Note: this information was for 2008!
September is a slow month for many destinations, once school-age kids are back at their desks. Eureka! A number of players in the family travel scene have had a bright idea: let's make Fall a special season for families with preschoolers.
Orlando: September at Nick Hotel
Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn is an x-treme fun spot in Orlando, 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.
Disney World
Both Disney World and Disneyland have "Magical Beginnings", special features and entertainment, year-round, for the toddler set. In the past Disney World has also had "Little Ones Travel Time" in early fall, with special concerts and Extra Magic Hours in Fantasyland; while this hasn't continued, families can still find excellent discounts on packages for early fall.
Great Wolf Lodge: Wolf Pup Weeks
Great Wolf Lodge is a name brand in waterpark resorts, with rustic-styled resorts in over a dozen locations, all with lavish water parks and other signature features, including seasonal “Howl-o-Ween” and “Snowland”. Add to this a mini-season for preschoolers: Wolf Pup Weeks welcome families in September, after the big wolves go back to school. Check at individual Lodges for special activities and low-priced packages.
Beaches Resorts
Beaches is a popular brand of family all inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, with kids programs for many ages, including infant care. Also for wee kids, year-round, Beaches has Sesame Street characters and themed activities and Crayola Art Camps. Add to this, some nice extras during Beaches WonderFALL: free nights, and up to 45% off regular rates; Sesame Street Special Events, such as extra appearances by characters, and live shows*. Beaches also has a price break for single parents from late August through October.
Finally: in late fall, Orlando's NickelHotel has a second month for the younger set, with November NOGGIN month-- 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. NOGGIN month has fun events and special rates. Look for a repeat, at the http://www.nickhotel.com]NickHotel site.
Note: this information was for 2008!
*Always check destination web sites for updates and changes year to year.
*photo © Teresa Plowright
