Trippen Zone

TAKING THE FAMILY TO DISNEY LAND

2008-05-08T11:23:00.000-07:00

When planning your Disney Land Family Vacation remember the park offers different things at different types of the year. Fantasmic is held twice each night during the peak season, and weekends during the off-season. The show takes place on Tom Sawyer’s Island, and features many characters, music, and fireworks. The Parade of Dreams features large colorful floats accompanied by many Characters. This parade takes place twice each day. The entire parade will stop three times to do a choreographed show, In the Fantasy Land Theater; you can see a musical of Snow White. This show is held several times throughout the day. Since the shows held several times each day, reservations are not necessary. One thing that you can definitely count on, of course, is the fireworks! The fireworks show is held late each night – before the park closes for the day

You should begin your day at Disneyland enjoying the attractions. Fantasyland is one of the most popular areas at Disneyland because there are no age requirements and the only height restriction is a 35 inches for the Matterhorn. Tuesday’s Wednesday’s, and Thursday’s are the days when you will have shorter lines for the attractions.

Disneyland is designed for kids of all ages – and toddlers are no exception! Start with Toon Town. Here is where you will find your toddler’s favorite Disney Characters, including Mickey and Minnie Mouse. The Disneyland Railroad is a great way to get around the park, because there are stations in New Orleans Square, Toon Town, Tomorrow Land and Main Street.

If you really want to delight your child – or yourself – you should arrange to have a Disneyland Character meal. This will allow you and your whole family to have quality time with one or more of the Disneyland characters. In fact, this is the best way to interact with them for any length of time.

Character breakfasts take place each morning at the park. You do not need a reservation for these meals. These breakfasts take place in many of the parks restaurants, but Goofy’s Kitchen is a great place to start. It is located in the Disneyland Hotel, and there are dishes to please everyone. Children under three years of age get to eat free, which should be considered when you are planning the budget for your trip. Goofy is always there, with Pluto, but other characters come and go all throughout the day. You should definitely make reservations for Goofy’s kitchen, as it is quite popular, and the wait can be very long.

If dining with Princesses is important, than Ariel’s Grotto is the place to be. Serving three course meals, this is elegant dining that both kids and adults can enjoy. Each princess will come spend a little time at your table during your meal – one at a time. Reservations for Ariel’s Grotto are recommended. This is one place in the park where both alcohol and non-alcohol drinks are served. The Storyteller’s Café is another place that is highly recommended for Character Meals. Characters are only here during breakfast. Both buffet and menu dining are available. Lilo and Stitch also have a Character Breakfast, as does Minnie Mouse. Breakfast with Minnie and Friends is extremely popular, so make reservations .You should definitely include a Character Meal or two in your Disneyland Vacation plans. This is something that your child will remember forever and interacting with the famous Disney characters that we all know and love is part of what Disneyland is all about!

A TRAVELERS PARADISE: NEW YORK CITY

2008-03-10T11:22:00.000-07:00

New York City, hailed as the city that never sleeps, fondly known as the Big Apple, is home to approximately eight million people and with the population still expected to rise in the years to come. New York City touted as the center of the world maybe because each part of the globe has left an indelible mark in this place. From food to works of art to culture exhibits to tourist spots, whatever it is you want your senses to take pleasure in, New York City most probably has it.

Hotels: New York is a city of high rise towers and a number of those are hotels that you can take your pick of. These buildings range from the five star hotels to the funky ones to hotels with “affordable” packages.

Four Season Hotel: if you have kids, then you should consider staying in this kid-friendly hotel because guests under 18 can stay free. The tallest hotel in New York City, it also provides its family guests with coloring books, a video lending library and welcome gifts for kids.

Soho Grand Hotel: if you’re the type of traveler who can’t bear to leave your four legged friend behind, have no fear because there are several hotels in New York
that can accommodate furry guests, just like the Soho Grand Hotel.

Affinia 50 Suites: this particular hotel has no difficulties in landing a Top 10 spot in any survey when it comes to being the best hotel in New York City. Previously known as the Plaza 50 Suites, this is a no-fuss-comfort-zone for travelers who want basic accommodations that would also be easy on the pockets. Large suites equipped with kitchenettes are also available.

Hilton Time Square :. The Hilton Time Square is one of the most elegant hotels in New York City, with a theater and even its own wax museum! In addition, just because it is posh, do not assume that the staff would turn its nose up on noisy, bratty kids or dirty, scrambling house pets. The Hilton Time Square aims to please all forms of guests, human and non-human, adult and kids.

Dining : Whether it is sashimi, pesto pasta, kimchi, shawarma or paella that you’re looking for, trust me when I say that New York City has everything that your taste buds may want to savor.

Harlem Grill: this restaurant consistently grabs a spot in any Top 10 New York Restaurants survey. Moreover, certainly there would be no doubts in your minds why the moment you a) catch a glimpse of the place and b) take a bite of any of the sumptuous feasts they offer. Harlem Grill is, owned by Tony Nominee and actor Keith David, is making great waves in the restaurant scene. The Harlem Grill is located at 2247 Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard.

Michael Jordan’s The Steakhouse NYC: With an interior that practically has Michael Jordan’s sense of style stamped all over it and a menu that could please even the snobbiest of food critics, a visit to New York would not be complete without grabbing a bite in this restaurant. The Steakhouse NYC is on the North and West balconies of the Grand Central Terminal.

Teodora : If you’re out to impress your date with a beautiful romantic dinner in New York then you must be looking for a place exactly like Teodora. After all, Italians are renowned for their passion, ardor and pasta. Teodora is located at 141 East 57th Street, New York City.

Nightlife: If you are fond of stargazing and I am not talking about those that you can find in the sky, then definitely, New York City is the place to be. Go club hopping and rub elbows with the rich and famous at some of the hottest places.

Tourist Spots: With so many points of interest to visit in New York City, it is sometimes quite difficult to know where to start. However, of course, we will try our very best. A visit to New York City would not be complete without touring the following sites:

Empire State Building: Need I explain?

The Statue of Liberty: take a ferry ride to this gigantic statue, a gift to the United States from the French government some centuries ago.

Madam Tussaud’s Wax Museum: This particular site is in Ripley’s because of the uncanny resemblance of its inhabitants.

World Trade Center: Now, I know that technically speaking, this is not a happy place but it would do all of us good to pay our respects to the victims of the September 11 bombing. This tragedy has at least proved that the people of New York City would not let any terrorist attack faze them into cowering in terror. Hail, hail New York City!

Remember to have plenty of cab fare, a map and a cell phone(in case you get lost).

SPRING BREAK IN MEXICO

2008-03-05T10:24:00.000-08:00

Greetings,
My Nephew recently told me he was going to see the Pyramids in Mexico over Spring Break.Mexico is a popular vacation destination. While a large nubmer of individuals visit Mexico during the summer, there are many who choose to visit during the spring. Many of these individuals are on spring break. If you are like most college students, you may want to spend you spring break vacationing in Mexico.

One of the many reasons why Mexico is a popular vacation destination among college students is because of the legal drinking age. Unlike in the United States, the legal drinking age is only eighteen in Mexico. This law enables almost all college students to drink alcohol on their break, an activity that all enjoy.

While vacationing in Mexico, there are an unlimited nubmer of destinations that you can choose from. If you are interested in partying, socializing, and spending time with your peers, you have a number of Mexico destinations to choose from. You will find that many of these locations are beach resorts.

The most popular spring break destination in Mexico, if not the whole world, is Cancun. Cancun is most famous for its nightlife. Cancun is literally loaded with a large nubmer of bars and nightclubs. If you are interested in partying the night away, Cancun is the place to do it. Just a few of the many nightclubs in Cancun include the Bulldog Café, Dady ‘O, Margaritaville, Fat Tuesdays, and Senor Frogs.

Cancun is most known for its night life; however, you will need to find something to keep your days busy. If you love the beach and all of the activities it has to offer, you will not be disappointed. Along the beaches, you can swim, sunbathe, play volleyball, or toss a Frisbee around. In addition to the activities found on the beach, you can also ride four-wheelers, take jungle tours, go horseback riding, experience an ocean cruise, or go snorkeling along the coast.

While Cancun may be the most popular Spring Break destination in the world, Mexico has a nubmer of other beach areas that you may want examine. One of those locations includes Acapulco. In many ways, Acapulco is similar to Cancun. Acapulco has an active nightlife and other amazing activities, which can be found on or off the beach.

As with most beaches, while in Acapulco you can sunbathe along the shore, go swimming in the ocean, or participate in a nubmer of outdoor beach sports games. In addition to traditional beach activities, you find even more to fill up your day, on and off the shoreline. Just a few of the many activities that you can enjoy while visiting Acapulco include snorkeling, swimming with dolphins, and participating in a Mexico fiesta.

The nightlife in Acapulco is often compared to Cancun. You can spend your nights partying away in bars, nightclubs, strip clubs, or discos. Just a few of the many bars in the Acapulco area include Mangos, One Dollar Bar, and Yuppies Sports Bar.

Whether you choose to spend your spring break in Cancun or Acapulco, you will have to make your plans ahead of time. Your Spring Break vacation can be planned on a whim; however, many popular hotel resorts quickly fill up during spring break. As soon as you decide that you are going to spend your break in Cancun or Acapulco, it is likely that you would want to make your travel plans right away.

When making hotel and travel accommodations, it is important not to make reservations with the first airline or hotel that you come across. A large nubmer of resorts in the Cancun and Acapulco areas offer spring break packages. Many of these packages are designed to save spring breakers money. In addition to searching for beach resorts that offer vacation packages, you may want to examine the deals found on discount travel websites. Many of these deals are similar to ones that you may find being offered by a popular resort.

With all of activities, services, and facilities found in Mexico, you are sure to enjoy your Spring Break. In fact, so many students enjoy their time there that they often return the following year. Whether you what a simple vacation or to start a tradition, Mexico is the place to be.

FAMILY FUN IN NEWPORT BEACH

2008-02-19T10:58:00.000-08:00

Greetings

I am originally from Southern California. In my teenage years with so many beaches within easy travel distance, Seal Beach, Huntington Beach and Newport Beach just to name a few I spent many happy days body surfing or just laying in the sun lathered up with suntan lotion hoping to turn the color of dark brown toast. Newport Beach quickly became my favorite and I can still remember the smell of the salt water, the warm sand between my toes and the giggles of the little children as they ran from the waves that were rolling onto the shore. This is the perfect time to start planning your family vacation and no matter what type of family getaway you have in mind, you'll always find something for everyone throughout Newport Beach. From young to old and everyone in between, Newport Beach easily combines the best of family fun with activities to keep everyone entertained for hours and hours.

One of the most popular family activities in Newport Beach is going to the beach. During the summer months, the beach is a very popular resort and getaway spot for the entire family. You and your wife or your friends can enjoy swimming, boat riding, or even hitting the waves on a jet ski. With temperatures in the summer hitting 75 degrees and above, nothing breaks the heat better than the beach.

For the kids, the beach holds many different activities. They can build sand castles in the sand, play around in the water, or simply bask in the glorious sun (don’t forget the sunscreen}. If they get tired of playing in the sand, you can simply go back to your hotel room and enjoy the fun of the safe yet confined swimming pool.

Another popular activity in Newport Beach for the family is the Balboa Fun Zone. There is something here for everyone, with the Fun Zone keeping kids entertained the entire time they are there! If you've never experienced the Fun Zone before, you'll be in for the treat of a lifetime!

The Balboa Fun Zone is comprised of many different areas, including restaurants and beaches. There is so much to do here that you'll probably have to come back over the course of several days to see everything that the Fun Zone has to offer.

Another activity that yields a lot of fun in Newport Beach is rollerblading. You can rent roller blades from many different providers, from kid’s sizes to adults. There are also many places to use your rollerblades, including the sidewalks along the beach. If you like rollerblading, Newport Beach helps to set a new standard of fun.

When it comes to the kids enjoying themselves, nothing will please them more than the Toy Boat. Located at 3331East Coast Highway, the Toy Boat is the best place in Newport Beach to take the kids. There are hundreds of thousands of toys and activities here to keep your kids and probably yourselves entertained for hours.

After you have a day of family fun in Newport Beach or the surrounding areas, you can stop and have a relaxing meal at one of the fabulous restaurants. The food here is to die for, giving everyone in your family a chance to eat their favorite food.

With something for everyone, it's hard to believe that Newport Beach is actually an undiscovered vacation spot for many. The area has so much to offer, that it's just

a matter of time before people start to discover everything the area will provide them with. When the time comes for your getaway - make sure you give Newport Beach a try - you'll be glad you did!