There are plenty of things that I've experienced and enjoyed in life, and they've all been done without going to Disney. Here are some of the things that I've done instead, and some of the things that you can take your kids to instead of Disney.

1. Cedar Point (Sandusky, OH)

Okay, so yes, this is also an amusement park, but it's a whole lot of fun, not to mention, a whole heck of a lot cheaper. This is perfect amusement park for the teenager in your life. I went when I was about twelve and loved it. And if you're not one for rides, there's plenty of shows for you to go to.

2. Shea's Theater (Buffalo, NY)

I can't even begin to count the number of shows I've went to here. They always put on a wonderful show and I've loved every minute that I've been there. This is perfect for any age group, specifically for the musical theater lover in your family.

3. NYC (New York, NY)

There is so much to do and see in New York City, I wasn't able to see it all in the one weekend that I was there. We did however, go to the Today Show(I got on TV), saw the Rockette Christmas Show, and went to Macy's.

4. Phoenix, AZ

Every time that I go to Phoenix, I fall in love with it even more. Just like NYC, there is so much to do in Phoenix.

5. Disney Cruise

I said I've never been to Disney. I never said I hadn't been on a Disney Cruise. This might take the cake. I got to go when I was eight, and let me be the first to tell you, everyone there worked overtime to make sure that all of the guests had a blast. Although, if I were to do the Disney Cruise again, I'd go to Disney World first then do the cruise.

So there you go, some things that aren't as expensive as Disney that will still be great experiences for you and your kids. Experiences that I am grateful that I've gotten to have.