Been there, done that - help!

[cws1966]

We just booked our next trip for June. It will be our family's 12th trip. Our daughter is graduating high school and that's where she really wants to go for one "possibly last" big family vacation bef. she goes away to college. it will be myself - 44, Hubby - 48, and 2 daughters - 16 and 18.

We were looking at going to some other places and then the free dining offer arrived and she used it to convince us to go there. it wasn't too hard - ha!. We love disney and have so many special memories there.

My dilemma - I would like some ideas for some different things we can do to make this trip extra special. As much as we love being there - sometimes you feel like you've "been there, done that" and want to try something different while at the same time being at your favorite place in the world.

I would love to hear from some other families who go often about things they do that are unique. We are considering one of the behind the scenes tours such as Keys to the Kingdom. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!
Claire

 

[LunchBox]

For my brothers graduation we did the Behind the Scenes tour, that was really interesting. For my graduation we did the Richard Petty Driving Experience ride along. I've never had so much fun in my life. I hope this helps. Have fun!!

 

[Smile&Nod]

My daughter and I did Keys to the Kingdom when she was 20 and we both enjoyed it - this year once she hit 21 we went to Jellyrolls one night and had a blast - would recommend that once the kids hit 21 - and trust me, if they love Disney, they will never be too old to go on a vacation with their parents! You could also try going to tea at the Grand Floridian one afternoon.

 

[WishUponAStar]

Your situation sounds so similar to mine. Having gone in 2008, in 2010 we were a little hesitant to go again so soon. It is nice to go often enough that you don't feel as though you have to do everything. Some rides we do every time either for fun, thrills or nostalgia, some we don't feel as though we have to ride. We kind of eased around and just enjoyed being there rather than like being on a mission. Since we will be there at the same time in 2011 maybe we can meet.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

All backstage tours have a minimum age of 16, so that should not be any problem.

A unique experience, especially for people with scientific interests, involves going into the world's largest operating sundial. It helps to have a car. You would go to the Team Disney building, which is across Buena Vista Drive from Planet Hollywood. It is an office building, so it is normally open during "normal business hours". Without having a Disney ID they will ask for driver's licenses or similar ID for anyone 18 or older. But it is very interesting and accurate.

 

[Disney-Chick]

I have some idea's but they are not Disney related. I sent my DH to NASA for a wedding present back in January. He really enjoyed himself as well as the other's that attended. They have a variety of tours that you are able to take. Not sure if it's possible but you could also look at doing a Helicopter ride. Another poster mentioned the Richard Petty Driving experience, my DH, BIL, FIL loved that. They paid for both the driving and passenger experience.

Enjoy!

 

[MHSweb79]

I would consider a Segway tour. I did one by myself last December (around World Showcase) and had so much fun I'm going again in May, but this time with my DD (also in college). My DH thinks it's too expensive so he'll probably sit out.

It's about $95 but they give a small AAA discount. The tour runs about 2 hours and I think it's well worth it- the most fun thing I've done at Disney!

 

[tinkgurl]

Have you done a fireworks cruise? We did the Wishes cruise a few trips back and loved it! It was neat to see the show from a different viewpoint.

 

[missdaisy]

I second the Segway tour. My husband and I did the one in Epcot the day after Christmas. In spite of frigid (low 30's) weather, it so much fun. Seeing the world showcase without crowds was worth it.

 

[CandyHead09]

We just booked our next trip for June. It will be our family's 12th trip. Our daughter is graduating high school and that's where she really wants to go for one "possibly last" big family vacation bef. she goes away to college. it will be myself - 44, Hubby - 48, and 2 daughters - 16 and 18.

We were looking at going to some other places and then the free dining offer arrived and she used it to convince us to go there. it wasn't too hard - ha!. We love disney and have so many special memories there.

My dilemma - I would like some ideas for some different things we can do to make this trip extra special. As much as we love being there - sometimes you feel like you've "been there, done that" and want to try something different while at the same time being at your favorite place in the world.

I would love to hear from some other families who go often about things they do that are unique. We are considering one of the behind the scenes tours such as Keys to the Kingdom. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!
Claire

My mom and dad loved the behind the scenes tour! I have yet to do it though. They go more often than my siblings and I so we arent so keen on giving up so much time in the parks just yet! :]

Eat at completely different restraunts, if you have one, break your normal Disney routine! Maybe do things you dont normally do? Rides or attractions you might normally skip over.

 

[Missish]

I agree with the Segway tour - so much fun! The one around Epcot was a lot more fun than the one ... wherever it is. Wilderness Lodge perhaps? See, it clearly didn't make much of an impact on me

And Keys to the Kingdom too is a great idea. It was really informative and a lot of fun.

Also, how about going to see Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba in DTD? I've not done it (woe!), but I love Cirque shows, and it's supposed to be amazing.

 

[lionmouse]

We go twice a year, with much younger children, and I find myslef forever searching from somehting new: last October I found the archery experience at Fort Wilderness- it is very reasonably priced and done in small groups- so we actually learned something!! It was such a highlight, the whole family insisted I book it again for this spring- segway tour makes the list every few yeas as well as the dive experence at EPCOT. Have fun!

 

[MichaelH]

The Back Stage Magic tour is Awsome! My wife and I did that before we had kids. I highly recommend that since everyone is over 16. Also, we did the Segway tour at EPCOT. That is another one that I highly recommend. My wife and I really enjoyed that also.

Can't wait till my kids get old enough to go on these.

 

[T Morrows Child]

Here's one more vote for the World Showcase Segway Tour. It's really great to be able to tour the World Showcase while there are no other guests around.

We have also done the Fireworks Dessert Party in the Magic Kingdom and really like. Just make sure you don't eat less than 2 hours beforehand, there's so much to choose from. It's on Tomorrowland Terrace, and you can get details from the Dining Reservations section of Disneyworld.com. (Or call the Dining line - 407-WDW-DINE)

 

[Super Duper Excited]

Sorry....no tips...b/c we are going for the first time in June. But I saw that you mentioned something about free dining......are they offering free dining plans?

 

[LSchrow]

definately the segway tour at epcot.
go outlet shopping
do kim possible in epcot (it's fun for grown-ups too!)
watch the performers at the BW, go to ESPN and/or jellyrolls
resort hop, talk to the cms at each
hunt down the street shows in DHS, and stay for the entire show
lay by the resort pool


we go 2-3x a year, and have found that there is much to be said for relaxing at WDW

 

[Spanky]

I am looking forward to having lunch with an imagineer this summer at DHS - Brown Derby. Would this appeal to you?

 

[Reign]

My wife-to-be and I decided to do a few extra things on our upcoming honeymoon trip in August. We are going to do the Keys to the Kingdom Tour at MK. And we also plan to take a day trip out to the Kennedy Space Centre. We are both looking forward to these extras.

 

[cws1966]

Thanks so much to all of you. sorry I didn't reply sooner. Having a senior has kept me very busy and I haven't been on the boards much since I posted.
I plan to check on all of your great suggestions for tours, etc. and see what the family wants to do or we may surprise the girls with a couple things.

 

[cws1966]

Hey,
I don't know how you get the free dining. I believe it's either a promotional type thing different times a year or you may randomly receive the offer in the mail. Hope you guys have a wonderful time!