By Kwin Mosby
Most family vacations require pinching pennies, but if you have the money, Travel Channel knows where you should go to splurge. Disney! Take a look at our list, and plan the ultimate vacation for you and your family.
1. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
The lodge, a replica of a real lodge in Africa, has three savannas filled with roaming exotic animals. Animal Kingdom Lodge also has world-class art and restaurants with a level of luxury that is comfortable for families. You can reserve one of the most exclusive suites at one of Disney World's coolest deluxe resorts. The Royal Assante Suite has a stunning view of zebras, giraffes and lions. There are no soap bars shaped like mouse ears here. The suite has beautiful furniture, fabrics and finishes everywhere you look.
2. Disney VIP Tour Guide
It's a splurge, but you can customize your day in the parks or really anywhere on Walt Disney World property with one of these super-savvy VIP Tour Guides. You tell your guide what you want and when you want to do it. Your guide will organize your day and time it so there's never a dull moment. Guides can also get you VIP seating to stage shows, make dinner and lunch reservations, and make sure you don't miss a public appearance of popular Disney characters like Mickey, Minnie and Cinderella. Another benefit of a VIP Guide: there's always someone to shoot a family photo.
3. Fast Pass
The Fast Pass system is designed to reduce waiting times at the park's rides by scheduling passengers during non-peak times. Your ticket is stamped with a one-hour time window; arrive during that hour, and you can enter through the Fast Pass entrance, bypassing the regular line. How cool is that? And it's totally free!
4. NASCAR Richard Petty Driving Experience
Rev up your engines and go! This unique experience is offered in the parking lot of the Magic Kingdom for people who want a little more adrenaline than they get from riding Space Mountain. If you¿re a reasonably healthy, licensed driver, age 18 or older, you can drive a NASCAR-style race car at speeds approaching 150 miles per hour. With the "Chance of a Lifetime Package," race-car enthusiasts get 30 laps around the track after a quick crash course on stock-car racing. A "Three-Lap Ride-Along Experience" is also offered for people age 16 or older, providing a head-snapping, knee-buckling rush on the tri-oval racetrack. After it's all done, amateur race-car drivers can purchase a DVD and relive their NASCAR adventure.
5. Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney offers more thrilling action with the "Head for the Lights, Motor, Action!" Show at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The show is one of the stunt spectacular shows that takes you behind the scenes at a film shoot, and shows you how the stunts are performed. The show features cars, motorcycles and jet skis jumping all over the place, as well as explosions. The kids will love it!
6. Sunset Safari
Disney also invites visitors to splurge on a great educational experience called Sunset Safari. You can jump into a safari vehicle with an experienced guide, who will get you up close and personal with hundreds of exotic animals that live near Animal Kingdom Lodge and throughout the Disney property.
7. Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Plan your splurge and book a deluxe suite at Disney World's premier luxury resort. The Grand Floridian has true Victorian opulence that you can't find at other deluxe resorts. Its sophisticated, gabled roofs, lacy latticework and the Grand Lobby are all must-see items. This romantic getaway also offers a couples massage at its spa. It's perfect for that special occasion, like a wedding anniversary. You have your choice of a private room or an open or closed cabana. After a relaxing massage, you can have a supreme splurge with dinner at Victoria and Albert's, a restaurant in the hotel named in honor of England's Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. It's the pinnacle of fine dining. The combination of fabulous food and aristocratic ambience is the perfect recipe for romance.
8. Grand 1 Yacht
Spend some time on the Grand 1 Yacht as it sails on a lake located near the Grand Floridian Hotel. It's an excellent place for a proposal or to celebrate something special like a birthday or an anniversary. A yacht ride also gives you the opportunity to get close to the Magic Kingdom; so, when the fireworks go off, you have a front row seat.
9. Cirque du Soleil's "La Nouba"
"La Nouba" is an amazing show that Cirque du Soleil put together just for Disney. The performers' death-defying feats will shock and awe most visitors. Halfway through the show, you'll realize your money was well spent.
10. Adventures by Disney
Another way to splurge Disney-style would be to book an exotic family vacation to Costa Rica. This seven-day adventure trip is a guided tour that's tailor-made for an active family. Nature hikes, looking for wildlife or zip-lining are just a few of the experiences you can add to your fun-filled trip. There's nothing like paddling down a Costa Rican river full of Class III rapids for a great family-bonding experience. The extravagant package also allows for a little relaxation in lodges such as Hotel Kiorio in the Arenal Volcano National Park, with a picture-postcard view of Mt. Arenal, an active volcano. In the evening, a multi-course meal allows everyone to savor some authentic Costa Rican food, accompanied by local performers. Plan you adventure now.
