[KarenWDWCP]

Ok, I need some help.

I am planning a trip for 5 people in November. It is myself and four friends from high school (We are all 2 years out of college now) Two of the girls recently got engaged so this is our girls last hurrah before they get married. Anyway we were looking for something special to do on one of the days, more than just the regular park stuff. We were planning on having a nice dinner somewhere (maybe California Grill or Citricos) which we are still doing.

We thought about hitting a Disney Spa on that same day but the prices are just really high. Then we thought about catching La Nouba after dinner, but again the prices are a little steep. Can anyone think of anything we could do in the World (or even outside in the Orlando) area that would be a nice, special thing and not too expensive? The only other thing I thought of was an Illuminations cruise since we would be splitting it 5 ways so it wouldn't be too expensive but I am thinking that is probably already booked for when we are going.

Any ideas? Thanks in advance!

:nervous
Karen

[Quidam]

Have you been to the Adventurer's Club on Pleasure Island? It is a unique Disney experience and lots of fun. I bet that if you mention the recent engagements to the staff you'll get some special attention. It may be embarrassing attention, but the place is a hoot. :laugh If you get caught up in the theme and story line, you'll be there for a while.

If you need to let off some steam, the other clubs at PI are there for browsing.

I realize that La Nuoba is expensive, and not really a group experience, but it is an amazing show that you will not soon forget. I've seen it twice, as well as 4 other Cirque du Soleil shows, and it is stunning.

[Huakai]

If you are interested in dinner off site, my DD is a CPer now and loves to go to the Melting Pot. It is a little pricey, but if you haven't been to a fondue resturant before, it is well worth it and a different experience from the standard dinner out.

[TaraDoug]

Karen - I have about 7 years on you, but not too many to LOVE my girls weekends or our frequent Girl's Night Out (GNO's)! We live for them.

I agree spa prices are a bit steep and quite frankly, you can do those at home or on any vacation. I like your idea about the illuminations cruise...I would check on the availability! You never know! Plus that is something very unique!

What about something at the Disney Institute? A fun class or something? I've seen some of the cooking classes on TV and while I'm not Betty Crocker, nor do I aspire to be, they look like fun! Depending on how creative you all are...it could be interesting.

The Melting Pot suggestion is a great one too. I live in Dallas and we have one here...I went about two years out of college with two of my friends I met at school. We STILL talk about that night and how much fun we had. It was our first experience with fondue and keeping everything straight was an experience! We had a blast.

Of course, anything you do is going to be fun because you are all together and celebrating your friendship and the engagements! It's all about how fun you make it!

I'm going to keep thinking about this and get back to you. I'm jealous of you and your friends! Tara

[KarenWDWCP]

Thanks for your suggestions, so far everyone! I appreciate them! I am sure we will have a great time whatever we do. I am going to run some of what everyone has suggested by the other girls and see what they think! But if anyone thinks of anything else, keep the suggestions coming!:D

[crystalrp]

They no longer have the Disney Institute.

[preidel24]

Karen,

Your going to be there during Epcot's food and wine festival. It such a great time food and drink your way around the world and they offer special wine tastings and concerts. Here's some of the events that are planned.

I have an illumination cruise booked for Nov 13 and if we had room (we already have 9) the boat only holds 10 I'd invite you all along with us. Image that five post college girls with us old married folks with small kids. Maybe if your interested in the cruise post it maybe someone has room on their boat.


Scheduled Events Include:

Eat to the Beat! Concert series with evening performances by popular entertainers on the America Gardens stage at no additional cost. Park admission is required.

Party for the Senses, will be featuring more than 30 wines with flavorful foods Oct. 18 and 24, and Nov. 1, 8 and 15, for $85 in World Showplace.

Bordeaux Wine School, returns for a second year with a wine education program with lunch and wine school certificates presented upon completion, at Bistro de Paris in the France pavilion Oct. 30 and Nov. 2 and special purchase tickets are $125 per person.

Banfi Italian Wine School, will conduct for the first time at the festival a wine education program with lunch and wine school certificates presented upon completion. The school will be at L'Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante in the Italy pavilion Nov. 6 and 8 and special purchase tickets are $125 per person.


Paula

[Park Hopper]

Originally posted by TaraDoug
What about something at the Disney Institute? A fun class or something? I've seen some of the cooking classes on TV and while I'm not Betty Crocker, nor do I aspire to be, they look like fun! Depending on how creative you all are...it could be interesting.

Unfortunately, the Disney Institute is no longer in operation. The property is being converted into one of the Disney Vacation Club's timeshare units and will reopen as the Saratoga Springs Resort in early 2004.

Your idea for an illuminations cruise is a good one if you can get reservations. And the Food & Wine Festival suggestion is also excellent.

I know Cirque du Soleil is expensive, but it really is an unforgettable experience. Here's something you might want to consider: There are a limited number of "restricted view seats" for each performance sold only at the Cirque du Soleil box office. As I recall, the last time I went these tickets were around $50, far cheaper than the $72 and $82 Tier 1 and 2 seats. And these seats are perfectly fine and restrict your view only slightly to one corner at the very back of the stage. You'll still be able to see all of the action.

You can buy the restricted view tickets for advance performances, too, not just for that night's shows. For example, you can go to the box office on Wednesday and buy restricted view tickets for Friday's show, etc.

Cirque du Soleil is a must-see attraction in Orlando. You won't regret spending the money to go.

[KarenWDWCP]

Parkhopper, I had no idea about the restricted view tickets for Cirque de Soleil, that is a good option. I would love to see that show! I will have to mention that to the rest of my party. THanks!

Paula, I am so excited for the food and wine festival, we are hitting Epcot on the first day! I hope you have a great time on your Illuminations cruise! Thanks for the thought of offering us space if you had it - that is so nice. I am sure you will have a great time! Who knows, maybe we post college gals will spot you at Epcot on Nov 13 anyway - we will definitely be there!

Karen

[MickeyMac]

Karen - what about breakfast with Cinderella? You're never too old...

One thing I love to do with friends up here that I'm dying to do down there is go on a trail ride. Don't know if any of you are into riding or not, but we have a blast.

[gotta go back]

What is the Illuminations Cruise? I never heard of it.

[Park Hopper]

Originally posted by gotta go back
What is the Illuminations Cruise? I never heard of it.

There are two Illuminations cruises available. Both boats sit under the International Gateway bridge to view Illuminations, the fireworks show that closes Epcot every night. Read more about the cruises.