The Dolphin Research Center is a non-profit research facility located in Grassy Key at mile marker 59, an hour north of Key West. There are several “swim with the dolphin” facilities in the Keys but the Dolphin Research Center is unique. It’s a not-for-profit research center that’s about interacting with the dolphins through various hands-on experiences.

A Disney vacation is a treasured family event. Staying at a Walt Disney World hotel while you’re visiting is the icing on the cake as kids will be immersed in Disney magic 24 hours a day.

Before leaving for our recent Disney Fantasy Cruise, I spent two nights at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, a deluxe category Disney hotel with unique amenities. The African-themed resort has several savannas filled with African animals but it never feels like a zoo.

My friend Amy recently had misgivings about going on a family reunion cruise (not Disney). She had wanted an educational and adventurous experience in Costa Rica but other family members thought a cruise would be easier. The Bahamas won out but it brings up the question of how do you evaluate if a cruise or more specifically, a Disney family cruise, is right for you?

Acqualina Resort & Spa is a luxury kid-friendly beach resort in North Miami. The elegant Mediterranean villa-style property takes full advantage of its ideal oceanfront position with multiple swimming pools and a wonderfully-appointed beach. This location, plus exceptional rooms, amenities, and services, makes Acqualina one of the best family hotels in Miami.

There are many family hotels to choose from on the Fort Lauderdale beach but as I found out on a recent stay, the Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale stands out for its exceptional service. Fort Lauderdale is all about fun and sun, and at the Ritz-Carlton you get all that plus a bit of pampering.

When you think about indulging on a cruise, food is usually the first thing that comes to mind. And while the Disney Fantasy does have fantastic dining options, the entire cruise experience is an indulgence for each member of the family.

This is Disney’s strategy – everyone should feel like they’ve had a vacation when it’s time to go home. “We [Disney] entertain one person, one group at a time. The experience needs to feel personalized”, said Tom Staggs, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

Miami has always been on of our favorite family vacation destinations with a fun international vibe, beautiful white beaches, and loads to do. We love that it’s warm year-round and easy to access from practically anywhere.

Say Miami and people often just think of South Beach, yet that is a small fraction of what makes Miami “The Magic City.” Miami is large and diverse, offering plenty of neighborhoods, each with it’s own appeal.We’ve always stayed in Coconut Grove or South Beach …

There are two elephants in the room right now in the cruise industry; the sinking of the Costa Concordia and the reoccurring Norwalk virus or Norovirus breakouts. As I watched the news unfold about the Costa Concordia, it occurred to me that I had never given much thought to my family’s safety or health while onboard the Disney Fantasy cruise this week.

I interviewed Rebecca Peddie, a Public Affairs Manager with Disney Cruise Line, to better understand Disney’s safety protocols and procedures for families.

If you haven’t been to Fort Lauderdale in awhile you may have visions of bikini clad spring breakers blanketing the beaches. That scene has come and gone …

With average winter temperatures in the high 70’s, Fort Lauderdale still sees some college students during spring break but in the last 20 years, the entire beach has undergone a renovation and rebirth.

Every parent knows that once their children reach a certain age the demands for a trip to Disney World soon follow. Do not attempt to ignore these requests. Your children have been sold on this trip from a very early age with every Disney film they watch and every magical commercial they have seen, and their pleas will only increase in volume and frequency until you inevitably cave in.

So save yourself and your spouse from the days, weeks and years of begging and pleading by making your next family trip to Disney.