A day away from Disney?

[bethanne6245]

My family and I are considering a day away from the Disney parks (tragic I know!). We were thinking Sea World or Universal. I have positive and negatives to each....Sea World-my DD9 isn't into shows, but loves animals so she may like it there? Universal-afraid there's too many thrill rides...she loves all the Mtns in Disney, but not a fan of TOT or RnRC, just to give you an example. Which park would you visit and why?

[ncscgirl2005]

We did one non-Disney Day and I hated every minute of it. Seaworld was OK but we've gone to the zoo 5 times in the last year and the local aquarium twice so for me it felt like I was in an outside aquarium. However, If I had to choose one day I would the other park. But since your daughter is not into thrill rides, you should just make your life easier and stay in Disney. There's no way you can go wrong there!

[#1donaldfan]

NO don't do it........Disney is the best.....I'm sure you can find something to do......actually you'll have fun either way....

[GoinGoofyPlanninThisTrip]

I agree to stay on site. Why don't you look into the horseback rides, miniature golf, boat rides, tours, etc.

[Momof2boys]

We did a non-Disney day on two of our trips. But instead of going to another park, we headed for the Gulf beaches. We went to Clearwater Beach (which was awesome) and Venice Beach (which was ok).

The boys loved swimming in the "ocean", collecting shells, and Mommy & Daddy enjoyed relaxing on the beach.

Our trips are usually 9-11 days so a break in the middle was refreshing.

[bleukarma]

Since your DD isn’t into thrill rides I would skip Universal. While there are things that she could do I’m afraid you will walk out thinking it’s a waste of money. For Universal I would wait till she’s older so you get your money’s worth.

SeaWorld doesn’t really impress me, but it does others. I think it’s a matter of opinion. There are tons of things to do there without seeing a show, a few months ago I spent the whole day there (well, from 9-5) and somehow managed to not see one show. But your DD might like it, especially if you manage to get in on a show or two.

No matter what you chose out of the three choices I’m sure you’ll find a way to have fun!

[cEveArdenfan]

Last time we spent two days at Universal. One for the Studios and one for Islands of Adventure. I really enjoyed it. We didn't go on any of the rollercoasters. Some of the rides like Spiderman and Cat in the Hat were fun. I love WDW, but it was nice to do something different.

[teambricker04]

I would skip all other theme parks. If you are going to do something non disney try the Beach. I agree that the gulf side is the way to go. Clearwater and St. Pete Beach (or Miedira in St. Petersburg) are some of my favorites.

If you want to do something like a theme park try Gatorland or NASA (a bit of a drive but lots of fun).

I am sure there are some other local things that would be fun. I think if you are going to skip out on a day at Disney spend it relaxing and not at another theme park.

[mook3y]

Had to go with Sea World. Since on our upcoming 3rd trip that will be the first time/place outside of WDW that we will visit.

[disneynarula]

I have to agree with the above poster. NASA is really worth the trip. It is really intereseting and unlike anything else you could do.

Universal is cool but mostly thrill rides. I am sort of disapointed that they took out a few of my favorites at US.

[LoriMistress]

It doesn't hurt to try US at least once to see if your DH would like it. I wouldn't take her to IOA if she's not into thrill rides.

[Deesdisney]

If your DD is not into thrill rides do not do Universal. I went one day with my family and ended sitting around alot due to the thrill rides. Sea World was great just to look at the fish and dolphins. But next time I will spend the time at the Fort in WDW and other hotels.

[Gottaluvgoof]

Universal does have things for kids besides thrill rides. My kids love ET, Jimmy Neutron, Shrek 4D, Men In Black, the whole kid section, forget what it's called and the animal show in US. At IOA, there is Seusville, which is really cute with mild rides. Also, playground in Jurassic park, Ripsaw falls, Spiderman, and other non thrill rides. For your husband and yourself, the Mummy is a very neat ride. Of the choices you gave, US/IOA would be my choice. I was in Sea World in June and was disappointed. Seemed to me they let too many people in the park. The shows were filled to capacity 30 - 45 minutes before they started. I liked Sea World in the past, but the last trip, I did not enjoy myself because it was way over crowded. Honestly, I agree with some of the above, a relaxing day on the beach sounds wonderful.

[Polynesian Dweller]

If you are going to do a non-Disney day, then Sea World would be the theme park spot. You have to enjoy thrill rides to get your money's worth out of Universal.

You can do a non-theme park day on site however. The mini-golf areas at Disney get lots of family action (and they are not your typical mini-golf), Downtown Disney, and the Boardwalk area, water craft and cycle rentals at the resorts and so on. Many years we do that kind of thing and have a great non-theme park day.

[snifflesmcg]

I voted Universal.

[bethanne6245]

Thanks to all for their responses! How far are the beaches from Disney? I do like the idea of the Horseback riding too. Gotta love Intercot...it always helps to have others input!

[stpats317]

We are going through the same dilemna - Universal or stay at Disney.

Does anyone know if you can rent the watercraft or bikes if you are not staying on property? (We did this once when we stayed at CBR but we're off-property for this visit boo hoo)

[AllDisney]

The last time we left the magic was 18 years ago.
We are just SO content to stay at WDW that we don't even think about going anywhere else.

We love that while at WDW we are kids "again" and we don't have a care in the world. That, to us, is a vacation

[JCDarzi]

We always plan a non-Disney day in our week long vacations. But we usually stay at the hotel and sleep in and veg at the pools. If we feel like it, we might go into the parks in the evening to catch the parade and fireworks show. Since we have toddlers, this seems to work well for us.

I think a little R & R away from the theme parks makes the parks better. It all seems to run together if you are constantly on the go. I chose Sea World if you do go to a theme park. At least it has a different type of attraction than Disney World.

[Sean Riley Taylor's Mom]

My kids love Sea World and we always spend one day there. The Shamu show (I think it is still Believe this year) is worth the visit alone for us. Also, they added a few rides to the kids area that my kids loved last year.

My vote is for Sea World.