THE VANCOUVER SUN, SATURDAY, JANUARY 6, 2007
with CHERYL MacKINNON
lifestyles
H10
Canadian Travel and Lifestyles Heading into the south eastern United States on holiday is an especially long trip from British Columbia. With kids in tow, it seems longer. I recommend an overnight stay in Toronto. Go for the weekend, check into the very kid-friendly Delta Chelsea and enjoy the fabulous sites and sounds of Toronto. Located in the heart of downtown, the hotel boasts a separate kids’ registration desk, a 130’ heated indoor waterslide, with guest rooms and suites perfect for families. A stopover here and the entire family will be happy, rested and ready for their photo op with Mickey. Visit www.deltahotels.com or call 1.800.243.5732.
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Toronto Delta Chelsea Kids Check-In
TRAVEL
A SPECIAL REPORT PROVIDED BY GLOBAL TV'S CHERYL MACKINNON AND
Travel & Lifestyles is a weekly information report from Cheryl MacKinnon, Founder of ‘kid friendly!’ family travel and Tourism Industry of Canada 2006 Travel Media Award Finalist for outstanding tourism promotion of Canada. Watch Cheryl on Global TV Morning News every Wednesday at 8:45 a.m. in B.C. www.kidfriendlycanada.com
Take a Safari with Mickey cherylmack@shaw.ca Photo Credit: B. Bond
A
vacation that includes Mickey is always a sure bet to days of fun and laughter. But did you know it could also be just a wee bit educational, in a most entertaining way? A trip to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida is all this and more. From the moment you arrive at the front door of the African-inspired property, the pungent scent of wood-burning fires will tickle your noses. This smell will immediately become the primary identifier in a series of attributes unique to the Animal Kingdom Lodge. The genuine warmth of Disney hospitality extended by management and staff will bowl you over, it’s true. And yes, the guest rooms with their
It Was All Started by a Mouse If I were choosing famous people with whom to have dinner, Walt Disney would be high on my invitation list. An entertainment pioneer, Disney’s legacy is synonymous with family and fun. While watching the movie “A Man and His Dream” onsite at Disney World, I was deeply moved by this individual’s courage, drive and determination, and his humility. Most of all, I was awe-struck by what Walt Disney’s incredible imagination continues to bring to millions of people living around the world…entertainment, pure, clean entertainment. Walt introduced generations of families to groundbreaking cartoons, feature films and outstanding theme park experiences. When he started on Disneyland his wife used to say “But why do you want to build an amusement park? They’re so dirty.” Walt told her “That was just the point – his wouldn’t be!” Launched in 1955, by its third decade, Disneyland had entertained more than 250 million people including presidents, kings and queens, and VIPs from around the globe. Today, there are Disney Parks located in Paris, Tokyo and Hong Kong as well as the United States, and there’s more. Disney Cruises run year-round as does world class touring with Adventures by Disney. Each of these trips could find you experiencing Disney magic
Walt Disney with Mickey
with the entire family, grandma and grandpa included. The creation of an adorable cartoon character – Mickey Mouse, which Walt felt simply represented ‘a means to an end’ when Mickey first leapt onto the page during a train ride from Manhattan to Hollywood in 1928, would go on to win the hearts of children and adults alike forever more. The voice of Mickey Mouse for two decades, Walt was often quoted as saying “I hope that we never lose sight of one thing – that it was all started by a mouse.” Think he’d be very proud of Mickey’s accomplishments!
Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge Guest Room
authentic savanna-style décor and Mickey toiletries will delight the entire family as will the “Lion King” themed children’s activity centres. Dining at Jiko – The Cooking Place will stimulate your senses with culinary creations bearing fragrant flavours of Africa. However, it will surely be the animals – the beautiful creatures of Africa freely roaming the 33 acre wildlife reserve surrounding the Lodge – that will completely captivate you. Participate in a number of recreational programs like a cultural safari, or perhaps a night animal viewing tour, or experience the thrill of being a junior researcher! Then, take the safari experience to the next level at the truly phenomenal Animal Kingdom theme park. You’ll find getting there a breeze – Disney’s complimentary bus transportation system easily connects you with everything. Be sure to give yourselves a day or two to fully enjoy all this magical setting offers. From lions and gorillas and hippos, to giraffes, gazelles and elephants (yes, elephants), this is a mesmerizing place to visit. The rides are incredibly fun and the daily Character Greeting – a parade of Mickey and friends on safari – will have you dancing in the streets! I simply can’t wait to return…maybe for Spring Break. Visit www.disney.com or visit your favourite travel agent for more information.
Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge Lobby
Wild Life Reserve outside Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge
What’s Next? Everything Old is New Again...A Visit to Galiano Resort and Spa
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