DVC only, no kids, no parks trip: How would you do it?

[DisneyKidds]

The most important thing you can do is plan your meals wisely. Yes, you will be eating in some great restaurants, but doing so with the right timing will make them that much better.

So, check the fireworks schedule for the MK. Plan meals for Narcoossees and Cali Grill on nights that have MK fireworks. Get your reservations for 30 - 60 minutes before the fireworks start. Be mindful of what time the Electrical Water Pagent passes each resort. We love being at Narcoossees for a late dinner, great atmopshere in the restaurant, then the Electrical Water Pageant comes by, and shortly thereafter you have a great view of the fireworks. It's an absolutely wonderful meal, very romantic, with the added entertainment. Go on a non fireworks night at 6:00 and your meal will be so much less than it could have been.

On nights that don't have MK fireworks plan a meal for an Epcot resort. Finish up before Illuminations starts and you can view a good portion of the fireworks from the bridge that connects the Boardwalk to Epcot. Then you can walk around the Boardwalk for some more entertainment.

When you eat at Artists Point, try to catch the Electrical Water Pageant there. Then go sit by a fireplace, either in the main lobby or in the Villas building.

Spend some time pool hopping, a benefit unique to DVC membership. Visit and walk around as many resorts as you can. If there are places you've never seen, this is the trip to do it. Take a horse drawn carriage ride around Port Orleans Riverside, then catch a boat to Downtown Disney and spend some time there.

I know you are trying to keep the cost down, but use your DVC discount and get a massage at Sturdy Branches at the Wilderness Lodge, or at SSR.

 

[crisi]

I'd spend a few afternoons resort hopping. I love checking out the resorts.

I'd book Flying Fish at the Boardwalk and then stay around for the Boardwalk entertainment.

I've always wanted to do the monorail bar hop - NOT something I'd do with kids.

We'd play golf - but obviously eighteen holes of expensive golf isn't for everyone.

And we would probably do a lot of reading - we are readers and on adult vacations my husband and I play a game - I give him a book to read that I think he'd like - but he'd never read on his own - and he does the same for me. You have to give the book at least 100 pages - and you can then put it down and say "honey, missed the mark" but we haven't yet. Though I'll admit I haven't LOVED anything he's given me yet.

 

[mamaprincess]

Our no kids trip starts in 5 days!

This is the most excited I've been about a Disney trip in quite a few years. That's not to say that I haven't been excited about our other trips; just that this time we are planning on doing things that we've always wanted to do, but didn't because the kids wanted to do other things. When you have kids, it's always about them, this time it can be (and will be) about us!!

May I offer you a banana!

I am sooooo excited for you. I think I know exactly how you feel. It's always about the kids and now for once you get to do something just for you two. I know you are going to have an amazing time together.

So, check the fireworks schedule for the MK. Plan meals for Narcoossees and Cali Grill on nights that have MK fireworks. Get your reservations for 30 - 60 minutes before the fireworks start. Be mindful of what time the Electrical Water Pagent passes each resort. We love being at Narcoossees for a late dinner, great atmopshere in the restaurant, then the Electrical Water Pageant comes by, and shortly thereafter you have a great view of the fireworks. It's an absolutely wonderful meal, very romantic, with the added entertainment. Go on a non fireworks night at 6:00 and your meal will be so much less than it could have been.

On nights that don't have MK fireworks plan a meal for an Epcot resort. Finish up before Illuminations starts and you can view a good portion of the fireworks from the bridge that connects the Boardwalk to Epcot. Then you can walk around the Boardwalk for some more entertainment.

This is my exact plan of attack. Thanks for the detailed info! I plan on catching Wishes (my favorite ) and the electrical water parade several times and will be planning my adrs accordingly. We also plan on seeing Illuminations on the Boardwalk bridge.

The one thing we have discussed that we will probably do that we had not originally planned on doing is Epcot. We both observed that we have only rushed through it to get our ADRs done and then it's off to the next ride or character with the kids. Now we have the oppurtunity to travel around the world and really actually experience it together. I've also never seen Illuminations, so that will be great to see up close. We were going to do something like a spa treatment or La Nouba but we both are leaning toward a day at Epcot (plus it has my favorite ride, Soarin').

I'd spend a few afternoons resort hopping. I love checking out the resorts.

I'd book Flying Fish at the Boardwalk and then stay around for the Boardwalk entertainment.

I've always wanted to do the monorail bar hop - NOT something I'd do with kids.

We are definitely going to resort hop. I will be planning meals at all the resorts that I want to visit. We will be dining at Flying Fish!

I too am intrigued by the Monorail bar hop but as we rarely drink, I'd bet we'd wind up passed out drunk on the monorail, then passengers would complain and we'd be arrested and thrown in the can to dry out over night.

 

[50 years Too!]

We did a no kids trip a month ago.
Though we did spend a lot of time doing F&W events, some of my favorite things included:

Tea at GF and then walking it off by taking the path from GF to the Poly.
Fun reading the pavers.

Riding bikes from VWL to FW one morning and having breakfast at FW. Enjoyed riding around the campground.

Massages!

Enjoy, Deb

 

[DisneyKidds]

The one thing we have discussed that we will probably do that we had not originally planned on doing is Epcot.

Hard to go wrong with that, and if you've never seen Illuminations than you should see it once form inside the park. Great show.

One thing we've started to do a few times, but never got too far, was eating and drinking our way around the World showcase. A margherita in Mexico or a beer at Norway, some egg rolls in China, next stop in Germany for another beer.......well, we never really continue on with that because, well, we don't want to drink too much with the kids in tow. But without the kids......

 

[mamaprincess]

One thing we've started to do a few times, but never got too far, was eating and drinking our way around the World showcase. A margherita in Mexico or a beer at Norway, some egg rolls in China, next stop in Germany for another beer.......well, we never really continue on with that because, well, we don't want to drink too much with the kids in tow. But without the kids......

Yeah. I know what you mean. No kid wants to be traumatized by seeing their parents passed out drunk in world showcase, being dragged off to Disney Detox by Mickey Mouse. Best to save that for when the kids aren't around.

 

[BroganMc]

Yeah. I know what you mean. No kid wants to be traumatized by seeing their parents passed out drunk in world showcase, being dragged off to Disney Detox by Mickey Mouse. Best to save that for when the kids aren't around.

Now gee, mamaprincess, drinking around the world is lots of fun. Too bad you're adults-only trip is not in Food & Wine fest. My dad and I had the best time eating and drinking our way around this last trip. His scooter basket made a great table and we always had a seat.

Total cost for the two of us to eat and drink one night was $68. I can't tell you exactly what we all ate because I was doing most of the drinking. ($8 sweet saki is deceptively good and will make your fingers numb.)

But I don't recommend doing this with an early morning breakfast ressie the next day. I did it twice and while I was feeling mighty fine, I had absolutely no stomach for food the next day. I am a teetotaler the rest of the year, which explains my tolerance levels.

Another thing you may want to do is get yourselves a passport. The kidcot stations aren't only just for kids. The passport gives you an opportunity to talk to the foreign students and learn more about their culture (and impressions of ours). My dad did it one year. I did the mask (a special Christmas one) the next.

Oh and the American Adventure is even more stirring while inebriated.

 

[mamaprincess]

Oh and the American Adventure is even more stirring while inebriated.

OK. Now I'm curious.

I am planning on creating some passports and really engaging the CMs. Hopefully one of them will be kind enough to put us in a cab at the end of the night.

 

[mamaprincess]

I needed to correct myself on the point difference between AKV and Saratoga Springs. I was just using the points calculator and there is only a 10 point difference. I don't know how I came up with the 42 point difference.

Here's what I have on my to do list so far: (Remember, we will be on the Deluxe DP)

Breakfast/Early Lunch
Boma
Kona Cafe
Ragland Road
Turf Club
Le Cellier or Chefs de France

Snacks
Dolewhips! (Captain Cooks)
Shakes, Smoothies, Ice Cream treats (it'll be June!)

Dinner
Narcoossee's for hubbies b-day
Cali Grill for our anniversary.
Artist Point
Flying fish
Boma

Recreation/Entertainment
Tour the resorts and have a snack or meal at every Deluxe
DTD (adventurers club and Comedy club)
Laze on the Poly Beach
Catch wishes and electrical water parade at least 3 times from various locations
Scat Cat's at POFQ.
soak in the whirlpool at SSR
Maybe Jelly Rolls
Use the Monorail and boats when touring and dining at the MK resorts
Catch a movie or two at the AMC
One day at Epcot
Sleep in

 

[BroganMc]

OK. Now I'm curious.

Conversely you could take in Fiesta La Mexico with Donald after gulping down a couple frozen margueritas. You'll probably coming out of it singing along to the Three Caballeros.

Never drink enough to get sick. That just ruins it for everyone. You have enough to feel a buzz and slight tingling throughout, then sip to keep the good times rollin'.

I guarantee every cast member and regular has done that at least once. On my day out I met Lisa, a housekeeper at the Springs section of SSR. It was her day off, the kids were stuck in school, and she was out touring with a friend.

I am planning on creating some passports and really engaging the CMs. Hopefully one of them will be kind enough to put us in a cab at the end of the night.

Just write down your hotel and room number on a pin or something. Stick it to your shirt and ask the CMs at the bus stop to properly direct you home. Disney is great at sorting guests.

Your trip highlights look good. I've done all except Cali Grill and the Dolewhips (never did understand that delicacy). BUT you forgot the mini-golf! It's sacrilege, you know. It's amazing how the game brings a competitive spirit out of the most mild-mannered men.

 

[mamaprincess]

Conversely you could take in Fiesta La Mexico with Donald after gulping down a couple frozen margueritas. You'll probably coming out of it singing along to the Three Caballeros.

Just write down your hotel and room number on a pin or something. Stick it to your shirt and ask the CMs at the bus stop to properly direct you home. Disney is great at sorting guests.

You know you are planning on getting way to smashed when you leave the house with your address stuck to your shirt. I'm sure the CMs will be paying close attention to Dh and I.

Dolewhips (never did understand that delicacy).

It's a Dis cliche, but I find it refreshing. I also love the stawberry soup at 1900 Parkfare and I do wear crocs (ok they're airwalks, but they're every bit as ugly and comfy). I draw the line at baggalini's.

Surely you've adopted one or two Dis cliches.

BUT you forgot the mini-golf! It's sacrilege

Is it sacrilegeous enough that if I posted a thread on the Community Board entitled "I have no intention of playing mini golf while on vacation at WDW" would it bait the "Community Board Crazies" into crawling out of the wood work to gang up on me with vitriol filled posts about how unchristian and unpatriotic I am? Would a debate then ensue, causing my thread to grow and grow? Will it then turn into a clique 20,000 members strong that will remain on the front page for years and years and if so, will this clique have Dis meets at Fantasia Gardens?

I couldn't stop myself.

Back OT:

I'm really excited about this trip. Even Dh is getting into the spirit. We (kids and all) have a trip to West Africa coming up in two weeks and all I can think about is this one. I guess nothing can compete with the thought of alone time with the hubby. It's more rare than a trip to Africa.

 

[bsusanmb]

WOW, DH and I are empty nesters for quite some time and have gone probably 50 times without anyone else with us. No wonder when our grown children come with us they are so thrilled when we offer to take the grandchildren for the day....I so love watching their excitement and they love the relaxation to be with each other...I forget how much I used to enjoy a get away without 5 children tagging along.

 

[momtoccc]

This is a great thread! DH and I just got back from trip with our dd and are planning a short 3 night trip for just the 2 of us next April when I have a company meeting. We've already decided that we are going to do one day with no parks - just hang out.

I've seen lots of good ideas here - mini golf - wishes or illuminations cruise, Jelly Rolls, walking around other resorts, heck - we may even see what the DVC is all about!

Oh, and DH agreed to splurge and do Victoria & Albert's for dinner one night

Thanks for all the great ideas!

 

[mamaprincess]

This is a great thread! DH and I just got back from trip with our dd and are planning a short 3 night trip for just the 2 of us next April when I have a company meeting. We've already decided that we are going to do one day with no parks - just hang out.

I've seen lots of good ideas here - mini golf - wishes or illuminations cruise, Jelly Rolls, walking around other resorts, heck - we may even see what the DVC is all about!

Oh, and DH agreed to splurge and do Victoria & Albert's for dinner one night

Thanks for all the great ideas!

Do the dvc tour if you have time. I think you get a free gift or something for doing it. If you'd like to take a member referral with you, you can pm me and I'll give you my info.

Victoria and Alberts sounds divine! We have Charlie Trotters (at least when we lived near Chicago) and that is an incredible dining experience! I think V&A is along the same lines.

Subscribe to this thread so you can re-read it when the time for your trip is closer at hand.

 

[Kathi OD]

Please come back here and post a little trip report! I would have a hard time not attending MVMCP if it were happening during our trip.

I definitely would love to share a cruise with other couples. I hope I can find a few willing to share around the time that we will be going.

We are considering La Nouba. I have no idea what to expect so I am not sure. The tickets are so expensive. If we could do that, then we could do epcot for one day instead and really enjoy World Showcase and a romantic dinner. I don't know if the budget will allow for either.

Well we're back!! I promised I would report on the trip, and since I don't want to hijack your thread, you can read about it here: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1638562

 

[mamaprincess]

Well we're back!! I promised I would report on the trip, and since I don't want to hijack your thread, you can read about it here: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1638562

back!! I'm going over to read your report!!!

 

[ldo]

not always at Disney. Sometimes it's the Carib., a short cruise, etc. We call it "power dating" because we rarely go out to dinner, movies, etc. without the kids (3 young children) otherwise.

 

[mamaprincess]

I had to ressurect this thread because we have decided to go ahead with this trip!!!

We have rescheduled and cancelled more times than I care to remember but we have finally settled on a plan for this year. We will be going on our no kids, no parks, dvc anniversary trip in June. We are just so desperate for a break and some alone time. We have never had babysitters or anything (3 children). We will be taking a family trip in August for the youngest's b-day. We figure we might as well get that unbearable August b-day trip over with.

We are both stressed out and have decided that we are good parents that deserve some time alone each year. This may become an annual trip!!!

 

[VrBchJ]

Good for you. You will go home renewed and refreshed.

 

[photobob]

My wife and I did a no kids trip this past February, a short three nighter. It was our first trip sans kids. While we did do the parks we did very few attractions. We pretty much strolled from place to place, enjoyed each others company, had some nice meals, rode a few rides here and there, took every form of transportation Disney offers, enjoyed not having children in our room . Can't wait to do it again, we could definatley do a no park trip pretty easily, there is so much to do and see and there have been some great examples from previous posters that I've locked in my memory banks.