Disney on a Budget: Boating

Boating is a great way to spend a day in Disney and out of the theme parks. You can rent boats at various locations depending on what resort you're staying at. You can even rent boats at Downtown Disney. The rates vary for the type of boat and the duration that you rent it for. You have a choice of kayaks, pontoon, sailboats and even SeaRaycers and Boston Whalers.

My husband and I have kayaked along Fort Wilderness' creeks and have seen gators sunning themselves. We have rented SeaRaycers and zipped around the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake, and have seen the mysterious shores of abandoned "Discovery Island" on a Boston Whaler.

This is truly Disney on a budget because prices are reasonable and if you ask you may find that there are discounts. Pack a picnic lunch, idle along the different canals and see if you can spot the unique wildlife or jet around and let the mist of the water and the breezes refresh you.

If you're interested in parasailing, line skiing or wakeboarding visit Sammy Duvall's Watersports Centre at Disney's Contemporary Resort.

Disney on a Budget: Fort Wilderness

You don't need to go to the theme parks to enjoy Disney. The resorts have many things to offer without the ticket prices, parking fees or the long lines. One of my favorite resorts to visit is Fort Wilderness. It is a campground that has loops for motorhomes, tents and cozy cabins, all nestled into 750 acres of woods.

Whenever my husband and I need some fresh air we strap our bikes to the car, pack a picnic and head over. We park in the lot across from the kennel and make our way past the horse stables up the road towards the marina, which is at the other end of the resort. The bike ride is not bad at all but if you'd rather save your feet then take one of the buses at the front of the resort, right by the stables.

You can enjoy a quiet, relaxing day at the marina, on the white sand beach, swinging on the hammocks, taking a hike around the woods or hopping on a boat and cruising around Bay Lake to get a glimpse of the Wilderness Lodge and the Contemporary, or even hop off and explore those resorts. In the evenings, Fort Wilderness offers horse-drawn wagon rides at a first come, first served basis. For anyone 10 and over it's $8.00 and between 3-9 it is $5.00. It is a 45 minute ride around the resort.

At the end of the day you'll go home relaxed and at ease!