Travel Archives - An Open Suitcase

Keeping the Kids Happy at Epcot

September 20, 2017 by Janice Brady Leave a Comment

I wanted to revive this older post because I have recently been reading on social media some recommending that people skip Epcot with kids. There is much more to Epcot than Frozen Ever After! Epcot is a wonderful way to spend a day with little ones. It’s also a much more relaxed day than the other parks so gives the kids plenty to do but at a slower pace so is an ideal mid-week park. Get a bit of a rest but still Lots of fun!

I’m always surprised when I hear people say there isn’t anything for their kids to do at EPCOT or that their young kids don’t like EPCOT. My kids loved going to EPCOT and now my granddaughter loves going to EPCOT. Admittedly, there was a little more for the little ones when my kids where young, but it’s still possible to keep the kids engaged and happy spending a day there.

Food

I like to have a meal in a different country of World Showcase each time we visit to expose the kids to different foods of the world. I know many say their kids won’t eat different food but you actually will never know if you don’t try!

Meet the Characters

Just like every other park at Walt Disney World, EPCOT offers characters for the kids to meet and greet. There are even a few that won’t be found in any of the other parks.

Get Your Passports Stamped

EPOT is home of the “Kidcot” program. All of the World Showcase countries have “Kidcot stations”. The kids are given a picture of Duffy the Bear to color and at each station they can get a stamp on their passport or autograph book and can sit and decorate their bear. Yes, “FREE” is a word rarely heard in Walt Disney World. The kids will also learn how to say “Hello” in each of the different languages. Kids love the idea of “collecting” the stamps and in the process will be taught some new skills.

Kidcot Fun Stops keep the kids motivated to travel to each country in the World Showcase country. Even young kids will have fun coloring at the free craft stations. If you purchase the passport for the kids they will also receive stickers to decorate the book and there is a scavenger hunt aspect of filling the passport and it makes a great souvenir of the day at EPCOT. If you don’t want to purchase a passport, they can still collect stamps and participate in the activities at the Kidcot station in each land using their autograph book or participate without collecting the stamps. No child is turned away!

Go Undercover

School-aged kids LOVE Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure. There are several locations where you can sign up for this FREE (yes! Free again!) activity and pick up the interactive handheld device that will guide them through the mission searching for clues throughout the countries of the World Showcase. Each mission only takes about 20 to 30 minutes and has the kids eager to explore the country pavilions.

Special Events

EPCOT hosts special events throughout the year. The EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival is held each spring and features beautiful flower displays and topiaries of favorite Disney characters. There are also various activities, seminars, and classes available for the kids to take. Holidays Around the World is another great celebration, where the kids will learn about holiday traditions from around the world.

Fireworks

IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth fireworks show is the perfect way to end a day at EPCOT. Some of the restaurants in the World Showcase offer great views of the fireworks right from your dinner table.

Pick a Pearl

Head to the Japan Pavilion and “Pick a Pearl” in the store. They will open the oyster and present your pearl. You can have them set it in a piece of jewelry or take it home as is.

MOUSEllaneous!

Teaching children about the different countries represented throughout EPCOT is an important part of their vacation. The entire day can be educational as well as fun!

The Living Seas has a focus on “Finding Nemo” and every kid loves spending time there, especially “Turtle Talk With Crush”.

Journey Into Imagination is a cute ride for all ages. When you are finished riding the attraction, there are all sorts of interactive stations for the kids to enjoy at the “ImageWorks Lab. (You don’t have to go on the ride to access this area.)

Throughout the day most of the countries offer scheduled entertainment. All of it is family-friendly. My family can watch the acrobats in China over and over again!

“Living with the Land” offers a boat ride. The kids will love seeing the fish and baby alligators in one section you go through!

There really is more than enough to keep the little ones busy for a day at EPCOT ~ what are some of the ways your family enjoys EPCOT with the little ones?

Holiday Time at Walt Disney World – Don’t Miss Any of It!

September 19, 2017 by Janice Brady Leave a Comment

If you’ll be heading to Walt Disney World during the holiday season this year, there is so much you won’t want to miss! The parks will be full of special events, beautiful decorations, spectacular parades, meet and greets and more! The holiday season at Walt Disney World is one of my favorite times to visit even if it’s just to look at the transformation and beautiful decorations.

The entire Walt Disney World property – parks, resorts and Disney Springs will be magically transformed into a Dis-nified Winter Wonderland in that special way that only Disney can do. Here’s some of what you can look forward to if you’ll be traveling to Walt Disney World during the holidays this year:

All-new experiences, characters, festive treats and spectacular entertainment make it the most wonderful time of the year at all four parks and beyond!

Walt Disney World Resort is the place to be this holiday season as theme parks and resort hotels sparkle with jolly decorations that bring the spirit of the season to life. Here’s a sampling of the holiday fun in store for guests:

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Guests can get wrapped up in a Flurry of Fun at Disney’s Hollywood Studios from Nov. 9-Dec. 31, with exciting new holiday happenings around the park and the return of the nighttime projection and fireworks show “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!”

NEW! Sunset Seasons Greetings – This new holiday experience features spectacular projections of Mickey, Minnie and other beloved Disney characters sharing their favorite Christmas stories as a snowy Sunset Boulevard twinkles with stunning holiday decorations. Holiday magic brings billboards to life and transforms the famous Hollywood Tower Hotel into scenes of the season – a giant pile of Christmas gifts, a gingerbread house and a frozen winter wonderland! A frosty summer-loving snowman might even make an appearance to share his holiday wish! This fantastic and heartwarming experience runs continuously throughout the night.
NEW! Enhanced holiday décor around Echo Lake – Extra-large ornaments, colorful garlands and a giant Christmas tree centered on the water will make Echo Lake the merriest of places this holiday season. Even Dinosaur Gertie will be dressed for the occasion with a dino-sized Santa hat.
“Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” Returns – The hit holiday show returns Nov. 9 sending beloved Disney animated characters on a spirited yuletide adventure to get Santa back to the North Pole in time for Christmas Eve. “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” combines state-of-the-art projections, fireworks, special effects and Christmas music to create a dazzling, one-of-a-kind holiday experience for guests – capped by a special message from Santa himself.
“Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” Dessert Party – Guests can wrap up their jolly holiday evenings with reserved viewing of the “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” nighttime spectacular. The nightly party includes holiday-inspired snacks, delicious desserts, wine, beer, and specialty alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. A surprise Disney character will also join the fun, posing for pictures and signing autographs. This fun-filled special event is offered Nov. 9-Dec. 30, 2017. Book online at disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining or call (407) WDW-DINE.
A new friend joins the cast of ‘For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration’ – Holiday fun continues at the Hyperion Theater as Anna, Elsa and Kristoff welcome Olaf to this popular sing-along celebration. Just for the holidays the show will include all-new songs from Disney’s new animated short “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure.”
Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood and Vine – Meet Minnie, Mickey, Daisy, Donald and Goofy for lunch and dinner celebrations centered on seasonal deliciousness. From Nov. 6-Jan. 7, the mouse-with-the-mostest will deck the halls for a banquet filled with holiday cheer and the joy of the season! To make a reservation, check availability and book online visit disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining or call (407) WDW-DINE.
Santa Claus returns to the Once Upon a Time shop Nov. 9-Dec. 24 – The beautiful vintage setting of the Once Upon a Time shop recalls bygone days of Santa’s visits to great department stores across the country. Santa will be at the shop daily to greet guests and listen to holiday wishes. Santa Goofy will step in 25-Dec. 31 after Old Saint Nick returns to the North Pole.

Epcot

Holidays Around the World is transforming into the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays from Nov. 9-Dec. 30, surrounding guests once again in the wondrous sights, sounds and flavors of the season.

NEW! Holiday Kitchens – The number of holiday kitchens doubles in size this year to a total of 15, each bringing the flavors of the season to life. New this year, guests can indulge in cookies and desserts at the holiday kitchen located inside the Odyssey complex. Sweet treats include snowflake sugar cookies and a warm apple fritter with cinnamon ice cream and caramel sauce. Over at the Canada pavilion, dazzling delicacies like the Maple Buche de Noel (maple mousse rolled in gingerbread chiffon cake with cranberry sauce and pecan crumble) celebrate holiday traditions from the Great White North.
NEW! Chip & Dale’s Christmas Tree Spree – Chip and Dale are collecting ornaments for their Christmas tree. Guests can purchase a map and stickers from select merchandise locations and travel around World Showcase looking for the famous chipmunks with their ornaments. Guests can return their completed maps for a festive surprise, courtesy of Chip and Dale. Maps are available for $5.99 plus tax.
NEW! Candlelight Processional Narrators – One of the most popular Epcot traditions returns with new celebrity narrators in 2017. Pat Sajak, Matt Bomer and CCH Pounder will join the lineup of returning favorites like Neil Patrick Harris, Whoopi Goldberg and Jaci Velasquez. The Candlelight Processional is a retelling of the Christmas story as told by a celebrity narrator accompanied by 50-piece orchestra and a mass choir. The show takes place at the America Gardens Theatre each evening at 5:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. Nov. 24-Dec. 30. Candlelight dinner packages can be reserved by visiting the Disney website.
NEW! Holiday Entertainment – Enjoy the sights and sounds of the nations of World Showcase, as each country’s holiday heritage comes to life amid joyful music and time-honored traditions. Guests will discover an entertaining celebration of Hanukkah in a new location along World Showcase promenade, where a fun and interactive band interweaves the music of Hanukkah with jazz, Latin, rock and even hip-hop influences. Other returning holiday favorites include JOYFUL! A Gospel Celebration of the Season and Canadian Holiday Voyageurs.
Fireworks Finale – The nightly fireworks display, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, will feature a special holiday ending.

Magic Kingdom

A Frozen Holiday Wish – Behold an enchanting performance to melt a frozen heart. Royal sisters Anna and Elsa lead a celebration on the Castle Forecourt Stage nightly Nov. 9-Dec. 31. Featuring special appearances by rugged mountain man Kristoff and lovable snowman Olaf, this merry-and-bright seasonal show culminates in Queen Elsa using her incredible powers to present a gift to everyone in the kingdom – transforming Cinderella Castle into a glimmering, shimmering ice palace for the holidays.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – It’s a Christmas party like no other, with joyous music, a shimmering Cinderella Castle, characters in their festive finery and the Magic Kingdom decked out and made even more magical for merry-making guests of all ages. Each specially ticketed, limited-attendance event features an exclusive performance of Holiday Wishes fireworks and the earliest performances of other spectaculars like Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, the Frozen Holiday Wish castle-lighting ceremony and Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration stage show. The special party – complete with cookies, cocoa and snow flurries – begins at 7 p.m., after regular park hours. Parties will be held on November 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 26 and 28, and December 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21 and 22.

For more information and to purchase tickets for this after-hours party, visit DisneyWorld.com/Christmasparty.

Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade – This enchanting holiday pageant sings and dances its way through the Magic Kingdom park daily Dec. 23-Dec 31. It also makes a special appearance at each Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Brimming with magic and cheer, the parade features Santa Claus, gingerbread men, elves, reindeer, toy soldiers and other friends from the North Pole. They all join Mickey and friends – including Arendelle favorites Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf – in an over-the-top celebration of the season.
Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration – From Dec 23-Dec. 31, Mickey and Minnie take to Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage where they host some of their Disney friends for an unforgettable Christmas soiree filled with classic and contemporary holiday songs. Magical holiday projections on Cinderella Castle build to a sensational, snowy finale. Performances are also featured during each Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

It’s a wild holiday time as decorations around the park frame new day-into-nighttime experiences, including Tree of Life transformations, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Kali Rivers Rapids and Expedition Everest. Guests will be greeted by a dramatic, animal-themed holiday tree, and festive garlands will have the park all a-glow with merriment.

Disney Springs

Every corner of Disney Springs is wrapped and ready for the season with holiday décor and special entertainment, making it the most wonderful place to shop. From top name-brands to cozy one-of-a kind retailers and, of course, all things Disney, there’s something for everyone. Busy shoppers can also take a break and enjoy a quick snack on the go or an unforgettable meal at one of Disney Springs many talked-about restaurants.

Here’s a sampling of what’s new:

NEW! An Even Bigger Christmas Tree Trail – To capture the spirit of the season, Marketplace guests can stroll among custom decorated holiday trees, each dedicated to a popular Disney theme. This year, the Christmas Tree Trail will expand to include ten new trees inspired by Disney classics such as Sleeping Beauty, Peter Pan, Snow White and Dumbo.
Santa’s Chalet – Santa Claus is accepting Christmas wish lists and welcoming guests to his chalet newly located by the Christmas Tree Trail through Dec. 24.
Stitch’s Holiday Gift Hunt – The mischievous experiment 626 returns to Disney Springs with an expanded scavenger hunt now featuring four new stops, including a special stop at the expanded Christmas Tree Trail.

Holiday Fun beyond the Parks:

The warmth of the holiday season brings cheer to more than 25 Disney resorts.

Every resort across Walt Disney World is decked out for the holidays. Entertainment abounds, including carolers performing on select nights at many resorts.

At Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, guests can take in the grandeur of quintessential Pacific Northwest yuletide cheer beneath the towering lobby Christmas tree, as they cozy up to the fire and relax with a cup of hot cider and snack on holiday treats. They can also relax lakeside and enjoy a seasonal cocktail at Geyser Point Bar & Grill, then settle around the campfire with s’mores and hot chocolate at nightfall.
At Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, the Hoop-de-Doo Musical Revue spruces up for the season with live holiday music by the Pioneer Hall Players, including favorites like “There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays” and “Another Tennessee Christmas.” On select nights, the campground’s beloved carolers arrive by hay wagon spreading holiday cheer to all.

Resort guests can also experience life-sized edible creations at select Walt Disney World Resorts.

An annual treat, at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, is a life-sized holiday gingerbread house. This eye-filling (and aromatic) sight is in the resort lobby and is home to The Bake Shop that uses a classic gingerbread recipe from Austria for its tasty cookies and ornaments.
A life-sized, edible spinning carousel is a holiday tradition at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, while a holiday village with miniature train takes center stage at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort.

Three all-new New Year’s Eve Celebrations coming to Disney’s Contemporary Resort:

“Disney Countdown to Midnight” includes delightful dining, live music, libations and more. An interactive band and DJ will fill the dance floor (and we hear that Mickey and Minnie may make a special appearance). Then welcome in 2018 with a flute of bubbly and a viewing of those legendary New Year’s Eve fireworks in Magic Kingdom Park. Hours are 8 p.m. to 12:15 a.m. in the Fantasia Ballroom. This party is designed for guests 18 and older.
PIXAR PARTY– A New Year’s Eve Celebration: This party celebrates beginnings with a Disney Pixar-inspired dinner the entire family is sure to enjoy. This unique celebration lets families ring the New Year together. It features a buffet-style dinner, Disney characters, activities for the little ones, a trendy DJ and exclusive viewing of Magic Kingdom fireworks!
“Down in New Orleans: A Disney New Year’s Eve Dining Experience” in the Grand Republic Ballroom is a fine-dining experience inspired by the Disney animated film “The Princess and the Frog.” Toward the end of the evening an amazing vocalist, reminiscent of Tiana, joins the band to bring to life the Academy Award-winning classics of legendary composer, Randy Newman. Guests can then slip outside with a glass of bubbly just before midnight to ring in 2018 with a private viewing area for the Magic Kingdom Park fireworks. Hours are 7 p.m. to 12:15 a.m.

No holiday is complete without a special dining experience. Holiday menus that celebrate the season can be found at restaurants throughout Walt Disney World Resort. For holiday dining information and reservations, call (407) WDW-DINE.

Family Fun While Visiting Milwaukee

September 16, 2017 by Janice Brady Leave a Comment

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, may not be at the top of your travel bucket list, but rest assured, you’ll find so much to do when traveling to Milwaukee that you will wonder why you hadn’t thought of going sooner.

Family Travel Milwaukee — Photo Credit: ThreeIfByBike via Flickr

You can find many family-friendly hotels available in the heart of Milwaukee. Most will give you easy access to all you want to do. Baseball-loving families, for example, will appreciate how they can easily spend an afternoon at Miller Park where the Milwaukee Brewers play.

Find out how family vacations in Milwaukee can be a rewarding experience.

Milwaukee Art Museum

The Milwaukee Art Museum attracts close to 500,000 visitors per year and offers a range of programs for everyone in the family. Four floors with more than 40 different galleries will keep your family busy for a full day of art, education, and culture. The design of the building itself is a work of art. Exhibits and collections get regularly rotated to create a different experience with each visit.

Harley-Davidson Museum

This museum traces the history and development of the company and its founders’ vision. As you make your way through the museum, you’ll see the incredible journey that the company took over the last century. The Harley-Davidson Museum displays classic motorcycles, including one that belonged to Elvis Presley.

Milwaukee Boat Line Sightseeing Cruise

Cruise the rivers and harbors around Milwaukee aboard the Vista King, a double-decker ship offering a 90-minute cruise. The boat line offers history, architectural cruises, and live music during a summer concert series. Beautiful views along the water while enjoying a hot dog and snack can give your family a wonderful day of seeing the sights.

Milwaukee County Zoo

Set among 200 acres and offering 300 different species, the Milwaukee County Zoo dates back to 1892. It has been at its current location since 1961, and it offers a diverse collection of animals. You can easily spend a full day feeding the animals or interacting with them during a live show.

Pabst Mansion

The Pabst Mansion, originally constructed in the 1890s on Grand Avenue, was built by Capt. Frederick Pabst, founder of the Pabst Brewery. The mansion, an award-winning museum, is on the west side of the Marquette University campus. During its finest days, the mansion was the scene of parties and weddings as well as the captain’s funeral.

Betty Brinn Children’s Museum

The Betty Brinn Children’s Museum is where children ages 10 and younger can explore hands-on exhibits that make learning fun. They can plan a news broadcast in a simulated studio, find out how far a sneeze travels, or run a riverboat down the Mississippi.

Discovery World

Discovery World connects innovation, science, and technology, and it features interactive exhibits, aquariums, and labs. Workshops, events, and more make for a fun day for everyone in the family.

Milwaukee Public Museum

This museum ranks as one of the country’s best natural history museums, offering exhibits from Asia, Africa, the Arctic, Southern Hemisphere, Middle America, and the Costa Rican rainforest. You will be able to see the world’s largest-known dinosaur skull and stroll among free-flying butterflies from around the world. The museum complex also houses an IMAX theater and the National Geographic Dome Theater & Daniel M. Soref Planetarium.

With these places to explore, you can find out for yourself how Milwaukee can be a great destination for family fun.

This is a sponsored post. I was paid for publication – however, all opinions are my own.

3 Trendy Places to Stay Overnight While Traveling

September 15, 2017 by Janice Brady Leave a Comment

To most people, one of the biggest dilemmas when traveling is finding the best place to stay. It may not be such a big deal, but today, there are so many options out there that it is getting harder and harder to choose where to stay. Depending on our own preferences, we also have to consider on staying within our budget and level of comfort. Also, you have to consider the type of accommodation you are going to be staying in depending on the number of days you are traveling. Sometimes, it can be pretty difficult to choose if you are going to stay only overnight.

Nevertheless, choosing and booking for a place stay for the night shouldn’t be complicated. Whether you are looking for a simple, budget room or a posh hotel, there are several options out there today that you can choose from.

Here are three trendy places to stay overnight while traveling:

HOSTELS

Hostels will never get out of trend especially to the younger generation. While most people who choose this type accommodation are younger, it has evolved drastically enough that it has also become a great option for different types of travelers, even those who are on business trips. This is a great choice for travelers who like to have the local experience. Staying at hostels also allows you to interact with other travelers and have fun. The fun set-up of a hostel is what makes this type of accommodation a huge trend to young travelers nowadays. They tend to be a bit communal where you can meet other people. For those who want to have a bit of privacy, there are also private rooms and most of the time, cheaper than hotels. Hostels also have fully equipped kitchens so you can cook your own meals while traveling.

PRIVATE HOUSE RENTALS OR AIRBnB

For long-term travel plans, group travel, or even luxury travel, renting a private house or apartment is a good option. Basically, travelers choosing this option will be renting out another person’s home for the duration of their stay. With this, the homeowner may stay and become your host or stay somewhere else during the duration of your stay.

Booking on Airbnb has been widely popular also because it is easy to book, and you can also read reviews before booking. A lot of people are also using this option and give positive feedback on social media, which draws even more people. But if you are unable to find one through Airbnb, there are also a lot of alternatives out there. Just look for a trustworthy airbnb competitor.

COUCH-SURFING

Couch-surfing is an online community where you can check out hosts and sleep on their couch or even a spare room, if there is one, for free. This is a great option for budget travelers and for people who are into immersing themselves into local experiences. A lot of people swear by this and has been proven to be a great platform to have a positive experience while traveling.

You Can Feed a Giraffe When You Visit the North Carolina Zoo!

September 15, 2017 by Janice Brady Leave a Comment

Did you know that the North Carolina Zoo is the world’s largest natural habitat zoo? Nope – I didn’t either! I also didn’t know that such a great location was a mere 3 hours away from home. I’m learning about all sorts of new places to visit!

Do you want to feed a giraffe? Feed a giraffe from up high so you are eye level? You can do it at the North Carolina Zoo! See a polar bear, gorilla or a rhino up close, and personal – the North Carolina Zoo is the place to go!

The North Carolina Zoological Park is located at the foot of the Uwharrie Mountains, just outside Asheboro, North Carolina. At over 2,000 acres, it is the largest walk-through zoo in the world, has over 1,600 animals from more than 250 species primarily representing Africa and North America, and is open 364 days a year (closed on Christmas Day). More than 700,000 visitors steps through the gates each year.

My personal opinion says that in order to see and appreciate the zoo fully, you need more than one day. You don’t want to over-exert yourself or the kids. If you do it all in one day, start early and prepare for a long day because you won’t want to miss a thing. The North Carolina Zoo consists of two main areas: “Africa” and “North America”. There are entrances and parking lots located on both ends. There are approximately five miles of walking paths. The zoo provides trams and air-conditioned buses for visitors to move from one location to another. Because of the natural habitat design, there are empty, wooded spaces along the paths between exhibits, but each exhibit is arranged so that you get a great view of the animals who live there.

When you arrive, be sure to check the animal status boards located outside the admissions windows. Here you will find information about feeding times, keeper talks and which animals might be away from their exhibits for one reason or another. At the admission booth, you will receive a free Visitor Guide that includes animals, habitats and trail names which correspond to park sign and will help you find your way around the zoo.

You won’t find any caged animals. All of the animals are given enclosures and areas as close to their natural habitats as possible which includes trees, ponds, rocks, grass and dirt.

April through October you can take a Zoofari! Run three times per day aboard a specially outfitted, open-air vehicle, this tour of the 40-acre Watani Grassland exhibit was definitely the highlight of my day! An experienced zoo educator is on board and discusses (and answers questions) all of the species encountered during the trip. Seeing the elephants splash in a pond as if they were at the local pool club was a treat! FYI: The Zoofari requires an additional fee and ticket above your admittance.

I do think this may be one of the world’s finest zoos! The animals have so much room and many natural features. Because of that – there is a lot of walking for people. There are some beautiful areas to sit and rest, as well as multiple play areas for children. Wear your most comfortable shoes.

Their 4-D Dino movie is equal to a Disney-like movie experience and definitely should not be missed!

As an adult, visiting the North Carolina Zoo was a treat and allowed me to appreciate how well the animals are taken care of. I can’t wait to go back with my granddaughter because I can only imagine how it will look through the eyes of a child.

The zoo offers great kid zones, educational programs and kids camps.

There are four restaurants at the zoo – the Iron Hen Cafe Express, Junction Springs Cafe, Crossing Pizza Cafe and the Crocodile Cafe, as well as various snack bars and kiosks such as the Settler’s Ridge, Wild Burger, The Watering Can, Connections Creamery, The Coop food truck (that changes location) and Prairie PopCorn. You are sure to find something you love.

If you are a food allergy sufferer or require a special diet for medical reasons, call ahead to ask for guidance and recommendations on where to eat for your particular allergy or restriction. The zoo does not normally permit outside food/coolers to be brought in but will allow you to bring food if you have a restricted special diet that they cannot accommodate at one of their food locations. Coolers, food or beverages used for medical purposes can be checked at either entrance, tagged and brought inside the Zoo. Park rangers patrol the Zoo and can help with medical emergencies. Lockers are located near the North America admission booth for storage. There are also public picnic areas outside the gates where you can enjoy food brought from home (be sure to have your hand stamped for re-entry). If you want to discuss your dietary needs you can call the zoo at: 1.800.488.0444 or 336.879.7000.

There are diaper changing stations located in all restrooms, both men’s and women’s. But be sure to pack necessary supplies such as enough diapers and formula since the zoo does not sell these items in any of their shops. You can rent single and double strollers. Bottle and breast feeding youngsters (and their mothers) are encouraged to feed where they feel most comfortable. Nursing mothers can use one of the zoo’s First Aid rooms if they prefer complete privacy. They can request use of the First Aid room at either entrance’s Visitor Center.

The zoo welcomes guests with disabilities that choose to bring their TRAINED service animal into the zoo. Although emotional support animals or comfort animals are often used as part of a medical treatment plan as therapy animals, they are not considered service animals under the ADA and for that reason, the zoo does not allow them entry at this time. Both manual and electric wheel chairs are available to rent. If you have questions about bringing your service animal into the Zoo, you can contact the zoo by phone before visiting at 1.800.488.0444 or 336.879.7000.

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There are rules in place while visiting the zoo. The rules have been developed for not only the safety of the visitors, but the safety of the animals as well.

The North Carolina Zoo is a Smoke-free facility. Smoking (including e-cigarettes and vapes) is restricted to outside Park gates. Visitors who wish to smoke may present their daily admission receipt for express re-entry.
No pets are allowed inside the Zoo. We discourage visitors from bringing pets and leaving them in parked vehicles. Distressed pets will be removed from vehicles.
Please keep the Zoo clean by placing all litter in the proper trash and recycling receptacles.
Do not cross fences or railings. Habitats and enclosures are designed to protect visitors and animals from harm.
Costumed characters are not allowed at the Zoo unless the person is:
No adult costumes, adult masks or adult face painting please.

Prohibited Items
Alcohol Backpacks* Balloons Balls Bicycles Coolers* Drones Firearms & Concealed Weapons Food & Beverages* Frisbees Glass	Grills Hoverboards Noise makers Pets Radios Remote Control toys Rollerblades/Skates Scooters Shoes with wheels Skateboards Steering Trikes
Backpacks used as camera bags, diaper bags or pocketbooks can be brought into the Zoo. School students should not bring backpacks. The Zoo reserves the right to check the contents of any backpack. Coolers, food or beverage used for medical purposes can be checked at either entrance, tagged and brought inside the Zoo. Guests are welcome to carry a bottled, non-alcoholic beverage into the Park.

Prohibited Items

Alcohol
Backpacks*
Balloons
Balls
Bicycles
Coolers*
Drones
Firearms & Concealed Weapons
Food & Beverages*
Frisbees
Glass

Grills
Hoverboards
Noise makers
Pets
Radios
Remote Control toys
Rollerblades/Skates
Scooters
Shoes with wheels
Skateboards
Steering Trikes

*Backpacks used as camera bags, diaper bags or pocketbooks can be brought into the Zoo. School students should not bring backpacks. The Zoo reserves the right to check the contents of any backpack.

*Coolers, food or beverage used for medical purposes can be checked at either entrance, tagged and brought inside the Zoo. Guests are welcome to carry a bottled, non-alcoholic beverage into the Park.

I was provided an all expense paid trip through Travel Media Showcase and The Heart of NC Visitors Bureau (Asheboro). All opinions are my own.