Hope no one kicks me off for asking this question!

[bless7ings]

Hope no one kicks me off for asking this question!

We went to Disney 2 years ago and had the best family vacation ever, and I am hoping to go this year, but... I was wondering if anyone knows of other places that families can go on trips that are all inclusive like disney. What I mean by that is... a place to stay with food included and entertainment at your doorstep so you don't have to travel some place else. That's what my husband likes, but would like to know if there are any other places that resemble that and maybe have a good price attached. I know I am asking a lot. Hope someone can give me some good ideas. Tammy

[melag]

Beaches / Sandals / A Cruise:banana:

[Hannathy]

Universal?

[hvivona]

A cruise is probably your best bet.

[bopper]

Disney Cruise...Win-WIn!

[jenjen27]

Universal Studios / Island of Adventures have a resort like set up.. you can add the meal deal which you get a meal entree and dessert all day long.. each time you go thru the line.. so if you want more than one entree for yourself get inline again and get another meal... and then they have the free refill sippers all day long.. the meal thing is like 18.99 for adults and 8.99 for child and then sippers are 8.99 each. so if you are eating there all day long its worth it!.. they have resturants there.. if you stay at the onsite resort you get the express pass that normall cost 50 dollars a person at the gate free for each person.. sometimes 2 tickets free if you stay as well.. so really a great deal.

They also have a 7 day ticket for both parks for only $85 a person.

That is the only one I know of at the moment
Jen

[luckey-lasvegas]

Read a review on this in familyfun, looks fun but we haven't made it their yet.
www.zionponderosa.com

We are big cruise fans too !
How about Disney Sarrasota ? I think that's what it's called.

Clubmed always looked goos to me but it's $$$.

[ampc3]

There is a club med in south florida on the east coast, sand something can't remember the name. That is a family all inclusive, but I vote for the disney cruise too!

[MickeyMonstersMom]

Oh, the heresy! Bring out the pitchforks! ;)

Actually, I'm interested in what others have to say on this, too...

[Kies99]

I have to agree with the suggestion for BEACHES Resorts. These are run by Sandals Resorts. The wife and I honeymooned at a Sandals and had the best time. We definitely plan on going to Beaches with our two daughters when they get a little older. They shepard you right from the plane to a bus to the resort and back again. Absolutely no need to leave the resort for anything.

[mamacatnv]

We are headed to Schlitterbahn WaterPark in New Braunfels, Texas this summer. Now it is not Disney but they do have a "resort" on property. I opted for a 1 bedroom apt. with complete kitchen so we can prep our own meals. They have trams that will get you to the different areas of the waterparks.

Schlitterbahn is 1/2 hour from San Antonio where there is Sea World, Fiesta Texas & The Riverwalk.

[Subrbnmommy]

We tried Beaches Turks & Caicos in 2005 and we loved it. The food was great, the service excellent, the pools awesome and the service attentive. My nephews got a kick out of the Sesame Street themed activities complete with character breakfast. They had a kids club were you could sign in children for activites, the boys had a great time. They also had a nursery for younger children and babies.

[Subrbnmommy]

oops!!! double post

[bless7ings]

Oh, the heresy! Bring out the pitchforks! ;)

Actually, I'm interested in what others have to say on this, too...

Yeah, that's what I was afraid of!!

No, I love Disney and I can't wait to go back, but I like variety too. But Disney has a market on the "magic", with beautifully themed resorts and awesome parks with a little bit for everyone and you don't have to drive to it and etc.... it just made all the differance to my husband, but I think he would like to try something differant and it would make it nicer on our pocket if it wasn't so expensive!

[Worfiedoodles]

I'm interested to see what others say. We are huge fans of cruising! We've taken ds on Disney and Norwegian, and could not get him out of the kids' clubs!

It's really nice to be taken care of, and I personally love being at sea. It's great because you also get built in parents' alone time, because the kids will want to do the activities...

[Windy City Heather]

I vote for Beaches. I just got back from Beaches Negril on Saturday. It was our 4th trip. We love it. The kids camp is great and I can't keep my dd4 out of it. The kids camp is included during the day and at night you can hire a nanny for only $8.00 an hour. My dd has a hard time picking who she wants to be her nanny. There is a mini water park with 2 slides (must be 48 inches), a not so lazy lazy river and shooting fountains. Water sports are also included we took our 14 year old niece this last trip and she loved the banana boats. There is also water sking with lessons, snorkling, scuba. They have nighly activites and activities all day long. All food and drinks including alchohol are including and there is no tipping at the resort.

It is a little pricey but if you start to break down the price by what you are getting, it really is not that bad. I would say that if all you do is lay around then this is not a good price for you but if you are into the activities this would be great.

One last thing. I think the key to a great trip (at least at the Jamaica locations) is to treat the employes nicely and with respect. I have seen it over and over again. Saying please and thank you and talking nicely to the employees and you get what you want quickly. Demand or talk down and they are sooo slow at getting you what you want. American's already have a bad rap in Jamaica you have to prove to them that you are not a typical American.

Also, my avatar picture was taken there last week.

[bless7ings]

I vote for Beaches. I just got back from Beaches Negril on Saturday. It was our 4th trip. We love it. The kids camp is great and I can't keep my dd4 out of it. The kids camp is included during the day and at night you can hire a nanny for only $8.00 an hour. My dd has a hard time picking who she wants to be her nanny. There is a mini water park with 2 slides (must be 48 inches), a not so lazy lazy river and shooting fountains. Water sports are also included we took our 14 year old niece this last trip and she loved the banana boats. There is also water sking with lessons, snorkling, scuba. They have nighly activites and activities all day long. All food and drinks including alchohol are including and there is no tipping at the resort.

It is a little pricey but if you start to break down the price by what you are getting, it really is not that bad. I would say that if all you do is lay around then this is not a good price for you but if you are into the activities this would be great.

One last thing. I think the key to a great trip (at least at the Jamaica locations) is to treat the employes nicely and with respect. I have seen it over and over again. Saying please and thank you and talking nicely to the employees and you get what you want quickly. Demand or talk down and they are sooo slow at getting you what you want. American's already have a bad rap in Jamaica you have to prove to them that you are not a typical American.

Also, my avatar picture was taken there last week.

Is everything you mentioned included in the price...water skiing, scuba and other stuff?

[jenseib]

All inclusive means differnet things at different places. Cruises usually don't include beverages, or just a a few like milk and ice tea. Ithin carneval migh inclued soft drinks. On a cruise al lthe extra excursions you take are extra. Saying that, I lvoe cruises! I've been on two, and hopt to take a Dsieny one when my youngest is older.
I ahve stayed in Mexico in all inclusiveresorts, and they include drinks and food, all you can eat and want. But the extras ususally cost more, like scuba, or wave runners, or taking a trip to something.
If you are taking kids, be sure it is a child freindly resort. Some take children, but really don't have as much for them to do.
I have not been to Beaches, but I know they are known for their family fun. So that is a great recomendation too.
Atlantis is another spot that is really neat. (Bahamas) It has a package option that aloows you to include meals as well, I beleive.
I really don't think the US, itself offers very many ALL inclusive type places. At least from what I have searched, I didn't find much.

[Windy City Heather]

Everything is included. I believe for Scuba it is only a resort certification. They have water sking lessons and tennis lessons. I think there is also a glass bottom boat.

If you leave the resort for an excursion that is extra. Also, jet skis and parasailing are extra and not run or endorsed by the resort.

They pick you up at the airport and take you back. Beaches has a vip lounge at the airport for arrivals. You can use there washrooms and have a drink (soda and red stripe) before you leave for the resort.

If you are thinking about booking go through a Sandals/Beaches specialist. She pre-registered us and my paperwork was already filled out when we arrived. We checked in in about half the time of everyone else on the bus.

[TheDizMom]

If you are looking for something a little more low key how about the Tradewinds resort at St Pet'e Beach. There is no way to get around a rental car and it isn't all inclusive, but we love it there:love: . Most rooms (whcih were recently remodled) have a kitchen, living room and a bedroom and you can get them with 2 and 3 bedrooms if you want. It is right on the beach:beach: , has 3 pools and a wading pool for tots, a kids club, paddle boats to use on the small waterway that winds around the resort complete with swans, 2 restaurants (one of which is by the beach and larger pool), a small store that sells snacks and sandwiches, and a coffee bar in the morning. They also have water bikes and a boat launch :boat: to go dolphin watching. Because it has a kitchen and is very near a grocery store you can save money by doing some of your own meals and there are some great local restaurants near by. They also have laundry facilities:laundy:. We have stayed there each time for a week at a time and our kids have never gotten board. There aren't all the rides and characters and stuff, but there is something to be said for spending a week hanging out at the beach.

[NHBelle]

Tyler Place in Vermont looks really neat. They provide you with your own sitter the entire trip and have tons of planned activities and food and its all included.

[bless7ings]

I took a quick look at Tyler place, it looks neat. Have you been there?

[Mari annie]

Everyone will be happy!:goodvibes

Enjoy your family trip!:banana:




8 more days until SUNNY FLORIDA WEATHER!:banana: :banana: :woohoo:

[bless7ings]

Has anyone been to Cedar Point Amusement Park? Is it worth it?

[bless7ings]

I just created a poll for this thread on where you would go on an all inclusive fun vacation other than Disney. Thank you for your input. I am hoping for some fresh ideas also, so just put them in other.

[Luv2trav]

Has anyone been to Cedar Point Amusement Park? Is it worth it?


I live close to Cedar Point.. Unless you have kids who like thrill rides and rollercoaster then this isn't the place.

[roliepolieoliefan]

I also vote for Beaches resort.

I've never been to the one in negril Jamaica but DH and I have taken the kids twice to the one in Turks and Caicos. The place is awesome. My DS would have gone to the kids club everyday if we would have let him.

DS and DD both loved the place. The employees are the best. Very friendly and as another poster said, if you treat them with respect they will bend over backwards for you. There are 10 restaurants at Turks and caicos including a bakery and a restaurant dedicated to kids. There are also waterslides and now the Sesame Street characters are there. DS made cookies with the cookie monster and DD had breakfast with Elmo.

Lots of fun.

[bopper]

Has anyone been to Cedar Point Amusement Park? Is it worth it?

Do you love roller coasters? -> then go
Do you not love roller coasters? -> don't go

[PaMom001]

I would go to someplace like Niagra Falls, Philadelphia, or a national park, or Williamsburg, VA.

[jenwolgey]

Our kids (11 and 6 at the time) really enjoyed our Norwegian cruise last summer. They couldn't get enough of the Kids' Crew activities. We took the Spirit out of NYC to the Bahamas.

Our friends took their 3 year old to Beaches Turks and Caicos, and said it was wonderful.

I also suggest Niagara Falls, the Outer Banks, Williamsburg, the beaches of Southern Delaware, Hershey and Lancaster, PA.

Enjoy-for me, the planning is always half the fun of a vacation!

[jenseib]

Has anyone been to Cedar Point Amusement Park? Is it worth it?


I've been to Cedar Point a zillion times. My son was never a big fan of rides, so he did mostly smaller stuff and alot of waiting for us. My DD loved rides and now goes on stuff I'm to scared to try. It is a great place, but it is FULL of rollarcoasters and wild rides. They do ahve a water park you can visit as well. And the two hotels are nice, but I heard that the one is getting a bit run down now.


Origionally this trip was to be to Williamsburg for us. But for us to fly anywhere near there was going to cost a fortune. And driving just would take to long and I don't think my 2 year old would liek being in the car that long either. So cost wise for us it wasn't going to be much cheaper. And I figure the baby (and DH) wouldn't find it as exciting as I would, so I am leaving that trip for when she is older and perhaps studying american history in school.

[bless7ings]

I've been to Cedar Point a zillion times. My son was never a big fan of rides, so he did mostly smaller stuff and alot of waiting for us. My DD loved rides and now goes on stuff I'm to scared to try. It is a great place, but it is FULL of rollarcoasters and wild rides. They do ahve a water park you can visit as well. And the two hotels are nice, but I heard that the one is getting a bit run down now.


Origionally this trip was to be to Williamsburg for us. But for us to fly anywhere near there was going to cost a fortune. And driving just would take to long and I don't think my 2 year old would liek being in the car that long either. So cost wise for us it wasn't going to be much cheaper. And I figure the baby (and DH) wouldn't find it as exciting as I would, so I am leaving that trip for when she is older and perhaps studying american history in school.

Thanks for your post, it was helpful. Do you know which hotel is in better shape? Is the one with the indoor water park nice? Worth staying there?

[jenseib]

I forgot that they added that one. I've not been to that one, but it is only like 2 years old ,so it should be nice. Sand Castle is the one they say is getting run down. I stayed there when it first opened and it was nice then. My SIL stays at the breakers every year and loves it.

[bless7ings]

My kids love the thrill rides and are looking for the scariest of the roller coaster rides. One of my sons said that is what he didn't like about disney- the rides are too tame- no "real" thrill rides. Obviously the best rides were Rockin Rollercoaster and the Haunted House. Well anyways, I did a search on roller coasters and Cedarpoint came up. How would you rate the rollercoasters compared to others?

The other question I have is: How does it compare to Disney? I know that it can't compare, but can you give me some sort of idea of the feel there and if we were to stay at the resort with the indoor water park and had passes to the amusement park what it might be like?

[4theloveofdisney]

A cruise gets my vote. We went on a Disney cruise at the end of Jan. beginning of February. We are a family of five so we had to get a family suite. All that I can say is WOW! We had so much fun, the kid's had a blast, the ship was amazing and we would do it again over the parks in a heartbeat. It was that awesome! There was something to do for everyone and Mommy and Daddy even got some alone time :love: because the kids loved the clubs and preferred them over us - lol! :rotfl:

If you can go for it, do so! It's a not miss in our book!
:thumbsup2 :thumbsup2:

[bless7ings]

Whats the price differance of a disney trip versus a cruise? Are there codes?!!? Or at least some tips to less expensive travel or deals?

[cedmonds]

Hershey Park has a stay and play package as well as Williamsburg. Inoticed you are from the NE Woodloch Pines in Pennsylvania is our non-disney trip place all inclusive

[PaMom001]

Hershey Park has a stay and play package as well as Williamsburg. Inoticed you are from the NE Woodloch Pines in Pennsylvania is our non-disney trip place all inclusive

I live in PA, very near HersheyPark. If you are used to WDW, you will be sorely disappointed with Hershey. It has a lot of hills and stairs.

[jenseib]

My kids love the thrill rides and are looking for the scariest of the roller coaster rides. One of my sons said that is what he didn't like about disney- the rides are too tame- no "real" thrill rides. Obviously the best rides were Rockin Rollercoaster and the Haunted House. Well anyways, I did a search on roller coasters and Cedar Point came up. How would you rate the rollercoasters compared to others?

The other question I have is: How does it compare to Disney? I know that it can't compare, but can you give me some sort of idea of the feel there and if we were to stay at the resort with the indoor water park and had passes to the amusement park what it might be like?


Not sure anymore, but at one time Cedar Point was the number one amusement park. Rated higher than Disney. It is tons of thrills. Alot less of the "lame" rides ,but has a few. If your kids like rollarcoasters this park has more than any other. I personally love cedar point, but like I said you have to like rollarcoasters. Look on the website. It wil show you alot of them. It isn't nearly as big as all of Disney, and it is a completely different experience. It isn't open year round though. I think the waterpark hotel is though.

[In Luv with Disney]

Personally I'd do a Cruise or a Beaches vacation!

[tammyandtommy]

Disney cruise here, there is no other vacation for me but Disney!

[mom2my3kids]

We usually go to Daytona Beach, Places I want to go to includes Mackinac Island, Beaver Island, Coast of Maine, California..You name it I want to go..:laughing:

[jenseib]

We have thought about Macinac too, but I ahve heard it is really boring for the most part. Nothing kid will enjoy. So that will be a trip later on in life when kids are gone , I guess.

[bless7ings]

Looks pretty close for Beaches and a cruise. So.....
Which Beaches club is the best?
Which cruise ship?
Is there a big differance in price?
How many people get seasick?
Would you still pick Disney over these?

[jenseib]

If you go to the Beaches website it will tell you what each one has. I think the Turks and Caicos one had the most stuff there and resturnats as well as one in Jamaica.

I've been on Norwegian cruise lines and loved it. They are pretty affordable. I ahve heard that of Carnivla as well. I think Carnival is known for having slightly bigger rooms too. You could also do a Disney cruise.

[Windy City Heather]

Looks pretty close for Beaches and a cruise. So.....
Which Beaches club is the best?
Which cruise ship?
Is there a big differance in price?
How many people get seasick?
Would you still pick Disney over these?

For Beaches I would say either Beaches Negril or Beaches Turks & Cacos. I have not been to T&C but I hear it is wonderful. My travel agent told me to wait until my dd was 6 or 7 to go. It is a very large resort. I know that from Chicago there are no direct flights to T&C but I can get to Jamaica in under 4 hours. If I take an early flight I can be on the beach by 2:30. Same with going home, I can spend part of the day on the beach before I have to leave. Beaches Bocabal in Ocho Rios has a lot of steps, I think someone referred to it as Beaches Butts of Steel. Sandy Bay is a very small resort with not as many ammenities. It is down the road from Beaches Negril and you can take a shuttle but I think it is worth it to spend a little more money and go to Beaches Negril. As for the food, yes look at there websites for restaurants and menus.

I think the best ship is a Disney ship. I don't like Carnival. I have been on Royal Carribean and I liked it.

I think a week at Beaches and a week on a disney cruise will be about the same. Biggest difference is everything is paid up front at Beaches and no tipping. The only extras are excursions and the spa.

I get seasick and have to wear a patch.

Would I still pick Disney??? Tough call! Right now we do both every year. When my dd starts school we have a new plan. Jamaica every year. One year with her, the next without (a Whitehouse trip for us). On the year without, we will add a Disney trip. So, I think that answer was yes. Since I will be doing Jamaica every year and Disney every other year.

[Parksfamily5]

I have to agree with the Disney cruise. We have done other cruise lines and it was the best by far. Hoping to go again soon. We also did a vacation in Jamaica at FDR resort. You have a villa and are assigned a nanny for your family the entire time you are there. I did not use our nanny ( she seemed very nice) just because I was not used to my children being with other people but the family we went with had 3 children and used their nanny. They liked her so much that they continued corrospondance with her after the vacation. If I had my choice I would do the Disney cruise again. :)

[bless7ings]

For Beaches I would say either Beaches Negril or Beaches Turks & Cacos. I have not been to T&C but I hear it is wonderful. My travel agent told me to wait until my dd was 6 or 7 to go. It is a very large resort. I know that from Chicago there are no direct flights to T&C but I can get to Jamaica in under 4 hours. If I take an early flight I can be on the beach by 2:30. Same with going home, I can spend part of the day on the beach before I have to leave. Beaches Bocabal in Ocho Rios has a lot of steps, I think someone referred to it as Beaches Butts of Steel. Sandy Bay is a very small resort with not as many ammenities. It is down the road from Beaches Negril and you can take a shuttle but I think it is worth it to spend a little more money and go to Beaches Negril. As for the food, yes look at there websites for restaurants and menus.

I think the best ship is a Disney ship. I don't like Carnival. I have been on Royal Carribean and I liked it.

I think a week at Beaches and a week on a disney cruise will be about the same. Biggest difference is everything is paid up front at Beaches and no tipping. The only extras are excursions and the spa.

I get seasick and have to wear a patch.

Would I still pick Disney??? Tough call! Right now we do both every year. When my dd starts school we have a new plan. Jamaica every year. One year with her, the next without (a Whitehouse trip for us). On the year without, we will add a Disney trip. So, I think that answer was yes. Since I will be doing Jamaica every year and Disney every other year.


So, then you like Beaches a lot for your self to be going every year? It looks like your choosing to go to Beaches every year and start going to Disney every other year. Does your daughter like one over the other?

Also, thanks for replying it was helpful.

[bless7ings]

I have to agree with the Disney cruise. We have done other cruise lines and it was the best by far. Hoping to go again soon. We also did a vacation in Jamaica at FDR resort. You have a villa and are assigned a nanny for your family the entire time you are there. I did not use our nanny ( she seemed very nice) just because I was not used to my children being with other people but the family we went with had 3 children and used their nanny. They liked her so much that they continued corrospondance with her after the vacation. If I had my choice I would do the Disney cruise again. :)

What makes the Disney cruise better then the rest? Or are you saying for just kids? I've heard Disney cruises are more than carnivals, is that true? How much are the Disney cruises?

[kribit]

How about Atlantis in Nassau?

[Windy City Heather]

My 4 year old loves both but I think if she had to choose she would choose Disney over Beaches but I think it would be a hard pick. I will ask her tonight. She has not been on a Disney cruise yet.

Disney cruises are a lot more than a Carnival cruise. I will run some numbers for you tonight. I have to go catch a train.

[perdidochas]

Hope no one kicks me off for asking this question!

We went to Disney 2 years ago and had the best family vacation ever, and I am hoping to go this year, but... I was wondering if anyone knows of other places that families can go on trips that are all inclusive like disney. What I mean by that is... a place to stay with food included and entertainment at your doorstep so you don't have to travel some place else. That's what my husband likes, but would like to know if there are any other places that resemble that and maybe have a good price attached. I know I am asking a lot. Hope someone can give me some good ideas. Tammy

Cruises, but they usually require tips/drinks/excursions beyond the price of the cruise.

Most of the Caribbean has great all-inclusive resorts.

[crisi]

How about a dude ranch. Can't recommend one though cause our kids aren't old enough - but if yours are, it can be a fun and different sort of vacation.

[bless7ings]

How about a dude ranch. Can't recommend one though cause our kids aren't old enough - but if yours are, it can be a fun and different sort of vacation.

Sounds like fun!! Unfortunately it is out for our family....my husband is allergic to horses.

[Windy City Heather]

[QUOTE=Windy City Heather;17019897]My 4 year old loves both but I think if she had to choose she would choose Disney over Beaches but I think it would be a hard pick. I will ask her tonight. [QUOTE]

She said Beaches.

[Grendalynn]

Disney Cruise...Win-WIn!

I second that!

[Grendalynn]

Disney Cruise...Win-WIn!

I second that!

[eeyorelori]

Other ..Sorry we dont want to go any where else other then disney world ...Just my 2 cents

[jenseib]

I do beleive Disney cruises are more expensive than most others. The ones I have seen the best deals are Norwegian and Carnival. I think Royal Carribean also offers good deals as well. I have been on 2 Norweigian ones and they were great ,but I didn't take kids. There were alot on the boat though. I think I read that Carnival had more to do for kids. And of course Dsieny has ALOT for kids on theirs.

[Windy City Heather]

I ran some dummy numbers for you. These do not include air but do include transfers. I ran them with 2 adults and 2 children (5 & 8). I also picked the travel dates of January 19th-26th, 2008

Beaches Negril (deluxe room - lowest cat., view of the grounds) $4655.00 tips and alcohol is included (except at airport for porters)
Beaches Negril (Grand Luxe Beach front, this gives you an ocean view) $5782.00
Beaches Turks & Caicos (deluxe room) $5096.00

Disney Cruise - 7 day eastern in a cat 9 (lowest ocean view) $4,537.52
Not included in price $305.00 is the standard tip for a family of 4 and alcohol is extra


Carnival - 7 night Eastern on the Glory in lowest ocean view $2,517.32
Not included in price $280.00 is the standard for tips and alcohol is extra
It has been awhile since I last took a cruise but I think alcohol was a little steep in price and then they add 15% tip on too

I am not a travel agent but good at running numbers for trips. If you want me to run specific info pm me and I would be happy to do it for you. Just let me know the ages of your kids and when you would want to travel. The room category would help too.

I think that if I can compare Carnival to Disney it would be like comparing Six Flags to Disney World. I have been on many Carnival cruises as a young adult and I would not lean to do one again. If I was looking for a quick/cheap weekend gateway, maybe. I did like Royal Carribean and I have friends that like Norweigian.

[bless7ings]

I have some questions, but maybe I wont hit you with all of them at the same time!

How much do you think the average person spends to go to Disney?(on the boards I am saying) Lets take the same family. Where do you think the majority of people on these boards stay? Deluxe, mod or budget? How long?
And what do they buy for tickets, which ones? I guess you could say, I am trying to put this disney trip in perspective to what you ran for prices to compare the differant trips. That actually could be two differant questions- what does the average boards do and your scenerio of figures you gave.

From reading the posts and looking at the sites a little, I think I would rather go to Beaches first, it looks fun! So my question is- are the rates online and I am not finding them on the Beaches site? Is it set up like Disney at all or completely differant? I think I like the looks of Negril the best, is that the most expensive? I would pick probably pick Sandy Beaches last. Do you know anything about them? Are some of them close enough to walk to another restaurant?

[jenseib]

On a couple of the Beaches they have more than one resturant. I have been told never to walk form one resort to another in Jamaica. I think they can shuttle you though. I would pick the resort with the most options for eating. I think only 2 resorts are actually close to each other. ( I haven't looked at the site for about a year now, so I am just trying to remember off the top of my head.) The Moon and Sun Palace in Cancun was really nice too. I stayed there when it was still not all built, but it was awesome and had alot of resturants. One thing too is you have to look at airfare to where ever you go.
These experiences are nothing like Disney in my opinion, but I still like them. It took me a long time to get my DH to understand what all inclusive really meant, and now he get's it and loves it. Now on the cruise, of course we had to pay for drinks ,but still it was nice not pulling out the wallet. And he loved all the buffets. He was eating all the time!

[Windy City Heather]

I could not run January 2008 for Disney so these are on November 10-18, 2007. I put the same family in POFQ with park hopper tickets (8 days) and the meal plan. $3,330.76 You will spend more on food than the dining package allows but not a whole lot. I know I for one also spend a lot more on toys and extras at Disney than I do any where else.

I don't know what you mean about set up like Disney? You fly down to Jamaica go through customs (I forgot you also need passports) and immigration. You are then directed to the Beaches/Sandals VIP lounge, nice bathrooms, soda, red stripe beer and sometimes so fruit and/or cookies. Nice chairs and couches to wait in. We usually wait 5-20 minutes for our shuttle bus. This can be anything from a full size bus to a mini van. It is 1 15 minutes to Beaches Negril with one bathroom stop on the way. You arrive at Beaches and are handed cold towels and offered a glass of rum punch or regular punch. This is cookies for the kids or adults if you want them. One of the Seasame street character can sometimes be found when the busses come in saying hello to the kids. You check in seated on couches. Go check out your room and unpack. Everything is free so go get a drink so food. Check out the kids camp. Sign your kids up. Sign up for water sports. There are Fun Pals running activities so join in. You earn points for joining and at the end of the week you can cash them in for necklaces, shirts, rum etc. Every night or morning you have a schedule in your room of the activities for the day for both adults and kids. I found we had a lot more fun when we join the activities. We also bring our own insulated cups with lids and straws for drinks. There cups are small. They will fill your cups no problem. Try all the restaurants. Get a nanny one night and eat at the Seville, it is excellent. We like Pollyann, Blossom, Dorrett, Shelly and Jay the best. There is only one girl in the entire kids camp that we don't like. No reason but she just rubs me wrong. All the rest are excellent. Beach chairs are plentiful. We also have no problem finding chairs by the main pool but they go fast by the kids pool. The water slides are a lot of fun. You have to be 48 inches to ride them but they are not nearly as strick to the 48 inch mark as Disney. I was told my dd could go on it at 47 inches. Bring bug spray for the beach. They have sand flees, not so bad during the day but at night they are really bad. They have a beach bbq one night with flame thrower and a dance party one night on the beach.

Yes, the rates are on the Beaches site. Near the upper right hand corner it says "Online Reservations". You have to put in a ressie to get the prices. Turks & Caicos is the most expensive followed by Beaches Negril and then Boscobel and Sandy Bay in the end. Beaches Negril and Sandy Bay are close but I don't think you can walk with kids. I do know of adults that have done the walk. They do have a shuttle bus that runs between the two resorts at set times. There is also Sandals Negril that you can go to but with out the kids. So, if you put the kids in kids camp or got a nanny you have exchange privileges there too but no shuttle.

[bless7ings]

Thank you for your replys. I haven't had time to check in. We are painting and we had a birthday party. I'll have to go back on and check it out.

[bless7ings]

Oh yeah, are there any value seasons?