Five for the Road is a family blog that encourages family time through family travel and family activities. USA destination planning tips, theme park guides, and family activities at home.
Planning family day trips can be a great way to create family memories and reconnect. These tips for planning a day trip will help you shake up your routine and feel like you are on vacation, even for a day.
Are you looking to get away for a family weekend in New York? We spent the weekend at Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel and are sharing our best things to do in Watkins Glen for a family weekend getaway.
The United States is so vast and different making it a perfect place to explore as a family. From beaches to mountains, and deserts to green forests, the United States has a destination perfect for everyone. This is our USA…
As summer quickly approaches, we are starting to plan what activities we want to do together as a family this year. We always plan a few big family vacations, but we also like to plan day trips from Rochester, NY.…
A family vacation wouldn’t be complete without some amazing pictures. I love taking pictures on our vacations and Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure have some great places to capture your family vacation moments. I’ve rounded up the best places…
Are you planning a vacation to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, Tennessee? You may want to include Anakeesta as part of your vacation! This Anakeesta review will share our visit to Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, Tennessee and tell you what to expect…
Chimney Bluffs State Park is a unique and beautiful state park in New York. It sits along Lake Ontario and has been on our list of places to visit in Rochester for a few years now. Recently we spent the…
Today we are sharing the best things to do at Hersheypark. These are our picks for the best Hersheypark can’t miss moments!
Are you planning your Epcot Itinerary and need a place to start? In this article I will share how to plan the best one day Epcot touring plan to minimize wait times and maximize your day at Disney World theme…
Are you planning a family weekend getaway near Rochester, NY and want some destination inspiration? We love taking weekend trips from Rochester, NY and today are sharing 20 of our favorite weekend getaways from Rochester.
We love meeting characters at Islands of Adventure! You can meet characters from some of the most beloved stories. From Harry Potter to Dr. Seuss, and comic book favorites, Islands of Adventure characters are a great addition to your Universal…
As a family we were really surprised by how much we loved Epcot. It is often thought of as an adult park, but it is also great for families. Today we are sharing our best Epcot Fastpass recommendations for families,…
Every year I create themed summer camp ideas at home that we use to add structure and family time to our summer calendar. I put together this list of over 100 theme ideas to help you plan your at home…
Are you visiting Disney World and planning your Hollywood Studios Itinerary? This Hollywood Studios touring plan will help you plan your day at the Disney World theme park.
Are you planning a Disney World vacation and wondering what are FastPass at Disney World? Today I am going to share all the Disney FastPass secrets, tips for your fastpass reservations and the FastPass tiers at Disney World to help…
Meeting characters at Universal Studios add to the fun of visiting the Orlando theme park. We love to incorporate meeting the Universal Studios characters into our visit. Today we are sharing the top 10 characters at Universal Studios Florida you…
Are you planning your Universal’s Islands of Adventure itinerary and not sure where to start? This Islands of Adventure touring plan will help you pick the best rides and attractions for your day to have a fun visit to this…
Who is your favorite character to meet when you visit Universal Orlando Resort? With over 65 different character meet and greets between Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, you could spend an entire day meeting them and still not see everyone.…
A big part of planning your Disney vacation is booking FastPass reservations. Today we are sharing our best Disney Hollywood Studios FastPass tips, tiers, and what you need to know to plan your FastPass at Hollywood Studios.
Are you planning a one day Animal Kingdom itinerary? This Animal Kingdom touring plan will help make sure you don’t miss all the best rides and attractions, and plan your best day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Animal Kingdom at Disney World is a unique park that offers guests thrills and animal encounters unlike any theme park. Today we are sharing our best Animal Kingdom Fastpass tips, Disney Animal Kingdom FastPass tiers, and what you should know…
Families visiting Hersheypark that want to stay at an on-site resort have to decide between the Hershey Lodge vs. Hershey Hotel. Each has it’s own unique style and perks, and one may be better than the other when it comes…
Are you planning a visit to Universal Studios? This Universal Studios Touring Plan will help you enjoy all the best rides and attractions, and help you plan your one day Universal Studios Itinerary.
You visit Disney World for the parks, but there are many things to do in Disney World besides the parks that are worth adding to your Disney World vacation. This is our list for family favorites for a non-park day…
Are you planning a one day Magic Kingdom itinerary and not sure where to start? Do you want to spend one day in Magic Kingdom and see all the best rides and attractions? This Magic Kingdom touring plan will help…
Are you planning a visit to Disney’s Magic Kingdom? Today we are sharing our FastPass Magic Kingdom tips, tiers, and what you need to know to plan your day. This Magic Kingdom FastPass strategy will help optimize your day at…
30 days at home. It sounds like a challenge you try for how to save money, or go on a diet, or declutter your home. In this 30 days I have learned more about our family and embracing the moments.…
Are you visiting Hersheypark with your family and wondering what the Hersheypark Ride Height requirements are? We have visited with toddlers all the way up to tweens and Hersheypark has attractions everyone in the family can enjoy.
Are you looking for a great place to stay at Disney World? The Riviera Resort is a great choice! Today we are sharing our Disney Riviera Resort review from a family of five.
Looking for fun activities with kids in Rochester this week? We have been out driving around the last few days and came up with this fun Rochester scavenger hunt that you can do from your car with kids.
Are you home with your kids and looking for a fun way to learn at home? These ideas for creative writing for kids, themed to Disney movies, are an engaging way to make writing fun by adding a little Disney…
With so many awesome Disney Resorts it can be difficult to decide which one is best. Here we are sharing the best Disney Resort for kids giving you options for your next Disney vacation.
The Express Pass at Universal Orlando Resort can be a time saver at the parks but can also increase your vacation budget. Today we are sharing what you need to know about Express Pass at Universal Orlando, and help decide…
Are you planning a Disney Cruise and wondering what there is to do on the cruise ship? We recently sailed with Disney Cruise Lines and loved all the Disney Dream activities available for kids. These are our favorite Disney Dream…
Are you planning a Disney World 7 day itinerary and you don’t know where to start? You are in the right place! Disney World can be an amazing vacation, and with this Disney World 7 day itinerary planning guide you…
Is Epcot for Kids? We think so! At first glance Epcot might not look like the best choice for kids, but with a little planning you can enjoy the food and culture as a family. On our recent visit we…
There are a lot of first time Disney World tips but reading them all can be overwhelming! As a family who has visited many times, I have realized you only need to know a few things to have an amazing…
A highlight of our weekend in Cooperstown, NY was learning more about the history of baseball in America. Here are seven things to do at the Baseball Hall of Fame for families.
Planning a visit to the Orlando theme parks can be completely overwhelming. There are so many and it is tough to know where to start. Luckily I have put together this Orlando theme parks guide for beginners to help you…
Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a bright and fun land themed to the beloved franchise. Here is our Toy Story Land review and tips for having an amazing visit.
Taking a vacation to Disney World wouldn’t be complete without meeting Magic Kingdom characters during your day at the park. Today we are sharing your guide to characters at the Magic Kingdom.
Are you planning a Universal Orlando vacation? We have visited many times and are sharing the best things to do at Universal Orlando resort with kids.
Clingman’s Dome is a great hike for families visiting the Great Smoky Mountains. It has amazing views and is a unique hiking experience.
We loved visiting the Arizona-Sonora Desert museum and there was so much for families to explore at this Tucson, AZ attraction.
Are you planning a visit to Universal’s Islands of Adventure? These Islands of Adventure tips will help you plan your visit to the Orlando theme park.
We like to countdown to our Disney vacation by planning family movie nights together. Today we are sharing the best movies to watch before visiting Disney World. These are based on movies that have attractions or characters you can meet…
One of the most fun things to do at theme parks is meet characters. Animal Kingdom characters are unique to the park offering guests fun and engaging meet and greets at Animal Kingdom.
Everyone has an opinion on Universal Studios vs. Islands of Adventure, and as we visit I find myself liking one park during one visit and the other park more during the next. I thought it would be fun to share…
Are you looking to escape the Rochester winters? Today we are sharing our best spring break family vacation ideas to enjoy quality time together and getaway.
Islands of Adventure is the second theme park at Universal Orlando Resort. It is also home to some of our favorite rides and attractions at Universal. Here is our list for the best rides at Universal Islands of Adventure.
If you are planning a Rochester vacation or live in Rochester and are looking for family fun things to in the city this list is for you. We are sharing our family favorite things to do in Rochester, NY and…
Today we are sharing the best rides at Universal Studios Orlando with kids. We have visited many times and have our must ride attractions on each visit.
We visited Old Tucson in Arizona and were pleasantly surprised. It was a fun way to spend the morning and learn about Western film history in America.
Have you ever wanted to splurge on the ultimate Disney World vacation? If you have, the Disney VIP tours are for you. Read on for our experience with a Disney private tour guide and what the Disney VIP tours are…
Character dining at Walt Disney World is always a special experience. We love the 1900 Park Fare Breakfast because of the fun character interaction and the delicious breakfast buffet.
Fear Factor Live at Universal Studios allows park guests to step into the popular show and face their fears. Daring stunts, encounters with critters, and facing your fears makes this Universal Studios attraction a fun show to watch or participate…if…
Cabazon Dinosaurs is the perfect roadside attraction. It has lots of photo-ops and nostalgia. We added it as a stop during our Southwest road trip and it was a unique addition to our trip.
White Sands National Monument has been on my family bucket list for a few years. In early 2019 we had an opportunity to visit and it was breathtaking. Today I am sharing our best tips for visiting White Sands National…
Every year I like to look back at our year. I love looking at what we have done and remember the moments that shaped the year. As we start 2020 and I am sharing our best travel moments of 2019…
Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort are a must do if you love the theme parks and want to enjoy the holiday season with your family. We loved all the special events at holiday decorations at the parks and the resorts.
Disney+ has become our go-to for family movie nights and tv shows to watch together. It offers a huge variety of options for families with kids of all ages. Today I am sharing our list of Disney+ movies and shows…
We love spending time in Pittsburgh, PA because it has great family friendly attractions. On our most recent visit we enjoyed a perfect Pittsburgh weekend visiting all of our favorite Pittsburgh destinations.
We have visited Universal Orlando over 10 times in the last 3 years and have tried many of the places to eat. After much discussion we have narrowed it down to top of the best restaurants at Universal Orlando to…
There are so many fun things to do in Hershey PA with kids. It is a great family friendly destination for a weekend getaway or a family vacation. Today we are sharing the best things to do in Hershey Pennsylvania…
Hershey Water Works is located at the Hershey Lodge and is a great family friendly destination offering year round family fun! Today we are sharing our Hershey Lodge review including tips for visiting Hershey Water Works, Hershey Lodge on-site restaurants,…
The Hotel Hershey is gorgeous. It feels like stepping back to a slower time. With it’s rich history, it has remained timeless and this Hotel Hershey review of our family overnight getaway will have you planning your Hershey vacation.
Our 9 Day Southwest road trip itinerary was a good mix of everything we love. New places, theme parks, and incredible scenery. We saw cactus, theme parks, road side attractions, and a part of the USA we have never explored.…
Hersheypark in the Dark is the seasonal event for Halloween at Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania. This family friendly, not too scary event, is great for families of all ages and a great family tradition for the fall season.
I am always excited to bring new stories and books into our home and Disney is among some of the best storytellers of our time. Today I am checking out the Heart of Moors and with my partner Disney Books…
Walt Disney World resort introduced a game changing way to order your food during a visit to the Walt Disney World parks. Disney Mobile ordering is easy to use and maximizes your time during your Disney World vacation.
Tucson, Arizona is a great place for a family vacation and there are so many fun family activities. From the family friendly attractions, the hiking and outdoor activities, to the amazing food there are so many family activities in Tucson…
Surfside Inn and Suites Orlando is located at the Universal Orlando resort. It is one of two of the Endless Summer Resorts and is a great option for families. Read on for our full review of the Surfside Inn and…
Family traditions are so important to me. Some of them are big like annual vacations, but some of them are small like day trips and weekend getaways. We like to plan family day trips from Rochester, NY (our home) to…
Today is my three year anniversary of blogging. I can’t really believe how much our lives have changed in three years. I wanted to share how I’ve felt about the last three years, what I’ve learned, loved, and what is…
The NBA Experience at Disney Springs is an interactive indoor basketball themed playground that allows fans of all ages to test their skills. We visited the NBA Experience during our August Orlando vacation and it was a great break from…
Universal’s Volcano Bay is an immersive water park experience that allows guests to enter a tropical paradise in the middle of Orlando, Florida. We visited for the first time this summer and I wanted to put together a list of…
When you start planning a Universal Orlando vacation it is important to understand the Universal theme parks, what type of tickets to purchase as well as how to plan your Universal Orlando itinerary. We have planned many visits to Universal…
Is Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Worth It? We visited for the second time last week and had even more fun than our first visit. At the Halloween party, Magic Kingdom guests have an opportunity to enjoy trick or…
There are so many fun things to do in Buffalo NY with your family. From outstanding museums and attractions, to outdoor entertainment, the family attractions in Buffalo NY are endless. Read more to see how we spent a family weekend…
The ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney World should be on your Disney Bucket List because it offers a unique experience unlike anything else at the Walt Disney World resort. It is a great place to visit during…
Every ride at Disney’s Magic Kingdom offers fun and magic during your Disney World vacation, but these are our favorites that we always ride when we visit the park. They are our 9 best rides at Magic Kingdom for school…
Disney World’s Animal Kingdom Wilderness Explorer activity is a fun and free addition to exploring the theme park. It is one of our favorite ways to enjoy the park, learn a bit more about the animals, and is fun for…
Seuss Landing at Universal Orlando brings the imagination and creativity of Dr. Seuss to life at Universal’s Islands of Adventure park. Twisty-turned trees, bright colors and all the beloved characters are waiting for you and your family to explore at…
Planning a Pigeon Forge vacation is easy with so many awesome attractions to see and do. We spent a week enjoying everything Pigeon Forge has to offer and are sharing our list of 23 fun things to do in Pigeon…
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is a big city with a small town feel. There are so many things to do in Pittsburgh with kids, and it is one of our favorite family-friendly city destinations. Check out what we always have on our…
Universal Orlando is one of our favorite theme parks. It has incredible attractions and we love that we feel like we step inside the stories that we love. We have visited many times as annual pass holders the last few…
Planning an Orlando Theme Park vacation is fun and exciting but, all the fun and excitement can add up for your budget. We are sharing our review of Undercover Tourist and how it helped us save on our Disney World…
Castaway Cay is Disney’s private island located in the Caribbean. Most Disney Cruise itineraries include a stop at Castaway Cay. Today I am sharing our Castaway Cay tips and what we wish we did differently.
The Disney Moderate Resorts at Walt Disney World offer on-site perks to their guests as well as middle of the road budget friendly option. They offer accommodations for families of 5 and have a few more on-site amenities than the…
Disney World Value Resorts offer guests staying on-site at the Walt Disney World Resort an affordable way to stay on-site and take advantage of the perks of on-site guests. Today I am sharing the 5 Disney value resorts and what…
Planning and researching before a visit to a theme park can save a lot of time in the parks. Today I am sharing Universal Studios height requirements, ride/attraction scare factor, and the best age to visit the park.
Today I am sharing Universal’s Islands of Adventure height requirements and scare factors to help plan your family visit to the Orlando parks. We have visited numerous times with our kids, and doing some research before we visit helps plan…
Planning Disney on a Budget doesn’t have to be a challenge. Today we are sharing the top spending categories on a Disney vacation, and how you can save money for your trip and have an awesome Disney vacation.
Orlando is the theme park capital of the world. Seriously, if you love theme parks you need to visit. We are a theme park family and visit multiple times a year. Today I’m sharing details of the Universal parks and…
Hershey’s Chocolate World is the largest Hershey’s Chocolate store in the world and a destination for families visiting Hershey, Pennsylvania. I’m sharing tips for visiting Hershey’s Chocolate World and what you need to know to have a sweet visit.
If the thought of chocolate doesn’t entice you to visit Hershey, these Hershey, PA attractions should. We have visited Hershey many times, and these 7 Hershey, PA attractions should be at the top of your list for your visit to…
We spent the weekend at Great Wolf Lodge exploring all the dry and wet play the resort has to offer. I’m sharing our Great Wolf Lodge tips as well as our 3 day itinerary to help you plan your visit…
Over the weekend we drove out to Great Wolf Lodge Fitchburg to experience the all new Summer Camp-In event that starts this Memorial Day at Great Wolf Lodge resorts throughout the country. The Summer Camp-In is everything you love about…
The Hersheypark resorts are historical, fun, and a great place to stay for families visiting Hershey, Pa. Each one has it’s own unique style and provides great accomodations at Hersheypark.
During my media weekend at Hershey’s Sweet Welcome we received an inside look into what is new at Hersheypark. The highlights are the new Hersheypark attraction: Reese’s Cupfusion as well as a few more ways to make your visit to…
