Ask a child where they would like to vacation with their family and Walt Disney World® ranks as a top choice. Kids love the magic of Disney and parents appreciate the family-friendly experience. With a little forethought, you can plan an exciting family vacation that works with your budget.
Time your stay. If you can, try to schedule your trip during the off season. According to Disney World, there are lighter crowds beginning in August and running through December. Their resorts may offer lower rates at this time as well. You may also be able to get lower airfares because you won’t be competing with spring break or summer fares.
Look for affordable accommodations. If you want to stay at a Disney World Resort, you can choose from a wide range of properties and price tags. At the low end, you can pitch a tent at Disney’s Fort Wilderness and pocket significant savings. Resort guests have access to free airport and park shuttles (and free parking if you drive to the resort), so you can subtract a daily parking expense that would accrue if you stayed at a non-Disney property. Another way to save money is to look for a hotel or rental property in nearby Kissimmee, Fla. — preferably with a kitchenette so you can prepare your own meals. However, if you have small children, having your hotel in walking distance of the park may be a convenience you can’t afford to pass by.
Buy your tickets in advance. Advance ticket purchase may make it easier to plan your trip and budget your time and money. The most affordable tickets allow one park entry per day. However, Disney allows you to customize your tickets with the flexibility to visit additional theme and/or water parks for an additional fee. The more days you purchase, the more you save. For example, based on a recent visit to the official Walt Disney World site, you can save $36 per ticket per day for an adult “Magic Your Way” ticket by simply extending the daily passes you purchase from a 3-day ticket to a 7-day ticket. Of course, you’ll spend more simply by lengthening your vacation those extra four days, but you’re getting more value for the days you’re there.
You may be eligible to purchase discounted family vacation ticket packages through your employer, so be sure to inquire. You can try to purchase family theme park tickets on eBay, but there’s no guarantee you’ll find the combination of days you need or that you’ll win the bid.
Limit your meals in the park. Eat a hearty breakfast before you start the day to avoid a hunger attack inside the doors. If you plan to spend more than several hours on site (and most people do), pack snacks and beverages rather than purchasing expensive park fare. Disney discourages guests from bringing food into the park but does provide a picnic area outside of the gates and lockers are available to store a small cooler or backpack. To please the kids, the character breakfast (or lunch or dinner), a fun-filled meal featuring the likes of Snow White, Cinderella, Mickey and other favorites, is one park meal you may want to consider. Advance reservations are recommended.
Gather free information online. The official Disney World site provides a wealth of information on their parks, ticket packages, hotel options and much more. Between this information and the many public sites offering tips and recommendations for how to best enjoy your time at the other parks, you will have plenty of information with which to plan your trip.
Start saving now. If you plan to go on a family vacation or visit Disney World within the next year or two, start saving now so the expense is easier to bear. Set a target budget for your vacation to determine how much you need to set aside each month to afford your trip. Consider talking to a financial advisor for ideas on how to save for your short- and long-term goals. Make the right choices for your finances now so you and your family can experience the magic of Disney and much more in the years to come.
Magically attractive and deceptively simple, Bilibo's iconic shell shape and bright colors prove immediately appealing to young children. Developed by Swiss designer Alex Hochstrasser for Active People in collaboration with childhood development experts from University Children's Hospital in Zurich, Bilibo's unique form arouses curiosity, stimulates the senses, engages the imagination, and encourages creativity. Both boys and girls can find virtually unlimited ways to play with Bilibos - from rocking, spinning, and sitting to hiding under, carrying with, and peeking through. At home, at the park, at the beach, in the water, and even in the snow, Bilibo provides hours of open-ended play.
Bilibo is highly acclaimed by childhood learning specialists and toy experts in both Europe and the U.S. It has been featured in museum exhibitions and has received numerous design awards. shop online
Watch Bilibo in action...
Pick up your Bilibo online or at our Pearl District Boutique.
Give your little guy some street cred with tshirts by Appaman. These tees feature American iconic imagery inspired by the streets of Brooklyn. Every season new designs are created and tried and true favorites are updated. They're always cool.
Appaman Classic Motorcycle Tee in Sage $30
So...that's how you roll. Your child is sure to roll in appaman's classic motorcyle tee in Sage. 100% Cotton. Machine wash and dry. shop online
Appaman Motorcycle Polo Vintage Black $30
Awesome chopper polo from Appaman. 100% cotton machine wash and dry. shop online
Appaman Racetrack Tee in Surf Blue $30
Gentlemen start your engines...Appaman's surf blue racetrack tee will drive him wild. 100% cotton. Machine wash and dry.
Animated characters are great on film, not so much on shoes. Morgan & Milo agrees! This Boston company was established in January 2003 as a brand that would take children's footwear in a refreshing new direction. Playful, fun and whimsical, Morgan & Milo captures the essential blend of fashion and function. It's the perfect choice for the practical, modern parent who doesn't want to compromise on style, quality and price.
Avery Shoe $38
"Gosh, I wish all my shoes were this easy to put on. Those two hook and loop straps really save me having to learn how tie my shoes and my mom likes it because I can do it myself. Gee, thanks Morgan & Milo!"
They just make you smile! Super cute pink gingham on the inside with either Azalea pink or Kelly Dots on the outside, topped off with a shiny buckle....
Around Portland Oregon is a weekly eNewsletter covering FREE and inexpensive family-friendly community events around the greater Portland area.
Just a note: the APO website is currently being updated, so we're going to provide you with the complete list of things to do from this week's newsletter. Once the website is fully functional, we'll only post a partial list with a link to the APO website.
Here's what's going on March 25-31:
25-Mar Movie 1p Admission $3 Mommy Matinee: Alvin and the Chipmunks(PG) McMenamins Kennedy School 5736 NE 33rd Ave., Portland (503) 249-3983 Moms, dads, grandparents, nannies and their babies are welcome.
25-Mar Dance 7:30p Admission $8 Beginning Swing Lesson and Swing dancing 'til midnight Crystal Ballroom 1332 W Burnside, Portland Lesson at 7:30, swing dancing at 8:30. Like most of the other listings in Around Portland, this is an ALL AGES event!
26-Mar Reading 7p-8p FREE Verse in Person: Poetry Readings NW Library 2300 NW Thurman Street, Portland (503) 988-5560 Listen to Oregon poets read from their works.
26-Mar Dance 7p-9p Admission $5 Irish Dance, Drop-in Class Tigard Grange #148 13770 SW Pacific Hwy, Tigard (503) 691-2078 Want to learn how to do the Irish jig, leap to reels or how to dance before NEXT St. Pattie's Day? Meet new friends, have fun and get fit. No experience or partner necessary. Ages 14 and older.
27-Mar Exhibit 11a-5p Admission Adults $4, Family $7 3D Holy Ghost Stories 3D Center of Art & Photography 1928 NW Lovejoy, Portland (503) 227-6667 The "3D Holy Ghost Stories" are a series of anaglyph prints which create a visual space where natural and supernatural collide.
27-Mar Wellness Class 7p-8:30p FREE Pranic Healing New Season Market, Cedar Hills Crossing Store 3495 Cedar Hills Blvd., Beaverton (503) 641-4181
27-Mar Music 7p FREE Trio Subtonic McMenamins Kennedy School 5736 NE 33rd Ave., Portland (503) 249-3983 Portland-based trio offers up original compositions infused with Brazilian rhythms, hip hop, funk and jazz elements.
29-Mar Hike 10a-11:30a FREE Guided Walk: Owls Tryon Creek State Park 11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd, Portland (503) 636-4398
29-Mar Reading 2p-3:30p FREE VoiceCatcher Central Library 801 SW 10th Ave., Portland (503) 988-5236 VoiceCatcher presents prose and poetry from its second women writers anthology. The work of six contributing authors will be highlighted. Submissions for the 2008 anthology will be collected at this event.
29-Mar Reading & Music 2:30p-3:30p FREE Symphony Storytime Midland Library 805 SE 122nd Ave., Portland (503) 988-5392 The Oregon Symphony is on the road for interactive, musical storytimes. This week features a visit from an Oregon Symphony musician who will play and provide an introduction to their instrument and orchestral music. Free tickets available 30 minutes prior to the program.
30-Mar Music 2p-3p FREE Music of Portland: Ann Christensen and Lisa Bergman Central Library 801 SW 10th Ave., Portland (503) 988-5236 Ann Christensen and Lisa Bergman will play music from their CD "American Music: Jazz, Broadway, Hollywood," which features music from George Gershwin, Leonard Bernstein and others. This critically acclaimed CD was produced in conjunction with their appointment as Artistic Ambassadors for the United States government.
30-Mar Lecture 2p-3p FREE Sunday at Two Lecture: Trillium Story Tryon Creek State Park 11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd, Portland OR 97219 (503) 636-4398 Most appropriate for ages 13 and up.
30-Mar Movie 2p-4p FREE Russian Film Series: Born in the USSR Midland Library 805 SE 122nd Ave., Portland (503) 988-5392 People now 21 years old and living in various places around the world. These people are united by a single commonality - they were born in the Soviet Union, a country that no longer exists.
30-Mar Walk 2p-3:30p FREE Tree Farm Walk Magness Memorial Tree Farm 31195 SW Ladd Hill Rd., Wilsonville (503) 625-7471 Join staff and volunteers for a fun and informative tour of the Magness property. You'll learn the history of Magness, some tree identification, as well as why sustainable forestry is so important. No reservations are necessary. They go rain or shine. Wear comfortable shoes and meet in the parking lot.
31-Mar Movie & Community Discussion 12noon-1p FREE Bad Sugar Central Library 801 SW 10th Ave., Portland (503) 988-5236 How many people do you know with diabetes? Political decisions about food can make it easier or harder for you to eat healthy and manage or prevent diabetes.
Thru March '08 Art Tues-Sun 11a-6p; Thurs 11a-8p FREE The Living Room Museum of Contemporary Craft 724 NW Davis Street, Portland (503) 223-2654 Challenging notions of how a museum typically displays its collection, The Living Room re-contextualizes objects from the Museum's collection within a contemporary domestic setting.
Thru March '08 Art Mon-Sat 10a-6p; Sun 12noon-5p FREE Tears of Joy Theatre: Celebrating 35 Years in Puppetry Central Library 801 SW 10th Ave., Portland (503) 988-5236 Puppets and masks from Tears of Joy Theatre performances will be on display in the Collins Gallery.
Totseat - the squashable, washable, portable highchair that allows you lunch anywhere! An award-winning portable highchair!!
The Totseat chair harness is your perfect travel high chair – it adapts to fit chairs of various shapes and sizes, squashes into its own tiny travel pouch and it is completely machine washable.
Comfortably and safely anchoring your tot in an adult chair, it’s the perfect travel high chair: being minimal luggage with maximum impact!
Totseat is made of robust polycotton, and it comes in a range of funky designs. It’s really easy to use, simply slip over the chair back, adjust the length, clip firmly and sit back and enjoy (watch the movie here). It’s the ideal, compact, portable high chair to always have in your bag, or round at Grandma’s.
adjusts for high and low backed chairs
has an integral cummerbund which offers additional support (so works on open backed chairs too)
Wave good bye to tiring travel, tears and tantrums with a boredom busting Trunki, the world’s first ride-on kid's suitcase!
Designed for family vacations, children can pack, sit-on and ride their own luggage, whilst parents can keep them in tow.
Trunki's light weight and durable design is hand luggage approved, with generous space inside for toys, games, books and spare clothes. Trunki is the ultimate travelling companion.
Trunki - the ride on or pull along luggage for kids that love to travel!
• Trunki is Sturdy & Durable • Pull or ride on for kids • Multipurpose straps to carry or pull a ‘rider’ • Horn grips provide a simple way to hold on and steer Trunki • Available in 2 bright colors • Find Trunki's secret compartment! • Airport carry on approved • Light weight with 5 gallons of storage capacity! • Trunki features an ID label, so it won't get lost; • Trunki kids luggage makes travel fun! • Trunki is fitted with a rubber rim to keep little fingers safe • You’ll never hear “are we there yet”, again!
Trunki the award-winning luggage for kids that travel. A fun eye catching design that will have parents and kids green with luggage envy!
Great for airport travel. Children can ride on Trunki when tired or be pulled by parents! Great for keeping away travel boredom! When not in use can be shoulder carried. Trunkitastic!
“pink chicken’s new collection for Spring/Summer 2008 is inspired by the summers spent in Montauk – beautiful beaches, cool surfers and the glistening snowcones savored from the Puff & Putt. The retro-boho frocks in classic silhouettes are fun and easy with vintage inspired prints. This season Pink Chicken is introducing more airy fabrics and great cotton knits.
Wear pink chicken, take a stroll on the beach and enjoy your summer!
Want 10% off of armoires, bassinets, beds, bookcases, bunks, changers, cribs, dressers and storage solutions for your child's room? Run, don't walk to POSH Boutique and shop our huge home furnishings sale! Featured Manufacturers Include Argington, Casakids, David Netto, DucDuc, Monte Designs, Nurseryworks, Oeuf & P'kolino. Sale Ends March 31st, 2008
Casakids Ola! Collection The Ola! Collection includes a crib that is designed to grow with a child from birth through adolescence (it converts from a crib to a toddler bed to a twin!), a dresser with a removable changing table top, and an armoire that has a hanging rod on top and four adjustable shelves.
Sparrow Collection from Oeuf Boasting solid construction and subtle color, the Sparrow Collection is expertly crafted in Europe from solid birch. The Sparrow Crib is easy to assemble and as safe as can be. A changing pad fits on top of the dresser securely, and without the use of hardware, to create a seamless nursery.The sparrow wardrobe has shelving and hanging rack accessibility which allows a child to pick out their own clothes unassisted.
Uffizi Bunkbed by Argington Introducing the newest wonder to Argington's collection, the UFFIZI bunk bed. This bed offers a straight forward solution to making the most of your child's room. More importantly, it provides a resting place your children will love to call their own.
POSH Boutique Featured in Explore the Pearl Magazine
Look for POSH Boutique in the current issue of Explore the Pearl Magazine. We're featured in a story all about spring fashion trends.
So what are the must haves for spring 2008?
bright appliquéd dresses
Imoga knit tank dress, $68 This cotton knit dress sports exuberant stripes of pink, red, lilac, green and white; rainbow spaghetti straps criss-cross in the back and pretty embroidered flowers cover the center kangaroo pocket. Designed to hit above the knee, the dress can be worn by itself or tunic-style over jeans. 100% cotton; machine washable. By Imoga. Shop online
Imoga Bell Sleeve Cardigan, $52 This cotton cardigan is equally at home over a dress or jeans. The fun multi-colored buttons combine with flirty, feminine details like puffed bell sleeves and a slightly cropped length. 100% cotton; machine washable. By Imoga. Shop Online
Unisex Pants
Posh Baby Bamboo Scrubs, $26 Made out of the finest sustainable, organic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and odor free bamboo fabric, these scrubs are amazing, versatile and cute to boot! Bamboo affords and inherent UV protection factor. shop Online
Bical Water Socks
Grippers in Red Guitar, $26 Combining the comfort of a sock with the practicality, strength and support of a shoe - Bical introduces the sturdy and safe, non slip rubber sole baby shoe/sock!
Every baby will love a pair of these non toxic, washable shoes. These wonderful shoes keep little feet comfortable while at play at the pool, the beach, the lake or the waterpark. Thick rubber soles have plenty of traction to prevent slips. Great for indoor play areas and preschool! Neoprene knit uppers allow water and air to flow through for a great sock like fit. Shop Online
The March 2008 issue of NW Kids has arrived and this little bundle of joy is all about babies.
Here's a little peek at what's inside:
Outings: Mommy Matinees! McMenamin’s hit on something when it started offering its “mommy matinees” a few years back – they’ve been so popular that parents continue to come, even after their children have outgrown the baby stage. “We have some regulars on their second, third child still coming,” says Peter Boicourt, theater manager at McMenamin’s Kennedy School, where the mommy matinee is a popular outing. Read the full article
Exercise and the New You! Now that you’ve had your baby, getting back into fighting shape may seem a bit overwhelming. The right frame of mind is key to easing back into an exercise program—here are a few ideas to help get you going:
1 First things first, get yourself some new, flattering workout clothes. They don’t need to be fancy or expensive, just cute and comfy, so you’ll actually want to wear them! Read the full article
Dante Beatrix Backpacks were featured on Daily Candy'sSpring Break Round up on March 17th. Get yours online or pick one up in our Pearl District boutique.
Dante Beatrix Lion Pack $38
Perfect size for crayons, coloring books, and a furry friend. Everything a tot needs for a busy day. Pack has one large interior space. Durable, but extremely light. Easy to clean. Padded back panel and padded handles. Dimensions: 9 x 11.5 x 5.5 inches
Easter wouldn't be the same without Peeps. Did you know that this old school treat has a website? Not only can you learn all about Peeps, there are Peeps recipes and crafts galore.
If you join the Peeps fan club, you can download free coloring pages and other fun items.
Pearl District Kid-Friendly Retailers and Restaurants Sponsor Free Easter Egg Hunt
On Saturday, March 15th Pearl District kid-friendly businesses along the streetcar loop will host the first Pearl Bunny Hop – an Easter Egg hunt for Portland children with special prizes and activities along the route.
Follow the “Bunny Trail” map – available at all participating businesses – and collect Easter Eggs filled with treats and toys, a few will even include gift cards at each store! Children who complete the entire Bunny Trail and have their map stamped at each store can enter to win a grand prize of the ultimate kid shopping spree – a gift certificate for $25 from each participating store – that’s $200 in gift cards to spend on whatever the Easter Bunny forgot to put in their baskets!
Begin your journey at any of the eight participating retailers and restaurants and follow the Bunny Trail map to collect eggs and stamps. Stores will also be hosting various activities to entertain and delight the little ones. A special appearance by Peter Rabbit will take place from 11 am to 1 pm at Green Frog Toys; Little Urbanites will be offering crafts and hands-on activities all day; you can decorate a Pearl Swirl frozen yogurt at Pop Culture; Apple the Clown will be at Posh Boutique from 10 am to Noon; and Sip & Kranz is having a Wee Sing Sing Along in their Kidz Lounge at 11 am.
Participating businesses include Cool Moon Ice Cream, Cupcake Jones, Green Frog Toys, Henny Penny, Little Urbanites, Pop Culture Frozen Yogurt, Posh Boutique and Sip & Kranz. Eggs will be handed out while supplies last beginning at 10:00 am, hours of in-store activities vary by store. Maps with activity listings are available at participating stores.
Gentle Mina is the living memory of Pookiland. A relentless traveler, she records everything her friends do or say. Within her large ears she collects the acts, images, sounds and smells of Pookiland.
Do not ask her to take off her coat; she is always on the go!
With his air of surprise and his different size eyes, Pooki is the most talented storyteller in all of Pookiland. He has a way of transforming reality with such ease that he creates a new story every night. Pooki's imagination comes from the memories Mina collects and whispers to him daily!
The Pookies are delicious friends that feed the imagination of kids of all ages. Every Pooki has its’ own story, birth and personality that makes them endearing and unique.
The Pookies are cute hybrid creatures created in various shapes and colors. They continuously redefine creative design by gently disrupting traditional visual habits.
Our similarities with the Pookies are: a combination of past and present, color and form, and completely imperfect!
Though each character has its’ own distinct personality and look, Pookiland is a universe that allows everyone to bring their own imagination and perspective, making POOKILAND a part of you!
You can't stop a good thing. In January, Central Portland Families and Zimmerman Community Center teamed up to bring urban families a little much-needed indoor play space. On Mondays from 3:30-5:30, children and their parents have the run of the floor at Pearl Court Activity Center.
Now, that same goodness has spread to Friday mornings. Starting this Friday (March 14), there is an additional play time scheduled from 10-11:30 a.m at Pearl Court Activity Center. Here are some reminders about the event, and how you can help make it successful.
Kids will come with a caregiver, rather than being dropped off
There's no staff, so we'll all pitch in to lead games and make it fun
This will be a cooperative, self sustaining model with caregivers taking leadership roles
Donations will be accepted, with suggested amounts to be determined
Hope to see you there!
Friday Morning Indoor Play Group 10:00 - 11:30 Pearl Court Activity Center 1425 NW 16th (at Pettygrove) For more info, email centralportlandfamilies@gmail.com
The new Robeez Tredz collection was featured on AM Northwest last week. Producer Kerri Williamson raves about the new soles, flexibility and great style of these new shoes for toddlers.
Kate Quinn Organics prides itself on its commitment to fair trade and the earth. It uses only certified organic cotton, grown using sustainable farming practices that maintain and replenish soil fertility without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers. Its garments are made of ultra soft, all-natural, organically produced cotton certified by Control Union Certifications (formerly SKAL), a USDA Accredited Certifying Agent. Their garments have also been certified Fair Trade. Every little garment supports their vision and hope of a cleaner, kinder earth.
We're proud to offer this collection of stylish and sustainable clothing at POSH Boutique.
Jumpsuit $40
A more structured jumpsuit in our softest organic knit. Inseam snaps, structured cuffs and coconut buttons. Adorable paired with a jacket.
A stylish girls pocket jacket is now available! Lined with Skye Blue jersey, with an organic cotton faux fur trimmed hood. Front zipper, round pockets and button detail on back and wrists. Wish there was one in my size!
Ask a child where they would like to vacation with their family and Walt Disney World® ranks as a top choice. Kids love the magic of Disney and parents appreciate the family-friendly experience. With a little forethought, you can plan an exciting family vacation that works with your budget.
