Looking for special experiences at WDW. Out of the ordinary ideas.

[cadets68]

We have a group of up to 10 people (coming and going different days) that will be at WDW in Febuary.

We are celebrating a friends birthday and want to experience things that most people never get to do or see.

Open to ideas of things to make this trip extra special.

We can spend enough to cover nearly everything I can think of. But we do not have Mariah Carey money and will not be taking over the castle.

Please help with some ideas

Thanks

Shawn

 

[Luvchefmic]

We have a group of up to 10 people (coming and going different days) that will be at WDW in Febuary.

We are celebrating a friends birthday and want to experience things that most people never get to do or see.

Open to ideas of things to make this trip extra special.

We can spend enough to cover nearly everything I can think of. But we do not have Mariah Carey money and will not be taking over the castle.

Please help with some ideas

Thanks

Shawn

Two things came to mind: VIP Tour and photo shoot

 

[eyehartdisney]

What about http://www.wdwinfo.com/recreation/fireworks.htm with a birthday cake and maybe champagne delivered to the boat?

 

[wdwjeffc37]

Yes. The premium Wishes Fireworks cruise with food and a birthday cake delivered to the boat. If you want to go all out, the VIP Cruise on Grand 1 Yacht.

 

[melanieewr]

You can PM me

We have done numerous private events before the parks open or after closing.

Great Movie Ride with a progressive meal and entertainment.

Tamu Tamu at AK...done this 3 times...always fun. Once I had Tarzan there.

Breakfast in France with a caricature artist. Also have had Rapunzel and Flynn in Germany.

Grand 1 is always great

Dessert parties for Illuminations are nice

I will have a group of ladies there in Sept and we are doing a Tower of Terror dinner and dinner at the Contemporary in the kitchen

I will be happy to answer questions if you will PM me. I remember when I first started planning and how much help I needed!

 

[Raenstoirm]

You don't mention the ages of the group. Cool things for an all adult group are a bit different than one with little kids.

As Melanie says there are some awesome things to be had for the right amount of money.

 

[melanieewr]

So True! We have done adult events and events that included our grandchildren...equally fun!

 

[hearts8701]

Keys to the kingdom tour over 16
$79.00/5 hours
Horse back riding at fort wilderness all ages
Horseback Trail Rides
$46/45 min

 

[laughinplace199]

Wild Africa Trek in AK. I haven't done it but DH and DS have. They loved it and it definitely isn't something you can do at home (unless you live in Africa).

 

["Cinder" Ella's Mom]

Parasailing at the Contemporary Resort! Arrive super early and try to get chosen to open the Magic Kingdom!

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I've done many trips with bigger family groups. How do I say? We have not done the backstage tours or private boats because they don't appeal too much.

One special perk we really enjoy though, and something that is especially useful with large groups, is paying for club level access at one of the deluxe resorts. As the group planner, it takes a load off my shoulders if the group has easy access to staff. The all around extra level of service makes everything go better. The lounges also make a great place to meet up and hang out. Beer and wine are included, so that's a nice extra.

Some of the lounges also offer fireworks view. Watching Wishes from the Poly lounge is much better than squeezing in with crowds on Main Street, IMO.

In general, staying in the deluxe resorts is preferable to a large vacation villa, or a moderate or offsite.

 

[cadets68]

More details.

We are staying at Port Orleans Riverside.

All adults. All in our 40's.

I love the ideas generated so far.

thanks

Shawn

 

[mickeyluv'r]

POR is a beautiful resort, but you will spend quite a bit of time walking around. the distances between the rooms/food court/pool are all quite considerable. Also, taking the bus often means looping all the resort stops.

The bigger the group, the harder it is to get everyone in sync- snacks, bathroom breaks tired feet, etc. So again I'll suggest, two of the most valuable ways to splurge, are a deluxe hotel and a rental car.

Having a minivan at your disposal, even one that technically only holds nine people, will pay off all week. It will be especially useful at a moderate resort!

It doesn't usually pay to drive to MK, but it does with the other three, especially if you arrive early, break, then return in the evening. both early and late, one can usually grab a rather close parking spot. You just need to have a designated driver.

Another time when having your own car pays off is if you go to a resort for dinner.

to go back to your original question, one splurge we have done is signature dining. Narcoosee's is nice. Cali Grill is slightly mixed (We can get better sushi back home for far lower prices), but with the new remodel the views are really nice. You can also watch the fireworks from CR, even if you finish dinner before they start.

I've tried in-room splurges like treat-goodie bags, and we usually don't end up eating them.

 

[cadets68]

Here is what I have reserved so far:

Rented a car for easy transport

Dinner reservations:
Yachtsman Steakhouse
Il Mulino
California Grill
Hollywood Brown Derby
Le Cellier

Experiences:
Tomorrowland Terrace Fireworks Dessert Party
Port Orleans Riverside Horse Drawn Carriage ride
EPCOT Illuminations Cruise
Keys to the Kingdom Tour

I have some time on the schedule for another great experience for 4 people. Two couples - one celebrating a wedding anniversary the other celebrating the wife's birthday.


Anything else to really make it special?

Shawn

 

[jiminy14]

The Queen Victoria Room or the Chef's Table at Victoria and Albert's if you are foodies.

 

[Minniekins]

Looks like you've got a nice bunch of things planned! I have nothing new to add, as the few I was going to suggest are already in your list or suggested, lol. Ooh, wait, just thought while typing - how about a dinner at Victoria and Alberts? That is supposed to be quite excellent, very special indeed!

Hope you all have a very magical and grand gathering!