Events not included in your park pass not to be missed?

[TMM]

Hello,

Can I get some recommendations on events, experiences shows, etc that are not included in our entrance ticket. We need to make sure we try and book and pay for anything that is a can't miss. I know have heard about Fantasmic and Illuminations cruises...anything else?

 

[SnackyStacky]

Hello,

Can I get some recommendations on events, experiences shows, etc that are not included in our entrance ticket. We need to make sure we try and book and pay for anything that is a can't miss. I know have heard about Fantasmic and Illuminations cruises...anything else?

I don't know if you mean a Fantasmic cruise - but those don't exist. And Fantasmic itself IS included in your admission!

There are Wishes cruises, and like you said Illuminations cruises. Neither one is inside a park. The Illuminations cruise sort of drives up so you can see the show close up, but the Wishes cruises are completely outside of the Magic Kingdom, and in the Seven Seas Lagoon.

There are backstage tours. There's a couple of family-friendly ones, but there are others where you MUST be 16 or older to participate. (That means nobody 15 and under admitted - guardian or no) Click here for more info.

There's all of the restaurants - some of those are experiences in themselves - particularly the San Angel Inn at Mexico in Epcot, and Marrakesh at Morrocco in Epcot.

I really can't think of anything else that is within a theme park that's not included in your admission, although I'm sure there's tons I'm forgetting. There are lots of NON-theme park experiences you can pay for. All of the marina rentals at some of the deluxe and moderate resorts, surrey bike rentals on the boardwalk, carriage rides, parasailing...I'd think of more but I have to leave in 10 minutes, and I'm still in my PJs!

 

[TMM]

Thanks! The cruise thing was just poor punctuation. My TA made it seem like I needed to have reservation for Fantasmic and prepay for it. Maybe she was referring to dinner of some sort beforehand?

Also, I read about a dolphin experience at WDW for about $150 per person. Anyone done this before?

 

[Tinkim]

I'm wondering about the Segway tour at Epcot. Anyone know the price? I am thinking of booking this for DH for February as a Christmas gift. If anyone could share the price and the timeframe for booking I would appreciate it.

 

[TMM]

I'm wondering about the Segway tour at Epcot. Anyone know the price? I am thinking of booking this for DH for February as a Christmas gift. If anyone could share the price and the timeframe for booking I would appreciate it.

I just read about that and I am defintely booking it for me and my husband in January! $80 per person (15% of for AP and DVC holders).

 

[Tinkim]

TMM - Any advice on how far in advance this needs to be booked? We aren't going for another nine months but I am sure the space is limited but as of right now I wouldn't know which day we would be in Epcot to actually book the tour. If I wait for WDW to release the schedule it will be three months in advance and I'm not sure that is enough time to book. I think at one time they were offering a discount for Disney Visa cardholders so I need to check that out and see if it is still offered. My DH loves the Segway and he really enjoys Epcot so I thought he could do the tour while my friend and I take the kids and do some rides. He's worth $80 and I think the peace and quiet for him is priceless.

 

[Skylarr29]

I am not exactly sure how far in advance you can book the tours but I called about 4 to 41/2 months before our trip and was able to book the segway tour. I would call and see when they are booking up to. I think I remember booking one of last years tours about 9 months in advance as I love to plan but my memory might not be serving me too well lol. Anyways just call to make sure as you never know. Good luck.

 

[kilee]

I didn't see when you were going. However, events like MNSSHP & MVMCP will need a separate ticket. If you are going in that timeframe, they are well worth the additional money.

 

[TMM]

TMM - Any advice on how far in advance this needs to be booked? We aren't going for another nine months but I am sure the space is limited but as of right now I wouldn't know which day we would be in Epcot to actually book the tour. If I wait for WDW to release the schedule it will be three months in advance and I'm not sure that is enough time to book. I think at one time they were offering a discount for Disney Visa cardholders so I need to check that out and see if it is still offered. My DH loves the Segway and he really enjoys Epcot so I thought he could do the tour while my friend and I take the kids and do some rides. He's worth $80 and I think the peace and quiet for him is priceless.

There is a 15% discount for Disney Visa cardholders. I just read it is a popular event and you porbably should try booking sooner than later.

 

[TMM]

I didn't see when you were going. However, events like MNSSHP & MVMCP will need a separate ticket. If you are going in that timeframe, they are well worth the additional money.

We will be there January 4 - 12, 2006. We are running the marathon on Sunday, January 8th and won't have any kids with us.

What is MNSSHP & MVMCP?

 

[Skylarr29]

MNSSHP = Mickey's not so scary halloween party which runs from the very end of sept to halloween night and MVMCP = Mickey's very merry Christmas party which I believe is held from the very end of nove to about mid december .

 

[SnackyStacky]

Thanks! The cruise thing was just poor punctuation. My TA made it seem like I needed to have reservation for Fantasmic and prepay for it. Maybe she was referring to dinner of some sort beforehand?

Also, I read about a dolphin experience at WDW for about $150 per person. Anyone done this before?

The Fantasmic dinner package may have been what your TA was referring to. You book this package, and they'll guarantee your reservation with a credit. You then a fixed price meal at The Brown Derby, Hollywood & Vine, or Mama Melrose. (There are a few others that may participate, but those are the ones I know for sure participate)

You then get a voucher for seating in a special section of the Hollywood Hills amphitheatre, where Fantasmic plays. It cuts down some of your time waiting.

But you can still see Fantasmic without doing the dinner package, you just have to arrive a lot earlier to get a seat.

Can't speak on the Dolphins in Depth, cause I've never done it.

 

[jenbren]

One of the best things we did last trip was La Nouba at DTD. It is absolutely amazing and I'm so glad my DH encouraged me to book it (I was trying to be good and save money!) It is well worth the price!

 

[Goofy'sFriend]

Hoop Dee Doo!!!