We're Going to Disney World! So, Where Should We Stay?

Yes, Hana beat me to Disney. Her son, Robbie, at Disney in 2005. So cute!

After much deliberation, my husband and I made the leap (gulp!) and are planning our first trip to Walt Disney World in April with our 6 year old son and 4 year old daughter. Shhhh, don't tell our kids. We are keeping it a secret and unveiling the surprise in about a month. Otherwise, every day I will have to remind my kids that "today is not the day we are going to Disney" and ask them to "please unpack their rolling suitcases."

The last time I was at Disney World was over 20 years ago. There are now 32 resorts hotels located on the Walt Disney World property. Twenty-two of these resorts hotels are owned and operated by the Walt Disney Company. In addition to saving on car rental and parking fees, we decided to stay at a Disney resort hotel because this is our children's first trip to Disney and the Disney resort hotel guests have the unique opportunity to enjoy the following benefits:

• Extended Theme Park Hours: Also known as Extra Magic Hours, Disney guests may enjoy additional time in the Disney Theme Park, beyond the standard operating schedule, at no additional charge.


• Complimentary Airport Transportation: Disney's Magical Express Transportation offers free round trip airport transportation and baggage delivery to and from Orlando International Airport.


• Complimentary Resort Transportation: transportation throughout Walt Disney World Resort is available via bus, boat or monorail.


• Disney Dining Plan: Guests can save up to 30% per adult on dining by purchasing a Disney Dining Plan.


• Key to the World Card: An all-in-one card that operates as a hotel room key, credit card, and Disney Theme Park ticket.


• Package Delivery: Guests can have packages or souvenirs purchased throughout Walt Disney World Resort delivered directly to their hotel.


• Disney Service: Disney cast members are available 24 hours a day.

Certain benefits are also available to guests staying at the Walt Disney World Swan, Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel and select Downtown Disney Area hotels.

Now that we decided to stay at a Disney resort hotel, Disney offers accommodations, generally based on price and room size, in five categories: Deluxe, Deluxe Villa, Moderate, Value, and Campground. Once we found the category that fit our budget, we had to think about location, amenities, dining, transportation and recreation. I read reviews and articles posted at Frommers.com, Fodors.com, and Tripadvisor.com and WeJustGotBack.com. We pored over this decision for two days. Painful, I know.

We all know that where you stay is just icing on the super sized, super sweet, Disney World cake. But, this is my vacation too, so we decided on Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa because of a good package deal, the proximity to Magic Kingdom (the resort is on the monorail), the pools, on-site character meals, and (I cannot tell a lie) the full-service spa (only to be enjoyed when my husband and kids go down for a late afternoon nap). The Grand Floridian also offers two special cooking programs for children and boasts one of the best restaurants in the area, Victoria and Albert's.

With that said, research the vacation packages and special offers that make certain resort hotels more affordable than you might think. Recently, I received a promotional mailing offering seven-night packages at one of the 23 on-site hotels for the price of four including admission to the park itself. While the promotion has listed blackout dates, Disney is extending the offer until August 15. Also keep in mind that children under the age of 3 do not need to purchase theme park tickets. We selected our package based on our length of stay, theme park tickets, and meals and snacks. We forewent the upgrade options for the park hopper and water park fun this time around. Maybe we will consider upgrades in another 3 to 5 years. Because we are visiting family in Miami first and driving up to Orlando, we did not review deals that also included flights.

I'll keep you posted on my planning. And remember, make the journey as fun as the destination!

Toy Fair 2009

Taking a Short Break in Lego Land

Last week Nisha and I ventured to the 106th American International Toy Fair at the Javits Center in New York in search of the latest and greatest travel toys, games and accessories among 1,100+ exhibitors, more than 361,000 square feet of exhibit space, and over 100,000 products. Yes, it was totally exhausting, but, thankfully, quite fruitful. Little Jet Set was awarded the Zoobies Retailer of the Year Award (see 2/19/09 post) and we got to see the new additions to the Zoobie Pets family – the Wildlife Collection and the Bugs Collection. Unfortunately, we got there too late to see the Zoobies staff in their animal costumes. They got busted by the Toy Fair police for not paying extra to play dress up.

I also paid a visit to the Busquets booth where I was blown away by the new travel and back to school accessories. Founded in Barcelona, Spain in 1922, Busquets combines quality and design to produce beautiful and functional children’s bags and travel accessories with distinctive European style. This year’s collections are even more gorgeous than last year’s which I would not have thought possible. Busquets was brand new to the U.S. last year, and we carried backpacks, rolling duffels, pencil cases, lunch bags and wash bags in four designs. This year, we will be carrying eleven designs, and have added messenger bags, duffel bags, and an additional lunch box style. The first group of accessories will be available in mid-April, and the remainder by mid-July. I will definitely keep you posted.

My other favorite find was Sand-Goh, an innovative beach toy developed by Jerry Taufield, a fellow New Jersey attorney. The product launched late last summer, but has been upgraded for this year – the plastic is sturdier, yet lighter, making for easier transport to the beach. Sand-Goh is a unique alternative to classic sand castle building. The toy consists of plastic molds that interlock and can be combined, stacked and mixed and matched to create various three-dimensional sea creatures and a boy.

Nisha and I also stopped to see our amazingly talented friend, Peiling, who owns The Piggy Story. Every year she adds a new design to her lineup – this year Piggy Mermaids join Piggy Pirates, who were a late addition last year. These two may just be the cutest of her designs yet. She also introduced a new product – Chalk N Doodle, which is perfect for travel. With a built in lap cushion, the flexible chalk board also doubles as a mini desk. It has elastics that keep a doodle pad or coordinating activity book secure. It comes with chalk that conveniently stows in two side pockets as well as an eraser. And the whole things folds up with a closeable flap and is small enough to throw in a purse or carry-on.

Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t wish Barbie a happy 50th birthday. You look good girl!

A Big Roar for Little Jet Set

Co-Founder Nisha Cordero Receives R.O.T.Y. Award

Zoobies, the amazing company behind Zoobie Pets, the innovative 3-in-1 travel blanket, pillow and plush, awarded Little Jet Set its 2008 Retailer of the Year Award "for excellence in sales, spokesmanship & Zoobie love." Really, it says it on our beautiful blue plexiglass trophy that I am proudly displaying in the office alongside our iParenting Media Award for Outstanding Website and Micro to Millions Award. (Hey, we started the blog after we received those awards so had to get it in here somehow). I can't say enough good things about Zoobie Pets and the entire staff (incredibly young staff - VP of Marketing is Utah class of '06!) at Zoobies. Since launching at Toy Fair in 2007, Zoobies has grown to over 1,400 US outlets (high end boutiques and toy stores) and is distributed in over 40 countries. According to the young VP of Marketing, Ryan Treft, Zoobies looked at sales numbers, but also its retailers’ branding and marketing efforts. According to Ryan, "Little Jet Set stood out in all three areas.” He also aptly noted that "Little Jet Set is the go-to place for kid's travel items.”

In addition to the Zoo and Jungle Collections, in a few short weeks, Little Jet Set will be carrying the new Bug Collection, which will include Bing the Bubble Bee, Sada the Snail, and Lily the Ladybug, as well as the Wildlife Collection consisting of Bubba the Black Bear, Boone the Buffalo and Mudd the Moose.

SAVE ON ZOOBIE PETS!! To celebrate our award, Little Jet Set is offering a discount of 20% off any Zoobie Pet or Zoobie Baby through March 1, 2009. Enter Coupon Code ZOOBIE20 at checkout.

O! Kemo

After a 15 year hiatus from skiing, my family and I recently headed to Ludlow, VT for a long weekend of fresh powder and groomed trails at Okemo. While my skiing had a lot to be desired, I could not have asked for a better weekend from the lodging to the conditions, to the quality of instruction at the ski school. I enrolled my son in Snow Stars for two full days of group instruction. By the end of the second day, my 6-year old was skiing blue trails from the top of the mountain and wanting to try black diamonds. An added bonus - kids 6 and under ski for free. All 119 trails were open and all 19 lifts were operating. The longest I waited in a lift line was 10 minutes. Sadly, I didn't' hit the Waffle House - it was just too cold. If you've never experienced the on slope delight of a sugared waffle (also available dipped in chocolate), you don't know what you're missing. It's worth every penny of the $4 you pay for this crispy and sweet treat that with hot chocolate makes for the ultimate winter snack. And while on the topic of food - hats off to Smokey Joe's for providing something different than the usual cup of chili and chowder in a bread bowl. Go for the pulled pork sandwich and cheese steak. My girlfriend said her portobello burger was way too salty, but what do you expect ordering a vegetarian sandwich from a BBQ stand. Our accommodations were perfect too. We stayed at the Andrie Rose Inn, sort of. The inn includes a first floor condo across the street that sleeps up to 12. We were 4 adults and 3 children. With 4 bedrooms, a living room with cable TV, kitchen, dining room and 3 full baths, we could not have been happier. Plus, the free Okemo shuttle operated by a lovely gentleman named Larry stops right in front of the inn making for easy and quick trips to and from the mountain. While there are several restaurants in Ludlow, all within walking distance of the inn, we did not experience any as we took advantage of having our own kitchen. However, according to my husband's uncle, the Shell Station makes a killer breakfast sandwich (he called it a "bomb") with eggs and corned beef hash. Sorry I missed it being a big fan of corned beef hash. And I would be remiss if I didn't mention our stop at Cracker Barrel in Holyoke, MA. Our party of 7 dined for $65. Ridiculous! The fried okra was bland and the turnip greens more bitter than I like, but the chicken and dumplings and baked apples did not disappoint. Country ham and chicken fried steak also got two thumbs up. I think we spent more on candy in the country store (brilliant sales & marketing) than on our entrees. For complete information about Okemo including ski school, special events (fun stuff for kids on weekends and during holidays including fireworks) and lodging, go to Okemo.com. And if you decide to stay at the Andrie Rose, tell Michael and Irene that Hana Wolf sent you.

Plan-it!Trip plans by TravelMuse

5 Stars for Budget Travel

With winter in full swing (my son's school was closed again) and the groundhog telling us 6 more weeks until spring, it's time to pack up the kids and hit the slopes or head for the beach. Times may be tough, but if you have even just a little money set aside for a family vacation, you're in luck because travel bargains abound. If the thought of "budget" travel makes you cringe, relax. In this economy, budget does not mean no star motels, shared bathrooms or rental cars so small they barely fit 2 adults and a backpack, let alone a family of 4 and multiple pieces of luggage. The travel industry has been buffeted by the economy so there are deals to be had across the U.S. and around the world. Now is your chance to stay in brand new boutique hotels in New York City, Boston, Miami and elsewhere for under $200. Check out "At Newer Hotels, Luxury Goes on Sale (NY Times 1/18/09) and sites like Quikbook.com and HotelChatter.com. And be sure to take a look at Travel + Leisure's Hot Deals. My favorite this month is the Carefree Skate and Ski Package at the Homestead in Hot Springs, VA. You get 2 nights in a classic room, lift tickets to the Homestead ski area, skating rink passes and afternoon tea for $398/double - savings of 55%, good thru 3/17/09. It's a perfect winter family vacation at a price you can live with. You can sign up to receive dozens of monthly deals at TravelandLeisure.com. I personally scored big on BookIt.com saving 50% on my room rate for our April trip to Costa Rica (more on that later). Before you go anywhere though, be sure to poke around TravelAdvisor.com where you will find traveler reviews for everything and everywhere under the sun.

Plan-it!Trip plans by TravelMuse