Where do DVC folks go outside WDW?? Yet stay at WDW.

[edk35]

I keep saying "we are going to Univesal" and we never do. However since we were just at the parks in Nov. and for 2 weeks in July I am thinking of venturing out to Universal in Jan. Just need ideas other than Universal and Sea World that others do when they stay at a DVC resort but venture out of the World. I know what do to do at WDW when we want to have a down day and no park but we are thinking of getting WILD and venturing out.

 

[BostonDisneyKid]

Bush Gardens, Kennedy Space Center, International Drive, Dinner Shows, Tours

Check out the LINK to ticketmania for ideas. They sell tickets for just about every attraction in Central Florida.

 

[edk35]

Bush Gardens, Kennedy Space Center, International Drive, Dinner Shows, Tours

Check out the LINK to ticketmania for ideas. They sell tickets for just about every attraction in Central Florida.

How far/long a drive to Kennedy Space Center. That might be fun to do. My sons ages 15 and 10 would probably love that too huh??? How about my dd 18??

 

[BostonDisneyKid]

Its about 45-60 mins away depending on where you're staying. I think your sons would love it but not so sure about your 18yo daughter. If she is into science and/or space or can appreciate such things then she will enjoy it. I dont know anyone who has been that didnt take something from it with most loving it. Check out the Kennedy Space Center Website for information on tours and launch schedules.

 

[msabol01]

We drove to St Pete based on the reviews we heard on the podcast about the Treasures of the Vatican museum tour. It was a awesome exhibit but the drive was quite a bit for a day trip.

Universal and Sea World are obvious choices. I've heard a lot of good things about Gatorland, Arabian Knights, and Medevial Times.

I think KSC would be an awesome trip for teenaged boys.


As our little ones get older, we plan to venture our from WDW as well...at least every now and then.

 

[Hunclemarco]

My wife and i go to Slueths Dinner Theater... A good murder mystery comedy. They have at least 13 different performances, and the food is good.
I also know friends of ours like to go to the regional markets in the area.

 

[edk35]

Well I asked my dd and she didn't seem too in it for Kennedy. I know the boys and my dh would enjoy it though.

 

[Uncleromulus]

We venture over to Universal every 4-5 years just to see what's new. Ditto with Sea World. Kennedy Space Center is also a fine way to spend a day.

 

[Donald is #1]

For me, I usually alternate between Kenneday Space Center and Sea World. I am not a big Universal fan because I am not into Roller Coasters. Though it is getting time for me to visit again since it has been a while since I was there.

 

[edk35]

We venture over to Universal every 4-5 years just to see what's new. Ditto with Sea World. Kennedy Space Center is also a fine way to spend a day.

Do you spend two days for Universal? I see they have 1day/2 park tickets. This would be in late Jan. I would guess the crowds would be low.

 

[DVCSAMNH]

We also do Universal every few years. We have tickets for January and we probably won't go back until the new Harry Potter section opens. We always do the 1day/2park option and just wander around freely in both parks. For us, there is not enough in either park to keep us occupied as we're not big into roller coasters or really jerky rides, either.

One year, we did a day trip out to Clearwater when the kids were younger and swam in the gulf. There are nice beaches out that way if you get a hot day. It is a bit of a haul but Florida scenery is different for us, so it wasn't too bad.

We usually always hit up the Mall at Millenia, especially if I'm travelling with my daughter. If you can figure out the logistics of sending your husband and sons to Kennedy, you and your daughter can spend some time here. We are a little "mall challenged" here in New Hampshire, so I really enjoy this mall. It's like going to Boston without fighting the traffic. And you can have a leisurely lunch outside which we northerners enjoy in the middle of winter, too!

 

[RumpleMom]

We enjoyed the Orlando Science Center.

 

[snowbunny]

We go to Discovery Cove. It's wicked expensive but includes a 14-day pass to SeaWorld (used to be 7 days but I think they upgraded it).
My son loves DC, it's the only reason he likes Orlando.

 

[ransom]

So far, the only time we've been outside of WDW is when our vacation ends.

Some day, we'll go to the other parks in the neighborhood...and maybe even to Busch Gardens since we enjoy coasters. We'd also like to go to Kennedy Space Center. But, for now, just being in WDW is enough for 14 days.

 

[dianeschlicht]

We've done Kennedy Space Center several times, but the only other place we go is outside of Orlando completely! In March, we spend part of the middle of our trip down in Fort Myers at Spring Training camp!

 

[spiceycat]

here are 208 things to do in Orlando
http://www.orlandoinfo.com/articles/things-to-do-in-orlando.cfm

here is some stuff your son will appreciate and some of it is FREE
http://www.orlandoinfo.com/articles/economical-educational-orlando.cfm

like seaworld, Universal studios and IOA, gatorland, marina bay (I think).

like the pick your own fruits along us 27

http://www.showcaseofcitrus.com/

like their outlet malls - you could have some nice bargins - hoping with the economy they will have nice bargins again

http://www.lbvfs.com/
http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=17
http://www.primeoutlets.com/

too expensive for me but lots of folks like these
http://www.mallatmillenia.com/luxurious/luxurious.htm
http://www.simon.com/ (florida mall)

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Well I asked my dd and she didn't seem too in it for Kennedy. I know the boys and my dh would enjoy it though.

Don't waste your time doing Kennedy Space Center. We were totally bored. That said, if you really are into going, check with your local congressman's office and ask for the FREE KSC tickets. Each congressman gets so many tickets per year for their local constituents. They will start giving out '09 tickets in January, so call now!

 

[Starr W.]

Don't waste your time doing Kennedy Space Center. We were totally bored. That said, if you really are into going, check with your local congressman's office and ask for the FREE KSC tickets. Each congressman gets so many tickets per year for their local constituents. They will start giving out '09 tickets in January, so call now!

I've been patiently waiting for your opinion on KSC.

 

[spiceycat]

for space stuff would go to Huntsville

http://www.nasa.gov/centers/marshall/home/index.html

although for kids the space program is pretty good at Huntsville.
http://www.spacecamp.com/museum/

there was a time - (early 80's) - when you actually touch the stuff that when into space.

Looks like that option is gone. (like really walking about the underground at MK)

 

[Uncleromulus]

edk35: Actually we spend about a day (total) between Islands of Adventure and Universal proper. Not a big fan of thrill rides.