Chicago Vacation

Chicago vacation tips? | Ask MetaFilter MetaFilter AskMeFi Projects MetaTalk December 28, 2005 2:55 PM PST Home Archives Tags Search Login New User Tags: chicago tourism November 8, 2005 Chicago: I'm visiting Chicago for the first time in a couple of weeks. I'll be there for the weekend with a friend, staying at the Hotel Allegro , and I'm looking for suggestions regarding fun things to do. Where should I go and what should I see? For example: Is the Museum of Contemporary Art worth the trip? Is the Navy Pier a waste? Is the train a convenient way to get around, or am I better off renting a car? What sort of attractions are within a reasonable distance of my hotel (located, I believe, in the Loop). That sort of thing. I've already got tickets to the Second City. Thanks in advance. posted by gd779 to travel & transportation at 5:39 AM PST the responses to my question earlier this year were pretty dang helpful. posted by sluggo at 5:54 AM PST on November 8 The Allegro is right in the Loop and you're right near the trains, so you have lots of options. You're within blocks of shopping (State Street), theaters, and lots of mid to high end resteraunts and bars. Millenium Park is about a 5 minute walk. The Art Institue is about a 15 minute walk away. For loads of shopping Michigan Avenue (the Magnifcent Mile) is 15-20 minutes away on foot. It's all pretty touristy where you are, so it depends what you're into. I've never found anything fun about Navy Pier, but if you're looking for carnival food or overpriced t-shirts that's the place to go. Check Gaper's Block (from MeFite Me3dia) for a look at some of the cooler things happening in the city while you're here. CitySearch and MetroMix have even more things to look at. posted by Slack-a-gogo at 5:56 AM PST on November 8 See also here posted by einarorn at 5:58 AM PST on November 8 Just about any of the museums are a full-day visit, including the Art Institute. If you are using public transportation, Argyle street and Devon make for pleasant international shopping and dining, low key and few crowds. (Red line north to Argyle. Devon is a bus trip.) Public transportation in the central Chicago area is great unless you have plans to get into the surrounding suburbs. posted by KirkJobSluder at 6:19 AM PST on November 8 If you're looking for bars and clubs and things that less touristy check out the Reader . The paper is free and can be found all over the city. It comes out on Thursday afternoons, and from the Allegro you can pick one up at Rock Records, which is exactly one block South on Washington (it's at about the same spot on that block as the Allegro is on Randolph). There are loads of ads and listings, so you should definitely be able to find something to do. TimeOut is also now in Chicago, and you can pick that up anywhere that sells magazines. posted by Slack-a-gogo at 6:19 AM PST on November 8 Oh, I love the Hotel Allegro. I put my maid of honor up there as a thank you when she came into town for my wedding. I think you'll be absolutely fine with relying on the train/buses. If you need to get somewhere that's not really accessible for whatever reason, you'll be able to get a cab really easily. I enjoyed going to Chinatown. You can take the Red Line south a few stops. It's not like San Fransisco or New York, but it's fun. posted by sugarfish at 6:27 AM PST on November 8 The Pier is nice for an hour or so but it's primarilly food and drink. There's the Shakespeare Theatre there if you're so inclined, tho. In the summer Second City runs shows there as well - I saw The Trial of Friar Lawrence there and it was superb. The aquarium is awesome too. I resisted going, having grown up in Miami and with no shortage of great aquatic displays, but went on my most recent visit and it was excellent. Beautiful, well laid-out and well worth the money. The perfomance shows are corny as such things always are, but still neat. Presumably they're done screwing around with the bean so make sure you go see it. It seems like a moronic concept but it's impressive up close. And take a picture . posted by phearlez at 6:35 AM PST on November 8 Whoops - I meant to suggest going to one of the Second City shows while you're there, too. posted by phearlez at 6:35 AM PST on November 8 When I was in Chicago, I was pleasantly surprised that I could get a five day bus/train pass [not including the Metra] for $18. This was definitely the way to go for travelling. There were very few places that I couldn't get to this way, be sure to bookmark their trip planner . posted by jessamyn at 6:36 AM PST on November 8 If you do decide you'd rather not take the Bus or trains, just take cabs. By the time you rent a car and pay for parking you'll come out close enough to even that it's worth it to pay for the convenience. posted by Wallzatcha at 6:41 AM PST on November 8 If you'll be using public transportation, use this site or just call 836-7000 from any Chicago area code and they'll plan your trip for you (i.e. tell you where to get on, get off, and transfer). posted by jtron at 7:11 AM PST on November 8 These may be a little too off the beaten path for your visit, but catching a show by The Neofuturists or browsing the stacks at Quimby's Bookstore will yield unexpected pleasures. If you opt to visit the more readily accessible Shedd Aquarium - may as well walk an extra block and catch the show at Adler Planetarium as well. Great views of the city from out there. posted by tristero at 7:13 AM PST on November 8 The Art Institute of Chicago has one of the greatest Modern Art collections in the world. If you like art, don't miss it. posted by scottr at 7:14 AM PST on November 8 I would recommend Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind The historical society offers tours of the city via the brown and purple lines on Saturday and Sunday. Navy Pier is not a waste if you would like to see an IMAX movie, eat at McDonalds, or buy something that says Chicago on it. I think the art museum and the Shedd are great. posted by srburns at 7:17 AM PST on November 8 The Allegro is great, the restaurant downstairs (320 Grille?) has the BEST scallops appetizer I have ever had. There is a fondue restaurant on the north side called Geja's (I believe it's pronounced "yay-ya's"). It's a good time, celler-like environment, full 3 or 4 course meal. Make a night of it, and expect to spend $50-$75 a person. Also, Mambo Grill on Clark street has amazing latin food. Don't rent a car- it's just too expensive. You can get everywhere you need to go by El or train. Thumbs up on Art museum, thumbs down on Navy Pier, especially in cold weather. The Field museum and Shedd Aquarium are both fun, and farther south The Museum of Science and Industry is amazing. If you are interested in Chicago history, the main building is what's left of what was built for the World's Fair in 1893. Check out " Devil in the White City " posted by bradn at 7:18 AM PST on November 8 The Art Institute is worth seeing, even if the layout is infuriating for the modern works. I like to go there for two hour chunks with a clear idea of what I want to see, in order to avoid museum fatigue (though I can go longer, usually the people I'm with start to whine like babies in the face of all the art. Also, I'm not shy about skipping stuff I think is crap in order to sit for ten minutes in front of the Rothkos. Which you should do.) The Museum of Contemporary Art is usually pretty solid, and can be done in an hour. The Contemporary Photography Museum is small, but absolutely fantastic with its rotating shows, and can also be done in an hour (and is an easy walk from the AI). Aside from that, if you feel like trecking, you can visit the Brookfield Zoo. It's an excellent spot if you're either with kids or on drugs. Or both. Even if you're not, the Rainforest exhibit is worth seeing sooner or later, but I'd be hard pressed to make the trip from the loop that far out just to see it. The Museum of Science and Industry is OK, if you want to feel wistful for the great public works projects of yesteryear, and feel deeply frustrated with the screaming children that decend like locusts to break everything tangible around while their parents ignore them. Most of the really cool stuff is gone, and computer monitors have replaced a lot. Instead of having an emphasis on the sheer achievement and monumentalism that made Modernism so amazing, it's turning into just a large hands-on museum, and one cluttered with the garrish and transient. Though they do have a WWII sub as a last gasp grab towards The History Channel viewers. The Aquarium is top-notch (though I again recommend drugs to push the experience over the edge into truly fantastic), but can have an ungodly wait to get in, especially on the weekends and whichever day of the week is the cheap one. You should see it at least once in you life though, it's really great. My second favorite aquarium, next to the one in Monterey Bay, California (which is totally different in scale and emphasis-- the one in Chicago is just huge and gorgeous, but there's no interaction with the fish). Right next door is the under-rated Museum of Natural History, which I enjoy quite a bit. But I also enjoy looking at the giant rings of trees, dinosaur skeletons and old decrepit mummies, so your milage may vary. For all of those places, you should endeavor to keep a few dollars with you for the plastic models that are die-cast right in front of you. They're probably toxic and cause cancer, but they're so damned cool. I'm working on a full set... If you like music, you should look to Out of the Past records, a dusty anarchic set of vinyl (seriously, no order at all) that has so many hidden treasures that it should be declared on the national registry. It's near the Museum of Science and Industry. Dusty Groove is good too, if you've got some time to kill and are around Wrigleyville. Lots of out-of-print stuff. Totally easy to blow cash there. I dropped $50 like breathing, and I'm a cheapskate... posted by klangklangston at 7:52 AM PST on November 8 Navy Pier will make your soul hurt for a couple of days hence. If you brave Michigan Ave. for shopping or the desire to get your toes stepped on, I'd recommend going to the top of the Hancock. It's a great view of the city and you can have a $12 martini. posted by MarkAnd at 7:53 AM PST on November 8 If you get a chance, try an Ino's burrito-- you won't regret it. There's also a nice little thai place on Michigan Ave. right near the Art Institute that's surprisingly cheap and pretty tasty. Or there's the Chicago Diner, if you go for upper-middle-class vegetarian food. posted by klangklangston at 7:53 AM PST on November 8 Oh, I second the Neo-futurists (or rather, I third it) - TMLMTBGB is the best! The architectural boat tour is one of my favorite things to do in the Chi - it's probably too cold for that, though, so maybe one of the walking tours sponsored by the architects? I know it sounds boring, but it's actually really interesting and fun and pretty. And please eat some pizza. Mmm, pizza. And also, don't get a car, you don't need one, and it would be a pain to park -- public transportation in Chicago rocks (and don't discount the buses, I love the bus system in Chicago). The bar at the top of the Hancock building has great views, too, if the weather is clear. posted by echo0720 at 8:30 AM PST on November 8 As others have noted, if you care even a smidge about art The Art Institute is a must. It's my favorite art museum in the US. Do not miss its spectacular collection of Joseph Cornell's work--the largest one anywhere. The Chicago Architecture Foundation offers a wide array of tours . If the weather is not abominable I highly recommend the river cruise. Devon street was mentioned--this is a great place to eat Indian food. If you like German food, the Berghof is a classic and very popular at lunch. And much to my chagrin as someone who grew up on the West coast and has been eating MExican food all my life, my hands down favorite Mexican restaurants are in Chicago-- Frontera Grill and Topolbampo . posted by donovan at 10:01 AM PST on November 8 Oh yeah, lemme recommend TMLMTBGB as well. Excellent. posted by klangklangston at 10:31 AM PST on November 8 These are all great suggestions, thanks! posted by gd779 at 10:47 AM PST on November 8 Go to the Hideout . Best music in a city which abounds in beautiful noise. posted by felix betachat at 11:36 AM PST on November 8 MeTa . (Just in case the dates work, gd779.) posted by felix betachat at 12:21 PM PST on November 8 Second the Hideout, definitely. Also second (third/fourth/whatever) the Art Institute, in particular the modern collection -- and the Joseph Cornell collection is, indeed, not to be missed. As for restaurants, I always love going to Reza's when I'm back in Chicago -- the fessenjen (cornish hen in pomegranate sauce) is spectacular. On the fancy-schmancy end, if you're in the mood (and have the means!), Blackbird is stellar -- I had one of the greatest meals of my life there. posted by scody at 12:26 PM PST on November 8 Check out Wicker Park starting with the intersection of Damen, North and Milwaukee. It's still a little piece of heaven in some respects. Record shops, coffee shops, thai food, noodle shops, the Double-Door and all sorts of assorted tomfoolery can be had. The Hideout isn't too far north of there either. You'll be on Randolph street which has undergone a huge resurgence. All sorts of awesome stuff if you get on Randolph and head west. Also, as touristy as it is, the area of Wells and Division has Second City and cool things to see. For Blues, avoid Kingston Mines and the neck-high frat crowd and head over to Rosa's on West Armitage. Of course you could always come to our meetup! ;) posted by KevinSkomsvold at 12:39 PM PST on November 8 ON REVIEW: The Out of the Past record store is NOT near the Museum of Science and Industry, despite my visiting it on the same day and somehow believing that it was. Out of the Past is at 4407 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60624. I still recommend you go there. posted by klangklangston at 5:12 PM PST on November 8 I love the area around Clark and Belmont Ave...get off the El at Belmont, walk to Clark, turn left and walk up the street toward Wrigley Field. Lots of cool shops and things there. You should also stop in the Marshall Fields flagship store on State Street. This is nothing like the Marshall Fields stores in the mall. It's a definite experience. Plus the Christmas windows will be done by then, so check those out. : ) posted by SisterHavana at 1:05 PM PST on November 10 « Older I love my lotus lamp. I hate t... | My company has an ISDN2 link w... Newer » You are not logged in, either login or create an account to post comments MetaFilter MetaTalk Ask MetaFilter © 2000-2005 MetaFilter Network LLC All posts are © their original authors.

Russia Travel lastminute.com offers

Russia Travel: Deals and travel information for Russia, Asia Mobile site | Security | Your account | Help find - find.html -- Travel to Russia Home > World > Asia > Russia Travel lastminute.com offers a fantastic array of incredible Russia travel deals. Whetherbooking a hotel, flight, holiday or car hire, lastminute.com is your one stop travel shop. So, either check out our special Russia travel deals below,use our search box to find the perfect trip or browse through our vast list of destinations to see all we have to offer. Let lastminute.com help you plan the most rewarding journey you've ever had. Search Travel Flight+Hotel-SAVE £££ Holidays Flights Hotels Holidays search Destination: list destinations Departure area: Show me all Any London Airport / Station Any East Anglia Airport Any Midlands Airport Any North East / Yorkshire Airport Any North West Airport Any Scottish Airport Any South West / Wales Airport Northern Ireland Price: Show me all Under 100 Under 200 Under 300 Under 400 Under 500 Under 600 Under 700 Under 800 Under 900 Under 1000 More than 1000 Day: Month: Any 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 false Any December January February March April May June July August September October November Give or take: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 ( days ) Board type: Show me all All Inclusive Bed And Breakfast Fly Drive Full-board Half-board Room Only Self Catering Length of stay: Show me all Short Break / Weekend (1-5 Nights) Week (6-9 Nights) Fortnight (10-16 Nights) Longer (17 Nights Or More) Hotel star rating: Show me all 1* 2* 3* 4* 5* Temperature: Show me all Warm (over 15c) Very warm (over 20c) Hot (over 25c) Very hot (over 30c) Travel time: Show me all Less than 3 hours 3 To 6 hours 6 To 9 hours 9 To 12 hours Over 12 hours Keywords (eg 'Pool'): Jump to... Russia Hotels (50) Russia Flights Russia Guide Deals Area Info Attractions Events Deals Today's Top Deals Moscow Hotel St. Petersburg Make the most of these great prices and spend Christmas in the sun, visit Calangute, Goa, India for a fantastic 14 night holiday. from 309 Hotel Sheraton Palace Moscow Enjoy sunsets and beaches in fabulous Goa, 14 Nights from 299 Area Info Travel to the Chechen Republic and to the north Caucasus region is not recommended. For further information visitors should seek official advice. The Russian Federation covers almost twice the area of the United States of America, and reaches from Moscow in the west over the Urals and the vast Siberian plains to the Sea of Okhotsk in the east. The capital, Moscow, was founded in 1147. The focal point of the city is Red Square, on one side of which is the Kremlin surrounded by a thick red fortress wall containing 20 towers. The tsars were crowned here; Ivan the Terrible's throne is situated near the entrance. Those interested in Russia's achievements in the field of space travel should visit Star City, just outside Moscow, which is a cosmonaut training complex open to visitors. St Petersburg, northwest of Moscow, is known both as a cultural centre and for its elegant buildings. The city is spread over 42 islands in the delta of the River Neva. Wide boulevards, tranquil canals and bridges led to the city being known as the 'Venice of the North'. The Palace Square and the Winter Palace are among the most interesting sites for followers of Russian history. The Hermitage houses all the vast treasures of the former tsars. For those wishing to get a better idea of the huge variety of scenery in the Russian Federation, cruises can be taken along the mighty Volga River between Kazan, the cultural centre of the Tartars, to Rostov-on-Don, once an Armenian town and the gateway to the Caucasus. Russian cuisine is based on the staples of buckwheat (to make porridge or blini ), borshch (beetroot soup) or shashlik (shish kebab). Whole roast suckling pig, roast goose stuffed with buckwheat, and roast duck stuffed with apples are served at parties and for special occasions. Russian National Tourist Office (UK office) Address: Orchard House,167-169 Kensington High St,London W8 6SH Email: innteomoscow@innteo-moscow.co.uk Phone: +44 (0) 20 7229 8027 Attractions State Hermitage Museum The Hermitage is one of the world's great museums, with an unbeatable collection of fine and decorative arts. Since its foundation in 1764, when Catherine the Great bought 200 Old Masters, it has grown to include 10,000 paintings and sculptures within its three million exhibits. Tretyakov Gallery Founded in 1856, the Tretyakov Gallery holds the most important collection of Russian painting in the world and houses more than 130,000 works of art. Lenin's Mausoleum Whether you're a die-hard Bolshevik pondering the demise of the USSR, or a keen tourist anxious for some Russian kitsch, not to mention a prime photo-opportunity, Lenin's Mausoleum is hard to beat for sheer drama and a taste of the way things used to be in these parts. St Basil's Cathedral Gaudy and garish, the multicoloured cupolas of St Basil's Cathedral rising out of Red Square have been one of Moscow's most striking and enduring symbols for five centuries. State Academic Bolshoi Theatre One of the most famous theatres in the world, Moscow's Bolshoi Theatre (literally "big" theatre) houses both the Bolshoi Opera and the Bolshoi Ballet. Dominating the square ( ploschad ), the 2000-seat theatre is adorned with a massive eight-column portico topped by Apollo in his chariot. Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts Opened in 1912, only the Hermitage in St Petersburg rivals the fine Russian and European collections at the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts. Fish Fabrique Not certain whether to be a bar or a club, St Petersburg's Fish Fabrique combines the best of both worlds. The live music is good, the atmosphere infectious, especially at the weekends, with a cheap bar that is sometimes manned by local rock star volunteers! Mayakovsky Museum The Mayakovsky Museum opened in January 1974, creating a new way of paying tribute to an artist's legacy. Both anarchic and accessible, the building is worth visiting even if you have never heard of the great man's works. Numerous corridors, stairways and paths are decorated with the poetry, prose and propaganda of one of the leaders of Russian Futurism. This revolutionary zeal guides you into his mode of thinking and through one of the most creative periods of Russian history. Dostoyevsky House Museum Established in 1928, the Dostoyevsky House Museum is a reconstruction of the family home based on the diaries and recollections of the author's childhood. Visitors will be pleased to know that the building now has central heating, so that the cold (which led to Dostoyevsky's mother catching tuberculosis- which she subsequently died from) shouldn't bother them. Svalka Literally translated, Svalka means "dump" and the club is themed around this idea of a wasteground. The chillout room is littered with derelict foreign cars and TV sets playing MTV. A favourite with students, Monday through Wednesday features industrial techno DJs, with live music concerts at the weekend. Events Bolshoi Opera Sep 2005 - Jun 2006 (annual) Bolshoi Theatre Bolshoi Ballet Sep 2005 - Jun 2006 (annual) Bolshoi Theatre Pushkin Festival Jun 2006 (annual) Pushkin Estate Museum (Mikhailovskoe Estate) Easter Sunday Apr 2006 (various dates) Kolomenskoe Russian Winter Festival Dec 2005 - Jan 2006 (annual) Izmailovo Park ; Part of the lastminute.com group. lastminute.com , travel4less.com , travelselect.com , holidayautos.co.uk , medhotels.com , holidayhotels.com , onlinetravel.com , ifyouski.com , exhilaration.co.uk , gotofrance.com Holidays Hotels Citybreaks Gifts Experiences Entertainment Flights Site map Search site Skip navigation links Home Travel World Asia In Russia... Arkhangelsk Flights Ekaterinburg Flights Kaliningrad Flights Kazan Flights Khabarovsk Flights Krasnodar Flights Moscow 29 Hotels Flights Murmansk Flights Penza Flights Perm Flights Samara Flights Saratov Flights Siberia Flights St. Petersburg 21 Hotels Flights Stavropol Flights Tyumen Flights Ulan-Ude Flights Ulyanovsk Flights Volgograd Flights Popular areas Omsk Magadan Irkutsk Novosibirsk Chelyabinsk Hotels in... Moscow St. Petersburg More Russia Hotels --

London Vacation Home Brand

London Vacation - Family House London Vacation Property Owners Join us VRBO ® is Vacation Rentals by Owner ® Home Europe United Kingdom England Greater London London Edit Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #65141 Beautiful Family Home for Ideal London Holiday - Sleeps 10 Location: London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom, Europe (Across the street from Hampstead Heath) Accommodations: Family House - 5 Bedrooms + Other (See Description) - 3.5 Baths - (Sleeps 10) Master Bedroom, with dressing room and ensuite bath - London Vacation Home Brand new listing - Our home is a beautiful example of Arts & Crafts architecture, located in Hampstead Gardens which is internationally renowned for the lovingly preserved buildings of this period. Directly across the street is the northern most part of Hampstead Heath, one of the most famous parks in all of Europe. Nearly 800 acres of grass land, woods and public amenities are on our doorstep. An easy 10 minute walk leads to a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and excellent public transport facilities which will have you in Central London within 20 minutes. The house itself is nicely decorated, but not precious; a young family lives here year round. There is a lovely garden with swing set, trampoline, plenty of grassy playing space and a BBQ. On the ground floor there is a spacious, fully equipped kitchen, separate dining room, comfortable living room with cozy, contemporary furniture, another living room used more for reading, listening to music or watching TV. The second floor has a master bedroom with ensuite bath/shower room and separate dressing area. Two further double bedrooms and a single bedroom share a lovely shower room. On the third floor there is another single bedroom, a large playroom for which we have a very comfortable double air mattress, and another bath/shower room. London offers unsurpassed variety of attractions and points of interest, historical and contemporary. A vast array of museums, performance venues, sights and attractions are available every day across the capital. Within a 15 minute walk of the house, there are summer concerts at Kenwood House. Highlights this season include Elvis Costello, Van Morrison, Katie Melua, Jamie Cullum, The Buena Vista Social Club's Ibrahim Ferrer. A caretaker for the house lives locally, and twice weekly cleaning service is included in the rental. A £1000 cash security deposit is required. Living Room with wood burning fireplace and piano - London Vacation Home View comments from previous guests. Amenities: Beautiful neighborhood of architecturally significant family homes. Private garden, patio w/BBQ, Phone, WiFi Broadband, TV, Cable TV, VCR, Stereo, CD Player, Fireplace, Full Kitchen, Microwave, Dishwasher, American refrigerator, Cooking utensils provided, Linens provided, American washer and dryer, Smoking on the patio only, please. Activities (on site or nearby): Museums, Theatre, Music, Film, Hiking, Biking, Golf, Tennis, Fitness Center, Gym, Horseback Riding, Shopping, Restaurants, Live Theater, Museums, Sightseeing, Swimming. Rates (in Pounds Sterling): Personal Currency Assistant ™ Jul 16-Aug 20 ... £2500/week.Payable by wire transfer only.50% required to secure rental; 50% to be paid one week prior to arrival.£1,000 cash deposit required, to be refunded at checkout.Sat. arrival time must be confirmed 1 week in advance.Check-out between 8 a.m. and noon.Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice. Living room with cable TV, DVD, video, stereo system and view onto garden - London Vacation Home Note: Each property is individually owned or managed. Dates available:  Jul 16-Aug 20, 2005 Before contacting us, please check our calendar for your desired dates. Phone: +44 208 209-0046 (United Kingdom) Please say: "I saw your listing #65141 on VRBO" Rear garden with trampoline, also not visible, wooden swing set & BBQ area View of front of house Home Europe United Kingdom England Greater London London Edit Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #65141 There have been 1495 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset on June 15, 2005 This listing was first published here on June 15, 2005. London Vacation Date last modified - December 16, 2005 VRBO® is Vacation Rentals by Owner® - The largest and most popular vacation rental site. Specializing in BY OWNER vacation rentals, homes, condos, cabins, villas and apartments ALSO privately owned properties offered thru rental agencies and management companies. To report any problems with this site contact webmaster@vrbo.com URL: http://www.vrbo.com/65141 ©1995-2005 by VRBO International LLC - all rights reserved

Disney Vacation Club Travel

Disney Vacation Club  You are here: About > Travel > Florida for Visitors > Disneyworld > Disney Vacation Club Travel Florida for Visitors Essentials Events Calendar Photo Album Spring Break Guide Travel Planners What's Up this Month Articles & Resources A to Z Index Maps Beaches / Coasts Disneyworld Things to Do in FLA Daytona / East Coast Florida Keys Florida Panhandle Miami / South Florida Orlando / Central Florida Tampa / West Coast Discounts & Coupons Photos / Cams All About Florida Buyer's Guide Florida 2006 Calendars Florida Collegiate Fan Gifts Florida State Seminole Fan Gifts Tampa Bay Buccaneer Fan Gifts Top Disney Gifts Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Florida for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Florida for Visitors Compliments of Walt Disney Company Stay up to date! Compliments of Walt Disney Company Email to a friend Print this page Suggested Reading Vacation Ownership 101 Elsewhere on the Web Disney Vacation Club Most Popular Florida Celebrates New Year Nude & Clothing-Optional Guide WDW Ticket Information Casino Cruises Ice Skating in Florida What's Hot Lion Country Safari Wide World of Sports Free Deals Ybor City Florida Day Trips Related Topics Theme Parks Travel with Kids Hotels / Resorts / Inns Budget Travel Senior Travel Disney Vacation Club From Dawn Henthorn , Your Guide to Florida for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Own a piece of the magic! Who's the leader of the club that's made for you and me? M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E! Inspired in part by Disney guests who frequented the Company's resorts and theme parks year-after-year, the Disney Vacation Club concept is stamped with Disney's special brand of imagination and innovation. Launched in October 1991, the Disney Vacation Club has now grown to include more than 63,000 member families from throughout North America and beyond, making it one of the most successful and highly rated vacation ownership programs. "Our decision to enter the vacation ownership business was a natural progression to accommodate our guests with a flexible vacation product designed to meet their ever-changing vacation needs as they pass through different phases of their life," said George Aguel, Senior Vice President/General Manager for Disney Vacation Development, Inc. Like many other vacation ownership programs, Disney Vacation Club is grounded in real estate ownership, but it has brought innovative new elements to its vacation ownership product. "Guests become members of the Disney Vacation Club because of the magical memories and traditions that are so engrained in the Disney experience," continued Aguel. "Anyone can sell accommodations – but only Disney can offer the experiential environment, the entertainment, and the imaginative programs that are so uniquely a part of our tradition." How does it work? Anchored by the purchase of a deeded real estate interest, membership provides guests with the freedom to tailor vacations to their personal needs as their family's vacation interests change over time. Unlike traditional timeshare programs, Disney Vacation Club members are not locked into a single week or fixed time period at a single resort. Disney Vacation Club membership is based on a "vacation point" system. Each year, members receive an annual allotment of vacation points that can be used in a variety of ways for different types of accommodations at a dazzling variety of resorts and for other vacation experiences, subject to availability. Members can also elect to bank or borrow vacation points, use their vacation points in combination with renting accommodations on a cash basis, or can purchase an additional real estate interest at any time. New members can join the club with an initial purchase of just over $11,000. Where can it be used? Disney Vacation Club membership may be used to reserve accommodations at the member's "home resort" or they may exchange reserved home resort accommodations to stay at other Disney Vacation Club resorts – Disney's BoardWalk Villas; Disney's Old Key West Resort; The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Disney's Beach Club Villas (all at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida), Disney's Vero Beach Resort (Vero Beach, Florida), or Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort (Hilton Head Island, South Carolina) – at select Walt Disney World Resort properties, the Disneyland Resort hotels in Anaheim, California, and Disneyland Paris hotels in France. Additionally, through the Disney Vaction Club Member Getaways program, members have access to more than 200 premium resorts worldwide through an agreement with Interval International (II), one of the world's largest vacation ownership exchange companies, or they may select from an elite collection of world-renowned hotels, sample an adventure travel experience like an African safari, take a cruise (including Disney Cruise Line itineraries) and much more. What are the advantages? "The Disney Vacation Club is about quality, guest service, attention to detail and a world of choices," said Aguel. "Our members expect us to provide years of magical vacations and treasured memories at an excellent value. But, they also expect our Disney quality and personal service in planning their vacations." Additional unique advantages to membership include special benefits such as various Disney discount offers and professional travel planners that are just a phone call away. These Vacation Advisors help members plan their vacations and answer questions about DVC membership. Members further become part of the DVC 'family' through its Vacation Magic member newsletter that offers helpful program information, member stories, DVC resort travel tips, exclusive member merchandise and discounts/privileges and special previews of upcoming Disney events.        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Lion Country Safari Wide World of Sports Free Deals Ybor City Florida Day Trips

Family Vacation One Cool

One Cool Programs - One Cool Family Vacation Wedding & Honeymoon Family Promotions Special Offers Specialized Vacations Special Offers One Cool Programs One Cool Adventure & Nightlife One Cool Culinary & Culture One Cool Family Vacation One Cool Golf & Spa One Cool Honeymoon Download the One Cool Programs PDF eBrochure Special Offers for Families with Kids 12 years & under Dates effective: April 01 - September 30 Only on Aruba does the entire island open up to your exploration, offering a holiday fit for the whole family. Aruba invites you to choose from among its extensive family-friendly activity and dining options, offered now with special discounts and offers. A One Cool Card, free upon hotel check-in and entitling you to over US$1,000 in savings, is your family’s passport to a perfectly unforgettable vacation. Aruba’s safe, friendly environment and proven great weather have made the island a natural choice for family vacations. The “One Cool Family Vacation” promotion offers discounts throughout the island for attractions, meals and shopping as well as a ‘kids-eat-free’ feature at many participating resorts. RESORT SPECIAL OFFERS : - A welcome gift - A cool welcome drink for the kids - Bed & breakfast free from kids menu in hotel restaurants - Daily free kids activities (some restrictions may apply) PARTICIPATING RESORTS: Allegro Aruba by Occidental Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort Aruba Grand Resort Aruba Marriott Resort Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort Aruba Renaissance Beach Resort Divi and Dutch Village Beach Resorts Divi and Tamarijn All Inclusive Resorts Holiday Inn SunSpree Aruba Beach Resort La Cabana All Suite Beach Resort Radisson Aruba Resort & Casino The Mill Resort & Suites Wyndham Aruba Beach Resort & Casino SPECIAL OFFERS INCLUDE: - Rancho Notorious: US$ 5 off on horseback riding tour for children 12 years and under - Red Sail Sports: One kid per parent free on Sailing & Snorkeling trips; US$10 discount on Bubble-Water program on Resort Course - Atlantis Adventure: Special offers for kids for a Submarine tour (4-16 years), Seaworld Explorer tour (11 years and under) or Aloe Factory Tour (11 years and under) - Jolly Pirates: Free t-shirt offer for kids 12 years and under - De Palm Tours: Free for kids 12 years and under on De Palm Pleasure Snorkel Adventure, De Palm Island and Island Sightseeing Tours - Pelican Adventures: Kids go for free on cruises (2 per family) or t-shirt - Aruba Adventures: Special offers on Tattoo-Party Boat, Mi Dushi – Sailing Adventure and Kukoo Kunuku –Paranda Party Bus - Moomba Beach Restaurant: 10% off on food only in restaurant - Aruba Experts: 10% off on the following trips: Private sailing, boating and fishing charters - Carlos’n Charlie’s: Free kids meal - one per family of four - Aruba Gastronomic Association: Special offers for kids at Amazonia, Cuba’s Cookin’, Old Cunucu House, Benihana, Texas de Brazil, Le Dome, Driftwood, French Steak House and Waterfont Crabhouse - Wix Tours: 10% off for the kid’s island tours and jeep safari - Crystal Theater: Family package of US$ 100 for 2 adults and 2 kids (12 years and under) on Let’s Go Latin show - Economy Car Rental: 20% off on cars and on weekends 20% off on 4x4 - Renaissance Mall & Marketplace: Discount card – redeemable at over 100 stores at mall and marketplace. Exclusive offers in shopping, dining and entertainment - Checkpoint Color: 50% off on all film development and printing and 10% off on any digital development - Tomato Charlie’s Pizza: 10% off on a large 14” pizza or kids get free ice cream, or order a large 14” pizza and get a medium 10” pizza free - Charanga: 10% off on any purchase. Exclusive children’s fashion from Spain - Thriller Aruba: 2 kids free per paying couple. A speed racing, open water thrill of a lifetime IMPORTANT NOTE : It is necessary to mention the promotion with every reservation and signed ID Card must be presented to receive offers. The One Cool Card is limited to visitors staying at any one of the participating resorts (maximum of two children per room). The Aruba Tourism Authority and the Aruba Hotel and Tourism Association take no responsibility for modifications that may later be made to promotional offers. If you have any specific questions about Aruba Travel, Hotels, or Resorts please call us toll-free in the USA at 1-800-TO-ARUBA, or click here to contact us Home • About • What To Do • Where To Stay • Specialized Vacations • Book Now • Sitemap Produced by BCPictures.com • All Rights Reserved © 2005 Government of Aruba • Website Disclaimer