1 Resort Day

[LemonNeko]

We will have one full Disney Day prior to leaving on a cruise. We will be staying two nights at a moderate resort (not sure which one yet). We decided not to go to one of the parks but spend the day doing other stuff. It will be myself (39, turning 40 the day we leave for the cruise), my son (3) and my mom. Any recommendations for non-park activities? I was looking at either a carriage ride or wagon ride, using the resort pools and going to downtown Disney. My son likes bowling so we might try the bowling alley.

Thanks

 

[hsmamato2]

the new bowling alley and restaurant looks awesome...with a 3 year old, pool time, DTD and the Lego store is a full day! I love DTD wandering and shopping, the boat rides between various hotels, even a monorail ride just for fun! How about checking out the playgrounds at some different resorts? Some have cute play areas for kids with swings,sand,etc.

 

[dprincessmom]

If you are thinking about spending time at DTD on your down day, I highly recommend POR or POFQ for the moderate. I think POFQ pool would be more likeable for your 3 year old and the boat ride to and from DTD are a separate little attraction of their own. The carriage ride would also be at your resort.

You don't say when you are traveling, but the pool (while heated) if far from warm in October and December, so keep that in mind. You could also rent the surrey bikes and go exploring.

Is he in to Dinosaurs? Friends just got back with their 18 month and 3 year old boys and they loved T-Rex for dinner.

 

[VbChristy]

T Rex has really good food too- so it's fun for adults as well!

 

[brittamouse]

We did a similar trip (short disney stay + cruise) when my daughter was 3 so here are my suggestions.

Not sure if it is still there with all the changes in DTD, but when we visited in May 2014 there were two little rides (a train and a carousel) for small kids. I don't recall the exact cost but I think it was only a few dollars otherwise we wouldn't have done it. My daughter (3 at the time) loved them and it was a good break from shopping at toy store after toy store which can be tough at that age

Also I agree the PP about staying at POFQ. That was where we stayed during this same trip with my daughter and they have a a fun pool and playground. They also have free Mardi Gras beads, balloons, and "coins" for the wishing well in the lobby. My daughter must have thrown dozens of coins in that wishing well - she LOVED it and it was probably her favourite part of the whole trip. (Warning: you cannot take balloons on the bus to the cruise ship - this caused some serious tears for my daughter.)

We have stayed at several other resorts (including deluxe) and in my experience we definitely felt the "magic" the strongest at POFQ.

Not sure how much planning you have been doing for your cruise, but it's fun to bring some accessories for pirate night and participate in a "fish extender".

 

[Taylor'sMom]

One of the Port Orleans resorts really is ideal for this trip due to the boat transportation to DTD. Honestly, I don't think u need to plan an extra activity like bowling. If it were me, I would enjoy a day at the resort. Swim, explore, and then go to DTD in later afternoon for shopping and dinner.

 

[EPCOTgrl1]

You can always go to the hotels on the monorail. That way you can ride the monorail to each one and go exploring there. After your last hotel you can get on a bus to DTD.

 

[hammie59]

POR or POFQ are the first resorts to pop in my head. We stayed at POR in Aligator Bayou section and loved it. The boat to DTD is the main reason we chose it and were so glad we did. Very convenient and a nice relaxing ride. TREX is my family's favorite place to eat there.