Category: Travel Places

Craters of the Moon National Monument

National Park Week 2024: Day 4

Next on my 2024 National Park Week series, we will jump up to Idaho to visit another very remote National Park Service property – Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve!

Craters of the Moon National Monument

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is a unique area of volcanic cinder cones, lava rock, and sagebrush, located in southern Idaho. Visitors can explore miles of trails, caves, and scenic byways along the park’s 9-mile loop road.  The astronauts from Apollo 14 even visited in 1969!

Come check out this unique park with us – Craters of the Moon National Monument.

Please contact me if you would like to chat about planning a National Park trip.
AdventuresByAnne.com

National Park Week

Great Basin National Park

National Park Week 2024: Day 3

Continuing with the cave theme on my 2024 National Park Week series, we will tour another major cave park and one of the most remote parks – Great Basin National Park!

Except, we didn’t get to see the caves…

See what happened on our trip to Great Basin National Park.

Please contact me if you would like to chat about planning a National Park trip.
AdventuresByAnne.com

National Park Week

Mammoth Cave National Park

National Park Week 2024: Day 2

Next on my 2024 National Park Week series, we’re going underground to Mammoth Cave National Park!

Mammoth Cave National Park

If you like caves, you have to visit Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky! Mammoth Cave is the longest known cave system that has been explored at over 400 miles, but who knows how much more is yet to be discovered. There are several different tours of varying lengths and difficulties to explore different areas of the cave system.

Come join us on a tour of Mammoth Cave National Park!

Please contact me if you would like to chat about planning a National Park trip.
AdventuresByAnne.com

National Park Week

Hot Springs National Park

National Park Week 2024: Day 1

To kick off my 2024 National Park Week series, we’re going to a very unique park – Hot Springs National Park!

Hot Springs National Park

Instead of just one natural park-like location, Hot Springs National Park bleeds into the town of Hot Springs, Arkansas, all of which should be a part of your Hot Springs National Park visit. The rivers of mineral water that flow from the hot springs stream into various spas, hotels, restaurants, and other locations in town.

Come join us at Hot Springs National Park!

Please contact me if you would like to chat about planning a National Park trip.
AdventuresByAnne.com

National Park Week

National Park Week 2024

National Park Week

To celebrate National Park Week last year, I started a series featuring a different national park each day. I’ve always loved the national parks around the country, so I want to share more of them with you and hope you can visit them too. 

For this year’s National Park Week, I’ll be featuring more parks that we’ve visited. Follow along on my Park Visits page for a new post each day featuring a new park. Also, subscribe to my mailing list to follow along with emails.


This year, National Park Week is celebrated from April 20 – 28th. To kick it off, the parks that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission on Saturday, April 20, 2024. The National Park Service parks and related entities will host activities all week.

We love the national parks! We’ve been to just over half of the major U.S. ones so far, and honestly, we cannot name one that we didn’t like. It’s hard to pick a favorite. Each one is so different and so cool in its own way. Hopefully, you can learn more about each park and explore them yourself, too.

Visit this NPS page for detailed information on all of the events to celebrate National Park Week. #NationalParkWeek

Monday, April 22nd, is also Earth Day, so check out the Earth Day page for activities to commemorate this. #EarthDay

Visit the NPS site to learn more about the national parks and to plan your visit. Note that some parks require timed entry tickets, so plan ahead.

If you can’t travel to them in person, you can visit the parks virtually! There are many virtual events as well.

Feel free to contact me if you want to chat about a national park trip. Hopefully, we’ll see you out there!

Earth Day

Pics ©National Park Service

Disney World Summer and Early Fall 2024 Savings

Disney Summer Offers

Disney announced new resort savings offers for Summer through Early Fall 2024. On sale now. Lock in your summer vacation now with just a $200 deposit!

Even if you already have a trip booked, you may be able to get one of these offers applied to it if your booking fits the criteria.

Disney® Visa® Free Dining Offer

Enjoy a FREE dining plan when you use your Disney Visa Card to purchase a non-discounted 4-night, 4-day Walt Disney Travel Company package that includes a room at a select Disney Resort hotel and a theme park ticket with a Park Hopper option – for arrivals most nights from:

  • July 1 to July 31, 2024
  • September 1 to September 7, 2024
  • December 9 to December 21, 2024

The dining plan included in this special offer depends on the Disney Resort hotel you selected. The Disney Dining Plan is included when you choose a stay at a Disney Deluxe or Disney Deluxe Villa Resort hotel. The Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan is included when you choose a stay at a Disney Moderate or Disney Value Resort hotel. Offer excludes select room types.

The number of packages allocated for this offer is limited. Disney Visa Cardmember must stay in the room. Everyone in the same room must be on the same package. Advance package reservations are required. Some Table-Service restaurants may have limited or no availability at time of package purchase.

All Guests: Stay Longer and Save More on Rooms

Save 10% – 30% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels when you stay 5 – 14 consecutive nights or 10% – 25% on shorter stays. This offer is valid for stays most nights from July 8 to October 3, 2024.

Florida Residents: Save Up to 30% on Rooms

Florida residents can save 10% – 30% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels, valid for 1 – 14 night stays most nights from July 8 – October 3, 2024.

Proof of Florida residency is required at check-in.

Annual Passholders: Save Up to 35% on Rooms

For 1 – 14 night stays from July 8 – October 3, 2024, annual passholders can save 10% – 35% depending on the resort.

Proof of Annual Pass required at check-in.

Mickey waffles

This is a good time to book a trip while these offers are going on. The previously posted Ticket Offer is still valid for summer stays as well. Lock in a deal with just a $200 deposit for packages with rooms and tickets or the first night rate for room-only bookings before they sell out.

The number of rooms allocated for any of these offers is limited and excludes certain room types. Savings are based on the non-discounted price for the same room.

Feel free to contact me to check if your desired resort has availability for any offers.

AdventuresByAnne.com

AdventuresByAnne@gmail.com

Test Track Closing

New Test Track concept art

Disney just announced that Test Track in EPCOT at Disney World will close temporarily beginning June 17, 2024 for reimagining. 

They are reaching back into Disney history for inspiration for the redesign of this ride, including the original World of Motion attraction from the early days of EPCOT. The picture above is a first look at a brand-new rendering of the attraction.

If you have huge Test Track fans in your group, take note of this closing date when planning your trip. No reopening date has been announced yet but it’s expected to be closed for several months for this extended reimagining.

If you want to chat about this or about planning your next Disney trip, please contact me.

AdventuresByAnne@gmail.com

Pic ©Disney

Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights 2024

Universal Orlando just announced this year’s Halloween Horror Nights event! It will take place on select nights August 30 – November 3, 2024, primarily Wednesday – Sunday nights, from 6:30pm – 2am.

Tickets are on sale now! There are also express passes, R.I.P. tours, and hotel packages. Select ticket purchases come with 6 months of Peacock streaming this year.

Halloween Horror Nights is a separately ticketed nighttime event, with 5 scare zones, 10 haunted houses, live entertainment, rides and attractions, food, merchandise, and more. Details of the haunted houses are yet to be revealed. Stay tuned!

Note that some of the scares are pretty intense and gory, so it may be too much for the little ones and the faint of heart. It is not recommended for those under age 13. There are plenty of YouTube videos about it from previous years if you want to get a sense of what it’s really like first.

This is a very popular event so if you are interested, you should buy your tickets ASAP.

For more details, visit the Universal Orlando Horror Nights site.

Contact me if you want me to help plan your Universal trip.

AdventuresByAnne.com

© Universal Studios

Universal Epic Universe – How To Train Your Dragon

How to Train Your Dragon

Universal Epic Universe introduced details of one of the worlds, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, in this new theme park, opening in 2025 at Universal Orlando Resort.

In How to Train Your Dragon, take to the skies and soar with dragons as you explore the colorful Viking village at the heart of Berk. From an exciting coaster to a heart-warming live show, it’s fire-breathing fun for all ages.

Hiccup’s Wing Gliders – Get a dragon’s eye view as Hiccup’s latest flying (coaster) contraption sends you swooping and soaring, above and around the Isle of Berk.

Dragon Racer’s Rally – Hold on tight and practice aerobatic maneuvers on a Viking-made dragon-riding trainer in hopes of becoming a champion dragon-racer.

Fyre Drill – Ruffnut & Tuffnut have created a watery boat battle where teams of Vikings compete to outscore and out-soak each other.

The Untrainable Dragon – The arrival of a new dragon in Berk presents a challenge to Hiccup, Gobber and Astrid in this spectacular live show.

Viking Training Camp – Young Vikings will discover all types of dragons as they climb, slide and explore in this sprawling, interactive adventure play camp.

Mead Hall – Feast like Vikings on a hearty menu of meats, fish, and drinks including a variety of meads, ciders and ales.

How to Train Your Dragon

In addition, meet Hiccup and Toothless at the Haddock Paddock and meet other Vikings and dragons around Berk. You may even catch a glimpse of dragons flying high above the village!

Are you excited for this new world?


Epic Universe Overview

The image above shows an overview of Universal Epic Universe along with the other worlds that make up the park. More details will be revealed about each in the coming months. Stay tuned!

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Ministry of Magic

In The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – Ministry of Magic™, explore international wizarding communities from 1920s Paris to the 1990s British Ministry via floo network.

Super Nintendo World

At Super Nintendo World™ you’ll experience a new way to play, from challenging Bowser on the Mario Kart™ ride to venturing through Donkey Kong Country™ and so much more.

Dark Universe

In Dark Universe, explore a world of myth and mystery, from the experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein to a shadowy landscape where monsters roam.

Celestial Park

Celestial Park is the central hub area of Epic Universe, with lush tree-lined walkways, dancing fountains, restaurants, shops, and more.

Visit my previous post to see the details revealed already about Celestial Park.

Universal Epic Universe

Contact me if you want to chat about planning a Universal trip. Subscribe to my blog and follow my Instagram and Facebook to get future updates on this new park.

AdventuresByAnne.com

Universal Epic Universe

© Universal Studios

Universal Orlando Offers

Universal Studios Orlando

Universal Orlando Resort currently has several ticket deals and special offers. Now is a great time to book your next Universal trip!

Save 25% on a 3-Park, 5-Night Package

This offer is valid for a 5-night stay at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal’s Aventura Hotel, or Loews Portofino Bay Hotel in a standard room with a 3-Park 5-Day Park-to-Park ticket between 11/12/23 – 07/31/24.

3-Park 5-Night Vacation Package Starting From Only $89 Per Person, Per Night

This offer is valid for a 5-night stay at select Universal Partner Hotels in a standard room with a 3-Park 4-Day Base ticket (one park per day) and a $75 Bundle and Save Discount off the total vacation package price. It can be upgraded to a stay at a Universal Orlando Resort Hotel. Valid for bookings between 3/14/24-6/12/24 and for stays on select nights 3/14/24-3/22/24, 4/16/24-6/26/24, 7/14/24-8/16/24, or 9/1/24-12/18/24.

Save 20% on 4-Nights at a Universal Orlando Hotel

Stay at a Universal Orlando hotel for four or more nights and save 20% on a non-discounted room rate. This offer is valid for stays between Jan. 2-Feb. 15, Feb. 25-29, Apr. 7-May 23, May 27-Nov. 26, or Dec. 1-19, 2024. Separate theme park admission tickets are required for theme park entry.

Save up to $668 on a 4+ Night Stay at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Stay at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and enjoy exclusive theme park benefits like Universal Express Unlimited. Book by Aug. 6, 2024 for travel Sundays-Thursdays between May 31-Aug. 10, 2024.

Play 4 Days From $74 Per Day, Plus Tax

This offer is valid for a 2-Park 4-Day base ticket valid for one park a day at either Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure. It may be upgraded to a park-to-park ticket or a 3-park ticket to include Volcano Bay.

Get 3 Months Free on Any Annual Pass

Buy a new Universal Annual Pass and get three extra months of fun. Blockout dates and restrictions apply.

Military Ticket Deals and Specials

As thanks for your service, Universal offers specially priced tickets and vacation packages to active duty and retired service members. Purchase exclusively at your Authorized Military Ticket and Travel Office.

Universal Royal Pacific Resort

Florida Residents: Buy a Day, Get 2 Days Free On a 2-Park, 1-Day Park-to-Park Ticket

Florida residents can get 2 days free when they buy a 1-day 2-Park Park-to-Park ticket. Add a day at Universal Volcano Bay for only $28 more. This ticket is not available at the front gate; it must be bought online. Use by 6/26/24. Ticket prices vary by day. Blockout dates and restrictions apply.

Florida Residents: Save 40% on Rooms at Select Universal Orlando Hotels

Florida residents can save 40% on rooms at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel only for travel Sun – Thur. 2/15 – 3/21/24, 4/7 – 5/23/24 and 5/27 – 5/30/24. Savings are based on the non-discounted double occupancy price for the same room before tax. Limited availability and subject to capacity and change without notice. A valid Florida ID is required at check-in. Separate theme park admission is required for theme park entry.

Florida Residents: Create Your Own Vacation Package

Florida residents can select the hotel of their choice, customize their theme park admission, and add vacation enhancements to enjoy Universal Orlando Resort the way they want to. Must be purchased by April 17, 2024 for travel before December 31, 2024.

Universal Wizarding World of Harry Potter

There are many options for planning an amazing Universal trip this year. In addition to these offers, several standard packages are available year-round, such as the The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ Exclusive Vacation Package. Visit the Universal Special Offers page and Universal Packages page for more details.

We love the Universal Parks! If you’re a fellow Harry Potter fan, these parks are definitely a must-do. Please contact me if you want to chat more about planning a Universal trip.

AdventuresByAnne.com

©Universal Studios