MK afternoon break options

[Jobelle]

We're just over a week out from our (only!) one day at WDW. We'll be at MK starting early with a PPO BOG. We're staying off site and have littles (5 and 2) and are thinking we'll likely take a break late afternoon or early evening and visit one of the monorail resorts for a break, likely have a quick service meal, and hopefully some downtime for our kids, neither of whom will predictably nap. If we've managed to avoid meltdowns we might go back to watch fireworks (DD5 has her heart set on them)

We're debating between going to the Polynesian (Captain Cooks) or taking the boat over to Wilderness Lodge (Geyser Point or Roaring Fork). What would you suggest? Any other good options I'm overlooking? Also we don't necessarily have to be in the park to see the fireworks. What are some favorite free spots for watching - I've seen suggestions for the TTC, Poly beach, and a lounge at the contemporary (?).

 

[Jobelle]

And I just realized I probably stuck this in the wrong sub- forum. Apologies!

 

[DisneyStarWisher]

We love going over to the Wilderness Lodge. Very relaxing. Not the best place to watch fireworks though.

 

[sharonabe]

We'll be at MK starting early with a PPO BOG. We're staying off site and have littles (5 and 2) and are thinking we'll likely take a break late afternoon or early evening and visit one of the monorail resorts for a break, likely have a quick service meal, and hopefully some downtime for our kids, neither of whom will predictably nap. If we've managed to avoid meltdowns we might go back to watch fireworks (DD5 has her heart set on them)

I vote for a monorail QS. Cooks at Poly is a great idea. Let them run around the lobby or outside on the "beach" for awhile afterwards and then just ride the resort monorail line. They may get sleepy enough to take a little nap on the monorail, and you can just stay on while they snooze. Instead of resort line, you could go to TTC and get on the monorail to EP. It's a longer, non-stop ride and the scenery is a little more boring which might encourage that nap. Again, you can just stay on and ride repeatedly.

 

[Buddy40]

IMHO I would vote for Wilderness Lodge over the Poly. Even mid day the Poly can be busy. You can relax at Geyser Pt and your kids might be able to catch a nap. There are also cozy seating areas on intermediate floors in the atrium/lobby where you can find some quiet time or in the Carolwood Pacific room of Boulder Ridge Villas.

 

[twinmom13]

Will you have a stroller? If so, a leisurely walk to the Contemporary might encourage a short nap.

 

[yorkieteacher]

The Poly is easier to get to, just jump off the monorail and you are there. The boat ride to WL is nice, but you have a short hike to the lodge. If it is raining, I would not want the boat or the hike. The beach at the Poly is nice, and the fireworks view is better there. The Electrical Water Pageant also begins at the Poly, with great views from the beach. I would check out these resort board threads here under the resort forums, and also the quick service choices available under the restaurant forums here, and decide which appeals to you the most.

 

[BobbyDukes]

Going into the Baby Care centers is also a great option especially with the age of your kids. They are extremely clean and comfortable, usually have toys and a movie going, some snacks and air conditioning.

 

[yulilin3]

For a break i would do contemporary, their quick service is good, it has a nice, large outdoor area to run AND on the second floor there are comfy couches and it's usually really quiet for a perfect spot to nap
As for firework watching i find that the patio of Gasparilla is perfect, at the GF, they pump the music really loud and it's a perfect view

 

[Jfsag123]

For a break i would do contemporary, their quick service is good, it has a nice, large outdoor area to run AND on the second floor there are comfy couches and it's usually really quiet for a perfect spot to nap
As for firework watching i find that the patio of Gasparilla is perfect, at the GF, they pump the music really loud and it's a perfect view

I second this. We'd been in the MK, felt wiped out, but had a dinner reservation at 'Ohana so didn't want to go all the way back to our Epcot area resort to rest. We ended up doing exactly this. There's lots to see and do in the main concourse, but then if you need a quieter spot for downtime heading downstairs provides ample seating with few people around.

 

[NoTime42]

Captain Cook at Poly only has a very small indoor dining area (for heat/A/C and or shelter from rain.)
Plus it overlooks a really fun-looking water splash area (that can only be used by Poly guests).

 

[Jobelle]

For a break i would do contemporary, their quick service is good, it has a nice, large outdoor area to run AND on the second floor there are comfy couches and it's usually really quiet for a perfect spot to nap
As for firework watching i find that the patio of Gasparilla is perfect, at the GF, they pump the music really loud and it's a perfect view

Thanks for the suggestion! Any idea how crowded Gasparilla Grill gets during the fireworks?

 

[yulilin3]

Thanks for the suggestion! Any idea how crowded Gasparilla Grill gets during the fireworks?

I stream from there often and it doesn't get crowded at all. I sit on the ledge next to the speaker so the sound is amazing

 

[Anna131517]

If you really want to leave the park my vote is for Poly. We’ve watched the fireworks from the “beach” in the back before and it was fun. We also love Ohana. However, we just did a park opening at BOG to fireworks last week with kids 2, 4, and 6 and it was fine. The youngest napped in the stroller and all three fell asleep in strollers on the way home. We had reserved garden viewing of the fireworks where they could run around before the show started. We did BOG for breakfast (hated, will never do again - way too loud and chaotic for me), a QS sit down lunch, and then a TS dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table before the fireworks. Just make sure you have a good double stroller. We always rent a citi mini double from Kingdom Strollers. And bring a larger baby carrier for the two year old if you think you might need it while waiting in line or if you’ll be taking a bus. Have fun!

 

[Zaz936]

We used to go to the Wave at the Contemporary. We'd walk over so my daughter would fall asleep, then stroller in (afternoon, not sure that works in the evenings) and have a drink from the bar while she snoozed. Then we'd walk back, and wake her up!

 

[MinMou]

If your kids need to run around and not feel they are on a schedule, there are 2 places in MK, Tom Sawyer Island, and a hidden playground under the train station next to Big Thunder Mtn, called the Laughing Place. Our son loved the Laughing Place when he was 4 (we didn't make it over to the Island). https://www.disneybyage.com/play-spaces-for-toddlers-at-walt-disney-world/

 

[Twitterpaited]

Wilderness Lodge for an afternoon break. If you want to watch fireworks off site, Poly is great. Allow enough time to get dole whips beforehand. I would recommend the garden view dessert party to see fireworks in the park. Kids will have more room to relax while waiting for the fireworks.