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AndreaLMT
:)
Member since 5/05 6856 total posts
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Help Me Pick My 30th Vacation Trip w/ Alex!!!!!!! (& the hubby too ;)
That's right, I'm turning 30 next Monday.
Anyway...
We can't decide between staying at The Hotel Hershey in PA or going to The Sandpiper Resort in FL (heard good things about it on here ).
The Hotel Hershey is kinda fancy, but I'm assuming kid-friendly b/c it IS in Hershey. Lancaster, Gettysburg, and all those other places are less than 1 hour away. But then I think she won't enjoy the park at 8 months old. The hotel has hiking trails, pool, chocolate spa for us, etc...
Then there's Sandpiper (Club Med) inFL, which is VERY child friendly, but I'm very concerned b/c we'll be going in September- how is the weather? Aren't they prone to hurricanes that time of year?
I'd love any advice- This is a trip for my 30th b-day! I'd also love any other suggestions (that aren't too far- we're trying to keep plane rides short).
Help me!!!
Message edited 8/8/2006 8:13:14 AM.
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Posted 8/8/06 8:12 AM  |
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Long Island Weddings
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Melbernai
I am a lucky Momma!
Member since 7/05 15652 total posts
Name:
Melissa
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Re: Help Me Pick My 30th Vacation Trip w/ Alex!!!!!!! (& the hubby too ;)
I would do FL personally. I think there would be more to do there with the baby. Just the pool and the beach will be great and in September you might not be able to do that in PA! Just cross your fingers and hope for no hurricanes!
What about one of those Beaches Resorts that have Sesame Street there? Or is that too "kiddish" for your birthday trip, since it is for you, after all!
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| Posted 8/8/06 8:31 AM |
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CheeChee
HI THERE!!!!
Member since 5/05 3416 total posts
Name:
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Re: Help Me Pick My 30th Vacation Trip w/ Alex!!!!!!! (& the hubby too ;)
I say FLA!! i would think the weather may be iffy in PA in sept. OH, and Happy 30th! Welcome to the club!! 
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| Posted 8/8/06 8:37 AM |
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monkeybride
My Everything
Member since 5/05 20541 total posts
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Re: Help Me Pick My 30th Vacation Trip w/ Alex!!!!!!! (& the hubby too ;)
Other than the possibility of hurricanes I would pick FL. We did Disney with Miranda when she was 7 months and she got nothing out of it. If it wasn't a big family trip we wouldn't have gone.
The good news is that I saw on the news today they just lowered the hurricane forecast.
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| Posted 8/8/06 9:00 AM |
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SoinLove
Making big changes
Member since 5/05 16541 total posts
Name:
Kristin
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Re: Help Me Pick My 30th Vacation Trip w/ Alex!!!!!!! (& the hubby too ;)
Is the hotel Hershey anywhere near Sesame place? If so, then that would be fun for her and probably less money for you. If money doesn't matter, then go for Florida!
ETA: the Hotel Hershey is beautiful. DH and I stayed there once a couple summers ago.
Message edited 8/8/2006 9:03:59 AM.
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| Posted 8/8/06 9:03 AM |
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Bxgell2
Perfection
Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: Help Me Pick My 30th Vacation Trip w/ Alex!!!!!!! (& the hubby too ;)
We really enjoyed the Sandpiper, but something to keep in mind is that it's not exactly a "romantic" vacation... the place is FILLED with kids, and although the rooms are nice and very large, they are more of a "family style" room. Functional and practical, but not very romantic... and the food was OK. I gather they have to cater to so many children's tastes, and that's why the food isn't quite as sophisticated as some of the other Club Med's I've been to.
Also, the resort isn't on the ocean so while they have a small beach, it's on the river, though it's really nice. But if you and hubby are like myself and DH, and can't stand to sit still for even a moment, it's a great place because they have a lot of activities, and the daycare center is right smack dab in the middle of the resort so you can go visit Alex whenever you want, and they have tons of kiddie activities that the babies just adore... they also have babysitting services from 7pm-midnight so you can have some private, romantic evenings...
I don't know anything about Florida weather in September though
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| Posted 8/8/06 9:11 AM |
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Re: Help Me Pick My 30th Vacation Trip w/ Alex!!!!!!! (& the hubby too ;)
First off I can't believe you are going to be 30, you look so young Andrea! I would go to FL. I know my SIL went with her kids and I think my youngest niece was close to Alex's age and my SIL thought it was ok but I am not sure which Hotel they stayed at.
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| Posted 8/8/06 9:13 AM |
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AndreaLMT
:)
Member since 5/05 6856 total posts
Name:
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Re: Help Me Pick My 30th Vacation Trip w/ Alex!!!!!!! (& the hubby too ;)
Posted by Bxgell2
We really enjoyed the Sandpiper, but something to keep in mind is that it's not exactly a "romantic" vacation... the place is FILLED with kids, and although the rooms are nice and very large, they are more of a "family style" room. Functional and practical, but not very romantic... and the food was OK. I gather they have to cater to so many children's tastes, and that's why the food isn't quite as sophisticated as some of the other Club Med's I've been to.
Also, the resort isn't on the ocean so while they have a small beach, it's on the river, though it's really nice. But if you and hubby are like myself and DH, and can't stand to sit still for even a moment, it's a great place because they have a lot of activities, and the daycare center is right smack dab in the middle of the resort so you can go visit Alex whenever you want, and they have tons of kiddie activities that the babies just adore... they also have babysitting services from 7pm-midnight so you can have some private, romantic evenings...
I don't know anything about Florida weather in September though
I REALLY appreciate all of you advice ladies....PLEASE keep it coming...I am still SO torn!!!
Beth...This is great to know.
I don't know if we'd use the babysitting too much, and it's fine that the rooms aren't "romantic" , but is the food REALLY su<ky??? B/C DH & I definetly love a nice meal. , one thing we do like to indulge ourselves in. I don't want to eat fried food all the time, are we going to be eating chicken fingers & french fries? 
Again, if anyone has other suggestions besides the places I mentioned, throw 'em at me, we're in crunch time, planning & booking are extremely close, and DH is clueless!!!
 (as am I).
ETA: ...and Thank you Adrianna, you just made my day.
Message edited 8/8/2006 9:23:49 AM.
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| Posted 8/8/06 9:22 AM |
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Bxgell2
Perfection
Member since 5/05 16438 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: Help Me Pick My 30th Vacation Trip w/ Alex!!!!!!! (& the hubby too ;)
Posted by AndreaLMT
Posted by Bxgell2
We really enjoyed the Sandpiper, but something to keep in mind is that it's not exactly a "romantic" vacation... the place is FILLED with kids, and although the rooms are nice and very large, they are more of a "family style" room. Functional and practical, but not very romantic... and the food was OK. I gather they have to cater to so many children's tastes, and that's why the food isn't quite as sophisticated as some of the other Club Med's I've been to.
Also, the resort isn't on the ocean so while they have a small beach, it's on the river, though it's really nice. But if you and hubby are like myself and DH, and can't stand to sit still for even a moment, it's a great place because they have a lot of activities, and the daycare center is right smack dab in the middle of the resort so you can go visit Alex whenever you want, and they have tons of kiddie activities that the babies just adore... they also have babysitting services from 7pm-midnight so you can have some private, romantic evenings...
I don't know anything about Florida weather in September though
Beth...This is great to know.
I don't know if we'd use the babysitting too much, and it's fine that the rooms aren't "romantic" , but is the food REALLY su<ky??? B/C DH & I definetly love a nice meal. , one thing we do like to indulge ourselves in. I don't want to eat fried food all the time, are we going to be eating chicken fingers & french fries?
 LOL, no you will NOT be eating chicken fingers and french fries all day! Keep in mind, I was comparing the resort to our last Club Med vacation, which was in Switzerland, where they had gourmet bread, fish, cheese, etc... and you can imagine the desserts  So, in comparison to that, it wasn't so great, but on it's own, it wasn't that bad. They also have a LOT of meat dishes, which was a problem for us because we're vegetarian, but if you eat meat, you should be very happy with the food. They have a huge buffet with everything you could imagine, and a good portion of it is "adult" food so I wouldn't worry too much. To give you some idea - in the morning you can have someone make a fresh omelette, at dinner and lunch time they have a fresh fish entree, etc. They also have an adult only restaurant - we never ended up there, but I heard good things about it. They also have absolutely PHENOMENAL chocolate bread... yummmmmmmmy! If you DO go, I highly suggest using the daycare center. The woman who runs it was extremely good, almost better than the daycare we use at home!
The best part of the vacation - the cheapest rooms are GIGANTIC and have a HUGE walk in closet at the back of the room, perfect for a crib. It gives you a lot of privacy. Alex slept back there everynight and because it was dark and quiet, she slept better while we were on vacation than she ever has!
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| Posted 8/8/06 9:30 AM |
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nrthshgrl
It goes fast. Pay attention.
Member since 7/05 57538 total posts
Name:
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Re: Help Me Pick My 30th Vacation Trip w/ Alex!!!!!!! (& the hubby too ;)
I would probably go for FL (and buy vacation insurance just in case). I think it would be more relaxing. Also while it's a family resort, you're going when the kids are back in school (unless you're planning on going around the Jewish holidays).
I feel like PA is just around the block. While it's a vacation, it's someplace you can drive anytime you feel like it.
Happy Bday!!!
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| Posted 8/8/06 9:30 AM |
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AnnBrunoXO
2 Girls For Me!
Member since 5/05 4377 total posts
Name:
MaMMa
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Re: Help Me Pick My 30th Vacation Trip w/ Alex!!!!!!! (& the hubby too ;)
I would choose Florida - you have the beach, boardwalks, the pool - your daughter would certainly enjoy it!
Although - she would enjoy Pennsylvania too - i think it would be more appropriate for a child a bit older - there is alot of walking around to do, rides - etc. something i think she would appreciate a bit more when she is alittle older - just my opinion.
Have a fabulous time - either way - and Happy Birthday!
Message edited 8/8/2006 9:34:13 AM.
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| Posted 8/8/06 9:33 AM |
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pugmama
April already?
Member since 3/06 5297 total posts
Name:
Erica
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Re: Help Me Pick My 30th Vacation Trip w/ Alex!!!!!!! (& the hubby too ;)
I agree with the other posters...go to Florida and get the travel insurance...we always use Travel Guard and they have been fabulous!
Happy Birthday!
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| Posted 8/8/06 9:36 AM |
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Re: Help Me Pick My 30th Vacation Trip w/ Alex!!!!!!! (& the hubby too ;)
What about Beachs Turks &Cacios. I checked it out online and it is all inclusive with Sesame Place their. We were thinking of going in either Sept. or Oct.
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| Posted 8/8/06 2:27 PM |
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AndreaLMT
:)
Member since 5/05 6856 total posts
Name:
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Re: Help Me Pick My 30th Vacation Trip w/ Alex!!!!!!! (& the hubby too ;)
Posted by Seles81
What about Beachs Turks &Cacios. I checked it out online and it is all inclusive with Sesame Place their. We were thinking of going in either Sept. or Oct.
That was a possibility also, but how long of a flight is it?
I'm just so worried about the Carribbean & Fl in Sept, they predicted such bad hurricanes this season, but it's really the month we can go.
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| Posted 8/8/06 3:11 PM |
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mommy2bella
Where does time go?
Member since 12/05 9747 total posts
Name:
Kelly
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Re: Help Me Pick My 30th Vacation Trip w/ Alex!!!!!!! (& the hubby too ;)
I don't have anything to add except
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
Mine is Tuesday...I will be 29
Leos unite
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| Posted 8/8/06 3:31 PM |
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AndreaLMT
:)
Member since 5/05 6856 total posts
Name:
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Re: Help Me Pick My 30th Vacation Trip w/ Alex!!!!!!! (& the hubby too ;)
Posted by mommy2bellabean
I don't have anything to add except
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
Mine is Tuesday...I will be 29
Leos unite
WOOHOOOOOOOOO!!!
Happy Birthday fellow Leo Grrrrrrl!
We'll have to have a virtual drink together!!!
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| Posted 8/8/06 3:37 PM |
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mtg1970
We love summer!
Member since 5/05 1063 total posts
Name:
Teresa
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Re: Help Me Pick My 30th Vacation Trip w/ Alex!!!!!!! (& the hubby too ;)
Posted by mommy2bellabean
I don't have anything to add except
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
Mine is Tuesday...I will be 29
Leos unite
Yeah!!! Mine is tomm (9th)!
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| Posted 8/8/06 4:14 PM |
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cloddy
Holiday 2011 photo
Member since 8/05 8088 total posts
Name:
Kristen
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Re: Help Me Pick My 30th Vacation Trip w/ Alex!!!!!!! (& the hubby too ;)
It is still hurricane season through Oct., but that being said, I'm taking Ellie to FL in September so it's up to you. Temp wise it should be great weather.
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| Posted 8/8/06 6:46 PM |
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4monkeys
boys will be boys =)
Member since 9/05 7205 total posts
Name:
:)
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Re: Help Me Pick My 30th Vacation Trip w/ Alex!!!!!!! (& the hubby too ;)
I vote for FL too ! IT will feel more like a getaway 
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| Posted 8/8/06 8:57 PM |
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Corinne
My munchkins
Member since 5/05 5010 total posts
Name:
corinne
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Re: Help Me Pick My 30th Vacation Trip w/ Alex!!!!!!! (& the hubby too ;)
i am going to be completely honest with you. hotel hershey is beautiful but expensive and overrated. i would suggest the hershey lodge its more kid friendly they serve you drinks by the pool have indoor and outdoor pools and the restaurants are kid friendly. hotel hershey you have to pretty much get dressedup for the restuarnats and if you say at the hershey lodge you get the same same the hotel hershey which is the zoo, transporation same access to the park early.
since your dh is so young she wont enjoy it and you wont get to enjoy the park with the rides the florida trip sounds much more relaxing. i would do that doesnt seem to be any hurricanes i nthe forcast so you shold be fine good luck choosing.
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| Posted 8/8/06 11:11 PM |
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