Going light on the rides... Tips?

[AnnabelleTheTalkingTree]

I'd really love to hear what you do in the parks if you're not big on rides for whatever reason.

I am just beginning to think about the details of our Spring 2022 trip. Normally I'm all about the rides, but we have little ones who won't tolerate long lines, and I am getting increasingly concerned about the state of fastpass+ and what that may mean for us. Yes, I realize this is a long way off and there's A LOT that can change. But I like to be prepared, and in the event that we are dealing with prohibitive wait times along with either no fastpass system, or an insanely expensive alternative, I am trying to get an idea of what a ride-light trip would look like. We have quite a bit of time (a week and a half) and booked through a DVC rental, so we are fully committed. And since we're getting ready to purchase tickets and make those park reservations, I'd like to start thinking this through a little more.

So if you don't love rides, or if you're just avoiding lines, or you get motion sick, or whatever the reason, if you were going light on the rides, what are some of your favorite non-ride things to do?

 

[2Lunds]

I'd really love to hear what you do in the parks if you're not big on rides for whatever reason.

I am just beginning to think about the details of our Spring 2022 trip. Normally I'm all about the rides, but we have little ones who won't tolerate long lines, and I am getting increasingly concerned about the state of fastpass+ and what that may mean for us. Yes, I realize this is a long way off and there's A LOT that can change. But I like to be prepared, and in the event that we are dealing with prohibitive wait times along with either no fastpass system, or an insanely expensive alternative, I am trying to get an idea of what a ride-light trip would look like. We have quite a bit of time (a week and a half) and booked through a DVC rental, so we are fully committed. And since we're getting ready to purchase tickets and make those park reservations, I'd like to start thinking this through a little more.

So if you don't love rides, or if you're just avoiding lines, or you get motion sick, or whatever the reason, if you were going light on the rides, what are some of your favorite non-ride things to do?

I like doing monorail/skyliner resort crawls. Get a snack/adult beverage at each resort. Check out the resort merchandise shops. It's a nice way to spend a few hours.

 

[DisneyRegulars]

When my son was little he loved the water features and would happily play in them forever. We always brought a change of clothes because we knew he would get soaked at some point in the day. If the water features are open next summer his favorite was the one in front of Earl of Sandwhich in Disney Springs. The jumping fountains in the imagination pavilion at Epcot were also a crowd pleaser. And the one outside Dumbo in Magic Kingdom is great. The bone yard in Animal Kingdom was also a blast. Giant slides, places to explore, go early before it gets too hot. Great for games of hide and seek.

 

[kmrobins03]

My 8 year old daughter and I enjoy many type of non ride experiences. My answer is based on pre-covid trips- but thought you would like to know the range of non-ride activities during "normal" times. During Food and Wine, Epcot offered fun events like a candy sushi class. We all made sushi out of fruit roll ups and gummy fish. We also like to complete the scavenger or food challenges in Epcot. During Christmas time, we ate a cookie at several worlds and received a "free" cookie at the end. We also take time to find unique photo pass experiences and meet with characters.

 

[julie-o]

Our trip in June was relatively ride lite. I enjoyed strolling with our one year old, having snacks, talking to other guests and CMs. We had a lot of nice meals, we walked through shops, we saw Happily Ever After. We also spent a lot of time at the pool and at the resort. Our 10 yo rode lots of rides with cousins but I found I was content mostly to enjoy the atmosphere.

 

[SCDisneyfanatic]

I'd really love to hear what you do in the parks if you're not big on rides for whatever reason.

I am just beginning to think about the details of our Spring 2022 trip. Normally I'm all about the rides, but we have little ones who won't tolerate long lines, and I am getting increasingly concerned about the state of fastpass+ and what that may mean for us. Yes, I realize this is a long way off and there's A LOT that can change. But I like to be prepared, and in the event that we are dealing with prohibitive wait times along with either no fastpass system, or an insanely expensive alternative, I am trying to get an idea of what a ride-light trip would look like. We have quite a bit of time (a week and a half) and booked through a DVC rental, so we are fully committed. And since we're getting ready to purchase tickets and make those park reservations, I'd like to start thinking this through a little more.

So if you don't love rides, or if you're just avoiding lines, or you get motion sick, or whatever the reason, if you were going light on the rides, what are some of your favorite non-ride things to do?

Can't really answer that yet, because we normally do the big rides. But we are taking our 4 and 2 yo granddaughters last week of October and I don't expect to do any big rides...at least not with them. I shall post our "Itinerary" once we get back. We are doing MK two days, EP 1 day and AK 1 day...skipping HS altogether because very little would meet their needs. I expect much time in the middle of the days doing pool or stuff around the resort (and a nap...for them and grandpa). We just really want to introduce them to Walt Disney World and a taste of the magic!!

 

[Ecomommy09]

My 5-yr-old and I love Epcot ride free. You’ll be there for Flower me Garden? Right!? There’s an Easter egg hunt and the Bee hunt. They had the butterfly house which she loved. If Covid is over the splash pads are awesome. At AK you can make a whole day looking at animals. Ride the safari, play at the dig site, and see the shows! MK is hardest to do without rides because there are so many great ones for littles! The waits usually aren’t awful for dumbo (indoor playground waiting area)