Guest Blog by Jennifer Hodges Kozlow

These days, most families I know are so busy that it sometimes seems like we are all ships passing in the night. Between the hectic schedules of work and school, endless hours of extracurricular activities, meetings, birthday parties, (the lists go on and on…) it can feel like good old-fashioned family time has gotten totally lost in the shuffle.

With spring break and summer vacations just around the corner, the opportunities for planning the perfect family memories abound. Topping my family's list of magical places to go for great fun and adventure is Walt Disney World in Orlando.  As veteran travelers to this great destination, one might think that we’ve seen it all. Not true! Those creative Disney Imagineers are constantly working on new and exciting adventures.

Voyage of Little Mermaid

From traditional Disney rides and characters, Broadway-style shows, primetime TV-style entertainment to thrill-seeking adventures, there truly is something for everyone. Whether you are into Princesses, Pirates, or adventures in a galaxy far, far away, Indy-racecar driving or the next American Idol, Disney has something for everyone in your family. 

Jedi Training Academy at Disney World's Hollywood Studios

And the fun doesn’t stop with the rides and entertainment.  The accommodations are almost as fun as the Parks! The Deluxe Resorts at Disney are the most popular choice because of their close proximity to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot. These resorts feature many upscale options like Concierge level rooms, character dining opportunities and monorail access direct to the Parks.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Lodge

The Moderate and Value hotels have some very special features of their own; Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside recently underwent a makeover and now boasts Royal Guest Rooms, decorated to look like you just stepped into Tiana’s castle, while Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort offers pirate-themed guest rooms with pirate ships for beds!  A new Value Resort opening in May, The Art of Animation Resort, will be an all-suite hotel with Nemo, Cars and Lion King-themed rooms.  

Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show

In addition to the fun décor of the Disney hotels, each hotel offers many dining options from sit-down restaurants to food courts, fun pools, children’s activities, free transportation to and from the airport, daily transportation to the Parks as well as Cast Members with happy smiles waiting to make your vacation dreams come true.

With several room specials for Spring travel, a trip to Disney might be more affordable than you think. Current promotions include:

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• 30% off off Deluxe Resort rooms and villas
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• 25% off rooms at Moderate Resorts
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• 20% off rooms at the Value Resorts
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• (And new promotions are coming soon!)

When our family is at Disney, the rest of the world is put on hold. The most important decision of the day is which ride to start with and which character to meet. With the other 51 weeks of the year consumed by everything else, now is the perfect time to make sure that your family gets a break from the rat-race and has the time to make memories to last a lifetime!

Jennifer Hodges Kozlow

Jennifer Hodges Kozlow is a travel specialist with Glass Slipper Concierge, a Disney-specialized travel concierge service that offers meticulously-planned Disney vacations at no additional cost to you.  To learn more please visit her on Facebook.

Image Credits: Disney and Jennifer Hodges Kozlow