A vacation without themeparks

Going on Holidays is getting more expensive – airline fare and gasoline is at an all time high. So are theme park tickets – most passed the $60 mark months ago. Add to those expenses the cost of a room so you can lay your exhausted body down each night, food to keep that body going and our thoughts turn toward choices – take a vacation or by groceries the rest of the year.

I say take that vacation. I also say forget the theme parks. I can already hear the screams. Why would you holiday if you're not going to the theme parks?! My children just HAVE to see their o favorite characters! Well, they can! Not only can they see their favorite characters, they can eat with them!

You will not be depriving your children (or yourselves) if you do not visit the theme parks.

There are plenty of activities and adventures to be had to make plenty of vacation memories. Stay at one on-property resort – even the value resorts – and you open yourself up to the activities and amenities at all the resorts. A short bus trip or boat ride takes you to the door of any of the resorts and all they have to offer. Here are some ideas – a little something for every age:

COOL POOLS. Each resort's pool is designed to blend into the resort theme. As an example, the Yacht & Beach Club Resorts feature a water recreation area with a life-size shipwreck with water slides, snorkeling in a sandy lagoon and a meandering swimming area that flows into the surrounding lake.
BEACHES. Queensland's coastline is not the only place to find beaches. Several resorts feature white sandy lakefront beaches. Beach chairs are scattered about and you can even find a volleyball net here and there.
CHARACTERS. If you think you can't see characters unless you go to the theme parks, you're wrong. You have to eat anyway, so why not take in one of the character dining opportunities at various locations around the property.
HIDDEN MICKEYS. These abstract images found nearly everywhere on the property – even the resort hotels – and finding them has become a passion for many guests. Join the fun... and don't forget to check the wallpaper and carpet.
BOATING. Boat rentals of various types and sizes are available at several resort locations. You are free to explore the waterways on the properties, and if you feel especially adventurous – try parasailing.
HORSEBACK RIDING. Fort Wilderness is the location of Circle D Ranch where horseback riding is available by the hour.
CARRIAGE RIDES. Fort Wilderness is where you'll find carriage or wagon rides. Reservations are required, but these can be a great romantic gesture or a fun family outing.
MINIATURE GOLF. Where do Santa and his elves spend the summer? They spend it playing the elf-sized 36-hole miniature golf course – located near the entrance to Blizzard Beach water park.
GOLF. The Resort has grown from a place that offers a couple afternoons of golfing fun to a world-class golf-vacation destination with five championship-caliber courses – a total of 99 holes!
BIKING. Bicycle rentals are available, but if you want a unique (and fun) experience, rent a surrey bike at the Boardwalk. These canopied vehicles-built-for-four are just the thing for family touring.
SPAS. Relax under the spell of an array of spa services at the Grand Floridian Spa – from facials to water therapy, massages to body treatments.
FITNESS. Day or length-of-stay passes to workout facilities are available at the Grand Floridian and the Yacht & Beach Club resorts, but bring along your running shoes or your inline skates and the world is yours.
This is in no way an exhaustive list of activities available to resort guests, but add to this a wide array of dining experiences available throughout the resort area and you can have a wonderful vacation experience without ever setting foot in the theme parks.

Plan your next vacation without the theme parks!