#water-park-resort

#water-park-resort

Originally called Treasure Island, it opened on April 8, 1974, three years after Walt Disney World first welcomed visitors. The theme was based on the 1950 Disney pirate adventure film "Treasure Island," with a wrecked ship visible on the shore. Its name was changed to Discovery Island in the late 1970s, and the 11.5-acre nature preserve-accessible by boat-operated until April 8, 1999.

Located within Walt Disney World, this shopping, dining, and entertainment district is worth checking out during your next trip to the resort. Even though it's on Disney property, Disney Springs is one of several attractions that don't require park tickets and self-parking is complimentary. With around 100 shops, 80 eateries, and 20 other attractions, there's so much to see here.

The city of Orlando happens to have the most green space per resident than any other major city, according to a new analysis from travel platform BookRetreats. The city, known as The City Beautiful, offers roughly 2,777 square feet of greenery per person. That translates to more than 148 parks, gardens, and recreation areas, according to the study, with plenty of lakes, trails, and botanical gardens to explore.

Creating a Disney World packing list can feel daunting. You want outfits that are both cute and comfortable enough for long days on your feet while still feeling photo-ready for castle pictures. Add temperature swings to the equation, and packing suddenly becomes even more challenging. While many travelers associate Florida parks with nonstop heat, the reality is that cold fronts during the winter and spring shoulder season can bring surprisingly chilly mornings, making outfit planning trickier than you might expect.

Albury Landing is a nine-bedroom estate located just 90 minutes south of Miami. The design-forward compound, available only for full buyouts, is spread across five coastal-chic structures: a four-bedroom main house, three standalone one-bedroom villas, and a two-bedroom residence, which, together, can accommodate up to 18 guests.

Miami is a hotbed for avant-garde fashion, design, and art, which is why people flock to the tip of the Florida peninsula every year to navigate the crowds at Art Basel and Design Miami. History buffs can explore architecture from the 1920s at the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, stroll the Deering Estate house museum, or study up on Miami's urban and environmental design at the Coral Gables Museum.

As summer school breaks stretch longer and childcare becomes harder to secure, some families are turning to an unexpected solution: hotels offering full-day, structured kids' camps that allow parents to travel, work and keep routines intact.

In the months when avoiding heat and crowds is a priority, it's best to arrive early, stay late, and avoid being outdoors during the hottest hours of the day. When it's cold, it's kind of the opposite. We focused on the indoor attractions and spots with indoor queues in the morning. At 11 a.m., we searched for opportunities to be in the brisk afternoon air and lovely sunshine.

If you're looking for a tropical getaway, Germany likely doesn't come to mind. But about 45 miles south of Berlin, you'll find an unexpected vacation destination. Here, visitors can lounge on sandy beaches in balmy temperatures and splash about in warm waters, even in the dead of winter. The secret? It's all indoors. Housed inside a former airship hangar, Tropical Islands is a beach-themed water park that needs to be seen to be believed.

Despite decades of jokes and occasional bad publicity, cruise vacations are more popular than ever - just ask the tens of millions of Americans who take one every year and together represent more than half of all annual cruise travelers. Today's ships are massive, complex affairs backed by giant corporations and celebrity commercial sponsorships, all commanding big money. And while to the uninitiated, a ship may just seem like any other ship, experienced cruisers increasingly understand that unique offerings make all the difference.

Because it's so immersive and theatrical, it's ideal for keeping kids entertained without requiring parents to plan every second of the day (which, frankly, already makes it feel like a win). This is not a cruise where you sit by the pool while your kids complain they are bored. It is a cruise where they disappear into kids' clubs, beg to stay up late for shows, and talk about the Hydra puppets and Cruella de Vil long after you are home.

Both cruises and all-inclusive resorts promise stress-free vacations, thanks to upfront pricing and built-in entertainment. But despite similar perks, the travel experiences couldn't be more different. Choosing between a floating resort that whisks you between several ports and a property that promises everything in one place depends on personal travel style. Do you crave variety and a busy schedule, or prefer settling into a single destination? Do you thrive with structure, or prefer flexible days at your own pace?

Previously, guests staying at the Disneyland Hotel, Grand Californian Hotel or Pixar Place could enter a park 30 minutes early, offering a way to experience Disneyland's most popular attractions with little or no wait before the crowds descended when the park officially opened. It was one of the most beloved aspects of staying on property, and a justification to many to pay the resort's premium hotel rates when there are so many nearby hotels that are significantly less expensive.

Part of Hot Springs National Park, downtown Hot Springs' Bathhouse Row is a collection of historic neoclassical and Spanish-style buildings that now serve as attractions, visitor centers, and historic sites. But one bathhouse has operated continuously since 1912, making it the town's longest-running facility. Equipped with steam cabinets, whirlpool tubs, and massage therapists, Buckstaff Bathhouse offers separate floors for men and women, and its no-reservation policy for baths and massages works in favor of travelers who want to take a spontaneous trip

As I'm stuck in my NYC apartment on a brisk day in January, I can't help but daydream about the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach in Florida. I spent one night there in October 2025 and booked the cheapest available room for $920. Sitting in a cushioned rattan chair on my balcony as the sun went down, I could see the pool surrounded by palms and cabanas, tropical gardens, and the five-star hotel's private beach.

Scary Mommy can exclusively reveal that for just 24 hours, starting February 6, 2026, families of four staying in a standard room can snag a price point of just $26 per person, per night. Using the promo code 2626, all you have to do is log on February 6 and reserve an overnight stay at any Great Wolf Lodge vacation (all U.S. locations are participating), with the offer valid through June 18, 2026.