Need your best non-ride tip/things to do

[zulaya]

FIL is possibly going to be in an ECV and not have a lot of energy due to chemo. He still wants to go on our trip here in 34 days. MIL thinks he will be bored with nothing to do.

I can name things off myself, but I want to hear from you.

What's the first thing you can name to do at WDW that doesn't involve riding a ride?

What's your FAVORITE thing to do at WDW that doesn't involve riding a ride?

I'm going to print this thread for MIL so let's make it a big one, ok?

Thanks!

 

[bjakmom]

Watching the parades, shows, and fireworks are my favorite things to do at the parks !! (next to meeting the characters, that is ) - there is always so much to see and do at WDW - I could never get bored (now that I'm a grand, just watching the little ones have fun is fun for me ) - hope your FIL has a wonderful trip being with the family and escaping just a little bit from his difficult medical treatments.

 

[Love That Stitch]

I have been to Disney several times using an ECV after breaking an ankle. WDW is VERY accomodating to all handicap.

The following are things to do:
All the shows have ECV access. Go to the shows!
Parades are great watching!
Shoping
My personal favorite; EATING!
Challenge of knicking people in the ankels w/ the ECV (hehehe).
There are several excellent tours of the theme parks; behind the scenes, etc.
Liberty Riverboat (but you may consider this a ride)

Hope this helps.

 

[Sooze]

I'm sure you'll hear this one a lot, but Disney World is so full of amazing and unique shops, that you could spend an entire day just window shopping. MOST of them are big enough for ECV, but some won't be easy for him to manuever around. Does he enjoy shopping or at least looking at shops?

Also, people watching at WDW is something I could do all day. There are so many differnt people, families, ethnicities, personalities, situations... it's fun to witness.

And don't forget about all of the amazing theatrical productions he could go to. I'm pretty sure all of them are ECV accessible. Does he enjoy shows?

Here's a start for you! I hope you get many more ideas.. and maybe some unique ones! I also hope your FIL is feeling better soon!

 

[maxiesmom]

Festival of the Lion King in the Animal Kingdom is great! It has singing, tumbling, and is very moving. I second watching the parades, and also the people watching you can do before the parades. It amazes me what some feel comfortable in wearing to the parks.

Character meals are good too. Does your FIL like to shop? I can spend allot of time just going thru the stores.

 

[TinaLala]

My MIL is riding an ECV and I've had to come up with the same list so here you go.


MK - TIKI Room, Country Bear Jamboree, Hall of Presidents, Toontown Hall of fame, TTA (If he an sit, he'll enjoy this), Main street shops, Town Square Exposition Hall, Frontierland shootin arcade, Liberty Bell Riverboat(if it's running), Gardens around the castle, Mickey's Philharmagic, It's a small world - can't be missed

EPCOT - All of the world showcase; Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, America, Japan, Morocco, France, UK, Canada - every nation has an amazing amount of history to explore and people from those countries. Any of the places in future world all are worth seeing.

MGM - Beauty & Beast show, Fantasmic, The Magic of Disney Animation, One Man's Dream, Backlot Tour, Indiana Jones show

AK - Jungle Treks, Pangani Trail, Tree of LIfe, Discovery Island Trails, Festival of the Lion King show

 

[addicted2disney]

Buy a hidden Mickey book and look for them. We has a great time doing that last trip!

Epcot also has great live entertainment too. The British Invasion in UK, Off Kilter in Canada, the candy lady in Japan, there are also drum performers in Japan, young girl acrobats in China, Mo-Rockin in Morracco, A guy who balances of stuff in France, Fife and Drump corps in American Adventure,

I bet he could do Soarin' in Epcot. You just get into you seat,then go up in the air and watch a movie.. its an awesome ride!!

Over towards the Safari in AK, there is an area that has these African performers.. like acrobats/gymnastics.. its all men.. and they are GREAT!! We always watch them every trip! You can also go on the hunt for DeVine... Shes on stilts, and dressed up to blend in with the trees, leaves and bushes.. shes cool.. a little eerie,lol, but cool!!

Another ride, thats not really a "ride" is the tomorrowland transportation authority in MK.. Its that blue train like ride ( Oh, and then theres the real train too!) and it goes around all of the attractions in tomorrowland. we love this too. If Carousel of Progress is open, he could do that as well.

YOu could easily spend a week in Disney and not get on a single ride.

 

[Hef4545]

Downtown Disney has such a nice atmosphere and is especially pretty at night. We love walking around the shops and then stopping at Giardelli's for a chocolate ice cream soda or you could skip the shops.

We also enjoy downtime at the resort. It is always nice to sit in a lounge chair by the pool with the newspaper.

I know you said no rides but I think a ride on Soarin would be in order. No knocking around. Easy to get on. Just an enjoyable experience for your body and senses. While in Epcot, stop by Norway Bakery for a delicious treat.
You can sit in an outside patio and enjoy the atmosphere.

Not sure what resort you staying at but a trip to the Poly Beach at night would be nice. You can watch the Water Parade on the Lagoon which would be followed by the fireworks (depending on what time they are) right at the beach. There are lounge chairs or swings on the beach or he can remain in his ECV since there is a walkway there without any crowds.

How about a Pontoon Boat ride on the logoon?

 

[LaraK]

How about Story Time with Belle in Magic Kingdom? Watching the kids is great. Also, the drum show in Japan, the Acrobats in China, the street perfomers in MGM...

 

[Kae]

the hidden Mickey book is a great idea. Don't forget the Flights of Wonder show at AK. The countries in Epcot also have entertainment Japan, France, Italy.

Kae

 

[Simba's Mom]

My favorite may not be for everyone-people watching and just soaking up the atmosphere. I could (and have) sit on a bench for hours on the Main Street in MGM, in Frontierland, by Discovery Island in AK, in WS, and just watch the crowds. Usually you can pick out the first timers. And it's especially neat to see the little kids and their reaction to seeing characters (I haven't found a shady spot in Fantasyland, but I bet that would be fun).

 

[zulaya]

Keep them coming!

 

[Charlotte&Carolina]

I could go to Disney and not get on one ride and still have a great time!
Shows, parades, talking with cast members in World Showcase about their homes, etc.

A lot of the shows are theater type he would just be able to take his ECV right in. My Mom had one last year when we went. She didn't want it - but she had to have it. The bus, ferry, and monorail cast are all more than helpful in loading and unloading you. Most shows and rides you can go on as well, depending upon how he feels each day and what his energy level is. A number of the shows are out in the middle of the street in MK, I've seen the Barbershop Quartet, the trolley dancers, square dancers in Frontierland - the list goes on and on just for MK.

MK - all that TinaLaLa listed are great. I'd add Carousel of Progress if it is open.
Epcot - All the live entertainers. The shops. The FOOD! Yum! Feeding the ducks. Watching little kids in the fountains (nope, not a pervert - have 4 kids! But the absolute glee and laughter they have with playing in the water - you can't help but smile!)
AK - I would add Flights of Wonder to the already great list.
MGM - If I remember right the Backlot tour gets a little jerky in one area? The Great Movie Ride might be better but again it depends upon how he feels. LMA - you take the elevator up and sit with him. The seats are pretty high up but at least you are not separated and you can still view everything just fine. There is usually a wait to leave - keep that in mind - as they can only load so many on the elevator at a time.
Meeting other Diser's - Priceless!
Look for us - we'll be there starting the same date as you!

 

[Polyfor30th]

I'm another one for people watching--soaking up the atmosphere and all.

I like to sit in front of Tony's and the eatery in frontierland--liberty tree tavern I believe--they have a front porch with rocking chairs and it is a fantabulous view of everyone strolling along. Plenty of room for an ECV. Also, in MK, there is a place next to Tony's where in the back they play old time cartoons and have memorabilia to look at--it's a pretty quiet area inside. I hope you all have a fun and magical time

 

[madcoco]

Looks like you have a lot of ideas to work with.

My favorite may not be for everyone-people watching and just soaking up the atmosphere.

Simba's Mom It's become a favorite for us. Another favorite thing is just looking at the wildlife,vegitation and decorations. Something is always changing. Taking a backstage tour opens up a lot more to the eyes and ears for future visits. Just made trip # 82 through the turnstiles into AK last Monday and still find new things to absorb.(Some visits are just quick in and outs to just ride a ride,check out one of the animal trails and/or snap a few pics.) Our thoughts are with your FIL. My father is battling cancer and we are hoping to get him down from PA for a visit. He hasn't been to the parks in over 20 years. Wish you the best.

 

[whogirl'smom]

The dancing fountains in Future World in Epcot. The boat ride from MK to Grand Floridian and back. Would the steamboat in Liberty Square be too much activity? I'll keep thinking....

 

[Harley-Mouse]

Rent the ECV from off site. I had one when I broke my foot. Thay have ones you can fit in the trunck of the car. This works well and you will have it allover not just in the parks. Also thay drive and work beter then the ones from the park. Look on the board for disabled.

 

[zulaya]

Thanks again for all the ideas! We are looking at renting an ECV from an off-site company and I've read the info on the diaABILITIES board.

I actually have that Hidden Mickey's book...we just haven't brought it on a trip yet.

 

[TheGoofster]

Something else that nobody has mentioned yet is to visit the different resorts.
You can do some via the monorail (from what I understand no problem on and off), and others by boats (again no problem on and off). I'm sure you could pass a whole day just enjoying the different resorts that are easily accesible.

 

[rlovew]

I agree with the visiting resorts- they will be decorated for Christmas- they are beautiful at any time of the year.

People have listed so many of the shows but many rides actually allow you to stay in the ECV and not transfer and would probably be just fine too- such as the Jungle Cruise, the Great Movie Ride, Journey to Imagination, and Living with the Land. The dark rides in Fantasyland may require him to stand up to get in and sit but if he is in the chair because of weakness from Chemo he should be able to do a transfer.- My DH doesn't do any of the fast rides except Mission Space and he still has a great time.

I don't think anyone mentioned enjoying the feedings and dolphin trainings at the Living Seas- taking character pictures, enjoying great foods