Selling my parents on Disney

[Sammi2]

Hey! I'm new here and planning my first ever Disney vacation. I plan to camp and I'm attempting to talk my parents into coming down and camping too. They may not be too interested in the theme park stuff, but they love camping, fishing, outdoors, etc. They recently purchased a 30ft 5th wheel with slide outs.

Will they be able to navigate the loop roads alright with that size unit?

Is there plenty to do even if one isn't all that interested in theme park stuff?

Would a couple of retired farmers who've never been to Disney perhaps like the parks? (Personally I think they would, but I've never been there.)

We're planning a trip in January. But I figure cold in FL will feel warm compared to a cold winter where we live

Thanks!
2008!!!!

 

[PartyFromSaturn]

My family has been several times and we usually take a couple of days to do things besides go to the parks. I would suggest:
1. Visit animal kingdom lodge. It is an amazing resort, with a huge gift shop and animals outside with some cast members to tell you where to look. There is a fire pit out back with rocking chairs and one of the best Hidden Mickeys anywhere in WDW. Boma is expensive, but good, even for somewhat picky eaters. The counter service place is okay, but I've only been there once.
2. Downtown Disney. Lots of shopping. You could spend all day. Plenty of places to eat, we like Earl of Sandwich and House of Blues. Just looking at the Lego statues and getting a sundae at Ghiradelli is fun.
3. In January, you might not be able to spend a lot of time at the pool, but all the resorts have GREAT pools. I have been to Ft. Wilderness in Feb. and there is a lot to do there. Disney movies at night. Hoop Dee Doo Revue.

Hope you can convince them. Some of our best times have been doing things outside of the parks. Good luck!

 

[auntie]

If your parents enjoy camping they will LOVE Fort Wilderness. Even if they aren't into the theme parks..FW is a wonderful place to bike ride, canoe, and explore. Nice to rent a golf cart for a day or two also. I could easily spend time at FW and never go to one of the theme parks, however it is a nice option if that's what you want to do. The close proximity to the Magic Kingdom is a great convenience as it is just a boat launch away. You also have some very nice dining at the Wilderness Lodge which is also connected to FW by a walking/bike trail, and easily accessed by water launch and bus if they choose to visit.

 

[kc5grw]

They won't have any problem at all with the 30' 5th wheel. Ours is 32' and I pull it with a crew cab long bed F350. You will be absolutely amazed at some of the rigs that maneuver around Ft. Wilderness. It is not uncommon to see 40 - 45' luxury motorhomes in the loops there.

 

[jennifer293]

hahaha when I first read this I thought it said "Selling my parents AT Disney"..I cracked up and then I read it again..LOL

My parents won't go with us to Disney..they couldn't hang with us. We are the type that go from sun up to sun down and my parents are the napping type. Of course they could do their own thing and nap when they want but they wouldn't. Now Dh's dad and stepmom have been with us twice and they seem to really love it. They tell us, "Whatever you want us to do..we will be there." They live 3 hours away and this is their time with the kids since htey don't see them often.

***Neither sets of our parents are the camping type though, so I know they would never camp. Both moms are scared to death of bugs and getting dirty..I tell them "THERE is no dirt at Disney, it is called Pixie Dust"..LOL

 

[FWCamper]

My il's hated the campground. We both have 40' rv's but FIL could NOT get his into the site which gave him attitude about the whole thing.

I am bringing my parents this time but dad doesn't want to do the parks so I am trying to come up with a list of alternatives for them. I told them they could go to the space center one day (if it's open ??) and maybe see the Cirque show. I do plan on taking them to Epcot. Mom would like to go to SeaWorld as well.

I hope they have a good time. I like hanging out, but they don't "hang". I'm the nappping kind and they are the dawn to dusk kind LOL

 

[JCJRSmith]

hahaha when I first read this I thought it said "Selling my parents AT Disney"..I cracked up and then I read it again..LOL

I thought it said "Selling my Parents TO Disney"

I know Disney vacations can be expensive, but not THAT expensive!!!!

 

[Cousin Ed C]

Ft Wilderness is just the best campground in the world. We cross the country every year and stay in great campgounds (some terrible too) but nothing beats the FORT! We try ti stay there for the winter.

 

[hatchmo]

The Fort is loaded with old geezers in January (I know because I are one), and we all like to kibbutz. Some don't ever go to a theme park. Tell your dad to bring a fishing pole - no license required. Snowbirds abound in January. Miles and miles of paved walking opportunities. And its fun to see families enjoying themselves.

 

[tellnotails]

Bring'em on down.....many a retired couple down there at that time of year....

Epcot is a great park for the hard to please first timer.......


I think they'll love the horse barns ................the smell will cure any homesickness...

 

[ftwildernessguy]

I thought it said "Selling my Parents TO Disney"

I know Disney vacations can be expensive, but not THAT expensive!!!!

That will only work if your parents have some sort of Mickey shaped birth mark somewhere on their bodies.

 

[Sammi2]

Thanks guys! We'll be camping w/my parents in a few days and now I'll be loaded with info to work on them.

After all your descriptions, I'm only concerned they may not want to go home afterwards!

FW 2008!