Cabo

Cabo

2 hour flight non-stop from Dallas! No time change, no jet lag!!!
It doesn't get easier than that to get to paradise!

We stayed at a resort outside of Cabo called Esperanza.  There are many different room configurations.  If you look at their website, you can get a standard hotel room, one-bedroom suite, 2-bedroom suite, 2, 3, or 4 bedroom villa. So many choices it's hard to choose and was kind of confusing.

 The staff was amazing! I don't know about other resorts in the area, but the staff here really love their jobs, you could tell.  They never once seemed to be helping just for a good tip.  It seemed they genuinely just wanted to help you. We had a 3 bedroom villa on the bottom floor. There was no view of the ocean from here, however, we did have our own private plunge pool.  It was a trade off that worked with us. We also enjoyed the wildlife that came to visit us on the ground level.  Everyday it was a new species.

Gecko

Crab

Kittens

If you're not into exploring the local critters and would like a view of the ocean, I'd suggest a higher level.  We loved it.

They offer a grocery delivery service that we took advantage of.  There are also three on-site restaurants.  All of them are kid friendly and provide cups with lids and children's menus, but can be very expensive.  Room Service is available as well.  

One of the nice things about traveling here with children is that they clearly designate a "Quiet Pool" which helps us know to stay away with the children and we can enjoy the amazing other pools without having to worry about disturbing any guests.  One of the huge nice pools had a swim up bar that served food and drinks to the kids as well.  Ice cream was also available here too.  Fresh popped popcorn is served everyday around 3 and is free.  They also have a large family DVD rental to choose from in case of a rainy day and a game room with a pool table, air hockey and XBOX games on a big screen for the older children.  

This resort has 2 beaches and we happened to be visiting in between two Pacific hurricanes so the waves were extremely high and the current was way too strong to play in the waves.  If circumstances were different I'm sure we would have enjoyed the beach much more.  The sand is small rocks.  It doesn't hurt your feet and is still fun to play in for the kids.  I had no idea though.

We had so much fun at the resort that we only ventured out into Cabo one day.  We rented a glass bottom boat to see the famous Lands End Arch and to swim at the local beach adjacent to that.  Again the current was so strong that even the children could feel the danger and barely swam in the water.  

It was a little nerve racking getting off the boat in that a couple of locals looking for tips took one of my boys without asking and another took our beach umbrella asking where they could put it up for us.  This was a nice gesture and service however, my 3 year old had no idea what was going on, so be prepared.  Also, there are many peddlers selling items.  If you are looking for a relaxing day at the beach, I'd find another spot.  We still had a great time though!

Disney World

Disney World 

1) The best time to go is while kids are in school. It will be less crowded.
2) Stay on Property, the extra magic hours are worth it!
3) February is the time of year that the park uses to "fix up" or repair pools, rides etc..
     Don't let that stop you from going this time of year, but if you are wanting to do something in particular, check the website or talk to someone about construction and/or ride closures. Also, this time a year is still cool in Florida which is perfect unless you are looking forward to the water parks. If the water parks are something you'd like to do on the vacation, I'd wait and go when the weather is warmer. I've been to Blizzard Beach during the summer time. It is really fun if you have the time.

4) If you are going to be there at a busy time consider Not taking a stroller, it makes it extra frustrating and hard to get around.  My last visit there, my youngest was just 2, I happened to rent a stroller one day and was leaving the park around the time a parade was going to begin, it was so nice to be able to just get my stuff out of the stroller and leave it.  We just carried the little one and were able to leave much quicker.
5) Don't try to do too much.  Take it easy and your little ones will have a great time. Even the monorail or boat ride will be exciting to them!
6) Plan ahead.  I'm not a plan ahead type of person but if you are staying on property you get to pick your fast passes ahead of time.  Do it the first day possible as they run out of times available.  Also Dining reservations ahead of time are important. 
7) If you can, get the park hopper ticket option.  This will enable you to enjoy one park in the morning and enjoy a nice dinner at Epcot in the evening of the same day.  The Animal Kingdom in my opinion is worth visiting but not for a whole day.  If you have the park hopper you can still enjoy the rest of your day elsewhere.
8) If you stay in a Disney resort, transportation to/from the airport is included. It's called  Magic Your Way Express. Plus, there is no need to wait for your bags, once you get off the plane, simply head to transportation. Disney will get your bags and deliver them to your room for you. Please note that if you use this service it will take awhile for your bags to arrive, so wear comfortable shoes so you can head straight to the parks! 
9) If you have extra time, or want to avoid the crowds, it's fun to rent the small speedboats and drive yourself and children around the lake. You can easily fit 1 adult and 1 child in a boat or 2 adults. You get to see Cinderella's Castle and Magic Kingdom from a different and beautiful perspective while having fun! These boats can be rented from any of the resorts located on the lake.

Resort Information

Polynesian

This is one of my favorites. It's just finishing up a major renovation. It's on the monorail which makes it super easy to get around. I like all the transportation options here. You can take the monorail to Magic Kingdom, Grand Floridian, Contemporary  Epcot or to the transportation center. From the transportation center you get get anywhere in Disney.  If you are staying at the Polynesian you can also walk to the transportation center, it's that close. Buses out front are the other options that will take you to Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. If the monorail happens to be especially crowded and you are headed to the Magic Kingdom  you can simply take the boat. 

The standard rooms at the Polynesian are unique in that they come with 2 queen beds and a day bed. These rooms easily sleep 5 and can be connected for larger parties. There are also suites here that can be connected for large families or groups to stay together. The King Kamehameha suite can be connected with the Princess suite that can give you a total of 4 bedrooms. If you need more another room can be connected on the second floor to make it 5. These suites overlook the water and Cinderella's castle. Must be booked in advance and is an expensive option. These rooms are sometimes discounted in the off season.

Grand Floridian

This is on the monorail and in my opinion the most beautiful! If you can spend the extra money. The only benefit to staying on this property over the Polynesian and Contemporary is the beautiful grandeur of everything on the property.

Contemporary

If modern is more your style this option might be for you. It has one of my favorite restaurants on the top floor. If you have a large group and want to be all together, the Bay Lake Towers here has a 3 bedroom option but must be booked way in advance. I've never planned ahead far enough to get one!

Fort Wilderness Campground

Another favorite option. We love the cabins here!  There's a full kitchen, a deck and grill outside, a Murphy bed in the main room that sleeps 2, and the bedroom has a queen bed and a set of bunk beds. The only complaint from my daughter was having to share one bathroom with her 4 brothers. Our large family can sleep comfortably here however, we've only stayed here for 2 nights each time. Any longer and we might think differently! Another fun thing about the Fort Wilderness Campgrounds is renting a golf cart to get around. You can keep it at your cabin overnight and there's a charger attached to the cabin. It's really easy and convenient. We take the golf cart down to the lake and catch the boat to Magic Kingdom. If you have a larger group like us, they have a larger golf cart available. There's a fun game of tether ball if you have to wait but this last time, I never got a chance to play! There is also a small grocery store here, however as you can expect the price is almost double.

Boardwalk

This is another great property because of location.  It's not on the monorail, but you can walk to Epcot easily and there's a boat if you'd rather not walk.  The boat will also take you to Hollywood Studios. Of course, they have buses that will take you everywhere, it's just nice to not have to take a bus all the time. 

Dining options

Without children

While you are enjoying a nice dinner, your little ones can go play at the Stitch's play land. It's at the Polynesian and is a super fun play area for children 3 and up. They have to be potty trained. The staff makes it fun and it's decked out with the latest video games on large screens, computers, as well as slides, playhouses and art centers! Just to name a few. It is much more fun than sitting in a restaurant! If you have children younger than 3 and would like to have some time away, the resort can assist you with an on-site babysitter that will come entertain your little one in the room. We've used this service more than once and have been very pleased! The sitters will bring toys to play with, get your children ready for bed and put them to sleep.  Just like a sitter in your home.
Dinner at the California Restaurant on top of the Contemporary Resort!  Reservations are highly recommended as soon as you book your trip! 

With Children

There are tons of great restaurants in Epcot! Character dining is a great way to meet many characters all at once. The Walt Disney World website has great descriptions. Just remember to plan ahead.

If you are in Magic Kingdom at lunch time without reservations, we like to eat at Pinnochio's. It's quick and a few tables overlook It's a Small World ride.

You can have groceries delivered to any resort in Orlando. We've used Garden Grocer online twice and have been happy with this service both times. You need to put your order in before you leave for your trip. Sometimes there is a discount the earlier you order. Most resorts we've stayed have a small refrigerator so if you order cold items be sure they can all fit!

More Travel advice to come....

Traveling by plane
Traveling by car
Turks and Caicos
Cabo
Beaver Creek
South Padre Island
Disneyland
San Antonio
Fort Worth
Dallas
Virgin Gorda
plus more...