WBC, Orlando and no parks!!

[jm106]

We paid for a deal to check out Wyndham BC (3nt/4 day) but we were just in Orlando in October for 8 days. We did 5 WDW, MNSSHP and US/IOA.
We are leaning towards summer depending on what we can book(no idea how easy/hard it is to find availability. Calling in the morning but flexible on dates.)

DH suggested to just go and enjoy the resort and save by skipping theme parks. (I am not sold on that but I see his point and know he is right.)
Would you do WBC and skip parks for a short trip? It looks very nice with lots to do.
What other places do you enjoy?
We have Hiton Honors points so we may stay at HBC a few nights again or we could rent a car and head to beach on west coast. Lots to decide on.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

For a summer trip, I would definitely consider getting waterpark tickets....it keeps costs down for DH, gives you the Disney park experiences YOU are seeking (or at least, a good substitute), and helps you cool off....because a summer visit is going to be hot, hot, HOT!

A Disney waterpark AP is right around $100 pp and gives you unlimited access to BB and TL for a full year. It is just slightly cheaper than 2 full days at the waterparks, so as long as you use it twice, its been a good value. Definitely more cost effective than theme park tickets but an awesome way to spend a summer vacation.

 

[jm106]

For a summer trip, I would definitely consider getting waterpark tickets....it keeps costs down for DH, gives you the Disney park experiences YOU are seeking (or at least, a good substitute), and helps you cool off....because a summer visit is going to be hot, hot, HOT!

A Disney waterpark AP is right around $100 pp and gives you unlimited access to BB and TL for a full year. It is just slightly cheaper than 2 full days at the waterparks, so as long as you use it twice, its been a good value. Definitely more cost effective than theme park tickets but an awesome way to spend a summer vacation.

My kids would love it but I am not a big waterpark person. I like the suggestion, It is an option I hadnt considered.
I know it will be hot, that is why we want to go in Summer. August heat was great for us.

 

[Brian Noble]

We paid for a deal to check out Wyndham BC (3nt/4 day)

Just an aside, but it sounds as though this might be a timeshare promotion. If it is DO NOT BUY ANYTHING FROM WYNDHAM. If you love the resort and the system (I do) you can easily buy points on the secondary market for a dime on the dollar, or maybe even less.

 

[HopperFan]

First time we stayed WBC all DH kept saying was he wished we didn't have to go to the parks and just relax there - and it was December. We are returning this December and am sure I'll hear the same thing but DD is a CM with lots of tickets to use up so parks we will go. What we are doing is a two night stay at HBC before our week there and they have a very nice pools area with slide and great lazy river. We will just hang by the the pools while there - hopefully weather cooperates.

Honestly there are so many smaller attractions in Orlando I want to do, that would be a perfect stay to enjoy them in the mornings and hit your pools later in the day. By summer the Orlando Eye, SeaLife and Madame Tussauds should be open. I've been wanting to go to Gatorland. And now I've added a new one to the list Wild Florida Airboats. This would be a perfect time for you to explore all that is out there.

 

[jm106]

Just an aside, but it sounds as though this might be a timeshare promotion. If it is DO NOT BUY ANYTHING FROM WYNDHAM. If you love the resort and the system (I do) you can easily buy points on the secondary market for a dime on the dollar, or maybe even less.

Thanks, I agree. We dont plan to buy especially since we are moving to Orlando in a year or so.

 

[jm106]

First time we stayed WBC all DH kept saying was he wished we didn't have to go to the parks and just relax there - and it was December. We are returning this December and am sure I'll hear the same thing but DD is a CM with lots of tickets to use up so parks we will go. What we are doing is a two night stay at HBC before our week there and they have a very nice pools area with slide and great lazy river. We will just hang by the the pools while there - hopefully weather cooperates.

Honestly there are so many smaller attractions in Orlando I want to do, that would be a perfect stay to enjoy them in the mornings and hit your pools later in the day. By summer the Orlando Eye, SeaLife and Madame Tussauds should be open. I've been wanting to go to Gatorland. And now I've added a new one to the list Wild Florida Airboats. This would be a perfect time for you to explore all that is out there.

Thanks we did really enjoy HBC in October. I will look at options and other things in area. I always think though by the time I pay to get to other area attractions and admissions, will I save that much or should we just go to Disney. DH sees saving and rest.

 

[HopperFan]

Thanks, I agree. We dont plan to buy especially since we are moving to Orlando in a year or so.

Thanks we did really enjoy HBC in October. I will look at options and other things in area. I always think though by the time I pay to get to other area attractions and admissions, will I save that much or should we just go to Disney. DH sees saving and rest.

Ohhhh, if you are moving there then you will have plenty of time to explore later. Relaxing might be perfect!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I always think though by the time I pay to get to other area attractions and admissions, will I save that much or should we just go to Disney. DH sees saving and rest.

Groupon and Livingsocial can be great resources for deeply discounted things to do in the Orlando area. If you are only at WBC 3 nights, you could easily get some discounted attraction tickets for non-park acitivities for a couple of those days via those two websites for far cheaper than a Disney ticket. Then you can still devote a day or two to enjoying all the amenities of the resort.

Seaworld also has some great offers on a regular basis, so its worth checking their site from time to time. Weekday tickets have been available a few times for between $50 and $60 pp. They run a series of discounts for Blue Friday (their version of Black Friday) which often include significant savings on admission, dining, tours, etc. IMHO, Seaworld is a full two-day park for a first time visitor ... and their nighttime summer shows are awesome.

 

[BrinkofSunshine]

Since you're planning on moving to Orlando, why not spend a day exploring downtown Orlando? There are so many great restaurants and cafes in that area, you can take a stroll around Lake Eola (or rent a swan boat!), window shop along Park Avenue in Winter Park (there's also a scenic boat tour I've heard is nice), or just drive around to look at the charming neighborhoods- I do this all the time just for fun. Some of the streets are just gorgeous!

 

[jm106]

Thanks. I'll look at all of the options. We didn't plan to rent a car but may have to if we will be out exploring.
We had driven to Florida In October so had my car and did explore a little of the area.

 

[jm106]

So DH wants to do Gator Land. Please tell me about it. You go and watch them being fed and wrestling? I am not sure it is a place I would pick.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

So DH wants to do Gator Land. Please tell me about it. You go and watch them being fed and wrestling? I am not sure it is a place I would pick.

We enjoyed it there. You can see lots of photos and our write up here:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3041415&page=4

beginning at post 60.

 

[DanInMN]

Try an evening volunteering at GKTW.

 

[jm106]

Try an evening volunteering at GKTW.

I looked it up, thanks. My kids are too little to meet the age requirement to volunteer but I'll keep it in mind if/when we move to the area. Thanks, nice suggestion.

I'll be sure to read about Gatorland

 

[jm106]

Gatorland is a huge and stunning theme park located next to the Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando, Florida. There you can see thousands of alligators and crocodiles features. It has soothing atmosphere and interesting aspect. I am sure you will like it very much.

Thanks! You make it sound lovely, different then what I expected so that's great. Trying to get excited about this trip, it's hard being by Disney and not visiting. We were off site in a condo in October which was disappointing but now maybe we can see WDW fireworks being so close and I'm excited about how great the resort looks.

 

[jm106]

Does anyone know if the titanic exhibit is the same that was at franklin institute in Philly?