No Parks?

[kaymak]

Does anyone ever just go to the resorts and not go to the parks? I would love to stay in a deluxe resort but I can not really afford to stay here and go to the parks too. I would have to stay in a value resort. I do love the parks though. Anyone?

 

[Jasminetigger]

Even though we have never done this (yet), I always say I could stay at the Wilderness Lodge and never go to the parks. I would like to try that jsut once, maybe without the kids. I don't think the kids would like the idea of not going to the parks.

 

[tiggersthebest]

I couldn't resist going to the parks, as a kid Disney was the only vacation we took (in the campgrounds, not my style but Daddy was paying ) so I am now a Disney addict. I do spend more time at the resort now just relaxing than as a kid though, my DD5 loves pools and will want to swim when we go this summer. If I were you and I really wanted to do a Deluxe I would just save up a little longer before going (that's what I have done in the past and am doing for next year's big splurge that will probably not happen again!)

Too many times to list as a kid
Once I “grew” up:
1997 Fort Wilderness (summer); Coronado Springs Christmas
1999 Wilderness Lodge (Spring); Fort Wilderness Christmas/New Years
2002 Polynesian
2003 Caribbean Beach
2005 Going to Port Orleans Riverside
2006 Going to Grand Floridian

 

[chyam]

I have done this several times..........well almost. Since I am a passholder I usually like to head up to the WL for a few days just to take in the pool and the atmosphere, but I usually go at a time that EPCOT is having their festivals, F&G and F&W so end up over there just for the concerts. But I could just as easily just stay at the resort. There are so many other things to do besides the parks, DD, the outlet malls etc.

 

[Karel]

Well, sort of.

We stayed two nights before our cruise last year at Yacht C and only went to a water park. We had extra plusses and had never been to a water park before.

We swam in the pool, walked on the Boardwalk, rode the monorail, watched fireworks. We took water mouses out. We also rode the ferry around and went to the International Gateway. It was funny to be sooo close to the World Showcase but not be in it.

 

[Disneyjosh229]

Does anyone ever just go to the resorts and not go to the parks? I would love to stay in a deluxe resort but I can not really afford to stay here and go to the parks too. I would have to stay in a value resort. I do love the parks though. Anyone?

If I were you, I would stay at one of the value's so I could experince both!! No matter what anyone says, the value's are still pretty unique. IMO, missing the parks would be like going to China Town and not having an Egg Roll

 

[weluvdizknee]

Our annual trips are usually to Disneyland in Anaheim. In the past, we're the first ones in the parks, and the last ones to leave. This past New Years Eve, we slept in, enjoyed the resort, strolled to the parks, took afternoon breaks, went swimming, ate in the restaurants, enjoyed the lobby, and even took a nap. My dh and I both said we could easily spend 2 days goofing around at the resorts, they have 3. But like a previous post, I don't think the kids would like it. Tower of Terror is more their idea of a vacation!

 

[cstraub]

I would rather do value than not go to the parks. I think just knowing I couldn't go into the parks would bring be down. To me Disney is more about the parks than about the resort

 

[Nicolepa]

We did this for our Honeymoon. It was great, although my husband was really tempted to go to the parks (he loves the parks). We stayed on Pacific time, we stayed out till Jellyrolls closed and slept till noon. The rest of the time we played golf, shopped, swam etc. We could never get away with this with the kids though.

 

[newholidayx2]

This Aug DS13 & I check into the VWL on a Sat. We wont go to the parks until Tues. (but we then have 11 park days). Want to have those APs available for 5days before our Aug 19th cruise next yr

We're spending those first few days at Typhoon Lagoon, char meals, Downtown Disney, pool hopping (DVC)

 

[F1Julie]

DD5 and I did this last summer at AKL. It was great! We hung out at the pool, watched the animals, did a few character meals and the princess tea party. It was very relaxing. The reason we went is that I got a great rate and I knew that I would not want to be in the parks in August since I'm not fond of heat. I'd definitely do it again.

 

[helenk]

I've never done it, I love the parks too much. I've stayed at the deluxes and while they are nice, I'd rather do the parks. Maybe a moderate would fit your budget? We've stayed at POFQ and loved the themeing.

 

[johnsonet]

I have never done it but every time I've stayed at AKL I've felt this resort would be the perfect place to have a parks-free trip

 

[swilphil]

If you aren't going to the parks at least for part of your trip, I don't see the reason to stay on Disney property. There are some great resorts in Orlando and elsewhere that are just as nice as the Disney deluxes for less money. I'd probably go to the Key West or the Carribean if I wanted the tropical feel. You can find some great deals on Hotwire or Travelocity.

AKL is the only resort that I can think of that is unique to WDW. It would also be nice because you can't see the parks from there. If I stayed at any of the monorail or Epcot area resorts, I'd go nuts seeing the parks and not being able to go for at least one day.

 

[missymouze]

I have personally stayed at the resorts a few times and didnt go to the parks, but only because I am an hour away and got a great florida resident rate....if I was flying in from NY like I used to, then I would definetly need to go to the parks and go with a moderate or value resort.

 

[Frances999]

We (sort of) did this when we stayed at AKL last August. The only park we visited was Magic Kingdom, the rest of the time we relaxed at the resort or went shopping, to downtown disney,the boardwalk etc. I must admit that when planning for a "resort-only" trip, concierge is well worth the additional outlay. It's so handy to have the lounge on hand.

 

[WDW LifeLong Fan]

On average, we visit WDW Resorts 4-5 times annually and 1 or 2 of these trips are Resort only. Usually the GF or POLY.

 

[spiceycat]

go rent points from a DVC member. You won't get housekeeping but it is great way to stay at a wonderful resort for less money. the resorts are OKW, SSR, BCV, BWV or VWL. You can stay in OKW for $80 (8 points * $10) per night for Sept - Jan (except for some days in Nov and Dec) - Sun-thurs only (fri/sat are much more expensive) - this is a Studio!!! for BCV, BWV or VWL it would be $120 per night (12 points * $10) - again this is Sun-thur only!!! Same time Sept - Jan (except for days in Nov and Dec)

I like OKW for my no park visits. Since you can't see the parks - then you can relax and enjoy this resort. AKL would work the same way.

I have also done Poly, BC, WL for a no park trips.

I do love WDW - but sometimes you need a break from the parks - or (heaven forbid) you are tired of the parks.....

I don't think I will get tired of the resorts - but the parks definitely!

 

[Tiggerkeeper]

DH and I have been thinking about going and not doing the parks. There is so much to do down there that I think we could stay busy! When the kids come with us we HAVE to do the parks but with it being just the two of us now...hmmmm it just might be time to do a relaxing trip.

 

[Blondie]

I could easily stay at one of the deluxes, including the Dolphin/Swan and just lounge by the pool all day and shop all night long. These resorts are set up so that the vacation atmosphere is relayed in amenities and the theming. I'd have to say that the Grotto pool area at the Dolphin/Swan screams tropical vacation more than any other WDW resort!

But it would be so tempting to go to one of the parks, probably the Magic Kingdom. I'd probably cave and do a one day ticket at the very least!