Disney Alternatives for the fall

[URSUS]

Sadly, due to travel restrictions, we will not be able to make our annual Fall Disney World trip. We are in search of an alternative.

Since this community is filled with people just like us, I would like to solicit recommendations of other types of trips in the Northeast that "disney people" might like. We are an adult couple without kids, but obviously kids at heart.

Any and all ideas are welcome, and we appreciate anything you are able to share.

Thanks!!!

 

[dclpluto]

Sadly, due to travel restrictions, we will not be able to make our annual Fall Disney World trip. We are in search of an alternative.

Since this community is filled with people just like us, I would like to solicit recommendations of other types of trips in the Northeast that "disney people" might like. We are an adult couple without kids, but obviously kids at heart.

Any and all ideas are welcome, and we appreciate anything you are able to share.

Thanks!!!

im guessing your from New York State. Is that correct? Remember states can be added at any time for travel restrictions. I wouldn’t make anything set in stone that you can’t get your money back.

 

[URSUS]

im guessing your from New York State. Is that correct? Remember states can be added at any time for travel restrictions. I wouldn’t make anything set in stone that you can’t get your money back.

Yes from new york state, and this trip will be for late September. I realize the list can update daily, nevertheless, we are still in search of vacation idea alternatives that "disney people" generally enjoy. Not necessarily theme parks, I should have mentioned.

 

[Patch'sD]

My last two flights from OIA to JFK (Jul and Aug) wasn't even asked to fill out paperwork. Florida numbers are by far much better now. Just because the NY Titfortat Gov bans Florida should not stop anyone. Parks are very safe and not crowded at all. OIA is very safe, Disney is Safe, and Universal is safe. Go now and avoid the crowds.

 

[skeeter31]

Lancaster, PA. Plenty to do between the outlets, Amish tours, great food, Hershey Park (if they’re open or at least Chocolate World), Turkey Hill factory and experience. When we lived on Long Island, I don’t exaggerate, we went there at least every other month. Amish View Inn is the greatest hotel there. Includes free hot breakfast every morning and the rooms (especially the deluxe king rooms) are amazing.

 

[CynBeth]

We are adults with no kids who love Disney as well. What about Hershey Park? Not sure what is open or closed with COVID but they used to have the theme park admission which includes a visit to Zoo America there is a special entrance at the back where you get your hand stamped. At the entrance of HP is a building called Chocolate World that has a slow ride for free showing how chocolate is made along with other attractions for a fee such as a trolley tour of the area and a 4-D movie and making chocolate. It also has shops and a food court. In the area is a car museum and the Hershey Museum and the Hershey Experience. There is also an outlet mall. The Hotel Hershey has a botanical gardens and spa. We have never stayed there as we go for a weekend and bring our dog so have to be at a pet friendly hotel nearby but there is a restaurant the Circular Dining Room we have had dinner and they offer bread infused with chocolate and chocolate butter and some of the entrees have chocolate in them in some way. We have also had their breakfast buffet as well. About 20 minutes away are India Echo Caverns I believe they are called we always see the sign but have never been. I believe it is not very far to Lancaster to visit Amish Country.

 

[mjkacmom]

Hershey Park is open until the 28th, stay at the Hershey hotel or lodge.

 

[CynBeth]

According to the Hershey Park website the Halloween season with weekend hours is from 10/16-11/1.

 

[tvguy]

No offense to OP, but IMHO there are no safe trips currently that involve travel. Plan a nice stayacation.

 

[disneychrista]

No offense to OP, but IMHO there are no safe trips currently that involve travel.

I think there are plenty of safe trips right now. They just don't involve theme parks and other tourist attractions. BUT if those places are open and everyone is taking the necessary precautions (mask, distancing, etc) then who are you or I to say someone shouldn't enjoy them.

 

[URSUS]

Thank you all for the great replies. Hershey is pretty nice. We were there relatively recently, so looking for other options. Same with Lancaster, interesting place but went recently.

India Echo Caverns look very interesting. As Disney folks, I think what we enjoy most are not necessarily theme parks (most pale in comparison to Disney) but areas/places to create a great atmosphere / ambiance. Disney does it best (and their rides are great too). We keep looking for more options but usually come up short.

The issue isn't that we don't feel safe flying to Florida, it's that we will be unable to return to work if we do, and that isn't an option for us.

Thanks!

 

[LuvOrlando]

The ocean is gorgeous in the fall and winter months, once all the party people go away, I don't dig the beach crowds. Maybe look for a place with a chiminea and a private entrance, once tourism quiets down it will be way less busy and safer. In PA you can do a covered bridge tour by yourself in a car as the leaves change colors. In the winter maybe seek out towns that have tours of the best decorated homes, we used to do that a lot with hot cocoa in our thermos. I think there are vineyards through the NE, maybe some have figured out how to safely host.

 

[disneychrista]

The ocean is gorgeous in the fall and winter months, once all the party people go away, I don't dig the beach crowds.

I'm on the west coast and I agree with all of this. Love the coast/ocean but hate the crowds. I am hoping I am able to enjoy a day trip to our local coast in October after all the tourist leave.

 

[tvguy]

I think there are plenty of safe trips right now. They just don't involve theme parks and other tourist attractions. BUT if those places are open and everyone is taking the necessary precautions (mask, distancing, etc) then who are you or I to say someone shouldn't enjoy them.

Personal choice for sure. Way way too many infections still coming from these trips for me to be comfortable. Barber shops reopened here last week, I haven't had a hair cut since March 5. Maybe another 6 months, but I am over 60 so in a risk group

 

[skeeter31]

There’s also New Hampshire or Vermont. Either the Stowe area in Vermont or the White Mountain area (Conway) in New Hampshire. Both are beautiful and especially in the fall with foliage. I’d lean more towards Conway, but that’s just because we had more fun there on our trips. Lots of hiking trails, restaurants, museums.

 

[Snowysmom]

I second Conway/North Conway NH. We go every year. It is lovely. There are alot of planning websites telling you about attractions, restaurants, and places to stay. We usually stay at Marriott Residence Inn in North Conway but there are lots of B&Bs and other hotels in the area. The center of North Conway has some nice little shops and nice restaurants along the main road.

 

[SaintsManiac]

The ocean is gorgeous in the fall and winter months, once all the party people go away, I don't dig the beach crowds.

Amen! We are hitting the beach next month for fall break. It’s still plenty warm down here on the Gulf and way less crowds.

 

[easyas123]

Williamsburg, VA is a great place to spend a few days. IF you head down there, and if you decide to come down the shore vs. around the DC beltway, may I suggest a side trip to the Harriet Tubman center in Cambridge, MD? It's wonderful....anyway, Lancaster/Gettysburg area is also a wonderful place to spend a weekend. Speaking of the shore, Assateague or Chincoteague are possibilities.
What about the Finger Lakes, or Watkins Glen area if you are into hiking/outdoors type places? Or maybe a week in the Outer Banks or Virginia?
*all these suggestions are made outside of any knowledge of any state restrictions in terms of where and when and how long you gotta stay put at home after coming back from visiting them.