1. Floridays Resort Orlando
Orlando, Florida

2. Woodloch Pines Resort
Hawley, Pennsylvania

3. WorldQuest Orlando Resort
Orlando, Florida

4. West Inn & Suites Carlsbad
Carlsbad, California

5. Red Jacket Mountain View Resort
North Conway, New Hampshire

6. Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Orlando, Florida

7. Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Orlando, Florida

8. The Village At Indian Point
Branson, Missouri

9. Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa
Orlando, Florida

10. Marriott’s Harbour Lake
Orlando, Florida

Orlando takes up a whopping six spots on this list (hello, Disney)! But don’t overlook hotels in otherwise lesser-known towns like North Conway and Branson – they’ve got plenty of family-friendly appeal with outdoor activities, entertainment, and theme parks, as well.

Have you been to any of these hotels? Tell us what you thought. Or, share your own family-friendly hotels in the comments!

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First, the good: Two major cruise lines, Crystal Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line, are offering “kids sail free” packages for groups embarking with children under 17. Crystal Cruises is expanding their existing program by adding 17 additional sailings between May and December (the original deal was only offered for four trips between June and July). Cruises that fall under the promotion will travel throughout Europe and the Mediterranean. Norwegian Cruise Line launched a similar program this month for fall cruises to Alaska, the Bahamas, Bermuda, New England and Canada, Europe, the Caribbean, and Hawaii. Families can bring up to two children, and are eligible for up to $1,000 in air credits. But if you’re interested in this deal, better book fast: the promo expires on March 23.

Now, onto the bad news, at least for sulky teens who want to break away from their uncool ‘rents. Starting this weekend, Disney theme parks will ban children under the age of 14 unless they are accompanied by an adult. The new policy takes effect March 23 and will be enacted at Disney World in Orlando and both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure in Anaheim. Disney reps say the new policy was not prompted by any type of incident, but is meant to provide a consistent age of admission. Mind you, children under 14 are only required to be accompanied by an adult companion to get through the gate: junior still might sneak off to the gift shop while you’re waiting on line for the tea cup ride.

Embarking on a cruise or entering Disney parks as a group means one thing: you’ll be spending plenty of time together.  And isn’t that the reason to book a family vacation in the first place?

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January is one of the best months to visit Orlando, especially later in the month, when crowds at the theme parks are down after the holidays, and temperatures are in the perfect mid-70s. Hotels follow suit and dip down in pricing, like the 4-star Melia Orlando Suite Hotel, which starts at just $125 per night in January – a 45 percent savings on high season rates. The Melia is the closest all-suite hotel to the Disney Parks, and includes a full kitchen in each unit, plus a 360 -egree infinity pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and complimentary breakfast. Dozens more 4-star Orlando hotels are available for low rates in January, like the Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orlando – Orange Lake Resort from $80 per night, the Westgate Lakes Resort and Spa from $97 per night, and the Mystic Dunes Resort and Golf Club from $105 per night.

Skiers know that prime ski season begins in January, and Wyndham Vacation Rentals are offering great savings at resorts throughout Colorado, Utah, and Idaho, this winter, like 30 percent off condos in Steamboat Springs, and 25 percent off vacation rentals in Breckenridge and Keystone – plus discounted lift tickets. In Park City, Utah, spy on celebrities during the Sundance Film Festival in January and ski down the same slopes as the 2002 Winter Olympians. Choose from a number of reasonably priced 3- and 4-star hotels throughout the month, like the Yarrow Resort Hotel from $129 per night, the Zermatt Resort and Spa from $139 per night, and the Park City Marriott for $190 per night (rates will be higher during Sundance, January 17-27).

If you’re itching for a beach vacation instead, try the Caribbean Resort & Villas in Myrtle Beach for an incredible $49 per night. The recently renovated family resort is located between the Atlantic and Myrtle Beach’s popular strip, the Grand Strand. Or, for a more exotic oceanfront escape, take a real Caribbean vacation and stay at Puerto Rico‘s Embassy Suites Dorado Del Mar for $127 per night (for stays of four nights or longer).

Don’t let dreary January get you down – get out instead in 2013!

1. Quinoa Salad: Be Our Guest Restaurant, Fantasyland
Quinoa is all the rage these days because it packs a powerful punch of protein. Be Our Guest’s lunch menu includes quinoa salad ($7.99), which comes with green beans, potatoes, olives, roasted bell peppers, golden beets, and tomatoes. The kids’ lunch menu includes Mickey-shaped meatloaf and seared mahi.

2. Vegetable Burger: Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe, Tomorrowland
Head down Main Street, U.S.A. to find Cosmic Ray’s, the largest fast-food joint in the park. Then, chow down on the vegetable burger ($8.14) and consider opting for apple slices instead of fries. For extra veggies, add a cucumber salad ($2.99).

3. Lighthouse Sandwich: Columbia Harbour House, Liberty Square
The fast-food fish house is the perfect pit stop for a hearty meal. The Lighthouse Sandwich ($8.99), served on multi-grain bread, is packed with hummus and comes with tomato and broccoli slaw. Additional sides include steamed fresh broccoli ($1.99), couscous ($2.99), and vegetarian chili ($4.69).

4. Mediterranean Salad: Pinocchio Village Haus, Fantasyland
Skip the pizza and meatball sub sandwiches served at this popular restaurant. The Mediterranean salad ($8.69) is a good-sized entree and comes topped with chicken, mozzarella, roasted red peppers, red onions, and black olives.

5. Cinderella’s Favorite Healthy Choice Breakfast: Cinderella’s Royal Table, Fantasyland
Have a royal good time inside of Cinderella Castle, where the servers address guests as “my lord” and “my lady.” For breakfast, nosh on castle-made granola, fresh fruit, egg whites, 10-grain cereal, and Greek yogurt. For dinner, try the pan-seared salmon with a grain pilaf and grilled asparagus. (Character breakfast $53 adults, $34 kids; character lunch $56 adults, $35 kids; character dinner $66 adult, $40 kids)

6. Snacks: Gaston’s Tavern, Fantasyland
Just past the giant bronze statue of “everyone’s favorite guy” (a.k.a. Gaston) is Gaston’s Tavern. Snack options include the mixed fruit cup ($3.59), mixed vegetable cup with dip ($3.69), hummus and chips ($4.39), and sliced apples with caramel sauce ($3.49).

7. Mango Black Bean Salsa Salmon: Crystal Palace, Main Street
This charming eatery offers an array of healthy choices. The mango black bean salsa salmon goes well with the edamame salad, the couscous salad, or the sweet plantain, cucumber, and corn salad. There’s also the fruit and vegetable tofu curry and the tabbouleh salad. Better yet, you get to meet Winnie the Pooh and his posse while stuffing your face. (Character breakfast $23 adults, $13 kids, character lunch $25 adults, $14 kids; character dinner $37 adults, $18 kids.)

8. Chicken Wrap: Pecos Bill Cafe, Frontierland
This old-time saloon is popular because of its ample seating. A healthy choice here is the grilled chicken wrap ($9.59) served with apple slices or French fries.

Look for the Mickey Check on menus for kids’ meals and other items that meet Disney Nutrition Guidelines. For more information, visit www.disneymickeycheck.com.

For more trip-planning information, check out our Walt Disney World destination guide. For all things Disney, visit our Disney interest hub.

When you’re ready to book, peruse our Disney travel deals or use our Travel Search price comparison tool to the lowest rates on flights, hotels, cruises, and other travel deals.

Cue the talking wardrobe. Prepare the grey stuff (it’s delicious). Pump up the steel-drum, nautical-themed music. Guests will be showing up in droves for the grand opening of the Magic Kingdom’s New Fantasyland, which makes its debut on Thursday. [Update: It's open and awesome!] This portion of Walt Disney World has nearly doubled in size, going from 11 to 21 acres, making it the largest expansion in the park’s 41-year history. So, it’s no surprise that there is plenty to see. We’ve done some of the leg work for you, though, so you’ll know exactly what to target.

1. Down a Brewski
Well, a LeFou’s Brew, that is. This frozen apple juice concoction has a hint of toasted marshmallow and is topped with all-natural passion fruit-mango foam. It’s served up at Gaston’s Tavern (and, yes, he really does use antlers in all of his decorating).

2. Dine Inside Beast’s Castle
Disney has really outdone itself with the Be Our Guest Restaurant, a gourmet, French-themed eatery. Its massive chandeliers, gorgeous terrazzo floors and snowflakes falling among the fictional French countryside all stay true to the Beauty and the Beast movie. Choose from quick-service meals for lunch or fancy table service for dinner.

3. Smile While Standing in Line
With interactive screens and a talking seagull, the queue is the real star of the new Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid attraction. As you wait to board the giant clamshells on this dark ride, help Ariel collect whozits and whatzits galore.

4. Flex Your Biceps with Gaston
As a specimen, yes, he’s intimidating, but don’t let that stop you. He’s everyone’s favorite guy. This self-centered but lovable character is always ready for a photo op or two.

5. Fly Atop an Elephant
Dumbo the Flying Elephant is a classic Disney ride. And now, it’s even better. It has doubled in size, and Disney “Imagineers” have added an indoor queue lounge. Parents grab a pager and take a breather while children wear themselves out at the indoor playground. Genius!

6. Drink an Actual Brewski
Boozers rejoice! For the first time in Magic Kingdom history, alcohol will be served. Be Our Guest Restaurant offers wines from Champagne, Alsace, Loire, Rhone, Burgundy, and Bordeaux. Plus, the leading French beer, Kronenbourg 1664, and Belgian beers, too. (Note: Drink up while you’re there. To-go cups are not offered.)

7. Score One-on-One Time with a Princess
A visit to crazy old Maurice’s Cottage has guests entering the enchanted world of Belle and company. Inside, a magic mirror transports guests into the story of Beauty and the Beast where they act out a scene from the movie with the costumed character herself.

8. Snag a Gargoyle
The gargoyles and other grotesques that guard Beast’s Castle are photo worthy, indeed. And if you want to take one home, you’re in luck. Bonjour! Village Gifts sells everything from gargoyle chalices to Minotaur candleholders.

9. Act Like a Francophone
Don’t be surprised to hear a chorus of bonjours and au revoirs as you traipse through New Fantasyland. Much of the attraction is located in the French countryside, after all. Respond with a full sentence in French and see if you can throw off the Cast Members.

10. Marvel at Royal Residences
Two new castles – Prince Eric’s Castle and Beast’s Castle – dot the skyline. Don’t worry, though, they don’t outshine Cinderella Castle. Thanks to forced-perspective architecture, the new regal abodes appear more grandiose than they actually are.

Coming Soon: Disney expects to open Princess Fairytale Hall in 2013, in the former home of Snow White’s Scary Adventures, and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in early 2014.

For general trip-planning information, see our Walt Disney World destination guide, then check out our Disney travel deals.

While we’re sure you’d love to escape the seemingly endless halls of America’s second largest convention center, sometimes you just need a good meal without a huge walk. Thankfully, Copper Canyon Grill is right on the premises and it’s actually pretty fantastic. Yes, entrees can run you well over $20, but it may be worth the premium if you’re pinched for time. The specialty is pure Americana cuisine, and those who love steak and crab dip will be duly satisfied.

If you’re not opposed to a short cab ride, you can get way outside of your comfort zone at Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows. It’s dinner, but there’s also a show involved, and it’s chock full of comedy and mystery. If you’re worried about being joined by clients who may be “too good” for such a “childish” endeavor, no one’s stopping you from heading out alone!

As for activities? You won’t need a travel guide to tell you that Disney World and SeaWorld are right next door to the Orange County Convention Center, and if you end up with a full day to spare, visiting either of those parks is a must. Sure, it’s the cliché  thing to do in Orlando, but if you’ve never been, it’s most certainly worth a day pass. The thing is, Disney itself is enormous. Those looking for thrills should head to the MGM section, while those who want the more conventional experience can head to the Magic Kingdom. If ever there was a business trip to bring your kids on, Orlando is it.

If you’re overwhelmed by the thought of driving out very far just to drive some golf balls, you’ll be pleased to know that Marriott’s Grande Pines Golf Club Orlando is within a few miles of the conventional center. In fact, if you stay at the nearby Marriot Cyprus Harbor, you’ll have the greens right outside of your door. Florida has an abundance of courses, but the proximity of this one enables those with afternoon meetings to get a few holes in prior to suiting up.

Before you head back to (presumably chillier) weather, it’s worth a quick stop at Howl at the Moon. It’s just a few miles from the convention center, and it’s a highly enjoyable piano bar. Have a seat, blow off a bit of steam, and listen to a few locals tickle the ivories. I can think of plenty worse ways to spend a final night in Orlando.

This is a recurring feature exploring must-visit locales in a variety of cities. If you find yourself traveling to a place for business, why not venture out and enjoy your surroundings?

See our Orlando destination guide for more trip-planning information, then use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates on flights.

This strategy may be adorable (or traumatizing, depending on how you look at it), but the premise neglects a lot of nagging questions. How do you discretely pack for a week away without giving away the scheme? Will holiday travel slow down the festivities? Is there a way to chaotically dart through an airport and reach your destination while avoiding the dreaded Home Alone scenario?

With the aid of Undercover Tourist, people can surprise would-be travelmates with a trip to Orlando, without the complications. The service offers ticket packages to distinctive Orlando attractions – such as Disney World, Universal Studios, and Sea World – without the need to set a specific date. Ticket bundles are valid throughout the year and don’t need to be used consecutively (however, the tickets will expire 14 days after the date of the first use). Undercover Tourist offers several discounts for purchasing tickets in bulk. A top-selling item includes a five-day ticket to various Disney World parks for the price of four. Additionally, Undercover Tourist gives travelers the option to have their tickets shipped to them, or picked up on-site.

Purchasing tickets well in advance holds a number of advantages. Travelers will be able to avoid price-hikes at the gate, as well as long lines to gain entrance. With ticket prices fixed, families can better budget their vacation for optimal fun. Not to mention, with the holidays just around the corner, there’s something special about seeing your loved ones light up with joy when they peek beneath the wrapping of that final package.

With the ability to nab admission tickets without having to hammer down a flight or hotel booking, families are able to surprise love ones with a trip, but can choose a vacation date that best suits everyone’s needs (the best time to visit Orlando is in early May). While “we’re going to Disney World in 4-6 months!” may be a little less exciting than “we’re going to Disney World today!” the exhilaration is no less authentic.

For the first time in 41 years, Disney World’s Magic Kingdom will serve alcohol to park goers. Be Our Guest, the park’s “Beauty and the Beast” themed restaurant opening next month, has announced they will serve wine and beer during the spot’s dinner hour. The eatery is located in the park’s Fantasyland Forest, which features a castle modeled after the one where the Beast resides.

Be Our Guest borrowed its name from the film’s most memorable tune, when heroine Belle is treated to an elaborate meal courtesy of the castle’s eager hosts. Though Be Our Guest patrons shouldn’t expect dancing silverware and flirtatious candelabras, they can look forward to elegant French cuisine. The restaurant boasts several themed dining rooms, including a room replicating the vaulted ballroom where Belle and the Beast share a dance. A casual, bistro-like menu will be available in the afternoon, with the sophisticated meals served in the evening. A variety of French wines and beers from both France and Belgium will be offered during dinner.

Stuart McGuire, Beverage Director of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, said offering libations “enhances the guest experience and complements the French-inspired cuisine.”

Though Disney World’s other parks, including the Epcot Center, currently serve alcohol on the premises, The Magic Kingdom has remained dry since its gates first opened in 1971. Alcohol is offered in the park’s sister location, Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., but only in the park’s so-exclusive-it-might-not-even-exist Club 33.

Be Our Guest offers options for kids, but its aim is to bring a more magical experience to adults who may be too old for dress up, but not for feeling like royalty. And if, unlike Belle, you have yet to find your cursed prince with a heart of gold, you may as well compliment your meal with a glass of champagne.

Many years ago, my family was on a boardwalk in Hollywood, Florida. My 6-year-old brother Stirling, who had a penchant for wandering off, was testing out the new scooter that he had received hours earlier. Unfortunately for us, there was a festival that day and the boardwalk was packed with people. As we walked through crowd, my mother allowed my brother to repeatedly scoot 100 yards up ahead and then turn around. This plan proved successful until he scooted away and didn’t return.

My mother remained calm, but it was just the two of us. I remember climbing onto restaurant patios, trying to get a birds-eye-view of the crowd. She found nearby police officers who began a search.

Eventually, the police got word from local lifeguards that a boy resembling their description (who had a funny name) was in their custody. In a very Baywatch fashion, Stirling was brought to us on an ATV.

The incident lasted four hours and taught my family important lessons. On future trips, Stirling wore a wrist leash, was always dressed in bright clothes, and we would arrange a meeting area in case we got separated.

I spoke with Nancy A. McBride, the National Safety Director for the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children on the issue. Here are some do’s and don’ts to prevent any separation mishaps on your next vacation:

Do:

• Have a plan. If possible, scope the place out before you go. Find layouts on the Internet and mark key locations like help desks. Go over this with your child and practice beforehand. “It can be as simple as asking ‘what if’ scenarios with them and seeing how they respond,” McBride says.
• Show your child who they should seek out if they get separated. McBride sees “stranger danger” as an outdated concept. “There are good people out there. You can’t paint a picture that every stranger is a bad person.” McBride points to identifiable personnel like amusement park attendants, airport employees, police officers, and the like – nametags and uniforms are key. Mothers with children could be helpful too on an “anecdotal” basis, according to McBride. She labels them “low-risk helping adults.”
• Snap a photo of your child on your cell phone before the day begins. This way, if anything happens, you have the most current picture of your child.
• Dress your kids in orange. This standout color can help identify them in large crowds.
• Have your children memorize your phone numbers. If they are too young to remember that information, you can put ID information on your children in non-visible areas. Explain what you are doing to you child and to whom they should show it if needed. This could be as simple as your name and cell number. Gadgets like the “Mommy I’m Here” beeper and temporary tattoos like Safety Tat work, but McBride warns “they don’t replace a plan and parental supervision.”

Don’t:

• Panic. “Stay calm and use your head,” McBride says. In most instances you will have a happy reunion with your child. Panic only exacerbates the situation.
• Hesitate to call law enforcement. Even if someone is helping you look for your child, don’t wait to notify the police. “They want to help get your child back to you,” McBride says.
• Stray far from the separation point. This goes for the parent and child. Never tell your child to go to the car or outside the venue if they get lost. If they’re in open spaces like a mall, head to the nearest store.

In addition, the resort’s award-winning signature restaurant, deep blu seafood grille, is offering a $40 three-course tasting menu for the month of August. Advanced reservations are required to enjoy the restaurant’s contemporary fusion fare, which focuses on fresh seafood dishes.

The family-friendly Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek is located in picturesque Bonnet Creek inside the Walt Disney World complex and offers a complimentary shuttle service to the Disney parks.  When you’re not discovering the parks, relax at the resort’s lagoon pool (complete with a lazy river), try one of the five dining outlets, or splurge with a treatment at Blue Harmony Spa.

To book this deal, visit www.wyndhamgrandorlando.com or call 407-390-2300 and ask for the 40 percent off customer appreciation advanced purchase deal.

See our Orlando destination guide for more trip-planning information, then use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates on flights.