Disney without the parks

[sbkline]

I'm not sure if this belongs in this forum or a different forum, but here is the question:

Have any of you ever stayed on Disney property and done little time, or even no time in the theme parks? My wife isn't as much of a Disney nut as I am and if she had her way, we would do something different next year. I want to be a good husband and a fair man and do what she wants to do and not just what I want all the time. But it is also very hard to part with the thought of returning to WDW next year. So I'm wondering what kind of compromise we can make to make her happy by doing other things but still give me my time at Disney. I know she wants a beach day, and she also indicated that she wouldn't mind having a day just to lounge around the hotel grounds with the baby, if we bring him. If not, just a day to herself relaxing at the hotel, while I go to a water park or something. Universal, Busch Gardens and/or Sea World would be nice, too. But the problem with those places is we can't just come back mid-afternoon for a nap, so hopefully she and the baby (who would be almost two by then) could both do okay from 9 to 5 or something, without a nap break.

So besides other theme parks, what other relaxing, less time consuming activities would those of you suggest who have done things other than Disney while staying at Disney?

 

[shoppingnut]

I see you'll be at Riverside, I would consider a carriage ride one evening. And, maybe you might want to consider some fine dining off property if without child. Some places that are very nice are: Christini's, Moon Fish, or Mortons.

 

[ypcat]

What about a Disney cruise instead? She would get everything she is asking for. If you had to have rides, you could to the land and sea package.

 

[Nemo14]

I'd say bring your son and see the parks through his eyes. You'll never forget it.

 

[EMThompsen]

I couldn't be that close to the parks & not go.

 

[AEfx]

I couldn't be that close to the parks & not go.

That's my entire point in going as well. I know of all the other great things to do at WDW, but I live close to any sports/recreation/etc. that I can get at WDW. I just can't justify spending that time there when the parks, which are unique and I don't have at home, are there to be experienced.

I couldn't do it, but there is enough to do that I can see how others could.

AEfx

 

[palmage]

Bump to a deluxe resort and just take advantage of everything they have to offer.
Spa, Golf, Shopping.

We do it all the time, never setting foot in the parks.

 

[davidpw97]

I'd say if you can afford 2 vacations a year, do one your way and one her way. If not, then do Disney every other year and go where she wants for the in between Disney years.
I have twice gone to the Disney area and stayed for a week without going to the parks, but I wasn't staying on property either time. Staying on property might make it a little tougher to resist going to a park but if you know the parks well you can hit the highlights fairly well in 2 days time and then the rest of the days can be relaxing. I don't see anything wrong with lounging by the pool all day or taking the time to enjoy the atmosphere of each hotel. You can also take the time to check out both coasts, one day in Tampa and one day in Cocoa beach. If travelling with the baby I think you'd get much more enjoyment out of either sea world or Bush gardens vs. universal and both of those are more 9-5 or earlier parks anyway.
I don't like being that close to the parks and not going either but there are many other ways to soak up the Disney atmosphere without entering a park. There have been a few times where I have headed over to boardwalk around 9pm just to walk up to the gates of the international gateway entrance to epcot and watch Illuminations without entering the park. Little moments like that can make a vacation even if you don't enter the park.

Hopefully a compromise can be reached pretty easily in this situation.

 

[dixiegirl]

I couldn't be that close to the parks & not go.

Oh I hear ya!!!! We can't see going to florida and not going to Disney.....Just not right...!!!

 

[sbkline]

Bump to a deluxe resort and just take advantage of everything they have to offer.
Spa, Golf, Shopping.

We do it all the time, never setting foot in the parks.

How much does the spa stuff cost?

 

[palmage]

How much does the spa stuff cost?

Go here to see.

http://relaxedyet.ess.com/grand_floridian/gf_treatments.html

 

[Disneyfalcon]

Great idea ypcat! Disney Cruise sounds perfect for you!

 

[Laura]

Bump to a deluxe resort and just take advantage of everything they have to offer.
Spa, Golf, Shopping.

We do it all the time, never setting foot in the parks.

That's my suggestion as well. I think I would easily be able to spend a few days at the Poly without ever going into the parks.

 

[Mr Starky]

I'm not sure if this belongs in this forum or a different forum, but here is the question:

Have any of you ever stayed on Disney property and done little time, or even no time in the theme parks? My wife isn't as much of a Disney nut as I am and if she had her way, we would do something different next year. I want to be a good husband and a fair man and do what she wants to do and not just what I want all the time. But it is also very hard to part with the thought of returning to WDW next year. So I'm wondering what kind of compromise we can make to make her happy by doing other things but still give me my time at Disney. I know she wants a beach day, and she also indicated that she wouldn't mind having a day just to lounge around the hotel grounds with the baby, if we bring him. If not, just a day to herself relaxing at the hotel, while I go to a water park or something. Universal, Busch Gardens and/or Sea World would be nice, too. But the problem with those places is we can't just come back mid-afternoon for a nap, so hopefully she and the baby (who would be almost two by then) could both do okay from 9 to 5 or something, without a nap break.

So besides other theme parks, what other relaxing, less time consuming activities would those of you suggest who have done things other than Disney while staying at Disney?

Shouldn't it be a required question, before getting married, that you ask if your to be WIFE/HUSBAND loves Disney? :lol: I mean honestly not like Disney. It's almost unAmerican.:animwink:

 

[cloudboy]

If you are willing to adventure beyond the parks, there are tons of things to do in the Orlando area.

I would probably start off by heading north on I-4. Thorton Park, which is just to the west of Downtown, is a nice little section of town with lots of restaurants and galleries, and not too many chains, either. Lake Eola is a nice lake with a fountain and swan boats you can rent, too. North of Downtown is Winter Park. Winter Park is a nice town with lots of shops and restaurants along a tree covered avenue. They have a boat tour that takes you through several lakes connected by canals. And if you like that kind of thing, a bit of a drive will bring you to Mount Dora, which is the same thing without as much snob appeal.

Orlando has some decent museums - Orlando Museum of Art and Harry P Leu gardens come to mind. You can also find, if you are willing to drive a little, some really nice state parks - Wekiwa springs and Blue Springs are your best bets.

 

[disneydudette]

The reason we go to Disney World year after year is because its "more" than just the parks. My BF never liked the idea of Disney, and while our first trip was fun... he just didn't "get it." The next year we went someplace he wanted to go and the entire trip was filled with remarks like "this resort isn't as nice as the one in Disney..." "I hate having to drive everywhere, wish we had the buses like at Disney"... "the customer service isn't as good as Disney." Most of the remarks came from him!

Disney is sometimes an aquired taste. People like us have had it for years, while others are still getting accustomed to it. Bottomline though... is nobody does it like Disney!

Back to your question:
The Boardwalk area has such a great atmosphere! I remember getting a funnel cake and watching illuminations from the main balcony area of the Boardwalk resort. Theres great places to eat and some adult friendly entertainment. We always grab a bite to eat and then walk over to the mini golf course and play a round.
Downtown Disney, the West Side, and Pleasure Island are always a must. We have a blast at the Comedy Club. We'll even have a "date night" and venture out to Dinner and La Nouba, or if moneys tight, just grab dinner and a movie at the theater.
The Spas are of course lovely, but pricey! It was $115 for a massage at the Spa at Saratoga Springs... it was completely worth it though! It's a little added bonus for any trip and I know that they do have spa packages available.
We love to take the boats out on the Seven Seas Lagoon followed by a dinner at one of the monorail resorts. The deluxe resorts have fantastic places to eat.
If you can't afford a deluxe, I would recommend the Caribbean Beach resort or Coronado Springs. Both are adult friendly and very relaxing. Beautiful grounds, beaches, lovely lake, very relaxing and quiet. There ideal "getaway" resorts that make you feel like your in the Caribbean or Mexico.

For my upcoming birthday trip I'm spending my actual birthday without stepping foot in one of the themeparks.

I do agree with the comment "take your child to disney and see it through his eyes..." but I would actually wait and try and show your wife the magic first. The trip could turn into a potential nightmare with a young toddler, the extreme heat, crowds, and someone who didn't even want to go to begin with. Try not to force your wife into a situation that could potentially ruin the entire idea of ever going to Disney. We always took a trip or two before bringing kids... and the main reason was to get us excited about bringing them. It's so neat to point out the little things like baby mickey ears and character meals and to think "I can't wait to do that with my kid." But at the same time, it was nice to "have already done" the more adult-friendly activites and have no regrets about missing an attraction or fancy dinner or show. Been there, done that, will do it again another time! Once you do bring your child, your view on Disney will change forever!

 

[eroyee]

:wave: If you stayed at Riverside again you could rent a pontoon boat and cruise around. we have done that. go tour the different resorts and dine at some of them. just a couple ideas.........I cant imagine my DH not liking Disney like I do. that would NOT work too well. :lol:

 

[tigger1968]

We hit a great AP rate and a Ding airfare on Southwest one year that made it cheaper to fly down for a 4 day weekend at WDW than our original plan of driving to the Gulf coast for the same number of days. We stayed at Riverside and spent the majority of the time lounging by the pools and shopping and dining. We only went into the parks twice and only for the evening shows. We loved it! We found it very relaxing and felt like we still got a nice Disney experience without even spending the whole trip in the parks. By the way, make sure you stay in the Alligator Bayou if you go to POR. We find it very secluded and tranquil.

As for the suggestion of taking a Disney Cruise, I'd say that's a great option. My DW and I are leaving in September for our first Disney Cruise, and have heard nothing but good things about it.

 

[vilegirl]

We try and go to Disney twice a year and our August trip usually doesn't involve alot of park time. We stay at the BC and enjoy Stormalong Bay and then usually just venture out in the evenings for a nice dinner at one of the parks. It's just a relaxing trip for us.

 

[sbkline]

By the way, make sure you stay in the Alligator Bayou if you go to POR. We find it very secluded and tranquil.

We stayed in Magnolia Terrace and really enjoyed it. Alligator Bayou looked pretty neat, too, but I'm not sure I like the seclusion of it. It was kind of nice being such a short walk from the gazeebo, the pool and the food court.