Do you restrict yourself solely to Disney?

[VSL]

When we're in Florida, it's mostly Disney, with one day each given to any other parks we want to do (I see US/IOA always being in a future.. we might do SeaWorld next time as well - we've been seperately but not as a couple - and one day perhaps Busch Gardens, etc.). However, I want to see other places in the world as well, and between us, DBf and I have been to
- Tenerife
- Rome
- Corfu
- Benedorm (sp?!)
- Paris
- Various places throughout the UK
- Tunisia
- Malta
- Florida
- [more I can't remember off the top of my head!]

I want to go back to Rome, see Abu Simbel and the Great Pyramid etc. in Egypt, see the Great Wall of China (possibly by doing the marathon there), see other states in the US, and visit Australia and New Zealand, and my BF wants to go to Mexico.
Also, we both really want to go to a ski resort at least once and before we have children - we really want to try snowboarding (it looks like so much fun!!).

Don't get me wrong, we love WDW and we intend to visit once every other year, but it isn't the be-all and end-all of holiday destinations for us.

Next time we go, we'll probably stay in a Universal resort for the first 3 nights and then transfer to a WDW resort for about 2wks. I could go and just do WDW, but my BF likes US/IOA, and I think it would be pretty selfish of me to just send him off there on his own, so I join him - ie, we compromise.

 

[pigby]

Vicky

We too, have been several other places in Europe but since we visited Florida, no other place can compare. If we can't (or don't have enough time) to visit Florida, then we stay in the UK (adore Devon) or go to DLP instead.

 

[noladave]

We love Sea World, and Universal.

If you are going to be on vacation for 3 weeks, have you thought about a Disney Cruise? We did one the first year they came out, and plan to go on another 1 in a year or 2. We did the 3 day cruise, 4 day @ WDW, and it was wonderful.

We tried the 8 night, 9 day package, including a side trip to Universal, and will do it again. However, cost clearly becomes a issue, as I have sworn to never staying at All Stars resort again. So, for now, we limit oursleves to 5 - 7 days at Disney (and only Disney) during Mardi Gras, and then a beach vacation during the summer.

 

[luv2nascar]

considering we have only been to Orlando twice so far we have done pretty much. First trip 2000 we stayed two weeks - one week disney & one week rest of Orlando. Which included outlet shop, orange grove, Cypress Gardens, IOA, and Universal. Last trip June 2005 we mostly did disney but one night offsite at travellodge near seaworld. We hit the outlets and found a great little bake shop near Supermarket of Shoes. DH's feet were a mess and he had ot get new sneakers. Third trip June of 2006 we will hit outlets, and Seaworld. We try to get a little or Orlando in each trip.

 

[LaughinPlace289]

Sometimes (like this June for example) we'll go to Daytona Beach a couple of days before heading to Disney. But once we're there, we never venture out unless to go to a grocery store or something like that.

 

[blueroses]

I vacation lots of places, however the only reason I will set foot in Florida is to go to WDW and I don't leave the resort once I get there. I lived in Florida as a child and the state just doesn't do much for me. Plus after WDW, why would you want to visit another theme park anywhere?

As much as I love Walt Disney World, I can't imagine ONLY vacationing there and nowhere else.

 

[shelemm]

In March I will make my third trip to Orlando with the kids, yet it will be the first time going to Disney... or any other amusement park for that matter.

For the first two trips we visited the springs of Central Florida, mostly natural areas in the Ocala National Forest plus state and local parks. My kids had a blast and the cost is about 5 bucks a day for the whole family. These are the most beautiful swimming holes on the planet. The closest to Orlando, Rock Spring at Kelly Park, is also one of the most fun. Superb snorkeling. I can honestly say I felt like I was about 12 again (now 47). Of course, we are talking about cold water swimming, but the action, scenery, and excitement is nothing short of spectacular.

Also, I can't recommend enough the Morse Museum in Winter Park which was established to house a unique collection of Tiffany glass (one of a kind pieces from the Tiffany home).

Finally, we visited Eatonville, the first incorporated black township in the US, and the childhood home of Zora Neale Hurston. There is a small art gallery there, the possibility of a walking tour to see some of the older buildings, not much to see I suppose, but a chance to talk to people who really know and appreciate the community in which they live.

Yes, there is a lot to do in Orlando and environs.

 

[BrerRabbit_fan]

We always do one other park, usually SW or one of the Universal parks.

 

[mumzie2three]

And the thing about Universal is that it's all thrill rides. All about loops and drops and water splashing you - no "theme" to speak of really.

But - I HATE those "if I have to hug a princess one more time" commercials.

I agree with you and I have to laugh at the new commercials showing the young kids going gaga over Universal. That place would scare the bejeezus out of my 2 DD (6 & 5). I even thought they were trying to burn me alive or drown me the last time we went. Not to mention that my kids aren't into Jurrasic Park, Men in Black, Teminator, Jaws, Twister, Back to the Future, Popeye etc. Eventually when they're older we'll go and I'll probably have to prep them when it comes to some of Universal's "themes". I knew we wouldn't be going this year when I mentioned Popeye (one of my favorites)and they were like "Who's that?"

 

[LiLIrishChick63]

i've been to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Sea World. i really do enjoy going to the parks as well as Disney. don't get me wrong, nothing tops Disney.....but being a marine life nut......Sea World is a really close second. and Universal is a lot of fun because it's almost like you're "in" the movie when you're on certain rides. i actually missed not being able to go on my last trip......but for a good reason....i got engaged at Disney the day i was supposed to go to Universal! lol

 

[richard_andmel]

We've been to Universal several times and really can't be bothered to go back. We will be going back to Discovery Cove & Sea World at some point.