What was your best vacation ever??

[GESTEP]

I am looking for great vacation ideas that do not involve sightseeing. We would probably do this somewhere between mid Jan-March (for about 1 week) and it will probably be the only big trip we will take for many years. So what was your favorite vacation or dream trip that you would like to take??:001_smile:

 

Gina

 

I should add that we have two dd's ages 10 and 9 that will be going too.

Edited September 3, 2010 by GESTEP
added info

[dansamy]

I'm a Disney freak, so of course, I'd say Disney. Every time I go, I see something I missed the last time around. Of course, I also see old favorites.. Carousel of Progress is one of my classic favorites. My family and I sit in there and ride around the stages and sing along with "Dad". We also sing along to the little children in It's a Small World. As you can tell, we're terrible to have in your ride car for these! :D And Jan-Mar is a great time to be in Orlando! Nice weather, no crowds. There's even homeschool days for cheaper tickets if you plan it for that week!

 

Edited to add: By Disney, I mean Walt Disney World in FL. I've never been to CA.

Edited September 3, 2010 by dansamy

[staceyobu]

Disneyland comes to mind... although I've heard Disneyworld is even better. It may depend on where you live and how old your kids are... but there is a lot to do in So Cal. Beaches, Disney, San Diego zoo, etc.

[sparrow]

Our family also really enjoyed Disney in February of this year. We enjoyed it so much that we're going again this winter. Our vacations have always been to the ocean (Atlantic or Gulf of Mexico), but we had such a great time at WDW and know that we missed a ton, we've decided we want to go again.

[Firestar Academy]

Before i even read the other post, I was going to say the Disney Cruise has been hands-down the best vaca ever.....Kinda expensive but we've done it 2 times now and love it. Even the last time, I got a head cold and could still see the 'show'. it was on the TV!!

 

robin in NJ

[Michelle in AL]

OK, this is pretty extravagant, but this was my only extravagant and MOST favorite vacation: Santorini, Greece.

 

It's an island and we stayed in Oia (the best oaction IMO on the island).

 

We stayed here: http://www.myblue.gr/

OK, I'm drooling on my computer.

 

I loved it because it was totally relaxing. We rested on the deck at the house looking out at the sea and the island's claim to the world's best sunset. Right above the house where many beautiful shops, art galleries and fabulous restaurants.

 

There is a beautiful pool club in Oia where your chaise overlooks the sea. It had food, drinks and waiters.

 

There are 3 differently colored beaches: Black, red and white.

We took a bus to the black beach on the other side of the island. There they have a strrp of restaurants along a boardwalk and then a stretch of black sandy beach. Everyone gets their own chaise with a tiki umbrella and table. Waiters bring you food and drinks and massueses (Sp?) wander around offering massages on your chair. Side note: it was also tops optional, a bit shocking,

 

That's the end of my vacation. It was complete relaxation and beauty, but probably not for everyone. I have 2 teen dds and they loved it. They wandered around on their own a bit.

[DawnM]

Massai Mara

Treetops Hotel in Nyeri

Jadini Beach in Mombasa

 

In the US: Disney. Homeschool days will be offered again in January.

 

My other favorites would involve sight seeing.

 

Dawn

[dansamy]

With kids your girls' ages, I would do Disney. Whichever one is better for you cost wise from where you live. Especially since you say this is the only big trip you will take for many years. It may be the only opportunity for your little girls to experience that. It's not just commercialism, although you can find (and buy into) plenty of that with Disney. I have plenty of money-saving tips and planning help if you need them for FL. It's too much to post in one sitting.

[Stacia]

Skiing in the Dolomites (northern Italy).

 

Gorgeous, family-friendly, fabulous food, stunning scenery. Absolutely amazing doesn't even begin to describe it. :001_smile:

 

[dansamy]

We forgot to ask if there is a budget for this trip! That would help. You might not be able to swing skiing in Italy or beach-side lounging in Greece. We don't know, because you haven't mentioned a budget. :D

 

Although, since my kids are young, we're in a Disney phase. We'll move on to another phase later, I'm sure.

[Marcy KY]

I'm dying to take a cruise. My husband hates the idea.

 

If I wanted a vacation with limited sight-seeing, I'd want it to be a cruise, to the Greek Isles :)

[kalanamak]

I'm not a Hawaii freak, but the Big Island has so many mini-climates on it, I found it deep fascinating. The food was fresh and good.

[Guest Alte Veste Academy]

Another vote for Disney World. Loved it!

[GESTEP]

I would love a trip to Italy or Greece but I doubt I could talk dh into it. We are probably leaning toward to a Disney/Florida trip since dd's are at a perfect age for it. From what I remember reading about Disney there are several different parks. Which ones are the most fun and why? Are there other fun things around Florida that you recommend doing? Any particular beaches if we want to see the ocean?

As for budget, I don't have a set dollar amount but we would rather pay off our mortgage first so nothing too expensive. I would still love to hear about any vacations just for fun and dreaming. :D

Thanks for the ideas...keep them coming!

 

Gina

[GESTEP]

With kids your girls' ages, I would do Disney. Whichever one is better for you cost wise from where you live. Especially since you say this is the only big trip you will take for many years. It may be the only opportunity for your little girls to experience that. It's not just commercialism, although you can find (and buy into) plenty of that with Disney. I have plenty of money-saving tips and planning help if you need them for FL. It's too much to post in one sitting.

 

 

If you have the chance, please share the money-saving tips and planning help. :bigear:

 

Gina

[dansamy]

Oh boy! Just remember, you asked for it!

 

Walt Disney World is comprised of 4 attraction theme parks and 2 water parks, in addition to other activities available throughout the resort, known collectively to freaks like me as "the World".

 

Magic Kingdom: The quintessential must-see! Cinderella's castle, Dumbo, Peter Pan, It's a Small World. Princesses, Fairies, the Fab 5 and Pooh and the gang. It's all here. Seriously, it doesn't get any better than sitting in front of Pecos Bill's with chili cheese fries and watching your kids play with hula hoops in the street with a cast member from Wales waiting on the Spectro parade.

 

EPCOT: Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow. Walt's vision for tomorrow. Gardens at EPCOT grow produce for restaurants across the properties. Home to the "big golf ball", which is an amazing engineering feat in its own right. When EPCOT was in its earliest developmental stages, it looked much more like a city of the future than it doesn now. There was another idea on the table at the same time for an "around the World" touring park and budgetary constraints limited Disney as a company to building only one park at that time. The devs working on each project literally pushed the tables the two models were on together and the current EPCOT was born. World Showcase is the back half. From Mexico to Morrocco, it's here! Experienced Dis'ers know that EPCOT really means "Every Person Comes Out Tired"! It's huge. Lots of walking.

 

Disney's Hollywood Studios: Tower of Terror, Rock'n Roller Coaster, Little Mermaid, Toy Story Midway Mania. Fantasmic!

 

Disney's Animal Kingdom: Kilimanjaro Safari, where Disney has the closest thing to a free-range safari tour as you can get in the us. There's a tour to the area in the back of the park where you can watch the vets work. (Only at 9am when the park opens, go there first if you want to see animal surgery. The suite has viewing windows.) Kali River Rapids, Expedition Everest, Dinosaur!

 

In true Disney style, at every park, you can learn something and teach your girls something. American history at MK. How car stunts are made for the movies at DHS. Animal husbandry, biology, conservation at AK. Conservation and up and coming technology at EPCOT along with history and culture in the World Showcase.

 

Also in Orlando: Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, Sea World, Discovery Cove, Cirque Du Soleil La Nouba, Busch Gardens is not too far from Orlando, Gatorland :D

[dansamy]

My best planning tip is Disboards.com. They're a great resource. It's easy to get overwhelmed planning your first trip. They are lots of help. If you don't mind paying a small amount for help, TourGuideMike.com or Touringplans.com are good, paid for resources. For money-saving, Mousesavers.com has every tip and trick under the sun. That site is free. I love RideMax.com for planning my ride-to-ride itinerary. (Yes, I plan what ride to ride when. I don't pay $$$ to stand in lines in FL heat!)

 

Discounted tickets: check with your employers as to whether you have access to ticketsatwork.com. They were my best discount for Christmas party tix and 2 day Universal passes. Florida Children's Hospital donation gift was my best "price" for Disney tickets, since we're only doing 1 day in a Disney park this trip. The best Disney ticket deal is usually UndercoverTourist or ticketsatwork for multiple days. The longer you stay, the less you pay, per day, to get in the gate at the park. However, Disney knows you're going to spend money: on food, souvenirs, incidentals. So, even though they greatly discount the gate price of a multi-day pass, they know they're going to recover that discount once you're in the gate.

 

Lots of people will suggest to save money by staying off-site. I will say that Disney is magical when you're on-property. I have never stayed off-site. I love the "Disney bubble" that you can get into when you park the car, head to your room and don't see anything from the outside world for a week. I even refused the complimentary papers at the Grand Floridian because I didn't care to see the headlines!YMMV. You may be more budget-conscious. It is, after all, a hotel room. A place to crash. A bed to sleep in and a shower to clean up in.

[keptwoman]

Our best family relaxing holiday was Club Med. It was all inclusive and not thinking about money the whole time was wonderful, they had activities for everyone, circus school, evening entertainment, the kids loved kids club. Absolutely best family holiday ever.

 

Next on the list would be Disney, it's much less relaxing, but fabulous none the less.

 

Skiing in Switzerland probably comes third, but that was pre-kids.

[hornblower]

All inclusive in a resort in Mexico. It was the only hol when I really felt like I had to do nothing other than say Gracias to the cabana boys. :D

 

There are activities for the kids if they like to that sort of thing or they can hang out with you at the pool or the beach. There was a kids' disco in the evening & a show & it was a lot of fun in a really relaxing, mellow way.

 

We were at a resort which is family friendly (rather than honeymooners or singles) and lots of Mexican families were there.

 

It was heaven. Someone cleans your room, prepares all your food, it's sunny & warm & friendly & you can do as much or as little as you like.

 

We've also done Hawaii several times & I enjoy that too, but I really liked the freedom of never having to think about food and what we would do for the next meal.

 

I'd really like to do it again.... (though our next big holiday is probably going to be the exhausting sightseeing in Europe variety :))

[creekland]

Our all time favorite of vacations was Hawaii. We spent a week in Kauai, 4 days in Oahu, and 20 days on the Big Island (part of which was getting the family scuba certified). Kauai was our favorite, the Big Island second, and Oahu was nice for Pearl Harbor and the North Shore.

 

All that said, we love Disney too - just not as much as Hawaii. Our preference is to stay at the Polynesian there. Your kids would love it and the location is ideal for visiting the parks.

[lynn]

We had many. Summers camping at the beach as a child. Christmas spent in a cabin in Flagstaff. Falls in New England enjoying the most incredible scenery ever. Drive across our beautiful country seeing all those "one day I want to go there" places. Next summer we are renting a summer cottage in acadia for a month. Although camping at Fort Wilderness and going to Disney was fun it is not on the top of my vacation list.

[whitestavern]

If you want to do Disney, definitely spend the $20 something to join TourGuideMike.com. The forums there are amazing and you will be able to figure out what day to go to what park and also give yourself an order to see the attractions. It all sounds very regimented, but it's really not. And it makes your time there oh so enjoyable when you have a plan. We've never waited in a line more than 10 minutes. The Unofficial Guide to WDW is a great resource to read through to familiarize yourself with the parks/restaurants/hotels.

 

We stay offsite for cost and space issues. We love Windsor Hills condos. They are the closest (5-10 min) and we rent a 2 br w/kitchen and living room. We like the fact that we can put the kids to bed and still hang out in the living room watching TV, etc. It's gated, so very safe, and has a great pool. Ridiculously cheap. We have breakfast there every day and sometimes pack a lunch, but we really like some of the signature restaurants at WDW so we eat dinners out almost every night. Our last morning we always do a character breakfast somewhere. We've spent about $3000 for each of our trips there, and that includes train tickets (we take the auto train so we have our car with us), lodging, meals, park tickets (run about $800 for 4 of us) and parking.

 

We have been to all the parks and hands down everyone's fav is Epcot. They are all worth seeing though. We only do one day at Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom and 2 each at Magic Kingdom & Epcot (sometimes 3 at Epcot--it's that good)

 

I believe Cocoa Beach is the closest, at less than an hour away. We've never made it to NASA Space Center, but that is located nearby and well worth a visit I've been told.

 

There are lots of things to do in that area, but honestly, Disney takes a long time to do if you want to do it in a relaxed manner, so we've never had time to go anywhere else.

 

It is indeed a magical place. DH was not looking forward to our first visit there; claimed he wasn't a "Disney" fan, but he had as much fun as the dc and we went back the following year because we had such an awesome time.

[Alessandra]

We loved going to a dude ranch in Bandera, TX )near San Antonio). I'm not sure what the weather is in winter, though. We went to a family oriented ranch that had plenty of activities to choose from. The rivers there are completely clear right to the bottom (limestone) -- great for fishing (you can see the fish looking at your bait) and swimming. Nearby are several spectacular caverns, and there is a local rodeo every week. At the ranch we were at (Mayan Ranch), every family had it own little house. Breakfast was served outdoors -- you could take a hayride or ride a horse -- immense amounts of food, plus a cowboy with a guitar singing cowboy songs. All meals and activities are included, plus two trail rides per day, so there is nothing to worry about once you are there. Kids can go to the swimming pool, basketball court, etc while you relax.

 

A nice Caribbean resort -- they come at all price levels.

 

If money is no object -- an east African 'safari'. Earlier rather than later, as the rainy season starts in March. I did this before kids and would love to take this trip again with them. If you join a tour, everything is done for you.

Edited September 3, 2010 by Alessandra

[Jennifer in MI]

Oh man! I LOVE talking about vacations!!!! We've taken many different types - Disney, cruises, driving vacations, etc. What type are you looking for? Relaxing for you with activities for the kids? Lots of sightseeing? Think about that.

 

My personal favorite vacation is a cruise. I love that I am relaxed and don't have to worry about food/cleaning/money, etc. There are activities for kids alone and families together. Plus, we got to visit lots of different places and do awesome things! Swimming with dolphins, parasailing, kayaking, hiking, etc. Absolutely loved it! We've been on three and we're booked on another for next September.

 

But, we've also done Disney and had an awesome time! It's a VERY walking intensive vacation and really not very relaxing. But, VERY fun for the entire family. Food is great there. Rides are fun. Exhibits interesting. Etc. We're going back in January for the marathon weekend.

 

We've also done driving vacations cross country. Is there a particular part of the country you'd like to visit? If so, drive there and visit! We've done a LOT of the midwest. Some of the east coast (Vermont/NH in one trip, NY/PA in another). West coast (MI-OH-IN-MO-OK-TX-NM-AZ-CA-NV-WY-CO-IA-IN-MI). Phew. That was a month long. And, AWESOME!!!!

 

We're still trying to figure out a way to get the kids to Europe before our oldest graduates. But, the flights are still WAY too expensive, unfortunately. If I had to choose only ONE trip for the next few years, it'd definitely be Europe!!!

 

Anyway, let us know what you choose!!!

[Melinda in VT]

To be honest, all of my favorite trips have involved sightseeing.

 

In fact, I think our Disney World trips were the only ones that didn't involve sightseeing. (Don't get me wrong, Disney is fun! But those trips don't make my favorites list.)

[MissKNG]

Israel!

[bettyandbob]

Our best vacation ever was going to Disney World and staying in a value resort on the property. A lot of what made it a good vacation had to do with our family dynamics. We have health issues--Disney provided an accomodation that permitted going through the "fast pass" line. We have dietary issues--staff at all food outlets seemed to be well education and older dc (10 and 13 at the time) were able to get their own food when they felt like with no problems. My dc vary greatly in age and ability. I felt very comfortable with my oldest taking the disney bus where ever he wanted and rejoining us in the evening. Staying at the resort permitted the family to divide up easily when we wanted because we didn't have to worry about transportation. You may encounter many of these advantages at an all inclusive resort or on a cruise.

 

Your girls are close in age and your family may have none of the health issues we have so there are probably a huge range of trips to consider that you could enjoy together. I always wanted to go snorkeling in the Carribean or hiking on the big island of Hawaii, but that's just not a good fit for our group.

 

If you are considering a big ticket vacation and want it thought out for you I have known people who took and enjoyed Disney tours in Europe and Asia.

[Country Mouse]

Our greatest vacation thus far was Disney World for a week. Both dh and I became sick while there, but it still was our best vacation ever.

[kwickimom]

DISNEY!!! We are so addicted we bought a timeshare and will go every other year as long as I can pay cash for it! I think I had more fun than my kiddos :D

[hsbaby]

Am I the only one that doesn't find Disney to be all that fun? Granted, the kids love it. But, for a fun, relaxing vacation.....ummmm, no. The crowds, the lines, the rushing around,the kids complaining about walking all day.....ugh! It's definitely something dh and I endure solely for the kids:). We have been a ridiculous number if times and it is more like work for me and dh than a vacation! I prefer something like a cruise or all-inclusive resort for a relaxing, enjoyable get away! But, obviously I am in the minority....haha:)

[Melinda in VT]

Am I the only one that doesn't find Disney to be all that fun? Granted, the kids love it. But, for a fun, relaxing vacation.....ummmm, no. The crowds, the lines, the rushing around,the kids complaining about walking all day.....ugh! It's definitely something dh and I endure solely for the kids:). We have been a ridiculous number if times and it is more like work for me and dh than a vacation! I prefer something like a cruise or all-inclusive resort for a relaxing, enjoyable get away! But, obviously I am in the minority....haha:)

 

Who said anything about relaxing?:lol:

 

Disney is definitely a "play hard" kind of vacation for us. We get up early, go to the parks, come home for a nap (all of us!) in the afternoon, go back to the parks in the evening, come home and fall into bed.

 

But we go during the least crowded times, plan well, and avoid most of the lines. And our kids are very good about not complaining about the walking.

 

Good fun and good memories. But not nearly as relaxing as our sight-seeing vacations.

[Laurie4b]

I don't know what you mean by sight-seeing, but our favorite vacation was our trip out West. The high point was Rocky Mountain National Park. We could have stayed there happily a long time. Of course there were sights to see: mountains reflected in lakes, wild animals, etc. It was beautiful and fed the soul.

 

Our other favorite vacation is simply to go to the beach. There, too, there is the ocean to see, the wonderful horizon stretching as far as one can see, and sometimes dolphins.

[sparrow]

Am I the only one that doesn't find Disney to be all that fun? Granted, the kids love it. But, for a fun, relaxing vacation.....ummmm, no. The crowds, the lines, the rushing around,the kids complaining about walking all day.....ugh! It's definitely something dh and I endure solely for the kids:). We have been a ridiculous number if times and it is more like work for me and dh than a vacation! I prefer something like a cruise or all-inclusive resort for a relaxing, enjoyable get away! But, obviously I am in the minority....haha:)

 

Yes?:tongue_smilie::lol:

 

Maybe it's the time of year that we went (late February), but the crowds were non-existent. The day we went to MK was the busiest, but even that wasn't bad and dh and are NOT crowd people. We didn't think Disney would be relaxing, but it ended up being our most relaxing vacation. We're thinking January 2011 for our next trip.

 

A pp mentioned having a husband who wasn't sold on the Disney idea, but went and had a great time. I could have written that. Now, dh will not stay on site. He loved getting away from the "magic":D at Windsor Hills. It was wonderful having enough room to stretch out and the kids thought it was awesome to have their own room with a TV, something they don't have at home! And did I mention it's cheap?!

 

I think what we love most is Disney is something the whole family enjoys for different reasons. There really is something for everyone. OK, I'll admit I get teary seeing the "Welcome to the Magic Kingdom" sign, too :001_smile:.

[Michelle in AL]

I didn't see the ages of your kids, I don't think my Greece vacation would appeal to them.

 

My favorite vacation when the kids were little was to Yosemite in California. We stayed at someone's cabin near the entrance to the park. Saw the redwood forests and did a lot of hiking through Ansel Adams' scenery. The kids were amazed by the largeness of it all.

 

At night we played board games in the cabin and cooked out.

[lakerks]

Another vote for Disney World in Orlando, FL!

 

We went this past February, and taking advantage of off-season rates, we were able to stay in the Wilderness Resort on property. I've heard people say they save money by staying somewhere else, but for us, it was truly worth it. We were "in Disney" and enjoying "the Magic" the whole week.

 

Oh, and our kids were 9 and 13 at the time, and they loved it. It was their first visit- we don't do big vacations every year. For our family, this was a major expense, but all year long we've continued to think about how great it was and that we would make the same decision again.

 

I agree to plan ahead. We had a plan of which park we would do which day, and we made dining reservations in advance. That way we didn't waste time in the park figuring out our meal options and standing in line, etc.

[Outdoorsy Type]

Dh and I went to Maui a few years ago. While we didn't take the kids, I found it to be very family friendly and it's just a fabulous place! :D Maybe some day we'll make it back there.

 

In the Continental U.S. we loved renting a condo in Big Bear, California during skiing season, and renting a place in Sunriver, Oregon in the Summer.

 

 

Disneyland was fun, but it really depends on what your family loves. I live in Oklahoma, so I tend to pick vacations that have a lot to do out of doors. It isn't exactly mountainous or awe inspiring here. :tongue_smilie::D

[SailorMom]

Perfect time of the year for :

 

Disney (either coast)

Hawaii

Southern CA

 

or...

 

We had one of the best family vacations EVER staying at Disney's Vero Beach Resort. They have one in Hilton Head as well. No theme park - but plenty of "Disneyness". Extremely relaxing, but there is so much to do - if you choose to. 10 yo's are the perfect age.....

 

You can rent anything from a regular hotel room all the way up to a three bedroom villa. At Vero they are 3 bedroom beach houses :)

 

http://dvc.disney.go.com/dvc/guest/resorts/rentalResortLanding?id=VeroBeachResortRentalLandingPage

 

http://dvc.disney.go.com/dvc/guest/resorts/rentalResortLanding?id=HiltonHeadIslandResortRentalLandingPage

 

 

Wonderful!

 

ETA - Vero is part of the Space Coast, and very close to museums and the Space center.

[ereks mom]

We were so BROKE we could barely afford food, and the stress was really getting to us. The kids were little (ER was 9 & EK was 5) and friends let us use their condo for a long weekend. It was January and it was COLD and snowy, but we holed up in the condo and spent time playing board games and watching movies and reading. We couldn't afford to eat out, so I planned a menu of crockpot meals (spaghetti, vegetable soup, chili) and splurged on a few extras like ice cream and brownie mix. With the crockpot, I didn't have to spend all day in the kitchen, which meant more time with the family. We brought videos of movies we had recorded from television but hadn't watched yet, plus a few favorites we like to watch over and over. The complex had a beautiful, grotto-style indoor heated pool in a glass pool house next to our condo, so we would bundle up in our winter coats and trudge over to the pool and swim for a little while each day. It was so weird to be swimming in warm water while seeing snow on the ground outside. We all still talk about how great that vacation was--just spending time together and decompressing from all the stress.

[lllll]

..

[Mom2J112903]

Ask *any* of us what our favorite vacation has been, hands down it will be Walt Disney World. We took J for the first almost 2yrs ago and spent 8 days there, we had sooooo much fun!!!! It was the first full week of Decemeber, perfect temps, low crowds and we enjoyed every moment of it.

 

We are going back right after Thanksgiving this year and staying for another 8 days. We can't wait!

[Stacia]

Am I the only one that doesn't find Disney to be all that fun?

 

No, I'm that way too. Dh is definitely that way. He can't stand being there.

 

Disney is fine. (We did have fun being there for their Halloween nights. And, my dc love Blizzard Beach, the water park there.) I went a few times when I was a kid & we've taken our kids a few times too. But, my idea of a vacation? No. Would I go there if I didn't have my kids with me? Probably never in a million years.

 

BTW, if you are planning a trip to Disney, be sure to check out http://www.MouseSavers.com (and sign up for their email newsletter, which has even more discounts).

[BikeBookBread]

My favorite vacation was the week we spent at Cannon Beach, Oregon after DH took his Bar Exam. It was completely and utterly relaxing. It was in July. I love CB in the Fall and Spring as well, when the storms are churning.

[Jennifer in MI]

Am I the only one that doesn't find Disney to be all that fun? Granted, the kids love it. But, for a fun, relaxing vacation.....ummmm, no. The crowds, the lines, the rushing around,the kids complaining about walking all day.....ugh! It's definitely something dh and I endure solely for the kids:). We have been a ridiculous number if times and it is more like work for me and dh than a vacation! I prefer something like a cruise or all-inclusive resort for a relaxing, enjoyable get away! But, obviously I am in the minority....haha:)

 

Definitely not a relaxing vacation for us either. But, we prepare for it. We bring a stroller so that one can ride when he/she gets tired. We bring in our own water so nobody gets thirsty. We go off-season so that we don't have lines. We go for 10 days, but only buy 6 day tickets. You definitely need a break some days! Still not as relaxing as a cruise. But VERY fun! There's something for everyone there.

 

We're going back in January for the marathon. We'll be renting a condo at Windsor Hills for a week with my sister's family while we run - we wanted the extra space during race weekend ($468 for the week - TOTAL!). Then, we're staying on property for 4 nights with free dining!!!!! Gotta love free food! (Additional cost for staying on property - we were going to buy the Disney tickets anyway - $570!! When we eat out at Disney, we spend that much for our family on TWO meals - easily! This way we stay on property, and get 4 nice meals and 4 counter service meals and snacks free!!)

Edited September 3, 2010 by Jennifer in MI

[southcarolinamom]

Probably any time we go to Charleston SC .. it's truly one of the most romantic cities in the US. But it's fun to take the kids with too! Lots of history, lots of beach, lots of great food ... beautiful architecture, great shopping. :)

[DawnM]

I like Cannon Beach too.

 

I went through there to Pacific City this summer and had a fantastic time. We got to see whales and just relax.

 

Dawn

 

My favorite vacation was the week we spent at Cannon Beach, Oregon after DH took his Bar Exam. It was completely and utterly relaxing. It was in July. I love CB in the Fall and Spring as well, when the storms are churning.

[DawnM]

That is funny. It is cathartic for me. We go for ME.

 

When the kids start whining I tell them, "This is MY vacation, you are just lucky you got to come along!" :lol:

 

And I am somewhat serious as I have gone to Disney alone (ok, well, we still lived in CA and it was just for a day at a time and then went home, but still....that is how much I like it.)

 

Dawn

 

 

 

Am I the only one that doesn't find Disney to be all that fun? Granted, the kids love it. But, for a fun, relaxing vacation.....ummmm, no. The crowds, the lines, the rushing around,the kids complaining about walking all day.....ugh! It's definitely something dh and I endure solely for the kids:). We have been a ridiculous number if times and it is more like work for me and dh than a vacation! I prefer something like a cruise or all-inclusive resort for a relaxing, enjoyable get away! But, obviously I am in the minority....haha:)

[dansamy]

I would go to WDW sans kids. To me, there's just something special about it. Walt's vision was for a wholesome family getaway, where everyone could find something to enjoy. His vision was still a work in progress when he passed away. I think the Disney family did a good job carrying out his vision for MK and some of EPCOT, but, IMO, you can tell that Walt was gone when the later parks were planned and developed. They're nice, but they don't have Walt's personal touch to them.

[CAMom]

Our two favorite vacation spots are Lake Tahoe and Sedona, AZ.

 

We vacation at both regularly. At that time of the year, Lake Tahoe would be packed in snow. Sedona would be cold but tolerable. From Sedona you can do a day trip to the Grand Canyon (we've done it twice).

 

Both locations are unparalleled in their beauty. Neither involve much in the way of sightseeing. They are just so incredibly beautiful and very, very relaxing!

 

One of my very favorite vacations was when we went to Colonial Williamsburg and Washington DC. Obviously a lot of sightseeing involved but what an incredible trip!

[CAMom]

My favorite vacation was the week we spent at Cannon Beach, Oregon after DH took his Bar Exam. It was completely and utterly relaxing. It was in July. I love CB in the Fall and Spring as well, when the storms are churning.

 

Oh! We spent a week in Depoe Bay, OR one April. The Oregon Coast is such an amazing place. Another one of my favorite vacations!:)

[cjbeach]

Who said anything about relaxing?:lol:

 

Disney is definitely a "play hard" kind of vacation for us. We get up early, go to the parks, come home for a nap (all of us!) in the afternoon, go back to the parks in the evening, come home and fall into bed.

 

But we go during the least crowded times, plan well, and avoid most of the lines. And our kids are very good about not complaining about the walking.

 

Good fun and good memories. But not nearly as relaxing as our sight-seeing vacations.

 

LOL and as a Floridian who only likes the special events at Disney (MNSS Party, Xmas Party, etc...) I **love** Vermont :)