Adventure-Ready Families Are Choosing Belize Islands Over Theme Parks in 2026

belize family travel

When the first Disney theme park opened in 1955, the cost for admission was $1 for adults and 50 cents for kids. Over time, other theme parks were launched, but nothing compares to Disney World’s wonder. That said, admissions increased over time, and according to Sally French’s Nerd Wallet article, “The average cost for a family of four to [visit] Disney World these days could top $6,000 for a seven-night trip, and that’s if you’re a frugal traveler.”

“[A] week-long family trip to Disney World exceeding $15,000 is not unheard of,” French added, and the Wall Street Journal published an article that best described these escalating prices: “Even Disney Is Worried About the High Cost of a Disney Vacation,” read the headline.

Happily, there’s good news for moms and dads: Alternative getaways offering just as many lifelong memories and as much endless fun are competing with theme parks. Creative parents are taking their kids to the Caribbean, where a unique destination promises to deliver endless activities and better pirate lore than Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean theme park ride delivers. It’s called Manta Island Resort, and your kids will love it!

Manta Island Resort is a child-magnet

 family adventure travel 2026

Designed from the start with families in mind, Belize’s Manta Island Resort occupies a small tract of land on the edge of Glover’s Reef, one of only four atolls in the Caribbean. This property was once the home base for a couple of successful pirates who undertook adventures that rival other pirate tales depicting 18th century adventurers.

Visit this former pirate empire for one-of-a-kind experiences that offer as much fun as Disney—without bankrupting parents. Visitors love Manta’s Belize all-inclusive package, guests count on the resort’s creative add-ons, and families rave about the kid-friendly vibe.

At the heart of Manta’s mission to delight and entertain is the resort’s extensive tour menu, upscale spa, and yoga deck. How sophisticated are the services at this spa? You can treat your daughter to a mini-massage designed just for Manta’s littlest guests.

Affordability at a most advantageous time

Having seen escalating costs families confront when trying to book the shortest stay at theme parks, there is much to be said about the affordable rates parents find as they supplement the cost of their package at Manta, and the pricing on individual sporting, cultural, and educational offerings helps guests customize itineraries to suit their budgets. Further, there’s one more surprising perk to consider…

…Manta Island Resort’s current special gives guests the ability to upsize their booking without emptying their bank accounts, which is why Moms and Dads love this escape. Kids benefit most of all when they realize how wise their parents were by saying no to that pricey theme park and yes to this kid’s paradise. Even the Glover brothers would have loved these discounted rates if they remained in control of this exotic atoll!

Call or email our Reservations office today!
(800) 408-8224
info@MantaIslandResort.com
www.MantaIslandResort.com