Kettermn,

You may want to try the Comfort Suites Maingate East. comfortsuitesfl.com for the other 5 days of your vacation. It ranks #3 on the Kissimmee, fl tripadvisor site. Good reviews. We stayed there once when Shades of Green was full. They have make your own waffles with fruit and whipped cream which my kids loved to make, eggs, breads etc., all free for breakfast which saved us a lot of $. We even took back yogurt etc, and fruit to add to our lunch or dinner if we ate in the room that day. They have a nice size table with chairs and a fridge and microwave to help with inroom meals. Nice pools etc. Shuttles to Universal, Seaworld, Disney etc. The website shows various rooms and suites to fit any size family. Hope this helps. They have military discounts, aaa, etc. to help with discounts. Word of advice. Watch out for timeshare folks when they see you in the lobby or take your bags to your room for free. Will try to sell you cheap tickets etc., to get you to attend a timeshare mtg. Just tell them you are not interested and they leave you alone.

Oh almost forgot ,hotel is right next to Old Town see their website rides, food, shopping etc. Good prices. Also right next to mini golf if your kids like to play.

Are we planning the most crowed time for Disney at Christmas Time?

If the answer is yes what is the least crowed time except summer ( I can not go in summer I have problem with hot sun no natural protection).

Hello KETTERMN,

I would say november, weather during the day between 80-85, nights are between 70-80 and especially no humidity!

In the parks, a lot less people, last year some friends of ours were there nov 6th to the 12th and they said that the most they had to wait and that was only for a couple of rides was around 20 minutes!

We are going this year for 10 days: nov 5th to the 14th..... 51 days!!!!!

Can't wait!

Sophie

Kettermn,

There are very few times of the year when Disney is not crowded.

The least crowded times are 2nd week of January through the 1st week of February and the week after Labor Day up until Thanksgiving week as these dates are when the children are in school. And yes Christmas is going to be really crowded as it's one of Disney's peak periods however you won't have to worry about oppressive heat and humidity and you'll be able to enjoy the beautiful Christmas decorations.

You should definitely check out Gatorland!! It sounded so hokey, but we went anyway...had a GREAT time! Actually got inside an enclosure and was able to hand feed some mighty big gators, although you have to pay extra it was great fun. Also got a "family" picture of us all with the gators in the background. We all liked it so much we are using it as our Christmas card this year!

The Dixie Stampede dinner show is another winner! We all had a blast and the food wasn't bad either. You've GOT to go to Old Town, it's like an old fashioned board walk with shops, children's rides, restaurants, and the like. Go during the day, nights tend to be much more crowded, but there's plenty of shade and benches to sit down and relax.

Discovery Cove is an absolutely incredible place. Check out their web site, not the least bit crowded because you must make a reservation. Can even swim with the dolphins. FABULOUS experience, pricey but worth EVERY penny!! The experience is BETTER than the web site looks!

Wonder Works is another place that's lots of fun for everybody, indoors, air conditioned and they have an additional magic show ticket you can purchase.

If you feel like taking a drive, go West to Clearwater, and go on Captain Memo's (NOT Nemo!) pirate cruise, do the late afternoon/early evening cruise. Still plenty of light, but not hot and sunny. The "pirates" comandeer the kids and parents can participate or just enjoy the kids and the cruise. It's a REAL pirate ship!!

Take a drive East to Cocoa Beach. Stop at the Ron Jon Surf Shop and pick up "boogie boards" for roughly $6.00/ piece and have a wonderful time at the beach! You'll drive by Cape Canaveral and the ports with all the big cruise ships.

Sea World and Universal are both fun, but after Disney you will probably be all "theme parked out!"

Any of the go cart tracks are always fun, they usually have bumper boats as well and a lot of them run specials before Noon.

Cirque Du Soleil was a great show. Didn't think my 6 year old would enjoy it but we all had a blast.

Boggy Creek Air Boat rides is a hoot and the Pirate Dinner Adventure was also a lot of fun. If you pay extra to sit in some of the front seats your kids are guaranteed to be in the show. Food isn't that great, but the before dinner appetizers and entertainment were terrific!

Have a wonderful time!

mrshandbug,

Thank you for all the ideas!40 years ago my family took me to Gator Land and I had forgotten all about it untill your response.I will most assurely take the children there!That place was a blast way back then and now is even better I bet.I am copping the ideas to make plans .We will have 5 days to site see what is around plus go the beach.Do you know if they still have the glass bottom boats around in the area?That was also 40 years ago long time ago!

Thanks again for all the ideas.

Ketterman,

Silver Springs has glass bottom boats . Not sure where else. I agree Gatorland is a blast. They now have a mini waterpark for the kids. Mine tried the gator nuggets and loved them. They still tell their friends about eating gator nuggets.

Ketterman,

Just heard of an activity your kids may love and it's free!!! Go to buildabettermousetrip.com and click on activities on the left sidebar. Then click on Fort Wilderness Campfire Sing alongs. You can get a free visit with Chip & Dale , marchmallow roasting , movie etc. sounds like fun for little ones.