Family Vacation Ideas other than WDW???? - The DIS Discussion Forums

Kaler131 · 07-13-2009, 03:11 PM

Hi all!

I am trying to find ideas for a family vacation other than WDW....

I know, but we have been to WDW every year for the past 10 or so years and I am trying to branch out.... Does anyone have any good sugguestions for me??
My kids are 15 (girl) and 12,9, & 6 (boys). This past June we did a week at WDW and a week at other Orlando parks....so we are trying to find somewhere else (besides a cruise...we are doing that in Nov) that is NOT Orlando. As hard as it's going to be for me

I need to give Orlando a rest!!

Thanks for any help/sugguestions that you can offer!!

Darcy03231 · 07-13-2009, 03:23 PM

How about a Dude Ranch?

JKSWonder · 07-13-2009, 03:41 PM

How far or how expensive did you want to go?

I definitely want to go to the Beaches resort in Turks and Caicos. I also want to take my kids to Hershey Park in PA (haven't been since I was little).

daleswife · 07-13-2009, 03:49 PM

What about Gatlinburg TN? Or Williamsburg VA? Both are fun. Lots to do. Good luck....

jen2207 · 07-13-2009, 03:50 PM

I'm guessing from your love of Cleveland sports you must be from Ohio. How about a Michigan vacation, sports teams aside, there is a lot of family vacationing in Michigan - Grand Beach area.

Or in Wisconsin we head to Door County or Wisconsin Dells too.

Last year for spring break we went to Cubs Spring Training in Arizona - GREAT TRIP!! So maybe a baseball training camp area - can see a game or two, stay at a resort with a great pool or water park, etc. But Arizona is not ideal for summer months.

A beach vacation in Hilton Head is always nice too.

polkadotsuitcase · 07-13-2009, 03:51 PM

I just took my two sons (ages 9 and 11) to Atlanta's new aquarium (and of course World of Coca Cola) and then Stone Mountain. They loved it all. Your boys would love the SkyWalk -- family ropes courses. Really fun.

Or what about Williamsburg? Outer Banks?

Have fun!

cuppycake · 07-13-2009, 03:57 PM

Having lived on the East coast most of my life, we LOVE Williamsburg, Va....Washington, DC., Hershey Park, pa (together with a trip to Gettysburg??).

Are you roller coaster junkies? How about a roller coaster tour week...going to a few different amusement parks near there...Kennywood/Hershey/etc etc.?

Now that we're in the midwest, we're starting to think about things more out this way and out west. What about a ski trip to CO? A National Parks tour in the west? California beach trip?

OOOOH! Nassau? I've seen some good deals advertised for Atlantis lately.

I think you're going to LOVE your cruise...that is what I was going to suggest before I read that you wanted something else. You might even love it enough to plan another one to a different place!!

mom2travel · 07-13-2009, 04:13 PM

Beaches resorts are fun - our kids liked the all-inclusive aspect. We went to Turks & Caicos a few years ago (they were 11 and almost 7 at the time). They have some great deals on their website now

A ball-park tour integrated with city stuff might appeal to all (Chicago/NY/Boston/Philadelphia+Baltimore+DC)

Smoky mountains/Asheville area for a few days for outdoor adventure then to Atlanta or Savannah or one of the NC/SC/GA beaches

Grand Canyon

Our kids (DS14 and DD9.5) are interested in going to Canada - Victoria/Vancouver, maybe Banff (sp?); or Alaska. California appeals to them too
They always love anything beach - so the Caribbean jumps out too

Kaler131 · 07-13-2009, 04:21 PM

Thanks for the great ideas everyone....you guys rock!! I would LOVE to do a ballpark tour....but I think my sister would be the only one who would want to go with me on that (maybe my husband too!)

Louiepipbgeeco · 07-13-2009, 05:03 PM

Our kids (DS14 and DD9.5) are interested in going to Canada - Victoria/Vancouver, maybe Banff (sp?); or Alaska. (This was supposed to be a quote from someone elses' but It did not work-this is what I could do with the edit screen)

Canada, eh?? I might have some experience here. LOL
As a native of Canada-I can honestly say it is breathtaking. Victoria/Vancouver and Banff are quite a distance from me, but I have visited and they are definitely a great vacation destination!
I have also heard from friends that Beaches is a wonderful trip.
Good luck
Enjoy

AnnaS · 07-13-2009, 06:27 PM

Williamsburg, VA, a dude ranch or a cruise - just three places at the top of my head that we would go in a heartbeat.

We went to Rocking Horse Ranch once many years ago when the kids were younger and they loved it. We parked our car for the week and everything was there - almost like cruising.

Familycircus · 07-13-2009, 06:36 PM

How about South Dakota, Mt Rushmore and Blackhills area?
We are in the middle of planning a trip there and I cannot believe how many things are there and so much to do.

hanutedmansionmomma · 07-13-2009, 07:00 PM

my kids (15/11) are asking for a Wash DC trip, ala Night at the Museum and National Treasure.

Boston is a very cool trip - follow the Freedom Trail!

Niagara Falls is really neat if you haven't been there, ride the Maid of the Mist up to the Falls.

Disney has some other adventure vacations don't they? Thought I saw on the website somewhere...

Oh yeah, and my town Kansas City! We are getting a Schlitterbahn water park, have a Great Wolf Lodge, theme parks, or come see a Royals Game.

Have fun!!!!!!!!

bellebuzzntink · 07-13-2009, 07:35 PM

We like seeing things on our vacations, and one of the best we took was to Washington DC, Williamsburg/Jamestown, Baltimore, Pennsylvania Dutch Country. It was 5 years ago and the kids talk about it as being their favorite trip (aside from WDW!)

Last summer we had a trip planned to Canada - fly into Calgary, rent a car and meander our way to Vancouver. I was really looking forward to this, but we had to cancel.

What I'd like to do is start planning trips around National Parks. It's so interesting going to see the different parts of the country.

Dismom55 · 07-13-2009, 08:38 PM

I am in the process of planning a camping trip for the family for next summer. We are from Ohio, but about 3 hour drive from Lake Erie, hubby loves to fish and especially likes the party boats. He has been such a sport about going to Disney I decided we need to do something that he really will enjoy. I enjoy camping too, so it is a win win situation. We will even be close enough that we can go to Cedar Point one day and do some other touring around in the area. In our case it will also be hubby's birthday, so it sort of takes care of getting him a present. (very hard to buy for this one).

Anyway, camping no matter where you decide to go in the USA can be a great experience and can incorporate lots of activities too!

We like to tent, but you can rent stuff too!

07-13-2009, 03:11 PM	#1
Kaler131 Go Bucks! Go Tribe! Go Browns! Go Cavs!! Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: 984.61 from "The Mouse" Posts: 1,676	Family Vacation Ideas other than WDW???? Hi all! I am trying to find ideas for a family vacation other than WDW.... I know, but we have been to WDW every year for the past 10 or so years and I am trying to branch out.... Does anyone have any good sugguestions for me?? My kids are 15 (girl) and 12,9, & 6 (boys). This past June we did a week at WDW and a week at other Orlando parks....so we are trying to find somewhere else (besides a cruise...we are doing that in Nov) that is NOT Orlando. As hard as it's going to be for me I need to give Orlando a rest!! Thanks for any help/sugguestions that you can offer!! __________________ Me DH DD15 DS12 DS9 DS6 DDog WDW Trips: Offsite 1984,1994,1997,2000 ; ASMu 1999,2009 ;ASsp 2001 ; Poly/OKW 2002 ; POP 2005,2006,2007, 2008; HRH 2009

07-13-2009, 03:49 PM	#4
daleswife DIS Veteran Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: West Virginia Posts: 1,071	What about Gatlinburg TN? Or Williamsburg VA? Both are fun. Lots to do. Good luck.... __________________

07-13-2009, 03:50 PM	#5
jen2207 Mouseketeer Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 235	Michigan I'm guessing from your love of Cleveland sports you must be from Ohio. How about a Michigan vacation, sports teams aside, there is a lot of family vacationing in Michigan - Grand Beach area. Or in Wisconsin we head to Door County or Wisconsin Dells too. Last year for spring break we went to Cubs Spring Training in Arizona - GREAT TRIP!! So maybe a baseball training camp area - can see a game or two, stay at a resort with a great pool or water park, etc. But Arizona is not ideal for summer months. A beach vacation in Hilton Head is always nice too. __________________ Jen me; dh, ds 9, dd 6, dd 3 DVC Member - AKL SSR 9/20-9/27/08 AKL 10/8-10/18/09

07-13-2009, 03:51 PM	#6
polkadotsuitcase Campin', writin', Disney-lovin' Mom Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: North Carolina Posts: 242	I just took my two sons (ages 9 and 11) to Atlanta's new aquarium (and of course World of Coca Cola) and then Stone Mountain. They loved it all. Your boys would love the SkyWalk -- family ropes courses. Really fun. Or what about Williamsburg? Outer Banks? Have fun! __________________ If I'm not homeschooling, writing, or camping...I'm dreaming about Disney!

07-13-2009, 03:57 PM	#7
cuppycake Mouseketeer Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Saint Louis, MO Posts: 495	Having lived on the East coast most of my life, we LOVE Williamsburg, Va....Washington, DC., Hershey Park, pa (together with a trip to Gettysburg??). Are you roller coaster junkies? How about a roller coaster tour week...going to a few different amusement parks near there...Kennywood/Hershey/etc etc.? Now that we're in the midwest, we're starting to think about things more out this way and out west. What about a ski trip to CO? A National Parks tour in the west? California beach trip? OOOOH! Nassau? I've seen some good deals advertised for Atlantis lately. I think you're going to LOVE your cruise...that is what I was going to suggest before I read that you wanted something else. You might even love it enough to plan another one to a different place!! __________________ Me (39) DH (44) DD(6) DD(4) POPing in again for Free Dining 9/25-10/3 PTR Last edited by cuppycake; 07-13-2009 at 04:08 PM.

07-13-2009, 03:23 PM	#2
Darcy03231 DIS Veteran Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 5,821	How about a Dude Ranch?

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07-13-2009, 03:41 PM	#3
JKSWonder Twelve plus trips and counting Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: New York Posts: 237	How far or how expensive did you want to go? I definitely want to go to the Beaches resort in Turks and Caicos. I also want to take my kids to Hershey Park in PA (haven't been since I was little).

07-13-2009, 04:13 PM	#8
mom2travel Mouseketeer Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: NC Posts: 444	Beaches resorts are fun - our kids liked the all-inclusive aspect. We went to Turks & Caicos a few years ago (they were 11 and almost 7 at the time). They have some great deals on their website now A ball-park tour integrated with city stuff might appeal to all (Chicago/NY/Boston/Philadelphia+Baltimore+DC) Smoky mountains/Asheville area for a few days for outdoor adventure then to Atlanta or Savannah or one of the NC/SC/GA beaches Grand Canyon Our kids (DS14 and DD9.5) are interested in going to Canada - Victoria/Vancouver, maybe Banff (sp?); or Alaska. California appeals to them too They always love anything beach - so the Caribbean jumps out too __________________ Me, DH, DS, DD

07-13-2009, 04:21 PM	#9
Kaler131 Go Bucks! Go Tribe! Go Browns! Go Cavs!! Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: 984.61 from "The Mouse" Posts: 1,676	Thanks for the great ideas everyone....you guys rock!! I would LOVE to do a ballpark tour....but I think my sister would be the only one who would want to go with me on that (maybe my husband too!) __________________ Me DH DD15 DS12 DS9 DS6 DDog WDW Trips: Offsite 1984,1994,1997,2000 ; ASMu 1999,2009 ;ASsp 2001 ; Poly/OKW 2002 ; POP 2005,2006,2007, 2008; HRH 2009

07-13-2009, 05:03 PM	#10
Louiepipbgeeco Louie is hubby, I am PIP Disney Diva!! Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Chatham Ontario CANADA Posts: 532	Our kids (DS14 and DD9.5) are interested in going to Canada - Victoria/Vancouver, maybe Banff (sp?); or Alaska. (This was supposed to be a quote from someone elses' but It did not work-this is what I could do with the edit screen) Canada, eh?? I might have some experience here. LOL As a native of Canada-I can honestly say it is breathtaking. Victoria/Vancouver and Banff are quite a distance from me, but I have visited and they are definitely a great vacation destination! I have also heard from friends that Beaches is a wonderful trip. Good luck Enjoy __________________ 1974-WDW many childhood visits offsite 1995-honeymoon at CBR -first onsite2001 -DD first WDW rental home2006-POFC 2007-DL and first time in CALI2008-PC in March and summer AKL2009-CBR April 19/2009 booked FIRST DCL for March 2010!!! ME DH : DD age 11 DS age 4 Last edited by Louiepipbgeeco; 07-13-2009 at 07:41 PM. Reason: supposed to be a quote at top

07-13-2009, 06:27 PM	#11
AnnaS The puppy has now left the building and I am exhausted Will you be rolling? I can't wait to try them all Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Staten Island, NY Posts: 4,241	Williamsburg, VA, a dude ranch or a cruise - just three places at the top of my head that we would go in a heartbeat. We went to Rocking Horse Ranch once many years ago when the kids were younger and they loved it. We parked our car for the week and everything was there - almost like cruising. __________________ Anna DVC 9/00 OKW - 6/02 BCV DCL '01 Eastern, '03 Western, '05 West Coast Cruise '07 11 N. Med. Cruise WDW - CBR, POR, OKW & BWV, BCV, AKV, HH

07-13-2009, 06:36 PM	#12
Familycircus Earning My Ears Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Minnesota Posts: 73	How about South Dakota, Mt Rushmore and Blackhills area? We are in the middle of planning a trip there and I cannot believe how many things are there and so much to do. __________________ Me Wife Son Daughter Son

07-13-2009, 07:00 PM	#13
hanutedmansionmomma Mouseketeer Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Kansas Posts: 342	my kids (15/11) are asking for a Wash DC trip, ala Night at the Museum and National Treasure. Boston is a very cool trip - follow the Freedom Trail! Niagara Falls is really neat if you haven't been there, ride the Maid of the Mist up to the Falls. Disney has some other adventure vacations don't they? Thought I saw on the website somewhere... Oh yeah, and my town Kansas City! We are getting a Schlitterbahn water park, have a Great Wolf Lodge, theme parks, or come see a Royals Game. Have fun!!!!!!!! __________________ Haunted Mansion Momma...You know how you try all of these different screen names and finally one sticks then you realize it's misspelled? UGH! This is why I need to go back to Disney. momma 40, DH 41, DD 16, DS 11 12/2008 ASM Suites 12/2009 Coronado Springs (40% room rate pin code)

07-13-2009, 07:35 PM	#14
bellebuzzntink Mouseketeer Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 335	We like seeing things on our vacations, and one of the best we took was to Washington DC, Williamsburg/Jamestown, Baltimore, Pennsylvania Dutch Country. It was 5 years ago and the kids talk about it as being their favorite trip (aside from WDW!) Last summer we had a trip planned to Canada - fly into Calgary, rent a car and meander our way to Vancouver. I was really looking forward to this, but we had to cancel. What I'd like to do is start planning trips around National Parks. It's so interesting going to see the different parts of the country. __________________ Belle, Buzz and Tink My Disney Darlings

07-13-2009, 08:38 PM	#15
Dismom55 Mouseketeer Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 435	I am in the process of planning a camping trip for the family for next summer. We are from Ohio, but about 3 hour drive from Lake Erie, hubby loves to fish and especially likes the party boats. He has been such a sport about going to Disney I decided we need to do something that he really will enjoy. I enjoy camping too, so it is a win win situation. We will even be close enough that we can go to Cedar Point one day and do some other touring around in the area. In our case it will also be hubby's birthday, so it sort of takes care of getting him a present. (very hard to buy for this one). Anyway, camping no matter where you decide to go in the USA can be a great experience and can incorporate lots of activities too! We like to tent, but you can rent stuff too! __________________ Off site camping, July 1985; AS Movies, July 2000; AS Music (Suite), 2007; Pop Century, Sep 2009; Planning Land/Sea Cruise, Spring 2011 Me DH DD DS

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