Summertime is of course peak travel season for families, when schoolkids have their long holidays. That peak drops as early as mid-August, when many kids head back to school; and by September all those crowds in the theme parks have thinned.
Eureka! A number of players in the family travel scene have had a bright idea: let's make September prime season for families with preschoolers. Read more below about special rates and services in September (and even later in the fall)...
Disney World's "Little Ones Travel Time"
Both Disney World and Disneyland have "Magical Beginnings", special features and entertainment for the toddler set. Disney World takes it further with "Little Ones Travel Time", August 26 October 28 2007, with special concerts, amenities, and early Extra Magic Hours in Fantasyland.
Orlando: September at Nick Hotel
Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn is an x-treme fun spot in Orlando year-round, with two on-site waterparks, convenient "KidSuites", and theming, pool games and entertainment by Nickelodeon.
September is "Nick Jr. Month", with special activities for pint-sized visitors. For example: kids can join Dora the Explorer and Boots on a musical journey, catch special appearances from Nick Jr. (tv channel's) stars, try some themed arts and crafts.
Great Wolf Lodge: Wolf Pup Weeks
Great Wolf Lodge has emerged as a name brand in waterpark resorts: the original is in Wisconsin Dells, and GWL has opened rustic-styled resorts with lavish water parks in Sandusky Ohio, the Poconos PA, and many other locations, with signature features, and seasonal “Howl-o-Ween” and “Snowland”.
Now there's a new season for preschoolers: Wolf Pup Weeks welcomes families in September, after the big wolves go back to school. Packages includes character buffet breakfast with mascots Wiley the Wolf and Biko the Bear; other discounts and coupons; and suites start at a low $149/night.
Beaches Resorts
Beaches is a popular brand of family all-inclusives, with kids programs for many ages, including infant care. Also for wee kids: Beaches has a Sesame Street characters and themed activities; Crayola Art Camps; nanny services (at an extra charge.)
Beaches in the fall: rates are discounted up to 45%, and little kids can enjoy Beaches Resorts Caribbean Adventure with Sesame Street, daily appearances of characters such as Elmo and Cookie Monster, character breakfasts, activities such as baking cookies with Cookie Monster; and live entertainment Sesame Street Stage Shows. Also, Beaches has a price break for single parents from late August through October.
November NOGGIN month at NickHotel-- NOGGIN being the educational preschool network from Nickelodeon, and NickHotel (as noted above) being that very fun place in Orlando with on-site waterparks and entertainment by Nickelodeon. November 2007 introduced NOGGIN month with fun events and rates from $149/night. Read more at the http://www.nickhotel.com]NickHotel site.
*photo © Teresa Plowright
