A Different Side of Disney

[thesmiths]

My husband and I have gone to disney almost every year since we met. We love it! We feel like we've done most of what is offered - but with the help of these boards I've learned of so many more things to do... We have a 8 day trip planned for September 10, staying at the Boarkwalk Inn and we're looking for some different activities to do... We don't have children (yet) so we're pretty flexible. Some amazing ideas (all from here) I've gotten so far are -

? The Specialty Cruise to see Illuminations one night (I start calling in 2 weeks - wish me luck)
? Maybe rent wave runners
? Getting tickets to Cirque de Soleil
? Dinner at the California Grill during the fireworks
? I've heard about the campfire - I bet I would love it, but is more for children? (We're kids at heart so we might fit in anyway

Any other suggestions?
THANK YOU FOR ALL THE IDEAS SO FAR!
The Smiths

 

[ftwildernessguy]

Personally, I like the campfire program at FW and I am 46 years old. I like it better than my kids do!

 

[Joyfulsnuff]

I agree about the campfire, it is fun for all ages! It especially fun to sit out under the stars and watch a movie!

 

[InstImpres]

I keep a "next time" list that I add to on the plane ride home and from posts on the board inbetween trips. Some of the things azre great with my DD and some I will be doing on my first solo trip. Hope this is what you are looking for:

-The Contemporary's 15th floor observation deck at night, especially during the fireworks
- High Tea at the GF
- Watching the fireworks or EWP from one of the swings on the GF beach
- Lady bug release
-VWL Story tellers
- Poly torch lighting
- Having your morning cup of coffee in front of the fireplace on the 3rd floor landing above the main door at WL
- FW Marshmellow roast
- The garden of Japan
- Backstage tours
-Beach/Yacht Club -- I believe they have a "garden" tour each day, possibly in mid-afternoon. It's a walking tour of the grounds around the resorts.
-Take the tour of the Wilderness Lodge, offered once in the morning, and once in the afternoon. The guide will point out many interesting things about the construction of the lodge and its exterior. Be sure to say
- The Flag Ceremony is held at 5:00 pm in the Town Square at the Magic Kingdom

Enjoy
Sandy

 

[Muffy]

Great suggestions! Thanks!

 

[heart4dis]

One thing I never got to do that I am planning to do this time is explore Tom Sawyer Island! I can't wait!

 

[4407mark]

1) Dinner at Victoria and Alberts - Pricey but well worth it. Especially with the wine pairings...

2) Definitely recommend the Breathless Illuminations cruise - very romantic and great seats for the show!

3) Spa at GF or at the Disney Institute - wonderful!

Enjoy!!!

 

[Luv2Roam]

I just want to give a little word of warning on the fireworks viewing while having dinner at CA Grille.
Once you are seated, make sure that's really what you have.
My experience:
When I booked the PS Waaaay in advance, I mentioned I wanted fireworks viewing time. We had it worked out good, timewise.
When we arrived at CA Grille, I had to mention at least four times (to different people) we were there for fireworks viewing.
We had to wait. No problem.
After waiting, we were seated.
I asked the server which direction the fireworks should be viewed. Nor from our seat, was basically the reply.
Afetr all these specific instructions, requests and waiting, we still were not going to get viewing seats. I said (truthfully) we might as well leave, as that was the only reason we were there.
Then we got seats, but our party was split up.
Just make sure you are getting what you are expecting is all I advise on that.

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

? I've heard about the campfire - I bet I would love it, but is more for children? (We're kids at heart so we might fit in anyway

Oh yes, you would love it.
And no, I don't think it's just for children. I plan on taking my kids on our next family trip but I went to that TWICE when I was on my solo trip. The first time I didn't stay for the movie because it was a freakishly cold night and I just couldn't take it anymore without gloves/etc. So I went again and even sat through the entire Tigger movie. Yes, I'm a kid at heart also.

 

[thesmiths]

Thank you all so much! These suggestions are great... I'm definetly going to the campfire. What's the lady bug release? That sounds interesting.

Thanks for the tip about the California Grille. Fireworks would be the reason we go there too...

I like everyones suggestions throughout this board - if you go without high expectations it makes everything that much better!

We can't wait to get there and try out all the great suggestions.

I don't leave for 3 months but I still can't stop smiling!

 

[rwebbirish]

Another vote for Victoria and Albert's. My DH and I went for the first time this year and plan to make it an annual event. The wait staff is phenomenal!

California Grille for fireworks is great, too.

Next trip we plan to do a fireworks cruise. It seems that as soon as we leave, I am thinking about what to do next time.

 

[MELSMICE]

Go to Beaches & Cream & get the Kitchen Sink!!!

 

[TJ Munk]

Ladybugs are released at EPCOT.

Also, a fun thing to do at EPCOT is a behind the Scenes tour of the Land. One of the scientists working there takes you backstage and tells you even more about the way they grow crops. It's and $8 tour (I think) and tickets can be bought at the merchandise location on the ground floor.

You can also ride horses at Ft. Wilderness.

IF you've never gone golfing at Fantasia Mini Golf that's a must do. Do this at night when it's cooler though.

Go to the Adventure's Club and the Comedy Warehouse at PI.

Spend some time touring resorts (inside and out) that you've never seen. They're really beautiful and Disney transportation can take you everywhere.

TJ Munk

 

[TRAPPED-PARENT]

Bob Jackson's show at the River Roost Lounge, POR !!!

 

[thesmiths]

We got the Illuminations cruise for 9/10! It's an anniversary present for my DH. He'll love it.

Any other great ideas?