January Disney Month at AAA Travel and CAA Travel is the time for your AAA/CAA Travel professional to weave a little extra magic into your next vacation.

In addition to the special and exclusive AAA benefits available all year, when you book between January 1-31, 2012 you can take advantage of exclusive limited time AAA/CAA benefits and savings on select AAA Vacations® packages to the Disneyland® Resort, the Walt Disney World® Resort , Aulani Resort as well as select Disney Cruise Line® and Adventures by Disney® vacations. Visit to DisneyMonthAtAAA.com for details. ... Read More

Open to the public October 15, Legoland Florida promises to be a hit with kids of all ages. Legoland occupies what was previously Cypress Gardens and is located 45 minutes south of Orlando. Several of the original coasters have remained, cleverly converted into Lego-themed rides. 

I recently previewed Legoland with my two grandchildren and, despite a sometimes-heavy rain, we found the park intriguing and lots of fun.

Upon entering Legoland, turn to your left and take a ride on Island in the Sky, a rotating lift that gives you a bird’s-eye view of the entire park.  From here you can map out your plan for the day. Even the little ones will enjoy this enclosed ride with its 360-degree view.... Read More

Walt Disney World celebrated its 40th anniversary this past Saturday with a scattering of special events at Magic Kingdom Park … the only theme park at the resort on opening day Oct. 1, 1971. A full cast of Disney characters paraded up Main Street U.S.A. to Cinderella Castle kicking off the morning festivities. A mix of musical themes from parades past escorted the cavalcade along the parade route.

Disney ambassadors greeted the large gathering of guests around Cinderella Castle, many of whom – identified by a display of cheers – were also in attendance 40 years ago. Walt Disney World Resort President Meg Crofton spoke briefly and shared the words from Roy O. Disney's 1971 dedication speech:... Read More

This is the last post in a three-part series about Disney shows and firework displays. The first two posts are Fantasmic and Disney’s IllumiNations: Reflections on Earth.

If you haven’t been to Walt Disney World yet in 2011, you’re in for a major surprise. Believe it or not, the Magic Kingdom’s widely popular after-dark celebration that centers on the Cinderella Castle has changed.

Now don’t jump to conclusions. Disney officials haven’t taken away the “Wishes Nightime Spectacular.” In fact, they’ve actually enhanced the 12-minute fireworks show with a new and exciting “pre” show…show.... Read More

Six Flags, one of the largest theme park entities worldwide, is celebrating its 50th anniversary.  Throughout its parks, Six Flags offers 800 rides and 128 exhilarating roller coasters, including Kingda Ka. Featured at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, N.J., Kingda Ka is the tallest roller coaster in the world standing at 456 feet, and the fastest in North America reaching speeds of 128 miles per hour. ... Read More

To me, Walt Disney World’s Epcot theme park represents a celebration of diversity and in that regard, there’s no better way to embrace cultural similarities and differences while in Orlando than by experiencing the park’s nightly finale, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.

This is the second in a series of three separate posts in which I hope to share some insight on the primary after-dark theme park shows at Walt Disney World. To read my previous story on “Fantasmic,” which takes place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, click here. ... Read More

Nighttime celebrations at Walt Disney World are filled with fireworks, lasers and magnificent lighting displays. In fact, when visiting the area with my family, I make it a point to see at least one of the three in-park shows, no matter how many times I may have seen it before.

This is the first in a series of three separate posts that will provide a little insight on Disney’s “Fantasmic,” “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth” and “Wishes” after dark productions. ... Read More

I recently evaluated Golfland SunSplash water park in Roseville, Calif. Water parks are geared for the younger crowd but offer some exciting fun for young and old.
 
My recommendation, especially on hot summer days, is to arrive at least a half hour before the park opens to get a locker for your gear. If you have a large group, consider reserving a cabana for the day. I took a break during the hottest park of the day. Like most water parks, outside food and beverages are not allowed but there are plenty of fast food options available. ... Read More

Read Part 1: Islands of Adventure and Part 2: Universal Studios

Universal’s three on-site hotels (all AAA Four Diamond rated) provide an atmosphere for guests to enjoy their vacation, no matter how they define the word relax …... Read More

SeaWorld’s new whale show, “One Ocean,” features majestic killer whales as ambassadors of the sea and the ocean as the center of our natural world. The show connects visitors with these remarkable animals and immerses them in vivid underwater colors and sensations. At the core is the message that animals and humans are part of one world with one ocean that is in our hands to cherish and protect.

“One Ocean” is now open at SeaWorld Orlando and SeaWorld San Diego. It will debut at SeaWorld San Antonio this month. AAA members save up to 15 percent on park admission tickets at AAA.com/seaworld. ... Read More