I Don't Get It - 2 Weeks in WDW and No Parks?

[Grammyof2]

We stayed for 15 days, back when they had pay for 4 stay for 7. They also had length of stay passes then so you had admission for the whole time. That was the greatest deal ever. We went to the waterparks, toured all the resorts, slept in,went to DTD and spent lots of time by the pool. It was the best vacation. My DH went to the parks 6 times and never for the whole day. The kids and I went 9 times total and never went commando like we have in the past. It was so nice to relax and really see what the world has to offer.

That trip spoiled me. I want time to relax and to visit other things then the parks. Though I LOVE the parks, but it was so nice in small doses. This was in September and there were no crowds to speak of and the most lovely trip.

Now when I go, I need to see more than the parks.

 

[java]

We met a nice family last year on the monorail- yes the monorail. You see they were staying at the poly and just rode the monorail as their fun. (they had 2 small children) They go twice a year- one is a park trip- the other is a resort trip- just monorails and pools. Didn't sound bad to me. But now that my kids know where we are as soon as we drive into Jacksonville there is no way I could not hit the Magic Kingdom.

 

[jim and meesie]

When the deluxe hotels (BC, YC, BW) were new we actually enjoyed just going to visit the hotels. Even with young children we would visit the parks only 2-3 days at most out of a week. I never understood those length of stay passes. When those hotels were new and not rundown (and better taken care of) they really felt like luxury hotels. Now they are a little more average and unless the price is right they are more appropriate for just a place to sleep. I've never stayed at the campground but I can imagine it would be loads of fun if you like camping. Does the campground have access to the old water park over there (we went to the water park 12-13 years ago before it closed). How about Discovery Island, is that still open too? My kids really enjoyed the half day kids programs there again 10-12 years ago.

Some days our park entertainment consisted of a ride on the monorail and dinner at Chef Mickeys which was more than enough for us. We would watch the fireworks every night from the beach and walk around the Boardwalk. The pool at BC was really a huge attraction for the day. Even with young kids that was a great vacation.

 

[java]

Does the campground have access to the old water park over there (we went to the water park 12-13 years ago before it closed). How about Discovery Island, is that still open too? My kids really enjoyed the half day kids programs there again 10-12 years ago.

That would be No and No. Both closed.

 

[mrzrich]

When we camp we like to go for extended trips at least a week, my DH hates to set up on Friday just to take it all down on Sunday!

Comparing FW to a local campground is like comparing Days Inn to the YC. There is lots to do there like horseback riding, boat rentals, fishing, Campfire, Hayrides, Carriage Rides, Hoop De Doo, Backyard BBQ, water pageant, fireworks, not to mention all the great dining/shopping options throughout WDW

We'll be there for 9 days Feb 3rd (Two weeks froms Today! ) and I know we will leave without having seen and done everything.

By the way, as my OB was performing my C-section he was telling his assistant that he spent two weeks at Disney resort hopping, two nights per resort at seven resorts, he took his kids to the different pools, ate ate the different restaurants, and never stepped in a park.

 

[horsegirl]

I think it depends where you are in your life. I did it! Several times in my twenties when I was there for business and had no interest in WDW, even though I wnet many times as a kid. One time I was seriously in love, and only cared about gazing at the wonder standing before me! Another time, my friends and I played many of the great golf courses in the area. At that time, with no kids and tons of travel under my belt, I was even thumbing my nose down at the world showcase (as I could not understand why folks wouldn't just go see the real deal)(no flames please- I was a callow youth!) . Well, now that I have mellowed and our focus is our kids, I have certainly changed my tune and will not miss a chance to spend time in the parks. I have gotten off my high horse about epcot, too, as going abroad is not something we can do or have done since our kids are here, and cannot wait to experience the diversity that epcot shares.

 

[Amirah95]

I couldn't do it.

I can stay home and relax, for FREE.

My touring plans would be burning in my pocket!

 

[mickeyluv'r]

One man's vacation is another man's nightmare. Seriously, I've had the dream where it's our last day, and we havn't been able to leave our hotel. I'm not knocking any one who does do this type of trip - it means shorter lines for me!

It would be nearly impossible for us, but we sometimes have one non-park day, and often a non-Disney park day. Parks, IMHO, are what Orlando does best. I've seen the other Orlando, and it is worth a few hours, but not an entire trip - for us anyhow.

 

[jim and meesie]

My Sister and BIL went on a fabulous high end African Safari. When they came back and were sharing the amazing pictures with her in laws her MIl says "oh yeah but that's nothing compared to Disney's Animal Kingdom".

Slightly off topic but inspired by previous poster who once wondered why go to World Showcase when you could see the real thing?

 

[Tissa]

I'm not going to "jump on you" but that is your definition of a vacation! I can "relax and chill" at home and do just that. When I go on vacation I want to DO something. If I wanted to relax on vacation I would not go to WDW. I would do that at some less expensive place, like the beach.

So true. I go all the way to Orlando to go to Disneyworld. If I told my kids we are going camping at Disneyworld for two weeks but we are only going to the parks one day I'm afraid they would try and have me committed.
When I think of a relaxing vacation Disneyworld doesn't even come to mind. Of course I'll never know what a relaxing vacation is until my kids grow up and leave me and by then I'll be too old to go anywhere.

 

[luvsmickeymouse]

This year when we go down to Disney we are going to stay onsite for 3 nites and not do the parks while we are onsite. We want to go to all the resorts and the campground and do things like that. Enjoy our disney room! When we leave to go offsite, then we will do the parks. Something different. My kids are teens now and we have been MANY times. We want to enjoy the pool and see what all the resorts have to offer. Also this trip we are doing alot of different Florida things, not just Disney.

 

[AmyBWV99]

I couldn't do it.

I can stay home and relax, for FREE.

That's what we always tell them! If they want to camp, they can camp anywhere for a lot less than Disneyworld! They've been many, many times (20 or so) and just love hanging out at the campground and tooling around in a golf cart. I'm not saying it can't be done, I'm just saying I can't imagine doing it! We've been 25+ times and try and go 2x a year and go to the parks every day for a t least a little while. Our favorite is walking around WS at Epcot getting drinks and food

 

[bobbiwoz]

Staying at FW is not just camping, and I think I could be happy being at WDW for 2 weeks and only doing parks on one day.

Bobbi

 

[Rozzie]

A lot of DVCers don't do a lot of park days.

Growing up we lived very close to WDW, and my mom would take my brother and I and friends for long camping trips while Dad was out of town. We would maybe go to MK 1 day out of 10. Some of my favorite WDW memories are of those camping trips. All of us crammed in tents, giggling as we would fall asleep each night.

Everyone has different tastes. Just because it may not be the "norm" doesn't make it wrong.

 

[cristbaby]

I would love being at WDW and just enjoy the resort I was at. There is so much to do other than the parks.

 

[nluvwithmickey]

I agree....there is SO much more to do in WDW than parks. We visited last summer for 13 nights and for the first 6 of them, we did not set foot in a park. I still felt the Disney magic by doing things all around the parks... It felt really relaxing. It is just a great feeling not being rushed, and appreciating all that Disney has to offer aside from the parks.

 

[angeldisney2985]

While I agree that there are a lot of other things to do, why would you spend that money at Disney? It seems like things like parisailing and stuff you can do cheaper at another spot in FL, like Vero Beach.

My personal opinion, I really would never EVER make the effort to go to FL and not go to the parks...EVER.

Too much of a temptation and I don't like to be tempted.