Free / low cost things to do at WDW??

[SignMeUp]

We just returned from a fab family vacation and had a great time at the parks. Dh will be attending a 6 day conference at the Grand Floridian in July and I am planning to tag along. I don't think we will spring for park tickets this time since the kids won't be with us and we spent (over) our budget on our recent trip. What can I do during the day while DH is at his conference?

TIA!

 

[David Brent]

use the free disney transportation to go to random spots.

 

[black562]

I love resort hopping, just going around the different resorts and walking around, checking out the shops and things like that. Also, Downtown Disney has loads of things to keep someone busy for quite a while. I love going over there of the evening and sitting on the lake eating ice cream.

 

[disneylove69]

I know you said day but you can go to the campgrounds at night for a sing-along and free movies. They sale smore kits for about $4. Walk DTD and sit by the lake or go see a matinee at the movies. I like to resort hop or take the monorail around a few times and enjoy the sites. How about tea at the GF? Take a nap by the pool. Does your conference offer any group outings for relatives?

 

[disneygirlinnj]

Not sure what you consider lowcost... but at Port Orleans Riverside you can go on a nice romantic horse carriage ride around the resort. I believe the cost is $35 for about an hour? I think? I haven't it yet but plan on doing it in September and I hear great things about it!

 

[MOREMICKEYFORME]

Go to the Boardwalk and people watch. They have performers there too.

 

[idatwilight]

Honestly, I don't think I'd be able to stay away from the parks for so long. See if your husband's convention is offering discounted convention tickets. If not, I'd still plan to spend at least 1-2 days in a park if you can swing it.

I've always wanted to spend an entire day exploring Ft. Wilderness, but I love to walk and explore.

You can window shop at DTD, sit at the pool, see how many times you can ride the monorail before you have the entire recording memorized, rent a boat or bike at the Boardwalk, learn a skill--seriously, bring a beginner's knitting kit or a book on investing and spend some alone time learning something you've always wanted to know.

Edit: I didn't realize you're going in JULY. In that case, yeah, you might want to skip the parks and take refuge at the quietest pool you can find at your resort. You might also want to do high tea at the GF one day--it's one of the least expensive ways I can think of to get pampered in the world.

 

[buena vista]

I agree with the responses here - the resorts have so much to offer that's included in your stay.

I think morning pool time is priceless, especially if most families are enjoying the parks at that time. As it'll be July, it should be plenty warm enough to enjoy at that time.

Afternoons might be a nice time to avoid the heat and humidity (and t-storms) by planning some indoor activities like catching up on your reading in the GF lobby or other resort lobbies.

If you like to walk, there are plenty of walking trails/paths that you can use to get in some low-impact exercise and enjoy the scenery/landscaping.

Downtown Disney has some good stuff, even if you're only window shopping.

Take in a few rides on the monorails and enjoy the a/c and views without the pressure of caring for your kids or having to get someplace in particular.

Take in a boat ride on Bay Lake (after the MK commuting traffic has subsided a bit) and take some pictures from the water.

If you're accustomed to traveling with your kids, I think it'll be a treat to just have some quiet time to relax and take in the beauty of the place knowing that you have the freedom to be or do whatever you want.

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

Go to Pleasure Island in the evening and enjoy the "Celebrate Tonight" spectacular!! (not)

BobK/Orlando