No Parks at all!!!

[squee!! disney!!]

:O I can't imagine going to Disney and NOT going to the Magic Kingdom at least!

but if that's how you want to do it.. i'm sure you guys will have lots of fun.

 

[Nikisha421]

You are going all the way to WDW from NY just to eat some food and waste your days with time-filler stuff?YUP Your question asks, what to do to fill up your time while at WDW. Answer: Take your family to visit the Parks!WEST VIRGINIA...SURE IS A STRANGE PLACE...I SAID NO PARKS Your DD7 and her Aunt, who hasn't been to WDW in years, are excited about going to WDW,WHO SAID THEY WERE EXCITED but not going to the parks? Or just you?

sure thing - and while youre in FW maybe you could take a segway tour through the resort...I hear its a blast! You could do Mickeys Backyard BBQ or Hoop Dee Doo Review, watch the Electrical Parade from the beach at 9:45 pm! Go fishing if you like to do that too! That you can do at either FW or POR. At POR you can go to Scat Cats Club - a fiull serivce bar with live music on weekends. The carriage rides are $35 and leave from Boatwrights between 6-9 pm for a 30 minute ride. Go to the spa at Saratoga Springs and then have a nice lunch. I think SSR has carriage ride too. Dont forget the Boardwalk!

thanks....added to the short list

Fort Wilderness also has the evening campfire with Chip & Dale, right? I believe they do a singalong and you can make s'mores.
Some resorts also have Disney movies on the beach - I know I saw a schedule at the Poly and I think the GF may do this also. You can also view the MK fireworks from the Poly beach, and they pipe in the music. There's also that weird floating electric parade that has just got to be seen to be believed.
Downtown Disney is fun too and there's lots of choices there for food & shopping.

I'm pretty sure its a law that if you take a DD under 12 on property you have to take said DD to a park at least for 75% of your stay.

im definetely a rule breaker!!!!

http://www.buildabettermousetrip.com/activity-outdoormovie.php

above is the link showing what movies are playing at each resort.

I have gone to Disney for a week more than once without ever stepping foot into a park. We would stay at a deluxe and during the day we would enjoy what that resort had to offer. At night we would go watch the fireworks from one of the resorts if we happened to not be at one where we could view. We would watch the Electric Water Parade from the resorts. Stroll around the Boardwalk, rent bikes at different resorts. We also rented kyak's at Ft Wilderness. There is really a lot to do without going to parks.. and just an fyi, when we would do this, our kids were young. They were more than happy to enjoy Disney without parks..

thanks for the link

Rent a boat, have a nice afternoon at the spa, or play miniature golf.

miniature golf is a do

How are you going to book the dining plan without a package? I'm pretty sure you have to, at least, buy a one day ticket... unless you are staying on points at DVC.

I just realized you are likely at DVC since your signature includes lots of DVC stays... my bad!

how does even answer the question????

DisneyQuest
Water parks
Mini golf
Regular golf
Rent a boat, bike, etc.
See a movie at the AMC theatre in Downtown Disney
Swim in the resort pool

thank you

I have to agree with this too! I'm sure there are hundreds of places within a 8hr driving distance from your house that you could have just as much fun at if you're not going to be doing the parks. I would never in a million years go all the way to Disney (especially with a kid) to not 'do' Disney! I'd get at least a 1 day ticket!

our chaffeur is really not into long distance drives...we usually get on the plane for fun...

Your a stronger person than I. Not sure I could travel great distances, stay for 2 days and deny my child (or myself) seeing MK.
LETS BE VERY CLEAR MY CHILD HAS NEVER BEEN DENIED A THING IN HER LIFE...DID YOU READ THIS WEEKS TIME MAGAZINE COVER STORY "ONE AND DONE" ABOUT THE LUXURIES OF BEING AN ONLY CHILD.
I DIDNT KNOW YOU COULD DENY SOMEONE DISNEY WORLD! ISNT THAT AN ADDED BONUS OF BEING SOMEONES CHILD??? KISSING MY TEETH AND BTW ROLLING MY EYES
I can just imagine DD7 getting back and talking with her friends...

Friend: "where were you the other day? we were looking for you to play"
DD7: "oh, I was on a trip"
Friend: "really? that's cool. where did you go?"
DD7: "Florida"
Friend: "awesome! what did you do in Florida?"
DD7: "Disneyworld"
Friend: "wow!!!! Did you see Mickey?"
DD7: "no"
Friend: "oh. how was the Castle?"
DD7 "dunno"
Friend: "oh. did you like Space Mountain?"
DD7: "didn't do it"
Friend: "oh. it is a dark scary ride. how about Cinderella? did you get to see her?"
DD7: "no."
Friend: "o-kay. i bet the parades were awesome!"
DD7: "couldn't tell ya"
Friend: "hmmmm. i though you went to Disneyworld?"
DD7: "we did"
Friend: "then tell me, what did you do?"
DD7: "well...first we had a delightful breakfast. it was fabulous! we had waffles shaped like Mickey, covered with the toppings of our choice. we washed it down with fresh orange juice and milk, of course. complimenting the mickey eared waffle were two strips of bacon, perfectly cooked, lightly crispy. completing the meal, was a fresh plate of fruit consisting of bouqet of berries and spears of sweet melon.

Then we had lunch. An entertaining affair. There was laughing, crying and a parade of characters. The most tender of chicken nuggets with the tastiest of sauces were such a delight for the taste buds. The side of fries was the perfect accompaniement for this dish. Afterwards, I cleansed my palate with sorbet.

For dinner, well let me tell you, it was to die for. the leanest cuts of beef, perfectly cooked. Pure jucy tenderness in ever bite. Let's just say it was the best hamburger with ketchup i've had since, well, since McDonalds"


Anyway, all kidding aside. Downtown Disney is a great place to spend the better part of a day. If LaNouba is in the budget, do it. It is absolutely amazing and DD7 along with Auntie and yourself will be amazed. Disneyquest is a blast but that's a decision for you. Not everyone thinks it's worth the money for video games (we think it is).

Boardwalk is a great place to spend an evening. Multiple choices in Dining and the streetmoshpere is a lot of fun in the evening. Also, there is a candy store where you can pick your own candy, always a hit. Rent a 4 person bike (4 wheeled contraption that i don't know the name of). You can also get caracatures done on the boardwalk.

Minigolf is a hit with our boys. Fanatasia Gardens near the Swan. Wintersummerland at Blizzard Beach. If i were to choose one, i'd recommend Wintersummerland.

Resort hopping is fun and since you will be dining at resorts, it's a perfect thing to do. Rent a boat, bike, fishing.

Anyway, have lots of fun.

BETTER RESPONSE TO HAVE WHEN WE GET BACK HOME...AAAH WE STOPped AT DISNEY WORLD TO HAVE BREAKFAST WITH MICKEY MOUSE AT CHEF MICKEYS AND THEN WE GOT ON ANOTHER PLANE AND HEADED TO PARADISE ISLAND 5 NIGHTS AT THE ROYAL TOWER AT ATLANTIS...NOW THAT WAS HOT check the signature and see watch us...a we travel...

don't get me wrong. it most definitely is possible to have a good time with everything else at WDW. There's no denying that, but c'mon, travel long distance with a 7yo and a 'newbie' and NOT see MK at a minimum? kind of like going to the ball and not dancing, winning the lottery and not cashing in, walking the aisle and not saying i do, going on a honeymoon and not - well, you get the idea....

sorry, but i just couldn't imagine a childhood memory of "i went to Disney but didn't go in".

MY SISTER ISNT NEW TO DISNEY...SHE HAD TOO MUCH DISNEY WHEN WE WERE GROWING UP AND IS ONLY COMING TO DISNEY BECAUSE SHE DOESNT WANT TO FLY TO NASSAU ALONE...

DISNEY WAS OUR VACATION BEFORE OUR VACATION....I DONT KNOW HOW THIS BECAME A CONVERSATION ABOUT MY FINANCE, PISS POOR PARENTING, WHAT I COULD AND COULD NOT AFFORD, A DENYING MY CHILD AIR TO BREATHE...BUT CHILL...SOME FOLKS ARE WAY TOO UP TIGHT...

and for those that answered the question...thanks so much...

fyi...i make all my post in the same screen name...

 

[POOHsie]

(Note to self: Ignore postings of Nikisha421. She plays games with her family's feelings, then plays games with those discussing her games. Life is too short to waste on prima donnas. So sorry for her family. +

 

[Planogirl]

Eh, to me there is no point in going all the way to Florida and not visiting the themeparks. I can find nicer resorts and better food closer to home.

BUT...if it makes other people happy who am I to judge? Everyone has different things that they consider important or fun.

What to do? Downtown Disney? Mini-golf? Character meals in the resorts? Offsite?

 

[ilovejsparrow]

(Note to self: Ignore postings of Nikisha421. She plays games with her family's feelings, then plays games with those discussing her games. Life is too short to waste on prima donnas. So sorry for her family. +

Is this post serious?

 

[ilovejsparrow]

Oh and related to the OP- we have family that lives right near WDW, and sometimes when we visit we go to WDW for a whole week and never step foot in a park! We've gone mini golfing (Winter Summerland is the best at night!), Typhoon Lagoon, walked around DTD.. there's tons to do! Disney World isn't just about the parks.. check out a character breakfast! Maybe 'Ohana so you can even get a glimpse of Magic Kingdom? Have fun!!

 

[02AggieGirl]

I think this is a neat idea. I always say every time I talk about going again that it would be fun to do "the other stuff" but never do.

I think at the top of my list would be "chip-n-dale's sing along & movie" and a round of mini-golf.

Try to book California Grill during Wishes.

 

[pbthompson]

I have to say I love these boards. I don't even have a trip planned, but here I am reading away...

The OP has been 9 times since 07, I think it would be okay to miss the parks this time. I had the same reaction the first time I read the OP, I couldn't imagine taking a 7 year old to Disney and not hitting the parks. Seems wrong on many levels, but Atlantis is AWESOME thats where we are going on our next vacation. Have fun at both places and if you live in Westchester NY you can afford it.

 

[Planogirl]

I think this is a neat idea. I always say every time I talk about going again that it would be fun to do "the other stuff" but never do.

I think at the top of my list would be "chip-n-dale's sing along & movie" and a round of mini-golf.

Try to book California Grill during Wishes.

The bolded above is fun. We do that sometimes on our Animal Kingdom day.

 

[Nikisha421]

(Note to self: Ignore postings of Nikisha421. She plays games with her family's feelings, then plays games with those discussing her games. Life is too short to waste on prima donnas. So sorry for her family. +

please do ignore...since I am bad mother...denying and depriving my daughter of a childhood vacation...someone should call the authorities on me asap

Is this post serious?

I think so...but like the ny lotto commericals say "hey you never know"

Oh and related to the OP- we have family that lives right near WDW, and sometimes when we visit we go to WDW for a whole week and never step foot in a park! We've gone mini golfing (Winter Summerland is the best at night!), Typhoon Lagoon, walked around DTD.. there's tons to do! Disney World isn't just about the parks.. check out a character breakfast! Maybe 'Ohana so you can even get a glimpse of Magic Kingdom? Have fun!!

thank you

I have to say I love these boards. I don't even have a trip planned, but here I am reading away...

The OP has been 9 times since 07, I think it would be okay to miss the parks this time. I had the same reaction the first time I read the OP, I couldn't imagine taking a 7 year old to Disney and not hitting the parks. Seems wrong on many levels, but Atlantis is AWESOME thats where we are going on our next vacation. Have fun at both places and if you live in Westchester NY you can afford it.

Thanks for post...it actually has lifted me back into reality...we know that we are blessed and can go and we thank GOD for that every single day...especially since we know that there are children right here in our communities that are not as fortunate to get to go so often...yes we do live in Westchester...and so much of what we do finacially has to be a give and take so that we can continue to enjoy our Westchester lifestyle....and maybe that equates to not going to parks on our tenth Dinsey trip in three years...but to me the better part is that Disney wasnt really our vacation...we were just going there to hang out for two days...I just wanted to become more knowledgable on things to do outside of the parks so we didnt have to resort to going to the parks for lack of anything else to do...

...I generally am not really a nasty person but when someone uses the word "DENY" in the same sentence as a child who has more than I had when I was growing up...it ticks me off...this kid has everything from a to z...starting with A-alvin ailey dance classes all the way through to Z-as in zoo animals in our back yard for her birthday parties...Im not bragging nor have I ever stated that I was affluent in anyway...kissing my teeth AGAIN...but really I should have just gotten a laugh out of it...none the less...THANKS ALL FOR THE ADVICE both positive and negative...

 

[Niki Andiokno]

From one Niki to another, just ignore the jibes of those who don't know what they are missing by skipping the parks. I love the parks, but I have gone many times and not stepped foot in a single theme park. As DVC owners it can be easier to go to WDW and do other things than worry about making an exchange through RCI or paying OOP for another vacation destination. Kudos to you for trying the non-traditional activities. You will have a blast.

I have done all of the above activities, and all are great. I am into sports as well, so visiting ESPN and Wide World of Sports have alot of stuff to do. Regular golf, as well as mini-golf are great. Oak Trail is very beginner friendly to try it out with your 7 year old for the first time.

I also love to shop. You can get some really great shopping, Disney and otherwise, at the Premium Outlet Mall. The Disney outlet is awesome, and you can snag some really great deals at Coach, Liz Claibourne, Bass, Nike, Osh Gosh, Gourmet Store and many others. If you are not into the outlets, there is a Big Mall right off the expressway.

This trip is for you and your family. Just have lotsa fun.

 

[dbalek]

If the OP wants to adopt a 32 yr old midwestern girl I'm up for that kind of neglect anyday!!!!!

 

[mefordis]

Are you considering water parks? If so I would hit one of those, Downtown Disney, Boardwalk, Animal Kingdom Lodge to view the savanna and eat at Boma.

I think You'll have a great time.

 

[Ellajoan]

Done it. Twice. Once with kids. And kids who have been before so they knew what they were missing. Even went so far as to take them to the gates of MK so we could take a boat to WL. We had an absolute ball! Actually, one of our best trips ever! Lots of relaxing and getting to take our time and experience and appreciate the small details of everything instead of always rushing to the next park, attraction, show, etc. DO it! Be straight with the kid ahead of time that you won't do parks but fill them in on all of the other fun possibilities.

Think of it as ice cream with only one topping instead of a full banana split. Still is tasty, just isn't as much.

 

[Sara*s_Mommie]

If you had just asked "What is there to do outside the parks" w/o the background, the judgemental, info-lacking, drama inducing dis'ers would have moved on (too boring a question for them) and you would have gotten some intelligent answers.

Unfortunately, I've only been once and don't know what else there is to do...however, I just saw the Characters in Flight balloon ride in DTD that looks like a blast.

You'll have a great time whatever you end up doing!

 

[keypooh90]

Spend time exploring the resorts, go to Fort Wilderness or the Boardwalk. Spend time at Downtown Disney or play a round or two of mini golf. Believe me, there's plenty to do to keep you busy outside of the parks.

 

[Nikisha421]

From one Niki to another, just ignore the jibes of those who don't know what they are missing by skipping the parks. I love the parks, but I have gone many times and not stepped foot in a single theme park. As DVC owners it can be easier to go to WDW and do other things than worry about making an exchange through RCI or paying OOP for another vacation destination. Kudos to you for trying the non-traditional activities. You will have a blast.

I have done all of the above activities, and all are great. I am into sports as well, so visiting ESPN and Wide World of Sports have alot of stuff to do. Regular golf, as well as mini-golf are great. Oak Trail is very beginner friendly to try it out with your 7 year old for the first time.

I also love to shop. You can get some really great shopping, Disney and otherwise, at the Premium Outlet Mall. The Disney outlet is awesome, and you can snag some really great deals at Coach, Liz Claibourne, Bass, Nike, Osh Gosh, Gourmet Store and many others. If you are not into the outlets, there is a Big Mall right off the expressway.

This trip is for you and your family. Just have lotsa fun.

If the OP wants to adopt a 32 yr old midwestern girl I'm up for that kind of neglect anyday!!!!!

thanks for the advice Niki...yeah I was just thinking it would have been a better question for the DVC boards because it is a more understandable situation going to wdw without going to the parks

Are you considering water parks? If so I would hit one of those, Downtown Disney, Boardwalk, Animal Kingdom Lodge to view the savanna and eat at Boma.

I think You'll have a great time.

not considering waterparks since Atlantis is one big waterpark and we will be there for five days

Done it. Twice. Once with kids. And kids who have been before so they knew what they were missing. Even went so far as to take them to the gates of MK so we could take a boat to WL. We had an absolute ball! Actually, one of our best trips ever! Lots of relaxing and getting to take our time and experience and appreciate the small details of everything instead of always rushing to the next park, attraction, show, etc. DO it! Be straight with the kid ahead of time that you won't do parks but fill them in on all of the other fun possibilities.

Think of it as ice cream with only one topping instead of a full banana split. Still is tasty, just isn't as much.

thaks

If you had just asked "What is there to do outside the parks" w/o the background, the judgemental, info-lacking, drama inducing dis'ers would have moved on (too boring a question for them) and you would have gotten some intelligent answers.

Unfortunately, I've only been once and don't know what else there is to do...however, I just saw the Characters in Flight balloon ride in DTD that looks like a blast.

You'll have a great time whatever you end up doing!

only gave the background bc I know that five ppl would have asked...well who's going??? so yeah I could have just left it out then ppl who have just started on the boards with no advice to offer would have just skipped over the thread

 

[Luvchefmic]

Hey I have to admit I laughed until tears with a previous poster listing the 7 y/o going back home & describing the trip to WDW....moving on & putting that aside...

having done horse back trail riding at the Fort many times strongly advise if your trip is in a month to call 407-wdw-play to make ressie asap don't think its something you can just walk up to.

 

[claryche]

To each there own. I was shocked last year when a friend said they were going with their 3 almost 4 year old daughter for like 5 or 6 days and only going to a park (MK) for 1 day. I almost fell out of my seat. But they had fun. Now the one thing they did learn was not to wait until almost the last day to go to the park, because their daughter was so upset by not going to the park the other days, that she was almost ready to go home. But all in all they had a great time.

I do have a question though. Can you purchase the dining plan if you are a DVC owner? Because I thought you could only get it as part of a package deal with tickets? Just wondering.

 

[Sagginit]

i give you credit for taking the time to smell the roses. i actually wanted to tack on an extra day to our WDW trip this year to have a day outside the parks but it just wasnt happening. i went as a tween twice and have very fond memories of mini-golf, dtd, and pool time. you can also go to POR and take a very scenic boat ride to DTD if you are going there to shop or eat. so if you go there for carriage ride you could do that too. i also did those searacer boats as a kid and loved going around the lagoon on them. if they still have them you can fit two to a boat i believe.