Want to try something different - Non-Disney vacation

[jpmom]

After 8 years of Disney vacations through DVC, our boys want to try something different.

Need some recommendations for resorts that we can book with our DVC points.

Looking to travel within the US --

Thanks!

 

[disneyfreak2127]

and the experience of the resort was, quoted from my DS10, "It's nice, but it's not Disney." We found that we like what we are used to. Kind of the "you don't know what you've got until it's gone" thing.

We stayed in Virginia at the Massenutten Resort. Beautiful country! We had to drive our car everywhere in the resort. No internal transportation of any kind. The indoor water park, which was touted as one of the best in the state, was very disappointing. $160 for the 4 of us for one day. Many of the excursions or activities were unavailable for one reason or another.

The accommodations were nice, but had no distinctive flair.

Now for the really horrific part...the timeshare pitch! Yes, somehow we agreed to do what they called an "owner's breakfast." We reminded them that we owned at DVC and we were just trading in through RCI. They assured us that it would be a quick "tell us how you like our resort" thing. NOT!!!!!!! 3 hours later we were being accosted by the tackiest sales people in the bunch! My DH says I shouldn't use the term "used car salesman." The moral of my story is...beware! Choose wisely and remember how to say NO. If you don't want Disney, try Vero Beach or HHI. That is what we plan to do next time we get the whim to skip my beloved WDW.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Ever been to Disney's HHI resort? Although it's still Disney, the Disney touches are very subtle. But the CMs there are of the Disney standard you're used to-actually, dare I say, they're even better!

 

[kristenrice]

Ever been to Disney's HHI resort? Although it's still Disney, the Disney touches are very subtle. But the CMs there are of the Disney standard you're used to-actually, dare I say, they're even better!

+1

My non-Disney-loving DH absolutely loves HHI. He even let me buy an add-on there so that we can keep going back. If you haven't tried it, I would highly suggest a visit to HHI as an alternative to WDW.

 

[mrskchris]

We used some points in March that we quickly expiring to go to the Fairways in the Poconos. We stayed in a a newer villas which slept 10 people for five days. There were horror stories online about the resort, but it only applies to the hotel and the older villas. I almost cancelled because I was not sure what to expect.
The resort was outdated, but the pool close to the villa was not bad. We did a day trip to New York City which was 1hr and a half away. We went hiking in the Pocnos Mountains, and really had a great time. It definitely was not Disney by a long shot but we enjoyed it. The kids are even asking to go back next year for spring break. Also, there we no timeshare sales meetings for this resort through RCI.

 

[daizieduck]

A non Disney vacation?!!! Who would ever want to take a non Disney vacation?!!

 

[DenLo]

HHI or VB is always an option. I've been to HHI and I think it would be a great family vacation.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Bank your points and to to a National Park and pay cash.

 

[majortom1981]

What about hershey pennsylvania ? You can use your points at one of the hershey resorts by the park.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Have you seen this post?

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=41768755#post41768755

One DS spent a few years living in Colorado, and when I sent him this link, he was a bit jealous! I hope you find something you really like!

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Last fall we stayed a week in Nashville at the Wyndham resort. Lots of fun and the room was amazing. Every room has been remodel because of the flood in 2010.

http://martynmarriott.co.uk/wyndham...vacation-resort-by-country-music-hall-of-fame

 

[Simba's Mom]

+1

My non-Disney-loving DH absolutely loves HHI. He even let me buy an add-on there so that we can keep going back. If you haven't tried it, I would highly suggest a visit to HHI as an alternative to WDW.

It's our traditional Thanksgiving spot. And DH loves it far more than WDW (but then he's only "WDW-tolerant"). Something to do with all those golf courses, I think

 

[ljcrochet]

I would do HHI.

 

[Dean]

What about hershey pennsylvania ? You can use your points at one of the hershey resorts by the park.

Summer is difficult, even for owners at the resort in Hershey.

There are many options. Branson, LV, CA desert, mountains (CO and TN/NC), MB, FL beaches and on and on. I would agree that banking your points and paying cash will almost always be a far better choice.

 

[Ms.Mouse]

After 8 years of Disney vacations through DVC, our boys want to try something different.

Need some recommendations for resorts that we can book with our DVC points.

Looking to travel within the US --

Thanks!

I thought we would never feel this way, but after just coming off our Disney vacation, we found we were also going to look for another place to use our points...a place where we could just relax and have fun at a slower pace, see new things and get away from the park to park noisy hustle...The choices were using our points to go to Italy thru RCI or Hawaii... Just tonight we decided to start planning to try to get into Aluani Resort, Hawaii...It seems there will be alot to do at the resort and you can book excursions thru the desk at the resort...Looks good and the only obvious Disney thing I saw was a Character Breakfast at one of the resort restaurants... Best wishes as you plan your next trip.

 

[rentayenta]

We spent a week in Cabo at the Playa Grande in March 2010; it was fabulous.

 

[amberkow]

Denver Colorado is a great place to visit. In the winter you can play in the snow and go skiing. However I prefer the summer, their is also a lot to do then!

 

[TinkHappy]

Hawaii sounds beautiful!
I agree HHI or VB is also an option. It doesn't feel like a Disney vacation, but you still receive that GREAT Disney service. It's pretty incredible.
I didn't know if DCL was an option. We have done this twice and LOVED it!!!

 

[STLDisney_Freak]

Summer is difficult, even for owners at the resort in Hershey.

There are many options. Branson, LV, CA desert, mountains (CO and TN/NC), MB, FL beaches and on and on. I would agree that banking your points and paying cash will almost always be a far better choice.

We did Hershey. We were put on a waitlist but we weren't on it that long and we got a prime week too...The week of July 4. We had a lot of fun and the kids would love to go back.

 

[MrsNick]

We did Hershey. We were put on a waitlist but we weren't on it that long and we got a prime week too...The week of July 4. We had a lot of fun and the kids would love to go back.

Ah, I'm curious about this I always wanted to know if we would enjoy a trade into Hershey.

We had some DVC points that were going to expire and wanted to trade into Hershey for a few days but there was nothing available between April and October so we traded into another resort instead (and we did enjoy our stay).

Anyhoo, I see that you stayed for a week. Did you feel there was enough to do to stay for a full week, or do you think it would be better to stay for a partial week? Do you know if they had different sized units (studios, 1 BR, 2 BR) or were they all one size (i.e. only 2 BR's)? Were the units and grounds as nice as DVC?

Sorry to bombard you with so many questions, but I've been dying to know!