Disney embodies the magic of childhood and immersing yourself in a ‘new world’. Guess what, this is pretty much the recipe for a Colorado Dude Ranch Vacation too.
Our guests have given us some valuable feedback who have traveled to both Disney resorts and Colorado Dude ranches. And their feedback might surprise you! Here are a few of the biggest reasons why…
Learn Something New Together
Just like Disney’s Wild Animal Kingdom, you get to learn something new and create a sense of adventure at a Colorado Ranch. At a Colorado guest ranch, families experience and learn new things together: riding horses, whitewater rafting, fly fishing and more. These are hands on, down-to-earth, cellphone free activities that allow you to ‘slow down’ and have a moment in time with just you, your family, and nature. Theme parks encourage you to ‘hurry up and wait’ for your next ride, a dude ranch wants you to ‘slow down and take a breath’, find yourself and truly feel yourself come to life!
Make New Friends
Often times, you make friends at Disney Theme Parks as you naturally find others who share common interests. At a Colorado dude ranch you will find that same sense of a natural community. By sharing new experiences together you create a unique bond with those around you. As a result, you might come away with some new friendships that couldn’t be formed without the time and opportunities to simply talk and get to know one another whether it be around the campfire or on a trail ride (without texting/Snapchatting!)
Where We Differ from Disney Theme Parks
Kids can be more independent here. On a Colorado Dude Ranch kids can seek out a new sense of independence you just can’t find anywhere else. By giving your kids the opportunity to explore the ranch on their own and with other kids, they gain confidence in a safe environment. The #1 thing parents tell us over and over is that they LOVE seeing their kids natural sense of curiosity emerge at a dude ranch which just cannot happen at a theme park or a cruise ship. It also means mom and dad can have a break from being “on” in parent mode, and relax a little bit themselves.
Vacations are More Fun When Parents are Happy Too
Adults and children alike love Disney. Adults get a sense of nostalgia seeing their favorite childhood characters, and kids get to live in a magical world for a few days. On a Colorado dude ranch, you will feel those same feelings and have the added benefit of an ‘easy button’ type trip. Meals, adult and kids’ activities, housekeeping, evening entertainment are ALL planned and you simply have to show up (or not). Families can do activities together or apart. There are many choices each day but the parents do not have to coordinate them. How great would it be to ‘take the afternoon off’ but still know your kids are busy horseback riding or learning to shoot a bow and arrow with their new friends. And you can decide everything once you arrive at the ranch instead of months ahead in planning like you often have to do at Disney. This is a true treat for anyone who has planned a Disney trip (booking ride times/ Fast Passes etc. MONTHS in advance). Bottom line: when parents and/or grandparents are having a good time, it’s a lot easier for kids to follow their lead and enjoy themselves as well.
Disney and theme parks alike it will always hold an appeal to families. We don’t doubt that. And what we do know is that there are other similar ways to create memories of a lifetime for families and have the kids leaving in tears because they ‘just don’t want to leave’: Cue a Colorado Dude Ranch.
Give a Colorado Dude Ranch a try! Your kids will be the judge; you know they are honest when it comes to vacations. And you might just be surprised to find a new family hot-spot each summer. Request a brochure today to start exploring our CDGRA Approved Member Ranches.
