The wait is finally over – Toy Story Land at Walt Disney World Resort, inspired by Pixar Animation Studios’ Toy Story films, is now open!
Become an “honorary toy” as you discover the whimsical workings of Andy’s backyard. Here, you’ll be surrounded by giant building blocks, Tinkertoys, board game pieces and more – all while encountering your favourite Toy Story characters. Fun! …
Travel
This Summer, Send the Kids to Camp – By the Sea!
In just two short weeks, the kids will be home for the summer holidays. Chances are, you’ve already figured out how to keep them continuously entertained for 60 days… right?
(I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to stress you out like that.)
For some parents, summer camp is a viable option. I normally have my boys in day camp for at least three or four weeks during the summer, because I need to work and they need to be busy. But for the weeks they are at home, I often struggle to find ways to stay on top of my work while keeping an eye on them. In the past, I’ve simply declared defeat and rented a cottage for a week. If you have vacation time this summer and are thinking of doing the same, here’s another idea: how about spending a week at an all-inclusive resort in paradise?
Let me break it down for you. …
Beaches Turks & Caicos: Your FAQs Answered!
Just before I wrapped up my recent review on Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa, I promised that I would be back to address some of the frequently asked questions I received while on location.
(To be honest, I had no intention of answering questions while I was in paradise. That’s what post-trip blog posts are for! But my sincere thanks to all who DM’ed – I’m happy to answer your questions now!) …
Adulting is Hard; Three Ways to Make Travel Easier
This post was sponsored by BMO Insurance. The opinions on this blog, as always, are my own.
Be an adult, Susan.
Look, most of us have made some pretty sketchy travel decisions in our youth. Whether it’s staying at a 1.5-star motel or taking that red-eye flight to Vegas (bonus points if you stayed at a sketchy motel in Vegas), there’s no doubt about it: we’ve likely taken a gamble or two. (Pun intended!)
But here’s the thing: we grow up, we become accustomed to daytime flights and smoke-free hotel rooms, and we begin travelling with the most precious cargo of all: our children.
Still willing to take those vacation risks? Me neither. Here’s how I do my best adulting. …
Life’s a Beach! Family Travel Perfection at Beaches Turks & Caicos
Friends, I want to let you in on a little secret. Heaven on earth exists – and it can be found at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa.
For years – perhaps even as long as a decade – a visit to Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa has been on my travel bucket list. From the promise of pristine turquoise waters to the heavily-lauded hospitality, I refused to consider my stint as a family travel blogger complete until I experienced this slice of paradise for myself. …
Your Family Vacation: Book Now, Enjoy Later!
HOT DEAL ALERT! Scroll down for information on a very special promo: Kids FLY, stay & eat FREE when you book a vacation package with Air Canada Vacations! More details below!
You’ve heard it all before.
“Last minute vacations are the best way to go! You can save a ton of money!”
“Don’t ever book in advance! There are so many deals if you wait until the 11th hour.”
“Hotels will practically give away their rooms if you wait long enough.”
One word: MAYBE.
Look, I’m not here to dispute the fact that you may score a better deal if you book a last minute vacation. However, I’m here to share all the reasons you may want to book early – which, in many cases, outweigh the potential savings!
1. Half the fun is in the planning. From the moment you think it’s time for a vacation until the day you pack your bags, something subtle is happening on the inside. It goes by many names: anticipation, wanderlust, contentment, excitement, hope. It’s a feeling of expectant joy, knowing you’ve initiated a countdown and at the end of the journey: a well-deserved rest. The farther out you plan your vacation, the greater the feeling of elation you’ll experience. Plus, think of all the teaser Instagram photos!
2. You work too hard to accept your second (or third, or fifth) choice. The single most convincing reason to book early is to secure the vacation you’re dreaming of – not one that’s been slashed to sell because no one else wanted it. (Kind of crazy when you think about it in those terms, huh?) Especially during peak travel times for families, such as summer months and winter holidays, the best destinations and resorts tend to fill quickly. Don’t leave your well-earned vacation to chance. …
Keep Calm and Carry On (Your Luggage)!
I am a reformed over-packer.
In fact, phrases like “emergency outfit”, “extra jeans just in case” and “after dinner shoes” were once in my vocabulary! However, a combination of checked baggage fees, managing two energetic little boys and – okay, it’s really all about the checked baggage fees – made me rethink my packing technique. Now, more often than not, we do carry on luggage only! Since we travel so often, after just one year I was able to purchase four airline tickets from Toronto to Orlando with the money I saved on checked baggage fees alone. Crazy, huh?
Today, I’m sharing a few of my fave tips for travelling with carry on luggage only!
1. Edit your wardrobe. Here are two things I want you to remind yourself of when packing for any vacation: 1) plan whole outfits, not items of clothing, and 2) people RARELY (if ever) notice or care what you’re wearing. Seriously. …
Cruise Into the Blue: Top 10 Tips for a Memorable Cruise Vacation
My family loves to cruise. In fact, we are so into taking cruise vacations that it’s often the first thing I recommend to friends and family – especially if they’re looking to unwind at a more leisurely pace. However, as much as I adore exploring the high seas while indulging in all-you-can-eat ice cream, cruising can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve never cruised before and don’t know what to expect. Here are 10 tips to ensure a most memorable cruise vacation.
1. Do your research. Are you travelling with young ones – in which a family-friendly ship would be more your speed – or are you vacationing with older children, who would prefer a more sophisticated experience? On-board entertainment, ports of call, cabin size and options such as dining and shopping vary from ship to ship, so you’ll want to narrow down the type of cruising experience you’re looking for and then select a cruise line that can fulfill your travel desires. …
Family Travel: All-Inclusive? Alright!
Travelling with kids is a challenge.
Let me just put that out there, lest you believe my Instagram reel is real life. (Hint: it’s not always sunshine and smiling faces.) Now don’t get me wrong; I didn’t say it was impossible, or even difficult. I simply stated the obvious: travelling with kids can (and will) throw a wrench into your best laid plans. That’s why when it comes to Mexico or Caribbean travel, I always recommend booking a quality all-inclusive resort with a reputable vacation provider, such as Air Canada Vacations. They take a lot of the guesswork out of arranging a perfect family vacation, leaving you with more time to enjoy your family and less time spent pouring over the details.
But why should you book an all-inclusive resort? Let me count the ways!
1. Convenience. Beach time, pool time, tours and excursions, restaurants – you name it – you can find it all in the same place, and often, with on-site support to assist you with your in-the-moment vacation dreams. All-inclusive vacations are packaged to maximize fun with limited planning on your end; simply decide when you want to travel, where you want to go and select from a variety of resorts that cater to families, big and small! …
AIR MILES All Aboard! The Most Rewarding Cruise in the Caribbean
For hundreds of AIR MILES Collectors, it’s a cruise they’ll never forget.
In November, AIR MILES celebrated their 25th anniversary by rewarding a ship full of Collectors and their guests with a FREE cruise aboard Princess Cruises’ Crown Princess. The five-night Caribbean cruise brought together Canadians from coast to coast, celebrating AIR MILES’ anniversary as well as their own special occasions: anniversaries, birthdays, honeymoons and even some new engagements onboard! …
Must Do Disney in 2018!
And now, ladies and gentlemen, I’ll be chatting about my most favourite subject, ever: all things Disney! I’ve estimated that I spend the equivalent of 25 days per year dreaming, researching, planning and coordinating Disney vacations. It’s an obsession, admittedly, but if craving a little pixie dust is wrong… I don’t want to be right.
But why am I a bona fide Disney fanatic? It’s simple. It’s the happiness on my boys’ faces when we enter Magic Kingdom. It’s the joy in their voices as we conquer Expedition Everest. And it’s the wonder and enchantment in their eyes as they see their most heartfelt wishes come true. I am reliving my youth through them and loving every second!
If you’ve decided that 2018 is the year that you’ll plan a most magical vacation, let me help you! Here’s a month-by-month rundown of all the exciting happenings at Disney Parks and Resorts, and aboard Disney Cruise Line. If you have any questions, as always, feel free to connect with me on social or email me at lena@listentolena.com.
Before I begin, however, I must tell you about the most incredible offers:
Canadian residents can save 20% on 4-day or longer tickets for Walt Disney World Resort when purchased in advance online or over the phone before February 10, 2018. Tickets are valid through December 31, 2018. …
Taking the Scenic Route: Long Distance Travel with Kids
It was the end of August, just before the boys returned to school. I had a million things on my mind; I needed to shop, schedule and manage… well, life. The very last thing I was expecting was a most thrilling (and humbling) invitation to paradise on earth.
You are invited to experience Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa…
At first, I was shocked. A press trip to Hawaii? Does this even happen? Is this real life?
When I calmed down, I realized that 1) I really, really wanted to go, and 2) Hawaii is really, really far away. Okay, so it’s not other-side-of-the-world far, but a good 12 hours by plane. And when you’re travelling with kids, any long distance commute requires careful planning and execution.
Here’s what I did.
1. Don’t try to do it all in one day. When I realized that Toronto (YYZ) to Honolulu (HNL) would necessitate one stop in either Vancouver or Los Angeles, I decided that I didn’t want to spend my entire day on airplanes and in airports. My boys’ threshold is about six hours before they start to go stir-crazy on flights (or, as I like to say, three and a half Disney movies), so the last thing I wanted to do was put them through 12 hours in a moving cage at one go. …
What To Do, Weekend Edition: Montreal!
Confession: I have a dog-eared, out-of-focus photo of me dancing on a speaker at a club. It was taken on December 31, 1999 and I was partying up with my friends in Montreal. Known for its bar, lounge and restaurant scene, the vibrant city was the perfect place to ring in the new millennium.
“I love this city!” I shouted in between the second and third shot of Goldschläger. “Let’s do this again next year!” I held my sparkly flip phone up to the crowd, trying to grab a picture of the pulsing lights.
In fact, we weren’t able to get organized the following year, or the year after that. And all of a sudden, 17 years passed before I returned to la belle province. This time around, I didn’t have my sparkly flip phone with me, but I did bring along two of my favourite things.
Of course Montreal is perfect for family getaways! In fact, for those living in Ontario, I daresay it’s one of the best weekend trips you’ll take with your loved ones this fall or winter. There’s no shortage of things to do and with the city celebrating its 375th Anniversary, there’s no better time to visit!
Here’s how to make it happen. …
A Family Day at the Farm: Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm
Good, old fashioned family fun.
Sometimes, it seems hard to come by. My boys are at that age where electronics are king; they’ve developed irrational attachments to their tablets and sprout pincher-like claws anytime I try to pry them away. So, it’s my job as their mom to ensure they get the basics of childhood: fresh air, lots of exercise, and an understanding of how food gets from farm to table.
Luckily, there’s Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm.
I have fond memories of visiting the farm as a young child, and it’s no wonder – for 50 years, Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm in Halton Hills has been a tradition for generations of kids and kids-at-heart. Back in the 80’s, we had the opportunity to enjoy a hayride and pick our own apples. It was a great way to spend a few hours away from the classroom.
Today, however, there’s enough to do at Chudleigh’s to fill a whole day with happy memories! …
Let’s Hang! Land of Lemurs at the Calgary Zoo
Last month, I travelled to Calgary to hang with a conspiracy of lemurs. (What? You’ve never done that?) I watched them forage and frolic while being directly immersed in their habitat. Frankly, it was incredible.
I know a fair amount of my readers have spent the year discovering more of our beautiful country. With Canada 150 celebrations happening from coast to coast, it’s the perfect time to explore our home and native land. And if you have plans to visit Calgary this fall or next summer, I want you to include the Calgary Zoo in your plans. Here’s why. …
Westin Weekends in YYC
I went west (for the first time ever)… and I liked it!
Friends and followers are normally surprised to learn that I have yet to fully discover Canada’s west coast. A jet setter at heart, I’ve preferred to stick to more tropical destinations, always using a sandy beach as my go-to escape. However, if there’s a time to roam our beautiful land, this is the year to do it!
Canada’s 150th birthday has inspired me to see more of our country. Last month, I received an invitation to visit the Land of Lemurs at the Calgary Zoo. Knowing it would be an excellent learning opportunity for my boys, and, selfishly, a chance to visit Alberta for the first time, I enthusiastically accepted. I made a list of things I wanted to see and do, and four hours later, we were in the heart of cow town!
I feel like we accomplished so much in three days, mainly because Calgary seems to have everything in super close proximity. We rented a vehicle for a chance to do a little sightseeing in Banff and Lake Louise, but if you cabbed it straight from the airport to downtown Calgary, you’d also have easy access to a huge assortment of activities. Here’s what our itinerary looked like. …
The Fun is Simply Spooktacular! Halloween at Disney Parks
Trick-or-treating throughout the park, your favourite Disney characters on parade, a wickedly joyous “Villain Spelltacular” and to cap it off, bewitching fireworks under a pumpkin moon – it’s Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World Resort, of course!
This year, the party runs for an unprecedented 32 nights – in fact, the spooktacular fun is happening right now. While I haven’t had the opportunity to experience Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party (or #MNSSHP as it’s hashtagged on social media) at Magic Kingdom in Orlando, I have had the ghouish pleasure of attending Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland Resort in 2015. The entire family still talks about it to this day! …
Ever Just the Same… Ever a Surprise: Beauty and the Beast, Disney Dream
Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to take a sneak peek at something very, very magical.
“Do NOT cry!” I told myself sternly. “It’s just a song,” I muttered as the incredibly talented actors bounded about the stage, re-imagining one of my beloved childhood favourites in front of my very eyes.
With Dori Saltzman, senior editor of Cruise Critic on my right and Gene Sloan, travel expert for USA Today on my left, I marveled at my sheer fortune. I was seated in Disney Cruise Line’s production facility in Toronto, enjoying a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the making of Beauty and the Beast, DCL’s new musical debuting on the Disney Dream in November. …
48 Hours in Huntington Beach
First things first – if you’re ONLY spending 48 hours in Huntington Beach, you’re doing it all wrong.
With 10 miles of pristine uninterrupted beaches, family-friendly activities and a vibrant nightlife, it’s the perfect destination all year round – worthy of at least seven days of your vacation allotment! On our recent #kidifornia adventure we spent two days in Surf City USA (too short!), and today, I’m here with a recap of all the fun – and what we’ll look forward to when we return. …
Front of the Line and Behind the Scenes: Universal Studios Hollywood
What happens when your kids have complete control of your vacation itinerary?
Oh, you just have the most amazing trip, ever.
For our recent trip to #kidifornia, the boys had a “wish list” – in quotes, because if you have children, you’ll know that any wish list is actually translated to a “must do, won’t accept no for an answer, has to happen” kind of demand. Of course, when Universal Studios Hollywood is at the top of that list, we’re happy to oblige.
From rides and attractions to shopping and entertainment, Universal Studios Hollywood is a mecca of fun. Here’s five things kids LOVE about Universal Studios Hollywood. …