non-disney christmas trip

[biggroofy]

We had traveled to the world during winter for a consecutive 4 years. Plan to get away for 5-6 days this Christmas, budget around 7K USD for the family. Any suggestions? Our travel party includes grandparents, DW & me, DD6 and DD2.

I guess Orlando (WDW) was our top picks because of the short flight (3 hours from Toronto) and warm weather. But we just been there in August (Buy 4 Get 7 deal) and don't want to go there again.

Someone suggested Las Vegas but I doubted if there is anything for kids. We are looking for some kid (family) oriented destination, preferably less than 5 hour (flight/drive) from Toronto. Hopefully there are some fun stuff (theme parks, swimming, museum) for kids and some shopping for adults.

I am thinking of San Diego (San Diego Zoo, Legoland, Sea World), but plane tickets could be expensive during Christmas.

Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

 

[GrtWtNorth]

Las Vegas has a lot of free exhibits and shows which are great for kids. My daughter would love watching the huge aquariums, lions, penguins, and other animal attractions. Here's a list. Adveturedome is a reasonably good indoor amusement park, with a collection of kid-friendly ride attractions. (Other coasters and simulators around the strip likely appeal more to teens than children ages 6 and 2.) Las Vegas has a lot of greats. The dining options make Downtown Disney look uncultured. The shopping is unique and includes a FAO Schwarz toy store. There`s a huge selection of stage shows, including The Lion King and several Cirque Du Soleil shows.

It isn't a perfect destination for kids -- it's impossible to avoid exposing them to gambling, and difficult to avoid the advertisements for exotic shows and services. But IMO, the strip is probably as safe as Times Square.

 

[GrtWtNorth]

San Diego's attractions have a well-established reputation. While I've passed through the area recently, I didn't visit. We did notice at least one large outlet shopping areas.

If you're tempted to visit Tijuana, Mexico, please think twice. It's a city of desperate people, catering to 18-year-old Californian's looking for a place to get drunk and do drugs. The Mexican markets didn't offer any deals I couldn't find in a typical California grocery store.

 

[biggroofy]

Thanks GrtWtNorth. Looks like Las Vegas has adequate stuff for kids. But when DW hears LV, she would probably suggest LA - which is Disneyland again

San Diego looks cool except no direct flight from Toronto. I would seriously consider this destination. Where is the outlet mall located (or do you remember the name)? I'd like to stay in the Mission Bay area (i.e. close to SeaWorld, Legoland).

Haven't thought of Mexico (safety is a concern), but I am also looking into Cuba as an alternative. However, it seems most resort packages are 8 nights, maybe a little too long for us.

 

[DisneyFairytale]

You traitor! how can you think anything but Disney!

San Diego has a tonne of shows, areas within LA also have a lot of shows and things to go do a lot of directed for kids. How about things like Knott's Berry Farm? Medieval Times? San Diego's Sea World?

 

[cabmom]

I vote for Cuba. We were there last March, this March and going again in 2 wks. We are taking all the boys this time. We love Cayo Coco. It's 6 nights, 7 days. Flight time I think is 4 hours from Toronto.
We got a great deal of $498/adult, $89/kids plus taxes of $204/person.
What about doing Washington, DC with the kids. We may go back again this year. So much to see there. The weather is better there than it is here!

 

[grover]

We just did Vegas..I know there is alot that families can do there..but I just could not imagine taking kids there..there are so many of those porn cards laying everywhere on the ground-not just a few-they are scattered everywhere and are very graphic-and the guys yelling about girls for sale is not a nice touch for kids. We are not uptight by any means but it is pretty much in your face.I guess if you avoid walking the strip it may be okay.

Are there any other florida destinations you may be interested in? A gulf/beach vacation?