If you're like me your main camera option for most family adventures is the handy dandy smart phone. I absolutely love the convenience, but lets be honest sometimes it just is not enough. So this past spring I went in search of a new point and shoot camera option.

My requirements:

• Something small that can easily slip into my purse. 
• A high level of megapixels- I love the details! 
• A good optical zoom-- at least 10x
  
• And something that auto programmed itself... I don't have time to figure out settings and juggle four kiddos!
• Quality HD video capabilities
• And of course, affordable!

Let’s face it, my family is BIG! With four kids ranging from diapers to learning to drive we need a lot of space when we go on our family vacations. The one downside is the world is built for families of four—two parents, two kids. And in most cases the beautiful resorts at Walt Disney World are no different, unless you’re ready to break open the bank for Villas and Club Level suites!

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is the exception to that rule. This Value level resort provides amazing comfort for families of up to six people. During a recent visit to Disney World we stayed in this resort and here are some of the great highlights I found.

So, what makes Adventures by Disney® a great vacation option for your family?  You will be immersed into one-of-a-kind vacation experiences, but with the extra special touch that only Disney can provide.

Hassle Free Travel

From the moment you get off the airplane to when your vacation ends, a specially trained Adventures by Disney® guide will be with your group to help lead you through the vacation of a lifetime.  But it does not stop there!An Adventures by Disney® vacation includes all transportation and hotels throughout your trip.  This includes luggage service so you do not have to worry about hauling your personal belongings around the world!  And during your free time to experience the amazing locales you are visiting, Adventures by Disney® will provide you top notch concierge services to help plan exactly what your family wants.

The most common questions I get from my friends and clients heading to Walt Disney World or Disneyland is how to survive in the summer.  With the Florida and California heat, and the summer vacation crowds, you can quickly turn a potentially amazing vacation into a stressful trip.  But if you follow a few key tips you'll make your vacation dreams come true!
 
Tip #1: Take Advantage of Rope Drop

Rope Drop is the term we Disney Parks nerds use for park opening.  I always recommend to clients to get to the park at opening in order to minimize crowds and heat.  As soon as the gates open head over to the most popular ride in the park and enjoy the shorter lines in the cooler weather.  Avoid parks with Extra Magic Hours in the morning and if a park had Extra Magic Hours the night before head there-- its usually the least crowded park the next day.

Just the other day I was with a group of dad’s at one of our kids activities when the topic of Disney World came up. One of the dad’s commented that he would never go to Disney World for a vacation— “That place is meant for kids and not how I want to spend my free time!”

Woah there my friend… Apparently you do not know Disney World!

With this in mind I thought I’d throw together some of the top “guy” things to do on a Disney World vacation.

1. Grab a Round of Golf

Did you know that Walt Disney World doesn’t just have one championship caliber golf course, no my friends it has THREE. Not only have their courses held multiple PGA tour events, but they have also won numerous awards for their design, service and amenities.

Disney is so serious about its golf that there is even a special Players Club available. This membership gives you complimentary access to all practice ranges, daily clinics offered by the Pros at Disney World, and special rates during member access time.

And if a round of 18 is just too much for you, there is also an amazing 9-hole course available.

My husband and I recently had the opportunity to spend a night on board Royal Caribbean‘s Navigator of the Seas. It was an amazing experience and quite a treat !

Our cruise actually began with a fun scavenger hunt that let guests learn more about the ship. This included a number of stops at special experiences and food tastings throughout the ship.

At Sabor Modern Mexican we tasted the house speciality– guacamole! I am a HUGE fan of guac and found the taste to be amazing. You could tell just how fresh it was and the special care given to making this great food.

Often I am asked 'what is the value of a Disney Cruise Line vacation?' In my opinion it is absolutely one of the best vacations out there to spend your hard earned money on! Inside every Disney Cruise are amazing experiences and memories specifically geared towards the entire family.

A World of Entertainment for Everyone

While other cruise companies are incorporating entertainment into their sailings, Disney Cruise Line is an entertainment company first! This distinction has allowed them to put on some of the most amazing experiences you can have on the Seven Seas! From Broadway caliber shows, unique parties throughout your journey, special fireworks displays at sea, first-run Disney movies, character experiences and much, much more. Disney Cruise Line is unparalleled in their entertainment value.

Dining Experiences and Flavors Like No Other

Whether looking to eat an elegant meal as a family, wanting to dine in a fun-filled atmosphere, looking to grab a bite on the go, or take in a romantic gourmet meal for two, Disney Cruise Line offers amazing dining experiences for every taste and experience. Disney's one-of-a-kine rotational dining program will give your family a different experience and menu every night, all while keeping the same wait staff to ensure the highest quality of service.