Dinner at Boma.... Then What?

[TeaPartyof5]

Need ideas, please, on what to do on check-in day before and after 6:25 dinner at Boma? Only able to do things outside the parks, thanks.

We are driving, probably arriving around check-in time, 3pm. Staying at PO Riverside. Me, hubs and our 3 teen guys -

Before dinner...
check-in
14yo would like to swim...
Ideas for the older two?
Explore PO? Go early to AKL to explore?
What about after dinner?

I thought it would be fun to catch the Electrical parade from somewhere, maybe do some resort hopping via the monorail or ferry?

Anyway, want some ideas to make the most of our half day!

Thank you!

 

[jaceraden]

AKL exploring for sure!

Spend the evening on the Boardwalk? Watch HS and/or EPCOT from outside? Wishes from Poly beach? Monorail resort exploring? Depending on the day, you might catch that Yeeha Bob guy performing at POR? Spend some time at Disney Springs?

 

[Ravens girl]

What day are you checking in? Wednesday through Saturday Bob Jackson plays in the lounge. He's lots of fun.
AKL is interesting to walk around, quite a bit to see.

 

[TeaPartyof5]

On a Friday - staying only 2 nights. Squeezing in a quick bday trip for me! We've never been to AK so all my guys have agreed to visit it with me. We leave after brunch on Sunday!

So not only a quick trip, but trying not to spend much more since DH agreed to stay on site and get a DDP.

Maximize is the name of the game!

 

[jsbowl16]

AKL exploring for sure!

Spend the evening on the Boardwalk? Watch HS and/or EPCOT from outside? Wishes from Poly beach? Monorail resort exploring? Depending on the day, you might catch that Yeeha Bob guy performing at POR? Spend some time at Disney Springs?

I was about to answer explore AKL and look at the animals and then go to The Boardwalk. I guess we are thinking alike.

 

[ariane37]

I also vote explore AKL, it's gorgeous. Once it's dark you can get night vision goggles for animal viewing; if you explore before your dinner there's still plenty to see. If you get to the BW before.....I believe 10pm?, you can catch some of the performers there. Resort hopping is definitely a good option if you haven't visited them all, especially some of the deluxe ones. Even just going to Disney Springs and hanging around. They have some types of entertainment there now in the evenings I believe, at least they did last summer and last November. Some musicians, comedian-type acts.

 

[John Paul]

Bob at Port Orleans is fun

 

[kreckl]

Have you been to Disney before? Where have you stayed?

 

[Anonny]

Before your Boma dinner, you can take a culinary tour of Bone and Jiko.


http://blog.touringplans.com/2012/02/27/free-tour-series-culinary-tour-at-animal-kingdom-lodge/

 

[karpy111]

If you don't mind the ride to the Polynesian I would say the fireworks on the beach. Get a pineapple float and watch the water parade and the fireworks. We stayed there a couple weeks ago and did the fireworks at the park and twice on the beach. My opinion is that the beach was way better. Didn't have to deal with the crowds. Plus I think you see more of the fireworks. Definitely try this one night of your trip.

 

[MinnieSweetheart]

On a Friday - staying only 2 nights. Squeezing in a quick bday trip for me! We've never been to AK so all my guys have agreed to visit it with me. We leave after brunch on Sunday!

So not only a quick trip, but trying not to spend much more since DH agreed to stay on site and get a DDP.

Maximize is the name of the game!

If your goal is to visit AKL, have you considered doing brunch at Boma. We've never made it over there, but it looks so good and gets rave reviews.

As for a nice friday night, we like to try to get a reservation at 'Ohana and then see the fireworks.

 

[cgattis]

I'd say go before dinner to look at the animals from all the different viewing areas, listen to any of the storytelling or drumming if it's still going, have dinner, sit by the fire in the lobby (maybe with a cocktail or coffee), and then go back out by the fire pit to look through the night vision goggles (I mean, not that many chances to actually use those) and admire the gorgeous lobby from outside. We LOVE the ambience of AKL at night!!!

 

[cgattis]

If your goal is to visit AKL, have you considered doing brunch at Boma. We've never made it over there, but it looks so good and gets rave reviews.

As for a nice friday night, we like to try to get a resort at 'Ohana and then see the fireworks.

I'll give a second to the brunch idea....it is ab-fab!

 

[Mikie]

By the time you actually arrive and check in, maybe freshen up a minute in your room, it's definitely good timing to head straight to AKL to explore before your reservation. AKL is awesome and well worth some explore time, and travel does take a little bit of time everywhere.
Afterward, depending on whether you're night owls and how early you're starting the next day - I'd return to Riverside and take the lovely boat to Disney Springs! To me, that's definitely one of the perks of staying at that resort and it's a nice little ride. Probably take a peek at the shops available at Springs first, though, not worth the trouble if no one is interested in shopping there. . . although who could resist Goofy's Candy Co?!

If the shopping is not for you, I agree with the idea of driving over to Poly to watch the fireworks.

 

[TeaPartyof5]

Years ago we stayed at an AS resort - sports I think. We've been to all the parks before but usually stay off site.

 

[TeaPartyof5]

Have you been to Disney before? Where have you stayed?

I'll give a second to the brunch idea....it is ab-fab!

We opted for counter service meals on AK day to give us more flexibility. Having 3 teen guys helps us make the most of a buffet - so we want to take our time eating.

At AK, we are looking at making the most of every minute so quick meals seem the way to go.

 

[TexasPrincess1]

We have an ADR at Boma at 6:30pm on a Friday night in July.

So, even if we aren't guests at the hotel, we can explore the hotel? like look at the animals outside, etc...?

 

[McKelly]

Before - rent SeaRaycers at one of the MK resorts. Then look at animals at AKL before dinnner.
After - Swim.

 

[Indio]

We have an ADR at Boma at 6:30pm on a Friday night in July.

So, even if we aren't guests at the hotel, we can explore the hotel? like look at the animals outside, etc...?

Yes, you can explore any of the resorts whether you're staying there or not. Resort hopping is a favorite of many visitors!