Help with a different vacation location

[ctc917]

We have been going to Disney a few times a year for a few years and everyone is looking for something different this summer so I was thinking maybe Branson MO or Sedona AZ, I know really different, my question is this how is the weather during the summer at these places? My husband says that Sedona has "dry heat" not humid like New England can get, but my question is this isn't hot hot, anyone out there live in either of these two places or have been to either one and what are your thoughts on the weather from like late June to the middle of August? And are there lots of things for a family to do at either one of these locations?

Thanks

ctc917

 

[Jeanne B]

I live in Maine and went to Sedona two summers ago in late June, absolutely loved Sedona, it was incredibly beautiful, but it was definitely HOT, even without the humidity I'm not sure that I would go that time of year again. But on the flip side we went up to the Grand Canyon and spent one night there and the weather was perfect, low 80's. If I went back again I'd probably choose early to mid May but I suppose if you've been to Florida in the summertime it couldn't be any worse than that since you'd only have the heat to deal with, and not the humidity.

There was a fun place that we spent an afternoon at just north of Sedona called Slide Rock State Park, it's basically a natural waterslide and a nice place to get cooled off.

I highly recommend going to the Grand Canyon and staying one night at one of the lodges on the edge of the canyon, it's a different experience than just a day trip, it was definitely one of the highlights of our trip. And the Pink Jeep Tour in Sedona was another highlight, they have a great reputation and always get rave reviews.

 

[fac]

we went last summer on the last week of Aug. It was hot, but not bad compared with florida. We visited the Grand Canyon and the four corners. The four corners is far and we spent a night around that area. my girls were 8 and 10 at the time and just finished studying the south west, the canyon, it was a reason we went.
How old are you kids? If they haven't been there before, it may be fine.

 

[ctc917]

I have a 16yr old ds and a 6 yr old ds. Thats what I was thinking about the heat, I'm just thinking of trying something different. Thanks for the info on AZ. Anyone have any experience with Branson, MO?

ctc917

 

[roadtripper]

We were in Sedona last July, and it was unbelievably HOT. 105, if I recall. All I wanted to do was hang out in the room with A/C--and I am usually a commando vacationer--even at Disney in August. I would go again, b/c it's beautiful, but I would go in November or something. Grand Canyon, on the other hand, was perfect--temp, views--everything. If you go to Sedona, we loved the Southwest Inn, and at Grand Canyon, Kachina Lodge on the rim-second floor. Have fun planning!

 

[cjnix29]

We've been to Branson in June. It's pretty touristy, but there is plenty to do. Silver Dollar City, there are caverns you can go through. Tons of shows, mini golf, ride the ducks, outlet malls. We actually stay at Big Cedar, which is outside of Branson, and really beautiful. There are lakes you can boat and fish on. The first week of June was hot, but not unbearable. Never been further on in the summer. We own a timeshare at Big Cedar, so we have been there several times and have not run out of things to do. There is a butterfly house, a nature preserve. Many things. We enjoy it. Liked it more when it was only a six hour drive for us. Now that it is closer to 12, we go less often, but not because we wouldn't enjoy it. Have fun whatever you decide!

 

[lovemygoofy]

Very familiar with Branson, MO though it's bee a few years since I've been there. Lots of family stuff to do though including Silver Dollar City and White Water and a smaller carnival type thing in Branson proper.

There is boating and swimming on Table Rock Lake. You can take a tour of the Ducks, see some family shows, go mini-golfing, bumper boating within the choices or arcades and go carts.

There are outlet malls and lots of hotel choices and several ways to put together packages for your family. The weather is hot in August no doubt about it and the humidity can be a killer in August.

 

[Jeanne B]

at Grand Canyon, Kachina Lodge on the rim-second floor. Have fun planning!

We had a second floor room at Kachina also, the view was amazing, along with watching the elk grazing on the front lawn early in the morning, the day trippers miss out on that unless they get there early.

 

[amyy]

When visiting the Grand Canyon do you stay in the same hotel for several nights and take day trips? We are from Maine too and looking for someplace new next August. The big catch would be the plane tickets may be too expensive. Thanks

 

[fac]

For us, we stayed in a timeshare in Sedona, as it was an exchange, It was around $400 for a one-bedroom for a week. I think it took us about an hour drive. If I were to do it again, I will plan to include at least 2 nights staying in the park, as I know we missed out on the morning hours on the parks

 

[bridget]

I'm not crazy about Branson. There is tons to do. We went to the Smoky Mountains and I loved the mountains, but wasn't crazy about Pigeon Forge. Both Branson and Pigeon Forge are tourist traps (in my opinion).

Other than Florida and the Caribbean, I like San Diego, La Jolla, Santa Fe, and Colorado (Colorado Springs, Rocky Mtn. National Park, Denver).

This summer we are going to Jackson, WY and Grand Teton National Park. Then we will head up to Yellowstone.

I'm not familiar with Arizona, but I have a feeling I'd like it better than Branson.

 

[bridget]

I'm not crazy about Branson. There is tons to do. We went to the Smoky Mountains and I loved the mountains, but wasn't crazy about Pigeon Forge. Both Branson and Pigeon Forge are tourist traps (in my opinion).

Other than Florida and the Caribbean, I like San Diego, La Jolla, Santa Fe, and Colorado (Colorado Springs, Rocky Mtn. National Park, Denver).

This summer we are going to Jackson, WY and Grand Teton National Park. Then we will head up to Yellowstone.

I'm not familiar with Arizona, but I have a feeling I'd like it better than Branson.

 

[LlamaMamaof2]

I live in Mo. and have been to Branson and Silver Dollar City most years of my life! I actually went to Branson last weekend to see the Christmas display and it was spectacular. I was pushing the stroller up-hill (most of the place is on hills) and the people behind me said the crowds were as bad as Disney!! I had a good laugh at that one. Last weekend the weather was in the 50's and 60's, very pleasant for this time of year here. When I was there in the summer it was in the upper 80's to 90's every day.

There is a lot for kids, such as Silver Dollar City, White Water, caves, butterly house, boating and swimming in the lake, riding the Ducks, and mini golf. It is very crowded and hard to drive around the main drag. There are lots of places to stay out by the lake and a couple of bigger resorts. Many shows if you want to do that. You can now fly into Springfield, which is about a 30 minute drive away. The outlet malls are really good and there are plenty of places to eat. It is fun to see once, not sure I would go more unless you live close by.

 

[Green Tea]

Sedona *usually * escapes the high temps of Phoenix, but others here have surely seen hot. I was in the area over the 4th of July a few years ago and it was cool just north of there.

You really can't compare the 2 places. That area of AZ would allow the Grand Canyon, Phoenix, so many national parks and monuments in a day's drive. It is an absolutely magical area of our country. In Oak Creek Canyon the kids can go down a natural water slide. Climb real red rock mountains, see Indian cave painting and cliff dwellings.

 

[Vivianne]

We visited Vegas/Hoover Dam/GC/Sedona/Bryce/Zion Canyons,etc. a few years ago, 1300 miles in a car rental. It was wonderful. However, we went in late April and if you desire to stay in the parks, which I highly recommend, reserving your stay with time is crucial. Additionally, if you plan to visit more than one national park, it is better to get the National Parks pass. http://www.xanterra.com/

With some planning you can enjoy a great memorable vacation.

 

[Jeanne B]

When visiting the Grand Canyon do you stay in the same hotel for several nights and take day trips? We are from Maine too and looking for someplace new next August. The big catch would be the plane tickets may be too expensive. Thanks

I own a timeshare in Florida and exchanged it for a week in Sedona, but in the middle of the week we spent one night at the Grand Canyon.

 

[Planogirl]

If you decide on Branson, I would consider staying within driving distance of the city somewhere nice in the Ozarks. We often visit the Arkansas Ozarks (fairly near to Branson) and love them but Branson itself is a little too touristy for us. There is a lot to do for the family though.

 

[celestialtones]

This summer our family is planning a trip to Branson and SDC. I was wondering if any of you WDW veterans might know if there is a similar touring plan to SDC like TGM does for WDW? Just how HOT is it in August? We're from Louisiana and don't encounter hills too much. We plan to spend up to a week in the area, camping at Table Rock SP doing some boating, fishing, and other activities.

 

[luckey-lasvegas]

This might interest you
http://www.zionponderosa.com/

 

[poohbear158]

You mean there are other places to go other than Disney??? Who knew!!!