Staying at one of the LEGOLAND hotels is one of the best ways to take your trip to LEGOLAND to the next level.

We’ve stayed at one of the one-site hotels several times now, and I can truthfully say I wouldn’t recommend it any other way.

With that said – at first glance, it can be expensive! We are always looking for ways to save on vacations, and when I first considered booking a LEGOLAND Hotel, it was so expensive.

Thankfully, there are some ways you can save, and in this post, we’ll share the best tips for booking a LEGOLAND hotel.

For the purposes of this post, I will be focusing specifically on LEGOLAND California and LEGOLAND Florida, as these are the locations we have personally been to.

Bottom Line: The best time to book the Legoland Hotel is during the off-peak season, midweek, and as early as possible. Keep an eye out for any special deals and promotions, and book at least six months in advance if you plan to visit during peak season.

Watch for Deals

On our most recent vacation to LEGOLAND California, we scored an AMAZING deal for the LEGOLAND Hotel and our tickets – it was 50% off. When I had looked just a few weeks previous to the deal. This was a Black Friday deal, and they have different promotions available throughout the year.

This was available directly through the LEGOLAND website. I even tried to score the same deal through our friends at Get Away Today, and it was still better to book directly through the website.

With that said, Get Away Today usually has the most up-to-date deals and promotions – so you should definitely check with them.

If you can’t find a deal for the hotel, you can usually find kids’ visit free tickets for LEGOLAND. These are typically available in LEGO-themed movies, certain food items, and you can often find them online as well. You CAN book the LEGOLAND hotel without buying tickets, so this may be something to consider.

Book Early

It’s important to book your stay as early as possible. The LEGOLAND Hotel is a popular destination, and rooms can fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. By booking early, you’ll have the best chance of securing the dates and room type you want. Additionally, booking early can often lead to better rates and deals, so it’s a win-win situation.

Best Time to Book

When it comes to booking the Legoland Hotel, timing is everything. We recommend booking your stay as early as possible to ensure availability and to take advantage of any early booking discounts.

Off Season

Generally, the best time to book is during the off-peak season, which is essentially non-summer months – and avoiding any major holidays or the spring break vacation. By booking during this time, you can avoid the crowds and get a better deal on your room.

We have had great luck going in January, October, and early November.

Middle of the Week

The middle of the week is usually pretty empty, especially when school is in session. Even if you are going during peak season, I would suggest booking Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. Many people will take trips over the weekend and may start them on Friday or flow over into Monday.

Peak Season Booking

If you are planning to visit during peak season, such as the summer months or school holidays, I recommend booking at least 6 months in advance to secure your preferred room type and to avoid disappointment. Even when we’ve gone during peak season, the best rooms have been already booked.

Booking Directly with Legoland

When it comes to booking a stay at Legoland Hotel, often the best way to do it is by booking directly with Legoland. Here are a few reasons why:

• Guaranteed Best Price: When you book directly with Legoland, you can be sure that you are getting the best price available. Legoland offers a price match guarantee, so if you find a lower rate on another website, they will match it.
• Exclusive Offers and Packages: Legoland often offers exclusive deals and packages that are only available to those who book directly with them. These can include discounted rates, free breakfast, and even free tickets to the theme park.
• Flexibility: When you book directly with Legoland, you have more flexibility when it comes to making changes to your reservation. You can easily modify or cancel your reservation without any penalties or fees.
• Personalized Service: When you book directly with Legoland, you can expect personalized service from their team. They can answer any questions you have about your stay, help you plan your itinerary, and even make recommendations for local attractions and restaurants.

Is the LEGOLAND Hotel Worth It?

This is a question that deserves its own post – but the short answer is – absolutely! Our boys all LOVE staying at the hotel, and it makes a trip to LEGOLAND feel so much more worth it.

Some of the things we love about staying at the LEGOLAND resort hotels include:

• Free deluxe breakfast – seriously SO yummy! At LEGOLAND California it is buffet style and in Florida it is family style. There are tons of options – I was so surprised at some of the items they had some mornings at the buffet. We love this!
• Super close to the park
• Early access to the park
• Fun surprises
• Activities/shows
• The Pool

What LEGOLAND Hotels are there?

Both the Florida and California locations have two different resorts that you can stay at:

• LEGOLAND Castle Hotel (California)
• LEGOLAND California Hotel
• LEGOLAND Pirate Island Hotel (Florida)
• LEGOLAND Hotel (Florida)
• LEGOLAND Beach Resort (Florida)

Booking a room at any of the LEGOLAND resort hotels is a great opportunity to make your vacation even more fun. By following a few of the tips we mentioned above, you are sure to find a great deal. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions or additional suggestions!

More Articles You May Enjoy:

• Legoland or Disneyland: Which is Better for Families?
• The Best Legoland Rides for Toddlers in Florida and California
• LEGOLAND California Tips: What to Know Before You Go (2022)

The post The Best Ways to Book Legoland Hotel: Tips and Tricks for Saving BIG appeared first on Magical Family Travel Guide.

If you are taking your toddler on a cruise, you want to make sure it’s with a line where toddlers are welcome and accommodated.

The last thing you want to worry about is having kids that are disturbing other cruisers and don’t have anywhere to go.

We have gone on a few cruises with our toddlers and have done considerable research into the best cruise lines for toddlers. Here is what we think!

We book all our cruises through Get Away Today! They offer some of the best customer services around and will certainly make it easier to book your upcoming cruise!

Carnival Cruise Line

This was the first cruise we went on. The main reason we chose it was that they allowed children that were 2 and over to go to the childcare programs for free. Most cruises charge for children under three.

We were also impressed with not just the kid’s programs but additional events and activities on the cruise that were great for young children.

Carnival is a budget cruise line, which does tend to attract more of the “party” crowd – so I wouldn’t say everything is entirely family-friendly. But we had a good time on our cruise and didn’t run into any issues.

Here are some of the highlights of a Carnival cruise for toddlers:

Camp Ocean Kids Program:

Carnival Cruise Line offers the Camp Ocean Kids Program, which provides a wide range of age-appropriate activities and entertainment for children, including toddlers. Trained staff members engage toddlers in supervised playtime, arts and crafts, games, and interactive programs designed to keep them entertained and engaged throughout the cruise.

Seuss at Sea Program:

Carnival has partnered with Dr. Seuss to create the Seuss at Sea program, which includes various activities and events for young children, including toddlers. This program features character parades, story time sessions, and themed activities inspired by Dr. Seuss books, providing a fun and immersive experience for toddlers onboard.

When we went, they had a Dr. Seuss breakfast for just $5 extra per person, and it was the highlight of our trip! I have no idea what the cost is now, but it truly is fantastic.

Water Parks and Splash Zones:

Many Carnival ships feature water parks and splash zones that are perfect for toddlers. These areas typically include water slides, fountains, and interactive play structures designed with young children in mind. Toddlers can splash around and have a great time while enjoying the refreshing water activities onboard.

Keep in mind that your child does need to be toilet trained in order to be able to participate in water activities.

Seaside Theater

Carnival’s Seaside Theater is an outdoor movie screen located by the pool area. It often shows family-friendly movies and cartoons throughout the day and evening. Toddlers can enjoy watching their favorite characters on the big screen while lounging by the pool or in a comfortable seating area with their parents.

You can usually find the movies that are playing in your cruise guide in the mobile app.

Family-Friendly Dining Options:

Carnival Cruise Line offers a variety of dining options suitable for families with toddlers. They typically provide kid-friendly menus, high chairs, and boosters to accommodate young children. The flexible dining options and casual atmosphere make it easier for families to enjoy meals together while catering to the needs of their little ones.

We used the flexible dining time option. It was the only option available when we booked, but it ended up being a great option with a napping toddler.

There are tons of delicious items, and the crew is always willing to accommodate any requests!

Disney Cruise Lines

Disney is inherently pretty kid-friendly, it’s a great option for the whole family. We went on a Disney Cruise earlier this year, and we took our barely 3-year-old. It was amazing! If you are looking for a truly family-friendly option that everyone will enjoy, look no further than the Disney Cruise Line.

Here are some of the benefits:

Disney-themed Entertainment and Activities

Disney Cruise Line is known for its immersive and magical experiences for guests of all ages, including toddlers. Onboard, toddlers can meet and interact with their favorite Disney characters, attend live shows and musicals featuring beloved Disney stories, and participate in themed parties and parades designed specifically for young children.

Our three-year-old absolutely loved seeing his favorite characters at every turn. Because Disney Cruise Line is so family-oriented, no one was annoyed or frustrated at toddlers being at all the events.

It’s a Small World Nursery

Disney Cruise Line offers the It’s a Small World Nursery, which provides care and entertainment for children aged 6 months to 3 years. The nursery is staffed by trained childcare professionals who ensure a safe and engaging environment for toddlers. Activities may include storytelling, arts and crafts, music, and playtime with age-appropriate toys.

Disney’s Oceaneer Club:

The Oceaneer Club is a dedicated play area onboard Disney Cruise Line ships designed for children, including toddlers. This interactive space offers a variety of themed play areas based on Disney characters and movies, allowing toddlers to engage in imaginative play, arts and crafts, and group activities. The club is supervised by trained counselors who ensure the safety and enjoyment of all children.

Our son really enjoyed being able to roam free in this area. There was always something fun going on, and the staff was very attentive. I was very pleased with the security of the area as well.

Fun Pools and Splash Areas

Disney Cruise Line features fun pools and splash areas suitable for toddlers. These areas often include shallow pools, fountains, and water play features designed with young children in mind. Toddlers can enjoy splashing and playing in the water while supervised by their parents.

While the pools did require children to be potty trained, they had a splash area that did not – all it required was a swim diaper.

Family-Friendly Dining Options:

Disney Cruise Line offers family-friendly dining options that cater to the needs of toddlers. They provide kid-friendly menus, high chairs, and boosters to ensure a comfortable dining experience for families. Additionally, Disney characters may make appearances during meals, creating a memorable and magical atmosphere for young children.

Disney Cruise Line is known for its exceptional attention to detail and commitment to providing a family-friendly experience. They offer a range of services and amenities specifically tailored to toddlers, ensuring that they have a memorable and enjoyable time onboard. Please note that specific offerings may vary by ship and itinerary, so it’s advisable to check the Disney Cruise Line website or contact their customer service for the most accurate and up-to-date information on toddler-friendly services and activities.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line

I haven’t been on a Royal Caribbean Cruise (yet!), but from what I’ve heard, it’s great for families with children of all ages. This would be a great option if you have teenagers as well as a toddler.

Family-Friendly Amenities:

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line offers a wide range of family-friendly amenities specifically designed to cater to the needs of toddlers and their parents. These amenities may include dedicated play areas, splash pools, age-appropriate activities, and interactive programs that engage and entertain young children.

Complimentary Adventure Ocean Youth Program:

Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean Youth Program is a complimentary onboard program that provides age-appropriate activities and entertainment for children of all ages, including toddlers. The program offers supervised playtime, arts and crafts, music and dancing, and interactive games, allowing parents to have some time for themselves while knowing that their toddlers are in safe hands.

Nursery Services:

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line offers nursery services for toddlers aged 6 months to 36 months. These nurseries provide a safe and supervised environment for toddlers, allowing parents to have some adult time or enjoy other activities on the ship. Trained staff members ensure that toddlers are engaged in age-appropriate activities and are well taken care of.

Family-Friendly Shore Excursions:

Royal Caribbean offers a variety of family-friendly shore excursions that can be enjoyed by toddlers and their parents. These excursions may include beach visits, wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and more. The cruise line takes into consideration the needs of families with young children, providing options that are suitable for toddlers and ensuring a memorable vacation experience for the whole family.

Flexible Dining Options:

Royal Caribbean understands the challenges of dining with toddlers and offers flexible dining options to accommodate families. They provide early seating times and kid-friendly menus, as well as high chairs and boosters for little ones. The staff is often accommodating and understanding of the needs of families with toddlers, making mealtime enjoyable and stress-free.

Please note that specific offerings and amenities may vary depending on the ship and itinerary, so it’s always recommended to check the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line website or contact their customer service for the most up-to-date information on toddler-friendly services and activities.

I often see Royal Caribbean having a “Kids Sail Free” promotion, which can make it even more affordable to cruise with them.

I don’t think you can go wrong with any of these cruise lines – it really just comes down to your budget, interests, and priorities. There is bound to be many other toddlers on any cruise ship from these places, so your child is sure to make some new friends! Let me know in the comments what YOU think!

More Articles You May Enjoy:

• Cruise Packing List for Toddlers
• Cruise with a Toddler: Everything You Need to Know
• How to Choose the Best Cruise

The post The Three Best Cruise Lines for Toddlers appeared first on Magical Family Travel Guide.

Packing for a cruise can be a challenge for anyone.

Throw in a toddler? It can get even more complicated.

We have gone on several cruises with toddlers, and there are a few things we are glad we brought (and things we wish we had brought!)

This list continues the ultimate toddler cruise packing list. Be sure to check with your specific cruise line for additional items that might be necessary

Be sure to check out our list of what we wish we packed for our first cruise!

What do Kids Need to Get on a Cruise Ship

In general, children 17 years age and under will need a passport, birth certificate, or government-issued photo ID and children 16 and under who don’t have a passport or photo ID will need a copy of their birth certificate.

If you are going anywhere out of your country of origin – even if it departs and comes back to the same location – I would strongly recommend having a passport.

Equipment

You can typically have them take all your luggage and equipment to your room. Just don’t go too overboard!

• Umbrella stroller – I wouldn’t send this with your luggage to your room. The cruise boarding lines can take a long time and having a stroller can be really helpful! We always have room somewhere in our cabin to store a stroller (usually in one of the closest)
• Baby/Toddler carrier – this can be a great alternative to a stroller if you don’t want to bring one. I recommend it even if you do bring a stroller – it can be easier to carry them around! Here is a list of our favorite baby carriers – many of which are compatible with toddlers!
• Pack and Play (check with the cruise line first and see if they have portable cribs available)

Clothes

The clothes you will need will vary depending on the cruise you are going on, the time of year, and the weather. Make sure to pay attention to the weather report leading up to your cruise and be prepared for the unexpected.

Be sure to check out your cruise lines itinerary for any special events, such as a pirate night or formal dining night. This article is really helpful as well – Cruise Clothing 101: What to Wear on Your Cruise!

Warm Weather Cruise

• Swimming suit – I highly recommend a Rash guard swimming suit – so much easier than putting sunscreen all over your kiddo’s body (and having to reapply constantly)
• Shorts
• T-Shirts (long and short sleeve)
• Sandals – we were so dumb and forget to bring sandals! One day on the beach in his tennis shoes, and they were soaking wet and full of sand. My FAVORITE shoes for toddlers are these Fisherman Sandals from Stride Rite. They are breathable, sturdy, and waterproof.
• Tennis shoes
• Swimming robe
• Sun hats

Cold Weather Cruise

• Long-sleeved shirts and sweatshirts
• Pants
• Leggings for layering
• Coat
• Boots
• Close-toed shoes
• Warm hats

All Cruises

• Plenty of extra clothes
• Jacket with hood
• Poncho
• Socks
• Sunglasses
• A life jacket or puddle jumper
• Underwear (if potty trained)

Toiletries

Toiletries are always super expensive on a cruise ship and at most ports. Make sure you double-check your bag for all of these!

• Plenty of diapers, wipes, etc. (these aren’t always available in cruise stores, and if they are, they are super expensive). When we travel, I typically buy diapers when we get there (if we fly), just so we save room in our suitcase. Stop by Walmart or Target on your way to the port!
• Infant/Toddler safe medications (Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Benadryl etc.)
• Kid’s Seabands and other sea sickness medication/remedies
• Bug spray
• Kid-safe sunscreen – we like to spray sunscreen for the body and stick sunscreen for the face.
• Kid-friendly shampoo, conditioner, and body wash (travel-size would be ideal!)

Food/Consumables

There is plenty of food available pretty much 24/7 on a cruise, but we all know toddlers aren’t always the most convenient diners. Here are a few items you may still want to bring.

• Favorite snacks (especially if you have a toddler who is more particular)
• Formula or Baby Food – if they are still consuming either of these. Generally, you won’t find them available on the ship.

Other Helpful Items

Here are a few other items that we feel are helpful on cruises with toddlers:

• Nightlight (one of the top cruise items we recommend buying at Dollar Tree).
• Leakproof Sippy cup
• Portable white noise machine or app on your phone
• Diaper disposal bags for dirty diapers (these will stink up a stateroom in no time!)
• Portable changing pad
• Silicone Placemat
• Sand toys (trust me – these are SO expensive to buy at a port!)
• Portable potty chair (if potty training/trained)

We hope that this was helpful! Please let us know in the comments if there is anything you are glad you brought along for your toddler or what you wish you’d brought!

More Articles You May Enjoy:

• The Ultimate Great Wolf Lodge Packing List for Families
• 10 Smart Packing Tips for Families
• How to Choose a Cruise: Tips for Picking the Best Cruise Itinerary

The post The Ultimate Cruise Packing List for Toddlers appeared first on Magical Family Travel Guide.

There are a lot of Anaheim hotels near Disneyland to choose from. Some are only a minute walk until you’re on Disneyland property.

Hotels that offer free breakfast that fills you up are the only hotels that we have will even consider. After a lot of research, I have found what, I believe, are the top five hotels near Disneyland and Disney California Adventure that offer a great free breakfast.

I have picked the top hotels at different distances from Disneyland.

For example, Best Western Plus Anaheim Inn has the best breakfast, per reviews, of hotels right across the street from Disneyland.

The other hotels are a little further. Hopefully, the variety in distance will provide variety in price. I want to help you find a cheap hotel near Disneyland with free breakfast.

A good free breakfast can save you from spending money and time at a restaurant and from paying higher prices in the park. It is nice to have a hearty breakfast for many hours of walking you’ll likely do at the parks.

I’ll explain my reasoning in more detail, but, first, here is my list of the 5 best hotels near Disneyland with free breakfast:

• Best Western PLUS Anaheim Inn
• Hyatt House at the Anaheim Convention Center
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Anaheim Resort Convention Center
• Cambria Hotel and Suites Anaheim Resort
• Ayres Hotel Anaheim

And be sure to book through Get Away Today. They are our go to for all things Disneyland vacation related, and they offer the best perks and resources. All of the hotels below are Get Away Today partnered hotels. If you book a vacation package through them, make sure you use the code MFTG to get $10 off!

Free Breakfast Hotels Near Disneyland

Best Western PLUS Anaheim Inn

I chose Best Western PLUS Anaheim Inn because it is across the street from the walkway that leads to the front gates of Disneyland. It has a brand new breakfast room that includes a balcony that overlooks Disneyland. Reviews indicate that the breakfast is way above average, and has a variety that regularly changes. It has a lot of options.

Some say that this Best Western is closer to the Disneyland and Disney California Adventure gates than some of the Disneyland hotels, and it is much cheaper!

Reviews indicate that the hotel might feel a little dated, is not overly decorated with a Disney theme, and might get a little noisy as families head to Disneyland. Incredibly, it has free parking, which is another money saver. The breakfast balcony can serve as a viewing deck for the fireworks of Disneyland. If you’re lucky you can view the fireworks from your hotel room.

Additionally, the inn lists a 24-hr check-in, baggage storage, a pool, and baggage storage. Baggage storage is helpful if you check-out early, but want to go to Disneyland and then head to the airport or your next hotel in the evening.

The Best Western PLUS Anaheim Inn is a 3-star hotel with a 4.5 out of 5 rating on Trip Advisor. Click here to read Tripadvisor.com reviews for yourself. To book a stay at the Best Western PLUS Anaheim Inn visit GetAwayToday.com!

Hyatt House at the Anaheim Convention Center

Just down the street from the Best Western PLUS Anaheim Inn is the Hyatt House at the Anaheim Convention Center. It is on the corner of W Katella Ave and S Harbor Blvd. It is about an 8 minute walk to the S Harbor Blvd pickup/dropoff location for Disneyland, not including waiting at lights. It is an easy walk.

If you would prefer, you could walk a little south to the Toy Story parking lot and take their free shuttle to Disneyland. It is less walking overall to go to the Toy Story Lot, but it might take more time. I understand that you might feel that you do enough walking at Disneyland on a normal day, so it might be worth it to use the Toy Story Lot Shuttle.

The breakfast is described as above average, hot, and delicious. Reviews for other hotels nearby referenced this hotel as having a higher quality breakfast.

On the bottom level of the hotel is Walgreens, Starbucks, and Blaze Pizza, so in addition to being close to Disneyland it is close to places to get coffee, pizza, and a lot of other supplies. A CVS is across the street. The hotel itself has the H Bar, which seems to be a good place to watch sporting events.

The rooms are listed as having kitchenettes. Their rooftop pool is heated, and grills are available for guest use. Their pool, workout room, and business center seem to be a good size.

The Hyatt House at the Anaheim Convention Center is a 3-star hotel with a 4.5 rating on Trip Advisor. To read Trip Advisor reviews click here. To book a stay at the Hyatt House visit GetAwayToday.com!

Homewood Suites by Hilton Anaheim Resort Convention Center

Homewood Suites by Hilton Anaheim Resort Convention Center is a long name, and, as you would guess, it is close to Disneyland and the Anaheim Convention Center. It is only a few hotels down from the Hyatt House.

This is the only hotel of the five I have actually stayed in myself. I enjoyed my experience at this hotel.

I would recommend using the Toy Story Lot to get to/from Disneyland if staying at this hotel. Basically, the Homewood Suites has a free shuttle and breakfast–the free shuttle being the Toy Story Lot shuttle.

The hotel is right next door to the Toy Story Parking Lot, and it seems that the parking attendants and Disneyland staff don’t have a problem with nearby hotel guests using the parking lot shuttle.

I feel like the Toy Story Lot shuttles are larger and more spacious than the ART buses, and you don’t have to worry about it being full or people cramming in on top of you.

Breakfast is good quality, not amazing, but it does have the occasional Mexican food dish. I remember enchiladas one day. There is a good variety, which includes staple hot items like some type of egg and meat. I remember delicious fresh fruit, as well!

Often, Homewood Suites will serve a light dinner Monday through Thursday. It is described as an evening social, small plate. It can be hearty, but there is generally one option for the hearty part of the meal. If you’re picky, it might be risky to plan on it. If you’re not, then it could save you a lot of money.

My experience and other reviews indicate decent soundproofing, which is nice when you have little kids. Rooms include a dining area. The hotel offers a small putting green/mini-golf area, a basketball hoop, outdoor pool, a fire pit, hot tub, baby/toddler pool, grills, game room, fitness center, and electric vehicle charging.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Anaheim Resort Convention Center is a 3-star hotel with a 4.5 rating on Trip Advisor. To read Trip Advisor reviews click here. To book a stay at this Homewood Suites visit GetAwayToday.com!

Cambria Hotel & Suites Anaheim Resort

Cambria Hotel & Suites Anaheim Resort is a newer hotel. When I last looked at the lot on Google Maps it showed a construction site. Cambria is located to the southeast of Disneyland. It is about a 0.9-mile walk to the S. Harbor Blvd drop off area.

You could use ART, Anaheim Resort Transportation to get to Disneyland. In my experience, you’ll want to make sure that your hotel is one of the first stops, or it might be full before it gets to you. Additionally, it can be slower during peak times. An Uber/Lyft type of service would be a few dollars more, but it would likely be a better option. Though, the drop off/pickup area becomes congested during peak times.

Since the hotel is newer, there weren’t a ton of reviews for the breakfast. However, all of the reviews that I saw were positive. The described the breakfast as having a lot of options and being able to handle a large crowd. I think it is always helpful to remember it is a free breakfast.

The main reason I have added this hotel to the list, as that the hotel seems to almost be a destination in and of itself. It has a free water park with water slides, a restaurant, a movie wall, a putting green, other on-site eateries, two showers, and their mirrors can be accessed with Bluetooth to play music while you’re in the bathroom.

Additionally, there is valet parking, room service, and a fitness center. The reviews repeated mentioned Larry, who I believe is a very helpful valet. They make Larry out to be an awesome guy. Hopefully, he still works there!

The Cambria is a 3-star hotel with a 4.5 rating on Trip Advisor. To read reviews on Trip Advisor click here. To book a stay at the Cambria visit GetAwayToday.com!

Ayers Hotel Anaheim

The Ayers Hotel Anaheim is not exceptionally close to Disneyland. However, it only takes about an 8-minute drive to travel between the two locations. Additionally, it is located right next to the Honda Center and the Angels Stadium.

The breakfast is described as excellent to above average. One review even mentioned to-go breakfast bags being available. Photos seem to show a decent size breakfast seating area. Some critiqued the limited non-dairy options. Generally, breakfast options were good.

I mostly picked this hotel because the breakfast reviews were so positive, it has an interesting location next to sports stadiums, and it might be an interesting option for someone willing to take an Uber or Lyft to get to Disneyland.

Ayers has a pool, business center, fitness center, available inter-connected rooms, and on-demand movies.

The Ayers Hotel is a 3-star hotel with a 4.5-star rating on Trip Advisor. To read reviews on Trip Advisor for The Ayers Hotel click here. To book a stay visit GetAwayToday.com!

Other Top Area Hotels that Offer Free Hot Breakfast!

These didn’t make our top five choices, but they still have great reputations for serving up some delicious breakfast to start your day at Disneyland off with!

• Best Western PLUS Park Place Inn
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Anaheim Resort Area
• Springhill Suites at Anaheim Resort Convention Center
• Desert Palms Hotel & Suites
• Anaheim Cortana Inn & Suites
• Best Western PLUS Raffles Inn & Suites
• Hyatt Place at Anaheim Resort

And again, don’t forget to book your vacation through our friends at Get Away Today! Make sure you let them know we sent you, or use the code Clarkscondensed, to get $10 off vacation packages.

Other Disneyland Posts You May Enjoy:

• Where to Stay: Hotels Around Disneyland
• 15+ BEST Family-Friendly Disneyland Hotels with Bunk Beds
• 9 Hotels CLOSEST to Disneyland – That You Can ACTUALLY Walk To

The post 5 Best Hotels near Disneyland with Free Breakfast appeared first on Magical Family Travel Guide.

Years ago, I had a friend tell me that her family preferred LEGOLAND over Disneyland.

My sister went to LEGOLAND and said the same thing.

We went a few years later, and it was really a miserable experience, and it left me wondering why anyone would like it more than Disneyland.

And then we gave it another chance, and we realized what a delight LEGOLAND could be. We’ve gone several times since then, and it continues to be a favorite family vacation.

The truth is, both of these theme parks are different. You can have an amazing vacation at either! But they serve different crowds and interests. If you are planning a trip to Southern California and you’re trying to decide which one to go to, this article should help you decide!

No matter where you choose, we recommend booking through our friends at Get Away Today. We have booked almost all of our vacations through them since 2008, and they never let us down. Use the code MFTG to get $10 off a Southern California Vacation package.

Cost

LEGOLAND is quite a bit less expensive than Disneyland, and you can often get second-day free tickets or a free kids ticket with the purchase of an adult. LEGOLAND California will often also include Sea Life Aquarium or the water park, or it’s a nominal fee to upgrade.

Disneyland gets less expensive per day the more days you pay for, but a one-day ticket is pretty expensive. For instance, we were looking at some yesterday, and it was around $95 dollars for a single-day ticket on Thursday – and this was for one park. If we wanted a park hopper, it was another $40+, and on the weekends, it was another $45 – making the one-day, park hopper ticket on a weekend nearly $200. This doesn’t even factor in the almost necessity of buying Disney Genie+, which increases the cost quite a bit, too.

Obviously, you get a lot more rides, and, of course, the “Disney” experience…but if you’re on a budget, it’s going to go a lot further at LEGOLAND.

Tickets and Reservations 

Food

Disneyland has MUCH better food and snack beverages than a landslide. LEGOLAND has a few different restaurants and food carts, but they aren’t always open, and I don’t find the food to be anything to write home about.

The food at any theme park will be expensive, but the kid’s meals are much more affordable, and there are better options at Disneyland. There is a lot more variety, it tastes better, and there are a lot more items available in various budgets.

We LOVE the Granny Apple Fries at LEGOLAND, but during our most recent visit, they weren’t even open for most of the day, which was a huge disappointment.

If you are a foodie and primarily going for food, Disneyland will win out. It has many more restaurants, and the quality of its food is top-notch. Disneyland is going to offer you a much broader selection and experience.

Disneyland also has a much better ordering system with its mobile ordering. At LEGOLAND, you can’t even see a menu with prices in the app – and I found it hard to find a menu when you go to the restaurant.

LEGOLAND is not a foodie destination – you’re probably better off bringing your food than dining on their pricey options.

Rides

Disneyland has a lot of amazing, state-of-the-art rides that you really can’t get anywhere else. They have rides for every age and type of person, and they are usually pretty reliable (though there are definitely always breakdowns throughout the day).

LEGOLAND has a lot of rides, and they are pretty fun – but few compare to some of the experiences you will have at Disneyland. I think kids under 11 aren’t going to care, but for the older kids and parents, they aren’t anything to write home about.

When our family talks about rides, we always mention ones from Disneyland like Web Slingers or Guardians of the Galaxy – LEGOLAND doesn’t usually dominate the conversation. We definitely enjoy them – but they aren’t usually as memorable.

With that said, they are generally well-maintained, which is good. There were a few rides down throughout the day during our most recent trip, but it wasn’t anything too crazy (unlike the first time we came years ago, when it seemed like at least half the rides were broken!)

Hands-on Activities

Both Disneyland and LEGOLAND have hands-on activities that you can participate in. I feel like they are more visible at LEGOLAND and easier to participate in (such as bins of LEGOs throughout the park). Here are some of the different hands-on activities at the different parks:

LEGOLAND

• Coast Guard Build-a-Boat
• Miniland
• LEGO Ferrari Build and Race
• LEGO Ninjago Training Camp
• Build Watevra You Wa’Na Build
• Dig Those Dinos
• Various large playgrounds – we LOVE these
• Mini figure trading

Disneyland

• Animation Academy
• Sorcerors’s Workshop
• Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
• Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island
• Pin trading

Crowds

LEGOLAND can be busy, though that’s generally during peak season and on the weekends. I feel like when it’s crowded here, it does feel more annoying having to wait in line for a ride that is kind of lame.

With that said, out of all the times we’ve come, it was only busy once. The rest of the time, we rarely have had to wait in a line, we can walk for five or more minutes and never run into someone, etc. It doesn’t feel like it’s a constant mad dash from one place to the other.

Disneyland always has crowds. It’s an absolute must to take advantage of early entrance options if you have them. While there are times that are busier than others, I think I would put the Disney crowd categories as “crowded” “more crowded” and “intolerably crowded”.

Here are some tips for managing the busy season at Disneyland!

Entertainment

While both parks have entertainment, nothing can really compare to the parades, fireworks, and shows that you can watch at Disneyland. LEGOLAND has a 4D theater, random character meet and greets, various shows, and other offerings throughout the year.

I would say that Disneyland definitely has the best entertainment with options to keep you entertained throughout the day. Here are some of the best options:

• Parades
• Firework Shows
• World of Color
• Hyperion Theater Broadway Shows – This was closed during Covid and has yet to reopen. It’s rumored to have a new broadway show coming.
• Phillharmagic
• Disney Junior Show
• Street Performances
• Mickey and The Magical Map
• Royal Theater Story Telling

Employees

With a few exceptions, we’ve found the staff at LEGOLAND to be a lot friendlier, accommodating, and overall more pleasant than that at Disneyland. I think it’s partially because LEGOLAND has fewer people, so maybe the employees don’t have to deal with as many unruly guests. But overall, they’ve been helpful and kind and almost always have a smile on their face.

I have found a lot of Disneyland employees (especially the younger ones) to be grumpy and not very friendly. I am sure this is not the case for everyone that works at Disneyland, but it seems like many of them have the power of being a cast member go to their head a little bit (or they just have gotten fed up with annoying guests, which is entirely possible).

Age/Demographics

This one is tricky. While I think ages 0-100+, all genders, and individuals from all walks can find plenty to do and enjoy at Disneyland, LEGOLAND is suited to a specific audience.

I told my husband today that if it were just him and me, I would not come to LEGOLAND, and Disneyland would be my choice. However, with our boys being their age, it’s almost a no-brainer that this is a better option.

LEGOLAND is great for ages 4-12, though I think the prime age is 7-10 when most children can do all the rides on their own. We have gone with children between the ages of two and almost eleven.

Under four can be tricky, as there are some age limits, and the height limits can be frustrating if you have a shorter child. There are a lot of fun playgrounds and rides they can participate in, but if they have older siblings that they see going on more rides, it can make it less fun.

I think tweens and teens can have fun here, but they will likely find that it’s not as engaging or thrilling. Our almost 11-year-old had a great time on our most recent trip, but there were definitely times you could tell he wasn’t as amused with the rides.

Unless you’re an adult that absolutely LOVES LEGO products, I doubt you’re going to find

Accommodations

At Disneyland, there are plenty of hotel options that give you easy access to the park. The Disneyland Hotels are pricey but convenient and very magical, however, there are tons of other hotels that are close by and in various price ranges. Here are a couple of articles that might be helpful:

• 9 Hotels CLOSEST to Disneyland – That You Can ACTUALLY Walk To
• 20+ Hotels with Disneyland Shuttle (Free and Paid)
• 15+ BEST Family-Friendly Disneyland Hotels with Bunk Beds

LEGOLAND California has two hotels – The LEGOLAND Hotel and the LEGOLAND Castle Hotel. These are very fun, themed hotels and you can often find a decent deal to stay there.

There is also the Sheraton Carlsbad that gives you direct access to the park. Otherwise, you can find a hotel somewhere else in Carlsbad, but you will have to park your car and drive there.

Character Experiences

Both parks have a variety of characters. At LEGOLAND, I found we encountered them most in the hotel, with a few appearances in the park. They were engaging, and there were never any lines to interact with them.

Disneyland definitely has a lot more and a wider variety of characters. They might be more recognizable and exciting for kids (and adults) to see. The lines can get pretty long, though. We always enjoy doing a character dining experience, which allows you to have some more one-on-one experiences with the characters. To my knowledge, LEGOLAND does not have anything like this, though you may see a character walking through the restaurants occasionally.

Hours

LEGOLAND is typically open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (this can vary depending on the time of year). Disneyland is usually open from 8 AM to as last as 12 AM, so there is a lot more time to spend in the park. Occasionally they will close early for certain events, but when that happens, if you have a park hopper pass, you can just go over to the other park.

Because we still have a child that takes a nap, the shortened hours at LEGOLAND can make it feel like a big chunk of the day is taken up by that, which is kind of a bummer. We typically have one of us go back to the hotel for naptime and the other stay in the park with the children that don’t take a nap.

We did like that the SEALIFE Aquarium was open for a little bit longer, so we were able to go over there and enjoy that for a little bit after the park was closed.

I believe there are extended hours during special times of the year at LEGOLAND.

Pace/experience 

Honestly, LEGOLAND is SO much less stressful due to the lack of crowds. Forrest commented, “You know what I don’t see any of here. Kids having meltdowns.” Of course, there are always exceptions, but I think the overall pace and experience is just a lot more laid back at LEGOLAND.

I feel like no matter when you go to Disneyland, with the exception of “after dark” events and early access hours, you are hustling to get from one place to the other. If you have a lot of days at the park, you may feel less way, but if you are just on a 1-3 day pass, hustling is the name of the game.

Line Hopping

Both parks offer “line hopping” options as a paid add-on. At LEGOLAND it is called “Reserve ‘n Ride” and at Disneyland, it is the “Disney Genie+”.

“Reserve ‘n Ride” is for specific rides, such as LEGO Ninjago or Safari Trek. You can purchase them when you get in the park. They used to have a pass where you could go to the front of the line on any ride, but this appears to be discontinued. The cost varies depending on the ride and day you are going.

Disney Genie+ is a complex system that replaced the FastPass/MaxPass systems of the past. It is $20 extra a day, per person, and it includes a variety of rides. There are rides you have to pay extra for if you want to go to the front of the ride, such as the car ride. You can learn more about Disney Genie+ here.

As long as you are going during the week, I have never found Reserve ‘n Ride worth it or necessary. On the flip side, Disney Genie+ is almost a necessity if you don’t want to spend half your day in line. I wish they’d have a better system, because even the last time I went, it felt like we were waiting forever in the Disney Genie+ line, too!

Best time to Go

For LEGOLAND, if you go during the week and avoid holidays/school breaks, you should be pretty happy with your experience. Wintertime is a great time to go as the weather is pretty mild in San Diego, and the park is practically a ghost town.

With Disneyland, it’s a little more complicated. There are tons of calendars claiming to tell you the best time to go, but I feel like the days we think aren’t going to be busy are always really busy. If you can happen to go on a day that is colder, that keeps away some of the local guests. Definitely avoid school holidays, the summer, and weekends, for your best chance at a low traffic day.

Mobile app

Both parks have mobile apps that tell you about ride wait times, entertainment, etc. Disneyland is definitely more robust, and I definitely appreciate their mobile ordering feature. I really wish this was something that LEGOLAND would have!

Atmosphere

Disneyland is obviously very magical and Disney-centric. There is magic to be found around every corner. It does take having the right attitude, though, to not get frustrated by all the people. I have found there are a lot more rude/impatient people at Disneyland than I would like!

LEGOLAND is very laid back and relaxed, which our family loves! It is also a very fun and detailed place to visit. The amount of detail that goes into the LEGO creations throughout the park is incredible. Miniland is something you just can’t explain!

How many days?

I usually recommend a minimum of three days at Disneyland to get the most of your experience, though if you can afford more, that will make it easier to not feel like you are constantly hustling.

At LEGOLAND, I think two days is great, though our boys would have loved if we had one more day in addition to that. ON the first day, I remember thinking, “Are we even going to fill this day” but by the end of the second, I thought, “Hey, we could totally make another day here!” If the water park is open, you might want to consider three days, though you can see everything in just one day if that’s all you have!

Overall

At the end of the day, LEGOLAND and Disneyland are great destinations, but they certainly have differences. Most of the negatives can be mitigated with appropriate expectations.

But overall, if you have kids between the ages of 5 and 10 who don’t care a ton about “Disney”, you want a more relaxed and laid-back vacation, and your budget is smaller, LEGOLAND is going to be a great option for you.

We love both parks for different reasons, and I hope that this article was helpful. Be sure to book with our friends at Get Away Today and mention MFTG to get a special discount on Southern California vacation packages!

What do you think about these parks and our comparison? Let us know your experience in the comments!

More Articles You May Enjoy:

• The Best Legoland Rides for Toddlers in Florida and California
• Legoland Florida: What to Expect During Covid-19
• The Best Disneyland Rides For Pregnant Women + Tips for Success

The post Legoland or Disneyland: Which is Better for Families? appeared first on Magical Family Travel Guide.

Going to Disneyland is a lot of fun, but you might be wondering if you can manage the trip without a car.

Most people think that you need a car to go to Disneyland, but that’s not the case. There are actually four easy ways to get there without one – in fact, we prefer NOT to have a car when we go to Disneyland!

Here are the four easy ways to get to Disneyland without a car.

Book your next magical family adventure through our friends at Get Away Today! They are truly the Disney experts and can make planning your trip a breeze for both Disneyland and Disney World. You can browse their website or call 1-855-GET-AWAY. Make sure you tell them Magical Family Travel Guide sent you or use the code MFTG for $10 off a Southern California

Option 1: Take the ART

One of the most popular options is probably the Anaheim Resort Transit (ART). ART offers service from more than 20 hotels in the area, as well as from the Anaheim Amtrak and Metrolink train stations.

ART offers everything from one day to 30 day passes. It’s pretty affordable, especially for children 3 to 9.

We have taken the ART a few times with mixed experiences. Sometimes it was reliable, other times not so much. If you are at a hotel that is at the beginning of a route, it’s really nice. If you are toward the middle or end, you may not always get a seat on the bus.

The ART picks you up and drops you off right at the bus depot at Disneyland. Even though it can be a little tricky getting on the ART, it can be a great alternative to a car or walking.

• You can purchase ART passes at a participating Anaheim area hotel
• Visit one of 13 ART ticketing kiosks located within the Anaheim area
• Visit the information desk at the ARTIC (Anaheim Regional Transportation Center)
• Pay on board (Exact change only)

You can also look into the PCA shuttle, which is available at a few hotels.

Option 2: Ride share with Uber or Lyft.

If you’re not familiar with ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft, they’re essentially like having your own personal driver.

You can use their respective apps to book a ride, and then pay for the trip directly through the app. While this option is generally more expensive than taking the bus, it can still be cheaper than renting a car (not to mention less hassle).

Plus, you’ll get dropped off right at the entrance to Disneyland, so you won’t have to worry about finding (and paying for) parking.

This is a good option for those who aren’t traveling with children who need to be in car seats. We’ve never taken advantage of ride sharing to Disneyland simply because we’d have to bring our car seats- and who wants to lug those around Disneyland?!

Option 3: Toy Story Parking Lot

This is one of those options that may or may not be acceptable by all, but it works out pretty well. The Toy Story Parking Lot is near several hotels in the Anaheim area, and you can go jump on the buses without actually parking. in the parking lot. We have done this a few times, and it’s worked out pretty well.

Option 4: Walk (if you’re staying close by)

Finally, if you’re lucky enough to be staying within walking distance of Disneyland (or willing to walk a bit further), then that’s probably your best bet. Not only is it free, but you also won’t have to worry about dealing with transportation logistics at all. Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes and pack some snacks and water so you don’t get too hungry or thirsty during your day of exploring!

Why Go to Disneyland without a Car

There are many reasons to visit Disneyland without a car.

For one, relying on public transportation or other modes of transportation can help you to avoid the hassle and stress of navigating a crowded parking lot or finding a place to park.

Additionally, using alternate forms of transportation allows you to spend more time enjoying your favorite rides and attractions rather than sitting in traffic.

And perhaps most importantly, going without a car allows you to fully experience all that Disneyland has to offer, from its world-famous parades and spectacular fireworks shows to its exciting rides and immersive themed environments.

Can you do all these things with a car? Absolutely! But if you aren’t driving, you don’t have to worry about leaving early to miss the crowds in the parking lot, and you can really stay much longer

So if you’re looking for an exciting and fun way to explore all this magical land has to offer, consider skipping the car and heading there by foot, bus, train, or another mode of transport instead! Let us know if you prefer a car or not!

More Articles You May Enjoy:

• Can you wear Flip Flops to Disneyland and Disney World? Myth versus Fact
• Disneyland Transportation: Getting Around In AND Outside the Park
• What to Wear to Disneyland in January: Your Complete Guide
• The Best Time to Buy Airline Tickets for Thanksgiving (Plus Other Travel Tips) 

The post How to Get to Disneyland Without a Car: 4 Ways appeared first on Magical Family Travel Guide.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner! When you think of Thanksgiving weekend, you probably think of a big feast that takes all day to cook, family gathered around the table, a football game playing on the TV, and maybe even a little family drama.

There’s no doubt that the Thanksgiving holiday is a fun one, but it can be stressful – especially if you’re the one hosting. I have often dreamed about what it would be like to just skip out on the extended family Turkey Day festivities altogether and go on a fun vacation instead.

With the long holiday weekend, it’s the perfect time to travel without missing too much school or work. Even if you want to take a full week of vacation, pulling your kids out of school for two days or taking a couple days off of work is much more doable than taking an entire week.

Planning a Thanksgiving trip doesn’t have to be stressful either – just focus on you, your family, and the quality time you’ll spend together and it’ll be the perfect vacation!

For the best plane tickets and hotel rates, you’ll want to book at least a few months in advance – click here to learn more about Thanksgiving plane ticket prices. However, if you’re thinking of planning a more spontaneous trip, that’ll work too – you might just have to be a little more creative when it comes to transportation and lodging.

Before you even start thinking about booking though, you’ll need to figure out where to go! This is the fun part. Here are some of the best Thanksgiving vacations for families in the United States:

1. Hawaii

What better place to escape the cold weather than Hawaii? It’s the perfect place to spend Thanksgiving if you’re looking for some sun, fun, and beautiful beaches. The average temperature in Hawaii in November is a warm 82 degrees, so you can definitely leave your jackets at home. You’ll want to make sure to book your flights and hotel well in advance though, as this is a very popular travel destination during Thanksgiving. Hawaii is always a great time for everyone in the family.

2. Long Beach, CA 

If you live on the West Coast or are looking for a beach vacation without having to travel too far, Long Beach is a great option. The weather is usually sunny and mild in November, with temperatures averaging around 70 degrees. You can enjoy all that southern California has to offer – the beach, mountains, theme parks, delicious restaurants – the list of things to do is endless, and the whole family can enjoy it.

3. Disney Parks

Speaking of theme parks, Thanksgiving is the best time to visit Disneyland or Walt Disney World! If you go the week of Thanksgiving it’ll be a little more crowded than usual, but don’t worry – the seasonal food, holiday decorations, Christmas lights, Main Street vibes, and overall atmosphere make up for it. There’s nothing better than sipping on hot chocolate while waiting for the fireworks to start!

Plus, with the new Genie+ system, you’ll be able to ride everything you want even if the parks are crowded. Going to a Disney park during late November will really set the mood for the rest of the holiday season.

Here is some more information that might be helpful – How Busy is Disneyland on Thanksgiving?

4. New England

If you’re looking for a more traditional Thanksgiving experience, New England is the place to be. There are so many charming towns and villages to explore, each with their own unique history and culture. And of course, no trip to New England would be complete without seeing the leaves change color! The peak time for leaf-peeping is usually mid-October, but you should catch the tail end of the leaves changing during Thanksgiving. The entire east coast is stunning this time of year, so you really can’t go wrong. It might even become a new tradition!

5. New York City

Looking for a big city experience? The Big Apple is always bustling with energy, but during Thanksgiving it really comes alive. There’s the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which has been a tradition since 1924 – it’s definitely something you have to see! New York is a lot of fun, but it’s not the best place to take small children. If your kids are a little older though, they’ll love it! Go to Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, walk through Central Park, visit Coney Island, see a Broadway show, eat some world-class food, and do a little shopping. It’s the perfect place to be for Black Friday!

6. Park City, UT

If you and your family love the outdoors, Park City is the perfect Thanksgiving destination. It’s the perfect place for outdoor activities all year round, but it’s especially beautiful in the fall. You can go hiking, biking, fishing, or horseback riding through the stunning autumn scenery. And of course, no trip to Park City would be complete without a visit to one of the many ski resorts! Even if you don’t ski or snowboard, the resorts are still worth visiting – they’re so big and impressive! You might even see some professional athletes or celebrities at the luxury hotels taking advantage of the ski season. If you can swing it, I would recommend staying at the Park City Mountain Resort. It’s absolutely beautiful!

7. Colorado Ski Resorts

Speaking of ski resorts, Colorado has some of the best in the country. If you and your family are looking for a more adventurous vacation, this is definitely the place to go. There are so many different resorts to choose from, and each one has something unique to offer. You can find a ski resort that’s perfect for your family, whether you’re looking for a place to relax or a place to ski and snowboard. You’ll even find some delicious local restaurants!

8. Scottsdale, AZ

If you want warm weather but don’t want to go on a vacation as elaborate as Hawaii, Scottsdale is a great option. The average temperature in November is a comfortable 75 degrees, so you can enjoy all the outdoor activities that Scottsdale has to offer. There are also tons of golf courses if that’s your thing. You could even book a spa day for yourself! There are plenty of options when it comes to family activities in Scottsdale as well.

9. Leavenworth, WA

Leavenworth is a small town in Washington that’s incredibly charming. It’s the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and just relax. The whole town is decorated for Christmas, so it really gets you into the holiday spirit! And if you love German food, you’ll be in heaven – there are so many delicious German restaurants. You can even go on horse-drawn carriage rides! You’ll truly feel like you stepped into a fairytale storybook – Leavenworth is so beautiful!

These are just some of the places I would recommend for the best Thanksgiving getaways. Each place has something different to offer, so it’s up to you to decide what kind of vacation you want to have. Whether you’re looking for a traditional Thanksgiving experience or something more adventurous, there’s a place for you and your family!

No matter where you decide to spend your Thanksgiving vacation, we hope that you have a safe and happy holiday. We would love to hear about your experiences in the comments below. Where are you spending your Thanksgiving this year?

Here are more articles you may enjoy:

• The Best Money Saving Travel Hacks
• The 5 Best Hotels Near Disneyland with Breakfast
• 20+ Things We Wish We Knew Before Our Cruise

The post The 9 Best Thanksgiving Vacation Spots for Families  appeared first on Magical Family Travel Guide.

If you’re reading this, you’re probably planning a vacation during the Thanksgiving weekend! Vacations are a great way to unwind, spend time with family, and make memories to last a lifetime. Plus, you’ll get to skip out on cooking a massive Thanksgiving dinner or running between family parties – going on a trip during this holiday truly is a win-win situation.

While the Thanksgiving long weekend is one of the best times to travel, you’re not the only one who’s thinking that way – it’s one of the biggest travel weekends in America. Don’t let this scare you though! There are plenty of ways to make sure your Thanksgiving vacation is smooth-sailing from start to finish.

First, let’s talk about the best time to buy airline tickets for Thanksgiving. If you have a family tradition of Thanksgiving travel, you already know the drill. But if this is your first time, there are a few rules to live by when it comes to cheap holiday flights:

Buy Your Tickets Before October 31 at the Latest

Thanksgiving is about three weeks after Halloween, so waiting until then to buy your plane tickets might come at a cost. The best time to get your tickets will be late August or early September. If you’re planning to travel during Thanksgiving, try as hard as you can to get your tickets before October 31! This way, you’ll get the best deals and flight prices, and you won’t have to deal with any last minute issues.

Buy Your Tickets Three Months in Advance

Three months ahead is the sweet spot when it comes to airline tickets. So ideally, if you’re booking for thanksgiving, you’ll want to get your Booking earlier or later than that could result in higher fares, so try to get them right around 3 months before your departure date. Your wallet will thank you, especially if you have a big family. Buying in advance gets you the lowest prices, even during the holiday season.

Use Google Flights

Google Flights is the best way to go when it comes to booking domestic flights and international flights for a good deal. It compares all of the airlines, flight times, layovers, and ticket prices, then gives you the best options for your round trip flights. If you’re looking for the lowest fares for nonstop flights, this is definitely the way to go! It will also tell you the least expensive days to travel.

Buy Tickets on a Tuesday or Wednesday

Tuesdays and Wednesdays are typically the best days to buy airline tickets because there are more discounts and deals available. If you’re flexible on your travel dates, aim for one of these days when you’re buying your plane tickets! The day of the week you choose to travel on can make a huge impact on the fares you get. The most expensive days to travel are typically weekends.

Use a Credit Card with Travel Perks

Credit cards like American Express and Capital One Venture have great travel perks! Research which credit cards can get you the best hotel and flight deals, then book your trip on it. It can save you tons of money and get you the best fares on major airlines.

Now that we’ve got the best time to buy airline tickets out of the way, let’s talk about some other tips to make your Thanksgiving travel go as smoothly as possible:

Get to the Airport Early

No one likes being rushed through an airport, especially during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. To avoid this stressful situation, aim to get to the airport at least two and a half hours before your flight is scheduled to take off. That way, you’ll have plenty of time to get through security and find your gate. Remember, Thanksgiving is the most popular time to travel, so plan accordingly!

Travel on Non-Peak Days if Possible

If you’re able to travel before or after the Thanksgiving long weekend, do it! You’ll avoid the massive crowds at the airport and you might even be able to snag cheaper flights. Just make sure you give yourself enough time to travel – the last thing you want is to miss your scheduled activities because you were stuck in traffic! This will get you the cheapest flights.

Pack Plenty of Entertainment for the Kids

If you’re traveling with young kids, it’s important to keep them entertained during the plane ride. No one wants to be that family with a screaming child on a long flight! To avoid this, pack some of your child’s favorite toys, books, or movies to keep them occupied. It’s also a good idea to bring along some snacks and drinks to keep their energy up.

Pack Light

This tip applies to everyone, not just those traveling with kids! Packing light will make your life a lot easier, both at the airport and on your trip. If you’re worried about fitting everything into one suitcase, consider wearing your heaviest items on the plane. That way, you’ll have more space in your bag for souvenirs – especially if you’re traveling during Black Friday!

Be Efficient in the Airport

The airport is set up to get everyone where they need to go as quickly as possible. You can be more efficient at the airport the week of Thanksgiving by doing the following:

• Check in for your flight 24 hours in advance.
• Add your boarding passes to your Apple Wallet on your phone.
• Print your bag tags at the kiosks as soon as you get to the airport. 
• When going through security, remember the rules – if you’re older than 12, take off your shoes. All electronics bigger than a tablet should be taken out of your bag and put in a separate bin. Take off your belt and empty your pockets.
• Wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off.
• When picking up your bag, don’t stand right by the carousel – your bag will get to you eventually, so stand back until you see it.

Be Kind to Workers

From the TSA employees to hotel staff, no one wants to be working during a holiday weekend. To make things even harder, Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times of the year, which makes for a lot of angry people. Even if an inconvenience comes up, do your best to be kind! You’ll most likely make their day, and you might even get better accommodations in return (although you shouldn’t expect anything like that). This is especially important if you’re traveling on Thanksgiving day or Christmas day!

Drive If Possible

If you want to avoid the stress of the airport altogether, the best bet is to drive to your destination! This is especially a good option if you’re traveling with young kids or a lot of luggage. Just make sure to plan your route in advance and take into account rest stops, traffic, and bad weather. If you’re traveling as a big family, you can save a pretty penny by not purchasing plane tickets!

By following these tips, you’ll be sure to have a stress-free Thanksgiving travel experience! Just remember to be patient, efficient, and kind, and you’ll be on your way in no time. Happy travels!

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and food. And if you want to get the best deals on your airline tickets, now is the time to buy them. We’ve provided some other tips in this blog post that will help make your holiday travel as smooth as possible. So what are you waiting for? Get started planning your trip today!

Other articles you may enjoy:

• 30+ Must Know Travel Safety Tips For Families
• The Best Money Saving Travel Hacks
• Cheap Thanksgiving Vacation Ideas for Families

The post The Best Time to Buy Airline Tickets for Thanksgiving (Plus Other Travel Tips)  appeared first on Magical Family Travel Guide.

Thanksgiving is almost here, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late to start planning your family vacation over the holiday weekend!

Maybe you travel every Thanksgiving, or maybe you’re looking to skip out on the stress of Thanksgiving dinner and extended family time this year.

Whatever your reasoning is for going on a trip during Thanksgiving break, your reasons are justified! And you’re in luck, because it just so happens to be one of the best times of the year to travel.

Sure, the airports will be packed and you’ll probably run into holiday season traffic, but that shouldn’t deter you from creating lasting memories on vacation with your family.

Speaking of things that shouldn’t stop you from taking a trip, let’s talk about budget. It’s no secret that vacations can get very pricey very fast with the cost of transportation, lodging, food, and activities.

However, there are so many options available if you’re looking to take a budget-friendly trip with your family.

No matter what your financial restrictions are, you’re sure to find something that’s fun, fits within your budget, and creates lasting memories for the entire family. Here are ten of the best places for cheap Thanksgiving vacation ideas for your whole family:

Road Trip

A road trip is the perfect option for families who want to travel without spending a lot of money. You can pack your own food and snacks, which will save you a ton of money, and you can make pit stops at any number of tourist attractions along the way.

If you live on the East Coast, consider driving down to see the historical sites in Washington D.C., or if you’re on the West Coast, take a drive down to sunny Southern California. No matter where you live in the United States, you most likely have a cool destination within 10 driving hours of your home.

Theme Parks

What’s more fun than spending the holiday weekend riding roller coasters with your family?

While Disney parks might not be the cheapest way to go, there are plenty of other amusement parks your family will love.

You could visit Universal Studios, LEGOLAND, Six Flags, Knott’s Berry Farm, Hersheypark, SeaWorld – the options are endless. If you are going to California, here is a list of all the California Theme Parks!

If you want to save some extra money, look for deals on admission tickets and pack your own food! Just make sure you read the park’s rules and regulations about outside food beforehand.

Our friends at Get Away Today always have the best deals on theme parks – make sure to check them out, especially if you are heading to California.

Camping

Camping is a great way to get away from it all and enjoy some quality time with your family. You can find camping spots at any number of national or state parks, which are typically very affordable. We LOVE Yellowstone, and it’s very affordable.

If you want to make things even easier on yourself, consider renting an RV for the weekend through a company like RVShare.

This way, you’ll have all the amenities of home while still being able to enjoy the great outdoors. Bonus points if you can find campgrounds with golf courses, fishing, trails, horseback riding, and other outdoor activities!

All-Inclusive Resort

If you’re looking for a more luxurious (but still affordable) vacation option, consider booking a room at an all-inclusive resort. All-inclusive resorts typically include the cost of your lodging, meals, and activities in one price. You can find amazing deals on all-inclusive resorts if you take the time to look!

Some of our favorite places include Florida, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. You’re sure to get a delicious Thanksgiving feast at an all-inclusive resort as well, and you might even catch some football games on TV!

Get Away Today always has great offers for all-inclusive resorts as well!

Cabin AirBNB

If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure without the camping aspect, consider renting a cabin on AirBNB. This is a great option for families who want to enjoy the beauty of nature without giving up the comforts of home.

You can find cabins in any number of scenic locations, from the mountains to the beach. Just make sure you read the reviews before booking to ensure that you’re getting exactly what you’re looking for!

Read More – The Beginner’s Guide to Airbnb

National Parks

If you want to explore some of America’s natural beauty, consider visiting one of our amazing national parks. There are 59 national parks throughout the country, so there’s sure to be one near you!

This is a great option for families who love hiking, camping, and spending time outdoors. Some of our favorite national parks include Yellowstone, Zion, Glacier, and Grand Canyon. These are perfect if you’re looking for a small town feeling and a short drive!

Southern California

If you live near the West Coast, escape to sunny SoCal for Thanksgiving weekend. With its amazing weather, beautiful beaches, and world-famous tourist attractions, Southern California is the perfect place to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with your family.

You could visit Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, San Diego, go to an Angel’s or Los Angeles Dodgers game, do some Black Friday shopping, or even just spend some time relaxing on the beach. No matter what you decide to do, you’re sure to have a great time!

Washington D.C.

If you live on the East Coast, take advantage of the proximity to our nation’s capital and visit Washington D.C. over Thanksgiving break! There are so many historical and cultural sites to see in D.C., and most of them are free!

You could visit the Lincoln Memorial, the Smithsonian museums, or take a tour of the U.S. Capitol building. D.C. is also a great place to eat, with plenty of restaurants and food trucks to choose from. You don’t have to stay in luxury hotels to have a great time here either – it’s the perfect destination all around.

Staycation

Last but not least, don’t forget that you can always stay close to home and enjoy a staycation! This is a great option for families who want to save money or don’t have the time for a long vacation.

You can visit local tourist attractions, go on day trips, or just spend some time relaxing at home. Whatever you do, make sure you take some time to enjoy the holiday with your family!

You can go ice skating, bake pumpkin pie, watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, visit an indoor pool, sip hot chocolate by the fire, enjoy the cold weather, go on local carriage rides, or go snow tubing. Another perk of the staycation? You can still make it to all your family Thanksgiving festivities.

These are just a few of the best Thanksgiving getaways for families. No matter where you go or what you do, the most important thing is that you spend time with your loved ones and create memories that will last a lifetime.

We hope you love these Thanksgiving vacation ideas for families that will let you explore new places while spending quality time together. So pack your bags and get ready for some fun! What are you waiting for? Start planning your Thanksgiving getaway today.

Other articles you may enjoy:

• Disney Vacation Booking: What the Experts Say
• The 9 Best Vacation Spots For Thanksgiving
• The Best Time To Buy Airline Fare for Thanksgiving

The post Cheap Thanksgiving Vacation Ideas for Families appeared first on Magical Family Travel Guide.

Family Vacations to Myrtle Beach

Every few years, we are able to get together for a beach week with our East Coast family. 

While we’ve gone to different locations over the year, Myrtle Beach has been the destination more than once. 

Not only do they have tons of beach homes available – and great beaches – but it’s a pretty central location for most of our family back there (nothing is really central for people in Colorado, haha). 

This year, my sister-in-law and mother-in-law found a great beach house in North Myrtle Beach – specifically Cherry Grove – and it’s a trip we were all anticipating for several months. 

One of my good friends went to Myrtle Beach last year with her husband, and I thought it seemed like such a fun place to explore.

Although much of our time there was spent visiting, going to the beach, and letting the kiddos play, we were able to participate in some fun activities and eat some delicious food throughout our week there. 

The CVB at Myrtle Beach was generous in agreeing to partner with us while we were visiting, so I’m excited to share some of our adventures. Because the weather was kind of crummy about half the time we were there, it was nice to be able to check out some of the “inside” activities. Though the weather did get into the 60s for a few days, and the sun did come out here and there. For late December, there were moments where the weather was enjoyable.

Myrtle Beach attracts all kinds of people, but this travel guide is specifically geared toward those visiting who have children. There’s no way we could have done all the fun things this great city has to offer, but hopefully, this will be helpful to anyone looking to make a trip there with their family. 

Below I’ve divided this into different categories, and under each category, I will first share about the places we attended, and I will also mention some others that are available that I thought sounded fun. 

How to Save at Myrtle Beach

I was actually pleasantly surprised to see that Myrtle Beach wasn’t as expensive as I was hoping. I mean, it is a beach town, so I wouldn’t say things are *cheap*, but they are within reason. 

There are definitely ways to save even more though: 

• Priceline: I know there are a lot of discount retailers, but I always like using Priceline. This is a great way to find a good deal on hotels. VacationRenter.com is another one I’ve found recently that lets you compare rental properties AND hotels!
• Groupon: When we went to Myrtle Beach several years ago, we were able to get an awesome discount on the Children’s Museum. You never know what deals you will find there, so make sure you take a look. 
• Coupons: My philosophy is to always look for a coupon before you do something – just a quick Google search before you go to an activity or restaurant might save you a lot. Right before we bought our tickets for Medieval Times, I found a 30% off coupon that made it much more affordable for us to take our group. You can sometimes find coupon books as well – before you visit, you could consider buying an Entertainment Book for South Carolina.
• Group Rates: If you are with a group of your family or friends, and there are more than about 10 people, you might be able to secure a group rate for a hotel, activities, etc. 
• Look on websites: Always look on websites for special deals and promotions. 
• Go During Off Season: If you can swing it, it’s always going to be cheaper to go during off season. We went the week after Christmas, and I know it made it more affordable for the beach house we were in. 

Things to Do with Family in Myrtle Beach. 

Fun Activities in Myrtle Beach

Below you will find a variety of fun activities (both paid and free) for families visiting Myrtle Beach.

Walking on the beach. When the weather was good it was easy to leave the kids with someone and take a nice, relaxing walk on the beach. 

Watching the kiddos play in the sand and hop around in the shallow water. Forrest and his niece and nephews aren’t afraid to hop into the water for a bit, but it helps to have a wetsuit if you’re staying in for very long.

Forrest and his family played tag football and Ultimate on the beach.

Watch the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean. For the early risers, this beautiful offering of nature is always free. 

Forrest kayaked with Oliver and my father-in-law on the intercoastal waterway (it was free for us!). The intercoastal waterway doesn’t have waves, so it makes for calm kayaking.

Because we were there on New Year’s Eve, there were some great Fireworks displays going on. During the summer, if you go to Broadway at the Beach, they have shows at 10 PM on Tuesdays, at Barefood Landing on Mondays at 10:15 PM, and Second Avenue Pier at 10 PM. 

Paid Activities

WonderWorks

WonderWorks is probably the best activity we did at Myrtle Beach.

It is kind of like the coolest children’s museum you can imagine.

Initially, Wonderworks gives off a very unique first impression with its upside down look.

The first room you enter, where you buy your tickets, is designed to look upside down as well. I just realized that the first thing you go through is a hallway that seems to spin, and I wonder if that is supposed to transition you to being right side up again?

Wonderworks seems to be designed more for older kids, teenagers, and even adults. We had fun!

Initially, I would say that it was kind of loud.

We took our three year old and he had a bit of a hard time with the initial noise and a few other things.

However, there were a lot of things for him to enjoy, including laser tag (with help). I would imagine if you go more than once, then you can really focus on the things you and your kids enjoy most.

There is an educational purpose of a lot of the different activities and stations, but, to me, mostly it was just fun. If you wanted to focus on the educational aspects you certainly could.

There are six Wonder Zones. They are:

• Natural Disasters
• Physical Challenge
• Light and Sound
• Space Discovery
• Imagination Lab
• Far Out Art Gallery.

Most activities are included in your original ticket price outside of the arcade section. Members of our group experienced a storm wind room, hand plunge into arctic temperature water, astronaut spin simulator, basketball shooting competition, soccer penalty kick simulator, giant piano, a bed of nails, roller coaster simulator, 6D Theater, laser tag game, and an alien stomper game.

Unfortunately, we didn’t budget enough time for the indoor ropes courses.

It does cost money, so plan accordingly. They do have cheaper prices in the evenings (I believe after 5), so definitely look into that, especially if you have large groups. 

Ripley’s Attractions at Myrtle Beach

Ripley’s has a number of attractions in Myrtle Beach.

I am told that the Ripley’s Aquarium is very impressive. It is located at Broadway at the Beach, which also has a lot of fun shops, restaurants, and even rides.

Also, Ripley’s has some other attractions just off of the Myrtle Beach boardwalk that includes the Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Odditorium (like a museum), Mirror Maze, and a 5D Moving Theater.

I would suggest buying tickets for everything at once as a package deal, it is a much better buy that way. The aquarium is only about a 5-10 minute drive from everything else.

We only experienced the Mirror Maze and the Moving Theater.

The Mirror Maze was fun. If you don’t look down towards the lower parts of the glass, you really do have a hard time knowing where there is a mirror and where there is a walkway. It is a fun illusion. However, the illusion creates these long hallways, and the actual maze is not nearly that large.

We did get turned around a few times at first, so it is a bit tricky to find the exit. It didn’t take too long though, so there is no need to worry about getting lost for a long time.

The Moving Theater was interesting. It is a 3D movie theater with bucket-like seats that move. There are extra lights and puffs of air throughout the two roughly ten-minute movies to add to the experience. It is a bit loud and jerky, so they have a few non-moving seats in the front for younger children.

I believe the two three-year-olds in our group enjoyed the movies. Personally, I can’t say the movies were extremely high-quality productions.

For one, in the space movie the audience is supposed to feel like they are in a spaceship, but somehow explosions and other things cause cool puffs of air to be blown towards the audience. There is no wind or sound in space, so that really didn’t make a lot of sense. Plus, the timing seemed to be a little off sometimes. Though, our oldest son said that he really enjoyed it.

You can read more about all of their attractions and current best prices here. 

SkyWheel

The SkyWheel is a 187 ft tall Ferris wheel located at the boardwalk in Myrtle Beach. It has temperature controlled cabins, and you get to go around 4 times.

You’re able to see along the beach, the boardwalk, the business district around the area, and you can even see over to Broadway at the Beach. I’ve heard there can be long lines, but it seems that you should be able to ride longer if it is busy since it has to make more stops.

There was almost no one there the day we went, and our four times around went relatively quickly.

A tip, bring a selfie stick if you want a group photo. You can’t ask a stranger to take a picture once your up in the air. Forrest has a hard time looking normal in the selfies he takes of our family.

Mini Golf

The Myrtle Beach area is famous for having a lot of golf courses (over 100!) and claims to be the miniature golf capital of the world with its 50 mini golf courses.

Plus, the Myrtle Beach area is called the seaside golf capital of the world. With the weather and our schedule as it was, we weren’t able to play a mini-golf course.

However, we drove past a lot of interesting looking courses. Forrest did kayak past a nice look course very close to the beach. Forrest also played half of a disc golf course. Forrest likes how affordable it can be, and our oldest likes to go with him to play with his grandpa and uncle.

You can check out the most popular Mini Golf courses in Myrtle Beach here. Here are two very popular and highly recommended courses:

• Dragon’s Lair Fantasy Golf
• Jungle Lagoon Miniature Golf

Broadway at the Beach

Broadway at the Beach is the #1 tourist attraction in South Carolina. Here is a map to the whole group of things categorized as Broadway at the Beach. It is where WonderWorks and the Ripley’s Aquarium is located.

I didn’t realize, until after my vacation, how many of the activities across the street and near the main water area were part of Broadway at the Beach. 

You might be wondering why it is called Broadway at the Beach. There are a few reasons, as best as I can guess.

One is the theater Legends in Concert, that has a cast paying tribute to different musicians past and present. Plus, there is a regular movie theater with lots of screens. There are a number of restaurants inspired by performers and celebrities, including Hard Rock Cafe, Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen, and Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville.

There are about 20 other restaurants there too, that should cover almost whatever type of food you’re looking to eat. 

Beyond that, it is mostly a fun place with speedboats, helicopters, zip lines, a waterpark, a racing park, a baseball park, a Ferris wheel, a mirror maze, an escape room, and a bunch of other fun stuff. If you wanted to spend a lot of your time there without driving, there are even three hotels.

When we were there, they were advertising for $20 helicopter rides, which sounds amazing! I’ve watched a few videos on YouTube, and sometimes it seems like there is fun stuff going on all over the place.

We were there on a rainy, weekday morning in the winter, and there wasn’t anything going on outdoors. 

Other Activities You May Enjoy:

We obviously weren’t able to do everything while we were in Myrtle Beach, but there are SO many family-friendly activities. Here are a few others to consider:

• Children’s Museum of South Carolina – we went here a few years ago, and it was so fun. I believe it’s changed locations, but I would imagine it’s just as engaging. 
• Cherry Grove Beach Pier
• The Lowcountry Zoo 
• Myrtle Beach Pelicans (baseball) 
• Broadway Grand Prix
• Myrtle Waves Water Park
• Myrtle Beach State Park
• Go Ape Zipline and Treetop Adventure
• Brookgreen Gardens
• Pawley’s Island Hammock Shop Village

Live Shows and Entertainment

Medieval Times

We had never been to Medieval Times before our trip to Myrtle Beach. They have about ten different locations around the country.

My brother and sister had been, and they seemed to enjoy it. We budgeted some of our money to take about 11 of my family to a show together.

We were hoping that it would be okay for a wide age group, and I think things turned out pretty well. Most of the younger kids we either occupied watching the show or eating the food.

The show does last a few hours, so some of the babies had to be held or walked around for a little bit.

The show includes some Renaissance style dramatic storytelling, horsemanship skills, horse dancing/prancing skills (whatever it is called!?), and a dramatic faux tournament of knights competing and fighting.

Different sections are assigned different knights to cheer for. I did a lot of cheering. It turns out that our guy was the bad guy, but it was still fun cheering for him until he was eliminated!

Sometimes the knights would throw flowers out to different ladies, girls. My niece next to me was excited to get a flower!

The food is the same for everyone, though they did make an effort to provide some substitutions according to different dietary needs. A drink is included….but it’s only water or pepsi. 

True to the era of knights, I’m assuming, there aren’t any utensils. The chicken they give you is huge. I think it was half a chicken. They did give us a foil-lined pouch for our leftovers, so you don’t have to worry about food waste.

The food was filling, but I wouldn’t say people go there for the food.

We wish we’d been able to check out some other shows while we were in Myrtle Beach. Here are a couple we definitely don’t want to miss next time:

• Pirate’s Voyage
• The Carolina Opry
• Alabama Theater

Food

First, I’ll mention a couple of the places we ate at. 

Nacho Hippo

I love Mexican food – especially nachos – so when I saw this on our list of recommended restaurants, I knew we had to try this one out. 

There are a couple of locations – and we went to the one in North Myrtle Beach. 

We were seated pretty quickly, which was nice. They had a good sized menu – though it wasn’t too large (large menus are always so overwhelming to me!). 

We ordered an appetizer and a plate of nachos to share, and we loved them both. 

I think that fried corn bites (can’t remember what they were called!) are amongst the best things I’ve ever eaten. They were SO good. 

We got shrimp nachos (without the jalapenos), and we thought they were yummy. I do think there could have been a little bit more shrimp on them. Oliver thought they were too spicy. 

You can read lots of reviews here. 

Wicked Tuna

Forrest and I were really looking forward to coming here. My friend had raved about it, so I couldn’t wait to come in. 

The Wicked Tuna is a really unique restaurant at Murrells Inlet. It sits right on the inlet, and they have their own boats that catch the seafood.

Apparently, they are one of the only places on the East Coast that do this, so I thought that was pretty cool. Apparently, some coastal restaurants use seafood from other countries.

We sat underneath a covered patio, so we were able to enjoy the views on a colder day. 

The Wicked Tuna has a huge menu of seafood, as well as sushi. It was hard to decide what to get, but in the end, I got shrimp and grits, and Forrest got the “catch of the day” with grits. 

We both loved these dishes. Lots of flavor, the seafood was cooked well, and they were just very delicious. 

We also got a couple of appetizers – white corn guacamole and crab wontons. 

Jack said the wontons were his favorite thing!

We finished off the meal with a couple of desserts. 

The creme brulee was the best I have ever had – and possibly the best dessert I’ve ever had. It was creamy with a nice crunch on top, and the addition of the strawberries was the perfect touch. I couldn’t get enough of it! 

The boys had chocolate pudding with gummy bears – it was very thick and rich. It wasn’t our favorite, because it tasted like there was a touch too much cocoa powder. But the boys enjoyed it. 

Simply Southern Smokehouse

We ate at Simply Southern Smokehouse on the last day of our trip, because Forrest wanted to make sure he enjoyed some good Southern BBQ and sides before he went back to Colorado. Also, it was close to Broadway at the Beach, and we weren’t really feeling their options at the time.

Simply Southern Smokehouse is buffet style, where you pay beforehand, and you leave your tip on the table when you’re done. There were a lot of traditional Southern items, including entrees, sides, salads, and desserts. Drinks are included. Our lunch price was $10.99 for adults, and $8.61 for kids 5-11 (I believe kids under 5 were free).

I think we all enjoyed the food and ate way too much. Forrest especially enjoyed the classic Southern sides and desserts. Because it would take me too long to describe, here is their menu.

It has excellent reviews online – be sure to check them out here. 

I Love Sugar

I Love Sugar provides quite the candy experience near the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. It is bright, colorful, beautifully decorated, and just smells great. I was impressed by the chandelier ball of gummy bears.

There are all sorts of different candy options. There are large candies, small candies, retro candies, Harry Potter Candies, and just lots of different colors and flavors.

Plus, they sell gelato and sorbets. There are useful little tables by the store windows to eat either your candy or gelato. The sour gummy worms were extra delicious.

Peaches Corner

Peaches Corner is an old school diner establishment that has been around over 75 years. It is located right next to the boardwalk and beach volleyball courts. They primarily sell, hamburgers, hot dogs, and ice cream.

Overall, our experience wasn’t the most amazing. They were a little slow at the time, our waiter was a little loud for our tastes. Forrest decided to risk ordering the very large Beach Party, which, reportedly, was delicious. Though, it looked very unhealthy. It has a beer battered, deep fried hamburger patty, so delicious and unhealthy is about what you would expect!

Myrtle Beach Family Friendly Restaurants:

All of the places we went to above were family friendly – but there are many more. Here are a few more options to consider while you are at Myrtle Beach: 

• Drunken Jacks
• Tupelo Honey Cafe (We LOVE Tupelo Honey here in Denver!)
• Ultimate California Pizza
• Le Cupcake Cafe
• 2nd Avenue Pier
• Wahlburgers
• Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen
• Senor Frogs
• Carolina Ale House
• Sea Captain’s House
• Croissant’s Bistro and Bakery
• Loco Gecko 
• Johnny D’s Waffles and Bakery
• Lulu’s Cafe
• Z’s Amazing Kitchen
• Flying Fish Public Market and Grill
• Bonfire Tacqueria

Where to Stay 

There are tons of places to stay in Myrtle Beach – beach homes, condos, hotels…there’s really something for everyone, and I from my brief searching, many of the options are pretty budget friendly. 

Deciding where to stay will just depend on your needs. We enjoy staying at a beach house when we come here, because we are usually with a large group of family. The rates can be pretty affordable, especially if you going during offseason. 

We checked out the prices for some of the hotels in the area, and they were also very affordable. Priceline is always a good place to book, especially last minute trips. 

We would suggest going on Trip Advisor to check out reviews of different places to stay. 

The post Things to Do in Myrtle Beach With Kids: The Ultimate Family Guide appeared first on Magical Family Travel Guide.