Disney ditches big strollers
This spring, families bound for a Disney theme park should think twice — and measure once — before tossing the stroller into the car. Starting May 1, strollers larger than 31 by 52 inches and stroller wagons will be banned from the attractions. By eliminating the behemoths, the parks hope to open up passageways that are expected to grow even more crowded this summer, when Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opens at Disneyland Resort in Southern California (May 31) and Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios in Florida (Aug. 29). To avoid a miscalculation, consider renting a stroller. At Disney World, for example, a single stroller costs $15 a day or $13 a day for multiple days, and a double stroller goes for $31 and $27, respectively. At the moment, only Disney World stocks the double, but Disneyland expects to offer the amenity soon.
Washington Post
That '80s cruise
A 1980s cruise themed after the music of the decadent decade is making a comeback. "The 80s Cruise" returns next year on Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas. Passengers will be able to meet their favorite musicians and watch them perform throughout the ship. Bands include the B-52s, Berlin, Patty Smyth and the Motels. Original MTV veejays will be on board to host day panels and trivia games. The cruise also includes costume parties (think big hair and lots of neon). The seven-day cruise departs PortMiami March 8, 2020, with stops in San Juan, St. Thomas, Punta Cana and Labadee, Haiti. Rates start at $1,400 per person, inclusive (the80scruise.com or 1-844-384-8080). It's one of several recent music-themed cruises. Jon Bon Jovi is headlining the "Runaway to Paradise" cruise this weekend, and the Backstreet Boys and New Kids on the Block have also hosted cruises from Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
Sun Sentinel
Museum of the West
Your family can steep in the culture, history and art of the American West during a visit to the award-winning Museum of the West in Scottsdale, Ariz. From master potters to the unique stories of cowboy culture, there is much to learn through interactive exhibits, scavenger and treasure hunts and multimedia kiosks. The museum recently premiered photographs by the late Sen. Barry Goldwater. The Arizona Highways Collection showcases images captured by a man best known as a U.S. senator but who was also a gifted photographer. His images of the Grand Canyon and the native peoples of Northern Arizona offer a rare glimpse into the region's history (scottsdalemuseumwest.org; goldwaterfoundation.org).
FamilyTravel.com
Loyalty goes international
For frequent fliers tired of jumping through hoops, there's a new game in town: pledging loyalty to an international carrier. One option, Air France/KLM Flying Blue, has a plethora of transfer and airline partners, and sometimes offers great discounts on its awards. Members can earn and redeem Flying Blue miles on nearly 40 airlines, including Delta. American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Capital One Venture Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy are all transfer partners and sometimes offer bonuses when you convert points to miles. Flying Blue offers "Promo Awards" for different cities each month with redemptions as low as 10,000 miles each way in economy and 26,000 miles in business class between Europe and North America.
Bloomberg news
