Hotel Travel
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Disney Vacation Club Mouse
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Lastest DVC Resale Properties: Beach Club--150 Points--$12,750.00 Old Key West--230 Points--$16,560.00 Old Key West--84 Points--$4,200.00 Old Key West--62 Points--$5,208.00 Saratoga Springs--200 Points--$15,600.00 Boardwalk--100 Points--$8,400.00 Boardwalk--150 Points--$12,750.00 Old Key West--210 Points--$15,960.00 Beach Club--120 Points--$10,200.00 Beach Club--320 Points--$26,200.00 View All DVC Resale Properties So what is The Disney Vacation Club? Well it basically is Disney's versionof a time share. There are a number of benefits to joining the DVC. First, the value of the pointsthat you purchase will never change. The same value you receive today, will be thesame value you receive in 30 years. While the cost of staying at a Disney hotelrises by 5-10% per year, this is a great hedge against inflation.You also receive discounts on your Unlimited Magic Passes, discounts at Pleasure Islandand Disney Water Parks as well as 10% off merchandise at Disney Stores nationwide. The Vacation Point System When you become a Disney Vacation Club member, you purchase a real estate interestin the club. This real estate interest entitles you to an annual allotment of vacationclub points. The larger the real estate interest purchased, the more pointsyou are alloted. The minimum purchase amount of points allowed for purchase iscurrently 150. Your Home Resort You also have the benefit of being able to reserve at your home resort upto 11 months in advance of your check out date. Your home resort is the resort atwhich you purchased your interest ( Old Key West , Beach Club Villas , Boardwalk Villas , Vero Beach, Saratoga Springs , Hilton Head Islandand Villas at Wilderness Lodge ). You can reserve up to 7 months in advance at any other Disney Vacation Club location. For more information on a DVC Home Resort please click here to view Shontell Crawford's column about the ins and outs of theDisney Vacation Club. Member Getaways Another perk of being a Disney Vacation Club member is Member Getaways.Through Member Getaways, you can exchange your reserved Disney Vacation Club Resortaccommodations for over 300 fantastic destinations around the world, including selectpremier hotels at the Walt Disney World Resort and Walt Disney World Cruiseline. The member getaways include Internationalresort exchanges, Unites States resort exchanges, World Passport Collection, Concierge Collection,The Disney Collection, and The Adventure Collection. Disney Vacation Club by Resale Want to get a good deal on a DVC Resale? Click here to view Disney Vacation Clubproperties that are for resale by our affiliate partner, DVC By Resale. DVC By Resale is owned by Shontell Crawford, a licensed real estate broker dealing primarily with DVC property. Disney Vacation Club 2005 Annual Dues The following is a listing of per-point annual dues for 2005 Disney Vacation Club properties: Beach Club Villas - $4.26 Boardwalk Villas - $4.41 Hilton Head - $4.03 Old Key West - $3.86 Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa - $3.82 Villas at Wilderness Lodge - $4.35 Vero Beach - $4.86 Discuss the Disney Vacation Club in our Magical Forums Home - News - Columns - Travel - Forums - Emporium - Photos - Contact Us © 2002-2005 Magical Mountain, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Magical Mountain™ website is a hobbyist/enthusiast website for the fans of The Disney Company.Magical Mountain™ is not affiliated with, authorized or endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with, The Walt Disney Company, Disney Enterprises, Inc., or any of their affiliates. Some images are © The Walt Disney Company. No part of this site may be reproduced without permission. Love Bug (Special Edition) Mickey And The Gang: Classic Stories ... 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South America Travel
Adventure holidays & singles holidays, adventure vacations, adventure travel & singles vacations - USA, Canada, Alaska, Mexico, Latin America & South America The Trek Idea | Why TrekAmerica? | How We Travel | Treknical Details | Special Groups | Contact Us Summer Tours | Winter Tours | Central & South America | Footloose Open Age | Australia | Receive our brochures by Mail or E-mail Availability | Make a Booking | Our Agents | Late Booking Discounts | Insurance | Booking Terms Frequently Asked Questions Trek Tips Information | Trekkers Message Board | Past Trekkers Websites | Trekkers Comments Press Releases | Trek E-Newsletters | Employment | Competitions | Our Affiliates | Useful Links adventure holidays adventure travel UK / International Websites the true spirit of adventure travel For over 30 years, TrekAmerica has been tempting travellers away from the "package" holiday approach and into the world of active and exciting small group adventure holidays. This is the world of TrekAmerica - the specialists in "off the beaten path" adventure travel across the Americas. So why not challenge yourself...not your budget. In addition to our TrekAmerica summer treks, we also offer the following range of adventure options: Footloose for all ages A wide range of camping, lodging, walking, biking & family adventure tours for all ages throughout USA, the Canadian Rockies, Alaska, Mexico, Belize & Guatemala. [ More information... ] TrekAdventures A unique selection of small group adventures through Central & South America including Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina and beyond. [ More information... ] Let's Trek Australia & NZ Sixteen different camping & lodging tours across Australia & New Zealand. Explore the outback, beaches, reefs, mountains & cities Trek style "Down Under". [ More information... ] TrekAmerica WinterSun *NEW 05/06 TREKS* Departing November to March a range of combination camping & lodging treks in the Southern United States, Mexico, Belize & Guatemala. [ More information... ] As North America's largest and most experienced small group adventure travel operator, TrekAmerica has expanded it's offerings with a year-round programme covering USA, Canada, Alaska, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand and 11 countries throughout Central & South America. Whether you are travelling alone or with a group of friends, come and explore with us the awe-inspiring National Parks, vibrant cities, tropical beaches and mysterious indigenous civilisations that makes the Americas a truly unique travel destination. The true spirit of adventure travel... Working with the Parks Our U.S division, Premiere International Corp / {dba} TREKAMERICA is operating under a variety of Incidental Business and Special Use Permits from the United States National Park Service, the United States National Forest Service, the United States Bureau of Land Management, the Park Service of Canada, the Hopi Indian Nation and the Navajo Indian Nation. TrekAmerica is an equal opportunity service provider. TrekAmerica Summer Adventure Tours | TrekAmerica Winter Adventure Tours | TrekAdventures South America Tours Footloose open age & family Adventure Holidays | Let's Trek Australia & New Zealand Tours USA tours | America tours | Canada tours | Alaska tours | Mexico tours | Belize tours | Guatemala tours Costa Rica tours | Peru tours | Ecuador tours | Bolivia tours | Chile tours | Argentina tours | Patagonia Tours Trek Amerika German Home Page | Trek America Dutch Home Page | Trek America Japanese Home Page If you have any suggestions or comments about our website please e-mail our webmaster © TrekAmerica Travel Ltd. All trademarks remain the property of their owners. All holidays are operated by Trek America Travel Ltd, a member of the First Choice group of companies, of First Choice House, Crawley, RH10 9GX. site map Hurricane update Create your own trip website Lastest Visa Information Since running our first tours back in 1971, TrekAmerica has established its place as the largest and most experienced small group adventure travel operator in North America covering the USA, Canada, Alaska, Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Peru, Inca Trail, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Patagonia, Australia & New Zealand . TrekAmerica's adventure holidays are a unique combination of sightseeing and exciting activities that will take you to the big cities, National Parks, remote beaches and many other hidden places off the tourist routes. Hike in deep canyons and up high mountains; explore hot deserts and cool lakes; enjoy vibrant cities and little known towns. See the best of North America and experience the many adventures this beautiful land has to offer, with plenty of free time to join in with the action or just sit back and relax. Looking for a singles holidays ... No problem... many of our passengers are single travellers seeking the safety and camaraderie you can only find in a small group. Australia adventure Footloose adventure travel, walking, lodging, mountain biking & family adventure holidays Why TrekAmerica adventure tour operator singles travel singles holidays singles vacations Exodus Travel Discovery, Wildlife & Adventure Caradonna diving specialists FlexiSki skiing holidays SunSail sailing holidays Adventure Company family adventure specialists Trips Worldwide Latin America holidays Waymark cross country skiing and walking holidays Australia Zealand adventure Connoisseur Inland Waterways Boating Holidays
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... 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Russia Travel
Russia RUSSIAN PASSPORT www.russia-rail.com We are the Russian, China, Mongolian Travel Experts C O N T E N T S What we offer Meet the staff Russian rail Journeys Private Trans Siberian Tour Moscow St Petersburg Golden Ring Other areas of Russia River Cruise Russia Central Asia China Mongolia Backpacker Bus Russia Russian Aviation history and Fly MIGS! Comments from Past Travellers General Information and Booking Conditions Picture Gallery Unusual Things and Facts Email us 11a 401 St Kilda Rd Melbourne 3004 Australia Tel +61 3 9867-3888 Fax +61 3 9820-0802 Who we are RUSSIAN PASSPORT has been operating a wide variety of programmes into Russia since 1989, starting with university language study groups. We even have genuine "Communist Party" flags that were flying atop the buildings during the 1991 "August Coup". Our Operations Manager was with a language study group and was "in the right place at the right time". As Russia opened up we introduced Trans Siberian, Trans Mongolian, Trans Manchurian, Silk Route and BAM rail journeys at the real price. Others were paying thousands of dollars while our clients were paying hundreds! Same bed, same cabin ! July 2005 Update: St Petersburg Up Close Our escorted group departure to explore this cities history with an emphasis on the Romanoff period, has just concluded. Should you be interested in this tour for 2006 please register your interest. During the 'White Nights' period. We then explored North Korea and added Mongolia to our portfolio. Since then we have organised white water canoe trips into the wilds of Central Asia, sent individuals and guided groups across Russia on the magnificent train journeys, organised varied special interest groups, and continued to pioneer new routes. We were the first to explore the BAM Trans Siberian route - previously closed to foreigners. In fact we explored so much that our colleague, Athol Yates, wrote the definitive guide book for this route -BAM Trans Siberian Route - which has been published by "TrailBlazers" of the UK, who also publish the classic guide for this route, "The Trans Siberian Handbook". Following this success Athol was commissioned by BRADT Publishing in the UK to write a book for their rail travel series called, "Russia and the Ukraine by Rail". To top it all off our research team was asked by TrailBlazers to update their own ‘Trans Siberian Handbook’! All these efforts result in great trips, and up to date information. Check this web site for any changes to the content of the brochure you may have. Access to this site means you will always be up to date with regard to travelling to Russia, China and Mongolia. You will also note our name is referenced in most of the guidebooks relating to these areas. In fact we have helped many of the guidebook authors travel around Russia in as flexible a manner as possible.