Where do you vacation when you are not going to WDW?

[SandraC]

Hi all! We just got back from WDW and are planning our summer vacation. We live near Toronto ~ we'll be driving to Ohio to visit Paramount Kings Island in July. We will still have days left. Where do you vacation other than WDW?

Sandra

[llp479]

Let's see...DH and I go to Tucson for Spring Training, take the 3 DD's to my grandmother's in So. IL, DH's sister's in St. Louis, and have gone for long weekends to Amana, IA.

We have a Six Flags park two miles from our home, so we don't need to travel to get our "park" fix when we're not a WDW!

90 days 'till WDW!

[Dana_Buckley]

I am from Cincinnati & there is a lot to do there. The zoo is wonderful and Northern KY now has a great aquarium & riverwalk area. Also, near KI is 'The Beach' waterpark, with a wavepool, slides etc. (Although I haven't been there in a long time) If it is doable Cedar Point is a great amusement park in Sandusky OH (near Cleveland though) about 5 hr drive from Cincy.
I like to go to tropical islands on vacation! Last year was Grand Cayman & 1999, 1996 was Hawaii. We have a 2 yo now, so it'll be awhile before another island trip. We now live in San Diego, and I like going to Palm Springs for a weekend, too. Enjoy OH!
Only 16 days until WDW!! :D

[POOH&PIGLET]

This summer we are renting a house for a week on Lake Bomoseen in Vermont. We love to go to Vermont in the summer to cool off and get away from the city.

[jldriscoll]

We LOVE taking the kids to the mountains in the summer. So far we've stuck to the east, Blue Ridge mts. one year. Up in Quebec last year. We stay at resorts that offer cond or homes for rent and stretch out and enjoy the peace. These are ski resorts so summer is their off season. Nice and quiet. (And we like WDW in Nov. guess we're not people people :) ) When DD's get bigger we'll do the west.

[amsyw]

We are beach bums! We have gone to Destin several times. But we are thinking of Myrtle Beach next year.:bounce:

[Julie 363]

We keep on driving past Orlando to Marco Island! What a beautiful place............

[jennymouse]

SandraC, Kings Island is just 1 1/2 hour drive from me! My DD & DGD go a couple times each summer. I don't usually go with them, but they love it! Not as much as Disney, but they do enjoy it.

I get the week between Christmas and New Years off and just babysit and enjoy the holidays. Usually, I spend a few days at my brothers chalet on the KY river, boat riding and vegging out. This year I had to use some of my vacation days to have my gall bladder removed. :(

[jx3smom]

We go skiing in New Hampshire. The only other place that I'd live besides New Jersey. New Hampshire is beautiful in the summer and the winter.

We don't usually go away in the summer. DH says we should just enjoy our own resort town in the summer (we live a few blocks from beach and boardwalk). So our summer time is spent here or in Wildwood and Cape May (a few miles down the parkway).

[Desnik]

I just have to say jx3smom, you are so lucky to live that close to Cape May!! It is DH and I favorite place to get away for an adults only trip.
We like to go to Hershey Park in Hershey Penn. It is a great park and close to Lancaster county which is a nice place to visit. We also like to go to Mass.-Boston and Salem. Next adults only trip will probably be to a B&B in Rhode Is.and next family vacation will probably be WDW in Nov. We are just back and we already miss it!

[RUDisney]

The southern coast of Maine. It is quiet and relaxing. Plus, the added benefits of lobsters for breakfast, lunch and dinner :D AND LL Bean is SO close!

We are going for the first time to RI in a couple of weeks for a long weekend. (I can't wait!)

We LOVE NYC! Can't wait to take our kids this summer to see Beauty and the Beast on Broadway! We have a free night's coupon for a Marriot and I can't think of a better place to use it than NYC.

[ratow]

We are a fishing family!

DH, myself and kids (9yo dd, 7 yo ds, 4 yo dd, 2 yo ds, 5 month old ds) have been to Lake of the Ozarks, Table Rock Lake (both Missouri), Kentucky Lake twice, Lake Norfork, Greers Ferry (both Arkansas). We meet up with my in-laws and often my mom for a week of "togetherness" in a rental house. We also meet up with other relatives in Northern Wisconsin each August for, what else, fishing!

My in-laws have also been generous enough to invite us down when they have been vacationing in Hilton Head and St. George Island FL (rental houses).

We couldn't afford the number of vacations each year (spring, summer, fall) if we couldn't "share the joy", and the cost, with family! We always drive south towards warmer weather and, in theory, longer fishing seasons!

It was tough to convince dh that WDW in Oct. was the way to go!

[ChiTownZee]

What do you mean by a vacation other that WDW? ;) Seriously we've never taken a 'vacation' other than WDW, unless you count visiting family as a vacation. We are going to be taking a Disney Cruise when we get our case money back, does that count? :D

[minivanmomof2]

Originally posted by RUDisney
The southern coast of Maine. It is quiet and relaxing. Plus, the added benefits of lobsters for breakfast, lunch and dinner :D AND LL Bean is SO close!

We are going for the first time to RI in a couple of weeks for a long weekend. (I can't wait!)

We LOVE NYC! Can't wait to take our kids this summer to see Beauty and the Beast on Broadway! We have a free night's coupon for a Marriot and I can't think of a better place to use it than NYC.
I agree, the southern coast of Maine is beautiful! DH and I went there on our honeymoon(9 yrs ago). I absolutely love Marginal Way!!! :D

[themeparkcomando]

Branson, MO - We are 3 1/2 hours and it's very inexpensive. I bought season passes to Silver Dollar City and White Water for less than my 5 day park hopper passes. We always do one week there every summer. Great things for kids to do and beautiful scenery!!! (and no we don't listen to country music)

It's a great family vaction!

[B3LM]

Has anyone heard of Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana? We went there a couple of years ago with two other families and we had a great time! It's perfect for families with young children - so many kid appropriate rides! We're going again in June for a weekend with the same families. We stay at the Holidome in Jasper, Indiana (about 30 minutes away). There isn't much right around Holiday World. Our kids all love to swim so the Holidome works out well.

We've also been to Branson - it was back in 1997. I'd agree that Silver Dollar City is less expensive, but if you do any of the shows in Branson, the money spent adds up fast for a family.

Beth

[SandraC]

Last April we went to WDW so our summer vacation was filled with day trips and a couple weekends in Niagara Falls.

We bought season's passes to Paramount Canadas Wonderland and went 29 times! It was a blast. The water park was amazing and they just added more water slides this year!

We went to WDW this April too, just returned a couple weeks ago. Again, we bought Paramount Canadas Wonderland seasons passes. We won't go 29 times again this year LOL! We are, however, going to Cincinnati with our seasons passes and using them at King's Island since the passes are portable. Looking forward to that!

Any folks thinking about vacation in Ontario, Canada might consider Wonderland.

The US dollar is worth so much more, Americas can really have a great vacation for little $$$$$$. Example: Wonderland season's passes in Canada are about $100 CDN, that's only $62 US dollars. When you think one WDW day pass is $50, our $62 is great and you can use it all season and in other Paramount parks too!

The weather in southern Ontario is beautiful in the summer. Sunny and always in the 80º and over! Think about it! Sandra

[dopey423]

We also take a vacation to Ogunquit, Maine every year. The Marginal Way and the southern coast of Maine are so beautiful and relaxing. Its definitely a different type of vacation that WDW is.

[josierac]

Lets see since the time we had our kids - we have been to Key West, west coast of Florida many, many times. 2 cruises (non disney). Last summer we went to Italy (kids loved it). The beaches in NJ, Las Vegas
Next year will probably be another cruise of California.

Before Kids - Hawaii, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, England, cruises. Mexico, California

[ABCMom]

I would have to second the motion to go to Cedar Point if you get the chance! We go there on our "off" WDW years :)

We are actually closer to Kings Island and I grew up going there several times a summer. However, last time I was there, I was dissapointed that it seemed to have lost some of it's "spark." But maybe it just didn't live up to my idealized childhood memories....Its still a nice park - we just prefer Cedar Point....

[jldriscoll]

A third for Cedar Point. Never really thought of it as a vacation because we live close enough to make it a day trip or an over night. Fun, Fun, Fun. With the addition of Camp Snoopy it's even great for the little ones. I haven't been, but Great Bear Lodge is open in Sandusky now. Saw it on the travel channel. Looks like loads of fun too. On the web at http://www.greatbearlodge.com/default.asp

[SandraC]

dh and I saw a 30 minute show on the Discovery Channel about Cedar Point. I thought, 'WOW, change of plans!' However, we picked Paramount Kings Island as a mini-trip to (a) save money, already have Paramount seasons passes (b) It's a good 10 hours in the car, a good half way practice for WDW driving trip. Cedar Point is about 6 hours drive for us. I looked into the cost and it's HUGE especially to stay at their resorts, which I would want to do. I think Cedar Point will have to wait for us, when my kids are older. I am looking forward to PKI in July, we booked a nice hotel 4 miles away with free breakky and an indoor pool in case it rains for the duration! Sandra

[pooh2001]

Every summer - Lake George, New York in the Adirondack Mts.
We do a boat ride called the Minnie-Ha-Ha (Indian name - not the mouse)
Every year we get our picture taken on the boat.

This year we do WDW then 1 day home and the next day drive to ....
you guessed it , Lake George for the 4th of July.

Warm days, cool nights. boating, swimming, hiking, horse back riding,
water parks, amusement parks, and relaxing in the mountains.
Just the kind of vacation I need after a trip to WDW.
What makes my Lake George Vacation after WDW even more relaxing...
we stay in a cabin with a kitchen and laundry, right on the lake. ;)


Yeah for NY State !

[SandraC]

The first time I went to WDW, I was 12 years old. We drove from Montreal and stopped in Lake George (well, not IN THE LAKE) our first night. It was very cool! I loved it! Sandra

[B3LM]

Lake George is beautiful! DH was attending training in Schenectady for 5 months back in 1990 during our engagement. We drove to Lake George and spent the day there. We also went to a delicious restaurant that's really popular around there, but I can't think of the name of it. It has a great view of the lake.

Beth

[LisaNJ25]

We went to the Outer Banks, NC the first week of April. We rented a Beautiful house in Nags Head right on the ocean. It was a very relaxing vacation.

Lisa

[BethC]

We're going to Cedar Point for a couple of days in June - we always stay at the Hotel Breakers and love it there!

In August we're going to WDW, but on the drive home we plan on stopping in Chattanooga for a night or two. My daughter was in a concert this year where they sang the Chattanooga Choo-Choo song and she can't wait to see the real thing!

Last summer we went to Niagara Falls and really enjoyed that as well. Maybe we'll try that again next summer. :)

[docswkids]

We have gone to Cape May Point for the last 3 summers. It is such a quiet, beautiful spot. There is a cute little state park with a lighthouse and a great nature program for kids.

We took the kids to Beaches in Negril, Jamaica 2 years ago and we all loved it. Very expensive, but totally family oriented, great food, excellent childcare available during most of the day and evening included in the price, and absolutely stunning beach. We'd like to try the one in Turks and Caicos sometime.

Hawaii was an excellent place to take kids. There were beaches that had large sand bars protecting them so kids could swim like in a pool. So much to do there and so beautiful.

We took the kids to Jazzfest in New Orleans twice. There is a great kids area with a multitude of activities and entertainment. The music and the food are outstanding. The crowd is a very family oriented bunch. It was not rowdy in the least. There is also alot to do in New Orleans with kids. They have a great zoo and aquarium with a ferry between them. They have many small historical museums, a childrens museum, and interesting touring. The French Quarter is fine if you skip Bourbon Street.

San Francisco is another fun city for kids. Riding the street cars, walking the variety of neighborhoods. We rode bikes across the Golden Gate bridge with a kid in a Burley trailer all the way to Tibouron and took the ferry back to Fisherman's wharf. There are great restaurants including an excellent Chinatown. Just outside of SanFrancisco there are many other wonderful places to go. We loved Point Reyes National Seashore.

Before the kids we went on a trip to the four corners in the southwest and saw Taos, NM, Moab Utah with its amazing mountain biking and beautiful national parks, Mesa Verde, Bryce Canyon, Zion national park, the north rim of the grand canyon, monument valley, etc... We are waiting for our kids to get a little older, because this trip requires a lot of driving to get from one place to the other. I think they would enjoy the sites now, but their long drive tolerance is low.
We love Mount Desert Island in Maine. We just never have two weeks in the summer anymore to make it work with the long drive from Philly.

[loriace1]

Speaking of Northern Ohio, Cedar Point is great. We just spent Mother's Day at Great Bear Lodge, also in Sandusky, Ohio. It is a fabulous indoor water park, my kids loved it.

We also love going up to Mackinac Island, Michigan then coming down the west coast of Michigan (Traverse City, Saugatuk, Grand Haven, Dunes) and then finishing up by driving on over to Chicago. Get a lot of variety on that trip, nature and big city fun.

[crazyme5kids]

We are going to Baltimore for 4th of July and then over to Penn. (Gettysburg, Penn. Dutch area). I love Washington DC, Up State New York. We might try to go to Mystic Conn. this summer. My one son will be spending two weeks in Penn. at Kean lake with my sisters family, my other son might be going to Mexico with my husband (a work/pleasure trip).

[Disneyolic]

We are planning a trip to Baltimore, MD, next month for just a couple days.

We usually go to the Adirondacks (Fourth Lake) every year in July and sometimes in the fall for peak foliage.

Every couple years we go to Ocean City, MD, for my beach fix. I grew up going there every year with my parents and brother.

We plan to go to Las Vegas/California maybe in 2004. We have family in both places. California has a lot to do there - we'll need 2 weeks.

[MemereMouse]

We have a summer cottage on a small lake in West Newbury, Vermont which we can use from May to October. It is a wonderful place to relax and let the world go by but it is also close to all the White Mountains of New Hampshire and Green Mountains of Vermont attractions so we can either do nothing but swimming and boating or go all out for a day in the mountains.

[sara]

I've heard of Holiday World, B3LM! We live 45 min. from there. Not much of a "vacation" for us, since I take the kids about once a week. :D It is a great park for younger children. I'm not sure if you know, they have free drinks now. Drink stations are set up all over the park. I've heard, there are sunscreen stations at Spalshing Safari. It really is a fun place to go!!! Have a great time!!!:)


We'll be going to Nantucket for our family vacation this year.


Sara

[elemusing]

There are other places to vacation besides WDW? ;)

[goofy4tink]

Our winter vacation favorite, well...after wdw, is my dad's in Pompano Beach. Right on the water. Summertime is Old Cape Cod!! And it has to be the 'outer Cape'. Like Maine too. Just haven't been for awhile now.

[Spirit Feather]

Let me know if I can answer any Cincinnati questions for you Cincy bound vacationers. We have annual passes to everything.

We used to live on Chincoteague Island, Virginia. www.chincoteague.com Very lovely place and we love to go back to visit. The ocean front beach is on a National Park so there are no big hotels on the beach, no ugly boardwalk. Just you, the ocean, sand and wild ponies. I know a great little family run hotel that is only $575 for a whole week. This is a nice one bedroom/living room/kitchen place. Only about 7 minutes from the ocean.

This summer I was trying to decided between a trip to Chincoteague Island or Chicago and Wisconsin Dells. DH changed all of those plans, we are now going to Washington, DC. We got a 4-star Hyatt hotel overlooking Capitol Hill for $65 a night and round-trip airfare for $99 per person through priceline. Other than food and the Metro, everything is pretty much free once you get there.

Going back to WDW in March 2003 with my in-laws, including bro-in-law and his girlfriend. Should make for an interesting trip. I am also toying with the idea of planning a youth group trip to WDW in OCT 2003, just so I can go back!

[Ratpack]

Myrtle Beach, SC!!! Have to go at least 2-3 times a year.

[KJMAX1]

Well duh...if we cant go to WDW we go to Disneyland, where else? LOL Usually we visit family, or go to the ocean for a week.

[Baloo]

I grew up in Indiana and have been to KI many,many times but my boys haven't.I think they're old enough now to ride all the thrill rides there.Holiday World was actually closer to home but I've never been there but we been talking about stopping there on one of our trips up to Indiana.The coaster the Raven is one of the top wood coasters in the wolrd! When we take mini vacations we head for the Smokie Mts.,Gatlinburg,Pigeon Forge are all just a short drive.Last summer we went to Atlanta and 6 Flags.Great coasters but yick when it came to cutomer service!

[Dismom63]

We rent a house on Cape Cod each summer and this August we are taking the kids to Hawaii! Can't wait - maybe someone has some tips for me ?!
Sharon

[kaseyC]

We have been going to Disney every other year and of course we love it. But our other fav is cruising. We usually take a non Disney cruise during the years we do not go to Disney. We also love to take weekend trips to Colonial Williamsburg, the Outer Banks and Hickory, NC. :D

[DarPa]

Our favorite place to go other than WDW is Niagara Falls. It's only about 3-4hr. drive from home and we go several weekends a year and also a week in July. We too have been to Canadas Wonderland(excellent park) and Toronto Zoo. I agree with SandraC we get an excellent exchange for our US $$$ and have a great time doing alot for what we spend! I would also like to add the people are the most warm,welcoming and friendly bunch you'd ever want to meet!

[SandraC]

DarPa, have you been to Niagara Falls for the opening weekend of the Winter Festival of Lights? It's the third weekend in November each year. On the first Saturday night there is an officially TURN ON THE LIGHTS ceremony, fireworks and an OFFICIAL DISNEY SHOW! It's great!

BTW ~ a Paramount Canada's Wonderland seasons pass is $105 CDN (that's about $65 USF) if bought at PCW. The equal pass in the states, say at, Paramount King's Island is $90 USF or $144 CDN ~ we save $39 CDN ~ that's a nice chuck of cash. The annual parking pass at PCW is $28 (with all taxes CDN), unfortunately the parking pass is not transferable, but the season's pass at the parks is! We are going to PKI to use our season's passes!

It's really worth spending US dollars in Canada these days!

THANKS FOR THE GLOWING REPORT DarPa! Sandra

[DarPa]

Hi again! No we have yet to see the Winter Festival of Lights. The latest in the fall we've ever been was mid Oct. but I have heard of it and would LOVE to go sometime! I hope to get back to Paramount Canada's Wonderland when we go back in July as my son,wife and 1yr.old grandson will be joining us also. We definately plan on taking him to Marineland as(in my opinion) it beats our Seaworld hands down! So much more relaxing and laid- back and not the push and shove we have so much here in the states. Our plans are more relaxed and go with the flow in July as it's like our vacation after our WDW vacation to REST!!!! LOL We are leaving tomorrow for WDW May 30-June16th! I can hardly wait! Oh my I better go finish packing! Have a great day!:)

[erikthewise]

Sanda,

We live a 45-minute drive from King's Island and have family season passes (costs much less than an individual AP at WDW!), but can't call that a vacation. We tend to go to Traverse City, Michigan. You might consider going there sometime (and stop at Mackinac Island along the way). It's very nice in the summer.

I've been meaning to get back to Toronto ever since a 1980 visit, but it just hasn't happened.:(

PS: There are a number of places to stay within a mile of PKI, and numerous chain restaurants in the immediate area.

[talkdisney]

Other that WQDW I enjoy,

VEGAS!
the 1000's islands,
niagra falls.

[BounceyOne]

Does hilton head count if we are staying in the disney resort?
We also ski in the winter, usually in the Poconos.
We try to go to puerto rico or jamaica in the middle of winter also. Nothing beats a hot carribean island when your neighbors are shoveling snow :D
Lake george in the summer and sometimes for a fall foliage weekend.
DH golfs at myrtle beach.
We also do weekends at places like Sesame place or hershey park, the land of make believe.

Can you tell we like to get away?

[musical2]

When we are not vacationing at WDW we have gone to Williamsburg, Virginia most often. We are going again in two weeks. It is only about a three hour drive from home. We like the Colonial Williamsburg area and also Busch Gardens Williamsburg. It is a beautiful theme park. Last September we went down to Orlando and didn't go to WDW. We spent that week doing the non-Disney things there like Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios, and Seaworld. We have also gone to the Poconos in Pennsylvania, Atlantic City, New Jersey, Italy, Germany, Austria, and Aruba.

In the next couple of years, besides going back to WDW, we are probably going to either Myrtle Beach or Hilton Head and probably some place out west.

Bart

[Eeyore1954]

My favorite non-Disney place to go is Sanibel Island near Ft. Myers, Florida. It's great for beaches, shelling (you quickly learn the Sanibel Stoop), eco-excursions, cruises, dolphin watches, etc.

http://www.sanibel-captiva.org/

[kwnancy]

we try to do wdw every other year or so...i hate to drive so we usually fly, 1 hour flight vs 9 hour drive.

this year we were able to go to wdw in april, kind of an early vacation. dh and I like the caribbean islands, been to cozumel, bahamas, puerto rico so far - he's a scuba fanatic. this year aside from visiting family in lancaster county pa, we are planning a week plus trip to bonaire while DD (14) is at summer camp in the pa poconos.

with DD, malls are VERY important and key west is decidedly lacking (THANK GOODNESS!) so we usually plan a few long weekends to hit the miami and fort lauderdale malls (we drive and use lots of priceline hotels). of course DH opts out of these weekends!

we are in a top vacation spot already - key west. after work we can go snorkeling or diving or hit the downtown nightlife and it's like we're on vacation too

[marcyinPA]

We usually vacation in Ocean City Maryland every summer. Haven't been to Disney since 1997, so this year was the year for Disney. Next year, back to O.C. and probably to my family's cabin on Lake Ossipee, NH.

[jimmiej]

I gotta agree with themeparkcommando. DW & I loooooove Branson, MO. Over the last 5 years, we've alternated between WDW & Branson. It's great for families. Silver Dollar City is a blast! If you go, you gotta try the Showboat Branson Belle-dinner & a show on a old style riverboat on Table Rock Lake. And oh, those bathrooms at the Shoji Tabuchi theater!

[magic cruiser]

We are members of the Disney Vacation Club so when we're not at WDW we use our points to go to Disney's Hilton Head Island resort or do the Disney Cruise Line , either the Magic or the Wonder. Sometimes we go on other cruise lines.And of course we visit our children and grandchildren since they are all out -of - town :( . But usually they meet us at WDW :D !!!

[dtuleya]

We usually go to Surfside Beach, SC, which is just south of Myrtle Beach. We rent a townhouse on the beach and enjoy the surf, sun and sand. :smooth::sunny:

Since we're heading to WDW over Thanksgiving, we've decided to sneak in a quick trip to Niagara Fall, ON, in mid-June. I can't wait!:bounce:

Since our boys are older now, we're going to hit all the long weekend places we've always wanted to visit such as Williamsburg, New York City, etc.

Last spring we headed to Washington, DC, for two days. We're very fortunate to live 45 minutes from Baltimore, 2 hours from Washington, DC, 1/2 an hour from Lancaster County's Amish Country, 45 minutes from Hershey, and 45 minutes from Gettysburg, so we can do quite a few day trips. :wave:

[NCRedding]

Just got back from vacation in Baltimore--lots of good stuff to do there for kids. We loved Port Discovery--which was designed in conjunction with the Disney Imagineers--we spent the entire day there. Next 2 vacations will be back to Orlando, then to Hilton Head (but it is the Disney resort). I'm trying to come up with other places to vacation, but when you compare them to Disney, they appear sort of pale.

[hulabird]

We vacation twice a year, Las Vegas in June (in fact we just got back a few days ago) and WDW in August. This year Vegas was profitable as we came back with over 8,000.00! My hubby hit a nice 200-1 jackpot at a table game, so now our entire WDW trip is paid for! As for me, I hit 150.00 on a slot machine, not quite as good as DH, but its still money I can spend at DT Disney! It was sad to leave Las vegas, it always is, but knowing I still have WDW to look forward to, helps alot!


http://www.disgalaxy.addr.com/Bambi/Thumper/anithumper.gif

[dtuleya]

Congrats, hulabird! Have a great WDW vacation!

[hulabird]

Tuleya Family:
Have a wonderful first time WDW experience! I remember my first time, it sent shivers down my spine when we first drove through the gates that say WDW and have a huge Mickey on them....you will have a fantastic time! WL is great, I haven't stayed there yet, but have visited, and it looks like a great place to stay. Have fun!


Kristin:bounce:



http://www.disgalaxy.addr.com/Bambi/Thumper/anithumper.gif

[Disney owl]

FRANCE - IT'S WONDERFUL

We've been every year for the last 10 !!! & aim to continue.


:jester: :jester: :jester:

[lisaost]

Well before these twins came along we went to Arizona (Phoenix, Sedona, and visited family in Tuscon with a side trip to Tombstone) - absolutely beautiful state. I have to say I think I prefer Phoenix at 110 degrees to Florida at 90 degrees - the dry heat is alot easier on my lungs.

The year before that we spend 6 glorious days in Paris, France in early spring (minus my daughter)....by far the best vacation we've ever been on. I'd really like to see more of France esp Provence region.

Absolutely loved out 2 week honeymoon (many many moons ago) in London, and then a tour of England/Scotland/Wales. We are dying to go back there....planning to when the kids are a little older because we want to experience it with them too.

We have also been to Atlantis in Paradise Isl Bahamas - beautiful, San Diego - lots fun to do there, New Orleans - if you love good food and good times, look no further. We've gone to the New Jersey shore spots a few times, Wildwood Crest and Cape May are nice family spots....still haven't gotten to LBI or Ocean City yet but I hear they are also very nice.

And of course....we don't call it a vacation because we go all the time to eat, play, go to museums - to the greatest city on earth, bar none - New York City. If you've never been, I urge you to consider a trip here. It is the most vibrant and alive city you'll ever see!
Still dreaming of Hawaii and hope to do Vegas some day too!

This is a fun thread!!

[vicb]

We did San Antonio one non-dis. year and plan to do San Diego this upcoming year (with kids). DH and I did 15th anniversary trip alone to Charleston, SC. one year. For closer to home trips we have done Toronto (LionKing:) ), Lake Michigan, Kings Island. And we do July 4 week every year in Maine with my in-laws!

[SandraC]

VICB! Tell me all about Paramount King's Island please! We are going there in July for a vacation. Where did you stay? What is King's Island like? THX S

[vicb]

Hi SandraC,

We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express-Kings Island. Nothing great but very close to park and had a free shuttle if you wanted to avoid parking costs. We enjoyed our visit to Kings Island but made some mistakes. We went the weekend before Memorial Day last year so the park was still only open weekends. The pool at the hotel was not yet open even though it was warm enough to swim (oh well you won't have that problem in July). We drove down on Sat. and had planned to get an after 5 admission and stay until the 10:00 fireworks show. It had rained all afternoon so at 5 the park got really busy since the rain stopped. We had really long waits for everything (even 1 hour for kiddie coasters!) We stayed mostly in kiddie area that evening and watched fireworks (very nice). Sunday morning we were there for rope drop and got to ride lots of coasters with little or no wait at all (DH and DD rode Beast 3 times with no wait). Park did not fill up until around noon. We saw Scooby show and Nick show both really good. Got to ride everything we wanted to. Kids had a blast in Nick Splash area (actual water park area not opened yet) were glad we brought their suits and small towels in a back pack. We went up the Eifel tower which was neat to overlook the whole park and had dinner by the musical fountains. PKI is not WDW but it is a nice theme park and worth the visit. Hope this helps have a fun time!:D

[SandraC]

Thanks VICB! We live near Toronto. Our last 5 WDW trips were flying trips. We are considering driving the next time (March 2005 ~ maybe 2004). Toronto to King's Island is about 8.5 hours plus stops and border time ~ so I'm thinking 10-11 hours really. Our WDW drive would be about 23 hours. I'm looking at King's Island trip to be the "HALF WAY TEST DRIVE TO WDW". We also have season's passes to the Paramount parks, so the admission is free. I booked a hotel with am indoor pool and free breakky 4 miles from the park ~ I haven't read ANY reviews on this hotel YIKES! I only talked to the guy at the front desk on the phone and he seems nice. The hotel was built in 1998 (or 1996???) so hoping it's nice. My kids are 2 and 6 and the Beast is a MUST! We will spend 2 or 3 parks days with a little trip into Kentucky one afternoon. We are looking forward to this trip and ANY info on PKI would be great! THANKS! S

[vicb]

SandraC, PKI has a pretty good website so be sure to check that out.

[MeMeMouse]

I would have to say that Newport RI is my other fav. Great views, great food, and lots to do! I just love it there!

[MosMom]

Sandra,

Ever been to Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio? You could save some time and IMHO it is a *much* better park than Kings Island. I have been to both but Cedar Point puts Kings Island to shame. I always feel like I'm in more of a vacation town when I'm in Sandusky too. Just thought I'd throw in my two cents on Ohio amusement parks. :)

[SandraC]

dh and I saw a one hour tv special on Cedar Point and it looks AMAZING! Definately on our TO DO LIST! This summers trip to Kings Island it is utilize our season's passes and do a VERY long drive to see how we fair. We will go to Cedar Point in the future ~ it looks GREAT! S

[blanq]

I have enjoyed reading about all of your vacation desitinations, and even obtained some great ideas for future vacations. Thanks to all of you! We usually take 3-4 one week vacations every year. We always travel to Palm Springs, Ca in March. In summer we usually take a week to visit a place within reasonable driving distance from where we live (Minneapolis/St Paul area)...we like Door County, WI, and the Boundary Waters, MN areas especially. This summer, however we will travel to San Francisco. We also like to take a vacation at the beginning of Dec, or at the end of Jan, and then it is usually a cruise or WDW. Sometimes we manage to squeeze in another week somewhere, if we're lucky. Personally, I could spend ALL of my time on vacation, but sadly I need to work for a living!!

[MikeBW]

Buffalo, NY!?! Is it any wonder that I love going to WDW!

[SandraC]

I live for vacations! My PT job pays for vacations. I'm at a point in my life where vacations are a priority! I don't think I'll be one of the ones on my death bed saying, "I wish I spent more time at the office." S

[mskani]

We are planning an end of summer trip to Wisconsin Dells, which is about a three hour drive from the Chicagoland area.

[Derek's Mom]

Just returned from cedar point in Ohio. We like to travel from Michigan to Disney in the spring and Cedar Point in the summer.

[SandraC]

Where do you stay when you go to Cedar Point? S

[Derek's Mom]

We stayed at the Breaker Express this year. It was a nice hotel and close to the park. Last year we stayed at the Breakers.

[AKASnowWhite]

Every year we spend a week at the beach in Rhode Island with my entire family.....2 brothers, sister, parents, plus spouses and kids...19 of us all together. It's what we call our *relaxing* vacation, where we feel obligated to do NOTHING other than kick back and enjoy the sun and sand! We also do an annual trip to Block Island (RI)...what a fabulous place to visit!

We just returned today from a quick trip to Southern Vermont....another beautiful place to go.

[sillyminny]

We took a trip to Mexico to an all=inclusive with our kids. It was awesome! So relaxing.
We of course could have done WDW for twice the time at half the cost but it was a time we'll never forget!
I recommend it.

[Lesley]

My favorite place other than WDW is Rehoboth Beach. It's quiet and great for families with small children....nice little rides, clean beach, etc. Over the years the town has become a bit trendy, but its also still like its always been for the last 30 years in some ways!

Of course, we cancelled our July 4th trip to the beach in favor of WDW. We have AP's which made WDW cheaper! I'll admit, Rehoboth can be expensive as far as rooms....but otherwise its much more affordable than other boardwalks!

[crazelion]

I live Chattanooga come by see me a IMAX and TN Aqurum. If have any ? about Chattanooga. I work at two tourist attactions. PM me I will be happy to answer your ?

When i can't get WDW world. I hit Six Flags over Geogia and White Water. I ususally get season pass to both.

This year my work did a ticket exchange so with Dollywood and Paramount Carowinds in Charlotte North Carolina. So if any have inforamtion on how the park is let know. I have few replies so far. Where to stay at close to park. Since it's a six hour drive there.

[Diznyqt]

I love to go back "home" to San Antonio & the surrounding area in Texas. I also really want to go visit the Southwest & California.

[rjordan]

Sandra, this thread is fun to read...

We live near Boston. If we don't go to WDW (we like WDW in May, January or November), we will take our vacations in summer. We head to either Cape Cod, Massachusetts; Old Orchard Beach in Maine; or North Conway in New Hampshire. These are the regulars.

We've been to Hawaii, Arizona, Texas, Aruba, Bahamas, Key West, London and Italy.

As I child my family once vacationed for 2 weeks in Canada starting at Niagara Falls, then Toronto Ontario, Ottawa and ending in Montreal. Canada is so beautiful!! In fact, the movie at the Canada pavilion in Epcot (even though it's somewhat old and I've seen it many times) makes me cry every time.

Perhaps next year we want to try Lake George in upstate New York or Myrtle Beach. :D :) :D

Have a great vacation!!

[jody]

If you go to Wisconsin Dells, don't miss Noah's Ark Water Park-not as pretty as Typhoon Lagoon but more slides-lots of fun!!

We like to drive out west to Colorado and Wyoming. Rocky Mountain National Park, Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons are awesome and at about $15 for an annual pass(per carload) you can't beat the price. Take the kids hiking in the mountains or go wildlife watching. Much different than Disney.

[doggy]

Yellowstone and Montana....That is what you could
call God's country.....Beautiful!!!!!

[JulesMom]

Who would want to vacation anywhere but WDW?!?!:p

We have been to California twice(Disneyland, so I guess that really doesn't count:( )

We just joined DVC and are planning on going to Hilton Head Island in March(That may not count eaither, since it is Disney owned);)

[Jordan's MOM]

We just returned from a NON-DISNEY vacation and let me tell you it is tough to digest after WDW. We went because DH loves Elvis and I love DH. We did a car trip through Tennesee and out to Memphis.The goal was Graceland. We stayed in three different hotels and took in lots of attractions. We did have a good time and lots of family time but the problem was I compaired everything to Disney. Two of the hotels we stayed at would compare to WDW moderates and one to perhaps a deluxe. All however cost more than my AAA rate I can get on the All Stars and we were no happier in any of these rooms.We were in major cities but found food cost to be just as high as WDW and the food not as good. Many places did not have the wonderful kids menus WDW has and several meals my picky DS ate nothing but chips or crackers. We only had two outstanding meals all week and one of thoses was at a rain forest cafe. Hotel transportation was a joke and I refused to use it(we never move our car at WDW).The worst part was I had no idea how to budget for this trip.While it did cost less than WDW, I can budget WDW almost to the dollar. No such luck this trip.
Yes, we will take other non WDW vacations. I do love DH and we do agree that kids need to see other parts of our country.Every trip however will make me even more thankfull when we are at WDW. Go on ,take a non- WDW vacation. It makes WDW even better.

Jordan's mom

[eeyore0062]

What, you mean there are other vacation destinations besides WDW? My husband keeps telling me that, but I really don't believe him!!!;)

[Lars624]

I have to support the people suggesting Cedar Point. My kids 13, 13 & 6 love going there. My DD & DH are big roller coaster fans and there is no other park around that compares to Cedar Point for coaster riding in their eyes.
Because of where we live we often times are able to just make a day trip instead of sleeping over.
The Camp Snoopy section of the park kept my youngest busy on our last trip. He is hoping he has grown to be tall enough for some other rides this year. :Pinkbounc

[SandraC]

I think Cedar Point is on the top of the list in a couple years! S

[shelly3girls]

If you are looking for a relaxing vacation, I would highly recommend the Outer Banks. We rented a house in Pine Island. The house was expensive, but slept 16 so we split the cost with others. There are also smaller homes and a suite resort available. I was concered that my family would be bored thinking that there is not much to do. We really only vacation at WDW. Wow, was I wrong. There may not be tons to do, but that is the point. It was the most relaxing vacation I ever had. The beaches were beautiful, and there were no crowds. Our house was on the beach with a pool, so we basically spent the whole week in our bathing suits. We came home feeling like a new family. Next to WDW (which we still visit atleast once a year), I would say the Outer Banks are great!

My husband and I loved Grand Cayman although we have never been there with the kids. Hawaii is also a great, a wonderful experience for people of all ages. I have seen some very reasonable rates on packages.

[travelitis]

We cruise but without the kids. With the kids we head to Disney or short trips to Wisconsin Dells, in-law's cabin in Crosslake, MN or NASA in Houston (we moved). We want to take the kids on a cruise, but it's Disney time again.

[Jasmine13]

Williamsburg VA. We enjoy the historic district, Busch Gardens, and Water Country USA, as well as James Town and my DH likes the Yorktown Battle Fields---men:rolleyes:

[milmore104]

Every year my DH and i say that we are going on a vacation for just the 2 of us. A nice romantic spot were we can sit on the beach and sip on a margarita (DH -beer). And just relax. But that thought last for as long as it took me to write it. We do this in Disney for about a 1/2 a day and that's all we can take. We are not lounging type people. We just love WDW because you can have romance and relaxation buyt you can also do everything else you want too! Where else could you possibly go on vacation and do all of that besides WDW? But we do go on little mini vacations for 3-5 days. We go to The Great Escape or Darian Lake which are amusment parks not more than 6 hours from our home. We also go camping for the weekends or stay on the boat. We do go to Vermont and visit relatives and that feels like a vacation just because VT is so beautiful and it's only a 4 hour drive.

[acadia1960]

We either go camping or stay at a hotel on Mt. Desert Island (home of Acadia National Park). I adore this place, and it is only 2 hours from home.