Who's done a trip with limited park visits?

[robndani]

Thanks Mel! Even though it's our home resort, we've only stayed there once, 3 years ago. We were with a pretty large party and had 4 kids under the age of 6 so we didn't get to do too much around the resort. We loved it there and can't wait to stay there again and really take advantage of the property!

 

[think-like-tink]

@Brian Noble, what did you guys do? I have most of the Christmas stuff down for us to do, with our fast pass rides. DH really wants to resort hop. We are taking my mom, she's ill, so we won't do a whole lot with her park wise. But, I really want her to to see the processional. We aren't doing the Christmas party. I'm a little bummed but there will be other opportunities for that.

 

[tcherjen]

We have done two trips with no park visits. (Those were actually very relaxing )

 

[Brian Noble]

@Brian Noble, what did you guys do? I have most of the Christmas stuff down for us to do, with our fast pass rides. DH really wants to resort hop. We are taking my mom, she's ill, so we won't do a whole lot with her park wise. But, I really want her to to see the processional. We aren't doing the Christmas party. I'm a little bummed but there will be other opportunities for that.

We were there after the Parties were over---we got in late the night of the very last one. Aside from the Processional, we saw most of the Storytellers in Epcot, and spent quite a bit of time there. The "Holiday Tag" for Illuminations is a LOT of fireworks. We missed the Voyageurs, unfortunately, just not enough time. We saw Holiday Wishes and the Christmas Parade in the Magic Kingdom (they run for all guests during the two peak Christmas Weeks), and spent an evening wandering the Lights with dinner at Cape May. The Jingle Cruise is great. If you are there during the Party season, you'll need to go to a Party to see the MK holiday parade and Holiday Wishes, I think. We also explored some of the resort decorations: Grand Floridian gingerbread house, the Wilderness Lodge, and the Yacht/Beach club.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

What about a day at Discovery Cove? Your twins would be too young to swim with the dolphins (minimum age is 6) but it would be a wonderful, relaxing, tropical day for everyone nonetheless. Maybe give you that island getaway feel while still being in Orlando.

Their Grand Reef is so much fun....swimming with all the rays and tropical fish. The Freshwater Oasis features Asian otters and marmosets. You could hand-feed the birds in the free-flying aviary. The lazy river is superb, with varying depths, waterfalls, a cave, and more (and it takes a full 20 minutes or more to do a full rotation). There is a gorgeous beach that's great for building sandcastles. And to top it all off, everything is included....parking, breakfast, lunch, snacks, beverages (even alcohol), a family photo, sunscreen, towels, wetsuits, lockers. You literally need to bring your camera and that's it.

As an added plus.....14 days admission to both SeaWorld and Aquatica are complimentary. Both fabulous parks that are well worth a visit (more than once).

 

[mullysisters]

I'm a solo tripper and in my fifties, so its a little different for me. I've been 9 times.
My plan: I go to all RD and EMHs. We rise pretty early at home and I don't mind. I stay at the park for 2-3 low crowd hours and ride all that I want to. Then, I do a bit of shopping, go to a resort for lunch or late breakfast and head back to my resort for siesta. I enjoy the resort until about 5 pm then head back to a different park (use my FP+ 5-8pm) and stay till close. Sometimes I leave for a late resort dinner or go to DTD. In the beginning I did feel I was "missing out" on the parks, but now that it has become so busy during the mid-day, I'm pretty happy to avoid that crush.

 

[robndani]

What about a day at Discovery Cove? Your twins would be too young to swim with the dolphins (minimum age is 6) but it would be a wonderful, relaxing, tropical day for everyone nonetheless. Maybe give you that island getaway feel while still being in Orlando.

Their Grand Reef is so much fun....swimming with all the rays and tropical fish. The Freshwater Oasis features Asian otters and marmosets. You could hand-feed the birds in the free-flying aviary. The lazy river is superb, with varying depths, waterfalls, a cave, and more (and it takes a full 20 minutes or more to do a full rotation). There is a gorgeous beach that's great for building sandcastles. And to top it all off, everything is included....parking, breakfast, lunch, snacks, beverages (even alcohol), a family photo, sunscreen, towels, wetsuits, lockers. You literally need to bring your camera and that's it.

As an added plus.....14 days admission to both SeaWorld and Aquatica are complimentary. Both fabulous parks that are well worth a visit (more than once).

That's actually a great idea! We've never been there before. My kids will be 6 in November, so maybe we can plan to be there right around their birthday. Does anyone know if it's warm enough to swim in November???

We love SeaWorld and Aquatica - we had season passes for 2 years! I don't know much about Discovery Cove, but I will definitely check it out!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

That's actually a great idea! We've never been there before. My kids will be 6 in November, so maybe we can plan to be there right around their birthday. Does anyone know if it's warm enough to swim in November???

We love SeaWorld and Aquatica - we had season passes for 2 years! I don't know much about Discovery Cove, but I will definitely check it out!

Our first visit to Discovery Cove was on New Years Day 2012, and even in January, the weather was great for swimming.

The wet suits really help to keep you warm on a cooler day, plus there are heaters scattered about in the dry areas (particularly around the restaurant) that dry you off/warm you up quickly when needed. Several of the water features are VERY warm (think bathwater temps).....the Freshwater Oasis and the lazy river in particular....so if you find the early morning or late afternoon is a bit chilly, those are great places to be until the air temps moderate a bit.

If you decide to go for their birthdays, you can get some great add-on packages that include a personalized buoy delivered by a dolphin.

Also....I don't know how early in November your kiddos turn 6, but SeaWorld's Christmas Celebration begins on November 21st this year. Their holiday events are included in your regular admission and are absolutely incredible! You could ride the Polar Express, visit with Santa at the North Pole, watch the Sea of Trees, see it snow in the Waterfront, get your family photo taken in snow globe, and more.

And...if you plan to maximize your included admission to SeaWorld and Aquatica, you can get add on an unlimited parking pass (14 day) for those parks for just $30.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Another thing worth mentioning, if Discovery Cove is on your radar.......SeaWorld and Aquatica combo AP's (one year admission to both parks) are currently being offered for buy one, get one free (must purchase before the end of February, but have one full year to activate from date of purchase). That would entitle you to a discounted admission price for your Discovery Cove day, free parking at both SeaWorld and Aquatica for the length of your annual pass, and in-park discounts on cabana rentals, tours, dining, etc.

http://seaworldparks.com/en/seaworld-orlando/book-online/tickets/bogopasses/

Here's your pricing difference:

Dolphin swim admission is $259 per person for the month of November. $259 x 4 people = $1036 (includes 14 days admission to SW & AQ). Add a 14 day parking pass and you're up to $1066 plus taxes.

2 BOGO AP's (+ 2 freebies) = $360. Assuming AP pricing for DC's (with a dolphin swim) are $169 pp x 4 ($676), your new total via this route is $1036 plus tax. The savings are minimal versus the above quote, BUT....with the annual passes, you still have a whole year of use for your AP's to SeaWorld and Aquatica (so you can visit again on future trips) and the added benefit of savings on food, shopping, etc. at the other two parks, which will add up for a family of 4.

 

[robndani]

WOW! Thanks for all of that info, that was so nice! I'm definitely going to check it out!