I was looking for some ideas for a 4-5 day vacation in December.  Some ideas that I've had was the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and/or Grand Tetons, Colorado.  I really don't want to do any skiing.  I know that the weather can really vary that time of year.

Any suggestions and help would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks in advance.

If you go to the Grand Canyon, you will be limited to the South Rim only, as the North Rim closes for the season in October of November.  I think the North Rim is better as it has fewer crowds (not really a problem in December) and more forested areas giving the area a broader sense of bio-diversity.  I haven't been to Yellowstone in the winter, but have heard that it is spectacular. Don't know if all areas are open though.  If you aren't interested in skiing, it may not make sense to pay ski season prices in the Grand Tetons or Colorado.

How about Death Valley. Or the Everglades/Florida Keys?

I am entertaining the idea of doing a few days at Disneyworld (Orlando) and driving down to the Keys for a few days.  Which island is recommended for beauty, kayaking, and good relaxation.  I've checked out travel information about the Keys...accommodations seem very expensive.

First or second week of December is GREAT to visit Disney.  The park is practically yours, especially during the week.  Restaurant reservations (at the good places, like Jiko or Artist Pointe) are easier to come by.  The weather is fantastic (October to April here seems to be 72F and dry the whole time), and the crowds don't come until the week before XMas. 

And, of course, the offline potential

Plus Disney is beautiful at Christmastime.  They really go all out with the decorations.  If your child(ren) are old enough (ie: they don't go to sleep too early), buy tickets to the special Magic Kingdom Christmas nights.  After the park closes at 6:00, they re-open the entire park for a special party.  You can ride all the rides, of course, but they have a special parade, and lots of fun on Main Street, such as snow machines blowing snow from the roof tops, hot chocolate, etc...

If you are thinking about the Keys, then I would recommend something in the middle, around Islamorada.  Key Largo is a bit too close to Miami.  You don't have to go all the way down to Key West (you can easily drive down from the middle keys for the day).

I mapquested the estimated time of travel from Orlando to Key West and it was approx. 6-7 hours.  Agree or disagree?

Another concern of mine are hurricanes.  I would hate to book this trip and then get "hurricaned" out.  Is that a concern that time of year?

Thanks for all of the tips.