Down day in January?

[DISfam2401]

We've been going to WDW every January for the past few years and I am starting to plan for next year. Just wondering if anyone has suggestions for a down day? I'd love to hang out at the pool, but the past few times we've gone, it's been too cold for the pool so we tend to be at a loss as to what to do. We will have a 7 year old and an almost 2 year old. We're staying at Boardwalk, so can certainly explore that a little bit, but not sure we can get a whole day's worth of activities. Thanks!

 

[Surgie2]

I've seen people recommend Disney Springs, but after being there in January, I honestly felt it was a let-down from a child's perspective. We (husband and myself) enjoyed eating dinner there and going in a few shops. Our grandkids would love the big Disney store but that's about it (and they all have smaller Disney stores at malls where they live so it isn't a big deal). But I was expecting more - not sure what - but it wasn't what I thought it would be.

If you can swing it, I would add a day to your park passes. This sounds like it defeats the idea of a "down day" but I think that's what we are going to do for our trip with little ones next year. We will have a "down day" with a character breakfast at the resort and go to MK for 3 FP+ rides midday, then back to the resort.

 

[DISfam2401]

Thanks, OP here. We usually do Disney Springs on arrival day so that's out. I agree that there isn't a ton for kids there, but there's usually a "dance party" going on that they enjoy and we always be sure to get a Mickey ice cream. It's more of an adult night, but I feel on arrival day, it's a great transition from the real world to Disney. I would have considered going back for Disney Quest, but now that's gone....

As far as adding a day, that's what we've done in the past, but yes, it defeats the purpose of a down day. Even if we only do a few things or, like last year, play Sorcerers of the MK, it's still another day in the park and adds to feeling exhausted by the end of the trip.

 

[NinaBella]

My opinion is 'scheduling activities' conflicts with a 'down day.' Perhaps you just meant a non-park day?

I suggest sleep in late, a brunch at the resort or another resort. Maybe resort hop, see what activities the resort offers. Maybe a movie. I would try to not do a lot of walking to give your feet a break. I like Universal City walk for dinner and walking around with a little bit of street performers. We like Blue Man Group (fun for all ages).

 

[kreckl]

Not sure what you mean by a down day? But for us, the key to feeling like we had a great vacation and not an exhausting one is more park days, not less. We will sometimes just go for a few hours, a meal and fireworks, etc. We never go all day and night. We do have pool option though most days, which helps to relax. Maybe you could head over to Fort Wilderness? You could visit the horses, maybe have a ride or watch a movie there....AKL is a great place to visit, too. There are lots of activities for kids and its absolutely beautiful.

 

[missbrooke06]

Mini golf? Not a bad walk from the Boardwalk. My son loves doing that - we don't do non-park days but it's his favorite activity on party days.

 

[TwoMisfits]

We've been going to WDW every January for the past few years and I am starting to plan for next year. Just wondering if anyone has suggestions for a down day? I'd love to hang out at the pool, but the past few times we've gone, it's been too cold for the pool so we tend to be at a loss as to what to do. We will have a 7 year old and an almost 2 year old. We're staying at Boardwalk, so can certainly explore that a little bit, but not sure we can get a whole day's worth of activities. Thanks!

With the age of your kids, you could do the Crayola Experience - now that Disney upped the cost of extra ticket days, this attraction will probably cost the same (or even less if you find a deal - they are around) as an extra Disney one and kids apparently LOVE this site...

Uber there and back if you have no car (and you can check out the rest of the things onsite - it's at the Florida mall complex)...

 

[Kerriowl]

I was also thinking minigolf. We did it last trip with my 4 year old and he had fun. We did the one by Blizzard Beach.

 

[caliope]

If it's too cold to swim, I'd do minigolf, maybe rent bikes and/or boats, and have lunch with ice cream at Beaches and Cream. We might even go into the arcade, explore other resorts, and just relax. I'd also seriously consider the hot tub. My 4.5 loves that almost as much as swimming! Of course, we also opt to swim when air temp is as low as the 60s, so there's that too (even in January).