the Official Blog of the Unofficial Guides

  • Disney River Cruise with Adventures by Disney

    Erin Foster, coauthor of The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line, just returned from an Adventures by Disney river cruise on the Rhine River. She took a week-long voyage with her college-age daughter and packed a lot into a seven-night sailing trip. Here is her report! A Disney river cruise can be a great alternative to ocean cruising for travelers who

  • Remembering your Disney Trip

    Here are some tips on how to remember your Disney trip. Remember, these are just tips. First and foremost, you are on vacation, so enjoy! Purchase a notebook for each child and spend time each evening recording the day’s events. If your children have trouble getting motivated or don’t know what to write about, start a discussion; otherwise, let them

  • Respect the Sun When at Theme Parks

    No matter which theme park you visit from coast to coast, make sure you respect the sun! Health and science writer Avery Hurt sheds some light on the often-confusing products and methods for avoiding sunburn. Here’s the basic advice from a medical expert. Choose a sunscreen that is convenient for you to use. Some prefer sprays, others lotions. The form

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    Money-Saving Tips for Your Walt Disney World Trip

    Sometimes finding an inexpensive hotel, discounts on third-party admission tickets, and budget-friendly restaurants is just not enough, as you can do all of that and still need to cut your budget. Here are six money-savings tips that can save you up to $500. These savings are based on a family of four (two adults and two children ages 3 and

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    Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel, the Crown Jewel of Disneyland Resorts

    The Grand Californian Hotel is the crown jewel of Disneyland Resort’s three hotels. With its shingle siding, rock foundations, cavernous hewn-beam lobby, polished hardwood floors, and cozy hearths, the hotel is a stately combination of elements from Western national park lodges. Designed by architect Peter Dominick (who also designed the Wilderness Lodge at Walt Disney World), the Grand Californian is