5 weeks in the Disneyworld

[eel111]

We are spending 5 weeks in disneyworld this coming Dec/Jan. we arrive on Tuesday 29th staying at Windsor Hills before checking into BLT on the 3rd Jan, then BWV, then SSR and finally AKL. all Sun to Thursday. Our party consist of Me GF DD and my parents both in ther late sixties. What do you guys think we should do on the weekends while not staying at Disney

 

[disneynutz]

Sleep!

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

Both of my parents loved Cypress Gardens. It is close to Disney, and your parents would really enjoy it.

You may also want to venture to Cape Canaveral, and maybe stay at Vero Beach for a couple of days.

My folks also liked the glass bottom boats in Silver Springs.

I can't imagine having 5 weeks at WDW.

Those attractions were things that my folks enjoyed doing when there was JUST the Magic Kingdom. The attractions are still there, and are still what my parents enjoy.

There is also some neat kind of museum about P.T. Barnum.

 

[rentayenta]

Sleep!

But really, wow, 5 weeks is a long trip. I would do nothing when not at Disney other than possibly the beach and eating. And

 

[Cee]

Wow is right! 5 weeks sounds like heaven. I agree, I'd rest and maybe see what the rest of the area has to offer. Have a great trip!

 

[DVC Mike]

Wow, 5 weeks at WDW! Enjoy!

 

[Inkmahm]

Personally, I'd go for a shorter trip and spend the points to stay at Disney on the weekends. 5 weeks of moving each weekend would drive me crazy.

Maybe spend 4 weeks at Disney, including weekends, and a week somewhere else in Miami, or Key West. I assume you have a car if you plan to keep moving on and off property each week...

 

[CarolMN]

Check out ICE! at the Gaylord Palms.

If Cypress Gardens is open again (I thought it was closed due to bankruptcy), I second that.

We also enjoyed a visit to the BokTower Gardens/Singing Tower in Wales, FL. It's especially lovely during the Holiday season. Google it - you'll get lots of info to make your decision. It's an easy drive from the Orlando area.

A visit to the Kennedy Space Center is always interesting.

 

[eel111]

We are Aussie's and own at SSR, we plan on hiring a car on the weekends and venturing out to other parts of Florida. Is Miami too far to go for the weekend or where else do you think we should go.

 

[Nikisha421]

WW you are one lucky lot...5 whole weeks at Disney...I wishbut enjoy

 

[JulieWent]

January is a great time to go over to a place called Manatee Springs. The manatees come in for the winter and are all over the place. It's about an hour to two hour's drive from WDW, and it's a beautiful off-the-beaten path kind of place. Google it and take a look, but it would make a great weekend kind of retreat. (If you're brave -- not afraid of diving in 68 degree water in the winter -- you can dive with the manatees. They're such gentle, excellent creatures.)

Consider going over to Tampa to Busch Gardens if you are still in the mood for more theme parks. It's a different type of theme park, but really neat.

I'm sure I'll think of more things. But Manatee Springs popped into my head immediately.

Julie

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

Check out ICE! at the Gaylord Palms.

If Cypress Gardens is open again (I thought it was closed due to bankruptcy), I second that.

 

[Peepster]

If you stayed at WDW a shorter time but covering the weekends, as was suggested by a previous poster, you could spend a nice quiet relaxing week on the Gulf. I've been traveling to Bradenton Beach/Longboat Key for over 40years and we love to unwind by renting a house or condo right on the beach before heading home. Rents and food are not too expensive in that area.

Just a suggestion. Whatever you decide I hope you have a great trip!

 

[spiceycat]

most offsite places now want you to stay with them for 3 nights not 2 (too many of us doing it)

so you might have a problem finding a good rate for 2 nights vs 3.

have not gone to miami - but fort launderdale it was around 5 hours (I thnk) of course it was my first time (and so far only) drive down there. So it might be shorter if you are familiar with the route.

would go visit the gulf - Clearwater beach - at least once.

also would stop by bush gardens of the way - coming back or on another trip cypress gardens.

 

[spiceycat]

oh for my long trips - generally stay in offsite timeshare for a week that ends on Sunday - stay at DVC for 5 nights

or stay at DVC for 5 nights - offsite hotel for 2 to 3 nights - check in Sunday at offsite timeshare - stay a week - then go back to dvc

 

[dgaston]

I would look into the FL state parks, especially Wekiwa Springs. Here is the website http://www.floridastateparks.org/WekiwaSprings/

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

If you're interested in seeing the Miami area (and you could do some everglade tours from there as well) what I would do is spend a couple of the weekends at Disney and then maybe halfway thru the trip take a 4-6 day trip down to Miami. Personally I would consider Miami too far for a weekend but it could be done. The Gulf coast and Marco Island is also very nice. Or you could go to Vero Beach for several days.

From Disney you can easily do day trips to the Space Center and many other places.

 

[Halle]

I believe the Barnaum Museum is in Sarasota. Read an article on it and it looks as if it would be a lot of fun.

 

[Pixieflip]

You are living my dream retirement! 5 weeks at Disney!! Good for you and enjoy!

There are many places along the gulf side where the beaches are dreamy. Our favorite is Siesta Key, which is a little south of Sarasota, too. Definitely drivable for the weekend if that's what you're looking for. Lots of condo type places, not as many chain hotels, but very nice and you'd have a kitchen available for meals if you'd like. The beach is like white sugar! Our favorite place is called The Jamaica Royale. jamaicaroyal.com My grandparents have stayed there every April for 20 years, and we very much enjoyed the one time we joined them.

Whatever you decide, I would not hesitate to make your reservations. That is high season for beach areas. What a nice relaxing weekend away from Disney. Hmmmm, I can hear the waves now... I love the beach.

 

[downontheBW]

Another vote for Tampa - it's only a couple of hours away. Busch Gardens is nice but you may not want to visit another theme-type park with 5 weeks at WDW. I suggest going to the beach - it won't be hot but should be warm enough. If you'd like a taste of "old Florida" head over to Treasure Island area - there are still a few older mom-and-pop type motels on the ocean. Last year we stayed at the Thunderbird motel on Treasure Island - it was great - Tiki bar and all. Very relaxing and fun. There were many regulars that had been vacationing there for years.

The city of St Petersburg, near Tampa, was very nice to visit as well. The Dali museum is there. Down the coast just a bit is St. Pete beach then Fort DeSoto is interesting as well.