Fun "extra" either in or out of park recommendation?

[ericaseiler]

My parents are 'gifting' a 'special' thing to our girls this year for the holidays. It can be anything we choose (we haven't yet told our kids about the trip yet, so they can't help in this decision).

They are 9 and 4 (almost 5). My older DD did BBB for her 5th Birthday along with breakfast in the castle. My younger one doesn't care for the Princesses.

Some ideas we have are:

Pirates and Pals Fireworks Cruise
Wishes Dessert Party
Hoop-De-Do Dinner Show

Any other 'special events' or dining shows, either in or out of the parks, that you can think of or recommend? I thought my older DD would like the tea at the Grand Floridian but I know my younger wouldn't. Was hoping to do all together as a family but would split up if necessary. This most likely would be for our January trip but we'd consider doing it for another trip (during a 'warmer' time) if necessary.

Thank you!

 

[Alesia]

I very much recommend seeing La Nouba.

 

[ericaseiler]

I have seen before but DH and the kids have not, thanks for the suggestion. We will def. consider!

 

[kboo]

I bailed out of the Wishes Dessert Party when we went 6 months ago, and haven't regretted it. We did enjoy Mickey's Backyard BBQ much more than we expected to, DD was almost 5, and had a great time. The food was meh, but DD had a lot of fun.

 

[Chant124]

Hoop Dee Do off of your list. La Nouba is great as well.

 

[MommaBerd]

I can only offer personal experience for one of those extras, and I can share my thought process as I considered the two others and decided on Pirates 'N Pals. Also of note is that I have four boys, three of whom are 12 and under.

My DH and I did the wishes dessert party several years ago, and it was very nice. But I remember we talked and decided that our boys wouldn't really LOVE it. Yes, it's AYCE desserts, but there was no real "magic" to it. It's changed somewhat since we've been, but the overall experience is you come in, you eat desserts, you watch Wishes, you leave.

For our upcoming trip, *I* really wanted to do HDDR. I think it would be great family fun! I know that it's lively and interactive and that my boys would enjoy it. Food, songs, jokes...what's not to like?

However, as I began looking into PnP, I didn't just find positive reviews, I found RAVE reviews! Out of the three, it seemed like it would appeal most to kids FIRST and also to the adults. You get to meet characters, you get snacks, you get to ride a boat, you get to hear jokes (and laugh), and you get Wishes!

For me, when I was trying to decide what my KIDS would enjoy most, PnP was the clear winner.

 

[Tomh]

We have seen La Nouba twice, and were amazed both times. First time DS was only 4, and he couldn't sit still for ANYTHING. We had pretty well given up on taking him to see movies because he wouldn't sit for much more than 15 minutes of it. Believe me when I tell you he sat still in his seat, eyes glued to the stage for nearly the entire performance. He did ask once, about 20 minutes before the end of the show if it was almost over, but continued to sit there and watch until the end. NEVER had I seen him that entranced in anything. We took him back 2 years ago (I think) when he was 10, and he enjoyed it every bit as much, maybe a bit more then. So, that is my vote for La Nouba.

 

[ericaseiler]

Thanks! Definitely am open to other ideas but we are leaning towards PNP for this time and have La Nouba on our list for next time.

 

[MermaidMommy]

We've done PnP twice and loved it both times. The second time we went, it was with grandparents, moms and dads, and 15 and 8 year old girls, and 5 year old boy. All ages had a great time. I would definitely recommend it.

Kenny the Pirate has a great write up of it from a couple of years ago on his website.