A favorite resort, a red-hot deal, a clever pitch... scroll down for a selection of fun promotions for families.
1. Disney World: Free on Your Birthday
Disney World is giving guests a birthday present, all through 2009. The Mouse wants you to have a "celebration vacation", starting with free admission for the birthday girl or boy. (Don't forget that valid ID!) And presumably you'll be celebrating with a gang of family and friends, so the Mouse is happy and so are you. Find out more at www.disneyparks.com. Click above for more about Disney World vacations.
2. Universal Orlando - Fall Savings
Photo courtesy of Loews Hotels.
Universal Orlando has some cool new themed suites: Seuss-themed suites as the Portofino Bay Hotel, and Jurassic Park-themed suites at the Royal Pacific Resort. All three Universal Orlando resorts are just a short walk (or boat ride) from the theme parks, and guests get Front Of The Line access to popular rides. Read more about Universal Orlando at the link above; visit universalorlando.com or call 1-800-BE-A-STAR to look for Fall Savings such as hotel discounts up to 25%; Stay 4, Play More offer; and Extra Value Weeks from Nov 30 - Dec 18, 2008.
3. Atlantis Bahamas - Great Rates for Fall
Huge price drop, for fall packages, starting at $159 for Beach Tower, per person, double occupancy, $199 for Royal Towers, $239 for luxury at The Cove. (Mandatory taxes, gratuities, & service charges are extra; sample figure is $136 pp.) Also: new dining plans from $49/night, and kids 6 and under eat free.
This one-of-a-kind megaresort has 93-acre "waterscape" plus spa, casino, Marina, kids' camp developed by Discovery Channel, teen club; "waterscape" has AQUAVENTURE waterpark, jaw-dropping waterslides, special-effects river ride, shark lagoons, subterranean aquariums, water play zone for little kids, beaches, calm lagoon, much more. Generally, two kids 11 and under stay free; older kids pay $45 per night.
4. Sandy Lane, Barbados
This discreetly famous playground of the rich and famous has a Family Fun Package from April 19 to October 31 2008, for families booking adjoining rooms: with unlimited Tree House Club for ages 3 to 12; one family lunch; daily breakfast; complimentary gift for each child on arrival; airport transfers. Room rates start from $3,800 for 5 nights; three kids under 16 years stay in a connecting room for 50% of price of parents' stay. Mre about about this promotion; more about Sandy Lane.
5. Beaches Resorts: WonderFALL for Preschoolers, Reunions, Grandparents
Photo courtesy of Beaches Resorts.
Families with preschoolers can find nice promotions starting in early fall after the "big kids" go back to school. This year, Beaches Resorts -- top family all-inclusives in Jamaica and Turks & Caicos-- are offering WonderFALL", with savings of up to 45% plus one or two nights free, if you stay a while. WonderFALL also has extra appearances and live stage shows by Sesame Street characters, Family Reunion Packages, and special fun for kids and grandparents.
6. "Four Legs or Fins" at New Orleans Marriott & Renaissance Hotels
Package includes accommodations for four, breakfast for four, choice of four tickets to Audubon Aquarium of the Americas or the Audubon Zoo. Rates from $169 yp $339 per night; valid through November 15 2008.
Properties include the New Orleans Marriott (in the French Quarter), JW Marriott New Orleans, Marriott at the Convention Center, Renaissance Pere Marquette or Renaissance Arts Hotel. Call 1.866.530.3763 or visit www.neworleans.marriott.com.
7. Northwest Florida: Sandestin Resort
In northwest Florida, giant 2400-acre
Sandestin Resort has miles
of white-sand beach, a bay-side with kayaking, sailing, etc., and a picture-perfect village of shops and restaurants. Check for
packages such as "Family Fun Package", "Family Golf", and more.
8. Hawaii Resort with Kids' Program - Best of the Beach Package
The value-priced Ka'anapali Beach Hotel -- on Maui's popular Ka'anapali Beach-- prides itself on honoring Hawaiian culture, has an innovative kids' program, and offers many special promotions for families throughout the year. "Best of the Beach" package includes rental car, some meals, some goodies such as cooler bag and beach towels, and more. Through 2008.
9. "Kids Free" at All-inclusive Resorts - through 2008
Kids (age three to twelve) are free at all Occidental Allegro properties in Mexico (Allegro Cozumel, Allegro Nuevo Vallarta, Allegro Playacar), Costa Rica (Allegro Papagayo) and the Dominican Republic (Allegro Playa Dorada). Sample savings: $53 to $73 per child, per night, depending on the location selected. Travel dates extend from May through December 31, 2008. (As is typical of "Kids Free" deals, one child is free for each paying adult.)10. Kids Free at All-inclusive Dreams and Sunscape Resorts; Single Parent Deal, too
From August 18 to Dec. 19 2008, kids stay, eat and play
free at "unlimited luxury" Dreams Resorts & Spas, and "unlimited fun" Sunscape
Resorts & Spas in Mexico and the DR. (That's two kids, 12 and under, with two paying
adults.) Book until Dec. 16th. Also, for single parent families: from May 1
to June 30 2008, one child stays free and single parents get a price break;
savings up to $800/week. Read more about these promotions at the
Dreams Resorts site.
-check prices for Dreams Cancun, at Kayak.com
