Family Beach Vacations - Tips and Deals

Aruba's first luxury all-inclusive resort, the Occidental Grand Aruba Resort, opened on May 1 on Palm Beach.

Occidental spent nearly US$24-million on renovations and upgrades to transform the former Allegro-branded resort into an Occidental Grand, the hotel company's upscale brand offering more personalized service and gourmet food. The resort now features 391 deluxe rooms and suites (reduced from 402), a choice of seven restaurants ranging from casual to fine dining, and a spa. The resort will also offer guests a "Royal Club," described as a more "upscale boutique-style hotel within the resort."

Royal Club guests receive VIP services in each of 50 rooms, including exclusive check-in area, private a la carte restaurant and lounge, 600-thread-count Egyptian cotton linens, monogrammed terry cloth bath robes, hydro-massage bathtubs, DVD player, complimentary high-speed Internet access, Godiva chocolates at turn-down, Bulgari bath amenities, 24-hour room service, business centre, private concierge service and preferred restaurant seating in all restaurants.

Other amenities at the Aruba resort include a Kids Club, complimentary non-motorized water sports, such as wind surfing, kayaking and snorkelling, fitness classes, two tennis courts, and nearby golf. Find out what other families have said about the Occidental Grand Aruba Resort at TripAdvisor

August 23, 2006 - Have A Disney Halloween This Year

Disneyland will unveil its new "HalloweenTime" seasonal event on September 29, which allows the park and characters to dress itself up in various décor and outfits, and offer interactive activities. As part of the attractions, "Haunted Mansion Holiday" in New Orleans Square will show what happens when the traditions of Halloween and Christmas collide. The set-up is inspired by the animated film The Nightmare Before Christmas.

The Central Plaza of Disneyland will be specially decorated with Disney Character-inspired jack-o-lanterns surrounding the famous“ statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse. Additionally, the Disney Characters themselves will get into the spirit of the occasion, wearing their favorite Halloween costumes, while meeting and greeting Guests in Town Square and the Central Plaza. Continuing through Oct. 31, the first-ever event will allow guests to enter a family-friendly world of Halloween delights.

Find more information on Disneyland Vacations

August 26, 2006 - Great Deal For Kids At SeaWorld And Orlando Marriott

The Orlando World Center Marriott Resort and SeaWorld Orlando are featuring a two-night package starting from US$410 per room that runs through Dec. 31, but must be booked by Sept. 30. Along with offering children under nine a free admission ticket, the package includes a gift bag for youngsters, one park ticket that is valid for the entire length of the guests' stay, free shuttle and a coupon booklet that provides parking upgrades, "Ride Again" passes and discounts.

The Orlando World Center Resort Marriott offers something for everyone in the family, there are more opportunities for fun and adventure than your family will have time to indulge in with just one visit. Start with the amenities on the property and you'll find more of a paradise than a resort. With more than 1,000,000 gallons of liquid refreshment in six pools and six hot tubs, right outside your door. Soothing waterfalls, a curvy water slide and, everywhere, tropical landscaping.

But wait, there's more for your family to enjoy

* Hawk's Landing Championship Golf Course (18 holes; 6,810 yards; 72 par).
* Full-service spa: eucalyptus filled steam room, massage, facials, manicures, pedicures, spa treatments.
* 24-hour fitness center with elliptical machines, treadmills, free weights and more.
* 4 heated swimming pools (1 indoor).
* Poolside activities, i.e., hair braiding, poolside movies, face painting, etc. (seasonal).
* 2 children's pools.
* 6 whirlpools.
* 2 sand volleyball courts.
* 4 lighted tennis courts.
* Basketball.
* Sand play area.
* Activity center.
* Video arcade.

August 30, 2006 - Disney Deals For September

Starting Aug. 27 and continuing to the end of September (excluding Sept. 1 and 2), vistors can book a stay at a Disney Value Resort hotel for US$64 per night, plus tax (price based on two adults occupying one standard room). The number of rooms available at this rate is limited, and other room types are available at varying rates.

This Offer Also Includes These Disney Resort Hotel Guest Benefits:

Extra Time in the Park - Each day, one of the Parks opens early or stays open late so you have more time to enjoy many favourite attractions with Extra Magic Hours benefit. Valid Theme Park ticket and Resort hotel ID required.

Complimentary Airport Transfer and Luggage Service - Your vacation starts the moment you land at Orlando International Airport as Disney's Magical Express Transportation delivers you to your Disney Resort hotel.

Guest Transportation - Complimentary and convenient transportation to and from all Disney Parks and Resort hotels.

You can also purchase Theme Park tickets for as low as US$30 per day, plus tax when they purchase a 7-Day Magic Your Way Base Ticket. Visit Go Disney for more information about this offer.

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