Ideas needed for non-park days!!

Brian · 03-09-2003

My wife, 19 month old daughter and I will be at Wilderness Lodge for 2 days and 2 nights before the rest of our extended family joins us for our family trip at the Beach Club October 2003. We want to do a few different things besides visting the theme parks, water parks and downtown disney during these 2 days. We were looking for suggestions on some different things to do like dinner shows, resort hopping, etc. that may be fun to do. It seems as if we always get to WDW and run around with our heads cut off trying to get to as many parks, rides etc. Any thoughts on some alternative things to do these 2 days???

Brian :)

wdwjeff · 03-09-2003

IMHO, the number one best thing to do is get tix to see La Nouba, the Cirque du Soleil show, in Downtown Disney. I can't even describe how fantastic it is, other than to say that I've seen several Broadway shows, and this one is better. You could also walk around the Boardwalk area, or even go to Universal, SeaWorld, or DiscoveryCove. That should be enough ideas from one person. I'm sure other people have their thoughts, too. Good luck in your decisions, and have a great trip.:heart

**BDavis932** · 03-09-2003

There is a museum with a Titantic exhibit in Orlando. The website for that is www.titanicshipofdreams.com. Also, just a short drive away is Kennedy Space Center. Or an hour and 1/2 away is Daytona Beach. You could spend the day on the beach!!
There is also the Holyland Experience in Orlando.

If it was me, I would spend a day at the beach and a day at Fort Wilderness!

mattomouseman · 03-09-2003

HMM I've only done Disney stuff. However Seaworld sounds like a great idea. In August we are going to spend two days at Universal before heading to WDW!:)

Connears · 03-09-2003

The campfire and movie at Fort Wilderness is great. Chip and Dale are there and you can make smores and watch a disney movie outdoors. Go early and take the hayride and visit the petting zoo. all perfect for a 19 month old. You could also go minigolfing and do a character meal at one of the resorts 1900PF or Contmemp breakfasts are great.
Connears

Brian · 03-09-2003

Connears:

Is the campfire on cetain nights or do they have it everynight? Do you know what time they typically start the campfire at? Thanks for the great ideas!!!

Brian :)

**BDavis932** · 03-09-2003

Hey Brian,

I pulled my Birnbaums book out and here is the info you're asking about:

It doesn't say what time the campfire is, but it is nightly and it's free. Chip and Dale are there and they play a Disney movie every night. Weather permitting. Maybe Connears or PhantomBantom could help us out on the time. I want to check this one out on our first night, too.

The petting zoo is right next to Pioneer Hall. Pony rides are $2.00 and are from 10 am to 5 pm. Also, you can see the horses in the Tri-Circle D Ranch. That is always fun.

You can do a hayride at 7:00 pm or 9:30. Purchase the tickets from the hayride host. $6/adult, your little one would be free.

Be sure to eat lunch or dinner at Trails End Buffet, it's awesome!! Also, take a 1 mile stroll or rent a golf cart up to the Wilderness Lodge and go on a guided tour of the lodge (free as well).

You could also watch the electrical water parade from the beach at Ft. Wilderness.

I think spending a morning at the pool, and after nap time the rest of the day at Fort Wilderness sounds like so much fun! Be on the lookout for peacocks. They are all over Ft. Wilderness!

trishb · 03-09-2003

Congratulations, Brian! Sounds like you are going to have a wonderful trip!

You are so smart to build in a few extra days, just for you and your family! The Wilderness Lodge is a great hotel..and you will have no problem filling up a few days with non-park activities!

Bdavis and Connears are right...you will LOVE Ft. Wilderness! There is so much to do there. The campfire program is so much fun and your daughter will love the petting zoo.

See the World! Why not ride the boat over to the MK and hop on the monorail? Since your free days are at the beginning of your vacation...you will probably want to see the magic. Hop on the monorail and ride over to Epcot, then ride back.

Oh..send your wife to the Spa. Give her a little treat and spend some time with your little girl. We did this and it was wonderful..my husband and son had a great time without me. It was so nice to get a little peace and quiet and pampering!

Have fun!

**BDavis932** · 03-09-2003

Quote:

Originally posted by trishb
send your wife to the Spa. Give her a little treat and spend some time with your little girl. We did this and it was wonderful..my husband and son had a great time without me. It was so nice to get a little peace and quiet and pampering!

Great suggestion, Trishb. I will forward it to my hubby, too!!!

CaribBeachNut · 03-10-2003

There are so many things to do on non park days (we call them "down days"). Down days are the most enjoyable for my family. Here are some of my suggestions: If you have access to a car, you can go out to International Drive, or out to Kissimmee. There are shows, gift shops, attractions, miniature golf, other water parks, sports shoe outlet stores, etc. If you don't have access to a car, then why not use WDW transportation to tour the other resort hotels? Don't forget the WW of Sports, and you don't need to use a park ticket to gain admission to their restaurant and gift shop. How about the Space Center (Space Port USA) and the Astronaut Hall of Fame, Gatorland, and a Tiffany Glass museum (two I plan on seeing my next trip). Of course, you may wish to sun yourself at the pool and read that novel you've been meaning to get to (my wife's favorite non park passtime), while sipping a winecooler. We also found ourselves playing Rummy500 with the kids in the hotel room, just enjoying each others company, during times of heavy rain. Or just turn on the TV and watch the WDW Infomercials. They can help you plan your trip.

BuzzLightyear · 03-10-2003

What a bunch of great ideas!
We are finally going to take a day and do some resort hopping. I figured we'd ride around in the monorail , get out and finally get a chance to walk around the Contem, Poly and GF for the first time ever.

**mickey** · 03-10-2003

Quote:

Originally posted by BuzzLightyear
We are finally going to take a day and do some resort hopping. I figured we'd ride around in the monorail , get out and finally get a chance to walk around the Contem, Poly and GF for the first time ever.

LOL, that was going to be my suggestion. With the little one, take some time to ride around on the monorail and stop at each resort. It is a great way to see those resorts and take a look at the Magic Kingdom from the outside. Also, you could rent a boat from any of those resorts, or even from the Wilderness Lodge and ride around for an hour or two on Bay Lake or the Seven Seas Lagoon. Just watch out for the "mice".

mickaholic4077 · 03-10-2003

What kind of boats can you rent,Mickey. I am rather large,so I am wary of renting a jet ski.

**mickey** · 03-10-2003

Quote:

Originally posted by mickaholic4077
What kind of boats can you rent,Mickey. I am rather large,so I am wary of renting a jet ski.

We rented a full size boat that fit seven or eight of us. They provided life jackets and some quick instructions. They also have small, one person boats, which are the mice, and they are small.

mickaholic4077 · 03-10-2003

Okay,Mickey. Thanks.

03-09-2003	#1 (permalink)
Brian Mouseketeer Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 33	Ideas needed for non-park days!! My wife, 19 month old daughter and I will be at Wilderness Lodge for 2 days and 2 nights before the rest of our extended family joins us for our family trip at the Beach Club October 2003. We want to do a few different things besides visting the theme parks, water parks and downtown disney during these 2 days. We were looking for suggestions on some different things to do like dinner shows, resort hopping, etc. that may be fun to do. It seems as if we always get to WDW and run around with our heads cut off trying to get to as many parks, rides etc. Any thoughts on some alternative things to do these 2 days??? Brian :)

03-09-2003	#2 (permalink)
wdwjeff Big Cheese Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: West Chester, PA Posts: 778	IMHO, the number one best thing to do is get tix to see La Nouba, the Cirque du Soleil show, in Downtown Disney. I can't even describe how fantastic it is, other than to say that I've seen several Broadway shows, and this one is better. You could also walk around the Boardwalk area, or even go to Universal, SeaWorld, or DiscoveryCove. That should be enough ideas from one person. I'm sure other people have their thoughts, too. Good luck in your decisions, and have a great trip.:heart __________________ wdwjeff GF 1988 ASMu 1998 Studio City Sheraton 2000 HRH/CBR June/July 2002 Portofino Bay Sept./Oct. 2004 BWV/Royal Pacific July/August 2005 HRH/BCV August 2008 My Disney Countdown Counting down to: Universal first, then it's Magic Time We're here, We're here!!!!!!!!!

03-09-2003	#3 (permalink)
BDavis932 A dream is a wish.... Join Date: May 2002 Location: Central Texas Posts: 3,609	There is a museum with a Titantic exhibit in Orlando. The website for that is www.titanicshipofdreams.com. Also, just a short drive away is Kennedy Space Center. Or an hour and 1/2 away is Daytona Beach. You could spend the day on the beach!! There is also the Holyland Experience in Orlando. If it was me, I would spend a day at the beach and a day at Fort Wilderness! __________________ DVC/BUDGET TIPS MODERATOR ºoº DVC MEMBER at OKW since 2000 ºoº Love my Mom "Trailblazer" & My Dear Sister "A Goofy Family" 77 DL85 (offsite)94 AS Sports97 ASMusic99 AS Movies00 ASMovies02 OKW03 WLV 04 OKW05 SSR05 ASM06 AKL/OKW/CSR07 DHHIR6/08 AKLV12/08 SSR3/09 AKLV Next Trips: 6/2011 AKLV, 12/2011 BLT, 3/2012 AKLV Buzzers I've met: Gingita, DisneyTeacher, RCharmicheal My Disney Countdown Counting down to:* Quick trip the the Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine, TX 24 days 7 hours 42 minutes

03-09-2003	#4 (permalink)
mattomouseman Grumpmeister Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Westchester Co. NY Posts: 1,746	HMM I've only done Disney stuff. However Seaworld sounds like a great idea. In August we are going to spend two days at Universal before heading to WDW!:) __________________ Disneyland1972 WDW1975 Disneyland1987 2000~CBR,2001~Wilderness Lodge 2002~Coronado Springs,2003 Poly, 2004 Disneyland Grand Californian NEVER FORGET, NEVER SURRENDER-GOD BLESS THE U.S.A. Last edited by mattomouseman; 03-10-2003 at 09:15 AM.

03-09-2003	#5 (permalink)
Connears Mouseketeer Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Natick MA Posts: 78	The campfire and movie at Fort Wilderness is great. Chip and Dale are there and you can make smores and watch a disney movie outdoors. Go early and take the hayride and visit the petting zoo. all perfect for a 19 month old. You could also go minigolfing and do a character meal at one of the resorts 1900PF or Contmemp breakfasts are great. Connears __________________ Connears DVC member (1994)

		MouseBuzz.com > Walt Disney World > WDW Budget Tips
Ideas needed for non-park days!!

03-09-2003	#6 (permalink)
Brian Mouseketeer Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 33	Connears: Is the campfire on cetain nights or do they have it everynight? Do you know what time they typically start the campfire at? Thanks for the great ideas!!! Brian :)

03-09-2003	#7 (permalink)
BDavis932 A dream is a wish.... Join Date: May 2002 Location: Central Texas Posts: 3,609	Hey Brian, I pulled my Birnbaums book out and here is the info you're asking about: It doesn't say what time the campfire is, but it is nightly and it's free. Chip and Dale are there and they play a Disney movie every night. Weather permitting. Maybe Connears or PhantomBantom could help us out on the time. I want to check this one out on our first night, too. The petting zoo is right next to Pioneer Hall. Pony rides are $2.00 and are from 10 am to 5 pm. Also, you can see the horses in the Tri-Circle D Ranch. That is always fun. You can do a hayride at 7:00 pm or 9:30. Purchase the tickets from the hayride host. $6/adult, your little one would be free. Be sure to eat lunch or dinner at Trails End Buffet, it's awesome!! Also, take a 1 mile stroll or rent a golf cart up to the Wilderness Lodge and go on a guided tour of the lodge (free as well). You could also watch the electrical water parade from the beach at Ft. Wilderness. I think spending a morning at the pool, and after nap time the rest of the day at Fort Wilderness sounds like so much fun! Be on the lookout for peacocks. They are all over Ft. Wilderness! __________________ DVC/BUDGET TIPS MODERATOR ºoº DVC MEMBER at OKW since 2000 ºoº Love my Mom "Trailblazer" & My Dear Sister "A Goofy Family" 77 DL85 (offsite)94 AS Sports97 ASMusic99 AS Movies00 ASMovies02 OKW03 WLV 04 OKW05 SSR05 ASM06 AKL/OKW/CSR07 DHHIR6/08 AKLV12/08 SSR3/09 AKLV Next Trips: 6/2011 AKLV, 12/2011 BLT, 3/2012 AKLV Buzzers I've met: Gingita, DisneyTeacher, RCharmicheal My Disney Countdown Counting down to:* Quick trip the the Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine, TX 24 days 7 hours 42 minutes

03-09-2003	#8 (permalink)
trishb Mouse Meister Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Delaware Posts: 1,350	Congratulations, Brian! Sounds like you are going to have a wonderful trip! You are so smart to build in a few extra days, just for you and your family! The Wilderness Lodge is a great hotel..and you will have no problem filling up a few days with non-park activities! Bdavis and Connears are right...you will LOVE Ft. Wilderness! There is so much to do there. The campfire program is so much fun and your daughter will love the petting zoo. See the World! Why not ride the boat over to the MK and hop on the monorail? Since your free days are at the beginning of your vacation...you will probably want to see the magic. Hop on the monorail and ride over to Epcot, then ride back. Oh..send your wife to the Spa. Give her a little treat and spend some time with your little girl. We did this and it was wonderful..my husband and son had a great time without me. It was so nice to get a little peace and quiet and pampering! Have fun! __________________ Trish

03-10-2003	#10 (permalink)
CaribBeachNut Big Cheese Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Connecticut Posts: 910	Non Park Days There are so many things to do on non park days (we call them "down days"). Down days are the most enjoyable for my family. Here are some of my suggestions: If you have access to a car, you can go out to International Drive, or out to Kissimmee. There are shows, gift shops, attractions, miniature golf, other water parks, sports shoe outlet stores, etc. If you don't have access to a car, then why not use WDW transportation to tour the other resort hotels? Don't forget the WW of Sports, and you don't need to use a park ticket to gain admission to their restaurant and gift shop. How about the Space Center (Space Port USA) and the Astronaut Hall of Fame, Gatorland, and a Tiffany Glass museum (two I plan on seeing my next trip). Of course, you may wish to sun yourself at the pool and read that novel you've been meaning to get to (my wife's favorite non park passtime), while sipping a winecooler. We also found ourselves playing Rummy500 with the kids in the hotel room, just enjoying each others company, during times of heavy rain. Or just turn on the TV and watch the WDW Infomercials. They can help you plan your trip.

03-10-2003	#11 (permalink)
BuzzLightyear MB Cast Member ® Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Space Mountain Posts: 3,917	What a bunch of great ideas! We are finally going to take a day and do some resort hopping. I figured we'd ride around in the monorail , get out and finally get a chance to walk around the Contem, Poly and GF for the first time ever. __________________ 86,92,96 Offsite * 2002 AKL * 2003 BCV * 2004 Contemporary * 2005 WL * 2006 BWV* 2008 CSR * My Disney Countdown Counting down to: 106 days 9 hours 42 minutes

03-10-2003	#13 (permalink)
mickaholic4077 Currently in Timeout! Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: 90 miles from The Mick!!!!! Posts: 6,181	What kind of boats can you rent,Mickey. I am rather large,so I am wary of renting a jet ski.

03-10-2003	#15 (permalink)
mickaholic4077 Currently in Timeout! Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: 90 miles from The Mick!!!!! Posts: 6,181	Okay,Mickey. Thanks.

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