OT: Can't afford Disney - where else to go?

[Merriwind]

Jamestown was probably the highlight of our Williamsburg trip last year. Yorktown was interesting too. Williamsburg, you can walk around and take in some of the attractions without admission. We got a bounce pass on a deal and it was very inexpensive to do Williamsburg, Busch Gardens and the water park. (That was fun!)

We're thinking about DC this year.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[JenLanDisney]

Have you ever been to Canobie Lake Park in NH?
It's an old fashioned amusement park. It's very clean and just the right size for the ages of your kids. Maybe you could work it in if you are driving south?

 

[abdmom]

Definitely check out Smugglers Notch, VT. Lots of things to keep the whole family occupied for a week.

 

[Aliceacc]

Disney is also out of our budget for the next few years. So we're returning to Lake George in upstate NY.

It's a totally different kind of vacation-- very restful, but still very family oriented and fun.

Take a look at www.lakegeorge.com for all there is to do. Some of the top choices with my kids are the cruises on the lake (see the Lake George Steamboat Company), the 6 flags park there, the outlets, the mini golf, the House of Frankenstein... there really is a lot!

And there are fireworks every Thursday night in LG Village, so you can get your fireworks fix.

We'll be staying at either Surfside or Marine Village in LG Village. Either is an easy walk to the shops and restaurants, as well as to Fort William Henry.

 

[AirGoofy]

I've thought about it and I guess we could. Just don't know how the kids would do with such a long drive. And we would need more then 7 days for a vacay which I think would be possible.

It is easy when they are sleeping, but when awake we have the portable DVD player, electronic games, and this year, oldest (8) received a mp3 player. While I don't like the food, we stop and the fast food playlands to give them some time to run out their energy. Having 7 days would be an issue with the travel. If you like to camp, Disney has their campgrounds. We have never stayed there, but they are cheaper and if it is like the rest of Disney, it is nice.

 

[Princess_Nikki]

Our family loves Hershey Park, and there are tons of inexpensive hotels in the area.

I would agree Hershey as well! The town really does smell like chocolate!
They have the amusement park of course and so much to do!
http://www.hersheypark.com/

At the ages your children are at, I would say this is a great idea. I'm from PA, so I'm basing my recommendation on that. I'm not familiar with any other destinations near you.

Have fun whatever you decide!

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

Thanks for all the replies. I've researched them all and so far it looks like Washington DC it is with Williamsburg next. And Hershey Park as 3rd. In looking at the map, Hershey Park could be worked in either Washington DC or Virginia. We'll have to see how much time we have. Of course I need to run this by the kiddos.

Again, thanks for all the replies. It was very helpful.

 

[rootbeer momma]

D.C. does have a lot of free museums and monuments, but the hotels and restaurants, parking fees, etc. are $$$$. Averaging it out, it may be worth it, but not cheap!



We went to DC last April and got a great hotel in Arlington (I think) at a great rate. It was a block away from the metro station so we never had to drive anywhere! It was right beside the Key Bridge. I will have to look up the name...It was a Holiday Inn.

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

D.C. does have a lot of free museums and monuments, but the hotels and restaurants, parking fees, etc. are $$$$. Averaging it out, it may be worth it, but not cheap!



We went to DC last April and got a great hotel in Arlington (I think) at a great rate. It was a block away from the metro station so we never had to drive anywhere! It was right beside the Key Bridge. I will have to look up the name...It was a Holiday Inn.

Thanks for the tip. I googled Key Bridge ang got several hotels. Thank you for the information.

As far as the hotel prices go - I haven't really been overly surprised with the prices. They are about what I expected and cheaper then disney prices. I know I need to add a parking fee on to there but for a couple days I'm not too worried the prices.