Dining with the Disney characters is one of the highlights of dining the Magic Kingdom. You can have breakfast, lunch and dinner with the Disney princesses at Cinderella’s Royal Table – or if you prefer Pooh and his friends from the Hundred Acre Woods, dine at the Crystal Palace. Are Mickey and Minnie your faves? Then enjoy dinner with them at Liberty Tree Tavern. All of these restaurants are in great demand, so reservations are highly recommended. You can make reservations beginning 180 days in advance, and you should call 407-WDW-DINE as soon as possible to assure a table on your preferred date. Yes, demand is great!

For other casual dining, you might also try the other table-service restaurants. Tony’s Town Square Restaurant features classic Italian food with atmosphere inspired by the Disney movie “Lady and the Tramp.” At the other end of Main Street, the Plaza Restaurant is a quiet stop for gourmet sandwiches. Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are possible.

For those of us who prefer more freedom, you can chose from four counter-service restaurants that feature full menus. My favorite is Pecos Bill’s Café in Frontierland, where I love the burger toppings bar with grilled onions and mushrooms. The best variety is at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café in Tomorrowland; you can choose from burgers, chicken, sandwiches and soup. Columbia Harbour House in Liberty Square serves fried fish and chicken, chowder, chili and other sandwiches.

(The fifth counter-service restaurant is the Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station, but it is frequently closed. I’m staying away until the menu becomes more reliable.)

If that isn’t enough – and of course, it isn’t! – I love stopping for a snack at one of the 15 ick-bite shops. Here are my top three snack stops:

* Sleepy Hollow in Liberty Square for a funnel cake
* Aloha Island in Adventureland for a Dole Whip, soft-serve pineapple ice cream
* Casey’s Corner on Main Street U.S.A. for corn-dog bites

The variety of dining options at the Magic Kingdom translates to a variety of prices. The character meals range from $40 for adults and $25 for children at Cinderella’s Royal Table to $28 for adults and $14 for children at Crystal Palace and Liberty Tree Tavern. Meals at the other table-service restaurants are generally $15-20 for adult entrees. Prices for counter-service meals are generally under $10 for adults and $6 for children. Snacks are typically under $5 per person, many are about $2.

If I could pick anywhere to have lunch, it would be sitting outside at Pecos Bill’s overlooking the Rivers of America, listening to the delighted screams of guests plunging down Splash Mountain, noshing a juicy hamburger. If you’d like to read more about I’m sure that you’ll find your own favorite at the Magic Kingdom. Check the menus, and discover your own dining magic at the Magic Kingdom.

The earliest kingdom of Thailand was the Sukhothai Kingdom, built around the city of Sukhothai. Sukhothai was the capital of Siam, and is located in north central Thailand. This was the earliest kingdom and it existed between 13th and 14th century.

In the 13th century, Sukhothai was a part of Khmer empire. It was recognized as a Thai ruled kingdom when two Thai chieftans, Pho Khun Pha Muang and Pho Khun Bang Klang Hao, declared their individual independent kingdom in Thailand. The first king of Sukhothai was Pho Khun Bang Klang Hao who also called himself Pho Khun Si Indrathit or Intradit.

The kingdom of Sukhothai eventually expanded and made alliances with other Thai kingdoms. Their adopted Theravada Buddhism as their state religion. The son of the king Pho Khun Bang Klang Hao succeeded the throne after him. Later on, his brother Pho Khun Ramkhamhaeng took over the throne. During his regime, Sukhothai enjoyed a golden time and prospered to its maximum.

Ramkhamhaeng introduced the first Thai letters. During his regime, the kingdom expanded and spread over a large area from Martaban (now Myanmar) to Luang Prabang (present day Laos) and down to the Malay Peninsula. The kingdom was larger than modern day Thailand.

Loethai, the son of Ramkhamhaeng, took over Sukhothai after his father died. But he could not bring the same prosperity to his kingdom as his father. Soon, other dependent Thai kings started liberating themselves from King Loethai. The once great Kingdom of Sukhothai quickly became a small local province and very soon lost its importance in the region.

Paris is one of the world’s fascinating and vibrant capitals. The city simply pulsates with energy and culture. Dubbed as the City of Light, Paris’ 20 arrondisements offer diverse attractions and experience for the discriminating tourist. For first time visitors, exploring Paris can both be exciting and a bit overwhelming. There are many things to see and to do – from visiting its numerous museums and national monuments, lazing around its royal gardens, shopping for designer outfits along its chic streets, sampling the city’s gastronomic delights, sipping coffee in the Parisian sidewalk cafes, or just soaking the vibe in along the river Sienne. Some say it takes a lifetime to discover the city’s delights but if you only have a weekend in Paris, be sure to visit these top attractions:

1. Eiffel Tower – built in 1889 for the World Exposition, the Eiffel Tower is perhaps one of the world’s most recognizable monuments. Towering 324 meters above the city, the tower was highly criticized before its construction because of its perceived monstrosity. Now, a trip to Paris is not complete without a visit to the Eiffel Tower. Make sure to go up as the tower provides amazing views of Paris. It is accessible by stairs but if you’re feeling lazy and you have extra euros to burn, you can always take the lift. The tower is also home to two restaurants – Altitude 95 on the first floor and the expensive Jules Verne on the second floor. For 11.50 euros, you can also stage a proposal at the top of the Eiffel Tower (a la Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes), that is, if you don’t mind sharing the space with Paris’ thousands of visitors. Be sure to go there early as the queue gets really long.

2. Arc d’ Triomphe – another famous Parisienne landmark, the Arc d’ Triomphe offers a panoramic view of Paris’ widest street, the Avenue des Champs-Elysées. The monument was built to honor the French Army whose names are inscribed under the arc. The best way to enjoy this attraction is to go up the monument and breathe in Paris’ chic boutiques and cafes along the Champs- Elysées.

3. Notre Dame Cathedral – this is not your ordinary cathedral as it witnessed the enthronement of Henry VI and Napoleon I. Famed for its impressive stained glass and its gothic architecture, the Notre Dame is a must-see for any visitor in Paris.

4. Sacre Coeur – located in Mortmarte, the Sacre Coeur is best viewed at night. You have the option of walking up the steps to reach the basilica or you can also take the lift to the top. This white church glows amazingly at night and presents the most stunning nighttime view in all of Paris. The nuns’ enchanting vespers is also a plus for the early evening visit.

5. Paris is also home to some of the best hotels in the world. Why not make the most of your trip to Paris and stay at one of the city's many romantic hotels.

Walt Disney World, Orlando, to the uninitiated, might be perceived as a rather tired place to take your children on summer holiday given that it's been open since 1971. In reality, Walt Disney World has consistently developed its theme park, rides and holiday packages so that families can keep returning for more wholesome Disney fun. With a variety of events and amusement rides to choose from in Disney's Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios and the latest addition to the Walt Disney World home, Disney's Animal Kingdom, you and your children are sure to find a variety of ways in which you can be entertained.

Two of the most popular attractions in Disney World's Magic Kingdom are The Haunted Mansion and the Pirates of the Caribbean - both of which have been turned into popular films. Your kids are sure to love the mixture of family entertainment and eerie fun that both of these rides afford. However, if you're travelling with very small children that are likely to find some of these rides a little frightening, you have a range of classic Disney World favourites to fall back on, including Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Peter Pan's Flight and the legendary "It's a small world" attraction. Newer rides include Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, adapted from the popular Toy Story character, and the Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor.

In Epcot, you'll find Spaceship Earth, one of Walt Disney World's hallmark attractions. As one of the most recognisable structures at the resort, Spaceship Earth forms both the main focal point of Epcot and one of its most popular dark rides. Take a trip to Epcot to help your children learn more about the world's countries with the World Showcase. You'll even be able to experience such exciting rides as The Seas with Nemo & Friends, an attraction based on underwater exploration, and Honey, I Shrunk the Audience.

What's more, Disney-MGM Studios is sure to appeal to any movie fan, young or old. With its epic The Great Movie Ride, you'll be escorted through a series of scenes from famous movies, including Singin' in the Rain, Alien, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Casablanca. What's more, you'll be able to experience the wonders of the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, Muppet Vision 3-D and the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith.

And if you're a keen animal fan, don't forget to explore Disney's Animal Kingdom. From the thrilling DINOSAUR ride to the Kilimanjaro Safari attraction, you and your family are sure to love all that Disney's Animal Kingdom has to offer. You'll even get a taste of some of Disney's most successful films, through rides like Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo - The Musical.

Bukettraube - Developed in Germany, produces quality wines with a distinctive Muscat bouquet. South Africa is one of the few wine-producing countries worldwide to bottle Bukettraube as a single varietal wine.

Cape Riesling (Crouchen Blanc) - The variety was wrongly regarded for many years as Weisser Riesling (Rhine Riesling) but was later identified as the Crouchen Blanc of France. A shy bearer which can produce quality white wines with a delicate yet fruity bouquet and sharp grassy aroma if growth and ripening conditions are ideal.

Chardonnay - A native of Burgundy, this variety is widely planted throughout the New World. Locally, much experimentation has been taking place with barrel fermentation and oak ageing of Chardonnay, and excellent wines in a number of styles are being produced. It is also used in some of the base wines from which Cap Classique sparkling wines are made as well as in white blends, an increasingly successful category.

Chenel - A local cross between Chenin Blanc and Ugni Blanc which produces a white wine of reasonable quality.

Chenin Blanc (Steen) - The most widely cultivated variety in the Cape, growers are raising the standard to new levels. Characterised by its versatility, Chenin Blanc produces good natural wines covering the whole spectrum from sweet to dry, as well as sherry and sparkling wine. Its fruitiness finds favour with a wide range of palates. It is also used for distilling brandy and spirits.

Clairette Blanche - Although it is seldom used as a single variety, its presence is an essential in many of our light, fruity wines - unusually low in alcohol and acid content.

Colombar(d) - Planted especially in the Breede River region, this variety produces a quality wine in the warmer areas. Good acid content ensures fresh, interesting wines with a pleasant fruity flavour.

Emerald Riesling - A relatively new variety from California which made its commercial debut in 1981. The wines are flavourful and fruity.

Gewürztraminer - A delicate aromatic flavour profile with an easily identifiable rose-petal fragrance; usually produces a light, off-dry wine.

Grenache (Blanc) – Related to the more widely known Grenache Noir, Grenache Blanc originated in Spain where it still plays a role in the wines of Rioja and Navarre. It spread to France, where it is the fourth most widely planted white grape variety and thrives in the Rhône valley and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It has a crisp acidity and produces rich, full wines with clean green apple fruit aromas and flavours. It has a long, lingering finish and can stand on its own or as a blending component. Plantings in the Cape are miniscule.

Muscat d'Alexandrie (Hanepoot) - One of the world's most widely planted and versatile varieties, locally it was probably developed from 'Spaanse Dryven' (Spanish Grape) cuttings introduced to South Africa by Jan van Riebeeck in the 1650s. Nowhere else does it form such a high percentage of a country's total grape harvest as in South Africa, where it is used especially for dessert wine, as well as natural wine and raisins. Hanepoot delivers a strong, flowery bouquet and intense honey flavour.

Muscadel - Used chiefly in dessert wines, it gives an intense, raisin-like bouquet and was historically associated with the famous Constantia dessert wines. Red and white grapes grow mainly in the Breede River region. It belongs to the Muscat family.

Nouvelle - This grape, a crossing of Semillon and Crouchen Blanc (better known as Cape Riesling), was developed in South Africa by Professor CJ Orffer of Stellenbosch University. While plantings remain tiny they are increasing, mainly for inclusion in blends. It produces wines with a strong grassy, green peppery character.

Palomino (White French Grape) - A heavy bearer, low in sugar and acid. Used mainly for making sherry and brandy. It produces a neutral wine, best enjoyed young.

Pinot Gris - Planted on a very small scale in South Africa. Produces wines which are full and well balanced.

Sauvignon Blanc - In combination with Semillon and Muscadel these grapes produce some of the most exceptional white wines of Bordeaux, including the sweetest Sauternes and driest Graves. These wines have a distinctive green peppery or grassy character, and are often aged in wood (sometimes labelled Blanc Fumé). Extensively planted in the 18th century, Sauvignon Blanc has now regained popularity and considerably increased its share of plantings. There are some leading local examples which have garnered international attention.

Semillon (Green Grape) - Produces a full yet subtle wine with little acid; often used in blends. Locally, some outstanding wooded varietal wines have been produced from this grape variety which once represented 93% of all Cape vines and now accounts for only about 1%.

Ugni Blanc (Trebbiano) - Slightly neutral, thin wines which are used almost exclusively in brandy production.

Viognier - Becoming increasingly fashionable internationally, this variety has been grown for centuries in the northern half of the Rhône valley in France. An early ripener, it produces delicate complex wines with peach, apricot, honey and spice aromas under the right conditions. It is also sometimes blended with Shiraz (to a maximum of 20%).

Weisser Riesling (Rhine Riesling) - Has adapted well to South Africa's soil and climate. Produces very full, flavourful wines with excellent fruit acids that develop well with bottle ageing. Wines have a honeyed spicy nose and a flowery sweetness.