Help with non theme park and character things that grand parents might enjoy doing.

[Danauk]

We are planning a family trip to WDW (myself, DH, BIL, SIL, niece, nephew, MIL and FIL) for 2 weeks. Whilst my MIL likes theme parks and rides and will enjoy spending time with her grand children I wanted to come up with a list of other things she might enjoy to show her that WDW has more to offer than just Disney characters and theme park rides (she has said many times in the past that she can't understand why DH want to go to such a commercial place for any length of time). As we will be there for 2 weeks we have time to experience the little things WDW has to offer. She enjoys walking (is in a hiking club), loves traditional music and enjoys the theatre and spoken word stories. So, so far i have thought of:
Listening to the stories around the fire pit at AKL (we are considering staying here or the YC/BC)
Watching the street performers in DHS
Listening to the various musicians at Epcot
Maybe recommending a back stage tour. I think FIL would enjoy the Steam train tour which DH and I would also like to do, but not sure about MIL. I think she and FIL would enjoy the Behind the Seeds tour, which again myself and DH would like too.

So does anyone have any other suggestions of the small, non 'Disney' things that I could suggest? I really want this trip to be a success as DH and I love Disney parks and for everyone else in the group it will be their 1st trip. I really want MIL to see that WDW is more than just rides and characters.

Thank you.

 

[bearloch]

gulf, water rentals, spa day!, cicruis ( dtd show) richard petty driving, depending on time of year a sports event at the espn areana!

 

[feezle]

Boardwalk for sure.
My mom loved the boat ride between POR and DTD.
Tour the monorail resorts. Watch Wishes from the Poly. Becoming one of my favorite things to do.

 

[Danauk]

We will definately tour all the deluxe resorts, we do this every trip anyway. I think she might like a water rental, FIL would definately enjoy that. We had planned on going to La Nouba as a family as we all enjoy Cirque shows anyway, DH and I have seen several (inc La Nouba) and MIL and FIL have seen a few of the touring ones in England. She isn't into spa's, although a morning at the spa is something my SIL and I might enjoy together as a break from the kids and parents! I have used the spa at Saratoga Springs before and enjoyed that. The family as a whole are not into sports so the ESPN things would be out I think.

Thanks for the ideas so far. Any more?

 

[a742246]

Do all the free boat rides.
DTD to OKW
DTD to POR
MK to GF to POLY back to MK
MK to VWL .
With each ride tour that resort.

Walking OKW - SSR - DTD
Boardwalk walk.

Entertainment:
DTD
Boardwalk
Mini golf
Movie theater
seeing the Nightime fireworks from a distance.

My favorites (non theme parks) are the Pools and Spa's
Tea room at the Grand Floridian and the free afternoon music there as well .

Lunch at the GF Cafe or at Kona in the Poly.


Anyone want to add to this list.

 

[CleoPahd]

Fort Wilderness...you could take the boat over from another resort or MK. There are animals to be seen, shows, trails....food!

 

[Danauk]

Fort Wilderness...you could take the boat over from another resort or MK. There are animals to be seen, shows, trails....food!

Oh yes, I had forgotten about that. We did that on our 1st trip and I remember seeing an armadillo walking across the path. I'm sure MIL would enjoy that. DH and I would like to do the off road segway tour with BIL and SIL so maybe we could combine the 2 and MIL and FIL could take the kids for a walk around there. Actually thinking about it, MIL would probably also like the segway tour!!

 

[DakotaRose]

How about Chip and Dale's campfire singalong? Maybe she'd enjoy the Hoop de Doo Musical Review. People say it's very entertaining. I've also read many positive comments about Scat Cats (POR) jazz music and the entertainment at Raglan Road (DTD). And there's a live band near Mizners at GF.

 

[Danauk]

The Chip and Dale camp fire and the Hoop De Doo are the exact things she would hate!! She might enjoy Raglan Road though, she does like a traditional beer!

 

[Piglet99645]

Great thread! Keep the ideas coming!

 

[merina888]

how about horseback riding and some of the various other things to do at Fort Wilderness?

 

[aubriee]

If she is in a walking club, she is apparently in pretty good shape. Would she enjoy riding a Segway (either the tour around the countries in Epcot or the offroad one out at Ft Wilderness)? How about one of the water parks one day? If she likes shopping how about taking a taxi over to the outlet mall?