If you are one of the hundreds of thousands of people whose all-inclusive vacation or cruise was cancelled due to Covid-19, you’re probably struggling to come up with a plan B. The hunt for hassle-free vacations close to home is on, but the search is anything but easy.
Are there all-inclusive resorts in the US?
Yes! Well, sort of. The truth is that there are plenty of all-inclusive vacations available in the continental US, but most are different from what you’d find at a typical all-inclusive resort in Mexico and the Caribbean.
US resorts that offer all-inclusive packages are based on the “American Meal Plan” or a modified version of it where breakfast, lunch and dinner is included in the cost of your room. Some resorts include alcohol, some do not. These resorts typically provide a variety of activities and entertainment too. The American Meal Plan became popular in the 1950’s and 1960’s when families would visit the same resort year after year. Traditionally, the family would spend “their week” at a mountain or lake-side lodge with other families that they have gotten to know over the summers. It was a true vacation. Parents could escape the daily grind and relax while resort staff cooked their meals, entertained them and catered to their every need. Ever watch the movie “Dirty Dancing?” Then you get the picture.
So where are these resorts today?
If you’re searching for an affordable, pay-one-price for flight, room, food, alcohol and entertainment option then a Mexican or Caribbean all-inclusive is still the best value. But considering today’s travel restrictions, crowds and health concerns, many families are opting to pay a little more to enjoy a less crowded, more personalized experience. The list below includes 30 family-friendly, all-inclusive choices that are right here in the continental US. These resorts have a lot to offer in terms of convenience and value, married with unforgettable experiences and personal attention. We can’t think of a better time to start a new family tradition, explore more of our beautiful country and expose your family to new immersive experiences.
*Most of the resorts listed below have already re-opened or are opening soon, post Covid-19. We recommend you contact us prior to booking any of these properties to ensure that they are fully operational and have the same offerings.
Our code under the photos will help you understand what each resort includes:
B = Breakfast included
L = Lunch included
D = Dinner included
A = Alcohol included (choices may be limited)
Spa $ = Spa treatments additional
Golf $ = Golf available for a fee
Excursions $ = Resort provides off-site excursions for a fee
Beach Resorts
1. The Lodge at Little St Simons Island, GA
Accessible only by boat, Little St. Simons Island offers 7 miles of pristine beaches and 11,000 acres of undeveloped wilderness for exploration and relaxation. The Lodge at Little St Simons Island accepts no more than 32 overnight guests and is an island paradise for nature lovers. Offerings include a host of recreational, naturalist-led experiences including birding, boating, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, bicycling, interpretive tours, beach combing, fishing and swimming. Choose from one of six charming cottages, and enjoy delicious family style meals featuring seed-to-table ingredients from the islands own organic garden and genuine Southern hospitality. Little St. Simons Island is an ideal getaway for individuals, groups, families, family reunions, retreats and business meetings. All meals, beverages including sodas, beer & wine, use of island recreational gear, and daily-offered interpretive island excursions are included in the overnight rates. Tell me more about this resort
2. Club Med Sandpiper Bay, Port St. Lucie, FL
For an all-inclusive stay with a focus on sports, Sandpiper Bay is the ideal Club Med Resort for an active family vacation. Club Med Sandpiper Bay is probably the closest thing you will find in the continental US to the true all-inclusive resort experience that you think of. It’s the most affordable resort on our list and is a true all-inclusive with meals, alcohol and beverages included in the cost. But its biggest disadvantage is the location. Unlike other Club Med resorts, this property is located inland along the St. Lucie River, so there’s no white sandy beaches to sink your toes into. But a man-made beach area and wonderfully lush vegetation gives Club Med Sandpiper a bit of a delightfully tropical climate that reminds you of the Caribbean. Guests enjoy a Sports Academy with top-ranked coaches, supervised kid’s club and an adult-exclusive infinity pool with a dedicated bar. Food and drinks, kids’ club activities, tennis instruction, sailboat rentals and even trapeze lessons (yes, there’s an onsite flying trapeze) are included in your room rates.Club Med Sandpiper Bay is located inland between Miami and is not ocean front, but some of the most beautiful beaches on the East Coast are just a 20-30 minute drive away. Tell me more about this resort
3. Sandpearl Resort, Clearwater Beach, FL
Some activities additional $
Surrounded by the powdery white sand and crystal blue waters of Clearwater Beach, the AAA Four-Diamond Sandpearl Resort mixes luxury accommodations with award-winning amenities and activities on-site. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the sand or sipping tropical cocktails by our zero-entry pool. Indulge in personalized pampering at the Spa at Sandpearl or kayak through Florida’s spectacular estuaries. Sandpearl Resort also offers a variety of enrichment programs ($) that include dolphin encounters, organic food and wine tastings, and tours of the resort’s impressive art collection. Although not a true all-inclusive, the Sandpearl offers a vacation package that includes luxury accommodations and breakfast and dinner at Caretta on the Gulf, Clearwater’s only 4-diamond restaurant, for each registered guest in room. Tell me more about this resort
Mountain & Lake Lodges
4. Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, MI
Optional Full American plan included daily breakfast, buffet lunch and dinner.
Like stepping back in time, a stay at the Grand Hotel on Michigan’s Mackinac Island will grace you with old-world hospitality and charm. Today, guests enjoy modern amenities while the hotel’s original architecture and charm have been tastefully preserved. Contributing greatly to the hotel’s ambiance is the relaxed atmosphere of Mackinac Island, where cars are not allowed and the horse and carriage and bicycle are favored modes of transportation. Thanks to many activities and children’s programs, the readers of Travel + Leisure Family magazine rate Grand Hotel as one of the 10 kid-friendliest resorts in the U.S. and Canada. The Grand offers a modified American Plan which means breakfast and dinner are included in the cost of your stay.
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5. Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz, NY
Surrounded by 40,000 acres of pristine forest, Mohonk Mountain House is a National Historic Landmark. Surrounded by 40,000 acres of pristine forest, the resort offers farm-to-table cuisine and an award-winning spa and a traditional American Plan with most activities and three meals included in the cost of your stay. The staff is most attentive, leaving guests to focus on relaxation and exploring the breathtaking surroundings. Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer, wellness enthusiast, history buff, or a foodie, there’s something here for everyone. In fact, the resort boasts that there are over 150 things to do at Mohonk Mountain Resort that are included in the cost of your stay!
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6. Skytop Lodge, Poconos, PA
Spa $, Golf $, Some activities $
This 5,500 acre playground in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania is the perfect year round escape. The AAA 4-diamond resort is less than a 2-hour drive from New York City in the scenic mountains of Eastern Pennsylvania. Guests enjoy golf, skiing, fishing, boating, hiking, zip line, tree top adventure course, rock climbing, paintball and more! For a more relaxing retreat paper yourself in The Nest, the resort spa and stroll along the mountain paths to take in the natural beauty and wildlife. Enjoy a la carte dining at one of seven on-site restaurants or for something more inclusive choose the popular modified American Plan where the cost of our stay includes daily breakfast and dinner each night in the Windsor Dining Room.
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7. Blackberry Farm, Walland, TN
Blackberry Farm is located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. Blackberry Farm offers 68 guest accommodations, including Historic Rooms, Estate Rooms, Cottage Suites, Hill Cottages, Farmstead Cottage, and multi-bedroom houses, all beautifully appointed and furnished with fine antiques. The property is situated on 4,200 acres, offering some of the world’s finest wines, cuisine, fly fishing, horseback riding, hiking, cycling, sporting clay, and spa. In addition to an abundance of activities, Blackberry Farm offers an annual series of events including wine & food, wellness, music, adventure, and seasonal events. Included in the cost of your stay are nightly accommodations, pantry snacks and three meals per day in the style of Blackberry Farm’s celebrated Foothills Cuisine.
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8. High Hampton Resort, Cashiers, NC
The High Hampton Resort in North Carolina, not to be confused with the Hamptons of New York, is an original Southern mountain retreat. Inspiring guests to connect with nature and each other, The High Hampton Resort is a rustic playground that features hi-country cuisine. Around the lake, on the golf course and tennis courts, and at the Historic Inn generations have come together to connect and enjoy fresh, mountain air. Explore the natural surroundings, canoe, go hiking and biking, or ride a donkey. The resort is also know as one of the best wellness resorts in American where you can rejuvenate your mind, body and soul. The High Hampton Resort has something for everyone. The resort is closed for renovations in 2020, but we can’t wait to see the big revel in Spring/Summer 2021!
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9. Tyler Place Family Resort, Swanton, VT
Tyler Place Family Resort remains one of America’s great family resorts since it was founded in 1933. Located on Lake Champlain, the resort is knows for its adventurous youth programs. Families return to the resort year after year for the traditional family vacation experience offering a magical combination of time for kids to unplug, time for parents to reconnect, plus activities and fun for the whole family to do together. The Tyler Place Family Resort’s all-inclusive family vacations include award-winning infant, toddler, youth and teen programs, all meals, sports & activities, resort facilities, and entertainment for the most fun, stress-free travel with kids imaginable, right here in the U.S.
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10. Fair Hills Resort, Detroit Lakes, MI
Dive into the many exciting activities on one of the finest recreation lakes in Michigan, or take a long quiet walk along a scenic trail. Fair Hills combines the comforts of a world class resort with the fun of a classic Northwoods vacation. Since 1926, families have come to the shores of Pelican Lake seeking a quiet, relaxing place where resort recreation and friendly hospitality are served up special everyday.
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11. Migis Lodge on Sebago Lake, South Casco, ME
Set along the tranquil shores of Sebago Lake, this classic mountain lake lodge and its 35 smaller lakefront cottages are nestled amid the lush pine forest in southern Maine. The perfect remote location to enjoy lunch on the shores of the private island, play tennis, water ski, kayak or sail, or pamper yourself with a massage at the lodge’s wellness center. Migis Lodge is a place for families to come together and has remained a tradition by many families who reserve “their week” year after year. The Full American Plan includes all meals and many activities and amenities in the daily per person rate. Simply drive up, park the car, and stay.
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Ranches & Dude Ranches
12. The Ranch at Rock Creek, Philipsburg, MT
Whether you want to cozy up in a luxurious cabin, hunker down in a historic barn, or try a unique Glamping experience, The Ranch at Rock Creek will provide a one of a kind adventure. You’ll definitely feel at home at this ‘Home on the Range’ style property where luxury meets rustic; the cowboys never had it so good. Whether it’s fly-fishing, a rodeo, or horseback riding with an unbelievable backdrop, The Ranch offers accommodation and activities that make for the perfect adventure, without sacrificing an ounce of comfort. The ranch is located in southwestern Montana, near the historic mining town of Philipsburg.
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13. Vista Verde Guest Ranch, Steamboat Springs, CO
Enjoy the splendor of the Rocky Mountains at this Colorado luxury dude ranch where you’ll be treated to a diverse offering of seasonal activities, amazing food and a friendly staff who will cater to your every need. Self-described as a little bit luxury, a little bit Old West, a place for adventure, and a place for rest, Vista Verde has something to please everyone. The all-inclusive pricing really is all-inclusive, which means guests can plan ahead and budget their luxury vacations. Then they can relax, knowing there won’t be any surprises at check-out. Meals, wine, activities, equipment, instruction, airport transfers and even staff tips are all included.
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14. White Stallion Ranch, Tucson, AZ
Consistently ranked as the number one hotel in Tucson and one of the best family all-inclusive resorts in the US, The White Stallion Ranch is the perfect getaway if your idea of fun is immersing yourself in authentic Southwestern culture and outdoor adventures. Guest rooms are spacious and charming and located in a variety of authentic adobe casitas and haciendas scattered throughout the property. White Stallion “Ranch Style” vacation packages offer lodging, amenities, daily meals and a vast array of ranch activities—from horseback riding to rock climbing, hiking, shooting, fat tire bikes and evening entertainment.
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15. Tanque Verde Ranch, Tucson, AZ
There is never a dull moment at Tanque Verde Ranch! Known as one of America’s authentic old time ranches, guests go to Tanque Verde Ranch for the ultimate dude ranch experience. Choose from horseback riding, guided hiking and biking, swimming, dancing and fishing. Tanque Verde also has several tennis and basketball courts for guests to take advantage of. While in Tucson, check out a variety of unique off-site activities, which include downhill skiing, golfing, cave exploring, mountain climbing and more! Your stay at Tanque Verde Ranch includes three hearty meals each day, breakfast rides, Cowboy cookouts and live entertainment, horseback riding and lessons, mountain biking, fishing, guided hikes, nature center, yoga and wellness activities, arts and crafts, tennis, and more!
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16. The Home Ranch, Clark, CO
The only Relais & Chateaux hotel in Colorado, this upscale dude ranch is known for its cuisine and luxe facilities. The Home Ranch is an all-inclusive, family friendly Colorado guest ranch resort just a few miles away from Steamboat Springs with children’s programs, cross-country skiing, fishing, game room, horseback riding, horseshoes, nature/hiking trails, and wagon/carriage/sleigh rides. The Home Ranch is renowned for its “haute mountain” cuisine, and a unique farm-to table-program. All types of outdoor activities may be arranged for those who desire an active experience while the Ranch also appeals to those in search of a quiet, peaceful retreat in a setting filled with Western warmth and stunning natural beauty.
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17. Triangle X Ranch, Jackson Hole, WY
Triangle X Ranch is an authentic dude ranch and the only operating guest ranch concession in the nation’s entire National Park system. Beginners and equine experts alike can explore beautiful Jackson Hole Valley on horseback. An all-inclusive Wyoming dude ranch vacation at Triangle X offers one of the most complete outdoor recreation packages of any facility. There are opportunities to go hiking, wildlife viewing and practice your photography. You’ll want to go on cookouts, and try square dancing. In the evenings you can attend presentations by park interpreters and members of the Turner family. The ranch also offers fantastic youth programs for young children to teenagers. Extra activities that you can schedule into your stay include: guided fishing trips, guided scenic float trips, wilderness pack trips, and big game hunting trips.
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18. C Lazy U Ranch, Granby, CO
No matter if you’re a family of city slickers or seasoned horseback riders, a Colorado vacation at one of the country’s most celebrated, historic dude ranches is an experience that brings the whole family together. At C Lazy U, guests become immersed in the traditions of the American West from the moment they arrive. In the heart of Colorado ranch territory, C Lazy U has been in operation since 1919 and premier horseback riding, fly fishing and Colorado family vacations remain their specialty. Guests will be impressed by the rich history, rustic elegance, legendary cuisine and outstanding “5-spur” service. There’s something for everyone, from sledding and horseback riding adventures for the kids, to the luxury full-service spa for the parents. Sportsmen can enjoy guided hunting and fishing expeditions, and it’s the perfect outpost for your winter family vacation, with cross-country skiing, sledding, snowmobiling and sleigh rides. Included in your ranch rate are luxury accommodations, seasonal kid’s program, gourmet dining, horseback riding and most activities on the ranch.
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19. Rainbow Trout Ranch, Antonito, CO
While visiting Rainbow Trout Ranch the staff encourages you to “saddle up for a lifetime of memories.” Eplore the beautiful mountain valleys on horseback, try fly fishing, navigate the magnificent Rio Grand on an exciting white water rafting adventure, take part in history excursions and on site activities like swimming, bird-watching, playing horseshoes, trapshooting, hayrides and ho-downs! The resort also has excellent kids and teen programs with plenty of crafts, games, and fun! Included in your rate are your very own private log cabin, all meals, most activities and equipment and round trip airport transfers.
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20. Circle Z Ranch, Patagonia, AZ
Step back in time at Arizona’s original guest ranch, an all-inclusive experience for the last 94 years. This historic ranch is nestled in Southern Arizona’s Sky Islands, known for its vast grasslands and vaulting mountain ranges. Guided by expert wranglers, you will explore trails across thousands of acres so scenic they’ve been the setting for many Western movies. Back at the ranch you can partake in other outdoor activities or join guests, fireside, in the rustic lodge. Meals are cooked from scratch using locally grown ingredients.
*Closed summer 2020, reopening November 1, 2020.
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21. Alisal Guest Ranch, Solvang, CA
The Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort, nestled in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley and renowned Santa Barbara Wine Country, has been a luxury getaway for generations of families, couples and groups since first welcoming guests in 1946. Today, the luxury and spirit of the “Old West” remain in the Ranch’s wide-open spaces and breathtaking natural beauty. A stay at The Alisal gives you access our 50 miles of riding trails, 100 acre spring-fed lake, two 18-hole championship golf courses, tennis courts, pool, spa, western-themed accommodations, fine dining, and endless ways to explore the infinite rolling hills. Just minutes away from our premier guest ranch are more than 75 renowned vineyards and wineries and the charming Danish village of Solvang. Whether it’s a romantic weekend getaway for two, a family reunion or a corporate retreat, come discover the magic of The Alisal.
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22. Bar W Guest Ranch, Whitefish, MT
The Bar W Guest Ranch is about connecting with family and friends. Mixing elegance with old west informality, guests enjoy a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. Whether you stay in the spacious main lodge, Amish built cabin suites, or glamping in luxurious tents, you will feel right at home in the style of the old west. The Bar W is a family ranch with activities for guests of all ages. As a small Montana ranch with up to 40 guests per week, each guest’s experience is customized by tailoring riding and activities to their abilities. Guests have the opportunity to participate in trail rides, rodeo games, cattle work, hiking, swimming, canoeing, fishing, skeet shooting, archery, our kids program and more.
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23. Paradise Guest Ranch, Buffalo, WY
Paradise Guest Ranch is tucked in the heart of the Big Horn Mountains in north-central Wyoming near the historic town of Buffalo. It’s a place to reconnect with family and friends. Paradise Guest Ranch is the perfect Dude Ranch Vacation and offers activities like horseback riding, fly-fishing, hiking, and plenty of rest and relaxation. Read more about Paradise Guest Ranch.
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24. Dunton Hot Springs, Dolores, CO
Just across the mountain from Telluride, Dunton Hot Springs, Dunton is a restored 1800’s ghost town set in an extraordinary alpine valley. Once a spot where miners used to ease their weary bones, Dunton now welcomes guests to luxurious boutique cabins built around rejuvenating natural hot springs, and boasting experiences that money can’t buy. Dunton, hailed as one of the top 10 remote hotels in the world, is a celebration of exceptional food and wine and a place where guests can connect with stunning natural surroundings. Resort activities include horseback riding, fly fishing, hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, rafting on the Animas Rivers and Dolores Rivers, photography and fine art instruction, and archaeological day tours to the desert.
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25. Rancho de los Caballeros, Wickenburg, CO
Founded in 1948, Wickenburg’s Rancho de los Caballeros is a family-owned-and-operated ranch resort spanning 20,000 acres across the High Sonoran Desert. Famous for our Southwest hospitality and respect for the natural world, we endeavor to follow the true spirit of the Spanish caballeros, the “gentlemen on horseback.” Guests can enjoy activities like horseback riding, shooting, hiking, nature and wildlife viewing, Jeep and ATV tours, or spend a day in historic Wickenburg. The ranch also has spa services and an award-winning 18-hole golf course.
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26. Mayan Dude Ranch, Bandera, TX
Capture the spirit of the Old West at the Mayan Dude Ranch nestled in the peaceful Hill Country of Bandera, TX. This is a true Texas-sized, all-inclusive “dude” ranch resort, horse-shoed by the Medina River and hidden among 350 acres of rolling hills, golden hayfields, and herds of horses and wildlife. Whether you are looking for a convenient weekend respite, an extended taste of Cowboy Country, or a place to hold your next business conference, the Mayan Ranch welcomes guests home with true Texas hospitality. The all-inclusive daily rates include three meals, two horseback rides, complimentary beer, wine, and soft drinks, and use of the ranch’s facilities. Even if you prefer our Texas-sized swimming pool to the saddle, the tennis racket to the lasso, or the hiking trail to the hayride, there is something for everyone to experience.
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27. JJJ Wilderness Ranch, Augusta, MT
Nestled between Yellowstone and Glacier National Park, the Triple J overlooks the beautiful Sun River Canyon and Gibson Lake. Enjoy spectacular beauty without the crowds or lines of the national parks. It’s big country, unspoiled and unforgettable…the sky really is bigger in Montana! Guest activities include horseback riding, hiking, fly-fishing, trap shooting, archery, cattle-penning, roping, mountain climbing, wildlife viewing, camp fires and more. The ranch also has structured kid’s programs for all ages. Reservations for small group Bob Marshall Wilderness Pack Trips are encouraged as they become sold out months in advance. Each pack trip is unique ranging from base camp oriented to trips that traverse the wilderness over the Continental Divide. Guests are escorted across wilderness trails on sure-footed saddle horses while a trusty string of pack-mules carries all the gear. The Triple J crew, wrangler, packer, guide and camp cook, will provide a comfortable, complete camp.
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28. The Resort at Paws Up, Missoula, MT
Located just east of Missoula, Montana, The Resort at Paws Up is home to thrilling adventures and incomparable luxury in one of the most picturesque places on earth. Offering expansive private homes as well as sophisticated, safari-style luxury tents, Paws Up provides an unfiltered connection with the natural beauty of Montana coupled with world-class comforts. With more than 70 outdoor activities, no two days are ever the same. Spend a day on horseback, cast a fly in sparkling waters to eager trout, embark on a whitewater rafting adventure and explore the very land Lewis & Clark swooned over. You’ll sleep on the finest sheets, eat chef-driven cuisine.
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29. Mountain Sky Guest Ranch, Emigrant, MT
Mountain Sky sits on over 17,000 operational acres of unspoiled wilderness in the heart of Yellowstone Country. While many of the guest cabins date back to the ranch’s beginnings in the 1920’s, all have been carefully restored and refurbished to provide luxurious comfort amidst rustic surroundings. Rates include all meals, and on-ranch activities including riding, hiking, golf, yoga, and fly-fishing instruction. The resort’s AMB West Challenge Course provides guests with an exciting opportunity to test their nerves on elements suspended 30-40 feet in the air. Let skilled guides carefully support you as you challenge yourself climbing, traversing, crawling, swinging, and zipping. Rates also include the use of all ranch facilities and amenities, including a heated pool and hot tub, sauna, and tennis court. Mountain Sky provides an imaginative kids program to keep the little ones entertained while parents and siblings are out on the trail, as well as a teen program with more active experiences.
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Honorable Mention
30. Walt Disney World Resorts, Orlando, FL
Walt Disney World is the #1 most visited vacation destination for families. One of the advantages of planning a Disney vacation is that guests have the ability to pick and choose the lodging and options that best suit their family’s needs and budget. So families who want to pay in advance can easily choose room, tickets and an optional dining plan to turn their visit into an all-inclusive vacation package. Dining packages are only offered to guests staying at a Disney-owned property and must be purchased in advance. There are four different dining plans to choose from so there’s something to please every family’s taste and budget. Guests choosing an all-inclusive Disney package enjoy the convenience of having their entire vacation paid for in advance.
*At the time of publication, Walt Disney World Resort is closed to visitors and future reservations are currently not available. Packages and dining plans offered through the Disney World Travel Co. are subject to change upon reopening of the parks and resorts. We will update this information as soon as it becomes available.
