If my post on the environmentally friendly destination of Palau piqued your interest, boy, do I have more to tell you.  That’s because Palau is all about being outdoors, exploring the Rock Islands and the coral reefs, dipping into the tiny coves and marine lakes.  It’s the perfect place if your family (like mine) is always looking for activities that will tear the kids (OK, and the parents) away from TV and video games, online chats and Facebook.

Sunset in Palau. Photo by Lynn O'Rourke Hayes.

Take the jellyfish lake.  This marine lake – accessed by speedboat and a short hike – is the only one in the world with millions of non-stinging jellyfish.  Yep, that’s right – the jellyfish don’t sting (so kids with allergies are not at risk).  And there are millionsof them.  As in bumping up against you.  And forming clouds around you.  And showing you their pale orange beauty at all stages of their two-week life cycle.  I’m telling you, snorkeling with the jellyfish is mind-blowing.

A diver at Jellyfish Lake. Photo by Lorry Heverly.

Speaking of life stages, families can book a kayak tour with Palau-based Fish ‘n Fins (beginners welcome) to venture out to a natural, bona-fide baby shark nursery.  There’s an area off one of the tiny islands that’s very shallow and full of sea grass; when you paddle around there, you’ll spot dozens of the tiny guys (they’re about eight to sixteen inches long) darting through the rocks.  No worries, it’s safe here, too – sharks in Palau do not attack, and these tiny ones are way too small to do any harm.

Kayaking in the Rock Islands. Photo by Molly Blaisdell.

Loving the water, and want to take a dip?  As I explained in my last post, the coral reefs in Palau are second-to-none.  Sam’s Tours can book a custom snorkeling trip for the whole family and teach even tiny ones to put on a mask and breathe through a snorkel.  They’ll provide life jackets and keep a sharp eye out for little swimmers.  Best of all, the Sam’s guides know all the best spots to see fish, rays, sharks (remember, they don’t bite!), nautilus, and other sea life.

A cluster of grunts on a Palau reef. Photo by Lorry Heverly.

If you’re out in the Rock Islands, get your guide to show you Survivor Rock.  Fans of the popular reality show will be excited to know that several seasons (including French and Asian versions) were filmed right here in Palau.  When you see the gorgeous beaches where the tribes camped, you’ll feel jealous of the production crew (who, of course, had food and water and shelter).

My visit to Survivor Rock! Photo by Molly Blaisdell.

Feeling a bit soggy after all that water activity?  Head back to Fish ‘n Fins and sign up for an ATV tour through the jungle.  While kids without a driver’s license can’t drive, they can ride in a small jeep with Mom and Dad – and Mom and Dad’s driving skills will be put to the test!  Over about three hours, you’ll explore bumpy routes through the jungle beauty that is this tropical nation.
If you’re an adventure-loving family, don’t miss the brand new Palau eco-park.  It’s the only place to zip line in Palau (those guests who are more, well, relaxed, can ride a snazzy monorail instead), and the zip routes are outrageous, flying you above super-cool rock formations and a giant waterfall.

My turn driving the jeep. Photo by Lynn O'Rourke Hayes.

Heading to the airport?  End your trip with a visit to the Palau jail.  Think I’m kidding?  Nope.  The Palau jail has a real rehabilitation program, teaching inmates a trade and helping them build a bank account.  In the lobby of the jail (or the nearby Tebang wood carving shop), you can see (and buy!) a huge variety of classic Palaun storyboards, mahogany panels carved into works of art that tell the story of Palau’s traditional legends.  They’re beautiful and meaningful – perfect for remembering your Palau family vacation.

Tebang Wood Carving - Image provided by Molly Blaisdell

Travel assistance for this story provided by Palau Visitors Authority.

Lake Yellowstone Hotel and Cabins is one of the most historic and well-known lodging options inside Yellowstone National Park. Built in 1891, and restored in the 1990′s, I felt like I was stepping back in time as I walked through the doors of Lake Yellowstone Hotel. The main hotel offers an ambiance of the 1920′s with a string quartet playing in the lobby with the sun shining through the large windows that provide a view of Lake Yellowstone. As I walked around the hotel, I expected to see Vanderbilts and Rockefellers dining in the elegant dining room.

The Rooms

The main hotel, while elegant in the common areas, provides basic amenities in the standard rooms. You won’t find a television, you won’t find a radio, and you won’t even find air conditioning. Cell phone service is almost non-existent, as is internet. However, there’s no need for these modern conveniences as all you have to do is open your window for a fresh breeze and take in the wonderful setting of Yellowstone National Park.

I enjoyed my stay at Lake Yellowstone Hotel and found the beds to be comfortable, the bathrooms clean, and the overall experience wonderful. Before bed, I gazed out my window at Lake Yellowstone, watching the full moon hang in the sky, as its twin looked back from the water. It was a beautiful and peaceful sight. The next morning I woke up to see a Bison grazing in the yard of the hotel.

The Dining

The Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I enjoyed an evening meal in this elegant dining room. The white columns gracing the yellow dining room made me feel like I was in the scene of an art deco era movie. The menu itself offers a wide variety of sustainable and organic cuisine, including entrees such as Blackened Wild Alaska Salmon, stuffed quail, bison tenderloin, and many other options. It was delicious and much better than I was expecting, if not possibly one of the better meals I’ve ever enjoyed during my travels. Of course, no meal is complete without dessert and I highly recommend closing your meal with a Yellowstone Caldera, a warm chocolate truffle torte with a molten middle. Wine afficianados will not be disappointed by the extensive wine list, with offerings by the bottle and a few by the glass.

If fine dining isn’t what you’re looking for, you can visit the Lake Lodge Cafeteria or find a quick sandwich to pick up at the Lake Deli.

Things to Do

You may be on a road trip with hiking or outdoor activities from your base of Lake Yellowstone Hotel and Cabins, but consider one of the many activities the park provides. I took a Lake Butte Sunset Tour on the Historic Yellow Bus Tours. Our small group was picked up out front of the hotel and took this open air ride to the Lake Butte Overlook. We watched the sun set over Yellowstone National Park before heading back for a late dinner at the hotel.

If you’d rather see the view from the water, visitors to Yellowstone National Park can take a scenic cruise from Bridge Bay Marina towards Stephenson Island. You’ll get to see wildlife such as eagles and osprey, along with bison and other animals while listening to the history of the area.

For more information to plan and book your stay at Lake Yellowstone Hotel and Cabins, visit Yellowstone National Park Lodges.

Special thanks to Xanterra Parks and Resorts who hosted my stay at Lake Yellowstone.

I’ve always had the travel bug and enjoy traveling to new places and experiencing all the world has to offer, that’s why I created TravelingMamas.com. Sometimes I can’t always hop on a plane, train, or cruise ship. That’s when I travel vicariously through some of my blogging friends that I’ve met along this journey of travel writing. Each Wednesday, at least through the next few months, I’ll feature inspiring blog posts from world travelers and travel friends.

Cultural Travel – Barbara Weibel is Hole in the Donut. She left her job as a real estate agent and set off to explore on her own. I met Barbara a few years ago at a conference in Chicago a few years ago and she even managed to come back to the US for my birthday fundraiser in Gulf Shores, Alabama last year. Her blog allows readers to join along virtually as she travels the world in search of cultural experiences.

Boomer Travel – I met Donna L. Hull in real life at the same conference I met Barbara. Donna is an amazing boomer traveler who follows where her feet take her. At My Itchy Travel Feet, Donna offers Saturday’s Scene which is always a beautiful image from her travels. She also shares her experiences while cruising with her husband or exploring faraway lands, bringing readers to places like Lucca, Italy.

Travel Wonders – Have you ever stopped in at Travel Wonders of the World? My colleague Mark offers wonderful stories from around the world. His latest feature is on Wartburg Castle in Germany. Germany is one country I haven’t had a chance to visit,but it was inspiring to visit this castle through Mark’s words.

The Corporate America Runaway – Like that old song “Take This Job and Shove It”, Sherry Ott walked away from corporate America and set out to experience all those things we dream about. At Ott’s World, Sherry not only shares her travel experiences, but she shares how she shed corporate America to follow her dreams. This week she reflects on the tipping point that set her on her current path.

Travel Inspiration – Heather Cowper offers delightful dispatches from her travels around Europe, Africa, and everywhere else. She recently highlighted a Thai restaurant in Copenhagen and I’ll admit, looking at the photos made me hungry for more. Heather also shares her travel blogging journey and tips on starting a travel blog. Follow Heather on her travels through her blog.

The Tech Traveler – Anil Polat is FoxNomad, sharing techy travel tips, reviewing some really cool travel apps, and he even has an ebook available to help travelers stay connected while exploring.

Check back next Wednesday as we share some of our other favorite world travel blogs and discover new ones to spread the word about. It’s all about inspiring you to see the world, even if only virtually. If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting someplace exotic, don’t think it’s out of your reach. Start saving now, but first, be sure to have your passport ready, because you never know when that amazing opportunity to travel will come your way.

I’m more a fan of glamping than traditional camping, but sometimes one must sacrifice for the family. These sacrifices sometimes include spending a weekend outdoors camping in an area chosen by my husband. I do like outdoor adventures, such as hiking, kayaking, campfires, and all that fun stuff, but at the end of the day, I prefer a shower and sleeping in a bed.

Here in Louisiana, there are many places for families to enjoy a family camping experience, such as Kisatchie National Forest, the Toledo Bend area, and Poverty Point, to name a few. Since I personally know of a few places here in my state, I thought I’d reach out to some of my fellow Rayovac Power Bloggers to see where they like to go camping as a family, so that I could put some new ideas into my husband’s head, the next time he wants us to experience the outdoors for a long weekend.

CarolinaMama – “Rocky Mountain National Park Campgrounds is our absolute family! Love it! Nothing like waking up under the stars in the Rocky Mountains! Since I have not camped there in the last 5 years, since I commenced blogging, but closer to home our love of camping looks like this.”

3 Kids and Us – “A few years ago we took our first camping trip. This photo is from that trip and a blog post on how 3 Kids and Us started as  a blog.”

A Thrifty Mom – “I took my son camping with a Boy Scout Group I help out with. Succor Creek, Idaho is one of our favorite spots.” You can read about Sarah’s experience over at her blog, A Thrifty Mom.

MomSpark – I love checking out other blogs to get fresh ideas on family travel. MomSpark has entire fun family travel section to check out.

One thing I’ve realized about camping is that at night, when picking up around camp, one can never seem to have enough light. I’ve been to a few campgrounds that offer bathrooms with running water, but no lights! Here are two Rayovac products to pack in your camping gear containers, and remember, don’t forget the batteries!

Sportsman® 8D Area Lantern

Features:

• Twin-tube, super bright 18-watt fluorescent U-tube, long-life bulbs
• Lights 25 ft radius
• 2 settings, high and low
• Easy battery replacement system
• Water resistant
• Extra durable rubber base and handle
• Lifetime warranty

Sportsman Xtreme™ 1W Mini Lantern

Features:

• Perfect for camping, travel and all outdoor adventures
• Bright 1 watt high-powered LED
• 55 lumens
• Run time: 16 hours
• 2 light modes: high and low
• Water resistant
• Compact size
• Comfort grip handle
• Folding tent hang ring on bottom
• Lifetime warranty

If you’re planning on camping this summer, be sure to check out the full line of Rayovac Outdoor Lights and like Rayovac on Facebook to take advantage of deals, specials, and coupons.

I’m a Rayovac Power Blogger.

My family visited Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort to check out firsthand just what this Gulf Coast family beach destination was all about. This beach resort is located on the Northwest coast of Florida, between Pensacola and Panama City Beach. It is a gated resort that offers vacation living, hotel lodging, residential areas, and tons of activities for everyone. You can choose beachfront accommodations for opt for a view of a golf course or gardens. You can stay in a high-rise condominium or in a charming coastal cottage. You can prepare meals in your lodging, or venture out to the restaurants located around the resort. Whatever you’re looking for, Sandestin has it.

The Resort

Sandestin is divided by the main highway and is divided into various sections: Beachside, Village, Lakeside, and Bayside with smaller areas and neighborhoods within each. This resort is massive and it is easy to get lost. Sandestin provides a property shuttle that makes various stops around the resort, but there are other options available if you still would like to keep your car parked after you check in. Golf cart rentals are popular, as are the bike rentals. Or, you could just get around by foot, but be sure to bring along a wagon if you are toting beach supplies and little ones.

Our Lodging

We stayed in a golf view 3 bedroom 3 bath townhome in the Tivoli neighborhood of Southside on the Beachside of the resort. It was quiet, clean, spacious, and very relaxing. We decided to visit Sandestin for a last minute weekend escape and all the oceanfront accommodations were completely booked. The luxury of being on the golf course is that we had access to all the amenities of the resort, yet the price is a bit less than the beachfront units. Also, each themed area of the resort has its own swimming pool. Since everyone was near the beach, we pretty much had the entire pool area near our unit to ourselves.

We had an open living area with dining and kitchen overlooking the fairway. This was a luxury unit with top of the line appliances and a split floor plan. The kids picked out their own rooms and the master bath itself was huge. The master bath offered double sink vanity, large jetted tub, marble shower, and enclosed toilet area. The screened patio was a favorite place for my husband and I each evening as we sipped wine and watched the sun set.

The Amenities

Sandestin offers a wide array of amenities, including free children’s activities, 2 4-hour bicycle rentals, one hour free kayak, boogie board, or kayak rental, one hour on the resort tennis court, free access to the Destin Fitness Center (adults only), and resort tram transportation. But that’s not all, the resort is also home to four championship golf courses, 7.5 miles of beach and bayfront, 15 tennis courts, a large marina, plently of shops and restaurants, 4 swimming pools, hiking and biking trails, lots of playgrounds, and the amazing Baytowne Wharf.

Sandestin Village of Baytowne Wharf

The Village at Baytowne Wharf is the hotspot of the entire resort area of Sandestin. My family enjoyed the walking trails, hidden treehouses, the shopping, snacks, and the wide variety of dinner venues. For families, Baytowne Adventure Zone provides an exciting area of activities during the day or after the sun sets. My kids loved soaring over the lagoon on the zip line and climbing around on the ropes course. There’s also a Eurobungy just waiting for someone to hop in and bounce around. Baytown Adventure Zone is open Wednesday through Sunday starting at 5pm. There are additional charges for the activities in the adventure zone. There’s something for everyone at Sandestin Vilage of Baytowne Wharf, but my favorite activity was just walking around as a family, giggling at the sights.

The Golf

Sandestin is a golfer’s destination, with four golf courses onsite. It is home to The Raven Golf Club, Burnt Pine Golf Club, Baytowne Golf Club, and The Links Course. Burnt Pine is the most exclusive of all the golf clubs at Sandestin. The other three offer afternoon specials for those looking for golf deals. Greensfees range from $49 to $155 depending on the course and time of year.

Tip: Children under 12 play free and receive free kids rental clubs and kids yardage guides at Baytowne Golf Club when accompanied by a paying adult.

The Beach and the Bay

The ultimate draw for most visitors is the surf and sand. Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort won’t disappoint. The sugar white sands of Florida’s Northwest Coast is a haven in the sun. This is a full service beach resort, which means there are chair and umbrella rentals for your convenience. However, there’s plenty of beach area for those bringing their own setup and beach toys. It’s a fabulous place to built a sandcastle or even for those looking to nap and relax at the water’s edge. I enjoyed sitting on a cushioned beach chair, with a bit of shade on my face, reading a book and watching my kids play in the Gulf of Mexico.

One afternoon we ventured to The Marina and enjoyed a beach inspired lunch after a morning of the kids’ first parasailing experience. One the bay side, there are many water sports activities to choose from, including YOLO boarding, kayaks, canoes, Boogie Boards, fishing, and so much more.

Overall

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is a destination where families can park the car and enjoy relaxing at the beach while having all the comforts of home. Every time we stepped out of our townhome, we discovered something new and fun at Sandestin. We did have a full kitchen at our disposal, but with all the delicious restaurants and beach bars, I didn’t even have to take out a pot or pan. We all returned home with new and fun family memories and a laid back attitude.

There’s so much to do at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort that I haven’t even begun to touch the surface of all the fun family things to do. But it isn’t all about families at Sandestin. Parents or those without children looking for a getaway will find plenty to do with all the pubs, bars, live music, and annual events at this amazing golf and beach resort on the Gulf Coast.

Special thanks to Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort for hosting my family for a quick weekend getaway on the Gulf Coast.

I’m flying high over Phoenix, looking down at the mountains and the desert as the sun sparkles over Lake Pleasant.  Every so often, I hear a roar, then watch as a flame climbs several stories above my head into a nylon sphere.  The wind is blowing through my hair, it’s sunrise, and there’s a giant rainbow (in the form of a hot air balloon) overhead.

I have to admit that, before my balloon flight, I was kind of anxious – jittery enough, at least, to give just a tiny bit of credence to my husband’s warnings (“Those things go really high,” he cautioned, “And the pilot carries a giant spatula to remove the evidence after you go splat on the ground.  Joking!”).  But I listened when the Rainbow Ryders crew told me that the most dangerous part of a hot air balloon flight was the van ride to our launch site (or maybe the rattlesnakes in the desert), and I tried to believe.

Now, 2500 feet in the sky, I feel solid as a rock, almost as if I’m riding Aladdin’s carpet to a “whole new world” – and that’s so even though I’m in a wicker basket with a pilot named Brooke who’s pulling on ropes and working levers to make us rise and fall.  “Do you ever get nervous up here?” I ask him.  “Well, think of it this way,” he says.  “I have a seven month-old daughter.  I want to make it down safely as much as you do.”  That’s why the company won’t fly if desert breezes turn into heavy winds – there’s no such thing as borderline or “close enough” when it comes to safety.

Back on the ground, I call my husband.  “The good news is that I’m just fine.  The bad news is that I’m thinking of becoming the Wizard of Oz and riding off into the sunset in a balloon.”  I make him promise not to tell our adventure-loving daughters that I’ve crossed an item off my bucket list – I’ll take them ballooning as soon as I can.

Fast forward two days, and I’m once again looking down over the mountains, but this time it’s evening. I’m at a Different Point of View, the mountaintop restaurant at Phoenix’s Hilton Pointe Tapatio Cliffs.  Although I weighed the possibility of taking in one of the resort’s late afternoon exercise classes (I’ve never tried belly dancing, and it sounded like a hoot), the folks at the “Tap” advised me that I wanted to be up the cliff by 6:15 at the latest, all the better to see the magnificent sunset.  It was good advice.  Now that I’m out on the restaurant’s terrace, belly dancing sounds a lot less appealing – the view is that magnificent.  It’s matched only by the food; in my six-course tasting menu, I try braised pork belly over corn grits and pureed apples; lobster and pancetta ravioli with pea shoots; diver scallops with butternut squash; deconstructed duck breast salad with goat cheese, micro-greens, strawberries, and marcona almonds; lamb loin with prosciutto, potato galette, and golden beets; and chocolate cake with a hot chocolate chaser.  I sip a cup of coffee as I look out over the lights of the valley.  It’s dark now, but Phoenix shines.

Before I came to Phoenix, I heard it was a special place.  But I’m leaving on a real high – ready for my next balloon ride.

Special thanks to the Pointe Hilton properties for providing meals and accommodations and to Rainbow Ryders for the balloon flight.

I love all things Louisiana. I was born and raised in this state and I’m bringing up my own children to take pride in their home. That’s why I chose the moniker CajunMama when I created this website.

In Louisiana, we’re smart, sassy, and friendly. We also stay close to our simple roots through our recipes and culture. We’re a gumbo of various ethnic groups and we were also our own country, if only for 90 days. Our laws are based on the Napoleonic Code, while the rest of the US is based on English Common Law.

We’re more than just one city. New Orleans is famous, but we have so many other destinations to offer with Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Shreveport, Alexandria, and Monroe. Of course, there are a slew of smaller cities and towns, each with their own personalities. Heck even our cuisine is different when you travel to opposite ends of the state. You’ve got Creole and you’ve got Cajun, with variations inbetween.

Tonight, History Channel airs the second season of Swamp People. If you’re not already familiar with this popular reality show, here’s an introduction – The Cajun Experience.

A big question I’ve been asked lately is about where to go on a swamp tour in Louisiana. Here are a few links to area swamp tours. I’ve not been on these nor do I endorse any of them, but I did want to provide easy reference for those of you who have stopped by TravelingMamas.com in search of a swamp tour. Be sure to bring the bug spray. If you haven’t hear, the mosquito is our state bird.

Louisiana Tour Company – Swamp tours near New Orleans

Cajun Country Swamp Tours – Swamp tours near Lafayette and Breaux Bridge

Jean Lafitte Swamp Tours – Swamp and Airboat tours near New Orleans

Honey Island Swamp Tours – Swamp tour of Honey Island, site of reported Big Foot sightings.

Have you seen Swamp People? Are you planning on watching the first episode of Season 2?

Have you ever wanted to experience weightlessness, similar to what astronauts experience? The ZERO-G Experience isn’t cheap, but it is unique. Starting at $4950 per person, you’ll board a specially modified Boeing 727 which provides a weightless experience through parabolic arcs. Passengers float, flip, and soar as if they were in space.

The hefty price tag includes 12-15 parabolas, ZERO-G flight suit, logo merchandise, a Regravitation Celebration, a certificate to prove you did it, along with photos and video of the experience.

Where can you find this experience? There are three primary locations: Las Vegas, NV, Washington, DC, and Cape Canaveral, FL. Other scheduled flight locations can be found throughout the year.

Can kids enjoy this experience? The minimum age is eight years old and those under 14 years of age must have a parent or legal guardian participate with them, and those younger than 10 must have a parent or legal guardian with each child. There is no maximum age limit, but all participants will have to complete a medical history form to determine is further medical evaluation is needed before confirmed participation.

If you aren’t into the full parabolic flight experience, but want to accompany someone who is participating in the flight, there are packages for non-flyers that begin at $195 per person.

The ZERO-G flights are available for educational and research purposes also and there are resources for grant writing and applications. Of course, if you are a professional lab seeking to conduct serious investigations in Martian, Lunar, zero and hyper gravity environments, the two day research program starts at $29,950.

Recently, Nokia brought winners of their Nokia N8 Producers program who experienced ZERO-G and brought along their Nokia N8s to document the experience. It looks like a blast.

Have you experiences the ZERO-G parabolic flight experience? The price tag may seem hefty, but for some travelers this is an adventure worth the expense. You can find out more at GoZEROG.com.

A big magical congratulations to Disney Princess Half Marathon winner Jennifer Hanley-Pinto! Kudos to all those who participated in this amazing event at Walt Disney World Resort.

From Disney:

Holding off challengers virtually the entire race Sunday, Jennifer Hanley-Pinto of Jacksonville, Fla. survived long enough to cross the finish line first to win Disney’s 2011 Princess Half Marathon at Walt Disney World Resort.

Caitlin Latimer of Lexington, Ky. came in second with a time of 1:23:14, which was just 24 seconds behind Hanley-Pinto, whose winning time was 1:22:50. Heather Schulz of Orlando was third (1:25:01) despite running a faster time than last year when she finished second.

Yet as fast as the field was, no one could quite outrun Hanley-Pinto, 33. Latimer and Schulz stayed on her heels down the stretch but couldn’t overtake her as she finished ahead of a field of more than 17,000 runners. In all, more than 22,000 runners participated in endurance events throughout the weekend at Disney, including a health and fitness expo, a 5K and several kid races.

The weekend of events were all designed to celebrate and promote women’s empowerment, health and an active lifestyle. It’s widely regarded as one of the nation’s largest endurance race weekends geared towards women.

Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend was the second of runDisney’s four signature events. The remaining two are the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend (September 2-4, 2011) and the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend (September 30-October 1, 2011) events. For more information or to registration for any runDisney events, go to www.rundisney.com.

Picture yourself at Walt Disney World, pushing a stroller around, possibly on a multi-generational family trip, and you find nap time is quickly approaching – for everyone. You just want a little Me Time. There’s nothing wrong with that. Parents need to stay sane and take advantage of down time, or even treat themselves to a visit to the parks WITHOUT the kids. Family travel can get crazy, so why not ask a family member to watch the kids, giving you and your spouse a few moments of adult time.

Did you know here are nearly 400 places to dine across Walt Disney World Resort? And that’s not counting the portable food carts. In all, more than 6,000 different food items are available. And chances are, if the restaurants aren’t in the Magic Kingdom, they just might have an adult beverages on the menu for you to enjoy. If wine is your poison of choice, then you’ll want to know that more than 600 sommeliers have been awarded the Court of Master Sommelier Introductory Certificate at Walt Disney World Resort, with more than 300 sommeliers currently in restaurants.

With so many restaurants and dining choices, where should you go for that “special” drink? Here are just of few of our top choices for a cocktail, beer, or wine while at Walt Disney World.

Epcot’s World Showcase

United Kingdom – The Rose and Crown Pub and Dining room brings visitors into Victorian England with its etched glass panels, dark mahogany bar and authentic dart board. If you are looking for hearty ale, this place offers specially designed ale warmer can heat your Guinness to 55 degrees, the temperature favored by Brits.

Mexico – The pavilion features a festive and colorful celebration of the beauty and culture of Mexico that is fun for guests of all ages. “Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros” is an excursion by tour boat through the vibrant, eye-filling sights and lively music of Mexico. If you’re interested in margaritas, you should check out ThemeParkMom’s review of inventive margaritas at La Hacienda de San Angel, a new restaurant in EPCOT.

Japan – In the Matsu-no-ma Lounge, visitors see a majestic view of Future World across the lagoon while sampling sushi, Japanese pickled vegetables, tempura and exotic specialty drinks.

Germany – Biergarten, an indoor German “courtyard” featuring a German Oktoberfest buffet. At lunch and dinner time, yodelers, dancers and other lederhosen-clad musicians perform an Oktoberfest dinner show. Guests are invited onstage to join in the musical fun. The wine shop nearby offers samples of Ice Wine for a few bucks. Definitely worth a try.

France – Want a glass of vino but don’t want to wait in the long line inside the wine shop? Across from the front of France there is a wine cart serving Champagne, wines, and frozen blends.

Other Venues at Disney with Alcohol

Victoria Falls at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Down a flight of stairs from the lobby, this mezzanine lounge serves wine and spirits imported from Africa, including Windhoek beer from Namibia and Imoya Brandy from South Africa. The specialty drink is a Victoria Falls Mist, with tangerine, melon and banana liqueurs. Animal Kingdom Lodge has the largest offering of South African wines anywhere in the US. Be sure to check out Jiko, The Cooking Place, too!

The Wave at Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Trendy cocktails are served for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Start the day with a Pomegranate Splash (vodka, pomegranate liqueur, cranberry juice and soda water) or the Ultimate Bloody Mary (organic vodka, Bloody Mary mix and a dash of red chili sauce). The Pure-tini mixes organic vodka with organic mango and passion fruit liqueur. The Antioxidant Cocktail features wild berry vodka, black raspberry liqueur, açai juice with agave, lychee, aloe juice and freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Tune-In Lounge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, next door to 50′s Prime Time Cafe, looks like a family den from the ’50s, with black-and-white TVs and campy retro furniture. You can choose kitschy drinks from “Dad’s Liquor Cabinet” such as Uncle Tim’s Melon Margarita, Scooter’s Long Island Iced Tea or an Electric Lemonade. Beer and wine is offered, too. My personal favorite is a Magical Star. Check out this video of inside Tune-In Lounge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, as part of our Cocktail Series.

Dawa Bar adjacent to Tusker House Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Sit in the shade and sip a hard-to-find Tusker Beer from Africa or Safari Amber, brewed just for Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. South African wines are on the drink menu, too, along with cocktails like Lost on Safari with rum and fruit juices.

Mizner’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa - A live orchestra plays nostalgic Big Band sounds just outside the doors of this lounge tucked away on the second floor of the hotel. The lounge’s namesake is architect Addison Mizner, whose designs launched a “Florida Renaissance” in the 1920s, so the sophisticated drinks are apropos: champagnes, caipirinhas, mint juleps and cosmopolitans, along with nine vodkas, seven different single malt scotch whiskeys and after-dinner cognacs and ports.

There are more than 50 lounges in Walt Disney World hotels and three theme parks (no alcohol in Magic Kingdom. Again I stress. No alcohol in Magic Kingdom), making this list just a sampling of the many great place for big kids like parents to have their own magic time at Walt Disney World. If there’s a place you’d like us to know about, be sure to leave a comment, helping our readers discover new places to sample alcoholic libations.

If you find yourself wandering around looking for a place to buy alcohol at Disney, all you have to do is ask one of the friendly cast members, who can point you in the right direction.  Be sure to drink plenty of water while you’re in the parks also, as alcohol is dehydrating. Designate a driver or take advantage of Disney’s resort transportation. Cheers!

All Disney venues selling alcohol have a limit of two beverages per sale per person to limit overindulgence on property. Remember, cocktails can be fun, but this is a family friendly destination and not a place to act inappropriate.