Disney’s Mother’s Day weekend a treat starting at $499

There’s a bit more than a month to plan a special getaway to celebrate Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10.

This is your time, Mom, to plan your own escape. And grown-up kids may want to show Mom just how special she is with the best gift of all - time spent together making memories.

The place to celebrate is Orlando.

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort’s “Magical Mother’s Day Weekend” is a two-night, three-day package priced from $499. Included is a Swedish massage for Mom at the resort’s Mandara Spa, free Sunday morning character brunch for Mom at Garden Grove (when accompanied by her child or children w/proof), a box of chocolates from Laurent Branlard, the resort’s pastry chef and a late 4 p.m. check-out (based on availability). Valid May 8-10, http://www.swandolphin.com.

Pamper Mom at the luxurious two Mobil Four-Star, AAA Four Diamond Peabody Orlando - home to five North American mallard ducks that twice-daily (11 a.m., 5 p.m.) parade from their $100,000 penthouse Royal Duck Palace (by way of an escorted elevator ride) down to a center stage lobby fountain. The hotel’s one-night “Mother’s Day Escape” package, priced at $299, includes accommodations, continental breakfast for two, valet parking and a $100 food and beverage credit. Extra nights are priced at $199, per night. Valid on May 7-10 stays. http://www.peabodyorlando.com / Worth noting: The Peabody Orlando is in the midst of a major expansion, http://www.peabodyorlando.com/new%5Fdevelopments

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If Mom wants a bit of solitude from the hectic theme parks, take her to a rather secret garden in Orlando - the Harry P. Leu Gardens, nearly 50 acres of tropical southern-styled gardens, grounds, lakes, three historic buildings and three miles of scenic walking trails. Park highlights include its camellias (the largest collection in the country outside California) and ancient oak trees.

The gardens are open daily, except Christmas Day, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (last entrance 4 p.m.). The Leu House Museum opens from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. with tours every 30 minutes on the hour and half hour (last tour 3:30 p.m.).

A “Spring Jazz Stroll” will be held Saturday night, May 9 from 7 p.m.-10 p.m. featuring some of Central Florida’s best jazz & blues musicians. Bring a blanket and a picnic basket to this outdoor event. Tickets go on sale April 27.

General garden admission is $7 adults; $2 for children grades K-12; under grade K free. Entrance is free for Mom’s on Mother’s Day, May 10 and every Monday morning from 9 a.m.-noon.

The gardens are located at 1920 North Forest Ave.; off of I-4, Exit 85; http://www.leugardens.org

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And for visits throughout the year, check out this link for special savings in and around Orlando:

http://www.orlandoinfo.com/smile/offers/listings.cfm

Each week the Web site is loaded with special offers on attractions, dining, lodging and more.

Today you’ll find many offers for free hotel nights - such as a “Stay 3 nights and get an additional two nights free” at the Renaissance Orlando Hotel at SeaWorld. Refer to promo code PK9. http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/mcosr-renaissance-orlando-resort-at-seaworld/

Another of the many offers includes half-priced tickets to the family-friendly Capone’s Dinner Show. Adult tickets are $24.99, $14.99 for children ages 4-12. Tickets include all you can eat, and drink along with the colorful cabaret-style show that takes you back to Chicago’s gangster days of the 30’s. http://www.caponesdinnershoworlando.com