Need Ideas for Cool, Different Events/Excursions in WDW Please

[YayDisney]

We are from Florida and have been to WDW more than I care to admit. My kids are turning 10 this year and my son and husband are a little close to being "over" Disney already. . . In the past, I have tried to do different things (like the pirate cruise for the kiddos, the night time animal watching in AK lodge, etc) But I think I may be out of new and different things. I was checking out the Wild Africa Trek and will probably book that this time around, but would appreciate any other ideas - paid or free. . .This may be the last time we get to go!

 

[Shanti]

We did Wild Africa Trek and loved it, especially the "Out of Africa" style lunch on the gazebo overlooking the "plains". Closer & longer animal views, while the endless sequence of guests in overstuffed Kilimanjaro Safari trucks would drive by with loudspeakers blaring. We looked at that & said, "Thank goodness we're on this tour instead of that one."

Epcot Aqua Seas Tour is extraordinary: you get to snorkel in the Epcot aquarium. Even weak swimmers can do this, as they give you equipment that makes you float, and help you learn to snorkel if you don't know how or are scared. Competant snorkelers can just take off. Truly amazing!

A trail ride in the woods of Fort Wilderness is unusual and relaxing, you'll feel very away from it all.

Cirque de Soleil La Nouba in Disney Springs is the best Cirque de Soleil I've seen and worth your time.

Have you stayed in the Yacht or Beach Club? Stormalong Bay is a special water feature that we loved- your kids will enjoy going "home" to that each day, especially if they found the parks tiresome.

Some people overlook the water parks (we did for years), but they're wonderful. Our favorite is Blizzard Beach (more rides), but Typhoon Lagoon has an awe-inspiring wave pool. The scariest ride in all of WDW is Summit Plummit in Blizzard Beach.

Challenge your kids to that, if they're getting blase. There are plenty of non-scary rides there, though.

Then after this trip, do some different vacations with the kids for a few years. WDW will still be there for them 20 years later, when they have their own kids & the nostalgia creeps in. And you and your husband can go back adult-style once in a while, enjoying spa service, signature restaurants and golf, as much as the rides.

 

[Good Morning Dewdrop]

sometimes there are fun scavenger hunt type events put on by D23 (2011) and MouseAdventures (supposed to be doing it again in the Spring) - those are loads of fun as competitions - just to participate in. Wish D23 would do their 2 day scavenger hunt event again - we didn't come anywhere close to 'winning' but had a blast. MouseAdventures is more about puzzle solving but knowing WDW is very helpful as that is where you gather the info

 

[MinnieGirl33]

Archery at Ft. Wilderness

 

[tstidm1]

If you don't have an Alamo Drafthouse or something similar, How about doing AMC Dine In Theater for a night of the trip? Most markets don't have an Alamo Drafthouse, it's a unique thing that most can't do.

 

[YayDisney]

Thanks!! We did a whole week at Ft Wilderness and agree the trail ride and archery are great events. We did cirque and the waterparks too! Lol I had heard about the Epcot scuba thing but the kids were not certified but they can snorkel for sure. You think it's worth it? Sounds cool. So do the scavenger hunts. We do have a dine in theater here too. Cinebistro. I bet they would like that.

Any other ideas?

 

[nemodeb]

If you have a car, a short distance away is a nice airboat company called Spirit of the Swamp tours. We did this a couple years ago. Being from out of state (Seattle area), it was a nice look at "wild" Florida (saw an endangered Snail Kite). Not sure if this will be interesting if you are from Florida, but it was a neat and different experience. Really nice people too.

 

[Accident]

I was burnt out from disney and didn't plan to head there this year at all (but still went). The main reason we went is a family friend was originally planning to take her kids there and it was a little exciting to join them. They didn't go but we kept our trip. It sounds like your planning basically the same trip you've done before with a different activity you hope they might like. Maybe this trip, it's your turn to do something different but still do it at disney since they sound ok with still going.

Start with where you stay.. Fort Wilderness has a lot of nice activities that are often overlooked and the cabins are a really nice way to stay on property in a different way. The Treehouses at saratoga springs, if you can fit within your budget, maybe a dvc rental option are also a really fun way to vacation there especially if you've never done it. Both are unique in their own way and a good way to change it up.

Next, try a different touring style. Let them vacation a little and rope drop less if that's your normal preferred way. Try some of these new restaurants or some of the refurbished ones with new menus. Really break the normal habit but still get the disney you are personally looking for. Skip character meals or early morning breakfast adrs..

Give them some father/son time that isn't disney. Have they ever tried golf? Many are surprised how much they love golf after trying and an afternoon lesson at one of the courses is a nice way to have them with you on vacation but not overload them with disney. The boats are easy to rent for some time on the lake. Sometimes there is interesting things happening in the espn sports complex area that might be of interest.

Just some rough ideas of keeping it disney for you, but making it a different vacation for them.

 

[YayDisney]

I was burnt out from disney and didn't plan to head there this year at all (but still went). The main reason we went is a family friend was originally planning to take her kids there and it was a little exciting to join them. They didn't go but we kept our trip. It sounds like your planning basically the same trip you've done before with a different activity you hope they might like. Maybe this trip, it's your turn to do something different but still do it at disney since they sound ok with still going.

Start with where you stay.. Fort Wilderness has a lot of nice activities that are often overlooked and the cabins are a really nice way to stay on property in a different way. The Treehouses at saratoga springs, if you can fit within your budget, maybe a dvc rental option are also a really fun way to vacation there especially if you've never done it. Both are unique in their own way and a good way to change it up.

Next, try a different touring style. Let them vacation a little and rope drop less if that's your normal preferred way. Try some of these new restaurants or some of the refurbished ones with new menus. Really break the normal habit but still get the disney you are personally looking for. Skip character meals or early morning breakfast adrs..

Give them some father/son time that isn't disney. Have they ever tried golf? Many are surprised how much they love golf after trying and an afternoon lesson at one of the courses is a nice way to have them with you on vacation but not overload them with disney. The boats are easy to rent for some time on the lake. Sometimes there is interesting things happening in the espn sports complex area that might be of interest.

Just some rough ideas of keeping it disney for you, but making it a different vacation for them.

Thanks - all good points. Golf. Hmmm. Never thought about it. I'll look into it.

 

[kittylady1972]

Another vote here for the Wild Africa Trek. We did it in July, did an afternoon (because I think we got a discount on it) and it was a BIG hit for us as well as 3 kids (ages 11, 12, 15) for sure.

My husband and youngest son did the Behind the Scenes Train tour at Magic Kingdom (I know it has a different name...but too lazy to look it up) and really liked that. However my youngest son does love trains. He came back telling all kinds of cook facts about the WDW Steam Trains.

My husband and kids and his parents have done the fishing excursion on Bay Lake and loved that also.

 

[Shanti]

We did Wild Africa Trek and loved it, especially the "Out of Africa" style lunch on the gazebo overlooking the "plains". Closer & longer animal views, while the endless sequence of guests in overstuffed Kilimanjaro Safari trucks would zoom by with loudspeakers blaring. We looked at that & said, "Thank goodness we're on this tour."

Epcot Aqua Seas Tour is extraordinary: you get to snorkel in the Epcot aquarium. Even weak swimmers can do this, as they give you equipment that makes you float, and help you learn to snorkel if you don't know how or are scared. Competant snorkelers can just take off. Truly amazing!

A trail ride in the woods of Fort Wilderness is unusual and relaxing, you'll feel very away from it all.

Cirque de Soleil La Nouba in Disney Springs is the best Cirque de Soleil I've seen and worth your time.

Have you stayed in the Yacht or Beach Club? Stormalong Bay is a special water feature that we loved- your kids will enjoy going "home" to that each day, especially if they found the parks tiresome.

Some people overlook the water parks (we did for years), but they're wonderful. Our favorite is Blizzard Beach (more rides), but Typhoon Lagoon has an awe-inspiring wave pool. The scariest ride in all of WDW is Summit Plummit in Blizzard Beach.

Challenge your kids to that, if they're getting blase. There are plenty of non-scary rides there, though.

Than after this trip, do some other things with them for a few years. WDW will still be there for them when the nostalgia creeps in.

Thanks!! We did a whole week at Ft Wilderness and agree the trail ride and archery are great events. We did cirque and the waterparks too! Lol I had heard about the Epcot scuba thing but the kids were not certified but they can snorkel for sure. You think it's worth it? Sounds cool. So do the scavenger hunts. We do have a dine in theater here too. Cinebistro. I bet they would like that.

Any other ideas?

Yes, the snorkeling is worth it. We went with my bf, who is not a Disney fan at all, and even he had a great time.

Have you ever done any watersports (parasailing or tubing) on the lagoon, via the Contemporary docks? You can also rent your own boat.

Since you've been to Ft. Wilderness, you've probably been to Hoop Dee Doo Revue, but if you haven't, you should.

We enjoyed Fantasia mini-golf, too. It was walking distance from the Yacht Club. Again, if you've never stayed at a Boardwalk-area resort, they might like that. It's a different atmosphere, walking distance to a variety of things, including Epcot & Hollywood Studios.

 

[Pakey]

I've been to WDW over 30 times as an adult and have done all of the extras at one time or another. My favorite, by far, has been the personal scavenger hunt that we did that was arranged through a company called Gifts of a Lifetime (found out about them from the allears website). My ex-husband and I knew about the event but our adult children did not--it was a surprise to welcome my stepson's fiancée to the family. This company customizes events/activities to suit your desires/budget. The hunt started with a mysterious letter arriving for my future daughter in law that had the first clue and the kids (all in their 20s and 30s) worked together to go from one clue to the next and didn't know until the end that it was me who had arranged it. And even though I knew what was going on and had selected the park and the theme, I didn't know the specifics and I also had a blast trying to figure out the clues and where we needed to go next.

 

[P800aul]

Hi

No one has mentioned https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/ ..a very full day maybe two.

Celebration is a really great place to walk round, relax and eat my kids 11 and 13 love it.

Regards

Paul

 

[IceSkatingPrincess]

Private fireworks cruises are awesome, signature dining is a fave of my DH, new resorts always add something to do (especially at deluxe), as you mentioned the various tours disney offers, try a really laid back trip, explore the waterparks, there is a lot to do besides just the parks themselves!

 

[Accident]

My favorite, by far, has been the personal scavenger hunt that we did that was arranged through a company called Gifts of a Lifetime (found out about them from the allears website).

Was this like the movie midnight madness? That sounds amazing!!!!

 

[YayDisney]

Yes, the snorkeling is worth it. We went with my bf, who is not a Disney fan at all, and even he had a great time.

Have you ever done any watersports (parasailing or tubing) on the lagoon, via the Contemporary docks? You can also rent your own boat.

Since you've been to Ft. Wilderness, you've probably been to Hoop Dee Doo Revue, but if you haven't, you should.

We enjoyed Fantasia mini-golf, too. It was walking distance from the Yacht Club. Again, if you've never stayed at a Boardwalk-area resort, they might like that. It's a different atmosphere, walking distance to a variety of things, including Epcot & Hollywood Studios.

Thanks - We signed up for the snorkeling. Haven't rented any boats, but did to the Hoop Dee Doo - Very cute

 

[YayDisney]

I've been to WDW over 30 times as an adult and have done all of the extras at one time or another. My favorite, by far, has been the personal scavenger hunt that we did that was arranged through a company called Gifts of a Lifetime (found out about them from the allears website). My ex-husband and I knew about the event but our adult children did not--it was a surprise to welcome my stepson's fiancée to the family. This company customizes events/activities to suit your desires/budget. The hunt started with a mysterious letter arriving for my future daughter in law that had the first clue and the kids (all in their 20s and 30s) worked together to go from one clue to the next and didn't know until the end that it was me who had arranged it. And even though I knew what was going on and had selected the park and the theme, I didn't know the specifics and I also had a blast trying to figure out the clues and where we needed to go next.

oh my goodness, this sounds soooooo fun! I'll look them up. I am sure they could tailor this for younger kids. . . . Thanks so much to everyone. I love this Board. You are all always so helpful.

 

[brockash]

We are from Florida and have been to WDW more than I care to admit. My kids are turning 10 this year and my son and husband are a little close to being "over" Disney already. . . In the past, I have tried to do different things (like the pirate cruise for the kiddos, the night time animal watching in AK lodge, etc) But I think I may be out of new and different things. I was checking out the Wild Africa Trek and will probably book that this time around, but would appreciate any other ideas - paid or free. . .This may be the last time we get to go!

Do you guys do the water parks? We never used to, but started to a couple years ago as the kids were getting older and it's their favorite thing now. It's really the thing my 13 year old DS looks forward to and although my DD 8 still likes the regular parks, she really enjoys the water parks too.

 

[Simba's Mom]

There are some great tours (and FREE!) at AKL. There's the culinary tour of Boma and Jiko, and a tour of Sanaa. There's a lobby tour held at each-Jambo and Kidani. You don't have to be staying there, nor is it necessary to sign up beforehand. The community halls at many of the DVC resorts have some interesting activities (I love the ceramics painting), but you have to be staying there. At Sanaa, there's "Lunch with an Animal Keeper", not free, but the price is reasonable (for Disney) $49, which includes the meal.

 

[Dan Murphy]

The train tour is really interesting, a fun morning.

http://blog.touringplans.com/2013/03/20/the-magic-behind-our-steam-trains-tour-report

If doing one of the tours that are charged for, remember the discounts...AP, DVC and Disney Visa, all 15%.