How to Entertain Family who aren't going to Parks?

[Golden Rose]

We are headed to SSR on developer points in January... our first trip as DVC members. There will be five of us (me, DH, DS, DM, and her SO) in a two bedroom. DH, DS, and I will have an annual pass and be in the parks most days. Mom and her SO aren't planning on going into the parks at all. They're planning on playing golf every morning and doing something else in the afternoon, then meeting us for dinner at some resort every night.

What should we suggest that they do in the afternoons? Can they swim in mid January? Is there anything to do at DD in the afternoons if they don't need to eat or shop? Does SSR have activities that would appeal to active seniors? (So weird to think of my mom that way!)

I want them to have a great time and want to come back.

 

[Tinker74]

try www.allearsnet.com Click on beyond the parks for ideas.. ....Lots of things from carriage rides to water sports...I reccomend hiring a boat at the GF or contemporary ...I love Bay lake..

 

[hakepb]

At SSR, there's of course, the Spa. (best spa at WDW. There is a couples one)

You can rent a boat at DTD (Captain Jacks), or just take the Disney transport boat to OKW.

Swimming or using the hot tub at SSR in Jan is a personal preference. Disney keeps the pools at 80, but is it worth it getting in and out?

 

[RumpleMom]

They could take the boat to DTD, explore there for awhile, then get on a bus to any resort and take in the sights there.

 

[eva]

Afternoon Tea at GF would be nice.

 

[anonymousegirl]

If they are golfing in the am, then maybe a relaxing afternoon is just what they are looking for. The parks close early that time of year and so you could do an early dinner somewhere and then spend quality time in the evening with a bottle of wine, board games, or strolling to DTD.

Also, it is fun the explore the different resorts like the Boardwalk, Grand Floridian or maybe catch one of the evening shows (Spirit of Aloha at the Poly, or Hoop-de-do Revue at WL) Maybe watch wishes from the beach at the Poly?

There's also a fun miniature golf, the Richard Petty Driving Experience, boat rentals on Bay Lake (super-fun).

 

[Melynny]

I would suggest taking the boat to Old Key West for a late lunch, then either taking the boat back to SSR or take the bus to the MK, then take the boat to Fort Wilderness, there it's fun to see the horses, and the ponies. From the MK they could also do a Monorail run, around Epcot, then transfer to the resort line, tour the Contemporary, Polynesian and then tour and shop at the Grand Floridian. They could also take a boat to the Wilderness Lodge, there is so much there to do also.

They could also take the bus to Hollywood Studios, from there, take the boat to the Boardwalk, there are some very nice shops there, Wyland, and have lunch at ESPN. Then take the boat back to Hollywood, then bus back to SSR.

Either of these could work for meeting you for lunch or dinner from the parks too! for a little break.

I do know they would really really enjoy taking a bus from DTD or a theme park to the AKL, including the bus ride, I am sure that would be good for an afternoon of touring! There are so many cultural items in the lobby, and even in the hallways it's almost like a museum. Then you add in the animal viewing of the savannahs, and they will be set!

If you won't have a car, all of these involve "transfers" and it may take them a bit to get the hang of it, so you may have to write down exactly what they are supposed to do, to make it less confusing, but it should be great fun!

 

[anna08]

I second just strolling around Animal Kingdom Lodge - there are areas to view animals on the savannah and the lobby is culturally so interesting.

If they are very active seniors how about a guided Segway tour from the Wilderness Lodge to Fort Wilderness. This is also a beautiful place to stroll.

I would love tea at the Grand Floridian!

The spa at SSR also seems to get consistently good reviews too. Hope you have a great trip!

 

[Golden Rose]

Thanks for the ideas! I'm starting to want to take a no park day for the spa for me, too...

We will have a car, so that won't be a problem for us. We already have dinner planned at lots of resorts, since they can't go into the parks for dinner. We'll definitely plan on going early, particularly to AKL and the WL.

They might definitely enjoy boat rides somewhere. I'm not sure about the Segway, but I'll mention it to them. I really don't know what they'll want to do - they'll be playing golf every morning, which may make them at least a little inclined to rest some afternoons.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Are they SURE they wont want to visit the parks? We are active seniors too (61 and 62)j, and I MUST go to the parks when I'm there!

 

[Golden Rose]

Yeah, I'm sure they don't want to visit the parks this trip. My mom went with us a year and a bit ago, and really wants a no park trip this time. Her SO hasn't been in years (and never with us), and I think he might actually enjoy it, but so far they are determined to avoid the parks at all costs. I've booked golf for them every morning and dinner at a resort (or downtown disney) for all of us together every night. They really want a chance to relax.

Her SO apparently has some really bad memories of MK... just getting him to WDW is our first step. We've got two trips booked for next year, and I'm hoping they'll go into the parks with us on the second trip. My hope is that they'll have a wonderful time on this trip and he'll see all WDW has to offer now and he'll be tempted to try new things with us later in the year. Also, my mom really hates waiting for the disney buses... and we'll be at SSR this trip. We'll be at BWV later in the year, and I think I'll be able to get them to go with us at least to Epcot.

 

[bobbiwoz]

My DSis, active, mid 50ies, loves SSR. She enjoys the paths to walk around and the spa and the exercise room. She's happiest at SSR without doing any parks.

Bobbi

 

[disneybride96]

We have spent days just doing a "resort tour". It's best at Christmas, but I love just touring the resorts and finding all the hidden quiet places like the rocking chairs at AK or the gazebo at YC.

 

[dvcSteve]

I agree that a resort tour is a great way to spend some time outside of the parks.

A nice way to do it is to start at the Grand Floridian, Contemporary or Polynesian and just hop on the monorail to change resorts. This is a great rainy day activity IMHO since you can see three rather large Disney properties, shop, eat, etc. without having to step outside.

Have fun!