Beyond the usual, what 'extras' are worth it?

[mom25kiddos]

We are planning a big, splashy extended family trip, celebrating a family member we lost this summer much too soon (my brother). We have booked the pirates and pals cruise, a few character meals (hard to get them by the time we decided), candlelight processionals and are now looking for some 'off the beaten track' ideas for extras. We have looked at having family photos done, the sleigh ride, but would love to hear other ideas for things to do to make the trip special. We are staying at GF, six adults, six kids. What would you recommend and what do you think is not worth the $$.

 

[Alesia]

La Nouba is fantastic!

 

[IceSkatingPrincess]

My favorite all time splurge was a private Wishes cruise. So worth it. SO worth it. Signature dining is also very worth it! I'd look into family photos, Randy Chapman does awesome work at the resorts and is very reasonable (have them done at the GF!), and maybe some behind the scenes tours or spa time for the grown ups while the kids enjoy a kids club. I really enjoyed UnDiscovered Future World and Keys to the Kingdom (Dolphins in Depth looks amazing as well!). Also, you can get custom cakes made and delivered to reservations (or your private wishes cruise), so that could be fun.

 

[ParrottFamily]

Fort Wilderness offers hayrides as well as horseback riding, both are fun. And i also agree with a fireworks cruise (we've done wishes and illuminations) both worth it.

 

[wilkeliza]

If you can really splurge then get a private guide at least for one day. The guides are usually phenomenal and will help make the trip stress free.

If you can't go the private route there are a few group ones that are cheaper and have a ton of rides packed into one day.

 

[JZCubed]

1.) La Nouba - an amazing show, fun for children of all ages.
2.) Watercraft rentals - we rented a boat that allowed us to motor about Bay Lake and all the way over to the front of the Magic Kingdom.

3.) We went on a 'private' Fireworks cruise to Epcot, but did not find that enjoyable. However, we've seen Captain Hook inside the Contemporary after a Pirtaes Cruise - that looks to be more fun.

For a full list:
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/

 

[Julylady]

Bowling at Splitsville? Fireworks Dessert party? I second the La Nouba suggestion. If you have a car, you might consider going off site to a hibachi restaurant. We did that one year with a larger group and it was a blast! Horseback riding at Fort Wilderness?

 

[Vernie822]

I have never been, but I think one of the dessert parties would be something fun for the whole family to do together.

 

[sukhakuli]

I'm always a broken record about the minigolf, but with kids, it's really fun! And short.

Since you have 6 kids, check out the pirate adventure cruises. My kids have done the one at the Grand Floridian and at the Yacht Club (albatross treasure cruise) and they're super fun.

What about surfing lessons? My kids already surf (we're in So Cal. Duh) but for people who don't have the chance to surf because of their geographic location I think that could be a really amazing experience.

There's also a safari experience at Animal Kingdom. Someone probably knows more about it than I do.

We did Pirates and Pals for the first time this time, and I think you will enjoy it. The dessert buffet was actually super annoying, I wish they would just dump that part, but the actual cruise was a blast! The guy who was in charge of our boat was fabulous. I loved the puns, songs, jokes, and so on. The view of the fireworks was great (we saw Hallowishes) and afterwards meeting Peter Pan was fun. I'm not a fan of character greetings (I just don't get meeting some 20 year old pretending to be someone who doesn't actually exist, but that's just me) but the guy who was Peter Pan was really funny. He told my 12 year old daughter that girls talk to much. Very apropos.

 

[SA mom]

Dine with an Imagineer: Amazing experience.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/hollywood-studios/dine-with-an-imagineer/

 

[vicb]

I agree with La Nouba! We also loved our Epcot Segway tour which sadly is no more. Many years ago our kids absolutely loved their pirates cruise from the Grand Floridian. On our last trip our "extra" was dinner for all four of us (my "kids" are young adults now) at Cali Grill and fireworks from the balcony.

 

[DisneyHardin]

My advice is don't book so many extra things that you don't spend enough time just exploring the parks.

 

[Pakey]

I've done tons of extras: fireworks cruises, parasailing, La Nouba, tours, spa treatments, private dining, cabana rentals, boat rentals, etc. By far the best extra ever was the scavenger hunt we did through the MK arranged through the company, Gifts of a Lifetime. We had a blast.

 

[mom25kiddos]

I've done tons of extras: fireworks cruises, parasailing, La Nouba, tours, spa treatments, private dining, cabana rentals, boat rentals, etc. By far the best extra ever was the scavenger hunt we did through the MK arranged through the company, Gifts of a Lifetime. We had a blast.

can you tell me who arranged the scavenger hunt? that sounds cool!

 

[mom25kiddos]

thanks for all of the great suggestions thus far.

 

[ParrotBill]

The behind the scenes tours are fantastic and would be a great family event unless the kids are too young. Renting a boat on seven seas lagoon, bay lake or from disney springs is great fun if you can get 12 on a pontoon boat - can't remember for sure. In addition to character meals, there are some great family dining venues such as Whispering Canyon and Rainforest Cafe... and both Backyard BBQ and Hoop De Doo at Fort Wilderness. I'm partial to the Luau if they still do it.

Have a great time!

 

[Donnainnj]

Family magic tour.

 

[Minniekins]

Keys to the Kingdom Tour is awesome! We're doing the Marceline to Magic Tour on our Dec trip, and also doing Dining with an Imagineer, so hopefully there will be a good Imagineer!

 

[Pakey]

can you tell me who arranged the scavenger hunt? that sounds cool!

The company, Gifts of a Lifetime. They have a website. I had found out about them from the allears website. GoaL can do a lot of different things; I just chose the scavenger hunt as I made it a surprise event for most of the group. It was prearranged that we had to be at Cinderella's Wishing Well at a specific time and a "message" was left there for my future daughter in law and that was the start of the scavenger hunt. We had to find clues spread all over MK that eventually lead to a treasure chest that had a gift for my daughter in law along with a note welcoming her to our family. Jane at GoaL works with each client to put together what works for them on whatever budget you have. I've been to Disney for at least a hundred vacations and this remains way at the top of the list of experiences!

 

[mom2grace]

We really enjoyed renting SeaRaycers at Poly and boating around Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake