Timeshare Information

Summer is winding down, so it's time for that one big last Hurrah. Plan a timeshare rental vacation for the entire family and go out with a sizzling roller coaster ride at a great theme park! This is Part 1 of a 3-Part series exploring top roller coaster rides in the U.S. as listed by Arthur Levine, an avowed "theme park-aholic" and travel writer.

In Part 1 we'll explore roller coasters that Levine recommends as good for "wimps" and others of us who have been afraid of them. These roller coasters will help you ease into the "thrill" of Thrill Rides.

1. Rent an Anaheim timeshare and head to Disneyland for its Big Thunder Mountain (see photo) roller coaster ride. You can also ride it at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom with an Orlando timeshare rental. This is a robust roller coaster that gets up to 30mph, but has no super steep drops. The "runaway mine train" theme is chocked full of cute Disney touches, and if you keep your mind on watching for those the ride will be over before you know it, and you'll be standing in line to ride again.


2. Space Mountain, also at both Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom, is another "easy but thrill-filled" roller coaster recommended at this level by Levine. He describes it as "really just a tame steel coaster that pokes along at 29mph." Indoors and in the dark, the space theme has you hurtling through inky blackness dotted by stars, and with mostly twists and turns it’s a fun ride without the steep drops.


3. The Flight of the Hippogriff at Islands of Adventure, Universal Orlando, Florida, is part of the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park. Following along with the Harry Potter theme, Hagrid welcomes you to his Magical Creatures class as you climb aboard this "typical family coaster." The biggest drop is just 30 feet, and its top speed is 28mph. You can have a lot of fun with your younger kids on this ride, and use it as good practice on your way to wilder roller coaster adventures.


4. If you really feel like you need to start out on a small ride, Levine recommends the Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster at Universal Studios Florida. "If Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain seem too daunting, you could start with this very tame ride that is barely a notch above a kiddie coaster," offers Levine.

Levine suggests that you progress in your "roller coaster training" step-by-step. After the family coasters, ride intermediate ones before attempting any of the hypercoasters with whacky features. "The best roller coasters turn knuckles white and induce screams," says Levine. "The trick is to acclimate slowly!"


Top Roller Coaster Rides – Part 2 (Intermediate Rides)
Top Roller Coaster Rides – Part 3 (Extreme Rides)

Third in our series on Tips for Visiting Disneyland is about getting help inside the park because "Good help is great to find!" The Walt Disney Corporation has been in the business of dealing with massive amounts of people for a long time, and they've got it down to a science. Besides getting thousands of people on rides and through attractions every day, Disneyland also offers great ancillary support for its many guests. Rent an Anaheim timeshare and find out how well taken care of you are at Disneyland.

1. Lost and Found…for People
   If you and your child get separated, ask any Cast Member (Disneyland employee) for help. Of course, Disneyland reminds us that here it's actually the kids finding their "lost parents," but either way, Disneyland is very efficient at reuniting families. When you first enter the park you might want to instruct your children on finding the nearest Cast Member (look for the badge) if they ever need help.


2. First Aid…
   Disneyland's version is actually an urgent care center staffed with Registered Nurses. Here you can receive help for a headache, a blister, or a scrape. And the center is also equipped to handle more acute problems. There are beds for a rest if fatigue becomes health-threatening. After stabilizing a serious injury the staff will arrange transport to a local hospital. Disneyland also keeps its own EMT team and ambulance on the grounds for swift care when necessary.
   
   Besides providing free ice water, the First Aid Center also offers refrigerated storage for special medications and dietary supplies. And the Baby Center right next door is a quiet, private place for infant care including changing and nursing.


3. Kennels…
   If you're traveling with a dog or cat, Disneyland has kennels that are inexpensive (currently the charge is just $20/day per pet) and convenient - open the hours that the park is (they do not provide overnight boarding). You must have up-to-date vaccination records for your pet. You'll also need to stop by to walk your dog every few hours. You provide the food and the staff will be happy to feed your pet on what ever schedule you request. The staff also encourages you to bring your pet's favorite toys, blanket, etc.
   
   Your pet is allowed to ride on the trams from the parking lots, but is not allowed in Downtown Disney. Even if you are not driving an RV, a tip is to tell the parking lot attendant that you have a pet that you'll be placing in the kennels, and you will be directed to park in the RV parking lot which is within closer walking distance to the kennels.


4. For international guests…
   Are you more comfortable with your own language? Disneyland is here to help. Just look for Cast Members who are wearing small flag pins with your country's flag on it. They will be fluent in your language and are there to assist you in any way they can.

For more information on Disneyland travel, read: On Your Disneyland Vacation, Timing is Everything!
And 4 Tips to Know Before You Travel to Disneyland
(Photo provided by Disneyland.com)

The second in our series on Tips for Visiting Disneyland is "Timing is Everything." Remember to book your budget-friendly, family-friendly, relaxation-friendly Anaheim timeshare after reading these tips:

1. Visit During Off-Season…Believe it or not, Disneyland does have an "off-season" - several, in fact. If you can, plan your Disneyland vacation between the first week in January and President's Day, or between the day after Easter to Memorial Day, or between Labor Day and the end of September.
   
   And remember that anytime during the year the weekdays are less busy than the weekends, especially Wednesdays and Thursdays. Sundays are quieter than Saturdays.


2. Busiest Times Advantages…Disneyland's busiest times are the summer months, and the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season. An advantage of visiting during the summer is that the Park stays open later, often until after midnight. Disneyland is a spectacular place at night, lit from top to bottom with millions of lights. Disneyland's late hours also give you time to go back to your air-conditioned timeshare in the heat of the afternoon for a break, and the kids can enjoy a swim in the pool.
   
   Another busy season advantage is the extra shows and parades that are staged when the Park is open late, and the many special activities and events that happen only during the holiday season.


3. Purchase tickets online…You don't want to waste time standing in line at the ticket booth, and pre-purchased multiple-day tickets allow you to enter the Park up to an hour ahead of other folks on some days.


4. Entering the Park…If you won't have the multiple-day ticket "early bird" advantage, plan to get to the main gate at least 30 minutes before it opens to be some of the first to enter. You might manage to get on a couple of rides before the great thrust of visitors arrive for the day. This is also the perfect time to shop along Main Street. The stores open before the Park does and are much less busy at this time. The store clerk can give you instructions on how to store your purchases at the package claim spot near the entrance.


5. Know when these rides are closed…The Haunted Mansion is always closed in late September for its transformation into Haunted Mansion Holiday that begins on Halloween. By the same token it is closed again right after New Year's Day for its change back. It's a Small World closes in early November to get dressed up for its Christmas holiday look, and again closed right after New Year's Day so the decorations can be taken down. Fantasmic! is only open during the summer season, although it may perform on some off-season weekends.

And, when you rent a timeshare for your Disneyland vacation, you know you’ll have 7 fun filled days at the “Happiest Place on Earth”, so, you will have time to see and experience all the fun Disney has to offer the whole family. For more tips, read our previous article: 4 Tips to Know Before You Travel to Disneyland.
And, Where to go if you Need Help While Visiting Disneyland

There is absolutely nothing better than a family fun vacation visiting Disneyland. When you rent an Anaheim timeshare in California, you are assured of comfortable, convenient lodgings at a budget price, and of a magical experience at the "Happiest Place on Earth."

Many families head to Disneyland "on a wing and a prayer," hoping that all will go well. But it's a big, busy, bustling place full of activities, rides, restaurants, sights, sounds, events - an entire whirling world all its own. Although Walt Disney famously stated, "Disneyland is going to be a place where you can't get lost or tired unless you want to," you'll need a good plan to make sure he was right about your family's Disneyland experience. This is the first in our series on Tips for Visiting Disneyland.

Before You Leave Home...

1. Visit Disneyland.com... at least a month prior to your trip to Disneyland, and purchase your tickets online. Waiting in line to buy tickets when you get there is time wasted when you could be in the park! Also make reservations at this time if you plan to eat at the Blue Bayou restaurant, attend a character meal, or take the Tour.
   
   A warning: Disneyland does Not refund or replace lost tickets! Be sure that your tickets are kept safe both at home and while traveling. Always know where they are!


2. When packing…Check Anaheim weather. Be prepared for cool evenings during the winter even if the day is warm. Unless it is a thunder storm with lightening, Disneyland remains open when it's raining. Umbrellas are far too cumbersome. Instead, easy to pack-and-carry cheap, disposable rain ponchos are the best bet.
   
   Usually it will be sunny, and often quite hot. Pack plenty of waterproof sunscreen, hats with strings or tie-ons (you don't want them flying off during a ride), and UV protective sunglasses for the entire family.


3. Making your plan…Print off a Park map and study it. A good strategy of how to get through the Park will optimize your chances of enjoying the rides and events that you're interested in. Also having some idea of how to navigate around Disneyland will prevent wasted time. Circle food vendors on the map. When your kids have reached their limit and need re-fueling, it'll be handy to see at a glance what's close by.



4. A family conference…Sit down with all members of your travel group and discuss the rides. If you have younger children it's a good idea to measure their height at home then check out the list of rides online to see which ones they will be allowed to go on.
   
   Nobody likes to stand in long lines, but the fact is that Disneyland sees over 14 million visitors a year. Disneyland's "FastPass" does shorten your wait a bit. This system will "save" your place in line while you go do something else. Also download and use the easy and inexpensive software "Ridemax," which can shorten your total wait time significantly. Also, consider visiting off season and even mid-week is best for shorter lines.

You’ll be happy to unwind at your timeshare at the end of a busy day! And, since it has all the comforts of home, you can save even more money by cooking a few meals there since eating at the “house of mouse” can cost a pretty penny!

See our next article: On Your Disneyland Vacation, Timing is Everything!
And, Where to go if you Need Help while Visiting Disneyland

Disney's California Adventure Park is undergoing a huge transformation and expansion. California Adventure was originally created as a theme park to celebrate all things California. However, Disney Imagineers have been listening to park guests who wished for a larger focus on Disney characters and stories. Rent an Anaheim timeshare and take your family to see how the previous generic adventure of California has been transformed into a truly magical Disney's California adventure.

The iconic Golden Gate Bridge entrance to California Adventure will be completely changed to Buena Vista Street, the bustling Los Angeles neighborhood that greeted Walt Disney when he first stepped off the train from Missouri in 1923.

Several new attractions await you in the Paradise Pier area. The Little Mermaid's "Ariel's Undersea Adventure," opens in the spring of 2011. According to Disney Imagineers, this $100 million attraction "takes the concept of the immersible ride to a whole new level - deep!"

Twelve acres of what's left of Disneyland's original parking lot has been appropriated for Car's Land, the largest new attraction being built for California Adventure's renovation. Based on the Disney-Pixar animated film "Cars," this "town for cars, made by cars" is scheduled to open in the summer of 2010. All of the characters of Radiator Springs will be involved, including Lightening McQueen, Sally, Mater and Doc. You'll float on Luigi's Flying Tires and dance to Mater's Junkyard Jamboree. An exciting ride, destined to become a favorite, is the Radiator Springs Racers, where you'll be able to show off your racing skills as you rocket through the desert.

The show piece of the new California Adventure will be "World of Color," opening in the spring of 2010. A 9,000 capacity viewing area will be built alongside the Paradise Pier Lagoon where guests can enjoy a spectacular nighttime show similar to Disneyland's "Fantasmic!" World of Color will use water effects, lasers and flame projections to highlight classic Disney animation. Over 1200 fountains will shoot water 200 feet into the air, and the water screen, 380 feet long by 50 feet tall, will be the largest in the world. As a Disney Resorts spokesperson put it, "World of Color creates a magical realm of soaring music, dazzling color, exciting animation and stunning special effects that will leave you scratching your head and asking, 'How did they do that?'" "Disney is famous for spectacular entertainment, but there has never been a show this big, this dynamic, this colorful or this amazingly awe-inspiring," a Disney Imagineer said.

Disneyland for Grown-ups! Rent a budget timeshare in Anaheim, and enjoy a special Disneyland event specifically designed for guests over 21. Disney's California Food and Wine Festival will be held April 16 - May 31, 2010, in Disney's California Adventure Park. This festival showcases the delectable tastes of California, including its many special wines.

Complimentary activities, food and wine samplings, and Signature events are all part of the festival. Festival highlights include the "Taste of California" Marketplace" located on Stage 12 in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot, the "Hollywood and Wines Lounge" for wine by the glass, and the "Wine Seller" for purchase of full bottles.

You'll be able to attend exciting seminars and demonstrations by some of your favorite celebrity chefs at both the Festival Showplace and the Sunshine Plaza. Other highlights include Culinary Demonstrations at the Bountiful Valley Farm and Pacific Wharf, along with Wine, Beer and Spirits Tasting Seminars. Educational and Lifestyle Seminars will be hosted at the lower patio of the Golden Vine Winery and Pacific Wharf Stage.

Open for advance reservation booking beginning February 16, 2010, are the Festival's Signature Events. These special events include "Taste Food - Wine - Life," a wine and food tasting that is the most anticipated event of the Festival. At "Sweet Sunday" one of several acclaimed pastry chefs will teach you how to make three signature desserts. "Winemaker Dinners" allows you the unique opportunity to meet various California master winemakers. And at the "Napa Rose Cooking School" Executive Chef Andrew Sutton will help you create your own culinary masterpiece.

These experiences are so exciting it'll be hard for you to wait until you're back home to try out all that you learned and experienced. But why wait? Your wonderful timeshare provides you with a fully equipped kitchen - so get started now! Bon Appetit!