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Purchasing Disney World Military Discount Tickets

December 2, 2019 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing travel tips on Disney World Military Discount Tickets. It’s a great way to save on park tickets. The armed forces have partnered with Disney and are now offering Walt Disney World Resort Promotional Theme Park Tickets. However, the discount is also available at Disneyland.

Armed Forces Salute is the original discount promotion. The Walt Disney World Resort Promotional Theme Park promotion works the same way. The promotion is a discount available to military members and retirees. You will be happy to know that the Disney World Resort Promotion will be available January 1, 2020 through December 18, 2020. Discount tickets can be used throughout the year. For example, you can use the tickets 2 days for spring break and 2 days for summer vacation. The last day for the 2019 promotion is December 19, 2019.

Disney World Military Discount Members Must Be:

Current/Retired military members:
Active
Reserve
National Guard
Coast Guard
Commissioned Corps
100%Service Disabled
Spouses may use their enlisted or retired member’s benefit. They are not entitled to the discount on their own.
Widows are entitled to their spouse’s discount if they haven’t remarried.
Foreign Partners stationed at a United States Base are also eligible. However, they must have a permanent US Military issued ID.

The discount includes:

4-Day Military Promotional Ticket with the Park Hopper Option for $241 plus tax
5-Day Military Promotional Ticket with the Park Hopper Option $257 plus tax
4-Day Military Promotional Ticket with the Park Hopper Plus Option $291 plus tax
5-Day Military Promotional Ticket with the Park Hopper Plus Option $307 plus

Also, you can also purchase the Disney World Memory Maker for an additional $98.00. This is half of the original $199.99 Memory Maker price. NOTE: These prices may change for 2020. Additionally, the military member may purchase up to 6 tickets not including themselves.

We take advantage of the Disney World Military Discount when we travel to Disney World in December. This works great for my family. We divide our time between ESPN Disney World Super Bowl, where my grandson plays, and the Disney World parks. Also, we don’t stay on the property in December. I owe a Time Share about 10 minutes away. So, we rent a car and head to the timeshare. It has a full kitchen, washer and dryer, and 2 bedrooms with a king size bed, 2 queen beds in the second bedroom, and a queen sofa bed in the living room. Since we’re splitting our time between 2 destinations, it’s cheaper for us to stay at the timeshare than on Disney properties.

We purchase the 4 day ticket with the park hopper. However, we didn’t park hop not one day. We just wanted to head home, get a good night’s sleep, and head to another park the next day.

Military Discount Tickets can be purchased at Shades of Green, your local military base, or at the ticket booths at Disney World. We purchased our tickets at the Disney World ticket booth. Otherwise, tickets have to be activated before you can enter the park. The enlisted or retired member must be present with a military ID to activate the tickets. Unfortunately, they can’t activate by using the My Disney app either. So, plan accordingly.

How to Enjoy Road Trips with a Baby

May 23, 2019 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing travel tips on how to enjoy road trips with a baby. While we are sure you will have a wonderful time, there will be stresses. Especially, when your baby kicks up a fuss while you’re trying to navigate the highways and byways. However, you trip doesn’t have to be entirely stressful or ruined.

Here’s a few tips on surviving road tips with a baby:

#1: Keep your baby supplies nearby

Don’t cram all of your luggage into the trunk of your car. When it comes to the items your baby needs, you are going to need them at hand. Pack them into a large diaper bag that can accommodate most of your baby necessities. For example, diapers, ready-made bottles of breast or formula milk, blankets, wipes, and toys. With everything you need in close proximity, you will quickly have what you need should your baby get bored, hungry, or both!

#2: Enlist a back seat passenger

Other than your baby, you might have a back seat passenger ready if you’re bringing other family members or friends along. But, if it’s just you and your partner, you might want to tag team driving duties. For example, one of you can sit in the back with your baby. As a result, the back-seat passenger can take on the duties when crying or tantrums arise. Additionally, this will ensure the driver isn’t overly distracted. Duties can included feeding the baby to reading baby books or playing peek-a-boo. Furthermore, the back seat passenger will be invaluable when it comes to keeping the baby quiet and entertained.

#3: Plan for breaks

Unless you want a smelly car, you will need to plan for breaks to give you the opportunity to change your baby’s diaper. You might want to change their clothes too if they have become sweaty or stained with food. And, you all may need a little respite from the confines of your car. Before you set off on your journey, download a rest stop locator app on your smartphone. This will be useful when planning where to take stops.

#4: Avoid the scenic route

We know road trips are often about taking those roads less-traveled. But, when you have a baby to look after, you don’t want to run the risk of getting lost on your journey. As we suggested, you will need a route that includes places to take a break, gas stations and food courts. So, you might find traveling the highway is more practical than taking detours into the countryside. Plan your route in advance; if you can find a scenic route with plenty of rest stops, then fine. But if not, stick to the main roads for convivence sake.

Finally, traveling can be a fun when you learn how to enjoy road trips with a baby. By following our tips, you should be able to minimize stress for both you and your baby. Let us know what you think, and if you have any other useful tips for any road trippers this summer. Please leave a comment below.

You may also like: Family Travel Tips With Kids

Filed Under: Traveling With Children Tagged With: family travel tips, travel tips for parents, traveling with children

Using Travel Checklists to Organize Packing

July 12, 2017 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing travel tips on using travel checklists to organize packings. Going on vacation can be exciting and at the same time stressful. Travel Checklists ensure that you pack the items that you need. One of my travel tips is to place your travel checklists on a clipboard, and just leave it on top of your luggage or close by.

I start using my lists at least a week in advance of my trips. Why, because I’m still dealing with running my household and everything that goes along with life. As a result, I don’t trust myself to remember everything that I need to take or do. The travel checklists help me remember where I am with my packing

Did you know stress can cause temporary memory loss or forgetfulness. At least it does for me. There’s nothing worst than reaching your destination, unpacking and realizing you forgot a bathing suit, PJs for the kids or a pair of sandals.

I have created a travel checklist for my grandchildren too. What a lifesaver! It’s hard enough packing your own luggage. But, when you have to pack for the children, remember documents, hotel reservations, and securing transportation it can become stressful. Checklist also help you save money by not having to purchase items that already have at home.

Since I have a granddaughter and grandson, I tried to make the Kid’s Travel Checklist neutral. Too many lists can be as stressful too. For the most part they need the same items. Here’s my travel packing tips for kids:

Placing the kid’s luggage side by side.
Place the items on the list into both suitcases. For example, they both need underwear, PJs, swimsuits, shorts, and tees/shirts. Gather the items for both, and check them off the list.
Place a few items at a time into the luggage over a week. This keeps you from becoming overwhelmed because you’re trying to pack everyone’s bag the night before.

I use the travel checklists above. I figure out the activities or possible activities that I may participate in and make notes. For example, I purchased a flowing skirt with an off the shoulder blouse to wear on trip to Mexico. It’s perfect for dinner or a theme party. I do this for other events as well. If I’m traveling for business, a family reunion, wedding or whatever. When I’m packing, I make sure that I pack what I want to wear along with accessories, shoes etc. Again, I hate having to purchase items that I have at home.

I hope these travel checklists will be beneficial to you. Feel free to download them here.

Filed Under: Travel Tips Tagged With: family travel tips, travel organization, travel tips for parents

Airport Tips for Parents Traveling With Children

June 25, 2017 by Rhonda Gales 11 Comments

Today, I’m sharing airport tips when you’re traveling with children. Some of us will be traveling by car to our destinations, and some of us will be heading to the airport with children in toll. As we all know, traveling can be stressful. However, traveling with children raises stress to a new level.

Summer is here! We’re all looking forward to a nice long vacation. But, we’re wondering how to get through the airport with children and keep your sanity? We have other travel tips for parents that will make you a professional traveler in no time:

Check out our airport tips:

Discuss expectations with the kids – First, let the kids know that they are expected to follow directions, and they are to stay with a family member at all times. Once you get to the airport, discuss airport and plane instructions as well.
Arrive early – Second, you will need plenty of time to check bags and get through security Furthermore, you will need time to get drinks and snacks if you didn’t bring them. Allow your children time to relax with an electronics game or book. They may also want to checkout the planes on the tarmac etc.
Take Advantage of Designated Lines – Next, you should know that not all airports have designated lines. So, check with the airport to determine if their is pre-boarding for small children.
Know the Procedures for Children – Children 12 and under are allowed to keep their shoes, jackets on etc. on while going through security. Furthermore, they will not be separated from their parents. If you have an infant, you must remove them the carrier and carry them onto the detector with you.
Children 13 and older must follow adult procedures – Children 13 and older must follow the same procedures as adults.
All backpacks and carry on bags must be screened – This includes your child’s. So, make sure you are not carrying liquids or other items prohibited by TSA. Allow yourself enough time to get beverages once you get through airport security.
Pull Ups will come in handy – If you have a child 6 or younger, use them. It’s better than having an accident in the airport or on the seat of the plane. Having to change out of wet underpants is a task you don’t need.
Carry a change of clothes for the kids – Having a change of clothing with you for small children is a good thing.
Wear slip on shoes and socks – Wearing shoes that you can easily take off and put on will help alleviate your struggle to get through the airport. Remember belts, jewelry and other items can cause the detector to go off. Put some thought into your dress for departure and your return.
Pack carefully – You will have to get bags through security and through the airport. Lugging heavy bags can be stressful, but also physically dangerous when trying to keep up with kids.
Purchase ID Bracelets – Place an ID bracelet on your children. Furthermore, give them instructions on what they should do if they get separated. First, they should immediately found another mom or someone wearing a uniform. Second, tell an airport employee. Let them know that the airport employees will have them paged. Last, they can show their ID Bracelet for assistance.
Take advantage of early boarding – Airlines will allow travelers with children to board early. This is one of the most crucial airport tips for parents that we have.
Be patience – Additionally, another one of most recommended airport tips for parents is patience. You will need it.
Baggage Claim – Furthermore, you must remain vigilant in getting your children through the airport. Your last stop will be baggage claim. A rest room break would be good at this time too. If you have two adults traveling, I would suggest one stay with the children and the other retrieve the bags off the carousal. Furthermore, a few bucks for a skycap or cart will be money well spent.
TSA Pre-check Clearance – A pre-check clearance allows you to by-pass removing your shoes or taking out electronics. As a result, you can focus on the children and take them through the detector with you. To fully maximize your pre-clearance, apply for your clearance before you make your airline reservations. Additionally, you can enter your clearance number into the system when you make your airline reservations.

Last, allowing sufficient time to get through the airport is essential. Furthermore, becoming upset and grumpy will make the trip unpleasant for everyone. Most importantly, children will be excited at one point and frightened at others. So, it is your responsibility to get them through both.

Finally, we hope you found our airport tips for parents useful. You may also like: 13 Tips for Parents Traveling with Children