A cruise on land? [different activites, set dinner times?] - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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A cruise on land? [different activites, set dinner times?]
Hey all, need some help please.
A few years ago, my parents took my brother, myself and my husband on a cruise. It was the first family vacation since I had gotten married and we all had a great time.
Except it was a cruise.
I got sea sick and my Mom just doesn't like cruises.
My parents are talking about doing another family vacation but we're having a hard time figure out where or what.
The things we liked about the cruise were:
1. Different activities. Not all sports related, and we're a family of history buffs, so we had a great time at the Mayan ruins.
2. 7pm dinner time. No matter who was doing what when, we all ate dinner together. (except one night DB and I had the private dinner thing, that was fun too.)
My thoughts of Disney World or Disney Cruise Line were both shot down (my mother actually said "there is nothing new really to do" when she hasn't been back since 1995!!! It wasn't worth it to argue, trust me. And the cruise, well, it was good because of the slight structure that went with it, but not our thing.)
So, anyone have any ideas how to do a cruise on land basically?
I've glanced at some of those all inclusive resorts, but it seems that all of their activities are sports related - not our thing. And do they have a set dinner time?
Oh, you may be so ready for an Adventures By Disney tour. Plenty of planned and different activities both for the whole family and some just for the kids--gives the adults some down time. Set meal times, except for the "on your own" meals, but even the Adventure Guides can help you find someplace to eat that will meet your needs. Transportation using motor coach, usually, to get you from location to location. Overnight stays at some of the best hotels. And, lots of Disney Magic! Most Adventures by Disney guests have been on Disney cruises and want to see more of the world. There are 19 or more tours across the globe, including Machu Pichu, China, Australia, Europe, Africa, even the Gallapagos Islands. There are several North American tours, too, including the Mid-Atlantic States, which includes stays at Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and Williamsburg. Want to dine with Benjamin Franklin? Then this would be your Adventure!
I'm not a travel agent, but I know I sound like one sometimes. It's just that Disney can take you almost anywhere and not everyone knows that.
Adventures by Disney tours and guides are very accommodating for all guests. There were families of various sizes and make-ups, a guest with a wheelchair and walker, and even a couple who did not have children who just wanted to be with happy people to celebrate their anniversary. Yep, definitely a great way for any family to travel.
I think Adventures by Disney would be a perfect match for what your looking to do! I've looked in to them, but they are pricey (especially for my large family)... I think that is a great idea, toddjodybrent!
If it is not in your budget though, I think you could put together a structured vacation with lots of activites on your own including planned dinner times. We are going to the grand canyon this summer and adv by disney was not an option for us due to costs plus we are adding a lot more in than the grand canyon- but if you are willing to put in some research hours, I think you could pull off a very structured trip to just about anywhere on your own to include things that are history lated and scheduled meals
I would also say the Adventures by Disney group tours. They're a bit pricey but Trafalgar has lots of family offerings as well for land based tours at a better price. There also are a few train adventures out there with different stops etc.
Not all excursions at all inclusives are sports. When we were in Punta Cana, we went on a catamaran cruise to an island sanctuary, then swam with star fish out in the ocean. We all went on a party boat to dance, eat and drink and snorkel if you wanted to. Our friends did a tour of Santo Domingo and toured cathedrals and castles. Jungle treks were also offered .
In Mexico, our friends arranged a trip to the Mayan ruins. There were also shopping excursions to Playa del Carmen and snorkeling trips. Your dinner times are usually arranged beforehand when you first arrive, or by a certain time that day. Otherwise, there is usually one buffet that is open for dinner where you can all meet and eat as one big party.
These excursions were extra and arranged by groups outside of the hotel.
Have fun planning.
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Michele
I'm living the dream 20 minutes from Disney! Next trip...tomorrow. Follow me on instagram at ShirtsByShell
Rail Canada has some all-inclusive trips that I'd like to do sometime. By train through the Canadian Rockies with stops at various cities. You get sleeping accomodations on the train and deluxe hotels at the overnight stops.
You may want to look into a travel agent that specializes in all-inclusive or Apple Vacations. They could probably put together a nice itinerary for you.
And if the hotel offers a "privileged" upgraded room, I would suggest spending the extra money and staying in the privileged area. In Mexico, we had our own breakfast cafe on the beach, access to the nicer area of the beach with shaded beds and waitstaff, premium liquor, a concierge area with internet access, snacks througout the day and lounge, and a better outfitted room.
__________________
Michele
I'm living the dream 20 minutes from Disney! Next trip...tomorrow. Follow me on instagram at ShirtsByShell
I think the Disney Adventures would be good too. Remember, WDW is all Disney but the other things aren't. We went on the Dream, and even though it was Disney, it was "subtle" Disney. Dh was kinda disappointed it wasn't more Disney and he didn't like it much either (hmm, your mother and my dh sound like they are fun ones to try to figure out some type of holiday). We have a brochure from Disney Adventures and they have trips to Europe as well. Again, not in your face disney. Great meals, good accomodations but they are pricey. It is worth it to take a look and hide the Disney logo from your mother
We are looking at the Maya Riviera too for the Spring. All inclusive. I know people who go and don't do one thing sports minded like whereas I gotta find adventure for my family and we can do that off the resort.
The Canadian Rockies are nice too. I have been to them many times and it would be something to take a look at as well.
Hope this helps.
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. We are going to the grand canyon this summer and adv by disney was not an option for us due to costs plus we are adding a lot more in than the grand canyon- but if you are willing to put in some research hours, I think you could pull off a very structured trip to just about anywhere on your own to include things that are history lated and scheduled meals
and he didn't like it much either (hmm, your mother and my dh sound like they are fun ones to try to figure out some type of holiday). We have a brochure from Disney Adventures and they have trips to Europe as well. Again, not in your face disney. Great meals, good accomodations but they are pricey. It is worth it to take a look and hide the Disney logo from your mother
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