camping at disney but not going to the parks? About This Page:

[Nala]

Back in the early days of my trips to WDW (71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79............) when there was only one park, we would spend many days of our one or two week trips (two or three times a year) just hanging out at FW, enjoying all it had to offer and spending time together as a family.

To be honest, looking back on those times, I miss them and the simple pleasures of a vacation where we are not running to do this or that, but instead enjoying the things in life that really matter, that of time together with beloved members of our family.

I think your plans sound wonderful and relaxing and I am sure that you and your family will find tons to do in FW to keep you entertained.

[MMMD]

Go - have fun. A lot of families prefer Universal over Disney. You know your boys well enough to know what they'd like to do.

[Principessa_di_Fata]

I say absolutely go for it. Universal is so much fun, and the boys will LOVE Islands of Adventure with all of the great rides! What fun!

I know it might seem like it would be tough to be on Disney property without going to the parks, but I've done it and it's perfectly fine. It's not like you're camping and doing nothing at all. You're going to Universal, and the beaches, etc. I always use Orlando as a base of operations and then from there I hit the beaches (the west coast beaches are my favorite - I LOVE St. Pete) and there's tons of stuff to do in Orlando besides Disney. I'm not sure what your money situation will be, but you could do a dinner at Medieval Times. That's one of my favorite dinner shows. Or there's the Dixie Stampede (YUMMMMM)... a pirate dinner show (might be more up the boys' alley)... there's mini golf, there's a place called the Holy Land Experience (if that is something that interests you). Outlets, good food, shops... Orlando is full of things to do!

Anyway, much as I love Disney (and I DO love Disney), I don't think you're crazy at all and I think the boys will be just fine not doing the parks much, if at all, because it sounds like you'll be keeping them quite busy with other adventures.

Now you're making me REALLY want to go back!

[spiceypj]

only one question - since you are not going to WDW - why pay Disney prices. FW is expensive for camping.

there are still a few campgrounds in the area - that are a lot less than WDW.

lot of the nicer ones have been sold - the houses...

anyway there are still a few.

[spiceypj]

boy this list use to be fairly long
Orlando Travel & Visitors Bureau - Orlando Florida Vacation - Accommodations - Hotels & Resorts - Search Results=

the only other one
Walt Disney World Tropical Palms Funresort - Kissimmee, florida RV Parks

[jimmymac]

No, definitely not crazy. Go for it

[spiceypj]

found another one
Guide to Central Florida Camping & Central Florida RV parks

Kissimmee, Florida Camping, Kissimmee/Orlando Campground in Florida- KOA in Kissimmee, Florida

[jhoshowski]

Tropical Palms is very nice, if you are looking for an alternative to Disney. We have stayed there twice; it is right next to Old Town (shopping/carnival rides).

[pita]

I say camp at disney.

This past winter my DH and I went to AKL. We said many times that we would have a great time just staying there and never going into the parks and we just might do that.

You will have a great time. The camp ground will be part of your vacation...not your ENTIRE vacation.

Have fun.
-pita

[Disneybine]

First of all, do what you think your family would enjoy! Since you're planning on going to a lot of non-Disney parks, your boys probably won't care too much that you're not going to the Disney parks also. All depends on their preferences, I guess.

Camping at Disney might be a tad more expensive than elsewhere but it is still a very low price for accommodation and comes with a spoonful of pixie dust so I totally understand why you want to camp on Disney property!

I'm sure you'll love your vacation!

[Figment Fan]

I say go for camping there too, like you said there are many things to do at the campsite that are Disney and fun that you cannot get anywhere else. If you do decide to go camping, hurry and book your reservations. There are a lot of regulars who go camping and the spots fill up VERY quickly; much faster than the value resorts. Camping at Disney World is not something you can decide to do at the last minute. We have called a three months before we wanted to go and the only availability was a few nights!! Good luck to you, I know you will have fun!