Places to go while staying at DVC with no annual pass.

[Tigger1]

Since Disney is not offering annual passes for us out of state members I am looking for stays DVC without a pass. I figure I can spend many days at the pool, cooking in the hotel to save for an expensive pass (maybe) in the future. Also looking for places to go for day trips. Here is my list so far.

Nasa
Universal
SEa World
Orange orchard (any suggestions here).

Please add to my list.

Looking for some nice beaches within driving distance, restaurants' of property that I never had a chance to explore, shopping malls, etc. Of course if Disney brings back the annual pass I will halt these plans and to the parks again. I really would love to go to the parks, maybe we should start a call chain to tell them how much we need our annual pass back.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

NASA is a fantastic choice, and reasonably priced. Take the bus tour to Saturn V building—> If you think Atlantis is cool……

 

[torontominnie]

Check out new Smyrna beach. It surprisingly nice and there are lots of great restaurants. I also second NASA, we had a great visit there.

 

[Stargazer65]

Non-park things we did this trip:

Off site: Blue Springs state park, Ponce de Leon lighthouse museum.

On site: We spent 7 days on property these last two weeks just "tooling around" wdw resorts.

 

[CarolMN]

Bok Tower Gardens - it's about an hour or so drive from WDW

https://boktowergardens.org/

 

[AnnaKristoff2013]

Disney Springs

 

[Best Aunt]

Rent out your points and use the money to go someplace where there are things you really want to do, not someplace where you are settling for (but still spending money on) things that you are doing just because they are near Disney World.

 

[Canadian Tom]

We spent three week at WDW(2 at BCV and 1 at OKW) went to epcot only on MoonLight Magic night. Spent the rest of the time enjoying all of the resorts and walking a lot. Didn't have a car so took the Lynx bus to shop for groceries and outlet mall. Had a great relaxing vacation.

 

[dcfromva]

Have you considered staying at Vero Beach for the proximity to a beach?
Are you tied to a certain time frame for your visit?
We used to really enjoy going early December. Any Disney World resort visit would be fabulous. We liked to visit all the resorts and see all the special decorations and treats available. They also have Mickey's Very Merry Christmas party at that time--in some ways it might be more enjoyable--get into the park 2hours(?) before MVMCP starts and stay out late (no worries about having to get up early for genie+/ILL and extra magic hours the next morning.)

 

[com_op_2000]

It depends on what you are into:
sports: golf, mini-golf, fishing, marathon, bowling, ESPN Club, WWS/ESPN Zone, etc
shopping: DS (DTD), area outlet malls, large scale malls
drinking: Jellyrolls, Raglan Road, monorail tour of resorts, walking tour of resorts in the Boardwalk area
movies: DS (DTD) 24 screen theater some with meals served by waiters
night clubbing: Jellyrolls, Atlantic Dance, Raglan Road, Citywalk
resort tours: monorail tour of resorts, Boardwalk around the lake tour of resorts, horse drawn tour of FWC, AKL/AKV
offsite: Gaylord Palms Resort, Citywalk, swamp tour
eating: Formal GF 5* Chef's Table @ V&As - currently closed

 

[bobbiwoz]

Orange groves…We enjoy Al’s Family Farm

https://www.alsfamilyfarms.com/info/tour.php

In January there’s strawberry picking near Vero Beach.

 

[redboat45]

Gatorland
Wild Floridia

 

[Suzabella]

We spend our non park trips visiting the other resorts. Also, if you like art, there's a very good Salvador Dali museum in St. Pete. It's and easy and not very long drive; easy day trip. We usually go grab lunch and do the museum.

 

[BillPA]

visit other timeshares in the area. you will be amazed at what you get for WAY less money. The level of greed at Disney is just out of control.

 

[MICKIMINI]

Definitely Vero Beach!

 

[Tigger1]

Thanks everyone for all the ideas. I may try them all.

 

[mac_tlc]

I would include Busch gardens in Tampa. Can get a 2-day ticket for Sea World and Busch Gardens for about $125.

 

[dbadvisor]

Vero Beach, as others mentioned, is a great option. I've been there a few times before/after a Disney trip. It's lovely!

For staying at DW, there are outlet malls not so far away, Giordano's Pizza is a favorite of ours, Disney Springs, mini-golf, grab a pizza at Grand Floridian and sit in the courtyard to watch MK fireworks, resort/pool hop (so many great restaurants at the hotels), CitiWalk @ Universal for great shopping/restaurant options, grab a Dole Whip at Polynesian, Hoop-de-doo Musical Revue (opens 6/23), Cirque de Soleil new show is supposed to be amazing, and bowling.