How to choose your Disneyland hotel

Depending on your family dynamic, these are some of the things you will want to think about when selecting an Anaheim hotel –

• What is your budget?
• Is it within walking distance of Disneyland? If not, is there a free shuttle or other public transport available?
• How many people does your room need to cater to?
• Are there other facilities you require at your accommodation (e.g. swimming pool, restaurant, gym etc.)?
• What extra services would you like your hotel to be able to arrange for you? (e.g. Disney tickets, stroller rental, car hire etc.)

Once you have a shortlist, I highly recommend checking out online review sites such as Trip Advisor to read some recent reviews. This will give you a great indication of the best hotel near Disneyland for families, particularly what to expect in terms of accommodation, costs, service and location. Generally speaking, the closer you are to Disneyland the more expensive the hotel—this is particularly true of the on-site Disneyland Resort Hotels.

What Is The Best Hotel Near Disneyland For Families?

We spent hours researching Anaheim hotels before our Disneyland visit, and we were excited to find that one hotel ticked every box on our wish list—the Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance. Opened in 2016, Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance is located approximately 5 minutes’ walk from the main gates of Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks. As we were travelling with family and children aged between 1 and 11 years, being able to walk to Disneyland and being able to pop back to our hotel for an afternoon nap was a huge deciding factor for us. On top of this, the hotel features a huge list of facilities, including a water park, café, convenience store and gift shop. One look at Trip Advisor will tell you—Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance is THE best hotel for families near Disneyland!

Family Sized Hotel Rooms

The standard 48m2 hotel room at Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance sleeps up to 6 people, so it’s perfect for families needing a bit of extra space! Featuring two queen beds and a set of bunks, the rooms are spacious and bright; many offering views of the water park and Disneyland (great for viewing the Disneyland fireworks!). On top of this, each hotel room at Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance includes a dining table with booth seating for quick meals. The rooms also encompass a main bathroom with bath and shower, as well as an additional bathroom with a shower. This means you can hit the theme parks even sooner, with the time spent getting ready effectively halved.

An Incredible Water Park

Not to be outdone by the theme parks, Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance has its very own water park! Relax poolside after a long day of touristing while the kids cool down with a splash in the Surfside Waterpark, which includes water slides, a tipping bucket, swimming pool and a kids’ pool. The water park is also a great spot to enjoy the Disneyland fireworks in the evening (on selected nights each week).

Customer Service Staff Who Go The Extra Mile

The staff at Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance could not be faulted. From being greeted and welcomed every time you enter, to the willingness to arrange stroller hire, restaurant bookings and more, nothing was too much trouble for the smiling staff. At the end of a month of travelling the US, it was these extra touches that made this hotel stand out from all the rest we had visited in the previous weeks.

What Makes Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance The Best Hotel Near Disneyland For Families?

We’ve taken the hard work and research out for you, and put together a checklist of our favourite inclusions at Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance for quick reference –

• Located opposite Disneyland, only 5 minutes’ walk to the main gates of Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks
• Water park featuring slides, tipping bucket, pool and kids’ pool
• Huge 48m2 rooms as standard, featuring:
  • Two queen beds and one set of bunks
  • Two bathrooms as standard—shower over bath and additional shower separate
  • Refrigerator and microwave
  • Views of Disneyland (select rooms)
  • Views of the waterpark (select rooms)
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • 47” TV
  • Netflix streaming
  • Double pane windows (nice and quiet!)
  • Smoke free
  • 80m2 one bedroom suites and accessible rooms also available
• Bistro serving Starbucks coffee, light breakfasts and dinner
• Convenience store selling on-the-go items—perfect for snacks and lunches at the theme parks
• Gift shop with a vast range of Disney merchandise, chemist items and more
• Mimi’s restaurant adjacent to the entrance offering French-inspired comfort food for lunch and dinner
• Excellent, friendly staff who go out of their way to make you feel welcome and to assist with anything you may need

We would not hesitate to stay at the Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance again, and highly recommend it to any families wanting a comfortable hotel with some added extras close to Disneyland. Pricing does fluctuate throughout the year due to different events taking place in the theme parks, school holidays etc, and the US dollar exchange rate can be a major factor. Our recommendation is to book as early as possible, and join up to Marriott Rewards to earn some points for your stay. Weeks of travelling and staying in hotels may even equate to a free night away by the end of your trip!

Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance is located at 1420 South Harbor Boulevard, Anaheim, California 92802. To find out more, and to book your Disneyland stay, please visit https://www.marriott.com.au/hotels/travel/snadt-courtyard-anaheim-theme-park-entrance/.

*The writer was a guest of Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance. Some costs were covered. Visit: https://www.marriott.com.au/hotels/travel/snadt-courtyard-anaheim-theme-park-entrance/*

When staying in Anaheim, be sure to check out everything it has to offer outside of the theme parks. We share our top 5 things to do in Anaheim here. Of course, no trip to Anaheim is complete without at least a day at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Read our top tips for your first Disneyland visit here.

1. The Vans Skatepark at The Outlets At Orange

Regardless of skill level, The Vans Skatepark is an awesome experience for families. Located behind the extensive Vans Store at The Outlets At Orange, the skatepark is open to the public, with the option of skating by yourself or lessons from professionals. You may even recognise the skatepark from TV, as several shows have been filmed here! Competitions are regularly held in the park, which is incredibly popular with the locals. At least two hours is needed to enjoy this space, and for skate enthusiasts you could easily spend hours more.

The main course within the Vans Skatepark at Orange covers 20,000 feet indoors and features both timber and concrete surfaces for skating and BMX. A number of different obstacles are set up to test the skills of novices to proficient skateboarders, with rails, stairs, banks and ledges to manoeuvre. On top of this, there’s an incredible ‘combi pool’ set up with deep dips and curves for those more advanced skaters seeking bigger thrills.

Beginning with the smaller scale warm up course that’s perfect for those just starting out, our Brisbane Kids went from being completely timid of even standing on a board to cruising down ramps unaided. Their Vans coach, Devin, was amazingly patient with them, and built their skating confidence immensely in the brief time they both spent with him. We have been told that all the staff at the Vans Skatepark in Orange are just as wonderful with all skill levels, and that was certainly our experience with the staff we encountered on the day. It was fantastic to see the kids so proud of themselves and conquering their fears of falling off, and they are now super keen to continue developing their skills back home.

The Vans Skatepark is located within The Outlets At Orange, 20 City Blvd W, Orange, CA 92868. Find out more at https://www.vans.com/.

2. The Outlets At Orange

Shopping outlets may not seem like the best place to take the kids. Often, the mere thought of visiting the shops can induce some hearty whinging from kids of all ages. We believe The Outlets At Orange has completely perfected the shopping experience for families.

Not just a shopping precinct with outlet shops selling all the big brands at discounted prices, The Outlets At Orange include a huge selection of other activities to keep the rest of the family occupied while those who want to shop can do so in peace. The kids have no opportunity to be bored, with cinemas, play centres, trampolining, bowling alleys and more to offer non-stop fun.

Some of the activities we recommend families try out at The Outlets At Orange are –

• Thrill It Fun Centre – An indoor play centre for all ages that features a high ropes challenge and indoor rock climbing, laser tag, arcade games and tonnes more to entertain for hours.
• Lucky Strike – A 24 lane bowling alley with shuffleboard and billiards tables.
• AMC Orange 30 – With recliner seating and an IMAX theatre screening large scale movies, there are always dozens of movies to choose from.
• Dave & Buster’s – Combining food and entertainment, Dave & Buster’s offers an extensive selection of American faire, as well as classic arcade games and newer high-tech machines. Check out their Power Card that you can pre-load with games credit. NOTE: All minors under 21 years do need to be accompanied by a guardian aged 25+.
• Vans Skatepark – An incredible indoor skatepark for all skill levels. Lessons available for a fee.
• Burke Williams Day Spa – After a few days trekking the theme parks, you’ll probably be in need of a bit of pampering! Burke Williams will soothe those aches and allow you to relax before moving on to the next item on your US itinerary.

The Outlets At Orange are located at 20 City Blvd W, Orange, CA 92868. Find out more at http://www.simon.com/mall/the-outlets-at-orange.

3. Anaheim Packing House

Located in the Anaheim Packing District, the Anaheim Packing House is an expansive two-level dining space featuring dozens of independent food outlets, bars and a speak easy tucked away downstairs. Housed in one of the old Sunkist orange packing warehouses from 1919, this building and surrounding area is steeped in local Orange County history. This area is THE place to go for food, music, breweries and more, and is definitely worth checking out.

The Anaheim Packing House is now home to a gourmet food hall with communal seating scattered throughout, as well as outside. Almost any food you can think of is available to try and to share, including seafood, American, Indian, Japanese, bubble tea, cocktails, beer and wine, dessert and more. These were some of our highlights (we went back another day just to try some more!) –

• Grilled cheese – Grilled cheese toasties with several types of cheese to choose from, as well as other delicious additions
• Hot dogs – Miss 11’s eyes were bigger than her stomach, but she made a valiant effort with her American hot dog topped with bacon and mac and cheese.
• Poutine at The Kroft – Genuine poutine (fries topped with gravy and curds) is on offer here, with several varieties and toppings to choose from.
• Popbar – Choose an ice-cream on a stick, then have it dipped in your choice of chocolate, rolled in a variety of toppings, then further drizzled with chocolate. Need we say more?!

Anaheim Packing House is located at 440 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92805. Find out more at http://anaheimpackingdistrict.com/.

4. Anaheim Brewery

Boutique breweries are flourishing in Anaheim, and one of the originals, Anaheim Brewery, is centrally located and surprisingly family-friendly. Located next door to the Anaheim Packing House, Anaheim Brewery features a bar and tasting room with large glass windows overlooking the brewery itself, along with an outdoor courtyard area with seating overlooking Farmer’s Park. Brewery tours are available by appointment.

Anaheim Brewery’s history dates back to 1870. Closing in the 20s due to Prohibition, the brewery reopened in its new form some 90 years later. Now, Anaheim Brewery produces a selection of around 10 different beers, from their flagship amber lager, Anaheim 1888, to deep brown ales. A beer flight, guided by one of Anaheim Brewery’s knowledgeable staff, is the perfect way to try out the selection; sitting at the vintage timber bar to round out the experience.

Whilst a brewery may not seem like the ideal place for kids, you’ll be surprised at just how open and friendly Anaheim Brewery is. Along with the outdoor courtyard and Farmer’s Park situated adjacent, the brewery has on hand dozens of board games and activities to keep the kids happy and occupied. At the front of the building, Umami, a gourmet burger restaurant, also offers the perfect accompaniment to your beer tasting session, or cross the park to discover the multitude of food options to tempt you at the Anaheim Packing House. A visit to Anaheim Brewery is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the local history, whilst relaxing with the whole family happy and entertained.

Anaheim Brewery is located at 336 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92805. Find out more at https://www.brewheim.com/.

5. Ice Skating at Anaheim ICE

Located a few blocks and easy walking distance away from the Anaheim Packing District, The Rinks at Anaheim ICE are home to the Anaheim Ducks hockey team—you may even catch a glimpse of the team training when you visit! Commissioned by Disney and built with two full sized ice rinks to home the then ‘Mighty Ducks’, the centre was formerly known as Disney Ice.

These days, the rink is open to the public at select times each day, and hosts many hockey and figure skating championships throughout the year. ‘Skate mates’ are available for inexperienced skaters, and offer a bit of extra assistance to those who need it. Skating gear, including skates and skate aids, is available for hire, and a couple of hours at Anaheim ICE provides a cool change from the often hot and sunny days Orange County is famous for. It can be very cold inside though, so make sure you bring warm clothes to put on once inside.

Fascinating fact: The building which houses The Rinks was designed by world-famous architect Frank Gehry. Look up when you’re inside and you’ll be wowed by the fascinating timber structure supporting the roof.

Anaheim Ice is located at 300 W Lincoln Ave, Anaheim, CA 92805. Find out more at http://anaheimice.therinks.com/.

Other places for families to check out in Anaheim

While these were the top 5 things to do in Anaheim for families outside of the theme parks, there were also some other places we visited that we’d highly recommend:

Pour Vida Latin Flavor – Serving hand crafted tacos, salads, beer, cocktails and pressed juices that you’ll find hard to beat, Pour Vida Latin Flavor is a taste experience you must try! They’re famous for their ‘Cheeseburger Taco’, which you may be lucky enough to try if on offer the day you visit. Many vegetarian options are also available. Check out their website for more information about their daily ‘happy hour’, when the food is even better value at 50% off sides and salads, discounted juices and cocktails. http://www.pourvidalatinflavor.com/

Muzeo – The Muzeo is Anaheim’s own museum and cultural centre. Set within the Carnegie Plaza in the historic 1908 Carnegie Library and Muzeo Main Gallery, the museum and gallery house touring exhibitions throughout the year, as well as private events and an educational program for schools. http://muzeo.org/

*The writer was a guest of Anaheim Tourism. Some costs were covered. Visit: http://visitanaheim.org/*

Of course, no trip to Anaheim is complete without at least a day at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Read our top tips for your first Disneyland visit here. You’ll also want to take a look at the Best Hotel Near Disneyland for Families for your stay.

We spent two days at Disneyland, with one day at Disney California Adventure Park in between, but we easily could have doubled that and still not seen everything (if we’d had the energy, that is!). These are the things we did that made our days as full as possible, and ensured we saw everything we wanted to on our first Disneyland visit.

Planning your days at Disneyland or Disney’s California Adventure

Disneyland Resort in Anaheim consists of two parks—Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Both parks’ main entrance gates face each other in a central piazza that also leads to an entrance to Downtown Disney (a shopping and dining district that does not require a ticket for entry), parking garages, taxi ranks and bus stops.

Depending on your ticket type, you will likely have access to both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks throughout your visit. A ‘Hopper’ ticket will allow your family to visit both parks in the one day, moving between them as you wish, whereas a standard ‘one park per day’ ticket means you will need to pick one park only for each day of your visit.

1. Make a Must Do list and a Want To Do list

Whether you choose to hit up Disneyland on your first day, or Disney California Adventure, we found that making a list of MUST DO rides and attractions helped us to focus on those things each member of the family felt they could not miss. We then compiled a WANT TO DO list, which included things we’d still really like to see and do, but would not be devastated by not doing. Consider the following when making your lists – rides and attractions, photo opportunities, shows and parades, and must-try foods (there are so many unique to Disneyland foods—the Lightsaber Churros have to be seen to be believed!).

There are many Disneyland planning sites that will help you work out the things your family will enjoy the most on your first visit (one of our favourites is Disneyland Daily – Casey has so much knowledge, and is always willing to answer questions). We found that our list technique meant less stress for everyone (especially Mum and Dad!), as we were able to enjoy the time spent walking around the park rather than racing from one thing to the next. There’s a lot to be said for simply soaking it all in on your first Disneyland visit—it truly is a magical experience!

2. What to take

A backpack is an absolute godsend in Disneyland, but you really need to make sure you a) don’t make it too heavy, and b) don’t take in anything that may be confiscated at the security gates prior to entry. This is an example of the contents of our backpack for each day in Disneyland:

• Camera and/or phone – essential to capture those once-in-a-lifetime moments at the Happiest Place on Earth!
• Spare camera and phone batteries
• Refillable water bottles – there are many water fountains throughout the park (we loved the economical Bobble filtered bottles, which meant we could fill with tap water and drink filtered water on the go)
• Snacks
• Hats and sunscreen – a given in the Californian sunshine
• Wipes
• Autograph books – make your own, or buy one in the park
• Jackets – even in the warmer months it can get chilly at night, so if you’re planning on being in the parks into the evenings, then a jacket will come in handy.

We also found that lanyards to hold our tickets came in very handy. Again, you can buy these in advance, or choose from one of the dozens of designs available in the park. To access the FastPass system within the park (see more below) you will need to scan each ticket, so it’s great to have them handy in a pocket on your lanyard. Lanyards are also great for displaying your park button souvenirs (be sure to ask at any store within the park for your ‘First Visit’ badge, or a birthday badge if someone in the family is lucky enough to be spending their special day in Disneyland – they will be wished happy birthday countless times throughout the day).

3. Strollers and Prams

Strollers are available to hire in the parks, which come in super handy for younger children (even those who may not regularly ride in a stroller any more, as it’s a BIG place!) and for ferrying around your belongings and purchases. Just visit the stroller hire office adjacent to the Disneyland main gate before entry and you’ll be set. Of course, you can bring your own stroller or pram, though it will be subjected to a thorough inspection at park security before you enter the parks. Another great stroller option is to ask your Anaheim hotel if they can organise hiring one from a hire company and have it ready for you upon arrival (they even have double strollers if you need them!). Stroller parking is available outside many of the attractions and rides in the park, though a word from the wise—don’t leave anything valuable in your stroller unattended.

4. Download the Disneyland App

We found the Disneyland app to be invaluable. It saved us pulling out paper maps of the park to find our way around, and it showed us wait times for the rides. On the app you can even locate your favourite characters in the park! The app also features performance times for the various shows and parades throughout both parks. Installing the app on your phone before you hit the parks for the first time will help you immensely.

5. The Disneyland FastPass system

Disneyland’s Fast Passes are an awesome way to ensure you get through your Must Do and Want To Do lists! Basically, FastPasses allow you to lock in a one hour window to return to a ride or attraction (or access a specific reserved area for one of the shows). With your FastPass, you can return to the attraction within the stated timeframe and join the much shorter FastPass queue to access priority entry to the ride.

Available on selected rides and attractions, a FastPass can be obtained manually by scanning your ticket at the FastPass machine near the entrance to the ride, or digitally on your mobile device by pre-purchasing a Disney MaxPass (see below). The earlier you grab your FastPass, the earlier your return time will be; though be aware that allocation of FastPasses for the popular attractions is exhausted quickly! Everyone can access the free FastPass system, so it pays to plan ahead and prioritise grabbing a fast pass for the super popular attractions very early in the day. You can only hold one FastPass for a ride at any one time, though you can hold one FastPass for a show (eg. World of Colour) at the same time as holding a FastPass for a ride. Visit https://disneyland.disney.go.com/au/plan/guest-services/fastpass/ to find out more about the FastPass system.

6. Disney PhotoPass

The Disney PhotoPass allows you to pre-purchase all of the photos taken of your family by professional photographers roaming the park, and access them digitally at a later date. Spending 3 days in the parks, and with 8 people in our group, we found the PhotoPass to be a great investment. Our photo collection includes professional photos in front of the Walt and Mickey statue with the castle in the background, character interaction shots, ride photos, and ‘Magic Shots’. Magic Shots are photos where a professional Disney photographer will set you up for a photo and then add a touch of magic in the editing. Magic Shot ideas include having Tinkerbell sit in the palm of your hand and one member of your party floating away with a bunch of balloons, and should definitely be on your must do list—just ask a Disney photographer in the park and they will do the rest. These photos make a wonderful memento of your first Disneyland visit! Visit https://disneyland.disney.go.com/photopass/ to find out more about the PhotoPass system.

7. Disney MaxPass

MaxPass is the recently released system which covers both digital FastPass and Disney PhotoPass from the convenience of your mobile phone. The MaxPass can be added to your Disneyland ticket for an additional fee, and you will need to have the Disneyland app installed to access your MaxPass. Disneyland’s website has a lot of information about the MaxPass system here that makes it easy to understand.

Highlights to discover on your first Disneyland visit

Your first Disneyland visit can be an overwhelming experience, particularly when you first enter the gates and walk down Main Street—it’s what childhood dreams are made of! Every family will be looking at different attractions to make their visit truly memorable for each party member, though these were the stand-out highlights from both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure that our family will remember forever –

• Lightsaber Churros in Tomorrowland (there was a queue, but it was totally worth it!)
• Breakfast with Minnie Mouse and friends at The Plaza Inn to celebrate a special 11^th birthday in the family (book this one up to 60 days in advance to secure your place) – this was also a fantastic opportunity to meet many Disney characters and get their autographs!
• Mickey’s Soundsational Parade – a parade down Main Street featuring all of the classic Disney characters, including Disney Princesses, and lots of Disney music
• Meeting Tinkerbell in Pixie Hollow
• Cars Land at Disney California Adventure (it’s just like walking through the movie!)
• The World of Colour show – it simply must be seen to be believed! (FastPass available)
• Soarin’ Around the World (an incredible virtual hang-glider flight over some of the world’s biggest landmarks)

You’ll never forget your first Disneyland visit, and we were so thrilled to be able to share this experience with our Brisbane Kids. As something that Mum and Dad only ever dreamt of doing when we were young, there’s no better feeling in the world than giving this to our children. We’ve created a lifetime of memories that we will talk about always.

Everyone’s Disneyland experience is different, but this video gives you an idea of our adventure at both parks in Disneyland California –

Disneyland California Resort is located at 1313 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim. Opening times vary throughout the year. To find out more, and to plan your visit, check out https://disneyland.disney.go.com/.

*The writer was a guest of Disneyland California Resort. Some costs were covered. Visit: https://disneyland.disney.go.com/*

When staying in Anaheim, be sure to check out everything it has to offer outside of the theme parks as well! We share our top 5 things to do in Anaheim here. You’ll also want to take a look at the Best Hotel Near Disneyland for Families for your stay.

The Magic Castle Hotel location

We had several friends glowingly recommend The Magic Castle Hotel in Los Angeles to us, and WOW, their recommendations were not wrong! Located next to the world-famous Magic Castle Club, this hotel has everything families could possibly need for a fantastic holiday in Los Angeles. It’s simply the BEST location for families visiting LA and a great base for doing all those big touristy things. Not only is the hotel just 5 minute’s walk from Hollywood Boulevard (and so close to attractions like the TCL Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, along with loads of dining and shopping options), but it’s also a very short drive to the theme parks such as Universal Studios and Warner Bros Studios, which were on our must-see list.

What makes The Magic Castle Hotel so special?

The Magic Castle Hotel in Los Angeles truly is a home away from home for families. And the kid-friendly inclusions here make it perhaps the most amazing family hotel we’ve ever experienced. What makes it so special is the attention to detail. From the minute you check in, the staff bend over backwards to make you feel welcome. They are incredibly knowledgeable when it comes to the local area, and can make recommendations for absolutely everything you could possibly want to do in this huge city. This service, coupled with some amazing extra inclusions, is what brings families back to The Magic Castle Hotel again and again.

Extras that make everybody smile

It’s the extras that you’ll never see at another hotel that truly make the whole family happy at The Magic Castle Hotel. And the inclusions are so extensive that you’ll be hard-pushed making use of them all! These are the highlights –

Huge rooms

One major thing that The Magic Castle offers, that larger hotel chains don’t, is expansive suites. A one bedroom suite was perfect for our family of four, and included a separate bedroom and a sofa bed for the kids, along with a dining room and kitchen for self-catering. Single rooms and two bedroom suites are also available. Bathrobes and slippers are on hand, and you can even request child size robes. The nightly turn-down service is delivered with a smile, making you feel like a valued guest.

Free breakfast

Perfect for getting a great start to the day, breakfast enjoyed in the sunny pool-side dining area of The Magic Castle Hotel is available every day of the week. The self-service meal includes a selection of cereals, bread and pastries, juices, coffee and tea, fruit and yoghurt.

Alfonso the Magician

You won’t even have to Google Alfonso the Magician to know that you are in the presence of an experienced and remarkable entertainer. Alfonso performs for guests at breakfast time three days a week, visiting tables to deliver puzzling tricks and entertain guests of all ages. A regular at the Magic Castle Club next door, Alfonso has performed his tricks all over the world and has even featured in Hollywood movies and TV shows.

24 Hour Heated Pool and The Popsicle Hotline

The pool at The Magic Castle Hotel is open 24 hours, and is heated all year round. With fluffy towels on hand and a huge selection of pool toys, kids can splash until their heart’s content whilst parents can soak up some vitamin D after a long day exploring the sights. And, as if the pool itself wasn’t enough, the poolside red Popsicle Hotline phone gives guests access to complimentary ice blocks delivered by a butler within minutes. So much fun!

Complimentary Sweet and Savoury Treats

Adjacent to the pool area daily, complimentary soft serve ice cream (available during daytime hours) and 24 hour self-serve soft drinks are on offer for a cool treat. There’s also a menu of sweet and savoury treats available at reception—choose from savoury snacks like chips and popcorn, or sweet treats such as chocolate bars and lollies, and more!

DVDs and Board Games to borrow

If you have any free time throughout your stay, The Magic Castle Hotel’s extensive DVD library and board game collection is there for you to borrow and take to your room. The collection covers all ages and genres, and is the ideal way to keep the family entertained while recovering from a case of jetlag.

Free laundry service

Perhaps the most awesome inclusion in the accommodation at The Magic Castle Hotel is the free laundry service. Simply deliver your laundry to reception and it will be returned to your room freshly laundered and wrapped in a brown paper package tied up with string in 24 hours. The laundry at the hotel is also accessible to guests, and includes a number of washing machines and clothes dryers that are free to use.

The best hotel in LA for families

The Magic Castle Hotel in Hollywood just ticks so many boxes when it comes to staying in Los Angeles as a family. From the complimentary inclusions to the home-away-from-home feeling you get when you step off the street and into the hotel, you can’t go past it if you are looking for a hotel in Hollywood that both kids and parents will enjoy. The exceedingly high level of customer service will definitely see our family return whenever we are lucky enough to venture to the USA again.

The Magic Castle Hotel is located at 7025 Franklin Avenue, Hollywood CA 90028. To find out more, please visit www.magiccastlehotel.com.

*The writer was a guest of the Magic Castle Hotel. Some accommodation costs were covered. Visit: http://magiccastlehotel.com/.*

The Magic Castle Hotel is convenient to many of Los Angeles best attractions and theme parks. We highly recommend checking out the Warner Bros Studio Tour and Universal Studios Hollywood while you are there. Click on the links above to read our full reviews of these great activities to enjoy in Hollywood.

Theme parks can be a huge part of any family trip to California, with Universal Studios Hollywood being one of the biggest and the best!

It’s hard to fathom just how big this park is, however imagine entire ‘lands’ individually dedicated to The Simpsons, Despicable Me, and Harry Potter, separate rides/attractions featuring Shrek, WaterWorld and The Walking Dead, as well as a vast ‘lower lot’ featuring The Mummy, Transformers and Jurassic Park attractions.

Universal Studios Hollywood gives visitors not only an exciting theme park experience, but also the option of a behind the scenes studio tour of the backlot, special effects shows, and more. You could really spend days here exploring all the fun! These are some tips for your family’s first visit to Universal Studios Hollywood, and ideas for how to make the most of your day at this awesome theme park.

1. Buy your tickets online before you go

Not only can you save money by purchasing your Universal Studios Hollywood tickets online, but they may even entitle you to early entry to the park so you can beat the crowds! Generally speaking, booking in advance can save you up to US$15 off the gate price on general admission tickets. For a family of four, this can equate to a meal at a restaurant on the Universal CityWalk at the end of a long day!

There are 3 ticket types to choose from at Universal Studios Hollywood –

• General Admission – The General Admission ticket will allow you to see everything in the park, as well as go on the Studio Tour, though you will need to queue.
• Front of Line – The Front of Line ticket is pricier than the General Admission ticket, though it is definitely worth considering if you only have one day to spend in the park. This ticket will allow you to join the much shorter ‘Front of Line’ queues once only for each ride, and priority seating for the shows.
• The VIP Experience – For die-hard movie and TV fans who are after an even bigger glimpse of behind the scenes, the VIP Experience is just for you! This ticket gives you unlimited front of line access to all rides and preferred seating at all shows, as well as a special VIP behind the scenes, personalised guided backlot tour. A continental breakfast and gourmet lunch in the VIP dining room is also included, so you won’t even have to worry about food throughout your visit.

2. Start with the Studio Tour

When the gates at Universal Studios Hollywood officially open for the day, most people head straight for the rides. A great way to orient yourself and warm up to the Hollywood experience is to bypass the rides temporarily and jump on the world-famous Studio Tour. Just head straight through Springfield USA, and you’ll find the Studio Tour carts lining up to take you on a backlot expedition. This is no ordinary tour of a studio backlot though—the Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour is a thrill ride in itself!

Without giving too much away, the Studio Tour takes you past a variety of sets and props from numerous Universal movies and TV series, as well as into the real live action, with exciting encounters along the way. Your tour guide on the Studio Tour will share dozens of stories and facts about some of your favourite movies of all time. The Studio Tour is a definite must-do!

3. Allow 2 hours plus in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Whether your family includes any Harry Potter fans or not, the newest large-scale addition to Universal Studios Hollywood, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, is a truly magical and impressive experience. We just adored being able to walk the cobblestones and stop in at some of the stores from the Harry Potter novels, and couldn’t quite believe we were really there standing in front of Hogwarts.

Our family spent over three and a half hours of our one-day exploration of Universal Studios Hollywood in Hogsmeade alone. Sure, we have an 11 year old Harry Potter fan girl, but the entire family loved the immersive nature of this experience that truly made you feel like you had stepped inside a JK Rowling novel.

Just some of the things the whole family can enjoy in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood include:

• Explore the inside of Hogwarts, then come face to face with magical creatures as you fly above the castle on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
• Enjoy a cup of Butterbeer (or try Frozen Butterbeer – yum!)
• Buy some genuine Harry Potter sweets at Honeydukes, or Hogwarts uniforms at Gladrags Wizardwear
• Have your wand choose you at Ollivander’s Wand Shop
• Spot the Weasley’s flying Ford Angela
• Ride the Flight of the Hippogriff rollercoaster
• Write a letter or postcard and mail it from the Owl Post (there’s even a special postmark, unique to Hogsmeade!)
• Have your photo taken in front of the Hogwarts Express
• Dine at The Three Broomsticks Tavern

4. Meet The Simpsons

The 2D world of The Simpsons comes to life in Springfield USA at Universal Studios Hollywood, and there aren’t many kids (or parents) who won’t recognise iconic Springfield locations like Moe’s Tavern and the Kwik-E-Mart! The Simpsons characters can also be found in Springfield, offering opportunities to pose for a photo with life-size members of our favourite animated family.

With fun fair style amusements and the thrilling virtual reality rollercoaster, ‘The Simpsons Ride’, visitors can walk the streets of Springfield, stopping for a snack or meal at any one of these Simpsons’ themed spots –

• Lard Lad Donuts
• The Kwik-E-Mart
• Moe’s Tavern
• Krusty Burger
• Cletus’ Chicken Shack
• Bumblebee Man Tacos

5. Have a ball in Super Silly Fun Land

Fans of Despicable Me will know all about Super Silly Fun Land. The amusement park, located on a pier, was visited by Gru, Agnes, Edith and Margo in the first instalment of the Despicable Me movies. Super Silly Fun Land at Universal Studios Hollywood is a play area that’s perfect for families, as it gives kids the chance to burn off some energy on the play equipment or, in warmer weather, to splash about with the dozens of water play features. 53 Minion statues are located throughout Super Silly Fun Land, providing plenty of photo opportunities. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a live Minion or two, who are only too happy to pose for a photo.

One of Universal Studios Hollywood’s tamer rides is also located in Super Silly Fun Land. The Silly Swirly Fun Ride is great for kids who may be a bit timid with the thrill rides throughout the rest of park, or those who just love to spin and fly through the air. We found the queues for this ride to be minimal, so our Brisbane Kids went on again and again.

Following the trend of virtual reality 3D and 4D rides that can transport you to another world from the comfort of your seat, Minion Mayhem takes families on an adventure to become Minions. The Minion training mission will see you travel through Gru’s laboratory, where chaos ensues. Be sure to check yourself out on the big screen at the Minion dance party at the completion of the ride—it’s a tonne of fun!

Other attractions to discover at Universal Studios Hollywood

Whilst the above should be the top priorities for families visiting Universal Studios Hollywood, there are also dozens of other experiences to be enjoyed. Particularly for families with older children (or daredevils), you will also want to check out –

• The Walking Dead Attraction – Come face to face with ‘walkers’ (zombies) and fight to make it through recognisable sets from the popular TV series. There are even genuine props from the show scattered throughout!
• Shrek 4-D – OgreVision glasses, moving seats, and other effects will make you feel part of the story, as Shrek and Donkey set out to rescue Princess Fiona from the spirit of Lord Farquaad. (Stationary seats are also available.)
• The Jurassic Park Ride – Journey through Jurassic Park and encounter dinosaurs in their natural habitat before plunging into the water on this flume ride.
• WaterWorld – Set in WaterWorld, you won’t know which way to look as jet skiers zoom past and pyrotechnics explode right in front of you in this stunt and special effects show.
• Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride – A true thrill ride, Revenge of the Mummy reaches speeds of up to 70km per hour in almost darkness and includes a drop of almost 12 metres whilst your mine cart hurtles through tombs and tunnels.
• Transformers: The Ride 3D – This flight simulated 3D ride immerses you in a war zone, as you fight the Decepticons to save the human race with Optimus Prime by your side.
• Special Effects Show – This is a behind the scenes insight into how special effects and stunts are created in movies and on TV. Get there early and you may even become part of the show!
• Character encounters – Keep an eye out for other characters roaming throughout Universal Studios Hollywood, and be sure to ask them for a photo and autograph! Characters you may encounter include – The Simpsons, Minions, Scooby-Doo, Shaggy and the Mystery Inc team, Shrek, Princess Fiona and Donkey, SpongeBob Squarepants, Megatron, Optimus Prime and Bumblebee, Curious George, and even a Raptor!

Take a look at our video below for a glimpse at just how fun a day at Universal Studios Hollywood can be!

Universal Studios Hollywood is located at 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, Los Angeles. Opening times vary throughout the year. To find out more, and to plan your visit, check out http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/.

*The writer was a guest of Universal Studios Hollywood. Visit: www.universalstudioshollywood.com*

If you’re looking for a great place for your family to stay while you explore the theme parks in Los Angeles, we’ve found it! Take a look at our full review of The Magic Castle Hotel – the best hotel in Los Angeles for families.

Exclusive Las Vegas Cirque du Soleil venues

Photos Courtesy of Cirque du Soleil.

Housed in some of Vegas’ largest hotels and resorts, the theatres for the Cirque du Soleil shows have been purpose-built for each individual show. This means each stage is 100% customised with a multitude of moving parts from floor to ceiling that can transform the space throughout the performance. Not to mention the seating designed to ensure there is no such thing as a bad seat, as well as little touches like speakers in each headrest for a fully immersive experience. Even the entry to the theatre is themed, with gift shops and photo opportunities all focussed on the resident Cirque show. Seeing a Cirque show in Vegas is an amazing experience that is worthy of a high spot on your family bucketlist!

Family-friendly Cirque du Soleil shows in Las Vegas

Whilst many shows in Vegas are definitely not G rated, several of the Cirque du Soleil shows are the exact opposite. Our family squeezed in two Cirque performances during our time in Vegas – Mystère and The Beatles LOVE. We each loved both shows for different reasons, but were equally impressed with the quality and spectacular nature of the performances.

Cirque du Soleil’s Mystère

Photos Courtesy of Cirque du Soleil.

Touted as Las Vegas’ most family-oriented Cirque du Soleil performance, Mystère features a variety of quirky characters and a level of audience interaction that Cirque du Soleil is world famous for. With stunning aerial performances soaring high above the audience, incredible co-ordinated acrobatics displays, an amazing show of strength performed on a rotating curved dome, and lots of laughs along the way, Mystère fills the entire theatre space and kept the audience continually looking all around them to take it all in.

A particularly stand-out act for us, the Taiko drum performance was both incredibly powerful and mesmerising. Measuring 1.8m by 4.6m and weighing half a tonne, the largest drum (the ōdaiko) is lowered from the ceiling whilst two musicians strapped to the instrument play a formidable beat. The logistics behind creating such a performance are mind-boggling, and one of the reasons why we keep going back for more Cirque du Soleil.

Take a look at the official Mystère by Cirque du Soleil trailer here –

Mystère has been resident at Treasure Island Hotel & Casino since December 1993, and is Las Vegas’ original Cirque du Soleil production. In more than two decades it has been performed well over 10, 000 times! With slight changes made over the years, and a refresh of the acts taken out in 2013, Mystère is a Cirque show that you could easily see again and again.

Mystère performs at Treasure Island Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. To find out more, and to book tickets, please visit https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/mystere.

The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil

Photos Courtesy of Cirque du Soleil.

I admit, I have a major soft spot for The Beatles LOVE. Perhaps it is the fact that I have been brought up listening to The Beatles music, but I just get goosebumps every time I see this show (three times to date, and I could honestly see it once a week for years to come!). Having celebrated 10 years in residence at The Mirage Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas in 2016, I’m obviously not alone in my adoration for this show.

And you don’t need to be a fan of the Fab Four to thoroughly enjoy The Beatles LOVE! The performers, the costumes, they all explode on stage in a spectacular collection of 60s fashion and colour that makes an impact on audience members of all ages. The performance follows a storyline created with the use of Beatles songs as a soundtrack, and includes dozens of outtakes and sound bites from The Beatles recording sessions back in the day. Told through dance, acrobatics, rollerblading, trampolining and more, you almost do not know where to look with all the action taking place on stage. The Beatles LOVE truly is a multi-sensory experience that will leave you smiling (and humming a tune or two!) long after you leave the venue.

Take a look at the official The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil trailer here –

The Beatles LOVE is in permanent residence at The Mirage Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. To find out more, and to book tickets, please visit https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/beatles-love.

Mystère and The Beatles LOVE are just two of the seven Cirque du Soleil shows permanently showing in Las Vegas. To find our more, please visit https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/las-vegas.

HOT TIP: If you have a hire car in Las Vegas, then check out the big hotels for free and low-cost parking. We stayed outside of Vegas, in Henderson, for some of our stay, and discovered that we could park at Treasure Island for free. This made it particularly easy for getting the kids back to our hotel after a late night at Cirque du Soleil.

*The writer was a guest of Cirque du Soleil. Visit https://www.cirquedusoleil.com/.*

Photos from Mystère:

Photos from The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil:

3D Theatre

The perfect place to start your visit to Moab Giants, the 3D Theatre explores the Earth’s history with a selection of 3D films. Taking a look at what it was like when dinosaurs ruled the Earth, or how the universe was created via the Big Bang Theory, guests put on their 3D glasses and step inside the story. We found the theatre to be a great introduction to the park, reminding us about our world’s extensive history long before man set foot on this planet. It was a wonderful stepping stone to discovering even more exciting facts throughout the rest of our visit.

Walk with the dinosaurs on the Dinosaur Trail

The 800m Dinosaur Trail at Moab Giants brings the dinosaurs back to the present, with an outdoor desert hike in the midst of life-sized giants and the footprints they have left behind. Unlike most museums, guests are invited to get up close to these prehistoric creatures and pose with them along their walk. Not only does this make for some hilarious photo opportunities, but it gives you a real sense of just how awe-inspiring the dinosaurs were when they were alive. Standing below a towering T-Rex is a sobering experience, and to think that he was just one of the giants who called this area of the world home is truly fascinating!

5D Prehistoric Aquarium

Definitely our favourite attraction at Moab Giants, we were left speechless by the 5D Prehistoric Aquarium that brings Paleolithic aquatic creatures back to life in an incredible (and slightly daunting) series of exhibits! Not for the easily-scared, this guided tour takes visitors through an aquarium housing aquatic dinosaurs brought to life in full 3D. Walking from tank to tank and hearing about each of the creatures ‘living’ inside feels like a real walk through any other aquarium you’ve visited; with the major difference being these animals are HUGE and no longer swim our oceans (we hope!). This is an amazing dinosaur encounter that you’ll be hard-pressed to top anywhere else!

Moab Giants Dinosaur Museum

The fully interactive dinosaur museum at Moab Giants is a dinosaur enthusiast’s paradise. Bringing dinosaurs to life with cutting-edge technology, the museum is an opportunity to explore actual found dinosaur footprints up close and learn more about prehistoric remains found in the state of Utah. We spent close to an hour in this section of the park alone, as the kids were just fascinated by the short films, interactive displays, and games (many rounds of dinosaur tic tac toe were played!).

Mini Dig Site and Dino Playground

Perhaps the cutest section of the Moab Giants park, the Mini Dig Site and Dino Playground provides some down time for parents whilst the kids have a play. The kids had a ball uncovering dinosaur fossils in the sand with the excavating tools found in the dig site areas (there are two within the park), and loved the themed play equipment of the playground. A highlight was posing for a pic inside the spiky mouth of a T-Rex. Keep an eye out for little desert lizards sunning themselves in this area – they are well camouflaged and easy to step on, but oh so adorable!

Moab Giants’ Dinosaur Shop and Café

Even in the cooler months, this area of the USA is dry and can get quite warm in the sun. Visiting in early May (late Spring), a visit to the Giants Café was well needed after a trek along the Dinosaur Trail and we found that it offered a wide selection of snacks and drinks. This was the perfect opportunity for us to take a break before we continued our 4 hour drive on to Salt Lake City.

Of course, no visit to Moab Giants would be complete without a stop at the dinosaur shop, where we browsed the dinosaur books and prehistoric products in air conditioned comfort, and grabbed our obligatory postcards to commemorate our visit before leaving.

Moab Giants is located just off the US 191, at 112 West SR-313, in Moab, Utah. The park is open 11 months of the year (closed in January), and is only open weekends and holidays in November and February. Admission fees do apply, however children are admitted free on their birthdays! To find out more, and to plan your visit, check out http://moabgiants.com/.

*The writer was a guest of Moab Area Travel Council. Visit: www.discovermoab.com*

We think the whole of Utah rates a special mention for your family travel bucketlist! Utah is home to 5 incredible National Parks (plus many state parks) that feature an awe-inspiring collection of canyons, rock formations and wildlife that must be seen to be believed. Take a read of our full review of Moab for more things to do in this impressive area of the USA, including exploring two National Parks (Canyonlands and Arches), as well as Dead Horse Point State Park.

While you are here, check out our full Salt Lake City, Utah, review to find out why you should add this stunning city to your Family Travel Bucketlist.

Staying in Moab, Utah

The small town of Moab on the eastern side of Utah thrives on tourism. Lined with hotels, diners, restaurants, grocery stores, art galleries and souvenir shops, Moab’s main street caters perfectly to families looking for a base to stay for a few days and explore the surrounding area. We stayed at the La Quinta Inn & Suites, situated on South Main Street. Awarded a Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor in 2016, the hotel is reasonably priced and room rates include a light buffet breakfast each day. We found the rooms were clean, quiet, and generous in size (ours featured two queen sized beds, a microwave, mini fridge, desk, and plenty of space to move around). The hotel also has free Wi-Fi, free parking, a spa and an outdoor swimming pool – just right for relaxing at the end of a big day of hiking around the canyons! The staff at La Quinta Inn & Suites were super friendly, and were more than ready to offer advice on exploring Moab and beyond during our stay. Additionally, located just in front of the hotel is one of Moab’s most popular BBQ joints, The Blu Pig – highly recommended for a family meal in Moab, whether you stay at La Quinta Inn & Suites or not!

Find out more about La Quinta Inn & Suites, Moab at http://www.laquintamoabut.com/.

The best base for visiting some of Utah’s phenomenal National and State Parks

Nothing comes close to the real-life experience of seeing the breathtaking rocks, canyons and arches of the National and State Parks that are found near Moab – words can’t quite describe it! In one day we visited Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, as well as Dead Horse Point State Park, though we could have easily spent a day or more exploring each destination. Each of these parks is very accessible by car, with several hikes and vantage points to take in the incredible vistas along the way. We recommend beginning your outing to any of these State or National Parks with a stop at each park’s visitor centres on your way in, where park rangers are readily available with a plethora of information to make the most of your visit. While you are there, be sure to check out the Junior Ranger program for kids so they can learn more about the things they will be seeing.

Take a look at our video below to get an idea of just how magnificent this area of the world truly is:

Arches National Park

As you wind your way up into Arches National Park, you begin to get a sense of just how vast this area of Utah is. Layers of red rock form the thousands of arches, balancing rocks and canyons that scatter the landscape Arches National Park is world famous for. Along the surfaced main road that winds its way through the park there are dozens of places to stop and take in the view, as well as man-made lookouts and hiking trails that take you even closer to incredible sights such as Delicate Arch, The Windows Section (featuring some of the park’s largest arch formations), and Balanced Rock.

Planning your day at Arches

The entrance to Arches National Park can be found on the US 191, about 5 miles north of Moab. With no transportation options within the park, a hire car is a definite must. To see the major sights within Arches, you need to allocate at least 3 hours, however an entire day would mean being able to explore more at a slower pace that would be better for children.

Facilities at Arches National Park

There are no stores or restaurants located within Arches National Park, so planning ahead is vital. Water is available at the Visitor Centre upon entering the park, as well as at the Devils Garden Campground.

Arches National Park Entry Fees

Entry to the park as at 5th July 2017 is $25 per private, non-commercial vehicle, including all occupants (up to 15 people).

Camping at Arches National Park

Currently closed due to construction until 30th November 2017, camping is permitted at the Devils Garden Campground, which has 50 sites with fire rings, picnic tables, bathrooms and running water. Between November and February, campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You can reserve individual campsites from March to October. Camping fees do apply.

Canyonlands National Park

Driving through Canyonlands at times feels a bit like driving through the Australian outback. The major difference is, every few hundred metres you find yourself staring out at awe-inspiring red rock buttes, or down at breathtaking canyons only metres from the side of the road that demonstrate centuries of erosion caused by the mighty Colorado River and its tributaries. Each of the distinct sections of the park are vast and are separated from each other so that you must visit each individually. The districts include Island in the Sky, The Maze, The Needles, Horseshoe Point, and the rivers. Although the park is open 24 hours, the visitor centres at Island in the Sky, The Needles and at The Maze are only open limited hours depending on the season.

Planning your day at Canyonlands

The entrance to Canyonlands National Park can be found off the US 191. The entrance to the more accessible Island in the Sky district is located north of Moab, on the UT 313. The Needles can be found south of Moab on the UT 211. The roads throughout The Maze are unsealed, and require a 4WD to access. To see the major sights you need to allow a few hours minimum for each district, taking into account that many hiking paths to the major sights are fairly hard going for younger children (and can feature cliffs not bordered by fences). Several areas of The Needles, The Maze and the rivers may require some hiking, or even boating to get close to the area’s attractions.

Facilities at Canyonlands National Park

There are no stores or restaurants located within Canyonlands National Park, so planning ahead is vital. Water is available at the Visitor Centres upon entering the park.

Canyonlands National Park Entry Fees

Entry to the park as at 5th July 2017 is $25 per private, non-commercial vehicle, including all occupants (up to 15 people).

Camping at Canyonlands National Park

Camping is permitted in two designated campgrounds at Canyonlands National Park. The Needles Campground, which has 26 sites with bathroom facilities, fire grates, tent pads, running water from Spring to Autumn, and picnic tables, has two ‘loops’. Loop A is open all year round, with bookings required for March 15 – June 30 and September 1 – October 31. Loop B is open from Spring to Autumn, with sites available as first-come, first-served. Willow Flat Campground is open year-round, and can be found in the Island in the Sky district. It has 12 sites with vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire grills, but no firewood or water available, and sites are available on a first-come, first served basis. Camping fees do apply.

Find out more about Canyonlands National Park at https://www.nps.gov/cany/index.htm.

Dead Horse Point State Park

The scenery at Dead Horse Point State Park is the stuff of Hollywood movies – driving through red desert, gazing across gaping canyons, and being wowed by the winding Colorado River below. In fact, remember that scene in Thelma & Louise where they drive over the cliff into the Grand Canyon? That was in fact filmed at Dead Horse Point! It’s simply the most breathtaking view you could imagine, and very easily accessible from the main road through the park. The legend of Dead Horse Point is another story in itself – be sure to read all about it at the Visitor Centre!

Planning your day at Dead Horse Point

The entrance to Dead Horse Point State Park can be found 9 miles north-west of Moab, off US 191, 23 miles south-west on the UT 313. With no transportation options within the park, a hire car is a definite must. To see the major sights at Dead Horse Point, you need to allocate at least 2 hours.

Facilities at Dead Horse Point State Park

The Pony Expresso Coffee Shop is located near the Dead Horse Point Visitor Centre, and serves coffee, smoothies, other hot and cold drinks, sandwiches and wraps, snacks, and icecreams from 9am to 5pm daily. Bags of ice are also available. As all water is trucked into the park, RV water hookups and showers are not available.

Dead Horse Point State Park Entry Fees

Entry to the park as at 5th July 2017 is $15 per vehicle (up to 8 passengers), valid for 3 days.

Camping at Dead Horse Point State Park

Camping in Dead Horse Point State Park is permitted at the Kayenta Campground, which has 21 sites with tent pads and access to modern bathroom facilities, lighted shade structures, picnic tables, RV electrical hookups, and fire rings. There are also three luxurious yurts (glamping tents) available to rent overnight at Dead Horse Point. Camping fees do apply.

Find out more about Dead Horse Point State Park at https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/dead-horse/.

*The writer was a guest of Moab Area Travel Council. Visit: www.discovermoab.com*

Salt Lake City, Utah, is certainly not one of the first destinations that most Australian families consider when planning a trip to the USA, but it really should be in the top 5! Not only is Salt Lake City incredibly family friendly, with a huge selection of attractions for all ages to explore, but it serves as a great base for exploring the rest of Utah. Check out our full Salt Lake City review to find out why you should add it to your Family Travel Bucketlist.

Utah in the USA is rich with discoveries of dinosaurs who roamed the area extensively in prehistoric times, and for dinosaur lovers, Moab Giants, located on the outskirts of the town of Moab, is a thrilling discovery! Check out our full review of Moab Giants Dinosaur Park & Museum for something else to do while visiting Moab, Utah.

The mountains and the snow

Salt Lake City is situated in a valley. The city is surrounded by stunning mountains that are generally sprinkled with snow for much of the year (we visited in early May and there was still snow covering the higher caps!). On top of the widespread gorgeous views from all parts of the city looking towards the mountains, the snow being so close to the city means that you can actually take the kids to see the snow for an afternoon and still be home for dinner. Skiing and other snowy pursuits can be enjoyed at one of the many ski resorts located to the east of the city for many months of the year, though several destinations do close their slopes at the end of the official ski season (around mid-April). This doesn’t mean that you can’t visit the snow after April though. As children who have never set foot in or even seen snow up close, our Brisbane Kids had a fantastic frolic in the snow just beside the carpark of the Alta Ski Area, where the snow was quite a few feet deep even at the end of Spring!

Attractions for Families in Salt Lake City

The USA does family-friendly VERY well. Restaurants, transport systems and other public spaces cater to families of all sizes and really do make it easy to get out and about with kids. Of the many, many attractions in Salt Lake City, these are some of our favourite places to visit with kids…

Utah’s Hogle Zoo

Hogle Zoo is located to the east of the centre of Salt Lake City. With expansive animal enclosures (the zoo itself covers 42 acres), amusingly named stores and cafes (be sure to have a snack at the Beastro, or check out the souvenirs from the Wild Zootique), the Zoofari Express mini train ride, the Conservation Carousel, and an awesome playground for the kids to burn off some energy, you could easily spend all day here. A must-do is the train ride, which is a great way to get your bearings and learn some more about the zoo (you may even chug past some recent additions in the baby animal nursery!).

We were thrilled to be able to observe the zoo’s newborn female zebra, who was only 19 days old on our visit, as well as a baby giraffe spending time with its mum in the animal nursery. Other exhibits at Utah’s Hogle Zoo include the African Savanna with zebras, African lions, ostriches and giraffes, Rocky Shores with sea lions, otters and seals, Asian Highlands with the big cats, Elephant Encounter with rhinos and elephants, as well as a Primate Forest and a bird show that takes place at various times throughout the day.

Find out more about Utah’s Hogle Zoo at http://www.hoglezoo.org/.

Natural History Museum of Utah

From the moment you lay eyes on the outside of the Natural History Museum of Utah you will be enraptured. The museum itself is set into the mountainside, with the hiking and bike tracks of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail behind, and features bands of copper arranged to represent the layered rock formations of Utah.

The Natural History Museum of Utah has a great number of permanent exhibitions, set over several floors that wind their way to the top of the building (completely accessible by wheelchair or pram). With a focus on the local environment, these exhibitions cover Past Worlds, First Peoples, the Great Salt Lake, Gems and Minerals, and more. Dozens of hands-on activities maintain interest for all ages—ranging from dinosaur digs to making it rain and watching the Great Salt Lake fill with water. Coupled with the outstanding dinosaur collection and these interactive displays, there is easily enough to see and do at the Natural History Museum of Utah to fill several hours. The museum also houses visiting exhibitions from time to time, so be sure to check out their website to plan your visit.

Find out more about The Natural History Museum of Utah at https://nhmu.utah.edu/.

Thanksgiving Point

Located in Lehi, to the south of Salt Lake City, Thanksgiving Point comprises two expansive sites and features four primary attractions – Ashton Gardens, the Museum of Natural Curiosity, the Museum of Ancient Life, and Farm Country. We managed to visit both the gardens and the natural curiosity museum in one day, though the kids could have easily spent the entire day at the Museum of Natural Curiosity.

Ashton Gardens

Ashton Gardens hosts many events throughout the year, including music evenings with the Utah Symphony, family friendly outdoor movies in the summer months, and the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival in September. We were fortunate enough to visit in late April, when the annual Tulip Festival was still running, and could not get over the beauty and variety of colourful tulips scattered across the space—flowers that we rarely see growing in Brisbane!

Covering 55 acres, Ashton Gardens is open seasonally from late March to late October. The expansive gardens feature 15 themed spaces, including the fountains of the Italian Gardens, peaceful Koi ponds, and the largest man-made waterfalls of the Western Hemisphere. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the gardens, or have a bite to eat at the Trellis Café with wide-spread views across the lawns and trees—Ashton Gardens provides a respite from the non-stop sightseeing, but still has tonnes of room for the kids to move about.

Find out more about Ashton Gardens at https://www.thanksgivingpoint.org/experience/ashton-gardens/.

Museum of Ancient Life

The Museum of Ancient Life at Thanksgiving Point invites visitors to explore prehistoric life—from one of the world’s largest mounted dinosaur exhibits, to a Carboniferous Forest. The museum also houses a working paleontology lab, along with a junior lab where kids can drill for a real fish fossil or even cast their own fossils.

The Mammoth Screen Theatre located inside the museum is Utah’s only National geographic Experience Theatre, and screens a selection of 3D films where patrons can explore prehistoric times and come face to face with dinosaurs brought to life.

Be sure to check out the museum’s ‘Late Night with Rex’ events (held once a month), where there are numerous activities and classes to keep the kids entertained after dark, followed by a 3D movie on the Mammoth Screen.

Find out more about the Museum of Ancient Life at https://www.thanksgivingpoint.org/experience/museum-of-ancient-life/.

Museum of Natural Curiosity

With four completely interactive zones, the Museum of Natural Curiosity is a child’s paradise. Both educational and fun, kids can climb, jump, move and experiment for hours –

• Investigate with science experiments and water play at the Water Works
• Climb the rope and ladder jungle of the Rainforest
• Play outdoors in the Archimedes Playground in the Discovery Garden
• Play pretend in the imaginary world of everyday life at Kidopolis

The hundreds of hands-on experiences on offer include a variety of activities for different age groups, so you can keep the kids entertained for hours. Along with the café and Trading Post, families could spend an entire day at the Museum of Natural Curiosity alone.

Find out more about the Museum of Natural Curiosity at https://www.thanksgivingpoint.org/experience/museum-of-natural-curiosity/.

Farm Country

Farm Country is a real working farm in the city. Here you can get up close with horses, sheep, chickens, pigs, cows, goats, rabbits, and even llamas and peacocks! Kids of all ages can learn more about farm life, including the milking process; seeing the cows being milked in the afternoon, and then finding out how milk is bottled and distributed. For a true farm experience, you can go for a ride in the wagon or hop on a pony for a trot. April is a great time to visit, when all of the baby animals finally come out to play.

Find out more about Farm Country at https://www.thanksgivingpoint.org/experience/farm-country/.

Salt Lake City Connect Pass

One of the very best ways to see a city when you are travelling, and to visit the biggest tourist attractions, is to grab a pass that entitles entry to several places on the one ticket. We adored visiting Utah on our family trip to the USA, and we already knew there would be lots of family friendly things to do when in Salt Lake City, so we made extensive use of the Visit Salt Lake Connect Pass. On the one two day pass we managed to visit Utah’s Hogle Zoo, learnt more about this stunning state at the Natural History Museum of Utah, visited the gorgeous Tulip Festival and the largest man-made waterfall in the western hemisphere at Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point, and spent hours exploring the Museum of Natural Curiosity at Thanksgiving Point. These are just a few of the 13 locations you can visit on the pass, which highlights just how awesome Salt Lake City and Utah are as a destination for families visiting the US.

Find out more about the Visit Salt Lake Connect Pass at https://www.visitsaltlake.com/things-to-do/connect-pass/.

*The writer was a guest of Utah Office of Tourism. Visit: www.visitutah.com*

Whilst Salt Lake City should definitely be high on your bucket list, we think the whole of Utah rates a special mention and should be included on the list too. Utah is home to 5 incredible National Parks (plus many state parks) that feature an awe-inspiring collection of canyons, rock formations and wildlife that must be seen to be believed. Take a read of our full review of Moab, a town on the east side of Utah that is the perfect base for exploring two National Parks (Canyonlands and Arches), as well as Dead Horse Point State Park.

Six reasons why Fiji is the perfect holiday destination for Brisbane families

1. Fijians will treat your children like their own

Before traveling to Fiji with kids for the first time, many people will tell you that the Fijian people are warm and welcoming, with a genuine love for children. In our experience, this was absolutely true. The Fijian locals take the time to find out your name and remember it for your entire stay. They always say hello (bulla!) and are anxious to know if you are enjoying your holiday. Children are never considered a nuisance, but are warmly welcomed (and often greeted with a cuddle!), whether it be at a fine-dining restaurant or the rowdy resort kids’ club.

2. Expose your children to a different culture

Fijians are proud of their culture, and are only too happy to share their stories and beliefs with you. Children will be wide eyed with wonder as they watch the firewalkers and hear tales of cannibalism and tribal chiefs. Fijians also love to dance and sing, and there are many cultural performances that the whole family can enjoy, with kids encouraged to dress up and join in the fun. Trying traditional Fijian food is a must too, including the delicious Indian cuisine. There are a number of cultural tours that can take you to local villages and schools so that your children can see what day to day life is like for the local children, and how it differs from home.

3. Spend less than four hours getting there, yet feel like you’re a world away

Travelling internationally with children may sound overwhelming, but the flight from Brisbane to Fiji is just under four hours, meaning you could be sipping on a cocktail while watching your little ones splashing in the resort pool, all before dinner time. The flight is a quick one compared to other destinations – by the time you’ve watched a few movies, played a few games of snap and had a bite to eat, the plane will be making its descent into beautiful Fiji. Be prepared for an assault on the senses when you depart the airport and take in the new sights, sounds and smells of this special country.

4. Sun, swim, sand, snorkel, repeat

Many families like to escape the Brisbane winter and soak up some tropical island sun instead. The numerous family friendly resorts dotted around Fiji – Coral Coast, Denarau Island and offshore islands – all offer plenty of sun, sand and swimming/snorkelling opportunities. From the Coral Coast and the offshore islands, you can usually snorkel straight off the beach and see amazing marine life. From Denarau Island you can take a day trip via the Denarau Marina to one of the charming islands. There’s also water sports, swimming pools and water games to keep your family occupied. Prepare to be permanently waterlogged!

5. Relaxing for parents, action packed for kids

When you’ve had enough time in the pool or on the beach, most resorts in Fiji also have a jam packed events calendar, with plenty of activities to keep families active. There’s wood carving demonstrations, cava drinking ceremonies, basket weaving workshops and watermelon smash competitions, just to name a few! And for tired parents needing a little down time, Fijian resorts are renowned for the quality of their kids’ clubs. Kids are kept happily busy with shell collecting, art and craft, learning the Fijian language and playing sports. In the meantime, parents can enjoy a leisurely meal, a stroll on the beach, or just curl up by the pool with a good book. It truly is a family’s paradise.

6. Help boost the Fijian economy by supporting tourism

Tourism is one of Fiji’s largest industries, and after the recent devastation of category five Cyclone Winston, they need your support more than ever. Many of the hotels will accept donations – both monetary and items such as clothing and toys – which are then distributed to the neediest villages. Every time you enjoy a massage at the day spa, purchase some groceries or book a boating day trip, you are helping the local economy and ensuring job security for Fijian families. Spending up never felt so good!

To find out more about holidays in Fiji with kids, visit the Fiji Tourism website. The travel section on the Brisbane Kids website also has lots of ideas for holidays that are closer to home.