Which one of these vacations would you choose?

[disneyfanforever]

We are debating on where to take a vacation in June of next year. It would be DH, myself, and our boys (12 and 9). The boys are going with their grandparents to Disney World in March so that is not one of our choices.

Here is what we have narrowed it down to:
1) Southern California-Do Disneyland, Knotts, Legoland and beaches. -This is the trip the boys like the best
2) Alaskan cruise-This is my favorite but I am not seeing a lot of support from the kiddos
3) Hershey Park and Washington DC- The kids like the Hershey part of this trip but are not thrilled about any educational component of a vacation
4) Florida beach- Just rent a condo in Florida on the beach (Destin, perhaps) and not doing much of anything but relax - DH favors this trip
5) Cancun-DH and I are celebrating our 15th anniversary next year and this is where we went on our honeymoon. It would be neat to take the kids back and hang out at a beautiful result and maybe see some of the ruins.

Since we live in Arkansas, none of these are close by. Which one of these vacations do you think everyone would most enjoy? Also, if you have any suggestions on where to stay, that would be fantastic as well. Thanks!

[scottishduffy]

I would have to favor Hershey and DC. The boys will be in Disney in March, so a disney vaca would not call to me. Hershey will give the boys a little amusement park time but DC will also give something more for the grownups. The museums in DC are actually awesome. The last time i went I was 5 yrs old and I still remember loving the air and space museum. They may be against the concept of an educational place, but they may enjoy it once they are there. Besides, everybody should see the capitol at least once.

My second choice would be Alaska. My hubby went around the age of your boys and loved it. I went at age 16 with my parents and loved it. Not every vacation can have a theme park, but it can still be very fun! Besides, the cruises usually have kids clubs that are pretty fun for kids. I remember having a grand time with the teen club on my ship.

I really don't enjoy beaches myself so i am against that. Besides, june is DISGUSTINGLY hot here in Fl.

[crazelion]

1) Southern California-Do Disneyland, Knotts, Legoland and beaches. -This is the trip the boys like the best

I like this one beach and theme parks is my kind of vacation.

[suejai]

I'm with Scottishduffy.

1. Hershey and DC - if your kids have seen Night at the Museum maybe that will make them more interested in seeing the Smithsonian etc.

2. Alaska cruise - just because it is something out of the ordinary

[karibritt01]

I have a couple of different suggestions to throw out at you... just in case it wasn't confusing enough!

1) Since you favor a cruise, and your DH favors the beach... what about a Caribbean cruise? You get to enjoy the ship, spend time on the beaches, see ruins if you go to Cozumel as a port. And some of the Royal Caribbean ships have water slides, rock climbing walls, Flowrider.. tons of things to make your kids happy!

2) Beaches Boscobel All-Inclusive in Jamaica. They have water activities, water slides, beautiful beaches, all food and drinks free including top-shelf liquor. And if you wanted to leave the resort to do something, then there are plenty of excursions offered through the resort.

Out of the ideas you had listed, Alaska and Cancun appeal most to me, with California coming in 3rd.

[java]

Southern California!
That's on our list. The San Diego Zoo. The wild animal park *can't remember the name right now but my sister raves about this place. Disney, Legoland, Knotts, the beach. And fantastic mexican food! What more could you want?

Second choice for me would be Alaska. (although I wish Hawaii was a choice)

[AlaskaMOM]

With your kids being younger I would go with option 1. (I also like FL beaches, there's just something about walking on little seashells instead of sand) There is so much variety in So Cal. you could mix things up and have exciting days interspersed with laid back ones.
As for the Alaskan cruise I'd say wait until they are a little older, and maybe not do a cruise and just fly up and see what AK is really like. It is so much better looking at it from he land side as opposed to the sea side. We actually did an AK cruise about 5 years ago (I know, I know, I do live here, but Great grandma wanted to, and you do what your granny wants.....) and the kids were bored a good deal of the time. The water can be rough and then they close the pools and spas, not all ships are prepred to handle kids (ours sure wasn't)
I guess the big thing is that it's a vaca for the family and you want everyone to be able to relax and enjoy
Whatever you decide I'm sure it will be FUN!

[roliepolieoliefan]

I'd pick California. We actually plan to do the Southern CA tourist thing when DD (5) gets a little older.

Love the idea of an Alaskan Cruise but think its more for adults.

We've been to Hershey and live close enough to DC , we can do that in a weekend.

Nothing wrong with Florida, just would go with something else.

DH and I are not fans of Cancun, YUCK! Now if Beaches Turks and Caicos was on your list, that would be my #1 pick.

[disneyfanforever]

Thanks everyone for the replies. A Caribbean cruise is a good idea too, and I will look into that further. We went on the Disney cruise two years ago and the kids loved it. I wish Hawaii was on the list as well but the frequent flier miles won't get us that far.

I do think the kids would have fun in DC once they got there. They just don't seem to realize that educational things can also be fun.

Does anyone know a nice hotel on the beach in Southern California that would satisfy DH's desire for a beach vacation yet is still close enough that we could drive to the theme parks?

[The Mystery Machine]

My choice is DC and I would drop the Hershey. There is just too much I want to see in DC and would soak up every minute there.

[disneyfanforever]

I wouldn't mind just doing DC but I think I would have a revolt from the smaller people in my party.

[The Mystery Machine]

Originally Posted by disneyfanforever

I wouldn't mind just doing DC but I think I would have a revolt from the smaller people in my party.

I know but you asked which one would I choose.

My girls are 18 and almost 13. My youngest is not a theme park gal and prefers the educational.

My oldest has been to DC TWICE and in fact she went for the Obama inauguration...brat.

I went in 5th grade with my school, 1976. I have yet to be back.

So it is on my list!!!

[belsanti]

def cancun. teh kids ae at a great age to enjoy the amenities.

[wdwfan16]

Originally Posted by disneyfanforever

We are debating on where to take a vacation in June of next year. It would be DH, myself, and our boys (12 and 9). The boys are going with their grandparents to Disney World in March so that is not one of our choices.

Here is what we have narrowed it down to:
1) Southern California-Do Disneyland, Knotts, Legoland and beaches. -This is the trip the boys like the best
2) Alaskan cruise-This is my favorite but I am not seeing a lot of support from the kiddos
3) Hershey Park and Washington DC- The kids like the Hershey part of this trip but are not thrilled about any educational component of a vacation
4) Florida beach- Just rent a condo in Florida on the beach (Destin, perhaps) and not doing much of anything but relax - DH favors this trip
5) Cancun-DH and I are celebrating our 15th anniversary next year and this is where we went on our honeymoon. It would be neat to take the kids back and hang out at a beautiful result and maybe see some of the ruins.

Since we live in Arkansas, none of these are close by. Which one of these vacations do you think everyone would most enjoy? Also, if you have any suggestions on where to stay, that would be fantastic as well. Thanks!

I would pick #1 - I would also do Sea World in SD, the SD Zoo and animal park. I might drop Legoland.

[Pooh's Pixie]

Originally Posted by java

Southern California!
That's on our list. The San Diego Zoo. The wild animal park *can't remember the name right now but my sister raves about this place. Disney, Legoland, Knotts, the beach. And fantastic mexican food! What more could you want?

Second choice for me would be Alaska. (although I wish Hawaii was a choice)

Last year, we did So Cal but not up to LA...we did San Diego: Legoland, Sea World, the FABULOUS Zoo, the Wild Animal Park (which is part of the zoo but different location...almost like being on safari...we saw a THREE HOUR old Giraffe that was the highlight of the trip!)...we also did a Padres game and we stayed in Coronado so we walked the beach, etc.

Great trip!