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Gardaland: Italy's Disney
You might be wondering if Italy is the appropriate vacation venue for your kids, and rightfully so. Many children simply cannot yet appreciate the
beauty and scenery Italy offers (although even the pickiest of eaters will be overjoyed with the food!) Don't fret -- there's plenty of entertainment
for your children within Italy, so if you're planning to bring the kids, here are a few tested-and-true kid-pleasers -- and they might even prove fun
for mom and dad, too.
Before you head off to Italy: Preparing the kids
It might not seem like much, but read books about Italy, show your kids pictures and read fun travel articles to them. The more they understand about
the country and the very different Italian culture before they go, the less surprises they'll have. And they'll appreciate the smaller things on the
trip as well.
If you're planning any kind of train, car or plane travel with your youngsters, keep snack foods and boxed drinks available -- preferably those low in
caffeine and sugar. Cereal, crackers, raisins, pretzels and low-sugar beverages will satisfy your kids and keep them happy (and hopefully keep them from
screaming and kicking the back of the seat) throughout your journey. Bottled water might be heavy, but it's especially helpful in preventing
stomachaches in your little ones -- especially if they have sensitive tummies.
If you're looking to hit one of the theme parks and you're worried about rain or other nasty, inclement spoiling your day, call 045-644-9777 in advance
to get a complete weather report. With these tips in mind, hit the fun stuff with the kiddies and don't look back.
The Italian Brand of Disneyland: Gardaland
Gardaland is clean, safe and well-organized theme park -- most 'grown-ups' are actually as excited as the children, and if you're on Italian art
overload, you'll appreciate a break from the culture crowds.
The characters are Italy's version of Disney, so be prepared to explain to your children, should they ask, that in Italy, this is their most popular
cartoon family. Also be prepared for the souvenirs, as they cost a pretty penny (a stuffed animal can reach euro 30 -- more than the price of
admission!
If you're looking to schedule this into an already strict itinerary, your best bet is to plan the trip when you're already headed to Venice. On your
way, you'll pass the rococo palaces along the Grand Canal -- a site so breathtaking that even the youngest of your brood will gasp in delight. And with
awe comes silence, allowing mom and dad to take in a deep breath of sea-fresh air and reflect on their good fortune.
To get to Gardaland, take the Milan-Venice autostrada and get off at Peschiera del Garda (if you're eastbound.) If you're westbound, take the
Milan-Venice autostrada and get off at Sommacampagna. Then, all you do is follow the signs for approximately eight miles. (The signs are frequently
missing, so if you don't see one for awhile, don't panic. You'll find it -- it's a fairly straight shot once you're off the autostrada. The park, which
has an enormous parking lot, is open daily from March 27 to October 4. After their open season, you'll find the parks open only on weekends until
November 1, when it closes for the season.
For more information, entry prices and operating days and hours, visit the Gardaland Web site or the Travel Tips Web site.
This article was written by staff writer Sabrina Friedman.
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