The Disney Junior Games

An assortment of junior games which provides a lot of fun and education and interaction for your kids are manufactured by Disney. Some like the Surprise clubhouse has two favorite characters from the show. The fun begins when you open the box and a surprise gateway magically appears. When different levers and switches are operated the favorite characters will sing and dance and say jokes from the shows. Your kid will love the surprise elements of the game.

The Disney Mouskedoer Toolbox game is an assortment of tools for your child to do a whole lot of fun activities. The tools include a magnifying glass, a cell phone, a megaphone, a telescope, compass and a camera. When your kid presses the buttons corresponding to the characters, they appear and give up to 20 problems to solve. This provides an engaging and learning activity for your kid and an ability to think and solve problems on his own. He is also encouraged to use the tools that are given in the Mouskedoer Toolbox game which allows him a wonderful way to gain knowledge through a fun filled activity set.

The Disney Clubhouse register is actually a fun toy which can be used as a part of a whole lot of games. Your kids could pretend running a store where the cash register is the main part of the activity. Counting is encouraged and the whole set of the tools includes play money, an ATM card, a scanner that's really cool and makes sounds when you use it and also play grocery items which can be sold against play money. Role playing is also a possibility that the children can play and they would love the whole idea of the Clubhouse register.

How about a Disney Choo-Choo express game? This fun Disney toys are a kid's delight and with the new DVD that comes paired with the Choo-Choo express game your kids will love it for sure. This express can lay down its own tracks when it moves and plays whistle and the Choo-Choo songs are played. The 12 track pieces can also be laid down to be connected and played.

The Disney Clubhouse hoppers are made of tough gauge vinyl and a sturdy handle that makes hopping around with your favorite Disney characters a whole lotta fun. If your kids love playing outdoors, these hoppers make a great addition to their over all activities. Overall, great for a total fun and entertainment filled activity and for exercises.

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Top Cruise Secrets Revealed

There are more than 200 cruise ships that you can choose from today. But the one thing that they all have in common is that a little advance planning and "insider" knowledge can help you save time and money on your next cruise. Here are the "top ten tips":

1. Maximum flexibility = Maximum savings. Most travelers have some flexibility in their travel dates, especially if planning ahead of time. Let your cruise specialist know that you can consider alternate departure dates that may have lower rates available. Keep in mind cruise lines will offer better prices and perks on sailings that are not nearing capacity.

Tip: Shoulder or off peak sailings offer the deepest price cuts. For example, the departure right after the New Year cruise might be substantially lower.

2. Ask if guarantees are available. This requires that you have a little gambling spirit. Many cruise lines will offer a rate on a particular cabin category instead of an actual stateroom number and in effect guarantee that rate to you. Then the cruise line has the option of assigning you a stateroom in either that category or better.

Sometimes you win and end up in a cabin several grades higher and sometimes you end up in exactly the category you were guaranteed. Remember, there is both an upside and downside to this program.

Tip: Completely understand the process before booking a guarantee.

3.Upgrade programs. Often, your cruise specialist may offer a cruise line upgrade program. This means that you book and pay for category 'B' and will be moved to a higher category 'A'. Again, there is an element of risk here. The fact that a stateroom may be in a higher category does not always mean it will be a more desirable cabin. For example, you might be in a nice mid ship balcony stateroom on Deck C and get an upgrade to a balcony stateroom on Deck A.

While your new assignment may be the same size and have identical amenities you might end up in a less desirable location such as near an elevator or at the extreme end of the ship. And there are outside cabins that have views partially blocked by lifeboats or other equipment. On the other hand there are many instances of guests being upgraded several categories to wonderful staterooms.

Tip: Advise your cruise specialist that you will consider upgrades offered but you want to have final say on any changes before they happen.

4.Special Fare Eligibility - One of the reasons that savvy cruisers find a knowledgeable cruise specialist and stick with them is the fact that there are many special fare programs that may or not be visible to cruisers doing casual research on the web. These include things like regional fares that are made available to residents of selected states.

Caution: If you are offered a regional fare and you don't live in that area and can not prove residency, don't do it. Cruise lines have the right to check your eligibility on sailing day and charge for the difference before you board. It does happen. Some of the other special fares being promoted today include active duty and retired military fares, union member fares, police and public safety discounts, airline or hospitality rates and more.

Tip: If your cruise partner is a member of any of the these groups, the discounts usually apply to everyone traveling in the same stateroom.

5. Past Passenger Specials - Virtually every major cruise line has a loyalty club for its members with different levels and benefits. Joining is free and entitles you to special perks and discounts when you book on that line. For many commonly owned cruise lines such as Carnival Corporation, the offers extend across all the brands such as Carnival, Princess, Holland America etc. Ditto for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity.

Tip: Many cruise lines started operation before computers become common and can not easily retrieve date for cruises you may have taken several years ago. However, if you send a letter to the cruise line listing the ships and cruises you have been on, most will take your word and credit you with those unrecorded sailings. This might have the effect of moving you from Gold to Platinum level and significantly improve the benefits.

6. Check for Group Rates: Many cruise agencies hold what is known as block space on ships. That means that they have reserved space at group rates, which can be up to 20% lower than individual rates. Many agencies that reserve space for groups hold aside several cabins for individual clients who might be able to depart on this date.

While you may be traveling as a group, your cruise experience will be as an individual traveler. The downside might be that your dining time or section is affected by the group program. The upside is that you might benefit from some group amenties such as an onboard credit, free shore excursion etc.

Tip: If your cruise specialist offers group rates, understand the features, benefits and limitations completely before you book. From the cruise line perspective you are a member of the group and fall under the policies and procedures for groups.

7. On board re-booking. Most cruise lines now allow you to book your next cruise with that line while on board. They may have what is known as an on board sales consultant or even a desk. This is usually a great opportunity to save. Generally, the cruise line will throw in some strong perks to retain your loyalty to their brand. Onboard credits on the future cruise can be quite substantial. Upgrades and other benefits are usually significant.

Tip: Many cruise lines realize that you may not be sure when and where you want to cruise while on your current voyage. Not to worry, because most have a program where you can book on board with the flexibility to change to other sailings and ships via your cruise specialist when you get home and keep all the benefits. This is a truly a win win for you!

8.Seek out Value Adds. Over the past few years, cruise lines have instituted something known in the trade as The Level Playing Field. This was instituted to attempt to control the rampant rebating and discounting that occurred in the post September 11 travel slump. Basically, now the cruise lines have been partially successful in putting the genie back in the bottle by requiring cruise agents to all use the same pricing feeds.

Because cruise agents do not purchase and re-sell the cruises but are paid a commission, the cruise lines themselves totally control published rates. One of the unintended side effects of Level Playing Field pricing is that the cruise lines had to find a way to promote challenged sailing dates. And they did this by creating Value Added features. They can include benefits ranging from dollars off certificates, on-board credits, pre-paid gratuities, free spa treatments, specialty dining experiences, casino credits to a free bathrobe or camera.

Tip: Ask your cruise specialist to seek out sailings that offer value adds. They can significantly impact your bottom line.

9.Arrange your own airline tickets. If you need to fly in to your embarkation port most cruise lines have flight programs known as Air/Sea arrangements. The good news is that includes the flights and often meet and greet and transfers. The bad news is that in order to publish these add-ons the cruise lines have negotiated the fares far in advance and try to set the rates on a cost average basis.

To you, it generally means that these add-ons may be up to 50% higher than the fares you can get by arranging the flights yourself. The one exception to this in many cases are Europe cruises where many lines maintain bulk contract fares. So it is always a good idea to comparison shop. Most lines allow you to purchase just the transfer package so you are able to create your own air/sea package at significant savings. And of course if you have several thousand airline miles collecting dust, this might be a good time to try to use them.

Tip: If you are arranging your own flights, make sure to allow plenty of time for flight delays etc. Savvy cruisers will often invest in a pre-cruise hotel the night before the cruise so that they can avoid the stress caused by late arriving flights. Remember, if the airline leaves you on the tarmac for 7 hours and you miss the ship, that voucher for a free flight will not seem very appealing. And unfortunately, the airline will not compensate you nor will the cruise line refund your money as you are counted as a no show.

10. Travel Insurance: What is the one thing you must bring on your cruise that you hope never to use? Trip Insurance! As you can see in #9 above things can and do go wrong. An affordable comprehensive trip insurance policy can cover many of these contingencies including, lost baggage, trip interruption, medical evacuation and more.

Your cruise specialist can explain the various programs available as there are several. Mark sure you understand fully the coverage and limitation before accepting coverage and keep in mind that you can not get coverage retroactively. It is a small, but absolutely vital part of your vacation expenditures. Keep in mind very few medical insurance polices cover you while out of the country and basic homeowner policies often do not compensate for lost luggage or other events. Just as in land based trips, the carriers responsibility to you is extremely limited by their contract and should a medical emergency arise on board or ashore you are responsible for all expenses incurred.

Tip: Cancellation coverage is very specific. Understand what is covered and not covered. You can not decide not to go at the last minute without incurring substantial cancellation charges. And if you have any pre-existing health issues, this may or may not be a covered event. That is why it is important to actually read the coverage.




Joe Ewart is a 30 year cruise industry veteran and a member of the Cruise Lines International Association Hall of Fame. He is CEO and editor of http://www.CruiseJungle.com an informational cruise web site designed for consumers.

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Top Ten Places to Visit in Nepal

Are you ready for some high altitude adventure with in a soul-warming environment? Then pack your bags and experience some of the most majestic peaks, most exhilarating torrents and wonderful people Nepal has to offer. Here are some places you may want to visit when go.

1.) Katmandu

Find your inner peace in the streets of Nepal's capital and cultural center. You can walk on the streets of this once inaccessible city and experience the culture, the people, the history, and the faith Nepal had embraced, imbibed, and relived for centuries. Katmandu is also one of the Nepal's starting points in activities like trekking, rafting and other sports.

2.) Royal Chitwan National Park

If you want to experience some jungle adventure with the elephants and ravaging rapids, you may want to stop by Nepal's Royal Chitwan Park. Covering some 932 sq kilometers, this national park serves as a home for 450 species of birds, 45 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 43 species of mammals. One can also enjoy guided jungle walks, terai culture, wild life breeding project, and safari drives inside 4WD cars.

3.) Nagarkot

Located 32 kilometers east of Katmandu, Nagarkot is a great place to visit if you want to see how beautiful and majestic the Himalayan Mountain range can be. A lookout tower in Nagarkot, for one, enables visitor to have a 360-degree scenic view of the Katmandu valley and Himalayan Mountain peaks. Drive up the city, book for a hotel, wake up early, and experience a different kind of sunrise with cool winds blowing every word away.

4.) Pokhara

Located some 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu, this enchanting city is the rally point for trekking and rafting destination. Pokhara offers perfect scenery and gripping natural beauty not only for those who looks for fun but also for those seeking solace. Be it the preview of the Himalayan Mountain range, a row in Phewa Lake, a trek beside Seti Gandaki River and Devi's Fall, or a peek to the Mahendra Cave, a trip to Pokhara is a experience worth the journey.

5.) Pashupatinath Temple

Four kilometers east of Katmandu lies a temple of immeasurable sacredness for Hindu people - the Pashupatinath. Hindu believes that dying and being cremated in Pashupatinath and having one's ashes scattered in Bagmati River will give a Hindu salvation and release from the cycles of birth and rebirth. Have a peek of Hindus life, death and tradition by visiting this holy ground.

6.) Patan

Art lovers and enthusiasts should always put a stop in Patan in their Nepalese trip itinerary. Patan is the oldest city in the Ksthmandu valley and is the home for Nepalese architecture, arts, traditions, and crafts drawing mainly from religious customs. Walk around the city and feel as if you're walking inside an open museum.

7.) Wildlife Reserve of Koshi Tappu

Sprawling some 175 km2 near the River of Sapta-Koshi in Eastern Nepal, Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is the best place to watch native and migratory birds in action. Thousands of birds converge in this area, especially during the months of January, February and March. The trip which normally includes jungle walks, jeep drives, and boat rides, coupled with treks to Bhutan and Sikkim or rafting trip in Sunkosi will make any Nepalese trip an unforgettable experience.

8.) Lumbini

Lumbini is the perfect place to go to if you are into cultural, archaeological and religious treasures. With the number of stupa, meditation grounds temples, courtyards and more, a walk in Lumbini is a walk with Buddha. Enter the birthplace of one of the greatest man of world religions - Siddharta Gautama, founder of Buddhism - and be captivated by its serene environment and meditate and reflect with its outmost tranquility and peaceful atmosphere.

9.) Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur is an ancient town east of Katmandu in the Katmandu Valley. Experience Nepalese life as it happens in this city by enjoying the scenery in Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Potter's square. Make your trip complete with a taste of Khopa Dhau, Bhaktapur's home-made curd.

10.) Royal Bardia National Park

Located in Western Terai, Royal Bardia National Park is the largest park in the region with 968 km2. It serves as a sanctuary for tigers, small and large mammals, deer, reptiles, birds, and a herd of the last known elephants in captivity. Enjoy wildlife as it happens along with short rafting in Karnali and Bheri as well as trekking to Dolpo and Rara lake.

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Best Time To Visit Florida?

Moving chronologically through the calendar, January and February are usually
considered off peak months, which means that if you are looking for a little less
crowded theme park experience, this is an ideal time to travel. Lines for major
attractions are short, and often non existent, and the days, although warm and
pleasant are not debilitating.

This is a popular time for seniors to travel to Florida, often to escape the winter
conditions in their home land or state. And these "snowbirds" as they are known,
have been around a while and are savvy enough to know a great vacation
opportunity when it presents itself.

Many families also take the opportunity to travel at this time of year when
accommodation costs, especially in privately rented vacation homes, tend to be at
their lowest. After all, you get all the usual luxury you would expect, but for a lot
less money, so it really makes a lot of sense.

March and April can, dependent upon the year of travel, include the Easter break.
Without exception, Easter is the most popular time to travel to Florida. Many
vacation homes will actually book out Easter and the surrounding weeks up to three
years in advance, so it is important that if you are restricted by school vacation
schedules that you don't drag your heels. You can expect the theme parks to be
busy, but remember that these places are huge, and well equipped to handle large
crowds and keep them moving throughout the day.

May and June are often considered the respite months after the hustle and bustle of
Easter, and again you will discover the parks are less crowded, excluding the half
term UK vacation slot towards the end of May / beginning of June, which again is
very popular. Temperature wise, things really start to hot up now, as we head into
the full glory of the Floridian summer. However, June marks the official start of the
"rainy season", which is actually a little less scary than it sounds.

At this transitional time in the meteorological calendar, weather conditions are
rapidly changing from late spring to early summer, and as a result, it is not unusual
to experience a short shower around mid afternoon. The good news however is that
these showers last on average approximately 20 minutes, before returning to the
glorious sunshine for which Florida is famed.

July and August are considered peak months in the vacation calendar, as it is the
time when most folks are granted their annual leave from work. Temperatures can
soar into the high nineties and beyond. It is a busy time for vacation home rentals
and theme parks alike, but also an excellent time to work on getting that gorgeous
bronzed tan !

September slowly begins to lead us out of the summer months and begins to
transition us in preparation for Autumn (or the fall). Temperatures begin to slide to
a luxurious 85 degrees, and the humidity levels drop off too. Once again, the theme
parks take a respite after the events of another fun packed summer period.

By October and November, the temperatures have reached a modest 70 - 80
degrees throughout the day, but you will notice a slightly cooler night time scenario.
Of course by cool, I'm not talking scarves and mittens, this is Florida after all ~ but a
lightweight jacket or sweat shirt will help to keep you comfortable on your nocturnal
travels. Again, another excellent time to visit, as theme parks are a lot less crowded,
(with the exception of the end of October ~ yet another UK half term break), and
ideal if you find the hotter temperatures a little to much to handle.

And so to December. Always a magical time in Florida and this is reflected by the
stunning array of decorations and parades in both the theme parks and in the local
communities. But here is a little known tip for those of you who always thought
travelling at Christmas way out of your league ... Between 1st and 15th December
most airlines tickets and vacation homes are available at brilliant rates. The reason ?
Most families are gearing up for Christmas itself, with all that that entails, and so
this two week pre-Christmas slot tends to get overlooked ! So my advice would be
to give the family a pre-Christmas treat and snag a bargain at what is a wonderful
time of year.

Of course, as you would expect, the weeks including Christmas Day and New Years
are extremely popular, and are priced accordingly. However, you haven't lived until
you have witnessed the New Year firework displays that Disney produces. They are
literally out of this world.

So, in conclusion, when is the best time to visit Florida ? I stand by my original
answer, and say, unreservedly, "Anytime !" Because each and every month of the
year holds something unique and special for anyone travelling to the sunshine state.
Go ahead, stick a pin in a calendar and try it out for yourself ~ I guarantee you won't
be disappointed !

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