when school is out. It makes total sense, doesn’t it? During the summer and on holidays, the gates are bursting with families who decided to take full advantage of the break. Honestly, planning your vacation during the school year makes for a more relaxed Disney experience. If you’re concerned about your kids missing several days of class, opt for a shorter trip. Another option is to speak with teachers about the possibility of bringing assignments along for the ride. Collect Free Disney Pins One of the most well known Disney World hacks involves the Disney pins. You’ve probably heard about Disney pins. Introduced in 1999, Disney lovers immediately fell in love with them and have been buying and trading them ever since. Many visitors don’t realize you can get free pins on certain special occasions. For example, stop by guest services and mention it’s your first time meeting Mickey to get a fun “first visit” pin. Complimentary pins are also handed out for birthdays, weddings and anniversaries. Take an Afternoon Nap The early afternoon is a busy time at Disney World. It’s the time when many of the guests staying at nearby Orlando resorts get to the park for the day. This makes it the perfect opportunity to go back to your room and relax for a while. If you started the day early, there’s probably a good chance that at least a couple members in your group would enjoy a nap. Once everyone feels rested and rejuvenated, head back to the park. This way, there won’t be an issue staying until the gates close for the night. Ship Essential Items to Your Resort Hotel It’s simple to ship packages to your Disney resort hotel. This option is fantastic for bulky or heavier essentials like diapers, snack items, toiletries and more. If you’re an Amazon Prime member, it’s even easier! To ensure the packages get to you, include the following on the shipping label. The resort shipping address, the name your reservation is under, check-in date, reservation number and cell phone number. Keep in mind, some resorts (like the Disney Contemporary) charge a per-package handling fee. But, it’s still a convenient option! Ask for Help Locating Your Favorite Characters Let’s face it; everyone has their favorite Disney characters. There’s no need to wander aimlessly through the parks searching for Minnie, Buzz Lightyear and the princesses… just to name a few. Find an information booth and ask the attendant on duty. He or she (with the help of a tablet and some pixie dust) will locate who you’re looking for. These are several (of many) Disney World hacks for a better vacation. Of course, you don’t need to make use of all of them. But, you never know when they’ll come in handy! This post may contain affiliate links as a service to my readers. If you make a purchase from this site then I receive a small commission.

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]]> 20428 Planning an Off-Season Disney World Vacation to Save You Money https://www.thriftymommastips.com/planning-an-off-season-disney-world-vacation-to-save-you-money/ Tue, 01 May 2018 12:00:44 +0000 https://www.thriftymommastips.com/?p=20425 Believe it or not Disney World doesn’t have to be expensive. One excellent way to enjoy all that Disney offers while still maintaining a budget is planning an off-season Disney World Vacation. Visiting your favorite Disney location on the off-season not only reduces the crowds, it also saves you money. Keep the following Disney travel tips in mind when planning the trip. You’ll probably save even MORE money… YAY! This is actually the only way we have ever done our trips to Disney. I am a deal hunter when it comes to planning affordable family vacations and I need to make my money go as far as possible when we travel. So, Disney off season is the only way to go as far as I am concerned.   Planning an Off-Season Disney World Vacation Pick the Perfect Time Whether you opt for Disney World, Disneyland or another Disney park, they tend to be at their busiest when school is out. This makes perfect sense, right? So, schedule permitting, avoid going during the summer months and holiday breaks. January and May are often considered to be ideal times to enjoy a quieter adventure at Disney World. In fact they are perfect months for Off-Season Disney World. Take time to verify there aren’t any special events going on during you’re preferred time frame. Otherwise, there’s still the potential for large crowds even when you decide to visit in the low season. We have found mid to late April to be excellent that way as well. Twice we visited in April due to my daughter’s sensory processing disorder. Go in With a Plan In order to get the most out of each day you spend at Disneyland or WDW, it’s important to plan out as much of your trip as possible. Fortunately, Disney offers several resources to help families prepare for their upcoming magical adventure. Requesting a DVD from the official Disney website is totally recommended. This free resource is jam-packed with tons of planning info that not only assists you in putting everything together; it gets your whole group even more excited as well. Another great option is to download the My Disney Experience app, available on Google Play or the App Store. The versatile tool helps you plan your vacation and stick to your itinerary once the fun begins. Stay Off-Site Staying in a Walt Disney resort is sure to keep the magic going even after you leave the park for the day. However, booking your stay there is generally rather pricey. To remedy this, simply choose a nearby off-site hotel with better rates. This can be a good way to save money any season but it works brilliantly if your mission is Off-Season Disney World. Even after you factor in extra transportation costs, you still come out a winner almost every time. If you’re visiting Disney for a special occasion such as a birthday or honeymoon, don’t be afraid to mention the fact to a front-desk staff member. He or she may be willing to offer some type of discount or help you to find other local services at lower rates.   Bring Snacks Although it wasn’t always the case, Disney parks now allow guests to bring snacks inside the gates. Large backpacks are perfect for this! Keeping energizing snack food on hand really aids in eliminating impulse buys when hunger strikes. In addition, supply everyone in your group with reusable water bottles. Refill them (at no cost) at various quick-service restaurants and water stations conveniently located throughout all of the parks. Pack Everything You Need For Off-Season Disney World Vacation Memories The more detailed you are with your packing list, the less chance of forgetting something you’re really going to need later. Purchasing these essentials on the trip takes money out of your budget that could no doubt be used on other things. However, there is good news! You don’t need to worry about basic first aid supplies on your Disney vacation. In the event of minor injury, supplies to include Band-Aids, aspirin, cough drops, thermometer strips, Powerade, tissues, EpiPens (and a whole lot more) are all available at various first aid stations scattered around the park.   A Final Word or Two About Off-Season Disney World Of course, these aren’t the only ways to save money on an off-season Disney World vacation. But, it’s a good place to start. As a rule, the more time you devote to initial planning and research, the better off your trip finances will be!  

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]]> 20425 Seven Questions To Ask Before Choosing a Cruise Line https://www.thriftymommastips.com/seven-questions-choosing-cruise-line-travel/ https://www.thriftymommastips.com/seven-questions-choosing-cruise-line-travel/#comments Tue, 20 Dec 2016 10:55:08 +0000 https://www.thriftymommastips.com/?p=14197 This season I have been running a cruising series here. I know it’s fun to plan holidays as soon as the cool weather hits and some of us are big travel planning junkies. (WINK) I write a fair bit about travel and one of the things first time cruisers ask me most is what cruise line should I choose? That’s a hard question to answer for another person without a few basic facts. Do a bit of brainstorming about your needs and your travel style before you start searching in earnest. Asking yourself these seven questions before you choose your cruise line vacation will help you have a successful experience. Seven Questions to Ask Yourself Before Choosing A Cruise Line: How big is too big? Listen, cruise lines can vary from 2000 on a ship to 4500 or more and 21 floors. Last year we opted for the Norwegian Escape and we loved it – but a cruise ship that has 21 floors and 4500 people is not a place where little people can be left unattended. Think about that when booking. The size of the cruise impacts everything – from how long it takes to board to port excursions, lineups and dinner time. If you hate to wait, then I think you should never choose a cruise line with 4500 people on it. The Norwegian Escape was more than efficient and great for our cruise in 2015, but that size cruise would not be very romantic in my opinion. And, although we loved so much about the activities on board, my teen rescued multiple lost children every day at the waterpark. She is a sensitive gal and she would see some little person suddenly begin to panic every day when they looked up and saw that Mom and Dad were missing. We would then contact activities staff who would circulate the info around the ship and wait for panicked Mom or Dad to show. If I had a toddler I would use the kid’s clubs as opposed to risking losing them even for a short time.    What kind of cruise vacation you want? There are as many cruise ships as there are types of travel – maybe even more actually. So where to start? Romance? Family travel? Party cruise? LGBTQ? Multi-generational? Special needs? Well, we do family travel so I can tell you that Norwegian and Carnival do family travel very well. Obviously Disney is family and multi-generational travel as well. Celebrity clients skew a bit older in my experience and there are a lot of diehard return cruisers on Celebrity. MSC and Holland America also skew older so if you are traveling with teens maybe that’s not the right one for you this year. Royal Caribbean is marketing to a younger demographic. They really don’t seem to want young families, but love millennials and teens. So if that’s your crowd then maybe that’s the best choice for you. This is the one we are choosing to cruise with next. Their ships have some fun activities for kids in my age range 12-15. That’s one of the reasons I decided to choose Royal Caribbean this season. Where do you want to go? Some cruise lines are experts in the Caribbean and some are experts in European cruises. A few are both. Disney has a stunning Caribbean itinerary and they also have a gorgeous Alaska cruise option. I am confident that with the Disney service either option would be a great vacation choice. I am excited to hear how a very good friend and her family enjoy Disney’s Alaska MSC for instance has some smaller ships with a more intimate feel and they tend to do more European cruising.  Each cruise line appeals to a slightly different age group. Ask yourself where you fit before you book.  Who are you traveling with? Is this a family cruise? Is it a two week Mediterranean or European Cruise that’s just you and your partner? All the various cruise lines have a reputation and an expertise as well. Each cruise ship caters to a different demographic and some lines are more accustomed to handling people with various special needs and mobility issues than others are. Some are all about activities and some are all about entertainment. The high ropes activities on the Norwegian Escape last year and the waterslides on board were the thing that tipped the scales for me. WE LOVE that kind of stuff on board. What is your budget? Yes cruise lines vary in cost wildly. Royal Caribbean for instance is more expensive that Carnival. Decide how high you can go and then stick to it remembering too there are always extra fees on a cruise ship. Carnival is one of the more economical options. Also if you have already cruised once with several of these cruise lines there are incentives to return year after year. Are there food allergies in your group? How does each of the major cruise lines manage on board allergies? Disney is brilliant at handling allergies. I suspect most cruise lines are now sensitive to many dietary needs and allergies too. BUT if you have a family member with allergies this is one that you really need to check. What are the ports like? Some cruise lines offer 4 and 5 ports on a cruise that is port intensive and 7 days long. If that is your style, then know that you can find that on Norwegian, Royal and also Carnival. Don’t forget to ask friends and relatives which cruise line they enjoy most. Word of mom and travel go together perfectly. I have not been a passenger on all of the cruise ships out there. At the time of publication, I had not yet tried Royal Caribbean (but we did in 2017 – Harmony of the Seas) and Celebrity cruise line too because I have heard a lot about them. Royal always looks like a lot of fun. And Disney Cruise lines have not yet proven affordable for us. One more thing – don’t forget to check with your network of friends, families and neighbours. Their previous experience with a cruise line is one of the most valuable ways to inform your decision. Which cruises have you taken and what was your experience like?

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]]> https://www.thriftymommastips.com/seven-questions-choosing-cruise-line-travel/feed/ 20 14197 Six Anniversary Trips that Totally Rock https://www.thriftymommastips.com/six-anniversary-trips-totally-rock/ https://www.thriftymommastips.com/six-anniversary-trips-totally-rock/#comments Tue, 25 Oct 2016 13:08:16 +0000 https://www.thriftymommastips.com/?p=12990 Anniversary trips can be just the thing to ignite a renewed sense of romance in your marriage. They can also be an extension of the romance that never really went away. Whatever they are for you and your spouse, one thing is certain. Anniversary trips can and should be memorable experiences. Otherwise, you might as well just have a staycation with a bouquet of flowers. There are so many great ways to spend anniversaries really. If travel is involved I don’t think you can go wrong. 6 Anniversary Trips that are Totally Worth It The only trip you should take for your anniversary is one that is completely and totally worth the expense. These trips should make memories that last a life time and be filled with all the magic and wonder that life has to offer. To that end, here are some ideas for a memorable anniversary getaway. Disney Hey, it’s not just for kids. Disney is a place for both the young and the young at heart. Think about it. We all grew up with Disney. This is an anniversary trip for people who are in love with Disney and all the magic that goes with it. Of course, it’s not all pixie dust and talking animals. You and your spouse can enjoy posh accommodations at Disney’s impeccable resort hotels to fuel your own Disney romance. I know many couples who would choose Disney annually as their favourite vacation spot. Disney can do romance as well. All-Inclusive Resorts Nothing says romance like a tropical getaway. There are all-inclusive resorts all over the world from the Caribbean to the Gulf of Mexico to the South Pacific and more. An all-inclusive resort is the perfect place to celebrate a long and happy marriage and inject some extra passion into the relationship. Beaches, sunsets, fine dining, and more are included in the package, so all you and your mate have to do is enjoy the resort and the time you spend together. Here’s an idea from a  recent trip to Alabama and Gulf Shores. Check the post out for more details on where to stay there. [tweetthis]Have you ever considered an anniversary trip? #travel[/tweetthis] A Mountain Getaway Want to feel like you and your mate are 1,000 miles away from everything? A mountain getaway might be just the thing. There are all sorts of cabins for rent in both of the major U.S. mountain ranges as well as parts of Canada for those seeking a rustic, “just you and me” retreat for their anniversary. Remember, anniversary trips don’t always have to involve warm weather. There’s nothing more romantic than a warm, blazing fire. British Columbia has many beautiful and romantic resorts and chalets that would be magical for anniversary trips. Skiing Similar to a mountain getaway is taking an anniversary trip to a ski resort. At a resort, you’ll get all the amenities you’d expect at a resort getaway as well as some nice ski time. In addition to that, you’ll have the added bonus of fires and night and moonlight on the snow. It has the perfect blend of rustic and posh. Many ski resorts have impeccable (although expensive) restaurants on site. There are often hot tubs and spa services available too. Frankly I enjoy skiing with my husband. Although he has to slow his pace down a bit when skiing with me I find it really enjoyable couples time. A quiet chairlift up the side of a scenic mountain is peaceful.   A Cruise A cruise is a great option for a romantic anniversary trip. Everything is here in one spot for you. It’s essentially a floating resort, and with exotic ports of call, great entertainment options, and all-inclusive everything. Cruises are a wonderful way to combine relaxation, adventure, and romance all into one trip. You can lounge in the sun, sipping cocktails by the pool while on the ship, and then explore beautiful, exotic locales when you dock. It’s an almost perfect trip. A Safari I recently had the chance to visit Zambia with the UN Foundation’s Shot@Life global vaccine advocacy group on a fellowship. While we worked hard all day visiting clinics and US aid organizations and hospitals too, we also built in some amazing adventures after we finished the daily interviews and visits. At night we took a scenic sunset cruise down the Zambezi River and we also did a safari. As we were visiting and doing these things I noted many seniors visiting as a retirement adventure and I felt it a bit of a shame people wait so long to see Africa. This is a trip that people should embrace at any stage of life. It’s a very romantic setting. I would recommend doing this once in a lifetime African safari and tour as a romantic anniversary trip. These Anniversary Trips Can’t Lose If you’re looking for an extra special way to celebrate an upcoming anniversary milestone, all of the options I just listed are sure fire winners. Anniversary trips are all about making spectacular, life long memories, and these trips are perfect for that. Any one of these anniversary trips is just the thing for an anniversary you’ll never forget.

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]]> https://www.thriftymommastips.com/six-anniversary-trips-totally-rock/feed/ 50 12990 Disney On Ice at Budweiser Gardens All Weekend #DisneyonIce https://www.thriftymommastips.com/disney-ice-budweiser-gardens-weekend-disneyonice/ Fri, 11 Mar 2016 21:11:45 +0000 https://www.thriftymommastips.com/?p=11101 Are you looking for some fun family entertainment to kick off your March break? Look no further than Budweiser Gardens and Disney on Ice. Disney on Ice Dare to Dream is on at Budweiser Gardens all weekend. It opened last night. We have had a longstanding tradition here of attending Disney on Ice most years since the kids were small. Many years when they were little we would enter the contests at the local libraries and earn tickets for reading dozens of books and logging them there. But tickets are affordable and you can easily get four tickets for $100 roughly. Plus this show is great family entertainment value in my opinion. Disney on Ice is always a huge treat and a special family event. Plus let’s face it, kids of all ages can easily appreciate how beautiful the skating is in these wonderful shows by Feld Entertainment and Disney on Ice. This particular show is wonderful family entertainment. Dare to Dream doesn’t disappoint with its heavy focus on Disney princesses, both old and new. A highlight of this year’s show is sure to be Rapunzel and Flynn Ryder. Their acrobatics are really stunning. We enjoy watching how Budweiser Gardens is transformed every year to become a gymnasium of sorts for flying princesses. As always, hosts Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse kickstart the show. Your kids will be sure to enjoy the traditional princess stories as much as they love the plot lines from Tangled. If you are looking for a great family entertainment opportunity this weekend then this is the show for you. For more information you can visit http://www.disneyonice.ca/ The show runs March 10 to 13th in London. To save money you can make these now and take them with you: Mickey Mouse Ears printable and then there’s always these awesome cookies. I know it says Halloween Mickey Mouse cookies BUT you can easily make these princess colours too. I am a Feld Family Activator and as such I receive product, compensation, or tickets to attend shows like this one. My opinion is all my own. 

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]]> 11101 Five Amazing Multi-Generational Travel Destinations in the Southern U.S. #travel https://www.thriftymommastips.com/five-amazing-multi-generational-travel-destinations-southern-u-s-travel/ https://www.thriftymommastips.com/five-amazing-multi-generational-travel-destinations-southern-u-s-travel/#comments Tue, 01 Mar 2016 07:59:29 +0000 https://www.thriftymommastips.com/?p=9890 Multi-generational travel can be wonderful. Enjoying life long memories with everyone in the family from grandparents down to grandchildren is something that not every family gets to do. Although multi-generational travel can be fun, it’s sometimes difficult to find destinations that appeal to everyone. That’s why I’ve put together 5 great multi-generational travel destinations in the southern U.S. Multi-Generational Travel Destinations that Totally Rock If you’re going to take a multi-generational family trip, you might as well make it totally epic. That’s what these five destinations are all about. If you’re planning a trip to the south with the extended family, these are destinations not to be missed. Walt Disney World Resort This takes the number one spot on my list for one major reason. Disney has been around for as long as many grandparents have been alive. Subsequently, Walt Disney World Resort has attractions that will appeal to everyone in the family from the oldest to the youngest. With fine and themed dining, rides, characters, and more adult themed attractions such as Epcot, Walt Disney World Resort was made for multi-generational travel. New Orleans You might think beads and flashing when you think New Orleans, but it’s so much more. New Orleans was tailor made for multi-generational travel. From the historic district, never ending music, and family friendly sites like the zoo and aquarium, New Orleans has a little something for everyone from every generation. For a true multi-generational experience, take a ride to the zoo or aquarium on an honest to goodness New Orleans street car. Rock City Rock City is a beautiful destination for multi-generational travel. Located atop Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga, Rock City has everything a family could want in a travel destination. It’s the kind of fun that appeals to the older family members because it doesn’t involve high tech gadgets. It’s also the kind of fun that appeals to the kids, because it sparks their sense of wonder. At Rock City, you can see 7 states, stand under a waterfall, take a walk through an underground cavern, and more. Gatlinburg Gatlinburg, Tennessee is a great multi-generational travel destination for the family that loves old school. You can rent any of a number of cabins nestled in the mountains surrounding Gatlinburg, Tennessee for a beautiful relaxing oasis after a day of touring antique shops, old time general stores, and more old school, down home goodness. The youngsters can enjoy the many attractions designed for kids like woodworking storefronts that showcase hand crafted toys and the many family-friendly activities like do-it-yourself mining. Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C. is an excellent multi-generational travel destination. Both adults and children will enjoy seeing the seat of our country’s democracy, as well as visiting several museums that are enjoyable for adults and children alike. You can visit the National Air and Space Museum, where you can touch a piece of the moon. Also, head over to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, where you can see the Ruby Slippers worn by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz, among other things. I have actually never been but have this on my dreamy travel destination pinterest board wishlist. Multi-Generational Travel Makes Lifelong Memories I don’t know many people who can say they went on a trip with their extended families. If you can do it, I highly recommend it. There’s nothing like experiencing amazing new things as an extended family. Multi-generational trips build memories like no others, so head to one of these fantastic southern destinations and experience the magic and wonder of multi-generational travel.   Related articles across the web Book your land and sea Walt Disney World & Disney Cruise Line vacation with Kristen of Magical Journeys TODAY AT&T Florida latest major employer to join Florida Businesses for a Competitive Workforce Aerial Photography Outlines Disney’s Retail Wonderland ‘Disney Springs’ 9 Steps to Trim Holiday Travel Costs Planning A Trip Fancy A Holiday Trip? Travel By Car

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]]> https://www.thriftymommastips.com/five-amazing-multi-generational-travel-destinations-southern-u-s-travel/feed/ 15 9890 WIN Four Tickets to See Disney on Ice Dare to Dream #DisneyonIce #giveaways #LDNONT (ARV $100) https://www.thriftymommastips.com/win-four-tickets-to-see-disney-on-ice-enchanted-disneyonice/ https://www.thriftymommastips.com/win-four-tickets-to-see-disney-on-ice-enchanted-disneyonice/#comments Thu, 18 Feb 2016 15:00:01 +0000 https://www.thriftymommastips.com/?p=10781 It’s classic princess stories mixed with contemporary Disney favourites at Budweiser Gardens this March and right now you could also win tickets to take your family to see Disney on Ice Dare to Dream! Pay attention to all the details at the end of this post and you could win tickets for four (a family pack) to see Disney on Ice Dare to Dream at Budweiser Gardens March 10 at 7 p.m. If you hang around here at all then you know that this is a family tradition for us. We have rarely missed a Disney on Ice show ever since the kids were old enough to walk. I know my girls are getting older now but I still LOVE this tradition. Plus let’s face it, kids of all ages can easily appreciate how beautiful the skating is in these wonderful shows by Feld Entertainment and Disney on Ice. This year all eyes will be on Rapunzel, Flynn Rider and Maximus as they embark together on a comical journey that’s a bit hair raising at times too. We love Rapunzel and her funny entourage. Nothing can stop a princess from a celebration of royal proportions when Disney On Ice presents Dare to Dream skates into London. Join your hosts Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse for a princess-packed adventure. Laugh along with Disney’s hair-raising escapade, Tangled.   You will also have a chance to travel to the enchanted forest with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs as she escapes from the Evil Queen in her search for her one true love. And dreams turn into reality for Cinderella, a classic Disney princess story that most children grow up learning about. Dreams become reality as Cinderella meets her Prince Charming, with a glass slipper fit for an unforgettable fantasy come true. Boogie to the beat of the bayou with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen from Disney’s The Princess and the Frog, in a magical, musical journey that begins with a fateful kiss. The whole family will delight in the beauty, sparkle and spirit of the ultimate Disney Princess event of a lifetime! Good Luck. This contest is really only applicable to anyone who can get to the venue Budweiser Gardens for opening night March 10 at 7 p.m. The family four pack of tickets is only good for that show! Disney on Ice Dare To Dream is currently touring many cities and will make a stop in London where the skaters will perform March 10 to 13th. Opening Night tickets start at $15 and lower level seats are $10 off! Restrictions and fees may apply. Right now I also have an exclusive promo code that will save you money – Promo Code: OPEN For more information you can visit http://www.disneyonice.ca/ And if you want to get a jump on the preparations for this event feel free to use this Mickey Mouse Ears printable and then there’s always these awesome cookies. I know it says Halloween Mickey Mouse cookies BUT you can easily make these princess colours too. I am a Feld Family Activator and as such I receive product, compensation, or tickets to attend shows like this one. My opinion is all my own and I love bringing giveaways to my readers here at Thrifty Momma’s Tips. I look forward to seeing you at the show!   Entry-Form

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]]> https://www.thriftymommastips.com/win-four-tickets-to-see-disney-on-ice-enchanted-disneyonice/feed/ 10 10781 Baymax Big Hero 6 Valentine’s #ValentinesDay https://www.thriftymommastips.com/baymax-big-hero-6-valentines-valentinesday/ Wed, 03 Feb 2016 00:27:05 +0000 https://www.thriftymommastips.com/?p=10459 Are you looking for some cute printable Valentine’s for your child to give out this year? For that group of school kids that’s a bit older than the Treehouse set? Look no further. I have printable Baymax Big Hero 6 Valentine’s printables. Do you remember when this one first came out at the theatres? Baymax was so adorable! We loved Big Hero 6 from the start. It’s a crowd pleaser for most ages really. Not entirely unlike Inside Out, which I also adored. I have featured a lot of Valentine’s Day content here this year and last year as well. But I haven’t had any actual printable Valentine’s until now. So here you go. For the children who are fans of Baymax these Big Hero Six Valentine’s will be perfect. [tweetthis]Free Printable Big Hero 6 Valentine’s. [/tweetthis] Now follow my instructions and you can print them out for your own use this year. Click below on the highlighted Big Hero 6 link which will take you to a PDF version of these Valentine’s. Then Print them out on some cardstock. If you are looking for a treat or two then don’t forget to check out this post about Valentine’s Day desserts. And if you need more inspiration for crafts this holiday then here you go: Valentine’s Day card boxes. I can’t even tell you how much I love some of the sweet ideas represented here for Valentine’s Day! How about an Olaf mailbox for Valentine’s Cards, or even an American Girl Valentine’s Day container. I personally LOVE the camper. So creative! bighero6valentines (Click to print) These Valentine’s and more rewards can be found on http://www.disneymovierewards.go.com/ Happy Valentine’s Day!

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