The city that never sleeps. It is hands down one of our favorite places in the world - the bright lights, the hustle & bustle, the energy from the city and its people. You get caught up in it from the moment you set foot in the concrete jungle.

Yet our kids had a chance to experience it outside a layover visit and when our eldest was just an infant. We were all teeming to go, and with dear family friends getting married, we had the perfect reason to. So we decided we were going to send off summer break with a few days in the city!

But how do you design a kid-friendly trip to the Big Apple and what all is there you can really do with kids?

​Lots, actually!

Here’s a glimpse of must-sees while in NYC along with a rough design of your trip!

This is a day long activity if you want to enjoy it right!  And for us, it was how we started day one of our city tour. 

We pre-purchased tickets via the official vendor, Statue Cruises, prior to arrival to guarantee an entry time and save time from waiting in line.  Checking out tickets before hand can also allow you to get the coveted Pedestal or Crown tickets, as both are limited in quantities.  Pedestal tickets are the same price as the regular tickets (which get you ferry access to the islands), so it is worth trying to get your hands on these.  Pedestal tickets are the the only way you'll be able to get into the Statue of Liberty, with a whole museum to check out at her base.  Crown tickets are even harder to come by; they do cost a little more and allow only those 48" & taller up to climb the statue all the way up to her crown.  But if you do manage to get these tickets, it is so worth it - even just to say you made it to the top! 

While you're on Liberty Island, make it a point to get your kids their Junior Ranger badges. Not familiar with the program? Certain National Parks around the US offer booklets and activities for kids to complete while visiting the parks. Once complete, find a ranger, review your activities and receive an official badge after a swearing in ceremony. It has definitely been a hit for the kids during our trips and a fun FREE activity to find while we're visiting national parks around the US!

If possible, before you even visit, read some books about the Statue of Liberty.  "Her Right Foot" by David Eggers was our favorite and taught the kids so much about what they were looking at. They were eager to find her right foot and talk about what it symbolized once looking at her in person. 

Hop the ferry over to Ellis Island next, to learn about an icon in immigration to America.  This was the thoroughfare for immigrants arriving by boat and the first place that they set foot on before making their way to their new home.  Kids have another opportunity to earn a Junior Ranger badge here, which makes touring the facility that much more intriguing, even for adults!  We learned so much more through the activities they were doing as we were looking at this relic with different lens.  We also made it a point to visit The American Immigrant Wall of Honor on the island before we left, where years ago we had families' names engraved to celebrate their immigration to the states.  It was the best moment of the day, having my kids find their grandfather and great grandfather's names and explaining to them the sacrifices that were made to move here. 

Once you finish both islands, it's time to make it back to Battery Park.  A good portion of your day may be spent waiting in lines, boarding ferries, and getting to the next spot.  That's where a day for this activity allows you to explore without feeling rushed.  Once back at Castle Clinton, the ticket booth location for the Statue of Liberty, locate a ranger for one last badge.  The fort does not appear to house much, but once learning about the history you come to appreciate it even more.  It sits on its own manmade island, was once an aquarium, and for pop culture fans, it was the location of the Swedish Nightingale, Jenny Lind's first US performance (yes, of The Greatest Showman kind)! 

Your visit has to end with a ride on the Seaglass Carousel - truly a work of art and as beautiful to ride as it is to look at.  So reward yourself after a day of exploring by kicking back your feet, relaxing on and enjoying the show on this marvelous attraction!

We’re partial to the Mets but you can’t go wrong either way!  If you're spending summer in the city, a baseball game is a MUST! 

It was a big moment for us, since it was our first time at Citifield; last time I saw a home ballgame was when it was still Shea Stadium (while the new stadium was under construction). For the kids, it was the first time watching the Mets play outside of Spring Training.  And my youngest even got to wear a family heirloom; a toddler size 1986 World Series Champions shirt that's 8 times as old as she is.  

Central Park also needs to be reserved for a day all its own.  You can do as little or as much as you want to, but for us, we wanted to let the kids immersive themselves so made Day 2 all about this urban forest. 

We started at the Central Park Zoo, which in its own right, deserves a visit just so your kids can say they went to the one Alex and his friends in Madagascar called home.  The zoo, though small, is adorable and can fill just enough time without taking away from your day.  Undecided?  Do what we did and buy tickets on your phone right on the spot - it will also get you a discount code to save AND reduce paper use.  

Once you're done visiting the wild animals of New York, its time to explore the park itself.  We read "A Green Place to be: The Creation of Central Park" by Ashley Benham Yazdani before our visit to learn about how the park came to life.  It introduced the different architecture of the park and allowed even the most seasoned visitor (me) to look at the park in new appreciation.

We explored the statues and landmarks with a different set of lens now that we knew their unique stories.  We stopped at Strawberry Fields and ironically had "Hey Jude" playing in the background as our kids learned about this famous memorial.   We visited the preserved Belvedere Castle and climbed with the kids to the top. 

If you come early enough and have time, within Shakespeare Garden is an wonderful playhouse for kids.  The Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre puts on puppet shows for young and old alike in the mornings, and though we didn't get to see it, we were told it was absolutely fantastic! 

The weather decided to turn on us, but we had plans to rent a boat and spend some time on the water.  And we were all anxiously looking forward to the activity - but said we'd add it to our list for next time!  You can rent a boat from the Loeb Boathouse for $15/hr + $4 per every additional 15 minutes for up to 4 people.  

Over the summer, Wollman Rink turns into Victorian Gardens, an amusement park in the city.  It was a nice change of pace for the kids to get to play in the city, with that skyscraper backdrop behind them.  But now our new goal is to come back and allow them to properly ice skate on this iconic rink with the same beautiful view behind them!
​
You can picnic in the park, ride a horse & carriage, enjoy a summer concert or movie or simply just be.  Central Park is definitely worth the immersed day if you're willing to see it like a little first timer. 

If you're lucky enough, you may even get a summer concert here!  We were able to get tickets to Good Morning America's taping of their summer concert series right in Central Park - so we woke up to Keith Urban playing for all of America!  What a moment, even for the kids to experience their first televised concert! 

We couldn't take a trip to New York and not stop for the famous Frozen Hot Chocolate.  Serendipity 3, an iconic restaurant made famous by the movie of the same name, is truly what its name lives up to - a fortunate accident.  You're only so lucky if you get to drop by to experience this restaurant's eclectic vibe only complemented by its massive food choices.  

And yes, you have to have the Frozen Hot Chocolate before dinner.  It is just that good - and big enough to share, if you want to! 

What better to complement Frozen Hot Chocolate than going to see Frozen itself!  If you have a chance to dabble in local theater back home with your kids, a trip to NYC is time to upgrade to the big time.  There are plenty of family friendly options on and off Broadway, including long running The Lion King, Aladdin, Wicked and whatever else is introduced into rotation in the theater district.  

Frozen was the latest release and the only our kids hadn't seen, so we made big plans to see it. And we all absolutely fell in love with Broadway's take on this beautiful story about self and love! 

Those morning shows you catch glimpse of after your local news are taped right here, so why not try to get your 15 seconds of fame?  The Today Show is our personal favorite, staged right under 30 Rock, and its outdoor atmosphere inviting.  Tapings are free and early, so make sure you're ready to rise and shine.  If you need coffee or sweets to help with that, stop by Bouchon Bakery next door for morning wake up treats (we especially enjoyed the macarons)!

If you're more of a GMA fan, head over to Times Square to catch a glimpse of them at work. 

Visit this beauty and not just to pass through - we started one of our mornings by heading over to take it all in!  

Prior to our visit, we read all about this landmark in "When Jackie Saved Grand Central: Jacqueline Kennedy's Fight for and American Icon" by Natasha Wing.  The station is beautiful, from its intricate architecture to the details in its paintings.  The book gave us a preview to the story of its legacy and how it was almost lost and the fight to save and preserve it. We enjoyed our visit a little more by reading all about it, and even made sure to look for the dedication wall placed in the foyer for Jackie O.

Beyond its history, the station sees so much foot traffic and is home to some great eateries and places to shop.  If you're here, make sure to make a stop to the restaurant level and visit Magnolia Bakery for a treat - its definitely one of those New York places that is NOT to be missed! Grab the blondie - it was arguably the best! 

Want the ultimate moment for a kid? FAO Schwartz is back in Rockefeller Center and its just as magical as its flagship store once was.  Come for opening and be welcomed in by toys and toymakers alike.  Head up to the top floor to play on the iconic "Big" floor piano. Or simply just take in the magic of this magical toy store. 

The High Line is a walkway above the city built on old railways and a different way to take in New York.  The kids will enjoy finding the eclectic uses of art and the relaxed vibe up here - along with the views!

We suggest starting at the The Standard, specifically at the Biergarten.  This open air venue sells tickets at the ticket booth for beer and food; purchase what you'll like in exchange for item of choice once inside.  There are fusbol and ping pong tables set around the venue, along with the community tables.  It makes for a great time for the whole family, without getting too rowdy.  And for us, it was a nice place to duck into as we avoided the rain! 

Once you make your way up to walk down The High Line, feel free to get off and on to check out neighborhoods as you'd like.  You'll run into Chelsea Market which is marketplace of shops, eats, and events! Finish at Hudson Yards, where you can climb The Vessel - a centerpiece made for exploring!  

There are plenty to choose from, including the iconic Empire State Building, grand view of Central Park from Rockefeller Center, and a national treasure for all it represents, One World Trade.

We've visited all and really there is not a right or wrong, but suggest doing one a trip! It'll make every visit back extra special if you get a skyline view from a different landmark each time!

New York is full of museums, which make for the best any time activity! 

• American Museum of Natural History
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art 
• Museum of Modern Art (MOMA)
• Whitney Museum of American Art 
• Guggenheim Museum
• Tenement Museum 

... and that doesn't even finish that list nor start the selection of children's museum to see! 

• The Children's Museum of Manhattan
• The Color Factory
• Pip's Island 
• Brooklyn Children's Museum 
• DiMenna Children's Museum 
• Children's Museum of the Arts 
• Gulliver's Gate

Finally, don't forget your reciprocal benefits from any museum memberships from back home.  For us, the ASTC Travel Passport Program allowed us free entry to the Intrepid, which was an amazing and unique experience.  Not only did we get to wander an aircraft carrier, looking at all types of vessels but we also had the opportunity to tour a submarine.  The Growler was a Cold War era sub and even had one of the original crew volunteering on board.  To meet someone that served and that could give us firsthand account was indispensable. 

Want some really good Italian food?  Visit Little Italy!  It makes you feel like you are in Italia with the hosts enticing you to enter and the language floating through the air.  This is just one of those iconic neighborhoods you have to pop over and visit! 

​While you're there, go to Caffe Palmero - home of the best cannolis this side of the Atlantic! 

Visit another zoo! This ended up being serendipitous for our eldest - who was wanting to see the zoo but we couldn't squeeze it in during our three short days!  When our flight got cancelled and only rescheduled for two days later, we had the time to fulfill his wishes.  

The ZOO (of TV legacy) is truly an experience - and got us to another borough to visit.  An upgrade from the Central Park Zoo in sheer size and attractions, it was a delight to see our kids immerse themselves in this beautiful zoo.  They even had education stations to participate in activities and earn stickers all while learning about animals and what they can do to better help this world. 

We were immediately sold on a Wildlife Conservation Society membership during our visit, which covered the difference in the price of our Central Park tickets and this visit.  It also gave us a year's worth of visits to WCS affiliated zoos and aquariums in the greater NYC area.  So if we just happen to be back, we're covered; if not, we've donated to a great cause!  And saved while doing it. 

Walk across this architectural mastepiece for some stunning views of Manhattan Island! Do it at sunset for a glimpse of the heavens showing off!

Looking for the shoreline near Manhattan? Head further into Brooklyn to iconic Coney Island! Spend a perfect summer day on the boardwalk and riding the famous rides, like the Cyclone. Nothing else feels more like summertime!

Well, except a hot dog eating contest - which happens here every 4th of July!

Also, make use of that WCS membership and visit the New York Aquarium included in your purchase! Easily another two in one day here!

There’s never a wrong time for New York!  But how long you go is completely up to you! 

• Visit in Spring and you get the city coming back to life and the start of baseball season!
• Come during the Summer and get festivals galore.
• Fall brings the beauty of the changing season and just the right temperature in the air. 
• And nothing is as wonderful as spending Christmastime in the city! 

You can make a long weekend of it and focus on only one thing - like we did a few years back and hit up Broadway shows. You can come for a few days and take in all the highlights!  Or if you decide to stay longer, fill up your schedule with so many things to do.

Flying into NYC is relatively inexpensive from around the US, but it is always worth playing around with your dates and arrival airports to see what's available!  

We prefer flying into LaGuardia (LGA) because flights tend to run a little more frequently and cheaper.  But this last trip we flew out of JFK and had a wonderful experience - right down to getting there!  We were able to take the subway and then connect over to the AirTrain to get to JFK smoothly.  A cab ride can run over $75 - whereas taking public transit cost us about $20 (and our 4 year old was free the whole way) and in about the same amount of time. 

You can take public transit from LaGuardia too, but it takes a little more maneuvering and connecting to buses.  Knowing the ease of connection at JFK, we may consider flying in there more often than not!   

Subway, foot, or taxi are really the only way to go.  There is no point in having a car in the city, as you'll just be frustrated at the lack of parking or the sky high prices when you do find it.  So unless you plan to head out of NYC for the trip, save renting a car until it is needed.  

The subway is cheap and easy to use - $2.75 each one way trip or you can purchase multi-day cards for a discounted price.  If you have the opportunity, spend as much time above ground as possible too. Take in the city and sights, it's how you truly appreciate New York.  And if you're in a hurry, you can always hail a taxi - they're everywhere and in my opinion still more convenient than any Uber or Lyft in the city!

We prefer Midtown because of the accessibility to public transportation and the central location. Our last stay brought us to Hyatt Place Midtown-South off West 36th Street.  We were two blocks from Hearld Square (home of Macy's), a handful of blocks from Times Square, and had a subway on every corner.  

We stayed in a generous size King Room with sofa bed, which was more than enough space for sleeping & changing aka the only times we were in our room.  And as a World of Hyatt member, we got free breakfast every morning.  They were in the middle of renovations in their main breakfast room, so we got to enjoy our first meal of the day right under the Empire State Building.  Pretty incredible for the price we paid to stay here!

When our trip got extended, we stayed at the Hotel Beacon in the Upper West Side.  We were a few block away from Central Park and near a subway line that had a Trader Joe's, Duane Reade and some other shopping near by.  We had a two-bedroom suite with a full kitchen, lodging that reminded me of my first dated apartment.  Had we spent more time using the amenities this spot would've been great with the accessibility to the marketplaces we had!  Instead we enjoyed dining at nearby Levain Bakery & Zucker's Bagels for breakfast and delighting in Gray's Papaya for hot dog & fruit juice for lunch. 

If you haven't done NYC with kids, its definitely worth the consideration.  This melting pot of people, culture, and history is such a wonderful experience for them and exposing them to so much in one little trip!

During our trip to Hawaii, we chose to island hop between two because of the accessibility and cost. Flights were cheap to fly one way between and we were able to get a return out from Maui to the mainland at the same price it would have cost to fly home from arrival point of Honolulu.

So with that, we decided to spend a handful of our days visiting the third most populated Hawaiian island and home to some of the most beautiful sights. We only spent 4 of our 10 days here and though it felt like the right amount of time for us, we highly recommend a few more to fully take in all Maui has to offer.

Planning a trip to Hawaii and don't know where to start? Here's our suggested itinerary for a perfect week in paradise - based off things we did, and how we would have planned it for things we didn't get to do!

Follow our lead and do what we did on arrival! It's tested and true!

After a day of traveling, it's best to readjust and use a day for some R&R. We also loved it because it gives us a chance to use the amenities of the resort we're staying at.

Your first day in Maui would be best spent relaxing poolside, visiting its beach, using hotel amenities and the like. Save up all that energy for the rest of your trip. This is what you came for, isn't it?!

That down time will also help you gear up for a luau, which we hands down say is a must do. Old Lahaina Luau came HIGHLY recommended but is also high in demand. We lucked out and got seats at it! How? We got waitlisted for two months and then once in Hawaii got a call about an opening, so we took it! It couldn't have worked out better. Just in case, we booked a back up choice (fully refundable) and advise you do the same too! Bur start looking early!

Old Lahaina Luau was amazing - from arrival where you are greeted by ukulele being played and fresh flowers being handed out. Once you're checked in and in your respective line, you’re led in and presented to a host who will give everyone in your party fresh flower leis and Mai Tai for the adults (and juice for kids). You are led to your table where you are provided an explanation of the evening, pointed in the direction of activities (and the bar), and then given time to settle in. We went straight for the entertainment and learned how to hula, taught about Hawaiian instruments & their significance, and then played yard games where tattoos were won! Drinks were served unlimited and while we sipped and waited for the show, we were also given the chance to see the pig being dug from the ground.

At that point we were ushered to our seats and introduced to our server. We were booked a traditional table, which if in good shape to be seated on the floor, we say take! You're at the closest spot to the stage for prime view and also given a unique way to enjoy the meal. Our table was on the end of the half circle as well, which gave the kids a chance to run around nearby. The buffet was explained to us, once again all-you-can-eat and we were one of the first allowed to be served, as we had "prime seats". A live band and dancers entertained while we ate as part of the pre-show entertainment, but you already felt immersed in it all. The show started soon after the sun set and we watched with dessert and coffee, served at the table.

And the show itself? It was absolutely fantastic! It went through the story of Hawaii in dance and introduced to us the different cultures and stories that make up its history. Our kids loved it too, completely engaged in all of it, and participating when they could (in their own form of dance). The whole experience was about 3 hours long but felt like it could have gone on all night - it was fixating and didn't feel overdone at any point. If you have an opportunity to do a luau, do it, but if you had one to do, we would hands down choose Old Lahaina Luau all over again!

Take your second day on the island to sleep in again, especially after the feast you just had at your luau. Use today to explore South Maui, lined with resorts followed by million dollar homes.

The true show down here though is getting to the furthest point to see the lava fields. What an experience to drive through the rough roads and see molten rock lining either side. The end of the drive will bring you to Hoapili Trail. Park a little farther from the ocean as the tides will surprise, but jump out of the car, take a hike and explore! The waves here are massive & impressive and everything you thought Hawaii would be! It is sure to not disappoint.

On the way back up, make a stop at Makena Beach. The waters are great for snorkeling on top of being picturesque. Grab a picnic lunch from a local food truck and spend the rest of the day at the beach.

If you're feeling like one more stop of local flair before leaving the area, visit Maui Brewing Company for some delicious (try anything garnished with pienapple)!

If Haleakala isn't on your list of things to do, then look it up and put it on there. The dormant volcano is home to the most beautiful spot on earth for a sunrise. But you have to work to get there.

First of all, you NEED a ticket to get to the mountain that early in the morning; you can reserve your car pass for a $1 fee on the National Parks website up to 2 months in advance. If you checked and they are sold out, check again 2 days before at 4pm HST as they will release more tickets. After that, do not show up as you will not get in without a reservation.

Next, pack appropriately. Yes, you're going to Hawaii so bathing suits and shorts galore, but that will not help you at Haleakala. You're 10,000 feet up at Maui's highest point and it gets really cold here. It was about 40 degrees Fahrenheit when we were there, but it was said to get in negative temperatures too with random weather conditions. So come prepared! We had flown into Seattle so had pants and sweaters from our stop there, but also packed lined rain jacket (that came in good use in Washington State as well). If you're still fearing cold, nothing some towels and a comforter from your hotel room can't help! And pack ahead, because once you're up here, you really don't have another option to layer.

Finally, you have to get up early. Like really early. For us, it was 2:30am to leave our hotel in Lahaina by 3am and be at the base of Haleakala by about 4am. There you will pay an entrance fee of $25 per car and have to show your reservation; keep your receipt though as it will get you into Haleakala State Park again (and you will go again). We got to the top around 5:15am and with just enough time to spare before the sunrise. The drive was incredible with every star in the sky showing off and then the painted sky starting to light against the dark night. We recommend skipping the crowd literally crowding around the guard rails near the ranger station and make the short hike up to the peak, about a quarter of a mile. Yes, its a little strain this early, and this cold, and with this much less oxygen. But with the small group gathered up there in comparison, its so worth it! This is absolutely one of those moments you won't ever forget.

While you're up here too, make it a point to get your kids their Junior Ranger badges. Not familiar with the program? Certain National Parks around the US offer booklets and activities for kids to complete while visiting the parks. Once complete, find a ranger, review your activities and receive an official badge after a swearing in ceremony. It has definitely been a hit for the kids during our trips and a fun activity to find while we're visiting the parks around our nation!

Once you finish you're visit and make your way down, make a stop at Alii Kula Lavender Farm. Check out the incredible views of Maui's coast you get from this quaint location and check out the gardens and aromatic surroundings. You'll also be lucky to see hang gliders landing nearby. This stop was definitely a welcomed detour to stretch our leg before making the rest of the trek down.

Once you're back at ground level, make your way around Central Maui. Your goal is to get to Iao Valley State Park to see Iao Needle. This historic spot is where King Kamehameha defeated Maui's army to bring the Hawaiian islands together. Up for more hiking while you're in the area? Take the Waihee Ridge Trail for mountain views and lots of green.

After the big morning you've had, it should definitely be rewarded with some relaxation. The island of Maui definitely has a slower vibe than Honolulu did, so take full advantage of your time here and take this time to relax before your next big day ahead!

This is why you took another afternoon off. Because today is another big day of exploring through one of the most magnificent highways you'll ever get to drive. But be warned, Hana is not for the faint of stomach or heart!

You should once again start early to make sure you hit all the stops (or as many as you care to see). We made it the city of Paia at 630 to start our journey to Hana. Our arrival time was met with no traffic, albeit a little too early as some of our stops were closed. So we decided to skirt through with the final destination of the Pools at 'O'heo (Seven Sacred Pools) as our goal.

Along the way you'll have several stops you can make, so its recommended to download an audio guide to help map your trip. We instead chose to read up on recommendations and use the Roadtrippers app to map out stops. Some of the highlights include:

• Twin Falls Hike - within the first two miles and famed for being an easy but beautiful hike for gorgeous views.
• Garden of Eden - paid admission arboretum but worthy of a visit if time allows.
• Keanae Lookout - a slight detour on your drive but worth a stop (after grabbing banana bread at nearby Aunty Sandy's). Enjoy a morning snack here as you take in the views!
• Halfway to Hana is a food truck stop to mark that you're almost there!
• Pua'a Ka'a Falls (with a nearby wayside aka restroom stop) - makes for a convenient stop to stretch your legs at beautiful falls.
• Nahiku Marketplace is a great food stop if you're looking for a vast choice of eats (look for the coconut candy).
• Waianapanapa State Park is home to Honokalani (black sand) Beach and a hike accented with tidal caves.
• Hana! You've made it. But this isn't the final stop. The city itself is adorably quaint and worth a drive around, but you've got more to do. Only stay long enough for lunch (if you haven't ate yet), but you're going to want to get on the road again.

A little further in and you’re finally at the Pools of ‘O’heo. Here you're going to want to show your receipt from Haleakala again, because since its the same state park, your entry yesterday paid for your visit today too (total of 3 consecutive days). Park, take a look around and get ready to make your way toward 'O'heo Gulch for some of the most incredible views you'll get all trip. The hike is 4-miles round trip and though it sounds tedious, it is worth it. You will get a walk through a bamboo forest like nothing you've seen before and you will end up at a breathtakingly massive waterfall. Just pack lots of water and make sure your hike gets you enough time to get back, as you want to leave Hana before sunset (it took us about 2 hours of our trip just to stop here).

You're going to make your way back through Hana the same way you came in, unless you feel adventurous and want to leave south. Most car rentals companies do not make concessions for you driving there though, as the roads are unpaved and conditions can be treacherous (so heed this warning before you go). For us, we wanted to take the ride back a little slower and take the sights. And Hana definitely had a different light to it with the sun setting on the opposite side of the mountain. It made the drive back so serene and special since we had a different appreciation for it after seeing it all.

If you didn't get the chance to check out the town of Paia, make your way back today. This "North Shore" town has the same vibe as that in Oahu and is definitely worth a laid back visit. Spend the day checking out the local's beaches or shopping through downtown. After you've worked up an appetite, stop at Paia Fish Market for lunch (the fish tacos were great) and then top off with shave ice dessert at Ululani's Shave Ice. Make your shave ice a Snow Cap (mixed with sweetened condensed milk) and with Li Hing Mui. The combination was amazing!

Once you finish and if you're up for one more adventure head back up Haleakala. Since you have more daylight hours on your hands, spend the day exploring and finding hikes through this national park. Your goal though is to make it to the summit for the sunset. If you missed out on getting sunrise tickets or you just want more, we've heard that sunset is just as beautiful (with the moon rising in the east). For us though, had we had the time we would've definitely gone back to see this spectacle, especially since we had the park admission and would've loved the once-in-a-lifetime experience ... again!

Hit the beach!

What a perfect way to top your stay than to spend more time visiting all that Maui is known for, especially after all the exploring you've done.

Start with breakfast at Aloha Mixed Plate - the outdoor restaurant is only made more beautiful by the accents of Molokai and Lanai in the distance. The drinks are picture perfect (accented in fresh flowers) and the food is equally delish. Try the Loco Moco for a traditional Hawaiian dish!

Nakalele Blowhole should be your first stop after, take the hike to the blowhole though the journey will be more impressive than the destination. The famed heart shaped rock is also found here, so have fun looking for it on your hike down. And take in the beauty of this location.

Next up, spend time visiting some of west Maui's beaches - each gorgeous in their own right! Our favorites were:

• Honolua Bay (great for snorkeling when conditions are right)
• DT Fleming Park (great beach park with lifeguards near by)
• Napili Bay (lined with resorts and quiet bay with great surf conditions)

While in Napili, make a stop for lunch at the famed restaurant The Gazebo. Limited in seating with a breakfast line hours long, this is a great lunch stop right before it closes at two in the afternoon. Order the fried rice, but only half portion to split. The size was generous enough to serve 2!

Visit Whaler's Village or Lahaina Center for shopping once you've finished your day on the west coast.

However you plan it, Maui is a place to find more of a mix of laidback fun! There was less of a rush to get things done and more to see the middle of the action. Hawaii is definitely a world all it’s own!

We started dreaming up this trip 10 years ago when we were newlyweds and couldn't quite make it to the Aloha State. It came true just a few months ago when we stumbled on some flights deals that were reasonably priced to work with our school break. We quickly jumped on the opportunity and made the decision to visit two islands on this trip, since we wanted a taste of adventure - so we started with Oahu!

Home to Honolulu and famed Waikiki Beach, a trip to Hawaii isn't complete without visiting the most populated island. There's so much to do, it's hard even to say where to start! But you do need a least a whole week to see it all. And we say this after having tried to visit in 6 short days.

Planning a trip to Hawaii and need a road map? Here's our suggested itinerary for a perfect week in paradise - based off things we did, and how we would have planned it for things we didn't get to do!

This is what you came for, isn't it?  Time for R&R and adventure.  What's more perfect that using your arrival day to get some rest & relaxation.  It'll also give you a mix of fun on the beach and a chance for you to slowly adjust to the new time zone (without wearing yourself out all in one shot)!

This is also perfect if you decide to book one of those once in a lifetime resorts, like Disney's Aulani or Hilton Hawaiian Village.  We detailed our time at both  and how we felt it was worth staying put on property for Aulani to take in all the amenities (and get your money's worth).  So if you have a day to spare in your itinerary and you want to option to visit a resort that is otherwise too costly, a one night stay is the perfect way to get the best of both worlds! 

Visit famed North Shore to hit up a few spots for their renowned attraction - the beaches. Though be warned, if you're scouting out colossal waves (even to just look), you're not going to find them over the summer. The waters are calm here seasonally, so you'd be better off visiting over the winter to see surfers hanging ten on some legendary surf.

If you're looking for more than just a spectator sport, and you come when the tide is calm, get up-close and personal with their wildlife! Shark's Cove is a great beach off Highway 83 with tide pools and plenty of reason to snorkel to see schools of reef fish. Laniakea Beach is home to sea turtles, where you can get near (10 feet to be exact) and see these giant beauties in their home. And then head a little further north to Turtle Bay, where you can find accessible parking, great beach access and perfect conditions to do some more snorkeling! This beach is also perfect for little ones to enjoy while the big ones explore.

And a visit to the North Shore isn't complete without a reason to eat! Skip a restaurant though and stop at the food truck park - we had Garlic Shrimp at the famed Giovanni's Shrimp Truck and it was as good as they said it would be! Just be prepared to dine with jungle fowl, as they eagerly await any scraps that fall from picnic tables (or even join you at the table). We opted to eat in the car.

Next head over to Haleiwa and visit the strip of shops and restaurants in this little town. If you're craving something sweet, finish off lunch with dessert at Matsumoto Shave Ice in North Shore Marketplace - claimed to be the best on the island and certainly with a reasonable price to match!

If you want to shop a little while you're up here, stop by Kahuku Farms for farm tours and local treats!

If you're up for it, get up early enough to go chase a sunrise on the eastern shore. We weren't able to, but from the day time views, we can promise it won't disappoint.

We did spend our time here driving through the sacred Valley of the Temples to get to the Byodo-In Temple. A beautiful Buddhist temple, it was the furthest point through the valley, situated at the base of a mountain. It was peaceful and serene, and a little way to introduce the Eastern culture that influences these islands to the kids.

Afterwards, make time for some hikes - there's several here worth noting. Lanikai Pillbox Hike is a little more strenuous and made for the adventurous, but gives you gorgeous views of Lanikai Beach and the surrounding areas. If you want to keep it a little tamer, the paved Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail will take you to some fabulous views in an easier hike. Celebrate either hike with a dip in nearby Waimanalo Beach afterwards!

If hiking is not your thing but you're looking for adventure, visit Kualoa Ranch for a few different experiences - you can take an ATV tour through this reserve, trail through on horseback or get aerial view of it while you zipline through. If neither of the above is your speed, you can tour this movie set by bus - and see where the Jurassic Park movies came to life!

If you want to take in more culture while you're on the east coast of the island, make plans to spend a day at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Here you can learn about all the island nations that make up the cultural background of Hawaiians. It is recommended to spend a day touring, as each island has a different village full of activities to participate in. And if you're in it for the long haul, they even offer a luau in the evening (with booking) - for a chance to experience all you have learned through dance!

Next up, spend a day visiting two icons in Honolulu - Diamond Head & Pearl Harbor.

Wake up early to make the hike up Diamond Head - you'll get a chance to beat the crowds and the heat. The hike up is easy but long, about a mile from base to top, but you get some fantastic views of Honolulu and mountains of Oahu. Before or after your hike, treat yourself to a pineapple smoothie at the starting point - courtesy of Dole Plantation. Served in a pineapple, it tastes as good as it looks and is definitely works the price after the work you put in!

Afterwards, make your way to Pearl Harbor to pay tribute to the lives lost on that infamous day. Reservations are needed to get in, so visit the National Park Services site before you travel to book a time slot! If you rather not make plans and wait, day of tickets can be available, but they're handed out in time increments and based on availability. It is free to visit the USS Arizona Memorial, but there is a small reservation fee made to secure your ticket online before visiting.

Both of these activities shouldn't take up a day, so while you're in the area, stop by Aloha Stadium for their Swap and Meet. Here you can find a place to buy deeply discounted souvenirs and from local artisans. It is not open daily though, so make plans to come on a Wednesday, Saturday or Sunday until 3pm!

... and if you still have time to spare, then revisit an area to finish up anything you didn’t get to do!

Visit these two gems heading back up towards the North Shore - except devote your day to just seeing these two. You can choose how you want to plan out your day, but you'll have to face crowds either way.

The Dole Plantation opens up daily at 930 and gives you a chance to visit home to their famed pineapples. Take a tour of the farm via train, tour the gardens on a walk, or try out the pineapple shaped maze - all individually priced for admission. Once you've worked up an appetite, visit the grill for a bite to eat before heading out to the rest of your day.

A little further north and you've reached Waimea Valley, a sanctuary of beautiful botanical gardens and exotic animals, accented by Waimea Fall. Your admission here allows you to walk through this peaceful site and take in Hawaiian flora segmented by locale; you'll likely run into the peacocks or wild birds that call this home while you're touring. Once you've reached the end, about a half a mile walk, you're at Waimea Falls. You're welcome and encouraged to take a dip, but not get too close because of its intensity. We skipped as we had days of rain which caused the falls to be even rougher, but it was a site to see!

If you're looking for more to fill your day here, make a stop at Green World Coffee Farm on your way back, visit Wahiawā Botantical Garden or reclaim any part of the island you need a little more time!

You want the spot to snorkel while also focusing on conservation? Visit Hanauma Bay!

The drive to this spot is absolutely gorgeous, accented by mountains and the treacherous hike of Koko Crater Railway Trail. This is not for the faint of heart, so one look at the railway lining the side of the mountain will give you a chance to decide if this hike is for you! You can also stop to see the Halona Blowhole while you're headed to the bay, a beautiful site to see nature's creation.

Hanauma Bay should be enjoyed should as a half-full day activity. If you can, arrive earlyas parking is hard to find. Also be prepared to either walk a little to the bay or patiently wait until the lot has an opening (as we lucked out and found). Once at the entrance, you pay a nominal fee to see this conservatory operational for years to come. You're assigned an entrance time to view a brief presentation about the bay - how to stay safe while using it and how to keep its inhabitants protected. There is a downward hike to the shore, so if you don't want to walk you can wait and pay for the shuttle - but the walk itself if minimal and easy.

The bay encourages you to use safe sunscreen to not damage the water with toxins while swimming, but you are welcome to otherwise go out and enjoy. You can rent equipment at the base if you did not bring your own snorkel gear, AND snorkel gear is a must while here! The abundance and beauty of fish you will see is absolutely amazing! Make a day of it here as you won't get a experience like this again!

And after you've worked up an appetite and are ready for dinner, head over to Kono's, voted best of Oahu (and to which we agree)! Have the Pork Plate Lunch with an order of P.O.G to drink - the combo was perfectly Hawaiian!

Save the best for last! This is why you came, right? If you're not already staying on Waikiki then here's an opportunity to visit it in a little more depth.

Get up early and start your day with the Malasadas from Leonard's Bakery. If there's a line, wait in it - we promise its worth every bit of your time to have these warm deliciously fresh sugarcoated donut goodness. Spend the rest of the morning exploring downtown Waikiki and walking streets lined with shops. Visit the International Marketplace or Royal Hawaiian Center to pick up a souvenir or two, and if its around lunch, definitely stop to grab a burger from Mahaloha (we highly recommend the Loco Moco or Banzai BBQ).

Finish off your lunch with a walk down the historic trail to read up on Waikiki and get a prime view of the hotel landscape as it changes by the water. Once you're done, make your way back to famed Waikiki Beach to enjoy all its known for. If you have a chance, head to the lagoon at Hilton Hawaiian Village and enjoy a chance to relax in this manmade haven. The beaches and lagoon are all public access so feel free to utilize any of these while you're on vacation!

Looking for eats in and around Honolulu? Here's more of what we enjoyed!

• Grab a coco puff for breakfast at Lilihaha Bakery. It won't disappoint - but save the malasadas for Leonard's.
• Looking for the best poke? Try the hole in the wall Ahi Assassins - it was a little hard to find but so worth it! Like it hot? Order the Lunatic. It was the best thing on the menu!
• Craving more fresh fish and Japanese flair - head to Maguro Brothers centrally located near Waikiki. It only opens in the evening and strictly take out, so pop on over before heading back home.
• Looking for sushi? We stayed put at our resort during a downpour and ventured to Hatsuhana for dinner. The atmosphere was great and the food even better - there's plenty of sushi options in town but if you're looking for one near HHV, this is it!
• Sweet tooth? The ice cream at Lappert’s was as good as it was generous in serving!

... and there's so much more!  Our short 6 days there did not allow us to experience it all, but we got a good portion of this done!  We were also itching to see another Hawaiian island, so ventured over to Maui for a few days. 

If we had a few extra days, this is how we would have written up our itinerary, and maybe added a few more days in to explore a few more treasures this island had to offer - and hope it can help to plan you trip out there too!  

We had the amazing opportunity of getting to stay at these two gems in Hawaiian family fun! Both resorts are highly revered by families with little and big ones alike because of its diversity in venues, array of amenities for all ages, and the convenience that each of these mega resorts provide to cater to all.

So how did they stack up against each other and which one is better for you and yours?

Disney's Oahu based property, is everything you expect from a Disney hotel - and not just one in Hawaii.  Aulani is located in Ko Olina, just west of the airport and heading into a drier, more industrial part of the island.  But the resort area of Ko Olina is also home to a variety of high end properties for vacation goers looking to escape the traffic of Waikiki. And driving up to it, Aulani is everything you'd expect from Disney magic.   

On arrival, you're greeted with infused waters and fresh flower leis for women, kukui nut for men and kids receive Menehune necklaces, which are the famed characters of Hawaiian folklore that "lurk" around property.  While you're on property, you're welcomed "home" as Aulani does sit as part of the Disney Vacation Club portfolio - and they even have designated showrooms to showcase with anyone interested in learning more about becoming a member. For us regular guests, being welcomed home was definitely just a nice touch to make us feel even more welcome here!  

The resort is very accessible with two towers connected by the main entry building, where you can find shops and the flagship restaurant offering character dining.  Walking through the lobby, you can head outside to the lanai and get a full glorious view  of the resort.  And you'll see that once you're here, you're here - restaurants line both sides of of the property, the pools are centrally situated with the beach in the horizon, and the parking garage and main roads out of sight, so you really have no reason to head back to your car! 

We booked an entry level room - garden pool view and were granted a low floor request we made.  This was perfect because we ended up being situated right by the lazy river.  And with a separate patio entrance that led out to the pool area, we enjoyed our easy accessibility to the fun at this resort, especially since we were going to be spending ALL of our time here!

When we booked our trip to Hawaii, we knew we'd want to stay a few days at Aulani on our pursuit of visiting as many Disney properties worldwide!  The per night cost became a matter of how much time we spent here, because we didn't want to lose any time away, but rather enjoy what we paid for.  Disney's price is steep in comparison to other properties in Hawaii, especially if you plan to spend most of your time exploring the island.  But when you compare the cost of Aulani to other Disney resorts, you'll see that their Hawaiian sister hotel is priced no higher than staying at some of the premier Disney properties all over the world. 

So what does the price include, outside of room?

• Access to all pool, beach & recreation, including use of lounge chairs on the beach.
• A daily wristband at the towel stand that will give you fresh towels at the pool & access to the amenities.
• The age 3-12 kids club at Aunty's Beach House - open daily from 8a-6p (hours can vary).  Each child registered for Aunty's receives a MagicBand on arrival to identify them, and parents are loaded up with a ton of security measures to ensure they know their child's safety there. You will be charged for MagicBand, but its fully refundable on return (just like the Disney Cruise Line). 
• Activities around property including character meet and greets, the Menehune Adventure Trail game, live entertainment, Mo'Olelo Fire Pit Storytelling, 'Ohana Disney Move nights, and in room DVD rentals from the Pau Hana Community Room.

The price does not include: 

• Parking (there are self and valet options, both at $37)
• Meals or drinks (not an all-inclusive resort)
• Some activities including those limited in attendance - fitness classes, luau, workshops, snorkeling and other excursions. 
• After hours childcare, including special activities and full meals at Aunty's House 

Other things to note:

• Disney does have pay-per-use laundry rooms on site.  We stayed on the first floor with a laundry room down the hall from our location, equipped with about 5 washers and dryers.   The room was quiet and you could not hear it from anywhere in the hall, but  made all the difference to know we had it there.  You could even purchase single use detergent and dryer sheets in the laundry room in case you wanted to reuse some of your wardrobe. 
• Disney does have a luau on-site, but it does not run every night (only Tuesday - Saturday).  It is a nominal cost per person cost and space is limited. If you prefer a different luau option, Paradise Cove is a luau next door (about a 10 minute walk away) and a highly regarded option in Oahu! 
• Once you check in, everything can be billed back to your room key - a wonderful convenience for staying put on property. 
• There is a shopping plaza across the street with some other dining/shopping options AND all the other Ko Olina resorts are within walking distance.  Though we did not check out other options during our time there, we liked that we had the opportunity to explore without having to leave property by car.  

Location, location, location!

I think the one thing that could sell this place alone is location. Not only is it centrally located in Honolulu but it also is quite honestly the only resort on Waikiki with prime beach access.  This is where you want to stay if you want to be in the hustle and bustle of the city of Honolulu, but not on busy Waikiki itself.  The resort is closer to the marina, but from the beach you have postcard views of Diamond Head in the distance. 

On arrival, you drive through the Rainbow Bazaar, a small through street with a marketplace of shops and restaurants on either side.  You pull up to the open air lobby building where you can leave the car on idle while you get yourself checked in.  They aren't greeting you with the leis like Disney did on arrival, but the guest service was just as superb.  Once checked in, you're given a full map of the property, which is lined by 8 towers, 5 pools, and various shops and restaurants (even beyond the Bazaar).  Like Aluani, parking is not include - you have the option of valet for $52/daily or self park at $45/daily. If you opt to self park, the garage is back at the entrance to the Bazaar and once you're situated, you do have in/out privileges. 

The resort feels and is massive! And is only matched with the number of people you see everywhere.  It's definitely a different vibe than the "quieter" Aulani as there is a lot of movement here - but it only makes you want to get in on the action.  The lobby really is the central point to the resort, but there isn't a spot that grants you an overall view of the resort.  Each tower is like a world in itself, each with its own pool, bar, restaurant - but best of all, you have full access to the whole village while you're here!  Beyond the Rainbow Tower, you will find the strip of beach that is designed for Hilton guests - though the chairs do come at an extra cost to rent for the day.  Also good to note, all beaches are public and aren't just limited to hotel guests (same goes for Aulani).  Next to the beach is the manmade lagoon for someone wanting the feel of the ocean but with the calmness of a pool - this is also home to water activities like paddle boarding and paddle boat rentals.  

We booked a room without a particular request here, but they upgraded us to a high floor and view of the water.  This was a nice change of pace since there really isn't a ground floor room option, and with the sheer magnitude of this resort, I'm not sure I'd want to be so close to the noise.  Our room was generous in size, larger than Disney's with room to spare - but the bathroom could have used more square footage to make it easier for a family to utilize! 

For this leg of the trip in Hawaii, we wanted to book a place that we could come back to and enjoy but also not feel burdened leaving for the price, as we wanted to see the rest of the island! The price point here made that comfortable to do.  We considered other options but all lacked the proximity to the beach we wanted - so we fell for the idea that this was a great resort for the family to relax at after a busy day out.  And it really is - there's so much to do & was a great place to wind down at after full days! And on top of that, its in Honolulu - so if your list of things to do include checking off spots on Waikiki, you're right here!  Leave the car behind and go for a walk to discover what the city has to offer - that's what we did! 

So what does the price include, outside of room?

• Access to all pool, beach & recreation (but it does come as an additional resort charge) 
• Daily fresh towels at the pool (though no wristband needed); the towels are also handed out in exchange for a towel key.  Towel key must be returned at your end of stay to not be charged $10 per towel on departure. 
• Activities around property including movies by the pool, DVD rentals (boxes conveniently located  at base of each tower), torch lighting ceremonies, and fireworks on Friday night. 

The price does not include: 

• Parking (as noted, valet and self available)
• Meals or drinks (not an all-inclusive)
• Some activities including those limited in attendance - fitness classes, luau (there is on-site as well as several other in Waikiki), workshops and water activities. 
• Camp Penguin Kids Program for age 5 to 12 - though we didn't get to check it out here.  We knew our days would be filled with time together so we didn't even explore.  But to know the option exists is great - only down side is that it is additional. 

Other things to note:

• Hilton did not have a laundry room for guest use - they did have laundry bags but prices were pretty high.  Pack extra if you're staying here and don't want to pay the price of dry cleaning!  
• Hilton does have a luau on-site, located via the parking garage.  It is an additional cost and if you prefer a different more authentic options, there are other luaus in and around Honolulu to enjoy!  
• Once you check in, almost everything can be billed back to your room key - we ran into a few instances where they needed to reverify we were part of the resort.  So beyond the extra security measure of calling up the front desk to ensure we were guests, it would have been easier to just pay by credit card then have to go through a process. 
• There are plenty of other things to do in the area that is waking distance, including a Waikiki historical trail or chartering one of many activities sold right on the beach.  This is a great place to be if you want to do more with your vacation!   

We wanted to start our vacation on a lighter more relaxing note to catch up with the time change, so we enjoyed all we could out of Aulani.  But we definitely would not have stayed here if we were leaving to go sightseeing - unless we were DVC members or got an unbelievable price per night.  We enjoyed two nights to settle in and get some R&R before our adventure started. It is also not conveniently located to much on the island beyond the North Shore. You may avoid the traffic of Honolulu (which was not that bad), but you would be driving a little farther because of where it is situated. Stay here if you plan to stay PUT here. And if you're even toying with the idea of staying here, do it for at least a few days of your trip.  It's definitely a place to visit and you won't regret it - we loved our times to unwind with Disney magic before we visited the beauty of Hawaii!

Hilton Hawaiian Village felt like great place to leave and come back go to. It was a great resort, but I could not imagine spending all my days here just because of the sheer magnitude of the resort. It was a nice place to retreat to after days of fun because we were still able to take in all the amenities without feeling like we missed out, because it did lack some of the magic Disney has. And the price made it even easier to leave - since it was at half the cost of what we paid at Disney. If you want a prime place on Waikiki beach, with ground level pools and a village all its own, this is the place for you! It was a nice way to get wrapped into what Honolulu had to offer and not feel like we were missing out on any magic - because we made what we wanted out of our days when we returned!

Either way you can’t go wrong! But it’s all a matter of what you want from your time in paradise!

Still undecided? Check out our Highlights on Instagram for more information about our time at either resort!

We just got back from Hawaii, and what a trip it was!

​But getting there from the east coast is a journey in itself - AND not always cheap or easy!

So we decided to make the most of the long haul and planned a trip out there that wouldn't feel like just travel - but an adventure all its own!

When we were booking our flights to Hawaii, we used the Google Flights matrix to find a price and time combination we were comfortable with. The one stipulation we had was that we wanted to book with Delta for the SkyMiles perks, like free luggage & upgrades, priority access, and the miles we'd inevitably earn. There wasn't much of a price difference between Delta and the carriers, so opted to choose loyalty over anything else. The only thing was, the only flight/price combo we liked was telling us to "Book with a Travel Agent". And knowing that an agent wasn't just going to find that deal for me (some work with air consolidators and this wasn't the case here), I decided to do little research myself.

Anything over a 6-hour layover is technically considered a stopover, which is the time that an airline won't transfer your luggage to the next flight in your segment. This worked just fine for us as we needed our bags to get ready for the next day.

But if you don't have the option of having a place to stay, most airlines offer to hold your baggage for a small fee until you return. That way you can leave the airport to explore and make it back in time to take your next flight. Utilize that long layover to leave and explore and burn off any energy so you will actually sleep on an overnight! Since that wasn't the case for us, as we'd be gaining 6 hours after arriving at our final destination, we booked a hotel for a good night of sleep and made plans for a full day of exploring!

And if you had to hang out at the Sea-Tac Airport for a few hours, it couldn't be a better place to stay! It was fairly easy to get through (though busy, so make sure you have plenty of time for security) and had great dining and shopping options. Added bonus for the littlest ones - a play area all their own!

We chose to stay by the airport only because proximity to catch our 8am flight the next morning mattered more than prime location in the city. We booked at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Seattle Sea-Tac Airport which offered free shuttle service to & from the airport AND free breakfast - both essentials on our list since we'd have an early wake-up call! We landed in the Sea-Tac Airport, grabbed our luggage, phoned the hotel and within 15 minutes were picked up by the shuttle and dropped off at the hotel.

The hotel was undergoing some work while we were there, but the front desk agent was extremely apologetic about it and even friendlier on top of that. Our room was (obviously) not ready at our 9am arrival, so they offered to hold our luggage until we returned. We had arrived before breakfast so  they invited us to enjoy after check-in and before we went out exploring for the day.  We used this time to plan our time there while the kids stocked up on snacks for the road!

When we arrived back later that night, the front desk agent quickly got us checked in and upgraded to a suite.  Our keys were ready, our bags set aside for taking (no bell service, but carts available) and an extremely friendly agent to ensure we were set for the night.  We appreciated all the extra attention and the generous upgrade offer even though we wouldn't get to use the space as it should have been - but it was a nice perk of booking through a travel planner! 

The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Seattle Sea-Tac Airport is also only about a 10 minute walk from the Link Light Rail station that will take you straight into the heart of Seattle for less than $3/adult & $1.50/child (6-12) and after only 30 minutes.  You board near the airport hotels at the Angle Lake Station which overlooks a beautiful Angle Lake surrounded by woods.  The ride is very smooth and uneventful, and we hopped off at the Downtown Tunnels  Station which put us right near the Monorail that would get us to Seattle Center. 

The Seattle Center Monorail was originally constructed for the World's Fair and now still serves as a connector between the city and its more known region of Seattle Center (home to the Space Needle).  And it makes for a fun ride for kids to get through the city itself in its open-air window filled cars!  Worth the $2.50/adult & $1.50/child (5-12) ticket to ride this icon in the city. 

Our first stop off the monorail was to the Space Needle, since that was top on the list of things to do in our less than 24 hours in Seattle. Little did we know that the Seattle Center is also home to a host of other great attractions too, including a massive playground that greets visitors on arrival. 

The Seattle Center is a gathering place of entertainment, food and events in the heart of the city. This hub is not only home to the Space Needle, but also the Chihuly Garden & Glass, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center, Seattle Center Armory, Museum of Pop Culture, Pacific Science Center, and Seattle Children's Museum to name a few. Had we had more time to spare, we would have definitely used our reciprocal benefit with the Orlando Science Center at the Pacific Science Center since it allowed all of us in for free! ​

We returned to take a trip up the Space Needle to get a full view of the city from above. We booked mobile tickets while the kids played, and since they were stamped with a return time, we were able to make other plans in-between. When our time came up, we simply approached the line for a quick security check and then took the spiral up to the elevators. The wait included a visual history of the Space Needle's construction and stories from its inception. Once you've loaded up the elevator, you're taken straight to the top for some breathtaking views! We unfortunately didn't have the clearest day so couldn't fully make out Mount Rainer from up high, but did get to appreciate this city in its full glory! ​

Once we finished our hours of playing in and around the Seattle Center, we hopped back on the monorail to its original stop and took a small walk to see Pike Place. It was on our list of things to do, but be warned, its overrun by people and traffic so made our time less than enjoyable. But we're happy enough to say we've been there, done that - and even attempted to get a drink in the original Starbucks! But no Starbucks is worth a line of that length - so we just opted for a Starbucks in Seattle instead (it counts, right?!).

We instead walked over in the direction of Pier 53, home of the Seattle Great Wheel to have a full seafood dinner at Ivar's Acres of Calms on Pier 54. The service at this beautiful restaurant on the water was fantastic, only to be topped by how great the food was! We enjoyed our last few hours in Seattle with with a dinner of chowder, scallops and freshly caught King Salmon before preparing to head back for a full night of sleep!

We would’ve loved to explore Seattle a little more but appreciate that we even got a little taste of it! Now we’re itching to go back - to see more of the actual PNW region that Seattle calls home! We’ve started imaging plans to include  to hiking to Mt. Rainer, visiting waterfalls and wineries and whale watching off the shore!

Now it's only a matter of when - and what else can we pack into to visiting this incredible place!

Is a Pacific Coast Highway Trip on your bucket list?

It was on ours and so we decided to pack our bags, book a plane ticket, and make our way from SoCal to the Bay Area and explore in between. We didn't nearly cover the vastness of this beautiful stretch of coastal road, but we chose stops that worked for us with certain goals in mind. And we loved every bit of what we saw, and what we wish we had more time to see.

What did our week+ in California look like winding the up the open highway? Read on!

Some prefer to start further south in San Diego but started our trip in LA for reasons all our own!

1. Flight - we flew Delta and wanted a direct flight. Plus, with our Companion Certificate and Skymiles, we only ended up paying about $400 total for the 4 of us to go to west.
2. Location - we wanted to start south and watch the hills turn into cliffs and dramatically change course. Some may argue a trip from north to south would be better since you ride along the coast (rather than the inner most lane), but for us that didn't make a difference on the drive.
3. Disneyland - we wanted to start the trip with a treat for the kids! Capitalize on all the energy they had and use it for something they would truly marvel over.

What to do in LA? What is there not to do?!

After you pick up your rental, head towards Hollywood. You want a picture with the iconic sign and there are some many good spots to get it from, including the Griffith Observatory, which also includes panoramic views all around. If you're heading down to Hollywood Blvd to check out the sights there, head to shopping complex Hollywood and Highland for great views! While you're there, the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame and Mann's Chinese Theater (where these days you can watch new movie releases at) are within sight.

​Hungry? Visit Pink's Hot Dogs for this staple in Hollywood since the 1930s. The giant loaded hot dogs of all varieties were delicious and worth the wait at this counter service restaurant with outdoor seating. Just be warned, parking may be hard to find!

Then make it a point to cruise around greater LA County - from driving down Sunset Strip to admiring all the luxury of Beverly Hills to hitting up the pier in Santa Monica for some fun or even just checking out another city along the shoreline. There's so much to do in LA, you can easily spend a few days here!

This was *the* destination for us on arrival - to spend a few days at Disneyland California! The parks are nestled in the middle of Anaheim and really a world all their own. We highly recommend spending at least two days here, as there's enough to do without feeling rushed.

The resort itself has 3 Disney hotels (Disneyland Hotel, Grand Californian, and Pacific Pier), 2 theme parks (Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure) and the entertainment complex of Downtown Disney. Each park deserves a day all their own to fully immerse and explore AND because there's just that much to do! Promise. They have more attractions per park than the sister parks in Orlando!

There’s so much to cover here we have an article all their own for the parks! Read all about our time at Disneyland and why it quickly became our favorite Disney parks - this alone may be the reason you want to come out here!

Make your way past Malibu and the stunning beach communities of So Cal as you head north up PCH. You'll venture into the beautiful city of Santa Barbara nestled along the coasts and the hills, and upon our arrival, covered in smog. It was such a beautiful piece of real estate as we traveled the highway as, we slowly witnessed the change from relatively flat southern Cali.

We also stumbled up on the mission trail here, where we made a bit of an adventure within one. El Camino Real is a collection of 21 missions from San Diego to Sonoma, each spread out about 30 miles from each other. The Spanish missions, from a time when Spain held strong in California, are the oldest piece of history in the state and a captivating game to play while you're on your road trip. Look for the bell markers to signify the trail of missions as you travel el camino.

We only had time to explore the mission in Santa Barbara durinfbour short stop here, but wish we had spent even more time in this stunning city on the sea.

Does the name sound familiar, 90s babies? Well it should if you're a Clueless fan. It the namesake for the "Pismo Beach Relief" that the movie was fundraising for. And for us it was such a welcome surprise! Just when we thought we left everything So Cal had to offer, here's this little beach town that just exudes everything you want from California.

We spent just enough time here to park and play in the sand, bit could easily have spent hours more. From the beautiful shoreline to the relaxed surfer vibes, this is definitely the place you want to go to when trying to escape the hustle of the big cities and the bustle of Hollywood. It was the quintessential beach town on the California coast and a welcome stop for us to stretch as we made our way to our next stop!

Here's another name sake for you!  Finding Dory, anyone? 

With the name dropped so often in the movie, once we saw signs that we were approaching, we made sure to make a stop to just say we've been! Morro Bay was a seaside village lined with shiplap buildings and the sea painted with an iconic rock.  We stopped to check it out just because our curiosity got the best of us, and we're glad we did!  

​We drove to the inlet that approached the famous rock and were greeted by a sea of otters sunbathing in the bay!  What a fun surprise to encounter and certainly a place that made us want to stick around long enough to see what this town had to offer. 

San Simeon is best known for Hearst Castle, and though we would've loved to spend a day there, with two little ones our plans led us elsewhere. Seashore - to be exact - to watch the elephant seals. This detour on our trip was a treat, because what a neat experience it was to encounter these giants literally feet from us. Sparring and barking in their own environment, doing just what nature taught them to do. The kids delighted in getting to see animals in the wild and we loved the chance to get to teach something up close and personal.

For this roadtrip in 2017 though, this was as far north as we were able to go on PCH. The road was shut down in Big Sur due to mudslides, so we were forced to diverge inland ... which ended up being a fortunate accident.

Paso Robles was our serendipity on this trip!

We would never have planned a stop here on our way up, as its not on the PCH. But since we had to diverge because of Mother Nature, we got to explore such a beautiful part of the state! This central California wine country is filled with beautiful rolling hills and fields of wineries in between hills. We even spotted a black bear as we drove these rural areas, making his way around home.

We made a stop on arrival at Four Lanterns, a family-friendly winery offering outdoor seating, live music and space to roam. Once we finished our visit and by the time dinner rolled around, we head to downtown Paso. A quaint town made up of a main city block and with some chic restaurants and an adorable Central Park. We had a wonderful dinner at Artisan, a contemporary concept with fresh meals and delightful drinks. A welcome reward after a day of driving!

Our drive was a shorter one, but to a very anticipated destination! MONTEREY!

Yes, home of Big Little Lies, where we had just dived into in 2017, so we anticipate seeing what this stunning location had to offer. It was a beautiful coastal city, with a downtown to match its charm, and lined with mountain and boats.

The attraction here, beyond the show that mapped it, is Monterey Bay Aquarium - where we spent an afternoon discovering with the kids. Just the fact that at times you're staring at the sea while looking at exhibits is a fascinating concept all its own! The experience was only topped by the visitors we had at the dinner that evening - seals and otters splashing under our prime view table at Domenicos on the Wharf!

The only thing we missed doing in our short stop here is going whale-watching - we would have loved the chance to see these beasts in their natural home!

We NEEDED to see Big Sur, so before we continued north, we quickly headed back south to see how far we could go before being turned away. And we did not once regret this decision. This drive is absolutely beautiful - more than words can even paint to life. We made it as far as Pfeffier State Park as we drove the winding coast to see the beauty of it all. Only to be turned around and do it all again! We certainly didn't mind.

On arrival back, we made sure to take the 17 Mile Drive which would inevitably take us to world famous Pebble Beach. We completed this trip with a visit to the chilly shore, but feeling every bit much accomplished that we were able to see this gorgeous piece of California real estate on our trip!

We heard so much about Santa Cruz from others that we wanted to check out this beach town and see what it was about!

For starters, the homes lining the cliffs with prime view of the ocean were stunning. All were quintessential California homes as we would imagine them. But we also used this stop to let the kids have some of their kind of fun again. We spent the evening playing on the Boardwalk as a way to wind down the trip.

Carnival food, rides, games and even local beer is exactly what we needed after so much exploring. And as an added bonus, we had the perfect sunset to top off our stay. We would definitely recommend this as a stop for kids of any age!

This wouldn’t have been a stop we picked out on our own, but we’re so glad we were introduced to Filoli. The beautiful garden situated in city limits, this places is absolutely worth a detour to see.

The drive there is tree lined upon rolling hills. On arrival, you’re greeted at a majestic house beckoned by acres of beautiful topiaries. Breathtaking is the least of word I could use to describe it! An afternoon spent exploring these wonders is enough but you could easily get lost here for a whole day!

Our final official stop on this trip didn’t come without a little mishap - reminder to always check your safe before leaving your room! We made it all the way to San Fran to get an early morning cable car ride (without the lines) when we realized our mistake.

So we came back later (on a family reunion) and finished this stop. We hopped on cable car at Hyde & ___ and rode it into central San Fran! Goal accomplished. We visited the Painted Ladies, Drive down Lombardi Street, watched the sea lions bark at Pier 39, walked Fisherman’s Wharf and ate at Boudin Bakery - all the iconic SF things to do!

If you want a quick overview of the city, hop on a double decker! It’s the easiest way to get a lay of the land and figure out the areas you want to explore more! We recommend a stop in the Japanese Tea Garden for some serenity in the city! If you want something a little different to explore (and you’re a fan like us), the Walt Disney Museum at the Presidio is the perfect place to learn about his legacy and see his dreams come to life. Bonus, you get some scenic views of the Golden Gate Bridge!

But make sure your finish your trip with a visit to Baker’s Beach for the most spectacular view of the Golden Gate! If you come at sunset, you can watch the day fade to night while your backdrop is painted all sorts of lovely colors.

Need dinner plans? Cliff House is at land’s end, where San Francisco begins as they proclaim! The spot is perfect for a seafood feast and great views. Sweet tooth? You can’t forget Ghiradelli’s - because what’s a visit without a stop!

If you’re headed across the Golden Gate to Sausalito, you can’t skip one of the best things on this side of the bay. Take time to explore Muir Woods and the glory of these fantastic creations of God. The forest will leave you speechless, and if you time out coming at the right time of day, you’ll have a special experience.

We arrived after the park office closed but before the park did, which granted us free entry and plenty of spots to park on site. The best part of this though was the stillness that overtakes the park when it’s not run over by crowds. It truly makes you feel at one with nature and in deep respect for it. On your way down, take in the views of the ocean meets the mountains, it’s another moment that can stop you in your tracks.

And if you’ve worked up an appetite from all that exploring, make sure to make a final stop at In-N-Out if you haven’t yet! There’s something special about this place with the simplicity in its food, burgers and fries with a sauce all their own that you’ll be dreaming of for years to come! Take it up a notch and get your order Animal Style for a truly unforgettable experience. Best off all, there’s always an In-N-Out en route to satisfy your craving!

Summer is here, and that means this season brings on all the road trips!

Whether you already have one planned or you're counting on making plans on the whim, the dog days of summer are the perfect time to do it. 

Road trips can be as short and easy or as long and thought out as you want them to be. But most of all, they need to fun! 

So what makes it work?  We just had a few of our friends come back from their own adventures so we teamed up with them for extra advice on what made for smooth sailing, as close to perfect as possible!

1. Have a plan. Or at the very least know what you intend of this trip.  It doesn't mean you have to have every minute scheduled, but knowing things like when you want to arrive, help to decide when you want to hit the road. And with that, plan accordingly to help make the drive as smooth as possible. The map may say you'll get there at one time ... but traffic, pit stops, and a barrage of other diversions say another.  

Knowing when you're planning to leave can also help as you prepare for the trip. Getting the car ready is half the battle when leaving - the other is getting the little ones well-rested for an ungodly hours wake-up call.  If you know you're going to hit the road for an early morning drive, have the car loaded the night before. It'll save you the trouble of waking up the lightest sleeper (and forgetting something while you meander half asleep). If you're planning to leave during the day, run out your little ones so they nap on the road.  And if your plans involve a meal time departure, make sure you have food thought out - either pack a meal to-go OR make a special stop to start the trip.  Nothing can ruin a road trip like hangry people - of all ages and sizes!

When talking about her drive up the east coast, Kristin H. also made the great suggestion of planning drives around traffic patterns. Ideally avoid rush hours in major cities so you're not wasting any precious time, energy or gas! Make it a point to stop during those hours so that everyone can stretch rather than sit in extra long traffic lanes. 

2. Bring ALL the snacks! An essential part of road trip success is food - it can make even  the hangriest person human again. Just like we mentioned when planning for a trip with little ones, you will be saved with having this one crucial item.  Kids especially are never going have an appetitie when its convenient and a pit stop for food may not always be in the optimal location.  While packing, make a few intentional grocery store trips and pick up a mix of snacks that can get you through a car trip.  

And make it a point to find stuff on sale to stock up on  We love Publix and their weekly Buy One, Get One sales and always grab extra to stash when we find unbeatable prices.  Wholesale stores can also make all the difference when it comes to this - especially if you're going to be gone for an extended time. Head over to Costco, BJ, Sam's Club or the like and see what you can grab in bulk with savings at your fingertips.  Best of all, make a special trip out of it with the kids once you grabbed all the essentials and let them pick out one special treat for the road!

What do you pack? For us, our non-negotiables are: 

• Cereals, breakfast or energy bars for a quick and easy morning meal (when you're not intending to stop).
• YooHoo as "chocolate milk".  We know it's not for the conventional but our kids love chocolate milk before bed.  This variety is our special road trip treat, as it doesn't need to be refrigerated and is easily accessible when you always need it.
• Coffee creamer for coffee on the go. Because even though we love to stop at coffee shops to satisfy our caffeine kick, sometimes we need a jolt without the iconic green siren in sight. And depending on where you stop for coffee you may not have something you like (or something at all) if you don't take it black - powdered creamer can make all the difference. 
• A mix of fruits and veggies that everyone enjoys. We do this especially so we're not carb loading (and then crashing).  We'll also take the time to make some easy veggie salads, especially if we know we don't want to eat on the road.  It saves us from calorie counting and lets us fill up without scarfing down junk. 
• Deli meats & cheeses to munch on for a quick lunch on the go. Or for the littlest ones, pack a Lunchable - they never fail!
• Some sort of variety of chips/crackers to fight away the munchies - our kids prefer pretzels, Goldfish and/or Pirate's Booty. We also make sure to bring reusable bags so we can split up portions and not let the whole stash disappear at once. 
• Water galore!  Especially if you're going to visit the dry arid climates like Christina M. did with her family - they bought a 24 pack to keep in the car for water on-the-go.  Not big on disposable water bottles?  We prefer to bring our own reusable water bottles and pick up jugs of water to refill. This is not only eco-friendly but can be budget friendly!  And many grocery stores have the option of refilling jugs for cheap so you can reduce your footprint and also save some money! 
• You know what else doesn't fail? Wine. Because there's nothing more you're going to want to do then unwind with a glass once you arrive.  Bring one from home so you don't have to find a bottle later. And don't forget a bottle opener in case your lodging doesn't have it available. ​​

3. Essentials to pack? ​ Just like planning for a trip, we have our list of items that make the trip a little easier. We keep a running spreadsheet that we clean up and edit every time we learn something new and try to allow ourselves an easier system when packing.  

​Beyond the usual stuff that you'll bring, here are some of our tried and true suggestions that help make trips a little easier. 

• Each kid gets their own bag.  Just like we've mentioned before, take the burden off of you and allow them to have one a backpack all their own for extra clothes (usually pjs), activities, and any small comforts from home. 
• ​Towels that can double as blankets. Especially if you're staying somewhere with the option to wash, you don't have to double pack. Bring towels if you know you're going to be hitting the beach and then allow yourself to wash them for use as blankets in the car or for picnics later. 
• If you're making several stops, try to pack in cubes sorted by days and limit what you bring in. That way you're never having to bring the whole suitcase & anything you don't need in, only what you know you're going to use. 
• We always keeps a small bag with bathing suits and extra towels in our car - because we never know when we'll have the opportunity to take a dip!  This goes for sand toys and sunscreen too - its easier to have when you need it then fuss about it because you forgot it!
• Extra plastic bags - use any plastics that you get while shopping for trash on the go!  It'll make it easier when you make quick pit stops to just toss what you've accumulated and not have to worry about living (or driving, in this case) in your mess!

Books are always a hit with us, so we make a trip to the library to get a few to have.  It will continue to spark their love of reading when the book has a theme to match your special trip, so try to look for some specific to what you're doing! Want to try something else fun?  Check for a Little Free Library in your neighborhood before you go - "the leave a book, get a book" concept fuels a global community of readers to share what they love.  So if you "check" one out from a local box, if you find another while you're on the road and you're done with said book, return it for a new book, from a new city/state! Want to make it personal? Leave a little handmade bookmark for the next reader in the book your return - write down where the book has been on to encourage the next to do the same. I'm sure any bookworm would delight in knowing that they're spreading their love of reading all over (and finding it too)! 

Games, whether the store bought kind or self-generated, are the greatest ways to keep everyone in the car happy too!  Kristin H. says she loves playing eye spy or how many "cows, flags, trucks, etc" counting games.  License plate and find the sign games are also fun, and engage their curiosity to ask more as you talk. Open the dialogue to teach them about where you are and learn something new together! For when you stop, pack a good age appropriate, family-friendly game for nights in. Make sure they are tried & true so you know it was worth taking! Monopoly is our family favorite - easy to play at any age because just the newness of pulling stacks of cards and wads of money keeps our youngest entertained.  Trivia games or Uno are also fun to pair off for some fun parent/child team competition. I promise whatever you decide to do will make for an unforgettable evening!
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It's also not beneath us to let the kids watch some movies or play some games on the iPad. It's a nice treat during road trips and definitely a welcoming resource, particularly near nap times. Just let the rocking of the car, a good show (or movie) and a tired kid combination allow for a little shut eye.  All of you will need some quiet time so if you're willing to allow even a little screen time, it's a break - for all of you!

Lastly, we always like to make sure to have a notebook/pen on hand for journaling/doodling about our trip, and stamps ready to send out postcards from our destinations.  Sending postcards to friends has easily beomce our greatest delight on our trips - from picking out something special for that person, getting to practice writing to them, and then hearing about when they received. And knowing we'll get our own in return - it's the sweetest gift that keeps on giving!  

5. The drive itself. Try to break the drive into smaller segments to make sure that no one is going to go stir crazy.  This particularly helps with any road trip longer than 4 hours.  Make it a point to find something at the 5-6 hour mark to stop at, whether it means stopping for a meal, to do some quick sightseeing, or a break for an overnight.  This is the whole point of the road trip!  Its not only cheaper to drive but it so much more fun to have a journey full of  exploring!

Need some guided suggestions? Download the app Roadtrippers to find random things along your route to make the drive even more fun! Others plus in local attractions that can easily make a detour worth it. Social media forums are also a great place to ask questions and pull fun ideas from what to see, things to do or places to eat while you're on the go!  And if all else fails, rely on your friends!  Nothing beats a suggestion from a friend you trust - they will have your best intentions in mind! 

What else should you count on?  Not making any plans too close to your tentative arrival. Don't hard schedule something time sensitive as anything can come up. Don't make the trip a race against the clock - this means anything that can't be flexed should not be done on arrival. You could run into too many factors you can't control so allow yourself time to relax, unwind, and then if you have must-do plans, save them for the next day!    

6. Pack Patience. Patience is a virtue and it really can be tested on the road. Don't get frustrated in the midst of planning, because something will always pop up.  Just control what you can and roll with the punches.  Don't let yourself get unhinged if something doesn't go to "plan" - make the best of what came up and turn to plan B. Sometimes its better than A!

Our trip up the Pacific Coast Highway had a unfortunate encounter as we were planning it the weeks leading up. Mudslides shut the most gorgeous part of the highway off forcing us to move our trip inland to head north. As much of a fork in our plans this was, we did our best to research and came up with an alternative. And you know what, it ended up being better than we imagined! We were able to see a part of California that is beautiful in its own right (and does not receive enough credit) AND we still get to visit the monumental parts of the highway that were unaffected.  And we know we can pick up from where we left off AND have a few other places to see in a little more detail! 

Remember, its the journey not (always) the destination when you're planning to hit the open road. Make the best and enjoy every moment - the smallest ones will sometimes turn into the brightest memories without knowing you're actually making them!

​Feel a little more ready for your trip?  We sure hope you do!  We know we didn't possibly cover everything that could to make these trips work.  So if you have any suggestions you want to pass on, we'd love to hear - comment below!

Otherwise, happy and safe travels!  
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So you’ve decided to scrap the toy gifts and gift an experience ... but now, where do you start?  
 
There’s really not a right or wrong to what to get, but you have to make sure that the gift is genuine and coming from YOU!  Make sure that the gift of choice is something you’re willing to carve out the time to do, and that its the perfect gift for the child receiving. 

Consider these points when making a gift choice -
 
1. Make it reasonable. Shopping for a toddler is very different than for an older kid, so make sure the experience is appropriate for the child of choice. There are places some kids can't enjoy because they don’t meet the age or height requirements, or it’s just no longer a right fit.  Make sure whatever you’re planning on doing, it something the receiver would enjoy doing too! 
 
2. Cost doesn’t matter! And by this, we don’t mean you have to splurge to make it special. The gift could easily be FREE! Bottom line, there isn’t a minimum or maximum to spend to make it the best gift ever! It’s the experience, not the price –  DO NOT break the bank trying to get the right gift. Make it right for them and you!  
 
There’s also an unspoken pact that you’re also picking up the child’s gift only. So if your child still needs parent accompaniment, don’t worry about picking up the parent or other siblings’ cost (unless you feel called to).  There’s an understanding that sometimes we just need to be there but it’s not for us, it’s for them. 
 
3. Make it memorable. Most of all, make sure that it’s something that will last forever.  There should be no burden in the gift, only happy memories!  And memories that fit the children at play.  

Here are some of our favorite ideas that have either been given or received that we can recommend as a great starting point when shopping! I’ve outlined activities by price categories and at prices (current as of May 2019).  The cost is for a single pass for the gift receiver (or a promo deal when noted), so remember the cost of your own and your child’s ticket too.  And that all these can change - visit each particular companies website for current pricing. 

Never underestimate the benefits you’re already paying for!  Most annual passes have some kind of complimentary pass program, where a few will be handed out for use throughout the year.  Use those perks to gift a priceless experience, especially for a child that doesn’t get to experience it!  

• Orlando Science Center – offers guest passes depending on membership level.  Gift a ticket with a $5 dollar bill to help cover parking cost in the garage! 
• SeaWorld & Aquatica – offers free passes throughout the year for Silver Passholders and up, so offer to carpool to the park together (to save on parking for your guest) and treat the kids to ice cream in the park!  If the child is old enough, this is one of those activities that can be accompanied by the gift giver only. 
• Crayola Experience – offers free days and would be great to capitalize.  If you want to add something special, pick up lunch at Crayola as they often offer great meal prices. 

And these are just a handful of what there is out there!  Orlando has a lot more to offer that is popping up and can make an amazing experience gift (for adults too).  We've only been able to get so far, but plan to keep searching for more one-of-a-kind dates!

​Any big ideas we missed?  Let us know so we can add to our list of gifts to give someone that wonderful experience! 

We chose to stay at a Disney hotel to capitalize on the on-site perks - proximity and Extra Magic Time. Disney has a plethora of properties, including 6 Disney hotels within walking distance of the parks and 2 Disney Nature hotels which are set further out and require a car to access. Disney also has a variety of Partner Hotels in the area that provide shuttle buses to the parks and may offer a little lower price per night of your stay.

We wanted some place that we could maximize our time at the resort and at the same time feel like we were getting an experience worth the price. We chose to stay at Disney's Newport Bay Club, a hotel right onsite and walking distance to Disney Village. Anyone familiar with the Walt Disney World set of hotels, Newport Bay is the equivalent of Yacht & Beach or Boardwalk, taking you back to a time of living on the water and enjoying the luxuries of full scale seaside resorts. The hotel is beautiful, just as her sister properties here in Orlando; and massive - we stayed on a wing that was quite a hike to get to, but that was located directly next to the indoor pool.

Deciding what you want out of a hotel is what works for your family. All Disneyland Paris hotels offer all-you-can-eat buffets and adult lounges on property, but not all have a quick service option for dining. We would have loved to have some of those conveniences, like an on-site restaurant for snacks on-the-go and a fridge in the room to store leftovers (or in our case, milk). Closest proximity to the park is the Disneyland Hotel, which would allow easiest access to the two parks and Disney Village. If you rather skip on big meals and have a fast option for food, then Disney's Hotel Cheyenne and Disney's Hotel Santa Fe both offer Starbucks on property, but are a little further out from the parks. Hotels with moderate pricing but with proximity to entertainment, Disney Sequoia Lodge & Disney's Hotel New York (currently rebranding to the Art of Marvel) should be considered. And if neither of those are in your price range, there are a host of offsite options, but you lose the perks that Disney gives you, like Extra Magic Time to enjoy attractions before the general public.

Disneyland Paris has also already started to implement extra security measures like scanning all bags (and people) before entering the hotel, which I applaud. It was our first touch of reality with the world we live in today; but it was welcome to see a proactive approach to make sure the magic isn't compromised.

This is all up to how much you want to do. We wanted the experience so we chose to end our trip here and wind down with some fun Disney days. We booked two nights because we wanted to enjoy two full days in the park. We arrived early enough to enjoy one park, leaving our bags with the porter and able to get settled in to our room after we finished our day.

The parks are located a walk away from the hotel, passing through Disney Village complex and then with a fork in the road to decide which way to go. The set up is very similar to Disneyland California and very convenient for anyone wanting to experience everything in one day. They have some of the big name restaurants they do stateside, like Rainforest Cafe, Planet Hollywood and McDonald's, but also have unique concepts like Annette's Diner (ode to the original Mouseketeer) and a character filled Wild West stage show at Buffalo's Bills. ​

If you want to spend any time checking out the night-time entertainment, there warrants an extra night just to enjoy a dinner show - and use that extra day to book an excursion to the surrounding area. Disney offers tours to chateaus and small countryside villages to get a taste of the beautiful region outside Paris that hosts their parks.

Disneyland Paris also offers great package deals that may also be worth skipping a stay in Paris and opting to make the commute to the city instead. We had considered this option when we found a package that would allow us to stay on property for 5 nights for the price of 3. The package also included tickets and granted children free admission - so ultimately we'd be getting a 5-day ticket & 5-night hotel stay for the whole family for the price of two adults on a 3-day package. One rate also included club level room, which would give you exclusive check-in and access to the club lounge, with refreshments and light appetizers served all day. In hindsight, the offer was too incredible to pass up - but we did, because we also knew we wanted to indulge in our first time in Paris. But someone wanting to shop savvy, it is every bit worth searching for a package like this!

Walt Disney Studios is the newer park, and reminiscent of Hollywood Studios in Orlando.  It houses two of the newer attractions, Crush's Coaster and Ratatouille, which were our main objectives to see.  Just like Disneyland, Paris still has the old FastPass distribution system - you don't have a limit to how many you get in a day and you can get your next one after the distribution window on your ticket opens up (which is usually at the ride time).  So if you're lucky and get a FastPass for the exact hour you're in (which is possible), you can also get another pass within a few minutes and ride back to back line-free rides.

​We made our way in and went directly for Ratatouille since we wanted to all get on a ride together and this one was it.  We got our FP and proceeded to ride other attractions in Pixar Place, an ode to Disney-Pixar films like Cars and Toy Story. There we spun on Luigi, had a Slinky Dog Dash and then made it back over to experience  Ratatouille. The ride took us on a 3-D adventure in a mouse's point-of-view through the restaurant featured in the movie and the streets of Paris - it was adorable and left the kids squealing! ​

The park is very reminiscent of Disneyland California, in its simplicity, attention to detail and accessiblity of attractions.  It goes back to a simpler time when things weren't as rushed and the experience was greater than the exposure.  It had all the classic rides you expect at any of the flagship parks, with enhancements like HyperSpace Mountain (which was unfortunately closed for maintenance during our visit). The park had also just celebrated its 25th anniversary, so it had a sense of grandeur still in the air to celebrate such an event.  

The details are so clean and crisp, but it did lack a little of the magic you find back home.  We tried to pinpoint what, and couldn't place our fingers on it until after we left  - atmosphere music.  We're so used to having music ushering us along and making the pace for our walk, that we failed to notice that the parks didn't have much.  You heard the faint music from the attractions as you passed by, but as you walk between lands, taking in the park and existing in the moment, there's no soundtrack to live by.  Us spoiled Disney kids really fail to see how wonderful something so simple as this is.   ​

The parks also operate on the classic FastPass distribution system, much like Disneyland California.  They do have limited attractions offering passes so waiting in lines may be inevitable. But the parks do not nearly have the waits that the stateside parks do, outside the more popular attractions which beckon visitors.  It's absolutely worth waiting in line for those, and even more so for waiting for the shows.  The performances here are all live and it is incredible to see the magic of that experience come to life.  It is also worth noting that all shows are done in a mix of English and French  dialogue, so it makes for a truly memorable experience to get a bit of each culture combined. 

Any Disney fan will agree, it is definitely worth the experience to see how cultures influence each of their parks worldwide. The parks are very similar but yet so unique in their own way.  It brought us so much perspective to ride the Small World an ocean away and listen to the words with true relativity to our time here. ​

Our home in Paris was an adorable boutique hotel off Champs Elysees, Hotel Balmoral.  We were two blocks from the Arc de Triomphe, so we always had prime view of its towering glory. But best of all, we were only a block from a metro stop.  Once again, based off the size of our group, we got a suite on the top floor.  But even by hotel room sizes, it was generous.  We walked into living space with a flat screen TV, espresso maker, bistro table and with a loveseat that was turned into a bed every night.  The substantial sized bathroom was right off the front door and had enough room for a family to utilize; so we could shower and get ready at the double sink all at the same time.  Then to the left of the living room was a bedroom with closet space and another flat screen TV.  Both main rooms had a little terrace to overlook the neighborhood, and it was as perfectly Parisian as you'd imagine.

We left the hotel to grab and early dinner/very late lunch and start some of our exploring.  We ate at Le Vin Cœur, a bar/bistro right near our hotel and ordered anything traditionally French off the menu.  Who would've known that steak sandwich (aka hamburger) was a French staple? But sure enough, the kids wanted to try and that's what they got ... with appropriately enough french fries (steak frites)!  Chris and I decided on sharing escargot and a cheese platter.  And of course have a glass of French wine to accompany all our delacies.  The bistro was as French as it came.  The waiters vaguely paid attention to us, patrons dined on their own and read the paper, and very often wines paired perfectly with cigarettes.  It was so unlike anything American and I was loving it.  Paris was so far off to a great start.

After our meal, we made it to the metro after a short walk down Champs Elysses to take the train to Port de l'Arsenal, where we would board our Seine River Cruise.  With time to spare, there was a playground near by where we let the kids frolic for a bit before we did a little walk of the area to get our barings.  The port is pretty standard with boat docks, many of them private and not much to see.  But there was a lively bar/restaurant next to our dock where you could grab drinks as you waited, and though we would were inclined to partake, there were no other kids in the outdoor crowd, so we weren't going to invite ours.

We used the next morning to sleep in a little and have "breakfast in bed" to wind down from the late night.  Today we were off to see Notre Dame and spend the day exploring Luxembourg Gardens.  The day started off cold, cloudy and rainy, but it didn't stop us.  We had dealt with this and we had more exploring we wanted to do.  So we walked to see Our Lady where we did our own guided tour of the cathedral and relished in all its beauty.  It was overcrowded as anything else we experienced, but it didn't make it any less of an honor to be there, standing inside of history in all its glory.

After touring Notre Dame, we headed over to get the one coveted meal I wanted on this trip - crepes! We found a place in Quartier Latin, Le Creperie which was perfect more than just by its name.  I got as I wished - a Nutella crepe with strawberries accompanied by a mimosa; Chris ordered a savory ham & cheese crepe to balance out our meal, and if I could, I would have ordered more!  We decided to burn those much needed calories with a walk to Luxembourg Gardens, followed by some play time.  

Luxembourg Gardens is similar to Tuileries in that its an immaculate garden with public access but a lot more family friendly.  Upon entering the gardens, we found boat racing going on in the Grand Bassin duck pond - we needed to join in!  So for about 5 Euros your kids can rent toy boats for 30 minutes and enjoy sailing them against each other.  After racing, we ventured around and stumbled on to a playground, but unlike Tuileries, this one was not free.  A cover charge of 1 Euro per person (adults included), got you access to a gated playground - the Mecca of all playgrounds!  This place was massive; from sand pits to swings and slides, every corner there was a different set of playground equipment to be devoured by kids.  Ours were in heaven!

And quite honestly, this became the best way to end the trip.  We decided to call it an early evening, have another picnic dinner at the hotel and prepare for an early wake up call for the last leg and probably the most anticipated by the kids - Disneyland Paris!