Tarah Chieffi – Trips To Discover

What to Bring to An Amusement Park: A Theme Park Expert’s 15 Must-Have Items

Tarah Chieffi — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 14:30:06 +0000

As a travel writer who specializes in theme parks, visiting places like Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Universal Orlando is my job. I visit often (I’m on a flight to Orlando, FL as I write this) and I’ve learned a lot over the years about what to pack and what to leave at home. I save plenty of room in my suitcase for souvenirs, so I pack light and this list of essentials are the items that you’ll always find in my bag.

What to Bring to An Amusement Park:

14 Best Places to See Alligators in Florida

Tarah Chieffi — Fri, 18 Feb 2022 14:30:57 +0000

Have you ever heard that if you see a body of fresh water in Florida, there’s probably an alligator in it? As far as we know, nobody has tested the theory, but we do know Florida is one of the best places to see alligators, both in the wild and in animal refuges and zoological parks. You don’t have to travel all the way to the Everglades to see them, either. There are spots to see gators in all parts of Florida.

Before you set out on your alligator adventure, be sure to study up on alligator safety. Never approach an alligator and never attempt to feed one in the wild (doing so is actually illegal in Florida). For the most part, if you respect an alligator’s space, they will respect yours and you can safely observe these awesome animals.

9 Things To Do in Vegas Besides Gambling

Tarah Chieffi — Thu, 30 Dec 2021 14:30:28 +0000

Las Vegas and gambling are about as synonymous as it gets. If you aren’t that into risking your money on games of chance, it’s possible Vegas isn’t on your travel radar, but it should be. There are so many things to do in Vegas that have absolutely nothing to do with gambling and everything to do with fun, food, amazing views, and, in one case, a trippy art experience like no other. Here are 9 things to do in Vegas that’ll make you feel like a winner every time.

9 Activities You Can Only Do at Disney World Hotels

Tarah Chieffi — Mon, 27 Dec 2021 14:15:08 +0000

When you visit Walt Disney World, it can be tempting to spend all of your time at the Central Florida resort’s four theme parks. If you do that, though, you’ll miss out on all of the exciting activities you can only do at the onsite hotels. Every Disney World hotel holds weekly pool parties and movies under the stars, but there are certain activities that are only available at certain resorts.

Most of these are open to the public (even if you aren’t staying at that particular hotel), but some do require advance reservations. Book your spot early so you don’t miss out on the fun.

9 Best Holiday Getaways in Tennessee

Tarah Chieffi — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 14:15:59 +0000

The holidays are here again and if you’re looking to trade the hustle and bustle for a cozy getaway, Tennessee has a variety of resorts and vacation rentals with decor, activities, and packages that will make the holiday season extra special. From Smoky Mountain log cabins to historic hotels with visits from Santa, these holiday getaways in Tennessee are just what Santa ordered.

8 Super Sweet Food Factory & Shop Tours Around the U.S.

Tarah Chieffi — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 14:00:37 +0000

Road trips and snacking go together like peas and carrots (though neither of those are great road trip snacks), but we’ve got an idea that’s even better than stocking up at a roadside gas station. Next time you hit the road, tailor your route to include one (or more!) of these candy, chocolate, or ice cream factory tours. Even if it’s just a little bit out of the way, it’ll be the sweetest detour of your life.

10 Must-Do Experiences For Families at Dollywood

Tarah Chieffi — Fri, 08 Oct 2021 13:30:37 +0000

No family vacation to Pigeon Forge is complete without a visit to the Dollywood theme park. With world-class entertainment, high-speed coasters, and plenty of pint-sized attractions, there really is something for everyone. There are certain attractions and activities that are must-dos for families visiting Dollywood to create lasting memories and have the most Smoky Mountain fun you can pack into one vacation.

What’s New for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Celebration

Tarah Chieffi — Thu, 07 Oct 2021 13:45:19 +0000

When Walt Disney World opened on Oct. 1st, 1971, it changed the landscape of Central Florida both literally and figuratively. What once was mostly swampland at the headwaters to the Everglades quickly became the “Vacation Kingdom of the World.” Now, 50 years later, Disney World has only grown, both in size and popularity, and the park is celebrating this major milestone with an 18-month-long party across all four theme parks, Disney Springs, and the on-site resort hotels. Here’s what you can experience during The World’s Most Magical Celebration at Disney World.

Complete Guide to the Holidays at Disneyland Resort

Tarah Chieffi — Fri, 01 Oct 2021 13:00:29 +0000

Disneyland is often billed as “The Happiest Place on Earth,” but during the holiday season this family-friendly destination magically transforms into “The Merriest Place on Earth.” And because they want to ensure every Disneyland visitor has a chance to get in on the festive fun, the holiday season begins on Nov. 12th, 2021, and runs all the way through the new year until Jan. 9th, 2022. The celebration encompasses Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park with decor, food, entertainment, after-hours parties, and, yes, actual snow in Southern California.

How to Celebrate the Holiday Season at Walt Disney World

Tarah Chieffi — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 13:00:20 +0000

The holidays at Walt Disney World encompass all four theme parks, Disney Springs, and the resort’s on-site hotels. The jolly season kicks off at Disney World on Nov. 12, 2021, and visitors this year have the added benefit of celebrating Disney World’s 50th anniversary at the same time. Each park marks the occasion differently with festive food, decor, and entertainment. Here’s everything you need to know if you plan to celebrate the holiday season at Disney World.

10 Tips For Visiting Disney World’s Blizzard Beach with Kids

Tarah Chieffi — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 13:30:32 +0000

In addition to Walt Disney World’s four theme parks, there are two water parks on property where guests can relax and cool off when they need a break from the parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Blizzard Beach is home to Disney World’s fastest ride, a body slide aptly named Summit Plummet, but it also has a multitude of kid-friendly rides, play areas, and snacks. If you’re planning to visit Blizzard Beach with kids, these are the top things you need to know before you go.

8 Best Disney World Hotels for Large & Extended Family Vacations

Tarah Chieffi — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 13:30:57 +0000

There are more than two dozen hotels at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., and hundreds more in the surrounding area. However, if your family is so large you’ve upgraded to a minivan (or larger) or you are traveling to Walt Disney World with your extended family, not just any hotel room will do. You need spaces that allow for both solo time and family togetherness, lots of storage, and, let’s face it, more than one bathroom. These eight hotels in and around Disney World are specially designed to accommodate large families who need more than a standard hotel room.

LEGOLAND Florida Resort: An Expert’s Guide to Planning Your Visit

Tarah Chieffi — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 13:00:20 +0000

LEGOLAND Florida Resort in Winter Haven, FL is one of 10 LEGOLAND resorts around the world. While LEGO toys bill themselves as being made for kids of all ages, LEGOLAND theme parks are built primarily for kids ages 12 and under — so it’s one of the best things to do with kids in Central Florida. The height requirements for most rides aren’t out of reach for younger kids and there are attractions and play areas specially designed for toddlers and preschoolers. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting LEGOLAND Florida Resort.

11 Best Themed & Luxury Vrbos Near Walt Disney World

Tarah Chieffi — Mon, 02 Aug 2021 13:10:53 +0000

Orlando, Florida is the theme park capital of the world, and with millions of visitors flocking to the area every year, it may just be the vacation rental home capital of the world, as well. Whether you’re looking for top-of-the-line accommodations, 10 or more bedrooms for group gatherings, or affordable accommodations that don’t skip on theming, there are a plethora of Vrbo vacation rentals just a short drive from Walt Disney World. Here are some of the best Vrbo rental homes that will make your next Disney vacation even more magical.

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Universal Orlando Resort

Tarah Chieffi — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 13:10:06 +0000

With three fun-filled parks, eight hotels, and dozens of shopping and dining options, Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando, Fla., has blockbuster fun for everyone. While planning your visit, this guide will help you choose where to stay, what to eat, and which attractions to add to your “must-ride” list.

Top 11 Universal Orlando Hotels (& Nearby Options)

Tarah Chieffi — Mon, 05 Jul 2021 13:20:00 +0000

You can pack a lot of fun into a day at Universal Orlando Resort in sunny Orlando, Florida, but where you rest your head at the end of the day can make your visit even more memorable. There are plenty of hotels near Universal Orlando, eight of which are right on Universal property.

All of Universal Orlando Resort’s onsite hotels have perks like early theme park entry and complimentary transportation to the parks, but they all have their own unique offerings, as well. We’re breaking down each of the onsite hotels, along with three that are close by, so you can choose a hotel that’s just as much fun as Universal’s theme parks.