Book a preferred category room. Preferred rooms will put you closer to the main pool, lobby and bus stop. 

POP Century is a great resort for families who are on a budget. While this is one of the more basic resorts at Walt Disney World, it offers fun theming, comfortable rooms, 3 pools, and fun activities during the day. 

There is only one dining option at POP Century, which does offer some variety, but the quality is not comparable to the moderate and deluxe resorts. My family usually prefers to grab a quick breakfast and the rest of our meals will be eaten at another resort or in the parks. (The Mickey waffles are the same no matter where you go!)

-Kaydee Emperley
Disney Parks, Cruise, & All-Inclusive Specialist
Kaydee@mickeysdreamvacations.com​

There are limited reasons to stay at All-Star Sports. If the other All-Star Resorts are full and you really can’t work Pop Century or Art of Animation into your budget, stay at Sports. 

Sports has everything we love about the value resorts—cheap food, fun theming, and big energy. It’s simply easily beat by the other value options.

Since it doesn’t have refurbished rooms, has the least “Disney” theming of the All-Star resorts, and frequently plays host to large groups of unsupervised teenagers, we try to skip this resort when possible.

Ziplines-There are two different routes
The full red tower tour took about 45min. After each zipline you have to walk to the next line and climb a good number of stairs. The red route is very physically demanding.  
You are allowed to double ride on the zip lines if your total weight is less than 300lb. I saw a lot of parents double riding with their kids. 
The other zip line route is the green towers this one only has 3 towers and is more suitable for kids (Still must meet height requirement). 


Amphibious Vehicles-Drive a 4-seater UTV on jungle trails through caves and over bridges. 


Rafts-Adventure paddling with your own hand paddles through two different routes in the underground river. 

River Swim-Swim through the underground river through caves and surrounded by stalacites. 

Hammock Splash-Walk through the caves and finish with a hammock ride into a waterfall.  


Cave Walks-Explore all the trails going through caves and jungle trails. 

Surprisingly, I would say the UTVs were our favorite! While you have to follow the trail, you have a lot of flexibility to do your own thing. You can drive as crazy and fast as you want! 

9am arrived (took some time to check in and put your stuff away in lockers) 
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9:30-10:15am did red tower zip lines first (10 routes, finishing in water fall) 

10:30-11 did the hand paddle rafts through underwater caves.  

11:15-11:45 ate lunch at the buffet. The buffet was SUPER big. The food was pretty much your average all-inclusive buffet, maybe a little step up.  

12-1 Drove the UTV vehicles. We loved this and did it twice. We did the first route (20ish min) and then did the second route (30ish min). You have to follow the trail but they allow you to do your thing.  

1:30 pick up and headed back to our resort! 

We felt like the timing was perfect. We were ready to go back at 1:30, however you could easily make a full day of this park! 

Water Shoes are needed. I bought ours on Amazon before the trip for $10. They were selling ones there for $35. 
​Sunscreen: Make sure to put sunscreen on before arriving, they will confiscate your sunscreen if it’s not environmentally friendly. 

My husband and I went to Xplor Park during our trip to Mexico. The park is full of trails/caves to explore on your own, but it also has 6 different extreme activities to participate in as well. The grounds are very well maintained, the staff is kind and friendly, and the buffet lunch is quite yummy! 
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We went for a half day, but you could easily spend an entire day there. Our favorite activities were the ziplines and the UTV trails. I would highly recommend visiting this park if you are an active and adventurous couple! 

-Kerilyn Gatto
All-Inclusive & Disney Vacation Specialist
630-341-3058
keri@mdvtrips.com

Staying in a hotel room can sometimes be inconvenient, but necessary. You might forget to pack something, or you might need a particular fix for something that is bothering you.

​Next time you're set to stay in a hotel for an overnight stay or a long vacation, be sure to remember these 10 hotel room hacks!   ​

​Enjoy live music at Trader Sam's Tiki Terrace and then make your way to the Tambu Lounge and be sure to order the "secret kitchen dessert"-it's not on the menu and simply delicious!

Disney's Polynesian Resort never disappoints. We fell in love with this resort at our first stay in 2015 and stay here whenever we can.  The recent refurbishments have maintained the original character from it's 1971 opening as one of the first Disney resorts.  The moment you step on to the property with a lei greeting, you are transformed to the islands. From character dining at O'Hana to pineapple drinks at Trader Sam's this resort can be thoroughly enjoyed by all ages!

​What can be better than beautiful grounds, fresh room décor, one of a kind views, tasty food and drink--watching the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the beach and ending the night with the Electrical Water Pageant simply cannot be replicated! There's something about catching your first glimpse of the castle from across the Seven Seas Lagoon that says, "Aloha"!
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-Katy Thompson
Disney Parks, Cruise, & All-Inclusive Specialist
Katy@mdvtrips.com
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Casual elegance meets the beach here at Disney’s Beach Club. The Beach Club is the closest resort to Epcot. It's less than a five-minute walk out of the resort's backdoor to the International Gateway Entrance to Epcot. 
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Standard Rooms at Disney's Beach Club sleep up to 5 and a baby while the villas offer more space and can accommodate a family of 8. ​ Club level is available in standard rooms and suites. ​

 This lakeside hotel is set in a grand New England-style yacht club. The plush lobby with nautical touches feels more adult than the casualness of the Beach Club making it more adult friendly. The Yacht Club is a popular convention resort so at times, it can feel more business like than Disney.

​Standard rooms here sleep up to five plus a baby. There are suites that sleep up to 6. Club level is available in standard rooms and suites. ​

Whether you stay at one of these Epcot Resorts or only tour as a day guest, make sure to remember these tips and dining options. If your day at the neighboring Disney park becomes too congested and you are ready to throw your hands up, exit at the International Gateway for a break.
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With over 20 resorts on property at Disney World, it’s now easy to see why the Epcot area resorts come in as our favorite!   
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Mickey's Dream Vacations is a full-service travel agency, specializing in Family & Romance Travel. We take the stress out of travel planning. ​

Summer is almost here, and we are so excited! Sunshine, barbecues, pool parties, and traveling! Oh, and we can't forget shopping. Here are our must-haves for your summer travels. What good is having a new vacation in the works if you don't have a few new fun summer essentials to bring with you? 

​When you are at the beach, you need a cute bag to carry all your things. This adorable rattan tote is the perfect size for the beach or the pool. It will hold a towel, your sunnies, sunscreen, and extra change of clothes, and your wallet. You will be beach ready and look so cute!

These casual shorts are perfect to throw on while running to the beach or for lunch. They are breathable and lightweight so you will stay cool on those warm summer days. 

Cute floral print cover ups can take you from day to night. Throw on over your swimsuit or pair with a cute outfit for dinner. Easy to pack and doesn't wrinkle easy. 

This adorable sleeveless romper is perfect for the beach or dress it up to go to a summer bbq. It comes in a variety of colors and runs true to size. The pockets are perfectly placed and it's so comfortable!

The perfect packable summer tank to go with jeans, shorts, or a skirt for a look that's easy to love all season long. 

This straw roll up Panama hat can be easily carried inside your bag making it an essential accessory for your summer vacation. 

Summer life saver! Bodyglide anti-chafing balm helps retain skin moisture to create an invisible barrier against chafing, irritation, and raw skin caused by rubbing. Apply wherever skin is sensitive to rubbing.
Mom Tip: This is perfect for boys who get irritation from swim trunks. 

Quay sunglasses are so on trend right now without the high price. They fit well and are the perfect everyday glasses for any occasion. 

Stainless Steel water bottles are great for keeping liquids cold on a hot day. We love these bottles because they have the paracord handle with clip so you are hands free. Moms are always the ones holding everything so clip this to your bag and go. ​

When you have little ones with allergies, you have to be mindful of the ingredients in sunscreen. Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids is the number one Dermatologist recommended sunscreen. The spray is perfect for the beach or the pool and offers sun protection that lasts up to 80 minutes.

​The corresponding face stick is non-greasy and perfect for throwing in your purse when on the go. We love that these can be applied on wet or dry skin. ​

Havianas are the perfect summer travel shoe because they are so comfortable and easy to pack. They come in a variety of colors and are usually only around $29 making them affordable too!

We hope you found this helpful and are getting excited about your summer vacation plans!
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Mickey's Dream Vacations is a full-service travel agency, specializing in Family & Romance Travel. We take the stress out of travel planning. 

​Disclosure: There are some affiliate links in the post above, but these are all products we highly recommend. We won’t put anything on this page that we haven’t verified and/or personally used.

The best summer vacation memories last a lifetime. There are several spots in the United States that are iconic when it comes to the idea summer vacation for families, couples, or even solo travelers. 
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The Grand Canyon is one of the most iconic, family-friendly American summer vacation spots because of its views, notoriety, and things to do while you are here. Summer is a crowded time, as it is peak season, especially with kids out of school, so you will want to lock in lodging many months in advance. Plan ahead for activities that might require a reservation, like rafting on the Colorado River.

There are lookouts and hiking trails throughout the Grand Canyon, and you can even take the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams, Arizona to the South Rim, which is a popular vantage point. The South Rim is where you can find the Grand Canyon Village and the winding Bright Angel Trail, which is a popular hike for those who want a more aggressive excursion.
The North Rim is the least crowded spot with fewer tourists, and it is only completely open from May to October. From October to December 1, it is only open for day use.

​Favorite Resort: The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon
4-Night Summer Pricing: standard room $1,173.50
Fill out the form below for more details. 

A summer vacation on Mackinac Island in Michigan is a throwback to the simplicity of the summer vacation of the 1800s. A ferry to the island is required, and once you arrive, there are no cars and no chain hotels.

Transportation is by horse and carriage, bicycles, or on foot. There are several resorts on the island, like the famed Grand Hotel and Mission Point resort, where Adirondack chairs adorn the lawn along the Lake Huron shoreline. The island represents a wholesome kind of vacation that is ideal for families or romantic getaways.

Throughout Mackinac Island, you can explore the outdoors with a carriage ride and tour, kayaking trips on the water, horseback riding through Mackinac Island State Park, relaxing at the spa, or taking a leisurely bike ride through yesteryear in a place that seems to have stopped in time.

​Grab high tea in the afternoon at the historic Grand Hotel on the hill or enjoy a mega-scoop of ice-cream at Sadie's Ice Cream Parlor. Everything on the impeccably manicured island is the epitome of the perfect summer vacation

​Favorite Resort: Bicycle Street Inn & Suites
4-Night Summer Pricing:  $2,370.75
Fill out the form below for more details. 

A summer vacation to Yellowstone National Park enables you to experience some of the most stunning natural beauty in the United States. The park crosses the boundaries of Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho, with more than two million acres of natural landscape and wildlife viewing to enjoy.

Plan some time for this vacation because there is so much to see and do, from hiking the many trails to photographing the Old Faithful geyser, one of the most popular stops in the park.
It is estimated that Yellowstone attracts two million visitors in the summer months, which means the park will be crowded. It is also the best time to go, not just for the warm temperatures and wildlife activity but also for the events happening in the towns around the park that have many summer festivals.

Some other must-see Yellowstone points of interests are Mammoth Hot Springs and Yellowstone Lake.

​Favorite Resort: Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa
4-Night Summer Pricing: standard room $2,019.69
Fill out the form below for more details. 

Summer in Cape Cod defines the idea of a cottage escape. With pristine beaches and quaint villages with old-fashioned ice-cream parlors, Cape Cod is one of the best vacation getaways in New England.

​The ocean and public beaches almost never leave your eyesight, unless you opt for a bike ride along one of the many paths that weave through the area. Kayaking and fishing are top things to do in Cape Cod but so is beachcombing; listening to live music; and visiting art galleries, where you can find lots of unique creations from local glass blowers and painters.

Cape Cod beaches stretch for 40 miles and are home to many celebrities during the summer months. Some of the notable beaches to visit are Herring Cove in Provincetown and Nauset Beach in Eastham. July and August are the best beach months to visit but be prepared to spend quite a bit for this iconic summer vacation. Hotel, resort, and bed and breakfast rates will be at a premium, and availability will be limited if you do not book several months, or even up to a year in advance.

​Favorite Resort: Green Harbor Resort
4-Night Summer Pricing: $2,218.41
Fill out the form below for more details. 

A summer visit to North Carolina's barrier islands, known as the Outer Banks, is one of the best vacations in the United States. You can make a base in one of the small towns along the 130-mile stretch and make day trips along Highway 12 to places like Cape Hatteras National Seashore or to some of the historic lighthouses along the Outer Banks.

It is common for many summer vacationers to rent beach houses in Duck, Nags Head, Hatteras, or Kill Devil Hills and make the Outer Banks an annual tradition. The area has long stretches of beautiful beaches, perfect for family vacations. Due to the popularity of the area, it is best to lock in lodging six months to a year in advance.

While the main attractions in the Outer Banks are the picturesque Atlantic Ocean and dramatic sand dunes, there's much more to explore. On the northern tip of the Outer Banks in Corolla, you can see wild Spanish mustang horses roaming the beaches.

Several historic sites, like the Wright Brothers National Memorial, Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station, and the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum are worth visits. For a truly unforgettable experience, walk the 100-foot-high sand dunes at Jockey's Ridge State Park or take a hang-gliding lesson at the largest hang-gliding school in the world located at the park.

Favorite Resort: Sanderling Resort
4-Night Summer Pricing: $2,302.88
Fill out the form below for more details. ​

Located on the northern edge of the Ozark Mountains in central Missouri, Lake of the Ozarks was created by an impoundment of the Osage River in 1931. In its near 90-year history, this long and winding lake has grown into Missouri's premiere vacation destination. With more than 1,100 miles of shoreline outlining this massive man-made reservoir, the water is always a defining feature of any visit.

Whether it's golfing within view of the water, camping next to the shore, or renting a boat for the day, the Lake of the Ozarks offers all types of vacations and things to do. Other reasons people flock to the lake include historic lodges, swinging bridges, and raging water parks. All this, and more, adds up to the perfect destination for long weekends and extended family vacations.
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One of the best base camps for activity is the city of Lake Ozark, just south of the Osage River impoundment, the Bagnell Dam. Osage Beach, six miles south of Lake Ozark, is another popular place to visit and is the largest city at Lake of the Ozarks. Farther south, Camdenton also provides plenty of adventure, including subterranean exploration of Bridal Cave.

Favorite Resort: Big Cedar Lodge
4-Night Summer Pricing: $2,494.98
Fill out the form below for more details. ​

Few summer vacation memories can top sliding down the colossal sand dunes at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore in Michigan. The nice thing about this vacation is that most of the things to do are outdoors, and most of them are free.

You can hang beachside at one of the best beaches in Michigan and relax by the waters of Lake Michigan. For more adventure, tackle one of the many hiking trails through Leelanau State Park and North Manitou Island to get up close to nature and local wildflowers.
There are several local outfitters that have kayaks available for rent and offer tours of the area. Or you can head out on your own and capture photos of your family taking on the adventure of the 400-foot-tall sand dunes.
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There is an abundance of wildlife along the 65 miles of shoreline. The area is especially popular for birdwatching. One of the most peaceful parts of a Sleeping Bear Dunes vacation will be the dramatic sunsets along Lake Michigan, which you can catch from the balcony of one of the resorts in the area.

Favorite Resort: Crystal Mountain Resort
4-Night Summer Pricing: $888.62
Fill out the form below for more details. ​

Summertime is the peak tourist season in Portland, Maine but it is also one of the best times to visit for the full flavor of the city. Temperatures, even during the summer, are comfortable and barely exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If you love outdoor activities, Portland fits your vacation style with preserved natural beauty and a simplistic vibe.

Much of your time will be spent on the rocky coastline listening to the sounds of the sea crashing upon arrival. One of the things Portland is most known for is its lighthouses. There are six within close proximity, including its most prominent, Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth. You can take a tour of one or all of them to get a sense of the town's importance to maritime history.
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Outdoor recreation in Portland spans from kayaking and fishing to golf and sailing. Since Portland is located on the coast, you will find small restaurants serving up seafood and culinary creations using in-season fruits and vegetables.

Favorite Resort: Inn By The Sea
4-Night Summer Pricing: $3,407.63
Fill out the form below for more details. ​

The city of San Francisco has the benefit of being a nearly perfect place to visit anytime of the year, but a summer vacation to this California destination is memorable. The summer months are the most popular in the San Francisco Bay area, so the beaches will be crowded, and lodging will be at a premium. You will also want to book hotels and transportation far in advance.

The top must-dos in San Francisco include a visit to the Golden Gate Bridge, a boat tour on the bay, and a cable car ride around the hilly streets. A trip to Alcatraz is also recommended but since you must buy a ticket and time slot, you may want to book these online before you go.
San Francisco comes alive in the summer with street artists and musicians, festivals, and an eclectic atmosphere. Be sure to visit Pier 39, where you can see dozens of local sea lions resting on the docks at the marina. 
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​Favorite Resort: The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay
4-Night Summer Pricing: $2,841.90
Fill out the form below for more details. ​

One of the best summer beach getaways happens in Panama City Beach, Florida. There's never a bad spot as you choose your beach spot for the day on some of the 27 miles of beaches. The beach is perfect for long walks and people watching from the pier.

Besides relaxing at the beach, you can hike or bike in one of the two state parks in the area or take a sunset kayaking trip. The eco-friendly destination also makes it easy to explore the nearby and untouched Shell Island or take an airboat ride to get up close to local wildlife.
Pier Park is one way to break up your beach time with some food and activities. The SkyWheel is an exciting way to get a bird's-eye view of the beach scene. Pier Park has more than 124 stores, from boutique and souvenir shops to ice-cream parlors and sundry stores in case you forgot the sunglasses. This is a fun time in Panama City Beach to enjoy the local flavor at the many festivals that happen during the summer months.

For those who enjoy fishing, you can spend a day on a deep-sea charter catching a variety of species then have them filleted at the marina and prepped for you to take to a local restaurant for dinner. If you prefer to enjoy eating fresh seafood more than catching it, Panama City Beach has a wide array of casual to fine-dining seafood restaurants.
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Favorite Resort: Ocean Villa Resort
4-Night Summer Pricing: $2,017.32
Fill out the form below for more details. ​

A summer vacation in Gatlinburg, Tennessee checks all the boxes if you are looking for a combination of activities and some downtime during your getaway. Make no mistake, the heart of Gatlinburg is touristy and busy in the summer months with families, but the buzzing activity is part of its ambience.

The center of Gatlinburg requires no itinerary. It is full of options, from museums to pancake restaurants and miniature golf. Take advantage of the main attractions in the area, like the Gatlinburg Space Needle; Ripley's Aquarium; rides; shops; live entertainment; and the SkyLift, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America.

One of the most popular attractions is the Aerial Tramway, which leaves from downtown Gatlinburg and takes visitors in a cable car up the mountainside to an amusement park and dining at the top. There are plenty of hotels along the main parkway, or you can opt for a more secluded cabin in the woods just outside the main part of town.

Gatlinburg sits in the valley of the Great Smoky Mountains, so every sunrise and sunset is spectacular.

Take a day or two hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for some natural inspiration. It is the most visited national park in the United States and has more than 50,000-acres of trails, as well as wilderness and wildlife to experience. New visitors should stop by the visitor center near the main entrance for ranger guidance on where to go based on your time and skill level, but some of the must-see spots are Cade's Cove and Clingman's Dome.

Favorite Resort: Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg
4-Night Summer Pricing: $1,513.99
Fill out the form below for more details. ​

Anchorage, Alaska is one of the best places to visit in the summer, when the weather is ideal, and since the days are longer, you can pack more into the daily itinerary. During the summer solstice in June, daylight lasts close to 22 hours, so you have more time to hike, canoe, golf, or do a whale watching tour.

There are also many heritage centers like the Anchorage Museum to visit, so you can plan a mix of outdoor and indoor activities. The temperatures in the summer are comfortable (averaging in the 60s Fahrenheit), so it is a great time to try river rafting, take a wildlife viewing tour, and see the landscape by railroad.

Favorite Resort: Hotel Captain Cook
4-Night Summer Pricing: $1,875.09
Fill out the form below for more details. 

Mickey's Dream Vacations is a full-service travel agency, specializing in Family & Romance Travel. We take the stress out of travel planning. ​

This fall, ghosts and ghouls of all ages are invited to don their favorite costumes and celebrate all things haunted during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Taking place on 37 select nights Aug. 12 through Oct. 31, 2022, this special event haunts Magic Kingdom Park after normal park operating hours from 7 p.m. to midnight.  
As a part of this limited-capacity event, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party attendees will encounter event-exclusive entertainment, notorious Disney villains, frightfully delicious menu items and more! Here’s some of what’s in store: ​

Tickets for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party may be purchased beginning May 18. 
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Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels can begin purchasing tickets as early as May 12. Ticket prices will range from $109 – $199. The event dates are:  

• August: 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30 
• September: 2, 5, 9, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 27, 29, 30 
• October: 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31 

Walt Disney World Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members may purchase specially priced tickets for select dates. 
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