4yo birthday doing resort activities

[gouldmanj1]

Hi Everyone - My son (who turns 4 on November 12) and I will be flying down to Orlando from Massachusetts late on November 11th. Late on the 12th we will be meeting up with my friend and her son that will be coming in from Michigan.
I was thinking of "saving" our days in the park until my friend and her son get there with us. (As with most people - money is a concern, but I still want to give my son a GREAT birthday)

Can you give me some great "non-park" ideas that I can do with my son for his 4th birthday?
I was already thinking about:
a character meal at Chef Mickey's
I heard about a campfire at Camp Wilderness (but not sure about the timing of this and if it would be better to watch fireworks instead)
renting a paddle boat somewhere
anything else you could suggest.......

Thanks!

Julie

PS - he is a GREAT pirate fan at the moment
(I have checked out the Disney's Pirate Adventure as an option, but they are sold out the days that we are visiting)

 

[cleo]

Hi gouldmanj1. At that age my son was as happy in the water parks or resort pool as he was in the theme parks. There are also 3 mini-golf locations on site, and a trip to Downtown Disney (think: Legoland) with lunch at Ghirardelli's (think: ice cream!) could be a fun treat.

Would he enjoy an afternoon at Fort Wilderness before the campfire program? There are pony rides, a petting farm, etc. You might also check the Pirate Cruise closer to your dates and even after you arrive. You might be able to get in on a cancellation.

 

[ErinInCT]

Are you staying on site? My dd4 loved going to the pool (I swear she could have stayed at the pool the whole time!). Our resort (WL) had activities during the day for the kids (we had an "misbehavior incident" at MGM & had to leave) so we took her to arts & crafts at the resort to kill time & she loved it, they made crowns!). We went to FW for dinner (Trail's End) & dd ended up playing hide and seek on the playground with about 7 other kids!! There are tons of things to do at FW.
Chef Mickey's is the best - we loved it & will make it a tradition. Oh, when you are there (Contemporary), make sure you ride the monorail & ask the CM to ride up front with the pilot. Your son will get a co-pilot's license & it is super fun. Not many people know about htis & we rode up front many times while we were there.
Have a great time. Wish I could join you too!!!!