'Which Resort without doing Parks

[trudycanada]

Next year we plan on spending 7 days in CSR while doing the parks (we've never been to that resort and are looking forward to it) Then we will head to the beach for 6-7 days. Our flight usually gets cancelled out of Tampa (happened the last 2 years) and have to travel back to Orlando. So this time I'm planning ahead. Which resort do you recommend without doing the parks again? My boys will be 12 & 9 when we go. They really enjoy the video arcades at the values & moderates, plus I do enjoy the counter services offered at the Values & Moderates, which I don't believe are offered at the deluxe resorts. We've been to Pop (OK), CBR (OK), and Movies (enjoyed).

Any other suggestions for a 2 day, end to our vacation?

 

[Eeyore's My Favorite]

Personally the only place we've stayed as a family without going to the parks was Fort Wilderness. There was so much to do there and we could also travel to the other hotels via busses and use their video arcades (we always went to CR). But that was just us & we only had one child. Don't know if that helps, but.............whatever you choose you'll have fun, I'm sure!!

Under 30 days & counting til we see Mickey again

 

[Perditamarie]

Well, SSR is in walking/boating distance from DTD. SSR is a very nice resort and DTD has plenty to keep you busy - Disney Quest, Movie Theater, dining, Lego building stations, marina, shopping, Cirque, Virgin Records.

At SSR, there is not a food court, but one quick service window and a grab n go section, plus a market and fountain drinks (and a restaurant). The studios have a queen and a pull out sofa (very comfortable) and kitchenette. The pool is a lot of fun w/zero depth entry, a slide and there are activities/games poolside some days. There is also a community hall that offers some activities as well. The resort is huge, set in/around a golf course, so there are paths and quiet pools to explore as well. Oh, and a spa!

 

[MickeyMacks]

I agree, one of the resorts near Downtown Disney is a great idea!

 

[kileybeth]

to SSR,

the community hall has tons of video games plus ping pong, crafts,etc. the pool side games are great with fun prizes, the grab and go section of the food thing is great, I had several sandwhiches and soups which I loved, very fresh.

walk to DTD is so handy!

 

[fla4fun]

I've spent quite a few long weekends at WL and never gone to a park.

 

[LoriZH]

ooohhh that's going to be hard! How do you go to a Disney World Resort and not be tempted by that oh so come hither stare of the castle beaming at you???

I would say Fort Wilderness Cabins, that way you can still do the camp out sing alongs, etc. without having to leave the resort and they're cheaper than the WL, ummm...right??. DTD is very cool too, and may stop you from going to that castle like a moth to light, again, I have no will power, I am ashamed

 

[PoohsFan1]

I agree, one of the resorts near Downtown Disney is a great idea!

I agree too, in June we spent 3 nights at POR without stepping foot into any of the parks. I was a little hesitant at first, but it really turned out nicely. We had a ferry that took us to DTD, we resort hopped (had a rental car so that made it a lot easier), swam, and rode the surrey bike which I highly recommend doing. POR has so much to offer and it is such a beautiful resort, however, if you do plan on staying there, you should recommend a bldg closest to the food court, main building and marina. We stayed in AB bldg #14 (1st floor) and it was right next door to the food court and main building....Loved it. The resort is huge and if you get stuck out somewhere, you will have to walk (eventhough it is a very pretty walk) to the front area.

 

[candizfan]

I love SSR. It is close to Downtown Disney and we spent three days at the hotel without going to the parks in July 05.

The pool is wonderful and you could rent points from a DVC member and it would be about the same cost as staying at a moderate during the week. Weekends are pricey.

Good luck

 

[fla4fun]

I agree too, in June we spent 3 nights at POR without stepping foot into any of the parks. I was a little hesitant at first, but it really turned out nicely. We had a ferry that took us to DTD, we resort hopped (had a rental car so that made it a lot easier), swam, and rode the surrey bike which I highly recommend doing.

That's exactly why I like those long WL weekends with no parks. I can rent boats, bicycles, explore FW, enjoy the pools, visit other resorts . . . .all in all, a very relaxing time. So many times it feels like I don't get to enjoy the resort enough, so it's a real treat.