DH says no WDW, wants caribbean

[minnie4me]

Planning for vacation 2009 and DH really wants to go to the caribbean. We went to WDW & 4 night bahamas cruise in Oct for DS's 5th bday. We really enjoyed the cruise, but DH says we didn't get to enjoy the tropics and beach of the Bahamas/caribbean so much. It is rush here, rush there. He wants to stay in one place and enjoy the water, beach etc... Not a bad idea, but with airfare going up, up and away is the Caribbean worth it? We were thinking about Beaches Turks&cacos, I am alittle nervous about going to Jamaica and we like the idea of an all inclusive. Any opinions from experienced travelers. Do you think St THomas/St Johns would be cheaper? We want a family oriented vacation, a place DS (will be 6 &1/2) can enjoy, and we can sneak in alittle adult only time. Can I make a caribbean vacation work, or do I talk him into WDW...

 

[Diamondintheruff]

Of course you could make a caribean vacation work. Just do some homework to find a location that suits your needs.

But you do realize that by posting this type of question on the disboards you are bound to get disney "biased" opinions.

 

[mom2taylorandemily]

Can you convince him to stay at the Caribbean Beach Resort and still go to WDW?

 

[mom2aredhead]

I just got back from my 3rd WDW trip in 13 months, and I'm definitely ready for a change for my next trip. Don't get me wrong - I love WDW, but I love the caribbean too. I've never been to the resort you mentioned, but we went to both the Bahamas and Aruba several times. It's such a nice relaxing vacation, but still plenty to do if you choose to.
The Beaches Resorts are supposed to be very family friendly, and when we were in Aruba, almost every hotel had some kind of "kids camp" available and the kids looked like they were having lots of fun. Also, the Atlantis Paradise Island is spectacular and also very family friendly...my niece and nephew (now 8 and 10) went a few times and loved it. When we were there it was about 1/2 the size as it is now, so I can't comment on everything available now, but I can tell you it's gorgeous. Also, I've heard, but cannot confirm, that there is a Comfort Suites located next door that allows you access to all of the Atlantis amenitites and is much more reasonable.

 

[eliza61]

Planning for vacation 2009 and DH really wants to go to the caribbean. We went to WDW & 4 night bahamas cruise in Oct for DS's 5th bday. We really enjoyed the cruise, but DH says we didn't get to enjoy the tropics and beach of the Bahamas/caribbean so much. It is rush here, rush there. He wants to stay in one place and enjoy the water, beach etc... Not a bad idea, but with airfare going up, up and away is the Caribbean worth it? We were thinking about Beaches Turks&cacos, I am alittle nervous about going to Jamaica and we like the idea of an all inclusive. Any opinions from experienced travelers. Do you think St THomas/St Johns would be cheaper? We want a family oriented vacation, a place DS (will be 6 &1/2) can enjoy, and we can sneak in alittle adult only time. Can I make a caribbean vacation work, or do I talk him into WDW...

Turks & Caicos is absolutely amazing!! The water is glorious (makes me laugh whenever I hear people in NJ talk about how "clean" the Jersey shore is, these people must have never left the country) so much to do as far as water sports. I've never done the Beaches resorts but I'm sure like many all inclusives they have plenty of organized activities for the kids. my family adores the island. The caribbean is a different type of vacation but thats a good thing imo. Much more relaxed. not sure if it would be cheaper.

 

[Darcy03231]

We've found the Mexican Riviera to be very family friendly. Check out the Iberostar Resorts.

 

[mom2aredhead]

(makes me laugh whenever I hear people in NJ talk about how "clean" the Jersey shore is, these people must have never left the country)

Clean is relative. Jersey's OK compared to other places. How about the Staten Island people that think their houses are "beach front" because they live by a little mud pit along the polluted new york bay. And do you remember what the water used to look like down the shore?

But I do agree, it in no way compares with the crystal blue waters of the caribbean. You guys are making me want to check some Aruba packages now...

 

[dzone1]

Not cheap, but the kids would love Atlantis.

 

[asmit4]

We've found the Mexican Riviera to be very family friendly. Check out the Iberostar Resorts.

The Iberostar resorts are great! Check out the Iberostar Paraiso resorts. There are several in a row and if you book one of the higher end ones you get to use all of the resorts pools/restaurants(except the IB Grand).
For a family of 4, 2A, 2C- I bet with airfare you could get the trip to be around 5K for a week all inclusive.

 

[PrincessNoelle'sMom]

I highly reccommend Beaches. We went to Negril Jamaica and LOVED it! It was by far our best ever family vacation - because, it was a vacation where we got to relax.

We still do Disney at least once a year, but are planning on going back to Jamiaca and Beaches Resort again.

 

[#1_Grumpy_Fan]

I thought about going to the Bahamas with the family instead of Disney World. Then I checked out the prices for a family of 4. It was outrageous. It is so expensive. And I'm not sure if the kids would really like it. Not much to do besides go swimming or shop in Nassau. We decided to go back to Disney in August.

 

[minniebeth]

We have several friends who have done Beaches Turks and Caicos with their families, and have LOVED it! It is a little pricier, but when you break it down, for AI, it is what you would spend at a Deluxe in Disney....
Have fun deciding!

 

[CTmommyx3]

I have gone to Mexico, Bahamas, Bermuda, and Turks and Caicos . My favorite was Bermuda and Turks and Caicos .
But I did not have kids then. I know I would never go somwhere like that now with the kids. But I hope to get back someday! What about a Disney cruise!

 

[Mouse House Mama]

I second Atlantis. It is amazing and they always have specials. Stay in the cheapest tower. You can also get a meal plan from them. We can't wait to take the kids!

 

[Mickey1Fan]

Caribbean cruise?

 

[Luv Bunnies]

Caribbean cruise?

I was going to make the very same recommendation. Cruise ships are nice for relaxing. There's not a lot of hurry, hurry -- especially on sea days. You only have to unpack once and you get driven to several different places. If you want beach time, you can book beach excursions that will take you directly from the ship and back. Most of the ships (not just Disney) have kid's clubs where you can drop the kids and have some adult time. Everything is included in the price - room, food, entertainment - which makes for a very good deal. The cost is driven by your cabin size and location on the ship. Other than that, everyone receives the same treatment.

We love WDW and took a family trip in 12/06. But, we like to expand our horizons and experience lots of different places. Next month, we're taking a 10 day cruise to Alaska, roundtrip from San Francisco (which we can drive to in less than an hour). Disney is fun, but it's nice to try out other places too.

 

[ColleenG]

Clean is relative. Jersey's OK compared to other places. How about the Staten Island people that think their houses are "beach front" because they live by a little mud pit along the polluted new york bay. And do you remember what the water used to look like down the shore?

But I do agree, it in no way compares with the crystal blue waters of the caribbean. You guys are making me want to check some Aruba packages now...

Comparitively speaking, NJ waters have gotten A LOT cleaner in the past few years but don't compare to the beautiful crystal clear waters of Florida and the Caribbean.

My neighbors have gone to Atalantis in the Bahamas and love it there. I think they are going back this fall.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

We've done Beaches Turks and Caicos twice with the kids and absolutely love it. Yes, its pricey , but IMOP worth every penny.

If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.

 

[mom2aredhead]

Comparitively speaking, NJ waters have gotten A LOT cleaner in the past few years but don't compare to the beautiful crystal clear waters of Florida and the Caribbean.

Of course not...that's why I said clean is relative

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

I'd suggest a 7 day Disney cruise or let your dh help research what he'd like. I don't mind letting my dh have his way sometimes. Marriage is give and take, kwim? Our Grand Canyon trip this summer is his idea, our Dis cruise over Thanksgiving is mine. We both get a little...