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Don't mean to be a pain, but are you talking about rides? Our kids aren't really that into Disney CHARACTERS, and they don't do the really crazy rides.
What is it they would get lots of at Disney, that other places can't even come close to?
(Yes, I have been. But it was many years ago).
No, not just talking rides. Talking about everything. There's really something for everyone, given that there's four parks, two water parks, and Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney). And you don't really have to be "into" the characters to enjoy some of the character specific offerings there. I LOVE the Toy Story rides even though I'm not into the characters (both Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios ... very fun and interactive). EPCOT and Animal Kingdom aren't very character driven. And if they like Star Wars (seems like everyone does these days) there's the new Star Wars area in Hollywood Studios.
There are plenty of rides that are fun that aren't really crazy (in fact, there really aren't many "crazy" rides at Disney).
But it's just the overall quality. I remember going to Universal for the Harry Potter stuff, and it was good, but I couldn't help but think "how would Disney have done this differently?"
And Disney has definitely upped their food game in recent years!!
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(set 16 days ago)
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Have you considered Lake Ouachita in Arkansas? Or Petit Jean in Arkansas? Just really, beautiful.
You could do both on the same trip easily - 3 days in each. Stay in a resort on Lake Ouachita, rent a pontoon boat from the State Park marina (or actually stay in a cabin at the State Park) and boat around and go swimming/crystal gathering on the many quiet islands, and then head up to Petit Jean to a cabin on a mountainside. Fun restaurant, hummingbirds swarming around, nice pool, pretty hiking. Raccoons that come through your cabin site at night.
There's a crystal mine not too far from Hot Springs, where you can pay to go in and hunt through the muck for crystals - and you'll find LOTS of them. If you go, take throw-away shoes and throw-away clothing because it will get ruined in the red clay at the mine.
And you can stop and have lunch in Toad Suck.
I feel like getting up and going there right now. ;D
Have you considered Lake Ouachita in Arkansas? Or Petit Jean in Arkansas? Just really, beautiful.
You could do both on the same trip easily - 3 days in each. Stay in a resort on Lake Ouachita, rent a pontoon boat from the State Park marina (or actually stay in a cabin at the State Park) and boat around and go swimming/crystal gathering on the many quiet islands, and then head up to Petit Jean to a cabin on a mountainside. Fun restaurant, hummingbirds swarming around, nice pool, pretty hiking. Raccoons that come through your cabin site at night.
There's a crystal mine not too far from Hot Springs, where you can pay to go in and hunt through the muck for crystals - and you'll find LOTS of them. If you go, take throw-away shoes and throw-away clothing because it will get ruined in the red clay at the mine.
And you can stop and have lunch in Toad Suck.
I feel like getting up and going there right now. ;D
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"I don't understand. But I don't care, so it works out."
(set 16 days ago)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GoodHombre
Any good hotel to recommend there?
We always stay at a condo, and I haven't really found one that's IT. (The place we used to stay had a private beach area, fabulous, but they sold the beach off and someone plopped a building on it).
We've stayed here:
Welcome to South Shore Lake Resort (Takes a moment to load usually). If you get a condo that's right on the water it's best. It's on Lake Hamilton, which is very near Lake Ouachita, but not nearly as pretty. It's really hard to find a rental on Ouachita, but if you go, don't miss going there! There's something magic about hanging out on an island all afternoon with just your family.
VRBO had lots of rentals on Lake Hamilton - if you can find a property on Lookout Point, that's a great area.
We always stay at a condo, and I haven't really found one that's IT. (The place we used to stay had a private beach area, fabulous, but they sold the beach off and someone plopped a building on it).
We've stayed here:
Welcome to South Shore Lake Resort (Takes a moment to load usually). If you get a condo that's right on the water it's best. It's on Lake Hamilton, which is very near Lake Ouachita, but not nearly as pretty. It's really hard to find a rental on Ouachita, but if you go, don't miss going there! There's something magic about hanging out on an island all afternoon with just your family.
VRBO had lots of rentals on Lake Hamilton - if you can find a property on Lookout Point, that's a great area.
Thanks!
Right now it's getting too cold, hopefully, there'll be some sunny and warm days in early November.
It's just 4 hours drive from where I live, not having to worry about airfare/car rental is sweet.
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"I don't understand. But I don't care, so it works out."
(set 16 days ago)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GoodHombre
Thanks!
Right now it's getting too cold, hopefully, there'll be some sunny and warm days in early November.
It's just 4 hours drive from where I live, not having to worry about airfare/car rental is sweet.
Yes - you're pretty close!
I think I'd wait for summer, though. Petit Jean would be great this time of year, about 3.5 hours drive for you, but the joy of Ouachita is swimming and boating.
I would also say some type of resort with multiple kid friendly activities all on site. My son still loves Great Wolf Lodge at age 15, but I would say that it's a 3 day/2 night stay, max. Many people I know only stay for 1 night but we like the extra night so that the middle day is a full day there. They also have a little mini golf course (even the 3 year old can play but still fun for the bigger kids), a climbing wall, a ropes course and an arcade, plus a few other activities that might vary depending on the specific location.
A cruise is also a very family friendly vacation, and since it's all inclusive with the food, it is cost competitive with other options especially if you have a port in driving distance and don't have to pay airfares to get there. You said Southeast so I wasn't sure where you were coming from for the vacation.
Good ideas, gang.
Let me clarify a bit: our kids love history and doing all the "grownup" fun stuff (like museums, beaches, old train rides, etc.) But I am really hoping to focus this trip only on things that they probably won't enjoy doing in a few more years........pure kid stuff. (We always do some of those kinds of things on our trips....this time, I want to really GO for it! lol)
What would you say the second-best amusement park in the southeast is?? (I don't have interest in doing Disney, but would like to do something similar that is also pretty big and great....).
Seriously - Great Wolf Lodge and Busch Gardens in Williamsburg. Your kids will have a blast. And while not as expansive as Disney World, Busch Gardens is a lovely amusement park with tons of trees for shade, which I feel is important to a pleasant day.
No, not just talking rides. Talking about everything. There's really something for everyone, given that there's four parks, two water parks, and Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney). And you don't really have to be "into" the characters to enjoy some of the character specific offerings there. I LOVE the Toy Story rides even though I'm not into the characters (both Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios ... very fun and interactive). EPCOT and Animal Kingdom aren't very character driven. And if they like Star Wars (seems like everyone does these days) there's the new Star Wars area in Hollywood Studios.
There are plenty of rides that are fun that aren't really crazy (in fact, there really aren't many "crazy" rides at Disney).
But it's just the overall quality. I remember going to Universal for the Harry Potter stuff, and it was good, but I couldn't help but think "how would Disney have done this differently?"
And Disney has definitely upped their food game in recent years!!
Yeah, and if it wasn't for all those people, it might actually be enjoyable
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