The entire family will enjoy a day on the water aboard Branson’s beautiful Lake Queen Riverboat.

A modern day replica of the elegant riverboats that used to cruise the waters of the White River in Branson, Missouri, the lake Queen now paddles peacefully across spectacular Lake Taneycomo.

The ride itself is filled with scenic pleasures such as myriad wildlife ranging from American bald eagles, herons and foxes to coyote, mink and flying squirrels. But a guide also offers up intriguing facts and trivia regarding the historical and present day Branson waterfront, as well as other points of interest.

As the Lake Queen cruises south toward historic Lake Taneycomo Bridge, guests will hear about several attractions and other sights. The journey ultimately winds back north to the 95-acre Branson Landing waterfront to witness the $7.5 million spectacular water attraction that merges water, fire and music.

View the immense diversity of Branson’s wildlife, from the American Bald Eagle, Night Heron and Brown Thrasher to foxes, coyote, mink and flying squirrels. Listen to tales of how Branson got its name and why Rockaway Beach is no longer referred to as the Ft. Lauderdale of the Midwest.

For more information on Branson discount vacation packages and discount Branson tickets, visit http://www.ticket2branson.com/. Or for details on discount Branson resorts and hotel packages, go to http://www.westgatereservations.com/.

Cruises can be a great vacation option for the entire family. Virtually every cruise line offers plenty of activities to keep kids of all ages happy and entertained.

One of the most popular activities on today’s cruises is the addition of favorite characters from animated films and TV shows produced by Disney, Nickelodeon and others.

Kids delight in on-board experiences with their favorite characters whether it be a passenger meet and greet or a special character dining event.

Disney Cruise Line remains a leader in the character experiences. Mickey Mouse is a popular attraction as he regularly poses for photos in his captain’s uniform while walking on deck or in the ship’s lobby. Kids will also delight in Minnie Mouse who appears in a sailor’s outfit while participating in deck activities.

Every Disney cruise also offers several character meet-and-greet sessions that include additional characters such as Snow White, Cinderella, Goofy, Pluto, Donald Duck, Captain Hook and others. On cruises of 7 nights or longer, Disney also offers a character breakfast and a character tea party.

Disney’s animated films are regularly shown in the ships’ movie theaters and Disney characters also appear on the ships’ stage shows.

Norwegian Cruise Line offers activities and entertainment with popular Nickelodeon characters, as well as a live onboard game show titled “Slime Time LIVE!”

The Nickelodeon fun continues with interactive games by the pool, a Music Party with Dora the Explorer, and even a Breakfast with Nickelodeon where kids can meet Dora, Diego, Spongebob Square Pants, and other favorites.

Royal Caribbean cruises offer up character interactions with characters from Dreamworks Animation such as popular favorites from Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and How to Train Your Dragon.

For information on Orlando discount vacation and cruise packages, go to www.WestgateReservations.com or www.OrlandoThemeParkVacations.com.

Although it’s one thing to learn about America’s early colonial days through text books, it is quite different to learn through hands-on, real-life events and activities. And if you’re looking for a real life history lesson, look no further than Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia.

Step back in time and experience early America in Williamsburg, where everyone can enjoy the beautifully restored 18th-century capital of colonial-era Virginia.

Colonial Williamsburg is a unique “living history” museum, offering 500 buildings, homes, stores and taverns all reconstructed and restored to their original 18^th century appearance. Yet it’s the people of Williamsburg who truly bring the incredible history to life for all to enjoy.

From tours of the historic buildings and battlefields to the live action drama, Revolutionary City^TM, Williamsburg provides an amazing opportunity to explore America’s rich history in a fun and interactive way. Plus you’ll encounter tradesmen practicing 30 historic trades and domestic crafts; historical interpreters ready to answer your questions; and character actors portraying critical events in our nation’s development.

Williamsburg also offers modern day fun with thrilling attractions such as Busch Gardens Europe. Don’t miss out on the Halloween frights as Busch Gardens presents its annual Howl-O-Scream on weekends from Sept. 24 thru Oct. 31, 2010.

Westgate Historic Williamsburg Resort puts you in the middle of it all, while providing relaxing, period-style accommodations. The resort is situated just 1.5 miles from Colonial Williamsburg and only a 10-minute drive from Busch Gardens Europe. Beautifully appointed guestrooms at Westgate Historic Williamsburg offer all the comforts of home, including a kitchenette or fully equipped kitchen and cable TV.

For more information on Colonial Williamsburg discount vacation packages and discount Busch Gardens tickets, go to http://www.historicwilliamsburgusa.com/ or http://www.westgatereservations.com/.

Any time of year is a good time to visit Las Vegas. Whatever your idea of a great getaway, you’re sure to win when you roll the dice on a Vegas getaway. Just consider a few of the possibilities. You can:

• Stroll in amazement along the famed Vegas Strip.
• Gaze in wonder at the size and power of Hoover Dam.
• Experience the lavish extravagance of a Vegas show.
• Perfect your swing on world class golf courses.
• Lounge leisurely by a swimming pool.
• Try your luck on the slots or gaming tables.
• Get a glimpse of Elvis!
• Get married. Or renew your vows.
• Ice skate or ride a roller coaster.

Whether you choose glitz and glamour or rest and relaxation…a romantic weekend for two or a family vacation with the kids - Las Vegas provides something for everyone.

And with football season back in full swing, you can also catch all the action at one of the many sports books such as the Playing Field inside Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino.

The Playing Field Race & Sports Book offers two jumbo televisions, 33 plasma screens and a VIP race area. It’s the perfect place to watch your favorite pro of college team play.

For more on discount Las Vegas vacation packages at Planet Hollywood Resort, visit http://www.vegasvacationstore.com/ or http://www.westgatereservations.com/ today.

Get ready! Autumn is in the air and the fall color season is fast approaching. Yet few destinations will provide the vibrant array of colors that you’ll find bursting forth in the scenic Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.

For a truly colorful fall vacation, start in Gatlinburg, TN - the fabulous gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. America’s most visited national park offers up 800 square miles of wilderness throughout Tennessee and North Carolina. And with 500,000 acres of forest soon to be bursting out in brilliant hues of yellow, orange and red, the Appalachian Mountains are a sure bet for a fall family getaway.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park welcomes more than 9 million visitors annually, many of whom will also make a stop in the quaint mountain village of Gatlinburg.

Gatlinburg offers an fun-filled array of family fun attractions and events, ranging from comedy and magic shows to dinner shows and theme parks like Dollywood. There’s also Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort where an indoor water park offers 60,000-square feet of wet excitement under a retractable roof - year-round! Wild Bear Falls Water Park pays homage to the adjacent national park with attractions like Cades Cove Lazy River, Clingman’s Dome (360-foot body slide), Laurel Falls (300-foot tube slide) and Little Pigeon River, a zero-entry pool and toddler play area.

From October 7-23, 2010 you’ll also enjoy the annual Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair, a special celebration of arts, crafts and music. The Fair offers more than 200 booths featuring the finest work of artisans and craftspeople happy to demonstrate their skills, answer questions and offer their unique art for sale. You’ll also find plenty of live country and bluegrass music and entertainment.

For more information on events in Gatlinburg as well as accommodations and Gatlinburg vacation packages, go to http://www.gatlinburgvacationstore.com/ or http://www.westgatereservations.com/.

Looking for some friendly Halloween fun? SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular features an underwater “fantasea” where children can trick-or-treat, dance with sea fairies and pumpkins fishes, and help Sesame Street’s Abby Cadabby search for her magic wand in Abby Cadabby’s Halloween Adventure.

It’s all part of the annual SeaWorld Halloween Spooktacular that takes place at SeaWorld Orlando October 9-10, 16-17, 23-24 and 29-31. The Spooktacular celebration is included with regular park admission.

Abby Cadabby’s Halloween Adventure offers a brightly colored outdoor maze where children will find Abby at the end. There’s also plenty of trick-or-treating among 35 costumed sea creatures.

These special Halloween events begin at noon on the Spooktacular days.

Possible add-ons include Count Von Count’s Spooktacular Breakfast, a buffet with photo opportunities with Sesame Street Characters, and SeaWorld’s Spooky Spectacular Sleepover, an overnight stay in the aquarium for the Manta roller coaster which includes a pizza dinner and breakfast.

For more information on SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular and other Orlando area Halloween adventures, visit http://www.orlandothemeparkvacations.com/.