Chicago DIS'ers - Need advice from you

[Boo Mc]

Thinking about taking the kids to Chicago in late July for 4-5 days. We probably want to stay near Navy Pier to avoid having to drive our own car too much. Any advice on where to stay? There are so many hotels to choose from! Doesn't have to be the Ritz but we do want some place nice and kid friendly. And if we can get a good deal, that just means more money for our next trip to WDW . Thanks for your help!

P.S. Should the Aquarium be on the must-do list? We're already thinking of Navy Pier, Children's Museum, maybe some shopping. Possibly Lion King, anything else?

 

[ahutton]

It has been a really long time, but there was a place to play "City Golf" down near the pier, it was mini golf but inside and was a great time. Depending on your kids they may enjoy it.

 

[LurkerLisa]

There is so much to do in Chicago - here's a start

1. Chicago has a City Pass for the main attractions. You can save big bucks over pricing separately. Here is the link

http://citypass.net/cgi-bin/citypass/city_fly?mv_arg=chicago&rand=5246

2. Chiago has a "Greeter" program. Here is the link

http://chicagogreeter.com/index.html.

3. The city is running some summer specials on hotels. Here is the link

www.choosechicago.com

4. You want to choose a hotel in the "magnificent mile" or "gold coast" or navy pier area. There is a free shuttle that runs all around the downtown area daily. You should be able to get to most tourist places using this. One hotel in that area that I have stayed in is the Wyndam. It was nice and I got a great rate on hotels.com. I think that either Hyatt or Hilton is running a summer deal, but I can't remember for sure. Both have hotels in Chicago, but one of them is a little further towards the loop. There is a Marriott right on Michigan Ave. There is also a "W" close by. I'm sure the toursim folks can give you a better picture.

5. The Lincoln Park Zoo is FREE

6. The Sears tower is taller, but the Hancock has a better sky deck. Also, the resturant at the top of the Hancock used to have a good lunch buffet for around $12. Good food great view

7. The entertainment book has coupons for the trolly, skydeck and some of the boat tours - maybe you have a local friend...?

8. See the city from the lake. It is a awsome sight. Tours leave from either Navy Pier or the foot of the Michigan Ave. bridge.

I could go on and on, but I won't. If you wany ANY additional information just email me at queenie123@aol.com


Lisa

 

[KiminChicago]

I'd definitely put the Shedd on your must-do list, especially since they just opened the new reef exhibit.

 

[Dan Murphy]

http://www.877chicago.com/

http://chicago.travelape.com/

http://www.chicago.il.org/

http://www.themagnificentmile.com/

http://www.ci.chi.il.us/Tourism/index.html

A few links many help some. Try sending a PM to both December99 and NancyIL.

Enjoy!!!!!

 

[cgcw]

WOW! LurkerLinda, that's a lot of information. I'm going to hang on to that -- and I live here!!

Depending on your children's ages, the Children's Museum at Navy Pier is worth the trip. Our DS3 loves it there and while DS8 has outgrown most of the museums, he does still enjoy this one. They have a really neat area where the kids can "dig" for dinosaur bones. There's another section which is water play where the kids can change the flow of the water and they have scoops and whatnot for them to use. They have a building area where the kids can use nuts and bolts along with wood and try to create something. My kids have a lot of fun there.

The Shedd is also nice. We haven't been there since the new area opened. Another of our favorites are the Museum of Science & Industry and the Field Museum.

Have fun!

 

[Boo Mc]

Thanks for all the great info. everyone! We might have to change our plans a bit since Tall Ship weekend seems to be causing a lot of hotels to be full that weekend (and I'm not that interested in fighting crowds - I do enough of that at WDW ). We'll probably try to go later in the summer or early fall. Thanks again!!

 

[Trinity721]

I was going to suggest a few things, but I think these Chicagoans got it covered!

I know there is a Holiday Inn downtown, can't remember where. But I think that would be the perfect place to stay, it's near the Mag Mile and always kid friendly. MUST do some shopping when you're in town!

Be sure to visit the Children's Museum when you're at Navy Pier, the kids will love it. Definitely get a City Pass, it'll get you into the museums and aquarium. Also if you're ok with taking the "L" (don't be afraid of it, I learned living in the city it's the most convenient and cheap way to travel!) the CTA offers 1, 2, 3, and 5 day passes. If not, it's about $1.50 each way per person.

Also if you can find tickets at the end of the month, the Lion King is in town... a piece of Disney in the City, if you will. I just got my tickets for July 27, and can't wait to see it.

Chicago has so much to offer, I hope you enjoy it here! I've lived here all my life and still can't get enough of it

 

[ByTheSea]

We just spent a long weekend there - got a great deal on a 4* (Westin Michigan Ave) through priceline. There are free trolley's from Water Tower Place to the museums, Navy Pier and the Sears tower. There's a good tourist info place at Water Tower and we picked up a good free coupon book with a lot of 2 for 1 one's for boat tours etc.

The Field museum was packed when we went, so we skipped it and did the Planetarium instead, and my 9 year old had a blast there.