A day outside of the Parks?

[linzjriley]

Hey, going to be at WDW from sept 25- oct 6. Staying at Pop! The rest of my group doesn't arrive until the 29th. I will have 3 full days to myself before they show up. I've already booked keys to the kingdom for one of the days, but I'm thinking I'd like to spend a day exploring the world outside of the parks and DTD. Going to some of the other resorts etc.. I know some resorts have tours and activities(ie drawing class at AoA and animal watching with night vision goggles at AKL and horseback riding/wagon rides at Fort Wilderness). Anyone know of any others?

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Segway tours over at Fort Wilderness. I did this tour and LOVED it.

You could rent a bike at VWL and bike over to Fort Wilderness. There is a very nice paved path between the two resorts. You can ride around and see how the other campers decorated there camp spots. Visit the horses that they use in the parade.


Rent a sea racers and boat around on Bay Lake

If you are over at AKL at 3:45 p.m go to Boma's they give a free tour of the restaruant. Explain the different foods they offer and also let you sample a few select foods. then they will take you Jirko and you will do the same thing. and its all FREE!!!!

 

[linzjriley]

Segway tours over at Fort Wilderness. I did this tour and LOVED it.

You could rent a bike at VWL and bike over to Fort Wilderness. There is a very nice paved path between the two resorts. You can ride around and see how the other campers decorated there camp spots. Visit the horses that they use in the parade.

Rent a sea racers and boat around on Bay Lake

If you are over at AKL at 3:45 p.m go to Boma's they give a free tour of the restaruant. Explain the different foods they offer and also let you sample a few select foods. then they will take you Jirko and you will do the same thing. and its all FREE!!!!

Thanks, I really like the idea of the restaurant tours at AKL! Do you need to preregister or just show up to the restaurant at that time?

 

[disneylovin24]

I personally just love the idea of going to different resorts and walking around them

Also just walking around DTD is nice.

 

[GadgetTheInventor]

The night vision goggles at the AKL were so much fun to use. I've never seen a sleeping giraffe before (and won't tell you either to spoil your fun!) You can also buy some delicious Boma cakes at the QS.

I personally love walking around Hourglass lake at night at the POP/AoA resort. The feel of AoA is very different from day to night so check it out at both times if it fits your schedule.

There is a website that lists all the survey markers at WDW and you can select a few to find in the areas you will be exploring.

There is a path from the WL to the campground that is open during daylight hours where you could probably catch a glimpse of the local flora and fauna.

Disney transportation can be interesting. The boat captain from MK to WL was full of interesting factoids.

You can sit in a hammock on the Poly beach and watch the parade and fireworks at night from there since they pipe in the music.

There is a geyser that erupts "faithfully" at the WL by the boat dock.

You can buy a cupcake at the Contemporary's QS and watch the monorails pass by.

The POP has movies outside the QS every night. The staff should know the schedule.

 

[fisherjenn]

It's a must for myself and my brothers. We spend a couple of hours at Winter Summerland, then relax back at the room, then have dinner at the resort or at one of the parks.

 

[luvdisney87]

On our stays, we have gone to Sea World and to Cocoa Beach. I would recommend a day either at the Atlantic Ocean or Gulf of Mexico. It is super easy to rent a car for the day. They have a site near Magic Kinigdom and pick you up and drop you off as part of the service. I come from a small Midwestern area and the drive was really easy also.

 

[linzjriley]

Bump

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Thanks, I really like the idea of the restaurant tours at AKL! Do you need to preregister or just show up to the restaurant at that time?

Just show up at the desk at Boma's at 3:45 p.m daily.

 

[nj2ftl]

Are the night vision goggles for AKL only for resort guests? Or can people come and pay and still be able to view?

 

[linzjriley]

Are the night vision goggles for AKL only for resort guests? Or can people come and pay and still be able to view?

From what I've read you don't have to be a guest and there is no cost!

 

[nj2ftl]

Can someone confirm? From what I've read it is only for resort guests.

 

[Jennybump]

I cannot confirm as in I've done it, but I was researching the same thing two weeks ago and found every indication that it's open to the public. I did also read that you should call the day of for exact times, as they wiggle a bit. ;-) Best of luck, here's hoping we both get the opportunity!

 

[TwoAtDisney]

Splurge on yourself & rent a car.

If you like to walk & enjoy looking at beautiful homes, we spend part of a day in the town of Celebration. There are great nature trails & then lots of sidewalks with parks & benches along the way. For a while, we sit in the rockers by the lake & talk with others doing the same.....& search for the alligator in the lake! Eat lunch. Get dessert at the ice cream shop or the bakery.

Quaint little walking town by a lake with quaint shops, close to Orlando, but I can't remember the name - maybe Lake Mary?

Cape Canaveral & beaches are only about 1 hour away; St Augustine about 2 hours. We often drive to these spots & eat a seafood lunch somewhere.

Busch Gardens (we love BG) & the Gulf are only about 1 hour away.

South of Tampa is a manatee viewing spot - forget the name of it.

The great little Greek town of Tarpon Springs is about 1 hr, 40 min away.

Enjoy your alone days.

 

[mmdisneylover]

Hey, going to be at WDW from sept 25- oct 6. Staying at Pop! The rest of my group doesn't arrive until the 29th. I will have 3 full days to myself before they show up. I've already booked keys to the kingdom for one of the days, but I'm thinking I'd like to spend a day exploring the world outside of the parks and DTD. Going to some of the other resorts etc.. I know some resorts have tours and activities(ie drawing class at AoA and animal watching with night vision goggles at AKL and horseback riding/wagon rides at Fort Wilderness). Anyone know of any others?

You could also drive to dvc property at Vero beach. If your a member you can use the resort but if your not I guess you will have to call to ask. It's a great resort if you love the beach.

 

[lovetogowdw]

Be like a kid again and hit the Ft. Wilderness Chip and Dale campfire sing along, make s'mores then stay for the movie. You don't have to be a Ft. Wilderness guest -- just a Disney resort guest (any WDW resort). If you time it just right, you can leave and watch the MK fireworks as you ride the boat to MK/TTC and then bonus prize - catch the Electrical Water Pageant.

 

[the who #3]

one of the most magical things we have done that can also be done alone is the wild animal trek. it is very expensive but well worth every penny. you do have to reserve and pay for it ahead. but when you get there for the excitement it is already paid for.

this is my #1 recommendation.

 

[AntFarm]

Downtown Disney, the Boardwalk at night, and Disney's mini golf places are all fun