OT: Can't afford Disney - where else to go?

[donac]

You seem to be a baseball family. What about a trip to Cooperstown. Besides the Baseball Hall of Fame there are is at least one other museum. Also near there is Howe Cavern which is a nice place to go. YOu can also go kayaking and rafting in that same area.

What about Mystic Conn? There is Mystic Seaport, the aquarium, a submarine nearby and an Indian museum at the casino near Mystic

 

[jenseib]

I must say, if you can drive to Disney, you will probably run about the same as some of these other trips will cost. I looked into a trip to Colonial Williamsburg and we could do a Disney Value for the same price. All the little things add up fast.

 

[snowbunny]

The Montreal suggestion made me think of another: Quebec City. Very lovely, historic, interesting to walk around. Not sure where you are in Maine but it's a fairly easy, scenic 6-hour drive from Portland.

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

Have you thought about Montreal. I don't know how far that is from you, but there were lots of things to do. We went twice and both times the kids had fun. There are inexpensive hotels, amusement parks, water parks and they speak french so it makes for a nice experience.

I haven't - thats a thought! I'll research that - never thought about Canada and its our neighbor. Thank you!

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

I must say, if you can drive to Disney, you will probably run about the same as some of these other trips will cost. I looked into a trip to Colonial Williamsburg and we could do a Disney Value for the same price. All the little things add up fast.

Yes I noticed that Busch Gardens in Williamsburg would be about $300 just for admission!!!!

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

The Montreal suggestion made me think of another: Quebec City. Very lovely, historic, interesting to walk around. Not sure where you are in Maine but it's a fairly easy, scenic 6-hour drive from Portland.

We live in central Maine - near Bangor area.

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

You seem to be a baseball family. What about a trip to Cooperstown. Besides the Baseball Hall of Fame there are is at least one other museum. Also near there is Howe Cavern which is a nice place to go. YOu can also go kayaking and rafting in that same area.

What about Mystic Conn? There is Mystic Seaport, the aquarium, a submarine nearby and an Indian museum at the casino near Mystic

We are a baseball family - I have a personal goal of going to as many ball fields as I can. Thats what made me think of Baltimore )

Thank you for the idea.

 

[deva]

We are a baseball family - I have a personal goal of going to as many ball fields as I can. Thats what made me think of Baltimore )

.

I went to Baltimore with 2 of my 3 kids for the first time last summer. DH stayed home with the DD2 because we were not sure what to expect. We had a great time - science center (free with reciprocity), children's museum, aquarium, boat ride, ship tours. Hoping to go back again this summer with the whole family.

We got a good deal on our hotel through Priceline and I was lucky enough to get a ride from the airport. I think parking is quite expensive.

 

[Fyrefly]

Seconding, (thirding?, fourthing?) Baltimore/DC. I am a college student in Maryland right now, and the Smithsonian are fantastic for me, and I can go to them whenever I want! Totally free and awesome. American History and Natural History are my favorites, and the Air and Space is not to be missed. If the Air and Space isn't enough, you can go to Dullas to get into the second part of the museum (overflow, they have a space shuttle there! ) for a small fee, I can't remember what.

My parents were very big on instilling into me an appreciation for our nation's history. It's possible you could find kid-oriented things to do, you can look at the monuments if that's your thing, etc.

Also in Baltimore you have the Orioles. Camden Yards is beautiful, though if you go to an O's game don't expect to win, we haven't exactly had a winning team since I was in elementary school...

The Baltimore Aquarium is I'm pretty sure hands-down one of the absolute best in the country. Beautiful exhibits, a rainforest in the roof, sharks, dolphin shows, huge walk through coral reef tanks... AND there is the MD Science Center, which is full of hands on science exhibits, Newton, your body, outer space, and always really good travelling exhibits.

And in Virginia as mentioned we have the historic triangle, Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown, the beginning and end of the U.S. as a colony all within minutes. Williamsburg has really blossomed as an attraction over the last few years, all kinds of reenactments going on there now. Also in VA you might want to look into Lurray Caverns for something totally different.

It's funny, I live near all of this so it's no biggie, but if you guys haven't been down here before, you really should give it a try! Let me know if you have any questions

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

Seconding, (thirding?, fourthing?) Baltimore/DC. I am a college student in Maryland right now, and the Smithsonian are fantastic for me, and I can go to them whenever I want! Totally free and awesome. American History and Natural History are my favorites, and the Air and Space is not to be missed. If the Air and Space isn't enough, you can go to Dullas to get into the second part of the museum (overflow, they have a space shuttle there! ) for a small fee, I can't remember what.

My parents were very big on instilling into me an appreciation for our nation's history. It's possible you could find kid-oriented things to do, you can look at the monuments if that's your thing, etc.

Also in Baltimore you have the Orioles. Camden Yards is beautiful, though if you go to an O's game don't expect to win, we haven't exactly had a winning team since I was in elementary school...

The Baltimore Aquarium is I'm pretty sure hands-down one of the absolute best in the country. Beautiful exhibits, a rainforest in the roof, sharks, dolphin shows, huge walk through coral reef tanks... AND there is the MD Science Center, which is full of hands on science exhibits, Newton, your body, outer space, and always really good travelling exhibits.

And in Virginia as mentioned we have the historic triangle, Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown, the beginning and end of the U.S. as a colony all within minutes. Williamsburg has really blossomed as an attraction over the last few years, all kinds of reenactments going on there now. Also in VA you might want to look into Lurray Caverns for something totally different.

It's funny, I live near all of this so it's no biggie, but if you guys haven't been down here before, you really should give it a try! Let me know if you have any questions

This sounds great. I've researched hotels and I think the Sheraton is attached to Camden Yards by a skywalk. Can't remember for sure. But that would be a good vacation. Hmmmm....now I'm really thinking!

Thanks to everyone for their replies.

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

Seconding, (thirding?, fourthing?) Baltimore/DC. I am a college student in Maryland right now, and the Smithsonian are fantastic for me, and I can go to them whenever I want! Totally free and awesome. American History and Natural History are my favorites, and the Air and Space is not to be missed. If the Air and Space isn't enough, you can go to Dullas to get into the second part of the museum (overflow, they have a space shuttle there! ) for a small fee, I can't remember what.

My parents were very big on instilling into me an appreciation for our nation's history. It's possible you could find kid-oriented things to do, you can look at the monuments if that's your thing, etc.

Also in Baltimore you have the Orioles. Camden Yards is beautiful, though if you go to an O's game don't expect to win, we haven't exactly had a winning team since I was in elementary school...

The Baltimore Aquarium is I'm pretty sure hands-down one of the absolute best in the country. Beautiful exhibits, a rainforest in the roof, sharks, dolphin shows, huge walk through coral reef tanks... AND there is the MD Science Center, which is full of hands on science exhibits, Newton, your body, outer space, and always really good travelling exhibits.

And in Virginia as mentioned we have the historic triangle, Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown, the beginning and end of the U.S. as a colony all within minutes. Williamsburg has really blossomed as an attraction over the last few years, all kinds of reenactments going on there now. Also in VA you might want to look into Lurray Caverns for something totally different.

It's funny, I live near all of this so it's no biggie, but if you guys haven't been down here before, you really should give it a try! Let me know if you have any questions

Any suggestions on hotels in either Baltimore or DC or both? lol - thanks for the help.

 

[Fyrefly]

Since you seem to be considering it, I'll also offer two very important transportation tips since you don't know the area.

Yes, Baltimore parking is expensive. If you can get a hotel with some sort of parking garage or lot, it's might be worth it to you. There are pedestrian bridges between the Baltimore convention center and the inner harbor, where all the touristy-stuff is. Camden yards is across the street from the convention center. If you stay near Camden yards, you could potentially walk the 4-5ish blocks to the Inner Harbor through a little shopping mall at the end of the bridge and only have to cross one major street. Less playing Frogger always makes me happy. Also, look into Port Discovery as another cool kid's thing, I forgot about that, being 21 and all, but I went when I was younger and it was fantastic. Also, someone will probably mention it at some point if you go to Baltimore, but stay in the Inner Harbor touristy area. That part of town is very safe and well marked.

As far as DC goes, please please save yourself the hassle and do not drive there. There is minimal parking, and when I mean minimal I mean "The only lots that are there are for the office buildings and even THEY can't provide spaces for all their employees" minimal. Look up the DC Metro (I don't have enough posts to make URLs yet so just google DC Metro and pick the first link) and download yourself a map. Drive to one of the stations outside of the town, park, and use the metro to get into the city. Any thing in DC will tell you on it's "How to get here" webpage what metro stop it is closest too and how to get there. Don't be one of those tourists who spends half their life driving looking for overpriced, scarce parking spaces. Have a more relaxing trip than that!


Edit: Didn't see you ask about hotels. I'm afraid as a resident of the area my entire life I really don't know much about hotels. As far as Baltimore, stay as close to the harbor as you can to allow yourself to walk. There is a Hilton that's now attached to the Baltimore Convention Center, but Hilton's are really pricey.

As far as D.C., I really can't help you at all except to google maps location of what you want to do vs hotel locations. Look for something either near a metro stop so you can get around the town, or close enough to what you plan to do that you can walk, or both.

 

[snowbunny]

Any suggestions on hotels in either Baltimore or DC or both? lol - thanks for the help.

Arlington/Crystal City is an easy place to stay in DC. You'll pay for daily garage parking but the metro will take you anywhere you want to go. I've stayed in the Marriott Crystal Gateway in the summer for $95; check their website for specials. The Cystal City metro stop is beneath the hotel. As per my previous post check Travelzoo. There are also lots of hotels downtown, it's a tourist city that is loaded with hotels. A guidebook from your library will help more than anything.

DC and Baltimore are not all that close together (like 75 miles apart). So I would do one or the other but not both, unless you have at least a week and are going to switch hotels.

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

Since you seem to be considering it, I'll also offer two very important transportation tips since you don't know the area.

Yes, Baltimore parking is expensive. If you can get a hotel with some sort of parking garage or lot, it's might be worth it to you. There are pedestrian bridges between the Baltimore convention center and the inner harbor, where all the touristy-stuff is. Camden yards is across the street from the convention center. If you stay near Camden yards, you could potentially walk the 4-5ish blocks to the Inner Harbor through a little shopping mall at the end of the bridge and only have to cross one major street. Less playing Frogger always makes me happy. Also, look into Port Discovery as another cool kid's thing, I forgot about that, being 21 and all, but I went when I was younger and it was fantastic. Also, someone will probably mention it at some point if you go to Baltimore, but stay in the Inner Harbor touristy area. That part of town is very safe and well marked.

As far as DC goes, please please save yourself the hassle and do not drive there. There is minimal parking, and when I mean minimal I mean "The only lots that are there are for the office buildings and even THEY can't provide spaces for all their employees" minimal. Look up the DC Metro (I don't have enough posts to make URLs yet so just google DC Metro and pick the first link) and download yourself a map. Drive to one of the stations outside of the town, park, and use the metro to get into the city. Any thing in DC will tell you on it's "How to get here" webpage what metro stop it is closest too and how to get there. Don't be one of those tourists who spends half their life driving looking for overpriced, scarce parking spaces. Have a more relaxing trip than that!


Edit: Didn't see you ask about hotels. I'm afraid as a resident of the area my entire life I really don't know much about hotels. As far as Baltimore, stay as close to the harbor as you can to allow yourself to walk. There is a Hilton that's now attached to the Baltimore Convention Center, but Hilton's are really pricey.

As far as D.C., I really can't help you at all except to google maps location of what you want to do vs hotel locations. Look for something either near a metro stop so you can get around the town, or close enough to what you plan to do that you can walk, or both.

Wow - thank you Fyrefly. I appreciate the tips. Your insight has been very helpful - I'll definitely do more research. I have found a hotel in DC that is very close to the Air & Space Museum - L'enfant Plaza Hotel that looks nice and is recommended as one of the family friendly hotels in DC. I'll keep researching.

Thank you again!!!

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

Arlington/Crystal City is an easy place to stay in DC. You'll pay for daily garage parking but the metro will take you anywhere you want to go. I've stayed in the Marriott Crystal Gateway in the summer for $95; check their website for specials. The Cystal City metro stop is beneath the hotel. As per my previous post check Travelzoo. There are also lots of hotels downtown, it's a tourist city that is loaded with hotels. A guidebook from your library will help more than anything.

DC and Baltimore are not all that close together (like 75 miles apart). So I would do one or the other but not both, unless you have at least a week and are going to switch hotels.

Thank you snowbunny! I'll check out that area as well. Travelzoo I need to check out as well - not sure I've been to that website. I'll keep researching.
I appreciate your help.

 

[-Hope-]

I didn't read through the entire thread so I don't know if this has already been suggested but last summer we went to Gatlinburg Tennessee and Great Smoky Mountain National Park. It was a fun, inexpensive trip about $1000 for a week for our family of four and that was EVERYTHING; gas, food, condo, activities, souvenirs, etc.

We stayed in a condo (just google Gatlinburg condo rental and you'll find tons of good deals) so we were able to cook many of our own meals and have lots of space to stretch out an relax. Gatlinburg has activities for any budget and Pigeon Forge is a short drive away with even more things to offer. Everything in the National Park is FREE and there is tons to see and do there. Clingman's Dome, Cades Cove, Laurel Falls, visitor centers, and lots more. Again, google Great Smoky Mountains National Park and you'll find lots of info. We had a blast and I'd highly recommend it.

ETA: We also really enjoyed Vail, CO which is relatively inexpensive in the summer time but a LONG car trip for you!

 

[micheleq]

I went to college in Baltimore and lived in DC for several years after that, so I second what many others have said here! You can see both the O's and the Nationals - two baseball teams in one trip

Both cities have zoos, fabulous art museums, great restaurants, and I enjoy the Baltimore Aquarium and Science Center in the inner harbor area.

You can do both cities, they are not 75 miles apart -- it's about a 45 minute drive from Baltimore to downtown Washington. I've done that drive hundreds of times. Yes, parking can be expensive, but that's the case in many cities.

As for hotels, Baltimore has several right downtown and in the inner harbor area. I've stayed in a few of the inner harbor hotels, but that was several years ago. In DC, a hotel that we've stayed in that was rec'd by DISers was the Residence Inn on Capitol Hill. My cousin is actually there right now for a trip! Nice place, they have rooms and suites, breakfast included, pool, and it is about three blocks behind the National Mall/Air & Space Museum. It's nestled between a bunch of federal office buildings. We got a one bedroom for me, DH and our two little girls and it was huge. Kitchen in the suite, so you could do take out a few nights and keep snack on hand. I think on the website they say they have a grocery delivery service too.

Good luck planning. I myself can't wait to get back to your neck of the woods, I love Maine in the summertime!

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

Something else to consider--most hotel rooms are set up for 4 people. It might make more sense to rent a condo/timeshare unit for a week. Not only is it cheaper, but would have full kitchen and laundry facilities. That would allow you to pack less and save on some meals and snacks. Try vrbo.com for house and condo rentals all over the world, or redweek.com for timeshares. We're a family of 6, and we love the extra space and amenties. We plan to do this over the summer, for a trip to Hershey, PA. You could do DC, of course, or consider a resort like Smuggler's Notch in VT--whatever suits your family.

 

[DawnM]

We did some other things over a year ago. we went up to Niagara Falls and to Hershey Park on the way home. Actually, we ended up not going to Hershey Park because it was torretial rain out, but we did the tour and hung around the main area.

I have to say that I haven't been able to find a vacation for less than Disney.

We have done several things.....Dollywood one year, the trip above one year, Chicago last year.

It ends up costing about the same. Part of that is because the deals around Disney can be so great if you are wiling to stay off-site. We also take our own food into the parks (stay in a condo so we have a kitchen) often, eat breakfast in the condo, take in snacks, don't buy souvies, etc.....

Just a thought.

Dawn

 

[Microcell]

I don't know that side of the country very well.. (Disney obsessed right now) but when we get out of our Disney rut I would love to go to DC!!!!

My sisters went to college there and one of them graduated from Gallaudet University (where my BIL still works and he lives in Baltimore, so the drive can't be that bad) and we went there for a weekend to attend that graduation, and my (insert WICKED here) stepmother allotted one, count em, one hour to the Smithsonian.. I didn't get past the lobby of the American History museum. It looks so big and expansive, I would spend two weeks there if I could! Waiting till DS is 10 to try to go on that trip so I can just read and read all the information, and so he can too!

Another thing we want to do is to map out a road trip and then see where Guy Fieri has been on Diners, Drive in's and Dives and try to eat at as many of those as possible! They seem like they are usually reasonable places! I also had a friend that went to "zero chain restaurants" on a trip and they had so much fun eating at small places all over!

Have fun whatever you do!