No parks fun?

[Taratink]

We are going close to Easter and we plan on only going to two parks. What else is there to do in the area? I have a 9 and 11 year old and we'll be staying at the Grande Visa. Any suggestions?

 

[dougsmom98]

We have been going for many years and we only do the parks 2-3 days. We rent a house with a pool and spa and my kids are happy to hang out by the pool on our off days. That being said, we try to do something every day. We go to Downtown Disney at least twice, usually once at night and once during the day. We go in all the shops and listen to/watch the outdoor entertainment. We take all sorts of pictures and get a snack. We never shop in the parks so this is fun and we let the kids pick out one thing to buy and we always let them get something at Goofey's Candy Company. On non-park days, we plan late afternoon dinners because that gets us out of the house on a "rest" day. I always have big plans to do something like mini-golf, picking oranges, heading to Blue Springs state park, take an air boat road... but then we get comfortable doing nothing and we never get there. Here is a thread with some more information:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2621999

 

[Taratink]

Thanks for the great info. We usually spend all of our time at the parks but we come home exhausted. I really want to relax this trip. Have you gone to any of the dinner shows? I have been to the Al Capone show many years ago but we left because it was awful.

 

[dougsmom98]

I have never done the dinner shows because I have heard mixed reviews on the food. I would rather go some place where I know the food is good and do something afterward if we have the energy. I have always wanted to go to Wonderworks with the kids. I have heard okay things about their dinner show.

 

[bmabe114]

Taratink..forgive me that this doesnt answer your question but what are your dates? My family is going 23-30 and we are trying to get together a YES program group we have 7 possibly 9...if you would be interested that would hit our number and you could park tickets much cheaper than standard rates?just wanted to see if you would be interested..thanks

 

[Taratink]

We are going earlier in the month. What is a YES program?

 

[MinnieForMe]

Hi:
We will be there the same time as you and we are avoiding the parks with the exception of three days. We will be trying the Titanic Experience, Old Town for the antique car show ( I have a car nut), The Orlando flower gardens, and plan on doing some mini golf on the two Disney courses.

There is so much to do in the Orlando area. Your kids might like Gatorland (think Old Time Florida). It's a great half day experience. The kids loved the silly shows and got to interact with snakes, gators and birds.

The shuttle Endeavor is suppose to be going up April 19th so if you have an air and space nut like us, you'll be sitting on a side street somewhere watching it!

 

[Taratink]

I was thinking of the Wonderworks comedy show and maybe the hoop de doo.

 

[loveysbydesign]

We've always wanted to take the kids to Gatorland. They have coupons on their website and a small splash/water play area there. I think we're gonna try and take them next time we go as it;s not too expensive.

 

[MinnieForMe]

We've always wanted to take the kids to Gatorland. They have coupons on their website and a small splash/water play area there. I think we're gonna try and take them next time we go as it;s not too expensive.

In the past, Gatorland has had a buy one, get one free coupon in the Entertainment Book. If you know anyone who has it, you might want to check.

 

[loveysbydesign]

We have been going for many years and we only do the parks 2-3 days. We rent a house with a pool and spa and my kids are happy to hang out by the pool on our off days. That being said, we try to do something every day. We go to Downtown Disney at least twice, usually once at night and once during the day. We go in all the shops and listen to/watch the outdoor entertainment. We take all sorts of pictures and get a snack. We never shop in the parks so this is fun and we let the kids pick out one thing to buy and we always let them get something at Goofey's Candy Company. On non-park days, we plan late afternoon dinners because that gets us out of the house on a "rest" day. I always have big plans to do something like mini-golf, picking oranges, heading to Blue Springs state park, take an air boat road... but then we get comfortable doing nothing and we never get there. Here is a thread with some more information:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2621999

My kids would like to pick oranges...can you do that in October? also I had read somewhere that there is a state park that you can go to and see manatees in the wild. Does anyone know what park that might be?