Karen Heffren, Desert TravelingMom, Author at Traveling Mom

Old Fashioned Family Fun at Indiana’s Potawatomi Inn

Posted by Karen Heffren, Desert TravelingMom | Aug 15, 2017 | 0 |

Ice cream cones, splashing in the lake and catching lightning bugs make for simple pleasures and fun at the Potawatomi Inn on Lake James near Angola, Indiana. Looking for old fashioned family fun on a budget? Don’t miss all the amenities the Potawatomi Inn in Pokagon State Park has to offer. My family has been holding reunions at the Potawatomi Inn for almost 50 years. We’ve only made the trek a few times but my boys love visiting the Potawatomi Inn and ask to go back every year. With reasonable pricing and a variety of family friendly amenities, it’s not...

Hotel Review: Anaheim Marriott is a RunDisney Friendly Hotel

Posted by Karen Heffren, Desert TravelingMom | Jun 26, 2017 | 0 |

Are you looking for a RunDisney hotel option at the Disneyland Resort? Or a hotel for an Anaheim business trip with a side of Disneyland fun? The Anaheim Marriott fits the bill in both situations. Both groups will appreciate comfy beds with a Starbucks on site! I’ve stayed at the Anaheim Marriott twice in the past few years, once for the Star Wars Half Marathon at Disneyland and once for the Cars 3 red carpet premiere held at the Anaheim Convention Center. Both stays were comfortable and the hotel worked well for my itinerary. Location The Anaheim Marriott is right...

Hot Diggity Dog! Casey’s Corner for Quick, Family Friendly Dining at Disney World

Posted by Karen Heffren, Desert TravelingMom | May 29, 2017 | 0 |

Hot dog hot dog hot diggity dog. If your preschooler loves the hot dog song from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, then Casey’s Corner at Disney’s Magic Kingdom may by a perfect quick service dining option for your family. Casey’s Corner: Quick, Family-Friendly Dining at Disney World Casey’s Corner is a great counter service dining option my family and I discovered while visiting the Magic Kingdom for the first time. It’s located at the end of Main Street so it’s easy to grab a quick bite as you enter or leave the park, or as you pass through the hub from...

Easy DIY Disney Costumes for Preschoolers

Posted by Karen Heffren, Desert TravelingMom | May 15, 2017 | 0 |

What does fabic, duct tape and glitter have to do with your next Disney Parks vacation? Spend a little time before your trip creating an easy DIY costume and you can save money and still be their fairy godmother. Letting your preschooler wear a costume on your next Disney parks visit is an easy way to add pixie dust to your trip. There is no shortage of Disney costumes to purchase in the parks, at least for little girls but for little boys or families wanting to add pixie dust without breaking the bank, an easy Disney DIY costume...

May This Resource Be With You: Guide To All Things Star Wars At Disneyland

Posted by Karen Heffren, Desert TravelingMom | Mar 22, 2017 | 0 |

California is the ultimate Star Wars location, with Skywalker Ranch and Lucasfilm in Northern California, and Disneyland featuring awesome Star Wars attractions in Southern California. Check out this guide to all things Star Wars at Disneyland to help you plan your “must see and do” Star Wars shows, rides and character encounters. Guide to All Things Star Wars at Disneyland While Skywalk Ranch is not open to the public and public access is limited to the lobby and Yoda fountain at Lucasfilm, Disneyland has made it convenient for all fans to geek out over amazing Star Wars experiences all in...

Family Fun at Spring Training in Peoria

Posted by Karen Heffren, Desert TravelingMom | Feb 22, 2017 | 0 |

Phoenix, Arizona is home to Cactus League spring training and 10 different stadiums, making it the ultimate vacation spot for baseball fans in March. If you plan on bringing the whole family, then head to spring training in Peoria. The kids will love the new splash pad and playground. We head to Phoenix a few times a year to check out fun attractions and events. Watching the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field is always a fun way to spend a summer evening. If you want to enjoy baseball and avoid the Arizona heat, then spring training would be your best...

Hotel Review: Thunderbird Executive Inn – Glendale, AZ

Posted by Karen Heffren, Desert TravelingMom | Jan 27, 2017 | 0 |

Free breakfast and a 24-hour snack pantry in a convenient West Valley location make the Thunderbird Executive Inn an awesome budget friendly option for families visiting Phoenix for spring break or spring training games. Hotel Review: Thunderbird Executive Inn – Glendale, AZ The Thunderbird Executive Inn is a hidden gem located on the campus of the Thunderbird School of Global Management. The graduate school was built on the site of Thunderbird Field, an airbase active during World War II. There are interesting remnants of historic significance around the campus, including the 1940s-era air tower which you can visit. Head inside to see...

Sneak Peek at Lucasfilm Headquarters: A Must Visit for Star Wars Fans

Posted by Karen Heffren, Desert TravelingMom | Dec 24, 2016 | 0 |

While the average person might not have access to a full-fledged tour of Lucasfilm headquarters in San Francisco, it is possible for anyone to see a little bit of this ultimate Star Wars fan location. Read on to see what the general public has access to and what the full access tour includes for the lucky few. Sneak Peek at Lucasfilm Headquarters: A Must Visit for Star Wars Fans Recently I was invited on a Disney press trip that included a visit to Skywalker Ranch and Lucasfilm headquarters to interview the cast of Rogue One. It’s an...

Multigenerational Adventures in San Francisco

Posted by Karen Heffren, Desert TravelingMom | Dec 2, 2016 | 0 |

Forget about exotic island vacations when searching for the ultimate multigenerational destination. Think outside the box and the beach. Desert TravelingMom decided to go urban and discovered lots of fun multigenerational adventures in San Francisco. Engaging museums, outdoor fun and unique venues made visiting the city an amazing idea for multigenerational travel. Everyone from 6 to 60 enjoyed San Francisco. 5 Multigenerational Adventures in San Francisco Southern California is our typical destination for fall break, but this year we opted for a new adventure and headed further north to San Francisco. My husband and I had not traveled to San...

10 DIY Disney Inspired Costumes For Kids

Posted by Karen Heffren, Desert TravelingMom | Sep 19, 2016 | 0 |

Halloween is quickly approaching and that means it’s time for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World. Are you planning a trip this fall to check out the Halloween fun? While Disney costumes are not required garb, they are the most popular option for partygoers. If you need a little Disney inspiration, check out this list of 10+ Disney inspired Halloween costumes for kids. If you are headed to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, then now’s the time to planning your costumes. There are so many adorable Disney costumes to make or buy. If you want to make easy...