Experience the parks differently

[Schmeck]

OP, does it have to be in one of the parks? We like to visit other resorts while we are there for some down time - wandering around the Poly or Grand Floridian after getting there by monorail, going to AKL, etc.

At the parks we get an ice coffee (or a tea slushie in China) and walk around until we are done, chatting and looking at the details of the architecture. Love the PP's idea of listening to the background music and finding where it changes

I know the OP said no tours, but the Behind the Seeds one is pretty cheap for WDW and fun.

 

[disnut8]

OP, does it have to be in one of the parks? We like to visit other resorts while we are there for some down time - wandering around the Poly or Grand Floridian after getting there by monorail, going to AKL, etc.

So true. While at Magic Kingdom, take the boat over to Fort Wilderness. Go to the trading post near the marina, get a beverage and then sit on the beach or at the marina and just enjoy the water and the activity.

At Epcot, duck out the International Gateway and walk around Crescent Lake.

 

[eerst5]

My son and I did Agent P's Adventure in Epcot. I could have spent the entire day doing that. I think I was more into it than he was, and it's such a fun way to look at all the countries in an entirely new light.

 

[cgattis]

Try the pirate adventure game in MK! It's similar to Agent P but in Adventureland. My kids love it, and we enjoyed all the effects. While you're there, grab a Dole Whip float and check out the Swiss Family Treehouse. And look for the hidden turtle in the rocks near Aloha Isle

 

[nightshaderose]

I feel like AK was specifically made to be taken slowly.
As you're walking around, pay attention to the transitions. They say a lot about the details and back story of the different sections. The reveal on Expedition Everest when you're coming in on the path from Africa (as opposed to the path from Dinoland) is pretty dramatic.
Look at the Tree from every angle and see how many animals you can pick out. Not all of them are obvious at first glance, and some are only visible from very specific angles when ridges and branches line up just right. (I'm not even sure if the place you have to stand to see the elephant is even accessible right now with the construction)
Take the side trails and walking paths. There are a lot of them, and they often have hidden bits of art along them.
Take time to really watch the animals, instead of just taking a look, pointing and moving on like most people.
Speaking of animal watching, pick up a drink at the Dawa Bar (doesn't have to be alcoholic), grab a seat, and watch all the other people going by.
Talk to the CMs. They have a lot of knowledge and a lot of stories to tell.

AK is my absolutely favorite park, just because there's so much there if you slow down enough to see it.

 

[decoy7375]

Do the Main Street Vehicles run all day? I seem to recall only seeing them in the morning.

They appear to only run in the morning.

 

[KimBean]

They appear to only run in the morning.

From open to noon it looks like. I saw this suggested and added it to my touring plan late in the day and it caused all sorts of havoc. Finally figured out it closed at noon.

 

[keahgirl8]

I feel like AK was specifically made to be taken slowly. As you're walking around, pay attention to the transitions. They say a lot about the details and back story of the different sections. The reveal on Expedition Everest when you're coming in on the path from Africa (as opposed to the path from Dinoland) is pretty dramatic. Look at the Tree from every angle and see how many animals you can pick out. Not all of them are obvious at first glance, and some are only visible from very specific angles when ridges and branches line up just right. (I'm not even sure if the place you have to stand to see the elephant is even accessible right now with the construction) Take the side trails and walking paths. There are a lot of them, and they often have hidden bits of art along them. Take time to really watch the animals, instead of just taking a look, pointing and moving on like most people. Speaking of animal watching, pick up a drink at the Dawa Bar (doesn't have to be alcoholic), grab a seat, and watch all the other people going by. Talk to the CMs. They have a lot of knowledge and a lot of stories to tell. AK is my absolutely favorite park, just because there's so much there if you slow down enough to see it.

It is my favorite too.

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

On one solo trip I played a game I called "Get Me to the Tambu". The goal was to get to the Tambu in the evening for a drink.

The "rules"

1) to get on the first bus that pulled into the bus area,
2) visit all 4 parks and ride/visit 3 attractions
3) visit at least 6 hotels and get a map from each

Of course I had "lifelines"
1) don't have to get on a DTD bus, even if it is the first
2) one time waiver of first bus to arrive
3) one time taking alternate transportation--boat, monorail
4) may walk to a hotel or park where feasible.

I had a lot of fun doing this. I brought along a map of the entire WDW Resort to track my journey. When I made it to the Tambu I was ready for a Lapu Lapu!

 

[kittylady1972]

They appear to only run in the morning.

Yep they only run in the morning through about noon. My son decided one year he REALLY wanted to ride the trolley. My husband waited patiently with him and spoke to a CM near where the loaded to find the exact time and place to wait to do so. They managed to ride it that year and it was a favorite!

We managed to ride it again several months later as a while family. It was a great experience.

I think for our upcoming Thanksgiving trip, we'd like to try a few new things as well. After so many trips, we still have not see or done it all but we try to do something new each time, either a new restaurant or a new experience.

I'm thinking this time around we'll try our best to spend more time at AK and have the kids participate in Wilderness Explorers. Also maybe do the Agent P adventure at EPCOT (they did it a long time ago...and also did one when it was Kim Possible) and then I let the boys (because the adults aren't interested) do the Sorcerers of the MK at MK. They love that.

I'm tempted to maybe do horseback riding or a carriage ride as well, and my husband MIGHT do DiveQuest again because he loves it and has done it 3 other times.

There is always something new to do!

 

[skater]

I feel like AK was specifically made to be taken slowly.
As you're walking around, pay attention to the transitions. They say a lot about the details and back story of the different sections. The reveal on Expedition Everest when you're coming in on the path from Africa (as opposed to the path from Dinoland) is pretty dramatic.
Look at the Tree from every angle and see how many animals you can pick out. Not all of them are obvious at first glance, and some are only visible from very specific angles when ridges and branches line up just right. (I'm not even sure if the place you have to stand to see the elephant is even accessible right now with the construction)
Take the side trails and walking paths. There are a lot of them, and they often have hidden bits of art along them.
Take time to really watch the animals, instead of just taking a look, pointing and moving on like most people.
Speaking of animal watching, pick up a drink at the Dawa Bar (doesn't have to be alcoholic), grab a seat, and watch all the other people going by.
Talk to the CMs. They have a lot of knowledge and a lot of stories to tell.

AK is my absolutely favorite park, just because there's so much there if you slow down enough to see it.

I appreciate Animal Kingdom more each time we go. Especially for the down times. I discovered the Dawa Bar a couple years ago on an adults only trip - so much fun and a cool atmosphere. The park itself is so beautiful, and I can't wait to explore more of the details this winter. I'm planning to walk around the tree to see how many animals we can spot this time .

 

[Mikie]

On one solo trip I played a game I called "Get Me to the Tambu". The goal was to get to the Tambu in the evening for a drink.

The "rules"

1) to get on the first bus that pulled into the bus area,
2) visit all 4 parks and ride/visit 3 attractions
3) visit at least 6 hotels and get a map from each

Of course I had "lifelines"
1) don't have to get on a DTD bus, even if it is the first
2) one time waiver of first bus to arrive
3) one time taking alternate transportation--boat, monorail
4) may walk to a hotel or park where feasible.

I had a lot of fun doing this. I brought along a map of the entire WDW Resort to track my journey. When I made it to the Tambu I was ready for a Lapu Lapu!

This is awesome! You could totally do a few variations on this (with the other ideas in this thread!) and publish it as "Disney a Different Way" .. . With recipes for the drinks at the end, of course, to keep the spirit alive at home :

 

[White Rose]

In AK, there are many places to just watch animals as you enter the park - so that is our plan during our next trip!

 

[Terra Nova guy]

I agree with several PP, that AK is the ideal park to slow down and relax. I have always wanted to walk to nature trails in Asia and Africa, but the whole "commando" touring just never allows for it.

Although it gets away from the theme parks, I would also like to visit some of the deluxe hotels just to take a look. The lobby at WL has always amazed me. One day I would like to visit, even if I can't afford to stay there!

 

[Schmeck]

I agree with several PP, that AK is the ideal park to slow down and relax. I have always wanted to walk to nature trails in Asia and Africa, but the whole "commando" touring just never allows for it.

Although it gets away from the theme parks, I would also like to visit some of the deluxe hotels just to take a look. The lobby at WL has always amazed me. One day I would like to visit, even if I can't afford to stay there!

You can tour 'commando style' and still do the trails - we get everything done in 5 days at the parks, and always do the trails. We love Lily, the gorilla - and now there's a new baby there

 

[Bektasmic]

You can tour 'commando style' and still do the trails - we get everything done in 5 days at the parks, and always do the trails. We love Lily, the gorilla - and now there's a new baby there

Aww...a baby gorilla? We weren't planning on doing the trails b/c we only have 1 day at AK and I didn't think we could fit it in. But maybe we will have to squeeze this one in

 

[keahgirl8]

There are also kangaroos! The PhotoPass photographer spotted them behind me, when she was taking my picture!

 

[Redarrow5150]

Every trip I visit this place sometimes twice.

At DHS, I like doing the Animation Academy drawing class, and I swear next trip I am finally going to visit "One Man's Dream."

 

[allie_to_you]

My DH & I are finally taking a trip with just the 2 of us in January for our 10 year anniversary (first alone trip since 2005) and we are hoping to ride all the rides and experience everything, but we want to try and relax and take things a little slower. We especially want to see more of the World Showcase. All we have ever done is basically do walk-bys of all the Worlds rather than explore them in depth and in planning this trip, I learned there is a LOT we have not seen and I never even knew existed within the World Showcase Countries.

 

[RustManFan]

at AK:

Flame Tree BBQ is a nice place to eat at a leisurely pace at AK. We had many ducks begging for tidbits....not obnoxiously at all. Seating is in a nice quiet location.

Wander around the Tree of Life to spot animals you have never noticed before. Also plants...

Wander the trails at AK at a slow pace. We always like to take extra time watching the tigers in particular. Stopped to chat with cast members and learn about their Disney experience.

Enjoy the Lion King show.

You can take rides anywhere but for us the TRAILS are the best part of the park!