how can i make my trip as disney as possible....

[bex7583]

WITH NO THEME PARK TICKETS !!

yes thats right no disney tickets i could cry at the thought of been so near and not going.

we decided well before booking that it would be a non disney trip ( we need to do disney again once avatar land is complete) and the kids really wanted to do universal

i know we can go to downtown disney but any other suggestions for the disney magic away from the main theme parks

we may also pay on the gate one day and do a disney water park

 

[Kath2003]

We rarely do Disney these days. Park tickets are bonkers and the attractions at Universal are much more up our street. We usually book a character meal and have a look around Downtown Disney.
You could also try a meal at one of the restaurants overlooking Wishes (e.g. California Grill), play mini golf etc.
Universal is enough, trust me.

 

[ABZDisneyFan]

Can't imagine being that close & not setting foot in one of the parks.
We've not gone to Universal on our last two trips (2012 & 2014) but will be heading there on our next one.
To echo what previous posters have said, Downtown Disney, The Boardwalk, Monorail resorts, Character meals in the hotels should provide you with a bit of Disney magic.

 

[wilma-bride]

We are doing a non-Disney trip in 2 weeks, although I am going to Magic Kingdom on one day to do a tour with a friend. We are staying at a Disney resort (well, two actually) and will go to one of the water parks plus Downtown Disney but the thought of not going to the disney parks actually doesn't bother me one iota.

 

[wayneg]

Not been in Disney for almost 2 years now. Last few trips we have found lots of other stuff to do. The last time we went into MK I was not impressed with bins overflowing and building work so I don't want to go in for a few years. We are enjoying the cruiseline more than the parks. I also prefer Busch where we have AP's for, so not too bothered about Disney for the time being.
Today we arrive in Miami, Over a week touring from there to Key West, up thru the everglades & Venice, a week in Orlando then a week Disney cruise.
Only suggestion I have is visit the hotels, AKL is always nice for a couple of hours & maybe a character meal for the kids.

 

[Woodview]

First Question Are you hiring a car ?

If Yes then I will give you a list of " Other things to do "

Remember You can watch the Fireworks free ( most of the high parts ) from The Lighthouse Pier at The Boardwalk

& also have free boat trips.

 

[Tony Toon]

As others have said, visit the hotels, DTD, catch the fireworks at restaurants in the resorts, have a character meal. I know a few people have said they don't bother with Disney now, however we're the other way round: we visit Disney every year and quite happily miss out on Universal, IOA and Busch Gardens. We have no interest in coasters and while we love the theming at Harry Potter just find it too hot and over crowded in the summer when we have to visit. We did feel last year that (as wayne has said) MK, AK and HS were all spoiled by building work however this year has seen a big improvement. We're just Disney geeks and proud of it.

Mrs TT

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

We did a non Disney trip in 2013 apart from 1 night when we went to MNSSHP.

Things we did were Downtown Disney, a tour of the hotels, went to Fort Wilderness and the Boardwalk and hired boats, also went on the Surrey Bikes. We ate at a few of the restaurants too and watched the fireworks from the Poly beach (not sure if you still can).

We also shared a fireworks cruise.

Our holiday that time was DC, SW, Busch and Universal. We have just returned from WDW and did the parks this time. I think the break was good for us as we were ready to do everything again!

 

[dixonsontour]

We've done a couple of non disney trips.

If you are there in September check when MNSSHP starts. We usually do that for a bit of disney. You can enter MK from 4pm on a party ticket until midnight and cheaper than a one day ticket.

For water parks look at an an annual pass $110 a year for both parks. 1 day is $58.

We did the campfire sing along at fort wilderness once when we were offsite. Sing a long and dancing for the kids plus meet chip and dale (free)

 

[dixonsontour]

Yes boardwalk is a good idea. Especially on weekend evenings there are entertainers like sword swallower. Have a mickey ear cupcake at the boardwalk bakery.

 

[Woodview]

Still no word from bex7583 weather a Hired car is an Option

 

[bex7583]

Not been in Disney for almost 2 years now. Last few trips we have found lots of other stuff to do. The last time we went into MK I was not impressed with bins overflowing and building work so I don't want to go in for a few years. We are enjoying the cruiseline more than the parks. I also prefer Busch where we have AP's for, so not too bothered about Disney for the time being.
Today we arrive in Miami, Over a week touring from there to Key West, up thru the everglades & Venice, a week in Orlando then a week Disney cruise.
Only suggestion I have is visit the hotels, AKL is always nice for a couple of hours & maybe a character meal for the kids.

ooh sounds a good road trip , let me know what you find along the way , we are flying in and out to miami and have 25 days to plan in between !! i loved our 2013 road trip but dont really want to repeat it , we rushed through everglades to get to clearwater so want to spend more time exploring down there

First Question Are you hiring a car ?
yes we will have a car for most if not all the duration

If Yes then I will give you a list of " Other things to do "

Remember You can watch the Fireworks free ( most of the high parts ) from The Lighthouse Pier at The Boardwalk

didnt know aboit boardwalk thanks

& also have free boat trips.

 

[bex7583]

t

We've done a couple of non disney trips.

If you are there in September check when MNSSHP starts. We usually do that for a bit of disney. You can enter MK from 4pm on a party ticket until midnight and cheaper than a one day ticket.

For water parks look at an an annual pass $110 a year for both parks. I day is $58.

We did the campfire sing along at fort wilderness once when we were offsite. Sing a long and dancing for the kids plus meet chip and dale (free)

this is helpful thanks we fly home 19th sept so that was not a option we had thought of either

so we will book a character dining , maybe a dining with firework view ohana was one of our fave meals last trip so this is a option , i believe may find odd character at waterparks if we are lucky ?

 

[Pinkos]

You could do the Pirates and pals cruise ... U will see the water parade and fireworks and eat lots of Disney treats.

Character meals like others suggested. Or just restaurants at the hotels. If you go to BOMA you could see the animals at animal kingdom.

Mickeys backyard BBQ or hoop de doo ...

Def visit downtown Disney and Boardwalk ...

You will have to report back and let us know how it goes. I'm interested to hear ... I would like to try a non Disney in a few years when my kids are older and able to enjoy IOA ....

 

[dixonsontour]

First party is 15th September this year so you should be fine date wise. I'd definitely opt for that over a character meal if you are trying to save money.
We've never seen characters at water parks in October, think they may be peak season only.

 

[Woodview]

Start.... Depending on your arrival time in Miami stay overnight there.

( A ) Do The Duck Tour ..... Boat on Land & Sea .... Look it up.

( B ) Drive to Everglades City & Stay there ..... Explore the Boat Tours that they have there. & SHARK VALLEY

( C ) Proceed to Naples & explore Islands.

( D ) Go Cross country to Fort Myers on Hwy 80 & on to Clewiston on Lake Okeechobee & Drive Around Lake

( E ) Make your way to Orlando Area Via Either side of Lake.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

There are many things to do Beyond or Nearby Orlando

Like Boat tour in Hontoon Landing & Airboat Ride at Midway AT a town called Christmas

....................

 

[DisneyBelle_x]

We spent 3 nights at Disney last year pre/post cruise and instead of spending time in the parks we opted to explore resorts, hire surrey bike, spent time at Boardwalk and watch Wishes from the Poly beach. It wasn't quite as 'Disney' as being in the parks but still really nice

 

[Alfiegeorgina]

You could do the Pirates and pals cruise ... U will see the water parade and fireworks and eat lots of Disney treats.

Character meals like others suggested. Or just restaurants at the hotels. If you go to BOMA you could see the animals at animal kingdom.

Mickeys backyard BBQ or hoop de doo ...

Def visit downtown Disney and Boardwalk ...

You will have to report back and let us know how it goes. I'm interested to hear ... I would like to try a non Disney in a few years when my kids are older and able to enjoy IOA ....

There's a pirate cruise where you see all of that, and adults can go too? Do you know how I could book one?

 

[tinkerpea]

Totally 2nd the pirate and pals cruise. It's a really decent price for what you get and you meet characters!
Were doing it best trip and did it back when my oldest was younger.
It's a really good night. With treats and fireworks view.

 

[bex7583]

ooh would be great if we could do a mnsshp on our last full day !! when will the dates be released and any ideas of cost ??

i will have a look at the miami duck tour , done one in london kids loved it