Would like some off the beaten path ideas for my first trip.

[digdoug]

My first ever trip to Disney World is May 19th. Paid the balance to the travel agent last friday. Tomorrow I get to 'pre check-in'.

It's just my wife and me going. She's been, but not in nearly 20 years. We're 40(ish) and in the enviable position to blow a crapton of money on this trip. It's our first "more than a holiday weekend" vacation in 4 years.

I am a lifetime Muppets fanboy, a Pixar fanboy since Toy Story (Monsters Inc. is my all time favorite, though as an adult I'd lean more toward Up). She still has her old VHS tapes of Disney movies. Even though I refuse to hook up a VCR. In discussing we've both found several holes in our Disney movie backgrounds. Over the next few weeks I have to watch Mulan and Sleeping Beauty. She's gotta watch Dumbo, and we both watched Lilo and Stich over the weekend.

We are doing the Deluxe Dining plan, and have Reservations for lunch and dinner each night of our stay (Le Cellier, Luau, Narcoossee's, Sanaa, 50s Prime Time, and more!). We are staying at the Polynesian, and actually not going to try and kill ourselves to "see everything." It'd be impossible in 5 days, but would also make the vacation a lot less fun.

What are some of your recommendations for couples looking to relax on their disney vacation?

Any off the beaten path things you'd recommend to a 40 year old nerd on his first trip to Disney?

I've been reading a lot the last few weeks. Some threads here on disboards, a lot of easywdw and disneyfoodblog.com, but a personal touch can't hurt!

 

[eeyoresmom]

Hop on the resort monorail and get off at the CR and GF and have a drink, snack or just check out their beaches and grounds. Take a resort boat just for the ride. Head over to WL and FW for a totally different experience from The Poly. Head over to the Boardwalk and stroll around. Maybe spend a few hours at Jellyrolls or rent a surry bike (harder than it looks). Bus to AKL, it is spectacular there. All the deluxe resorts are mini attractions in and of themselves. If this is your first trip, the parks will keep you plenty busy. You only have 5 days so I would say at least do the monorail tour of the MK resorts and a boat ride to WL/FW. Those are both really easy to accomplish from the Poly. 5 days is not a lot though. Personally I wouldn't plan anything outside of the parks, especially since you will spending sooooo much time dining. Have a wonderful trip Edited to add. I see you have some reservations already at some deluxe resorts. I would just plan an extra 45 minutes or so at GF, AKL to see the resorts themselves. Really with the deluxe dining plan you are going to be spending much of your day eating. There won't be a lot of wiggle room.

 

[digdoug]

Thanks! That's the kind of thing I'm looking for. We are serious about not even attempting to take it all in, I know there's a hundred times more to do tha.pn we have time or, so I just want a few things that will really stick out, and be a little different.

 

[spiceycat]

restaurants would add - Artist Pointe (WL), Kona Cafe or O'hana (Polyn)

what you plan for doing the parks -

would only try for a few things in each park - or only do 3 parks not 4.

basic on what you say
would do Monster,inc & buzz lightyear at tomorrowland in MK
beauty & beast, toy story, muppet vision at Studios

epcot - happen to love Soarin' Mission Space

do you like action rides - RR?

want some romantic how about a night walk along the beach from Polyn to GF.

watch the torch lighting at polyn

 

[iloveokw]

Jellyrolls was a blast last week.

 

[com_op_2000]

It depends on what you are into:
sports: golf, fishing, RPDE, marathon, bowling, ESPN Club, WWS/ESPN Zone, etc
shopping: DTD, area outlet malls, large scale malls
drinking: Jellyrolls, Raglan Road, monorail tour of resorts, walking tour of resorts in the Boardwalk area
night clubbing: Jellyrolls, Atlantic Dance, Raglan Road, Citywalk
movies: DTD 24 screen AMC theater some with dine-in options
resort tours: monorail tour of resorts, Boardwalk around the lake tour of resorts, AKL/AKV
offsite: Gaylord Palms Resort, Citywalk, swamp tour

 

[Bete]

Just a few thoughts:

If you are having dinner at Narcossee's at the right time try to catch the fireworks at MK. Stay at the restaurant to see it. You can also go to the pier there and watch it from that location.

Consider taking a behind the scenes Disney tour. There are so many to pick from you will find one you like.

For some $$$ you could do a private fireworks cruise for MK or Epcot.

Consider getting a reservation for a meal at Cinderella's castle.

Try to enjoy some of the street live entertainment offered at all the parks. Epcot is a little easier for finding this; there's a schedule of the shows there.

Take a little time to see and view the landscapes and flowers.

Try and find some hidden mickeys.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

For the nerd/geek in you, go to the Team Disney Building. You will need a car as it is across Buena Vista Drive from Planet Hollywood (or you can walk from the bus area). It is an office building, so it is only open during "normal business hours". You can go into the world's largest operating sundial. Just make sure that you go on a sunny day.

 

[snowprince13]

I've been to that building. It is a beautiful place and the sundial is amazing!

 

[ctnurse]

For the nerd/geek in you, go to the Team Disney Building. You will need a car as it is across Buena Vista Drive from Planet Hollywood (or you can walk from the bus area). It is an office building, so it is only open during "normal business hours". You can go into the world's largest operating sundial. Just make sure that you go on a sunny day.

I never knew about this, I love when I find out somewhere new to go. We might have to check this out in May, there should be plenty of sun.

 

[kayemgi]

If you're planning to take it easy, pick up the latest Hidden Mickeys book. My husband and I love finding them around the parks. And I think it really adds a special layer to your experience to know how much work the Imagineers put into the little details like that!

 

[RVMH]

All great suggestions. Take a carriage ride at Fort Wilderness. Sit on the beach at the Poly with a glass of wine and watch the MK fireworks. Rent a little boat and zip around the lakes. Keep a copy of all of these suggestions for the next trip - and don't wait 10 years . Have a magical stay

 

[disneylove69]

I like to see what movies are playing at the different resorts at night. I really like the seeing movies at the Beach Club or GF as they show it on the beach. It's also free

 

[Joben]

All great suggestions. Take a carriage ride at Fort Wilderness. Sit on the beach at the Poly with a glass of wine and watch the MK fireworks. Rent a little boat and zip around the lakes. Keep a copy of all of these suggestions for the next trip - and don't wait 10 years . Have a magical stay

Those boats are fun...when you are a kid or kid sized. My DW and I did this once to relive some of my youth. five minutes in we saw the max weight sticker of 300 lbs and laughed. there is no zip left in the boat with two adults