New and different ideas

[PaulaJ]

We've always done 2 parks a day..not quite commando style, but definitely a "Theme park" vacation, as opposed to a "let it flow" vacation. In planning for our August trip I'd like to find some new and different ways to approach things. Anybody have great ideas for building in a little more relaxation..but not just hangin' around the pool? We've got DD(18) and niece (9) with us and staying at the Poly. Is DQ a good idea? We're not an "Innoventions" type group, or huge video games fans.

 

[becka]

I was going to suggest DQ but if you don't like video games and interactive stuff then it may not be the best choice. Some of the things we have done and/or considered doing include:

1) Mini-golf (Fantasia Gardens was a blast)
2) Rent boats for a few hours
3) Cirque du Soleil
4) Spend a few hours at the Boardwalk in the evening
5) Try a water park
6) Resort hop and just check out some of the fantastic theming at the resorts (we like to combine this with a lunch or dinner PS)

 

[Tooneric]

Our last two trips have been to the Poly. We absolutely love it. My DS is 11 and DD is 9, so we aren't quite in the teen years yet, but here's a couple of ideas for you.

We tried DQ for the first time this March (we evacuate New Orleans for hurricanes and Mardi Gras!), and it was fun, but very NOISY! I didn't find it especially relaxing, but there were a few attractions that were really good. The bumper cars where you shoot volleyball size balls at other cars (the riders are protected by plexiglass) and make their car spin, the virtual pirate ship where you stand on a real deck shooting cannons, and the ride where you design your own rollercoaster were all fun. But if you're looking to unwind, this is not the place.

Poly tips: We rented the Surrey Bike and rode the paths to the GF and around the POLY one day. It was really quite nice. I think it's a great way to spend an hour. You can cover the whole area in that time. We looked into the little speedboats, but my kids aren't old enough to drive them, so we didn't do that. It looks like fun to me though! There are walkways along the beach and lake which the kids enjoyed exploring. Not much to explore but still a nice way to spend an evening. Look for our "secret path" as the kids called it. There's one path that ends on a point behind the Poly and has a great view of the lake, GF, Space MOuntain. The walkway ends with a cement circle. We just laid there looking at the stars for a while. One of those magical moments with the kids... We love Kona Cafe! The food is great and the deserts are fabulous! My DD always got the Kiddy Cone and DS got the Kiluaua Tort (very chocolate!). In fact I just booked a last minute trip for Jul 6-11 at the AKL with a great passholder rate and the only other resort we plan to visit is the Poly for dinner and desert one night.

Since we usually go in Feb or Mar, this is the first trip we plan on trying a water park. and mayyyyyyyyybe miniature golf. I'm trying to think of things to do to get away from the parks for a bit as well. Final suggestion: I didn't know anything about AKL until after I booked it. You may want to check it out one afternoon or evening. Boma is supposed to be an excellent buffet, and the 3 savannahs with animals roaming sound nice. There is storytelling around the fireplace in the great lobby balcony overlooking one savannah, and they even have night vision binocs for you to use!

Sorry this is so long. Hope it helps and have a great time!

Eric

 

[Harambe]

You can also go horseback riding at Fort Wilderness. And they have hay rides also.

 

[adamak]

Here is my favorite non-park activities list, in addition to others' great recommendations -

1. Resort hopping. Take the monorail and hope to every single resorts there. Then take a (free) boat ride to FW. It's actually very romantic at night.

2. Have a meal in AKL or WL. Then walk around their grounds.

3. Mini-golf or real golf. You'd appreciate that after hectic park days.

4. Get a tour of DVC. They don't give you any sales pressure, and you get to tour the ground and the rooms. They're very nice.

5. Relax in your hotel's pool.

Just make sure you schedule an 'off' day in between parks.