Help us find something new to do at WDW!!!

[DisneyFive]

Update 2: O.k., our top options so far: Thanks everyone!

• 
  Tier 1
• Water Parks!
• Universal Studios and IoA for a day or two!
• Stroll through, or tour of, the Boardwalk!
• Dessert Party!
• Bass Fishing in the lakes, especially EPCOT!
• Surf Lessons at Typhoon Lagoon!
• Go during time of year for MVMCP and the lights!
• Beach Day
• Seeing British Invasion in Epcot!
  Tier 2
• Blue Man Group!
• Catch last American Idol Show of the Day
• Splitsville!
• Chip and Dale Campfire!
• Dapper Dans
• A new tour

First, let me say I appreciate your help!

During our second trip to Disney (2011) we tried unsuccessfully to recreate the magic of our first visit in 2010. We still had a super fun time, but we did too much of the same, and we realized that we need new experiences each visit to keep the magic alive and fresh while visiting WDW.

So our last two visits (2012, 2013) have had a high priority of trying new things, and it’s been awesome. However, I’m afraid that we’ve used up most of the new things to do! Please help us find some new things to experience that have been highlights for you!

We're taking a break from WDW in 2014 and doing a (non Disney) family cruise instead. So I'm gathering ideas for our 2015 trip. We'll definitely be excited to go back after taking a year off!

Just so you know what we’ve already done, here is a list of what I could remember:

Parks:
Have done the four parks and DTD multiple times. I think we’ve pretty much seen every attraction and show in the parks.
We took a day and went to Sea World our third visit, and loved that. Universal is an option for a day or two on our next trip.

Experiences:

• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
• Pirate’s League
• Pick a Pearl
• Jedi Training
• Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
• Hoop Dee Doo Review
• Cirque du Soleil - La Nouba
• Food and Wine Festival

Tours:

• Magic behind the Steam Trains Tour

I’m not opposed to new tours, as long as they don’t take up a big portion of the day and you’ve found them to be excellent.

TS Restaurants:

• 1900 Park Fare
• Akerhus
• Cape May’s Cafe
• Cinderella’s Royal Table
• Coral Reef
• Crystal Palace
• Garden Grill
• Grand Floridian Café
• Hollywood and Vine
• Mama Melrose
• Ohana
• Raglan Road
• Sanaa
• Teppan Edo
• Tusker House
• The Wave
• Yak and Yeti

QS Locations:
Too many to remember, and we did to BOG. I think we’re all set with QS.


Resorts:

• Port Orleans Riverside 2012, 2013
• Pop Century 2010, 2011

So any ideas?

BTW, if you would like my opinion on any of these, please don’t be afraid to ask.

-Dan

 

[GillianP1301]

A few come to mind...

Wishes Dessert Party - although the desserts are just okay, IMO, I really loved having somewhere to seat, away from the crowd for wishes. A really nice treat.

Boat Rentals - haven't done this yet, although we intended both of our last trips to do this because it looks so fun!

For a new TS restaurants, I would recommend Biergarten. Such a fun atmosphere and pretty decent German food as well.

 

[kidsgobears]

Water parks!

Both are excellent.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

Are you interested in Cirque at DTD? That's on my list for some trip.

 

[ArwenMarie]

Definitely a day or two at Universal!

 

[ArwenMarie]

Water parks!

Both are excellent.

Agree!

 

[SuperRob]

During our second trip to Disney (2011) we tried unsuccessfully to recreate the magic of our first visit in 2010.

QS Locations:
Too many to remember, and we did to BOG. I think we’re all set with QS.

So any ideas?

BTW, if you would like my opinion on any of these, please don’t be afraid to ask.

-Dan

Dan,

If your last trip was in 2011, how did you do Be Our Guest? It didn't open until the end of 2012.

That said, if your original dates were correct, then all of New Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom will be new to you. I'd make Be Our Guest, Seven Dwarves Mine Train, and Enchanted Tales with Belle a priority for sure (that's what we're doing). Be Our Guest, however, I'm finding to be completely booked the seven days we're there already. You may have to settle for a lunch, rather than dinner and meeting Beast.

Since you mention Universal, there are LOTS of new attractions over there. Transformers, Despicable Me, the new Simpsons area ... not to mention Diagon Alley opening at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. (Note that you'll need a two-park pass, since the Hogwarts Express ride requires it, and you'll want to try it.)

Have fun! My wife and I will be there for our 3rd anniversary around the same time!

 

[PEC]

Fort Wilderness has numerous opportunites. Archery, Horseback riding, Water Sports. They also have a smores marshmellow roast with Chip and Dale and show a movie every night (weather permitting). Plus fishing of course. You could easily spend a day or two there if you like outdoor activities.

 

[chrismb22]

Sounds like your kids are PERFECT age for Universal right now.

What about a different hotel or something like that -- lego land (I forgot if that was on your been there done that list)

 

[g8torphan]

Harmony Barber Shop - around noon when the Dapper Dan's appear; $12 for a child's cut with 'pixie dust' in their hair.

Casey Corner Pianist

Richard Petty driving experience

Main St vehicles

Fishing trip

 

[ethanwa]

Have you guys done either of the Disney water parks? They have some really fun water slides. I love the lazy river and wave pool at Typhoon Lagoon.

 

[rteetz]

I would look into the water parks, desert parties or special cruises. The mine train will be new for you and probably other new fantasyland things. Also another visit to DTD it's getting totally redone. Do some new things in AK there is so much to do there that people oversee. Check out resort activities as well, fort wilderness has a lot to do. Maybe try Disney quest at DTD or go check out espn wide world of sports. People go everyday of the year and still haven't done everything.

 

[ethanwa]

Another idea... go to DisneyLAND! Go to California Adventure park at DL.... it is an entirely different theme park.

 

[DisneyRunner2009]

I was going to mention FW, too. We just go over there and look at the horse barn. No fee for that. We do a lot of resort hopping, which includes eating at the respective CS. Mini golf and Disney Quest coupons have been added to resort packages. My DD and I took advantage of those in September.

 

[Chuckers]

Take the Keys To The Kingdom Tour. It's really, REALLY good and only about 5 hours long. You get lunch and a chance to learn some very interesting facts about WDW and Walt Disney.

 

[PEC]

WDW has 2 minature golf courses as well.
At some point you may want to hold off a few years as well (if I interpret what you said correctly you went 2010, '11 and then 2 more times).
This gives Disney some time to add some more attractions, while at the same time give you a little more urge to do some of the things you really liked.

 

[shyjade]

Last trip we went during F&W and loved that experience (for the food - not drinkers). We also tried mini golf and that was one of the highlights of the trip (it was such unexpected fun, and FREE before 4pm with our package). We also tried Disney Quest for the first time and enjoyed that. I would love to try Cirque next.

I've found the "secret" to a great trip is not only enjoying old favorites, but trying new things each time.

 

[2Tiggies]

Characters in Flight
Blue Man Group
La Nouba
Chip and Dale's campfire sing along
A carriage ride or rent a surrey bike
Sammy Duvall's watersports

 

[MichiganDVC]

I might be speaking for the others when I say we need a bit more info:

1. From avatar, I assume you have three kids: 2 girls, 1 boy?

2. When are you going?

3. Where have you stayed...where are you staying?

4. What is your budget?


Without knowing anything else, here are my suggestions.
A. Stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge. There is plenty to do there without having to go to the parks. My sister just took her three kids (who have probably been to WDW 15 times each) to AKL to stay and they LOVED it. Couldn't get enough of the animals, etc...

B. As PP said, do something on the lakes. Rent a boat, do a fishing excursion, etc... Bay Lake, especially, or Crescent.

C. There are always new restaurants, of course


As for going to Universal, you could. Beware (regardless of what others tell you) that it will be more expensive than just staying at Disney. I've priced it out, just for comparison purposes, and for me it was tough to justify getting another set of theme park tickets for $100 per day when on the 4th-5th days of WDW tickets, the price per day is like $20-30. Hotel costs might even out, depending on where you'd stay. Transportation there and then to the airport or vice versa will not be free.

Have fun!!

 

[Kat913]

Was also going to add the water parks. Where have you stayed? We always like to dine in a resort we aren't staying in & then enjoy the resort after. Stroll around the boardwalk, Bob the piano man at the Riverside, mini golf by the swan & Dolphin , the awesome sights at AKL, The electrical water pageant from one of the beaches, etc.