Looking for something new....

[ajwolfe]

So on our next trip we will be celebrating my oldest sons 13th birthday. I'm looking to add something extra to the trip to celebrate. Was toying with the Pirate and Pals firework cruise but am open to any and all suggestions. I know we will be there during SWW, not sure if there is anything during that he would enjoy??? We have done the Wishes Dessert Party already.

Thanks for the suggestions!!

 

[amcnj]

Have never done that cruise, but have done the Illuminations one, as that was the only location doing such things at the time I believe. They had snacks and we also added a birthday cake for the one that was also a birthday celebration. I think they also had a few decorations on the boat too. Everyone enjoyed it. We had 6-8 people each time and the pricing was of course quite a bit lower than today, so it wasn't too bad cost wise. The pirates one sounds neat, and seeing wishes would be nice. And if your son would also like the character interaction, that might be a lot of fun. Might he also enjoy one of the safari experiences?

 

[ajwolfe]

Have never done that cruise, but have done the Illuminations one, as that was the only location doing such things at the time I believe. They had snacks and we also added a birthday cake for the one that was also a birthday celebration. I think they also had a few decorations on the boat too. Everyone enjoyed it. We had 6-8 people each time and the pricing was of course quite a bit lower than today, so it wasn't too bad cost wise. The pirates one sounds neat, and seeing wishes would be nice. And if your son would also like the character interaction, that might be a lot of fun. Might he also enjoy one of the safari experiences?

Do you happen to know what the Illumination ones are called? I haven't checked out the safari experiences because my younger son will only be 9 at time of travel and I'm thinking there was an age limit on some of those but I could be confusing it was the behind the seasons tours. But I'll have to check now.

 

[BrianL]

SWW does have the character dining options now, which could be fun if he's a Star Wars fan.

 

[Jadyreen1282]

Take the boy on the Wild Africa Trek and he can climb this. More fun than any Dessert Party (we do two dessert parties per trip, we know):

 

[DWillowBay]

Another vote for Wild Africa Trek. I did it with my son a few years ago and we had a blast. Up close to the animals, dedicated safari leader, great lunch, opportunity to connect to animal preservation project and unique souvenirs. It was wonderful!

 

[Rosebud123]

What about renting those mini speed boats? My 11 and 13 year olds are very excited to do those. They would have zero interest in a fireworks cruise. The wild animal thing looks awesome, too, if he's an animal lover.

 

[ajwolfe]

I think the Wild Africa Trek looks fun. The only thing holding me back on that is the price. For a family of 4 that's quite a bit extra to tack on to the trip.

Hadn't thought of the mini speed boats - that's a cool idea.

 

[serenitygr]

Is he into dolphins, fishing, or horseback riding at all? We actually got each of our children a certificate last May for something to do special during our October trip! For our daughter- a guided horseback ride at Fort Wilderness. (about 50/person) for one son- a 2 hour guided bass fishing excursion. For another son- a tour at Animal Kingdom called backstage tours (90/person) and for our dolphin loving son we are actually going to Clearwater marine aquarium where he can be "assistant dolphin trainer for half a day ( about 350). That's also where Winter the dolphin (from the movie) is, so it's an awesome place to visit if they loved that movie

 

[revdon64]

If he's into the pirate thing at all then do the Pirates and Pals Fireworks cruise. We did it two years ago and it was the best experience of our whole trip.

 

[EllinK]

Where do you rent the mini speed boats and how much is it?