What Florida Things would you do 1 week before Disney?

[Happyjen27]

I am 2 months away from my trip, and I'm already planning the NEXT one.

Our visits revolve around my husband's time off. Next winter he is off 4 weeks, starting 12/23 and through 1/16.

I want to take a good, long vacation, however there is no way I'm visiting the mouse until after the Christmas and NY crowds are gone.

I'm thinking of flying into Florida and doing non-Disney stuff from 12/28 through 1/5. I'm hesitant to plan a beach vacation because of the potential for 60 degree highs. But, I wouldn't mind staying at a place with an indoor pool.

I have no problem leaving the Orlando area and seeing other sights.

I don't think I'll have funding for a Disney Cruise given the premium upcharge of cruising over the New Year Holiday.

Also, how many days of Disney enjoyment can I get by avoiding parks but staying at Disney. I'm sure I can fill up a day, maybe 2, but what would I do if I checked into a Disney Resort but didn't hit he parks for a couple of days until easywdw Josh says it's clear?

thanks in advance!!

 

[MSSANDRA]

There are so many things to do in the Orlando area but I suspect that they will also be very busy that week as well, though not as bad as WDW. A beach trip is a good idea, but as you mentioned, the weather may not be good. Year before last, temps for that first week in January, never got warm enough to even wear shorts at the park. It was COLD all week. I am sure you could enjoy time at WDW without going into the parks, but you will be paying rack rates and not getting any of the benefits like EMH or bus service. Maybe a off site house to just chill, and maybe do some of the non-WDW things if it's not tooooo crowded.