Disney’s Animal Kingdom Welcomes Baby Zebra

It's an excited week in Orlando as Disney's Animal Kingdom welcomes a baby zebra.

I'm a huge animal lover, which is one of the reasons I love Disney's Animal Kingdom so much. Not only do I find that park absolutely beautiful, but being able to go on the Kilimanjaro Safaris and seeing all the animals out on the savanna is one of the coolest experiences ever. Last time I went, we had to stop to let a giraffe cross the road. It's a very cool way to get up close and see these animals roaming free. And now, there's a new baby you'll see out there.

Who doesn't love baby animals? I love animals of all kinds (except snakes), but there's something about a baby that is just so darn cute. And the next time you to go Animal Kingdom, you just may spot a baby zebra. It was announced on Disney's Facebook page that she was born on June 13th and she's a Hartmann's mountain zebra. She's not out on the savanna with mom yet, but will be very soon.

If you're looking to take your experience one step further, I recommend staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge. I recently stayed there for the first time in the Jambo House and that was amazing as well. Outside my room we had ostriches, Ankole cattle and giraffes. Every morning I got excited to open the curtains to see what was out there. I loved every second of it.

An add-on at the resort, which I'd love to do one day, is the Starlight Safari. This experience will take you on a nighttime drive through the savanna. You'll have night vision and could see over 30 species of animals. And best of all, even if you're not staying at the resort, it's open to all guests of Walt Disney World.

Living in Florida with the weather so nice the majority of the year, there's lots of time for fun in the sun and 8 Southwest Florida resorts offer day passes for locals.

One of things on my list when I moved to Fort Myers was that I needed to be close to the beach. Sure, affordability, a safe community, a pool, a decent size living space were on my list as well, but I wanted to be less than 10 minutes from the beach. I hit the jackpot with where I live that all those things were crossed off the list. For me, it's just the feeling of being on vacation, even when it's just a short drive away. And that's how I feel about going for a swim or just laying by the pool at a resort. Staying overnight isn't necessary when you have a home nearby to go back to, but the feeling of being a tourist in your own town can be a great time.

So how can you do that? Well, 8 Southwest Florida resorts offer day passes for locals.

Most hotels and resorts, you have to be a guest to be able to use amenities like the pool and spa. But there's a great website/app called Resort Pass that allows you to book a day at a resort without having to book a room. While prices do vary from weekdays to weekends, and different things are included at each, it's a great way to get out and enjoy some of the great local offerings whether you have family and friends coming into town, or to treat yourself to a day away from home.

And while I'll feature resorts here in Southwest Florida, you can search for resorts all over the world. I've had friends use it to book days in resorts on cruise stops in different ports in fact.

The Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa is a family-friendly resort perfect for those looking for some fun. They have 3 acres of pools, plus a lazy river and waterslides. There's also an adults-only pool and whirlpool. Day passes include use of the water attractions, poolside food and beverage service, towels, complimentary games, Wi-Fi and self-parking. Prices for adults start at $45.

If you've driven down on Fort Myers Beach, you know the pool at Margaritaville is THEE place to be. Day passes to the FINS UP Beach Club start at $65 for adults and include not only access to the pool, but also beach access including lounge chairs at both. You can also enjoy towel service, pool and beach food and beverage service, daily live music and free Wi-Fi. There's also a 20% discount on water sports activities and spa treatments with the purchase of a day pass.

Pink Shell is a beautiful resort right on Fort Myers Beach. With a beautiful pool looking out on the Gulf, day passes allow access to 2 pools and a hot tub. Also beach access, including beach and pool lounge chairs, towel service,  kids activities and nature tours, watersport and bike rentals, a fitness center, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Day passes for adults start at $30.

If you haven't been to downtown Fort Myers to check out the Luminary yet, what are you waiting for? It is an absolutely gorgeous property looking out on the River District. The pool offers great views of the Caloosahatchee River. Day passes start at $25 and include use of the pool and a lounge chair, towels, poolside food and beverage service, free Wi-Fi and free valet parking.

We all know that staying on the beach in Naples can get pricy, but this is a great way to enjoy the resort just for the day. While food and beverage service is not yet available from Hurricane Ian, there's still plenty to take advantage of. Day passes start at $65 and include access to the pool, beach access with complimentary chairs, towels and umbrellas, free Wi-Fi and free self-parking.

If you're looking for full-on luxury, look no further than The Ritz-Carlton, Naples. With your family pool cabana that starts at $700, there's not much that's not included. You'll have sofa seating, cable TV, a stocked mini-fridge, chaise loungers, a fruit plate and a snack basket. Plus your very own poolside butler. Plus use of the family pool, lap pool and adults-only pool, private beach access, towels and free Wi-Fi and valet. Treat yourself!

In Naples, there's not one but 2 Ritz's and this option is great for families wanting a little more action. Here, you'll enjoy 3 waterslides, a lazy river and a splash and play area for kids. Day passes start at $135 and include all the water attractions, plus lounge chairs, poolside food and beverage service, complimentary Wi-Fi and parking. There also cabanas for up to 6 people starting at $1200, a Tequila Eclipse Dessert Experience, a Travel With Us Dining Experience and an Enamorarse Dining Experience for purchase.

Another luxurious escape awaits you at the Naples Grande Beach Resort. This resort features an adults-only pool and hot tub, a family pool, a lap pool and a water slide. Day passes start at $95 and include access to all pool fun, plus pool and beach chairs, towels, poolside food and beverage service, free Wi-Fi and valet parking. There is spa pass available as well starting at $45 that includes access to a whirlpool, sauna, steam room, meditation lounge and a fitness center.