Vacation planning

[Cdndisfan4]

hi. I used to post here very frequently years ago but have not lately. I can't remember what my name was....lol.
Anyhow, we are trying to plan summer trip and gasp not to Disney although we may still end up. I have two children ages 14 and 16.
We seem to be stuck in this rut wherever we go we compare to Disney and as you all know I am sure nothing compares......
So I was wondering if you all had any suggestions for a 5 to 7 day trip within a day's drive of Toronto. Kids want to be entertained of course And would prefer an amusement park visit during trip.
Anyone have any suggestions?
If I am going to spend what I spend to goth Disney then I think I will try to figure that out time wise so looking to spend less.
Thanks in advance.

 

[mshanson3121]

Pennsylvania? There's the Hersey park, plus beaches/lakes, Gettysburg, Amish touring..

 

[SaraMc]

Welcome back!

Darien Lake?, Martins Fantasy island has a CND offer every Wednesday's too. Head to Montreal?

 

[Aliceacc]

Lake George in the Adirondacks of NY?? Tons of family stuff, a Six Flags park 10 minutes away, outlets...

Absolutely the anti-Disney vacation. Get up in the morning and decide what you want to do.

It's where we go on non-Disney years.

 

[ottawamom]

Not that I'm partial but what about an Ottawa/Montreal holiday. Take in some museums, a little Canadian history,there's a great waterpark on the way to Montreal (Calypso). Montreal also has LaRonde (I think its part of the Six Flags chain now). Lots of different museums in both cities. You should be able to plan the trip to meet whatever budget you have in mind.

 

[greenclan67]

Although a little further, we have driven to williamsburg, va the last 2 summers! For us in Northern Ontario its about 14 hours. But we are 6 hours from Toronto. This year we are going back to Virginia but to Massannutten Resort. So different area. Lots of timeshares in williamsburg. I have rented 2 bdrm condos the last 2 summers for a week and paid about $700. I have a few names of people if u are interested. We go Aug 13th to 20th this year.

 

[Cdndisfan4]

Thanks everyone. We have been to Hershey and did that a few years ago and had a great time but not sure it is a repeat trip. Darien Lake we have done many times too as we can go there for a night and come home. Going to look into Montreal and Williamsburg some more. Is that 700US you spent for timeshare? That sounds super.
Also been dabbling looking at universal but thinking a 9 to 10 day trip there is too much with driving since we could not afford flights on the budget.

 

[Cdndisfan4]

Oh and will be looking at St George too. Thanks again.

 

[mshanson3121]

What about Boston? There's a 6 flags and water park in the area, great museums, an aquarium and science centers and historical venues. You could see an MLB game, go whale watching etc... Its only about 8.5 hrs away.

 

[ccudmore]

I'd second the Ottawa and Montreal option. Possibly a couple days n Tremblant. And definitely Calipso water park between Montral and Ottawa. Largest water park in Canada.

 

[greenclan67]

Thanks everyone. We have been to Hershey and did that a few years ago and had a great time but not sure it is a repeat trip. Darien Lake we have done many times too as we can go there for a night and come home. Going to look into Montreal and Williamsburg some more. Is that 700US you spent for timeshare? That sounds super.
Also been dabbling looking at universal but thinking a 9 to 10 day trip there is too much with driving since we could not afford flights on the budget.

Yes at greensprings resort.

 

[jtdl]

What about Wisconsin Dells? I've never been there but from what I have read, it seems like it is pretty awesome.

 

[greenclan67]

What about Wisconsin Dells? I've never been there but from what I have read, it seems like it is pretty awesome.

We have done Wisconsin Dells, Chicago, Baltimore, and 2 years in Williamsburg. We like doing our roadtrips in the summer. Its one of our favourite things to do. Plus my hubby & girls love taking in ball games. We have watched a game at Wrigley, US cellular, Camden Yards.
This year we are driving to Massannutten, Va and staying at Massanutten resort. We lucked out on a RCI sale and got a 1 bdrm that sleeps 6 with full kitchen for $399.00 US. And we are hitting up PNC park in Pittsburgh on friday night on the way home to watch a game.
Out of all of the trips. We liked the Dells but didnt love it. I wouldnt go out of my way to do it the 2nd time.
Williamsburg, we LOVED it. Virginia Beach as well. We loved Busch Gardens and Water Country USA.
Good luck planning.

 

[SaraMc]

What about Wisconsin Dells? I've never been there but from what I have read, it seems like it is pretty awesome.

Oh! I forgot about the Dells! We did that like 10 years ago, it was so much fun! That area of Wisconsin is beautiful!!

 

[Kellyavolpi]

Although a little further, we have driven to williamsburg, va the last 2 summers! For us in Northern Ontario its about 14 hours. But we are 6 hours from Toronto. This year we are going back to Virginia but to Massannutten Resort. So different area. Lots of timeshares in williamsburg. I have rented 2 bdrm condos the last 2 summers for a week and paid about $700. I have a few names of people if u are interested. We go Aug 13th to 20th this year.

I would very much appreciate info on condo rentals in Willamsburg. We are considering a trip in August.

Thanks, in advance.

Kelly in NJ

 

[greenclan67]

Hi

I would very much appreciate info on condo rentals in Willamsburg. We are considering a trip in August.

Thanks, in advance.

Kelly in NJ

Hi Kelly, we really liked Greensprings resort. If you would like to email me at greenclan67@hotmail.com and put Williamsburg in subject I will get the info of to you.

 

[Cdndisfan4]

Well I just keep going back to Florida. Looks like we are going to try a universal trip. Driving included in 10 days. How crazy are we....lol

 

[greenclan67]

Delete

 

[isabellea]

Well I just keep going back to Florida. Looks like we are going to try a universal trip. Driving included in 10 days. How crazy are we....lol

We did the drive to FL last March for Spring break. Wasn't as bad as we thought but we drove without stopping for the night. Because of our March trip, DH asked that we don't go to FL again this summer, our usual vacation spot. So I booked a cottage close to Sandbanks for a week. Well now he regrets his decision but it's too late. I already booked our favourite place at St. Pete Beach for next summer even though we're driving again to FL for Spring break in March and I told him I'm not cancelling!

Have a great time at Universal!

 

[Sugar Jones]

How much driving would you like to do? We did Gatlinburg, TN last summer and the kids really liked it. The Smokey Mountains are so beautiful, lots of things to do, including Dollywood for an amusement park. Theres, rafting, hiking, amusement parks, caves, all kinds of shows, and touristy things. It was a 10 hr drive for us, so likely about 12 for you from Toronto.