We just got back from our (4th trip?) I would definately consider Disney lodging. It's pricier. But you can get a discount on your tickets. Plus you park your car at the hotel when you get there. And use their transportation system. You can also get fast track lines to a number of the better rides. Also sometimes extended hours. Also consider the park hopper option. The Animal Kingdom was often filled with school buses of kids in the morning. So go to another park, then go to the Animal Kingdom after the kids return to their schools. IMHO. The food in the Magic Kingdom is pretty forgetable. With the hopper option. You can go to Epcot, which IMHO has far better food.
I don't know if I should say we've been to the Eiffel Tower. After 2 trips so far to the city I love. Our hotel was about a 10 min walk to the tower. We've walked around the Eiffel Tower, several times. We've been under the Eiffel Tower several times. We've got lots of pictures of it. But so far we haven't been in or up the tower. Paris has so many charms. And the tower is a delightful icon on the skyline. But with so many neat things to see and do in Paris. We've looked at the lines. And gone on to Paris' other charms. But it's a reason to go back to Paris. Maybe one day there won't be a strike, or we'll have dinner in the tower. And skip the line. And finally see if the views are that much better than Montmatre.
I've been a number of times over the years, and pretty much agree with Laura. Definately worth visiting if you're in Ashville. And agree the grounds are the high point. I found it nicest when it was decorated for Christmas.
The nicest thing in the Ashville area. IMHO is driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Especially liked the Mt Mitchell area.
Gatlinburg can be fun. But the park is the reason to go. The drive out to and around Cades Cove. Also over Newfound Gap tp Cherokee. And other drives. Also lots of great trails.
It's a lovely quaint town. Stay a little longer. And just wander, rather than just the hot spots. We didn't see the Michaelangelo (We were churched out) I consider Bruges one of the great places to drink beer. Great beer. And great places to drink it. And good food.
There are wonderful views of Florence from the gardens. But perhaps the best view is in the opposite direction, over the old wall. (Near the porceline museum)
As I recall this is where the young Michaelangelo studies and obtained inspiration.
Actually we were in the town, rather than the park. Snorkeling with the Manatees is a real trip. We went Thanksgiving a few years ago. The weather had just turned cold. Which drove the Manatees out of the gulf into the warmer waters of the springs. Being the manatees had just come in. They hadn't been around a lot of people in a while. So they weren't bored with people yet. There were lots of close encounters. They will roll over to have their bellies rubbed.
I understand after the gulf cools is best. In summer there are only a few in the springs, with lot's of snorkel boats chasing after them.
The square is great. The Dodge's Palace, St Mark's and so many sites there. It's been described as the worlds best sitting room. A great place to grab a glass of wine. Listen to the orchestras and watch the world go by.
Not having stayed at all the hotels in Florence, I can't say this was the best. But we liked it. The room was one of the largest we've had in Europe to date. Comfortable, a good breakfast bar. Well within walking distance of most of old Florence. Would highly recommend it.
We were there Halloween and just before Christmas. We camped at Fort Wilderness both times. People decorated their camps sites and golf carts. And the Magic Kingdom was even more magical than normal.
I assume the castle you're referring to is Castel Sant'Angelo. It was originally Hadrian's Mausoleum. And the bridge, Ponte St'Angelo. The bridge of the angels.
Rome has so many treasures. But the Pantheon is not just one of those to see. (Along with Piazza Navonne and Fountain of Trevi_) It's also one to experience. Late in the day, after the museums close. The Piazza in front of the Pantheon is a wonderful place to sit enjoy a glass of wine, people watch and watch the sun go down. And the lights come on.
They gather a group of gondolas with a singer and musician. Meander through Venice's small canals and finally down the Grand Canal. Sounds hokey. But it was a highlight of our trip. We booked it through Viator.com.
We were on the gondola with the singer and musician. Crowds gathered at every bride we passed. We're in a lot of peoples Venice photos.
