Go for the 4-peat?

[Fargoman2]

After last summer's 3rd consecutive annual trip to WDW, I was convinced our family was a bit "Disney-ed out" and ready to leave the world behind for awhile. Now as we contemplate our options in 2004, I'm not so sure.

My youngest, 6, just assumes it's what we do every July. My 11-year old never gets tired of Disney, but my high school freshman is interested in other options. My wife and I are a bit conflicted.

I think what tends to happen is that we romanticize these vacations, forgetting the heat and the crowds that wear you out. But my question is this, if not Disney, then where?

What destination is likely to provide as much entertainment/family value as Disney? We have 5 free airfares (thanks to overbooking on our previous trip) so we have lots of options.

Anybody got any ideas for a change of pace vacation idea? Or do we just return to WDW by default?

As for visiting at other times of year than summer, it doesn't work well with my work situation.

Thanks for any good ideas!

 

[WDWAurora]

My vote would have to be for a cruise (Carnival or Disney are surefire bets for all those ages to enjoy).

Have fun!!

 

[Pooh67_68]

Although the heat and crowds wear you out, do you still enjoy yourself? If the answer is yes than I say go for it.
As for your high school freshman, how about the family do a day or two over at IOA/US. I think he will really like Unversial, especially if he likes thrill rides.

 

[topcat011]

I will vote on a cruise. Although Disney cruise is priced a tad higher then Carnival there is something for all the kids to enjoy. We have done Disney many times also and needed the break. Funny thing is the kids preferred the cruise after that vacation. And we as adults thought it was a very relaxing vacations as we were not ruhing to get to main attractions. Most cruise lines have the kids camp that features different activities throughout the day. The best site to look into cruising would be cruisecritic.com.
We just off the Royal Voyager which has a rock climbing wall, in line roller rink and an ice skating rink..not to mention the mini golf course. So you see, that even your older childer will have a ball.

 

[1HourAway]

Fargo - Visit a National Park. Kids are all old enough to appreciate and remember a trip to Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon or Yosemite. They have programs the whole family can enjoy and the kids can become Junior Rangers too.

 

[RescueRanger]

First, let me say that I am as big a Disney fan as anybody. That being said, I couldn't see myself taking only Disney vacations every year. I know that many do and it is a matter of personal preference. When I was a kid, we went out of state every summer on a long vacation. We only went to WDW 3 of those times. The bulk of my WDW trips have come after I got married. I have been to over 80% of the states and both Mexico and Canada. There are alot of places out there for families if you REALLY want to find them. Just a few are Branson MO, Williamsburgh VA, and the Gatlinburg TN area. I guess what I am trying to say is that you are the only one who knows your family. Just the fact that your asking this question leads me to believe you already know your answer. Have fun no matter what you decide!

 

[Jackie H.]

I would also suggest the historical triangle in Viriginia - especially if your family enjoys history. Williamsburg, Yorktown and the Jamestown settlement. Norfolk is a very nice city as well. (And there is a Busch Gardens and waterpark if you need a high energy day or two) If you go, definately do the night time 'ghost tour'!

We love Disney also. My kids (12 & 9) are making their 5th trip with us to WDW this month. But we love to go other places as well. We did the VA thing in June and also went to Monticello and Appomatox Court House and really had a great time. We are planning a trip to Yellowstone and Mt Rushmore this next July.

My kids also really loved San Antonio and Houston, Texas. We also had a great trip through: Kentuckuy, Ohio, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri.

The Great Smokely Mtns in TN is wonderful.

Yosemite, Grand Canyon....the list is endless.

We spent 2.5 weeks in a pop-up camper all over Alaska once - the time of our lives!!!

Since you didn't mention leaving the country, I only mentioned A FEW USA options. America has so many different and varied landscapes, there has to be something that appeals to you.

 

[hammertime]

Being from San Francisco I'm going to recomend that (not sure where your from)

There's lots to do in this area and it's never hot. Usually in the 60-80's depending where you go. there are two amusement parks here Paramounts Great America (Santa Clara), 6 Flags Marin World (Vallejo). They aren't nearly as good as Disney but they have scarier rides. There's also all kinds of other stuff to do- Pier 39, Fisherman's Warf, Alcatraz(very cool).


Or how about a trip to DisneyLand? They do have a couple of different rides there. My DH and I are dissapointed that there isn't an Indiana Jones ride in WDW. It's one of our favorites at DL. Also you can drive to San Diego and go to LegoLand and Seaworld plus there's the beach and Universal Studios. Santa Monica is really nice too. Oh yeah you can always stop for a day in DL.

Also my 2 cents on the recomendation for Yosemite. Don't go in July especially if your trying to get away from the heat. It's best to go in April, May and early June. If we get good storms the waterfalls are really beautiful. Lot of Hiking though to see the really awesome falls.

Hope this helps.

 

[reggit]

I would recommend the cruise. I do not know about other cruise lines, but Disney's are great. There are plenty of things to see and do, and everybody will enjoy Castaway Cay.