New Ideas

[tlw29]

We have been to Disney a few times and have ridden all of the rides many, many times in all four parks. While we will still enjoy the things we have done before, we are looking for new ideas to do with our boys (ages 10 and 15). Does anyone have a suggestion of a something new and different to do this time around? We will be staying on site the week before Thanksgiving, so the Christmas decorations will be up. Any secret gems in the parks or at the resorts? Thanks for the advice!

 

[gules]

Do a Hidden Mickey Hunt if you haven't already. I can't tell from this post if you have kids, but even if it's just you and your SO it can be really fun. One trip my husband and I looked for hidden Mickeys everywhere, including hunting down ones in our resort.

At the resorts, the Boardwalk has a nice Gingerbread display. The Grand Floridian has THE display-- a gingerbread house large enough to hold its own little store. I've heard that Fort Wilderness campers often put up their own decor, but I don't know if that would be going on in Nov, and I've never seen it myself.

If you've never been around Christmas, Epcot in particular has seasonal changes in the World Showcase.

If you're willing to spend the extra cash, I personally love having afternoon tea at the GF Garden View Tea Room. It might be hard to get ressies this close to, though.

That's all I can think of off the top of my head. My husband and I usually go over winter holiday, but we don't mind taking things easy and doing a lot of the same stuff every year.

 

[Donald - my hero]

one word? MINIGOLF!! We did this last trip and it is on my hubby's "must-do" list for this trip. We had a blast

 

[MendySueH]

I agree with the minigolf, my 11 and 14yr old love it. They also like watching sporting events at ESPN Club at BW and playing games at DisneyQuest. They also enjoy resort hopping for sightseeing, eating, shopping, and using different arcades. This yr DS (14) and I are resort hopping just for cupcakes!! Oh and last year we rode on the boat from GF to MK while the water parade was going on, we sat out on the water for a long time because we couldn't pass the parade, it was peaceful and beautiful.

 

[minnie mum]

Have the boys tried any of the interactive activities inside the parks? I'm thinking of Sorcerers of the MK, Phineas and Ferb at Epcot, and Wilderness Explorers at AK.

 

[nkereina]

There's Disney Quest in DTD. If you've booked a package, you should receive vouchers for free admission. Otherwise, they frequently run specials for half price admission in the evenings (after 5pm maybe?). We as adults didn't particularly enjoy it but I could see where young boys would, particularly if they are gamers or at least fond of arcades.

If you want to visit some resorts to see the Christmas stuff, Grand Floridian, Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge are probably the best. We also though Coronado Springs had some nice touches as well.

There's also things like movies under the stars at various resorts, carriage rides at some resorts, camp fires/smores at some resorts.

 

[incredible mom]

Conduct a holiday resort tour of the decorations

 

[incredible mom]

Try a tour- the backstage safari should be a hit. we are in the same position with our boys- ages 8, 13, and 15... I try to add the magic each trip for the holidays. If you catch a warm day try the water park; also the golf courses are terrific; my boys liked Disney Quest...try to add in pool time and enjoy some of the best restaurants, as my sons have gotten older dinner at the California Grill has been appreciated
My bis like the down time at the resorts- table tennis by the GF pool, movies and s'mores on the beach. Rent a surrey on the boardwalk or go fishing or try boating. There's much to do away from the parks and still be amongst the magic

 

[incredible mom]

My son just reminded me going to ESPN is on his wish list!

 

[Dashzap]

Go see the Harry Potter stuff at Universal.

 

[wergoin2camouse]

My boys are now 11 and 13. Disney quest is always there first stop!

Riding the water mice at (two man boats ) pretty cheap too!

Steam train tour is also inexpensive

Magicians at the boardwalk were fun and funny

My both enjoyed (last year) the hunt at MK with the cards and wizards ... Don't remember the name. Started at the fire company at front entrance .

 

[goob9954]

We have quite a few times and so I'm always looking for books about some of the stuff that you wouldn't otherwise know. I took "The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World" with me and I had highlighted some stuff to keep an eye out for and it was a lot of fun to see "behind the scenes" stuff that's really right in front of you

 

[Hidadsoup]

Have they done Sum of all thrills? My 13 and 10 yo loved it.