Ideas for a resort only trip with a toddler

[shairpdrh]

We are taking our first Disney Cruise in January 2017 and added two nights at Pop Century before we travel. I am traveling with my husband and daughter (1). We are already planning a longer trip later in the year with extended family, so we aren't planning to go into the parks. We have always stayed in the MK area before this trip, but decided to save a bit and stay value this time. Any ideas for what to do outside the parks to entertain ourselves and our daughter? We already have a dinner reservation at 'Ohana. Thanks in advance!

 

[AnnaS]

Have you been to all/most of the resorts? I would explore them one or two - snack, meal, etc.

Animal Kingdom Lodge - is beautiful and you can see the animals there
Boardwalk area - nice stroll in the evening, entertainers, ice cream or dessert
Pop Century - spend some time by the pool - if you feel it's warm enough
Disney Springs - anytime, Disney feel, shop, ice cream, meal, etc. evening entertainers too
Pick an area to watch the fireworks in the evening
Ft. Wilderness area
Ride the Monorail or the Ferry/boat from one location to another

 

[MomTo3PrincessesInNJ]

We are taking our first Disney Cruise in January 2017 and added two nights at Pop Century before we travel. I am traveling with my husband and daughter (1). We are already planning a longer trip later in the year with extended family, so we aren't planning to go into the parks. We have always stayed in the MK area before this trip, but decided to save a bit and stay value this time. Any ideas for what to do outside the parks to entertain ourselves and our daughter? We already have a dinner reservation at 'Ohana. Thanks in advance!

I would take a walk over to Art of Animation. They have a great food court and the theme really is amazing, especially for kids. There's a really nice playground if your child walks, too. If you want to see the MK fireworks you can head over to a resort with a good view (CR, GF, Poly) or even outside of MK. I have taken a seat on a bench and watched.

 

[HeatherL1985]

You can take the bus to MK and then boat over to Ft. Wilderness for their nightly fun. My toddler LOVED the Chip n' Dale meet and greet, show and s'mores....and it's free!! (except for the s'more supplies)

 

[shairpdrh]

Great ideas!

Have you been to all/most of the resorts? I would explore them one or two - snack, meal, etc.

Animal Kingdom Lodge - is beautiful and you can see the animals there
Boardwalk area - nice stroll in the evening, entertainers, ice cream or dessert
Pop Century - spend some time by the pool - if you feel it's warm enough
Disney Springs - anytime, Disney feel, shop, ice cream, meal, etc. evening entertainers too
Pick an area to watch the fireworks in the evening
Ft. Wilderness area
Ride the Monorail or the Ferry/boat from one location to another

I think we will need to add Animal Kingdom Lodge to the list and maybe the Boardwalk. I love exploring the resorts and my husband has only been to a few. Disney Springs is on the list since we haven't been since the new areas opened.

You can take the bus to MK and then boat over to Ft. Wilderness for their nightly fun. My toddler LOVED the Chip n' Dale meet and greet, show and s'mores....and it's free!! (except for the s'more supplies)

Neither of us has spent much time at Ft. Wilderness, so I am definitely adding that to the list.

I would take a walk over to Art of Animation. They have a great food court and the theme really is amazing, especially for kids. There's a really nice playground if your child walks, too. If you want to see the MK fireworks you can head over to a resort with a good view (CR, GF, Poly) or even outside of MK. I have taken a seat on a bench and watched.

We will have to try for the fireworks one evening. We might have to stick to a resort as I just don't know if I can handle sitting outside the MK gates and not going in!

Thank you for the suggestions!