Adventures by Disney will transport guests to the storied land of pharaohs and pyramids in 2020 with the launch of an unforgettable family vacation itinerary in Egypt, a three-part tour featuring adventures by land, river and sea. Disney’s roster of guided adventures in 2020 also includes more adult-exclusive departures than ever before, with many itineraries offering new activities and experiences tailored to adults. A reimagined trip to Montana and Yellowstone National Park highlights the return of more than 35 popular itineraries around the globe.

The Ultimate Egypt Experience

Few destinations boast the singular mystique that makes Egypt a dream destination for travelers from all over the world. With Adventures by Disney, families will be immersed in the allure of both ancient and modern Egypt during a skillfully planned itinerary developed with the trusted family travel expertise of Disney.

The journey will deliver up-close encounters with the legendary landmarks and rich history of ancient Egypt, complemented by interactive introductions to the customs and culture of contemporary Cairo. From there, an enchanting cruise along the Nile River provides access to lesser-known — but no less wondrous — relics of the old world, and an indulgent retreat on the colorful shores of the Red Sea offers a refreshing blend of fun in the sun and relaxation.

Sophisticated Adults-Only Fun

As part of Adventures by Disney’s expansion of adult-exclusive departures, new programming will be added to select itineraries in 2020 to further tailor the experience for adults. Perfect for groups of friends, couples, extended family and adults traveling with their parents, these vacations offer the all-inclusive, hassle-free fun of an Adventures by Disney trip for travelers seeking sophistication, variety and adventure.

New adult-exclusive programming includes the behind-the-scenes museum tour in Egypt; a ceviche cooking class and artisan beer tasting in Costa Rica; a culinary walking tour of Athens’ central market in Greece; a behind-the-scenes experience at a Sichuan “face-changing” opera in China; a premium five-course meal with cocktail pairings in Australia; mango-carving and coffee-tasting activities in Laos; and a private nighttime excursion in search of the Northern Lights in Iceland, among others.

Returning Adventures

The 2020 itinerary lineup includes the return of popular itineraries around the globe, with more than 35 vacations on six continents currently available in the growing portfolio. The diverse mix of itineraries includes incredible international destinations such as Japan, South Africa, Peru and Scotland, as well as some of North America’s most iconic sites including Alaska, New York City, and Arizona and Utah. These purposefully designed, hassle-free vacation experiences provide unique opportunities for families to discover the world together, along with the expert services of two Disney-trained Adventure Guides.

Adventures by Disney continues to enhance existing itineraries with compelling new activities for guests to enjoy. During the Montana and Yellowstone National Park vacation — which transports guests to the Old West to witness spectacular natural wonders, go glamping under the stars and live large at a rustic dude ranch — new experiences in 2020 include a visit to the Norris Geyser Basin and one-night stay in beautiful Bozeman, Montana.

Adventures by Disney also recently announced its most extensive season of European river cruises ever for 2020, including a brand-new vacation in southern France along the Rhone River. The record-breaking 27 departures also include itineraries on the Danube, Rhine and Seine rivers. Sailing with AmaWaterways, a premier luxury river cruise line, these all-inclusive vacations allow guests to explore the heart of Europe in a way that’s active, immersive and worry free. River cruise adventures for 2020 are currently available for booking.

The 2020 Adventures by Disney booking window is now open! Email Me if you would like more information and a family friendly or adults-only ABD vacation.

The post 2020 Adventures by Disney Itineraries appeared first on The Mom Maven.

About the Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud

“The Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud”, is loosely based on the historical feud of the same name. Instead of guns and knives these families “duke” it out by cloggin’, pickin’ and singin’ all while you and your family enjoy some of granny’s home style cookin’! The show offers guests extraordinary country, bluegrass, and gospel musical performances, award-winning hillbilly musicians, cloggers, diving hillbillies, long-jumping canines and a huge all-you-can-eat mountain feast. The feud is kicked off every day at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. with occasional 2 p.m. matinees. Granny’s ‘all you can eat’ mountain feast includes; fried chicken, pork barbecue, creamy soup, mashed taters, corn on the cob, bread, coleslaw and dessert. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and dairy free meals are available upon request to your server.

The meal was good, nothing spectacular but not bad either. The creamy vegetable soup is so delicious they sell it on their website! For dessert you have a choice of chocolate pudding and banana pudding Ron got chocolate and I got banana, but I had a bite of his chocolate as well The banana was much better but they both tasted like they came out of a can not a kitchen.

Once the show started we barely stopped laughing the entire time. The music was great, the story was hysterical and the stage was amazing. I’ve heard of stages that have water features but this one had an Olympic diving well that’s 24′ deep! It was a great show and we would go back again…after we check out all of the other great shows the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge area has to offer. If you are headed to Tennessee make sure you see the show!

The post Our Visit to the Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud Pigeon Forge appeared first on The Mom Maven.

About Ark Encounter

Ark Encounter features a full-size Noah’s Ark, built according to the dimensions given in the Bible. Spanning 510 feet long, 85 feet wide, and 51 feet high, this modern engineering marvel amazes visitors young and old. Ark Encounter is situated in beautiful Grant County in Williamstown, Kentucky, halfway between Cincinnati, OH and Lexington, KY and right off I-75. Ark Encounter’s sister attraction, Creation Museum is just 45 minutes away in Petersburg, KY. Ark Encounter is the largest timber-frame structure in the world, built from standing dead timber, in part by skilled Amish craftsmen. The Ark is an architectural and engineering wonder containing three decks of world-class exhibits.

Tickets

Ark Encounter          Creation Museum      Combo Ticket      Annual Combo Pass
4 years & under       FREE                                   FREE                            FREE                    FREE
5–12 years                 $15                                         $15                                  $25                       $35
13–17 years               $25                                         $25                                  $40                      $70
Adults (18-59)         $48                                          $35                                  $70                      $100
Seniors (60+)           $38                                         $30                                  $60                      $90
All tickets to the Creation Museum are 2-Day tickets, including combo tickets. Combo ticket can be used across a seven-day period.

Our Visit to the Ark Encounter

When you arrive at Ark Encounter you purchase your tickets and board a bus for a 1-mile trip up to the ark. After exiting the bus we wandered up towards the entrance to the ark. I was amazed at the sheer size of the ark. To think that Noah was 600 years old when they entered the ark is just amazing. As you walk towards the ark there are a series of monuments, similar to totems that depict Creation, The Fall of Man, Punishment and Promise, Cain murders Abel, Wickedness fills the Earth, and Noah and the Ark. Sadly, when we were there many people walked right by these monuments. They are beautifully done and give the backstory from Creation through the Flood of why God had to destroy the earth. Thankfully this history is told again, in different ways inside the Ark Encounter. You may also want to browse here the timeline of Noah!

Before entering the Ark there is a time-lapse film about the building of the ark, it truly is a marvel of architecture and construction! Upon entering the ark you are hit with the reality that not only did this boat have to hold Noah, his family, and all the animals, it had to house food and water for them all too.

A timely reminder from the exhibit on nursery books and decor that are cute but miss the gravity of the Flood.

While we wandered through the 3 floors of the ark we learned about the species of animals that were on board, that these animals were mostly juveniles, and that the ark had a complex water purification system. There were exhibits about how Noah’s family lived on the ark, and about the disservice modern day nursery books and decor do to teaching our children the truth about the Flood. Everything we saw was eye opening and made me wish I had my Bible in my hands so I could read and re-read the biblical account over and over again. The gravity of the depravity that had entered the world hit me hard. Looking at the evil world we live in today, I wonder if God would like to send another flood, of course, He promised not to, so He won’t. It does make me wonder what else I can do to share His love with everyone I come in contact with.

I loved how there are exhibits that compare and contrast creationism with evolution and exhibits that share the Gospel message as well. You cannot visit the Ark Encounter without having your faith challenged and/or strengthened. I highly recommend that you spend a day visiting the Ark Encounter next time you are in Kentucky. I hope to visit the Creation Museum the next time I am in the area.

The post Our Visit to the Ark Encounter appeared first on The Mom Maven.

1. Location, location, location

It’s said real estate is all about location. Why not try to grow your real estate portfolio here? I feel choosing your home base for your vacation is also about location, especially if you are visiting a area where you will be leaving the resort to check out local attractions and restaurants. Margaritaville Gatlinburg Resort is located at the north end of Parkway, which is kind of the main drag through the Gatlinburg tourist area. This is a great location because many of the attractions Gatlinburg is famous for are in walking distance.

Right across the street is Anakeesta, a 70 acre aerial adventure park, Just up the street is Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. Nearby is our family’s favorite Hilbilly Golf minigolf where you have to ride an incline railway up the mountain 300 feet to start golfing! For us no trip to Gatlinburg is complete without a visit to Ober Gatlinburg  and a ride on the aerial tramway.

Margaritaville Gatlinburg Resort is also just a short drive away from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville so you will never run out of things to see, do, and eat.

2. Luxury Accommodations at a Moderate Price

I have been blessed to stay at many resorts and hotels at many different price points across the USA. I have never stayed in such comfortable, well-appointed rooms at this price point. Yes, prices vary based on seasons and holidays, just as they do everywhere else but I would definitely go back and stay in that King Suite again, this time on my own dime.

The amazing shower, comfortable bed, cozy pillows, and beautiful fireplace make this resort a year-round must-stay. Don’t forget about the indoor and outdoor pools, the St Somewhere Spa, License to Chill bar, and the hot tub. The Margaritaville Gatlinburg Resort is the place to stay in Gatlinburg.

3. Atmosphere

“Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude” aren’t just song lyrics, it is the spirit of Margaritaville. The moment you enter the lobby the chill, island vibe engulfs you and life’s cares wash away on the proverbial tide. This atmosphere and attitude isn’t just present in your surroundings but in the resort staff as well. Everyone we came in contact with from all staff levels were friendly, welcoming, always offering to help and a bit “chill”. I enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and never did it interfere with the service. The Jimmy Buffet and other 80s era music that was played in the resorts common areas and pools helped keep the relaxed vibe going wherever you were in the resort.

I do hope you and your family consider visiting Margaritaville Gatlinburg Resort on your next visit to the Gatlinburg area. I’ve already recommended it to severl friends and family members who visit the area regularly and I can’t wait to get back there myself.

The post Top 3 Reasons to stay at Margaritaville Gatlinburg Resort appeared first on The Mom Maven.

We had spent most of the day at the Ark Encounter in Kentucky and arrived in Gatlinburg around 7:00pm on Labor Day, September 3, 2018. We were greeted at the front desk by Logan. He made a great first impression with his huge smile and caring attitude. One we were checked in I asked Ron to unload the luggage while I went to our room to get some pictures before we mess it up. Upon entering the room I was in such awe of it’s beauty I decided to do a Facebook Live tour of the room. When I finished the video, Ron still hadn’t arrived at the room. I went back down to the lobby to see what the hold up was and I found him standing next to the car patiently waiting for me. I had driven the last leg into Gatlinburg, I had the car keys in my purse!! Oops.

On Tuesday morning we headed to Joe Merchant’s Coffee and Provisions in the resort lobby for some hot chocolate and breakfast sandwiches before heading out to wander around Gatlinburg for a few hours. It was fun to visit some of the places we had visited when we brought the boys in October of 2001. Of course some things have changed, if you are into ropes courses and zip lining, Gatlinburg is the place to be.

We returned to the Margaritaville Gatlinburg Resort and snacked on the delicious cheese tray that the concierge had left in our room before donning our swimsuits and heading to the outside pool. The pool area is very inviting with mostly 80s music playing. The bar staff comes out regularly to see if you need anything to eat or drink. The resort supplies pool towels so you don’t have to bring a towel from your room, which is always a nice touch.

The pool water was a bit cold for these Floridians but it was refreshing once we got in. We swam and played in the pool for about an hour before heading to the hot tub for a brief 15 minutes before it started raining. Our time was about up anyway because we needed to shower before heading out for on of Gatlinburg’s famous dinner shows.

We had a lovely, too short, visit to the Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg and I would love to come back and visit again. Next week I’ll tell you why this brand new resort is the place for you to stay when you visit the Gatlinburg area.

The post Our Visit to the Margaritaville Gatlinburg Resort appeared first on The Mom Maven.

To our surprise, the Hall of Fame was located about 1/4 of a mile from our convention hotel so we were able to walk over. To bet on your favorite racers, betting platforms such as หวยออนไลน์ are available.

The NASCAR Hall of Fame opened in May of 2010. The 150,000 square foot building includes, a theater, historical artifacts, interactive exhibits, a restaurant, gear shop and broadcast center. The Hall of Fame is owned by the City of Charlotte, licensed by NASCAR and operated by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. The Hall is open 10am-6pm (hours subject to change) seven days a week every day except Christmas. General Admission is $22.45 for ages 13+, children 5-12 are $15.45 and Military and Seniors 60+ can get in for $20.45.

NASCAR Hall of Fame Hardcard

Upon entering the HoF (Hall of Fame) you receive your hardcard (pictured above). This card saves the data from all of the interactive exhibits that you experience during your visit. Most of the data is also available to view on the NASCAR Hall of Fame website when you return home. After registering your hardcard and choosing your guide, I chose Darrell Waltrip and Karon chose Kasey Kahne, you head into the 278-seat Belk High Octane Theater. In the theater you watch an entertaining and informative film about the history of NASCAR on a state-of-the-art 64′ wide, curved projection screen. After viewing the movie you exit into the Great Hall where you can enjoy some rotating exhibits before heading down Glory Road.

A portion of Glory Road taken from the Great Hall.

Sunoco Glory Road is a progressively banked ramp that starts at 1 degree of banking and increases to 33 degree banking as you travel through NASCAR history. On the road are 18 historic cars and highlights of 46 current and historic tracks.

Views from Sunoco Glory Road

When you finish traveling the Sunoco Glory Road you are on level 3 of the HoF. On your right is the Hall of Honor. This is where the NASCAR Hall of Fame inductees are honored with individual exhibits.

Hall of Honor

Now that we have given honor where honor is do, it is time to put our skills and knowledge to the test and see where we fit in the NASCAR community. Get your hardcards ready because we are heading into the bulk of the interactive exhibits including the NASCAR Performance Race Shop, Kobalt Kid Zone, and Food Lion Race Week. In the NASCAR Performance Race Shop Strategy Game you get input from your driver, crew chief and engineer so that you can decide how to set up your car’s shocks, springs and tire pressure. In the Kobalt Kid Zone kids can race each other to see how much horsepower they can generate. The Food Lion Race Week takes you through all of the basic steps a race team goes through each week to get ready for race day. These activities include learning about car parts on the Tear Down Cart as well as Engine Dyno and Shock Dyno exhibits. You can try your hand at Car Design, Inspection, Qualifying, Penalties and Scoring and even drive a Race Simulator! Once you complete all of the activities you receive your team assignment based on how you fared in all of your tasks. My assignment was Crew Chief due to my knowledge of the sport and decision making abilities :-).

Now you’ve reached Level 4 of the HoF and here you will be immersed in history as you view the Frances Flock Scrapbook, visit the Honoring our Legacy theater and test your knowledge in the Milestone Moments trivia game. You will also learn about safety as well as research and development at Dynamic Design, a cut-away Sprint Cup Series Car and Crash Types. On level 4 you can also Test you knowledge with the Ultimate Fan Guide and have your picture taken while waving a flag from the flag stand!

We spent about 4 hours enjoying the NASCAR Hall of Fame. We had a great visit and I am trying to figure out when I can get my entire family there! You don’t need to be a die-hard NASCAR fan to enjoy the Hall of Fame. If you appreciate sport, history and/or technology I think you would enjoy your visit. If you are wondering about visiting the NASCAR Hall of Fame with Disabilities please hop on over to my friend Connie Roberts post Fans with Disablilities Welcome at Charlotte’s NASCAR Hall of Fame post. Next time you visit Charlotte make sure you add the NASCAR Hall of Fame to your itinerary.

Disclosure: I received free admission to the NASCAR Hall of Fame all opinions are 100% mine.

The post NASCAR Hall of Fame appeared first on The Mom Maven.

I have wanted to visit San Antonio for years. My son Jordan was there a few summers ago and his stories of visiting The Alamo and Schlitterbahn Water Park made me want to visit even more. I’d love to take an evening stroll down the Riverwalk and spend a day at SeaWorld San Antonio to see how it compares to its Orlando counterpart. I’m sure we’d have fun at Six FlagsFiesta Texas too!

When you are planning your San Antonio vacation make sure you check out SAVE – San Antonio Vacation Experience to get the best deals on accomodations, dining, shopping, museums and attractions in and around San Antonio. The website even has coupons and Limited Time Offers so keep checking back as your trip nears to make sure you have the latest deals. The best way to stay up-to-date is to download the SAVE app which is available for iPhone and Android devices or follow @SAVEinSA on Twitter.

Let’s have some fun and plan a virtual trip to San Antonio and see how much money we would save with SAVE. At the Holiday Inn Riverwalk’s website the best available rate for 2 adults and 2 children (ages 8 and 10) in a room with 2 queen beds is $104 a night for 6 nights but using SAVE I can book the same room for $89 a night for a savings of  $15 a night!

• Day 1 we will take the Narrated Trolley Tour with Hop Pass. If I book on their website it is $85.50 for our family of 4. I can save $2.00 per person with the coupon on the SAVE website for a total of $8.00 saved.
• Day 2 we visit SeaWorld San Antonio buying tickets at the gate would cost us $229.96. Printing the coupon of the SAVE website saves us $10 per person at the gate for a total of $40 saved.
• Day 3 is shopping day and we hit one of my favorite stores, Del Sol! With the coupon from the SAVE site we get a free color changing tote bag for each color changing t-shirt purchased. I collect these totes when we travel, I think I have 8 now they are beautiful and rugged and it is great to get them for FREE! Here we didn’t save anything but we got an awesome bonus!
• Day 4 is Schlitterbahn-time to get wet and wild! The basic admission to the water park for a family of four is $179.64 but with our coupon from the SAVE website we save $2.00 per person or $8.00 total.
• Day 5 we take the kids to the San Antonio Children’s Museum where the ticket price is $8.00 per person but with the SAVE coupon we save 20% per ticket or $6.40 for the family.

This is just an example and we didn’t even include dining or much shopping but on this simple example we saved a total of $152.40 plus got a free tote bag!! That is a great savings!

The post SAVE on your San Antonio Vacation appeared first on The Mom Maven.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg announced its 2012 concert and event lineup. This year’s lineup features a mix of fan favorites and fresh faces sure to please everyone in the family. The concerts and events held at Busch Gardens are included with park admission.

Glory at the Gardens

Glory at the Gardens returns this year with performances by top contemporary Christian and Gospel artists  at the Royal Palace Theatre.

• newsboys (May 6)
• Kirk Franklin (May 20)
• Chris Tomlin (June 10)
• Third Day (June 24)

Busch Gardens LIVE

Busch Gardens LIVE kicks off in May with performances by Cobra Starship (5/13), Kellie Pickler (6/17) and Hot Chelle Rae (6/3). And later this summer, Victoria Justice (8/26), star of Nickelodeon’s Victorious, will take the stage as part of her first U.S. summer tour.

Ramp Jam

Get ready for extreme sports action when the ASA Action Sports World Tour performs at Busch Gardens during Ramp Jam this spring. Watch as world-class skateboarders, BMX riders and inline skaters perform amazing tricks on the X-Games half-pipe.

• April 21 – 22
• April 28 – 29

Summer Fun

Make sure to visit Busch Gardens on July 3 – 4 for two days of intense fireworks celebrating Independence Day.

Busch Gardens celebrates summer with IllumiNights: A Busch Gardens Encore. This nightly extravaganza featuring live performances, music and special effects that culminates in a nightly park-wide firework spectacular. July 1 – August 19.

Howl-O-Scream

Busch Gardens’ annual horror fest features sinister tricks and terrifying fun for brave guests who dare to enter. Bone-chilling scare zones, frightening shows and gruesome creatures that lurk around the park are stars in Busch Gardens’ celebration of the macabre. The park’s younger guests will be treated to Halloween happenings with their favorite characters at Sesame Street Forest of Fun. Sept. 14 – Oct. 28.

Christmas Town:  A Busch Gardens Celebration

Experience Busch Gardens in a whole new light. Holiday traditions, dazzling shows and one-of-a-kind gift ideas will make everyone say, “Now this is Christmas.” A complete Christmas Town experience includes a visit to Santa’s workshop and the parks’ 50-foot tall, light-animated Christmas tree. Nov. 23 – Dec. 31, select days.

For more information visit BuschGardens.com/VA

The post Busch Gardens Williamsburg Announces 2012 Events appeared first on The Mom Maven.