We talk a lot about the Disney theme parks on here — hey, they’re the ultimate family vacations destination, we couldn’t avoid them if we wanted to. Luckily, we don’t want to.
There is a lot happening in the Disney parks right now, and to make sure you’re in the loop I’ve compiled a list of interesting items that you might find magical. I’m good like that.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the enormously popular and magical addition to Orlando’s Universal Studios Resort, is coming to Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles, California. It’s like Manifest Destiny for wizards and the muggles that love them (you know who you are).
Don’t worry, Florida, your version of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is going to be significantly expanded. It is unclear if the new Hollywood version will include the pending Orlando expansions. Read More »
Although the marketing material compared the town to Las Vegas, Nevada and Branson, Missouri – two destinations known for their over the top entertainment – I was nonetheless surprised upon driving into Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The billboards blinked and the painted buildings fought for attention from the eye. It was a landscape that seemed like it should be set to a soundtrack of honking horns and carnival barkers, although neither could actually be heard anywhere I visited. This was, it was clear with in moments, a place to come for a good time – although not necessarily a relaxing one. But with so many families using their precious vacation days to escape over-scheduled lives, isn’t a little relaxation practically a requirement for any family vacation? I think so, and fortunately we were able to find a little bit of it amid the hustle and bustle of this tourism cornucopia.
Having a ball!
In typical (if not stereotypical) fashion, Americans tend to think of theme parks as an experience entirely unique to us. Like rock and roll. However, that (obviously) isn’t the case.
For instance, take this ride from the Efteling theme park in Holland. It looks awesome, and there isn’t a giant wooden clog or tulip in the picture (perhaps they were cropped out). The point is that stereotypes aren’t the same as facts. That tidbit is on the house.
If your summer family vacation is torn between seeing the world and hitting the amusement parks, it doesn’t need to be. There is fun everywhere. Also, culture.
For more family-friendly travel photos visit DeliciousBaby’s Photo Fridays.
Photo by tuppus via Flickr
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