Save on Theme Park Admission

Experiencing the thrills and chills of a major theme park isn’t cheap.  In fact, paying for a family of four to visit kid-friendly vacation destinations like Six Flags Great America or Universal Studios can really put a dent in your bank account.  Still, taking a spin on the latest and greatest amusement park rides is what makes summer so memorable. If you are an adrenaline junkie, but are short on cash, consider the following money-saving tips that will allow you to get your theme park fix this summer without going bankrupt: SIX FLAGS Coke Cans:  Coke can discounts are a … Continue reading

Theme Park Fun

Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri just announced that it is teaming up with area hotels and other attractions to offer discounts on package deals to families who want to spend spring break in the Show-Me-State without breaking the bank. The popular theme park is just one of dozens of companies lending a helping hand to cash-strapped parents, who want to make this spring break memorable for their kids. Sea World in Florida and the San Diego Zoo are also appealing to families on a budget. Both theme parks are freezing the price of their annual passes, in an effort … Continue reading

How to Have a Thrilling Thanksgiving

If your idea of a thrilling Thanksgiving consists of fishing Aunt Louise’s dentures out of the mashed potatoes and safeguarding your fine crystal from your overzealous uncle, who insists he’s a professional juggler after a few cocktails, then I have two words for you: Universal Studios. For the first time since opening in 1964, Universal Studios Hollywood will be open on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Ditch your dysfunctional relatives and head to a place where the thrills and chills don’t involve your wedding china. The amusement park has long been a favorite destination for families to celebrate special occasions. In … Continue reading

Massive Blaze Ravages Popular Movie Studio

King Kong may have met his match (no pun intended) when a massive fire tore through his popular exhibit this morning destroying three quarters of it. According to news reports, right now damage to Universal Studios Hollywood is still being assessed but firefighters say a sizeable portion of the place where movie magic happens has either been destroyed or damaged. Fire officials confirm that at least one building has burned and as many as three blocks of movie facades are now ash. Fire investigators have not determined what caused the blaze but say it broke out just before dawn on … Continue reading

Make Your Summer Travel Plans Now

Now that you know where to go in San Diego if you are working on a limited travel budget let’s move to the other side of the country. I’m shining the summer travel spotlight on Florida today—-specifically Orlando. Personally, I place Florida in the same category as Hawaii. Neither (in my opinion) needs much in the way of an introduction or any quirky tidbits on why you should visit the area at least once in your life. However, I think it is helpful (especially for repeat visitors) to stay on top of any new attractions the area has to offer. … Continue reading

Halloween Horror Nights: Can Your Marriage Survive It?

If you read Date Night at a Haunted House is Supposed to Be Fun, Right? you know I have issues about haunted houses, haunted barns, scream parks, whatever you might call them. That’s why you might be surprised to know I did try to go to one with Wayne again. Round Two It was about four years ago. We were living in Jacksonville, Florida and I had a writer’s conference down in Altamonte Springs, which is right outside Orlando. It was during October and the height of Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights. It was supposed to be amazing and both … Continue reading

What’s the Difference Between Disney World and Universal Studios?

A common question I hear from those taking the trip to Orlando to visit Walt Disney World is, “Should I see Universal as well?” It’s a good question and my answer would vary depending on who was asking me. First, it’s imperative to know that if you’ve never done Disney, you’re going to need at least four days to see all the parks. I would actually recommend at least five, but understandably, not everyone can spare that much time out of their schedules. With four theme parks, two water parks, a shopping village, and more, it’s hard to fit everything … Continue reading