Non-park favorites?

[la79al]

It looks like we are going to end up with one or two park days and one night at probably ASMu. I'm thinking about doing MK one day, then sleeping at ASMu and then the next day just hanging out at Disney but not going to a park. What are some of the best activities that don't require a park ticket but are actually exciting? I remember thinking this was a good idea when we did it 7 years ago, ODD was the same exact age YDD will be on this trip. We ended up riding the boat to FW and walking around for a bit and not much else. I figure after a late night at MK, they will sleep in until probably 9ish and then I will let them swim or hit the splashpad for awhile and at some point hit Disney Springs. The next day we will be back at the grandparent's house chilling and then the next day possibly hitting either MK again or AK.

 

[mmounsey]

We did this during one our 'hurricane escapes' years ago...made a not so fun week much better!

We also did one day at MK, but we also did:

a day at downtown disney (disney springs) for food and shopping
a picnic/playtime (soccer)/movie/smores day/night at Fort Wilderness...we actually grilled with some local friends...one of my favorites!
monorail tour-light shopping/snacking while stopping at each of the monorail resorts...we still try to do this every trip...another favorite
a day trip to ikea (not disney, but still, it's ikea!)

Looking back at my notes for that week, this is actually what it looked like:
DTD/Ft. Wilderness
MK
IKEA/Boardwalk
pool/ DTD Westside

On that Westside day, we also went to see the Clone Wars movie with the boys...the pool was at our friends' home. Boardwalk is also a must do every trip

Other friends have also done mini golf at Disney, but we have never had the time to squeeze it in. And once upon a time, we'd also spend a little bit of time at Disney Quest.

Have fun!

 

[epsmith921]

You could rent a boat at any of the marinas. Husband and I rented a little searaycer at the BC/YC marina a number of years ago and it was a blast. You can also rent larger boats more fitting for a family.

You could do one of the fireworks cruises later in the evening.

Resort character dining, go to AKL for dining and check out the animals.

Like PP said, monorail tour, or we've ridden the friendship boats between Epcot and studios. That was really fun.

Disney springs of course. My almost 5 year old wants to go in the characters in flight balloon.

 

[VillainFavs]

Winter Summer land mini golf is fun.

 

[jeepnjudy]

We love DTD/Disney Springs now and can easily spend a whole day there!!

 

[roseaster]

OP, have you considered off site? The Econo Lodge Kissimmee is $50 a night, and offers a free park shuttle. You could get 2 nights there for the price of 1 at ASMu and you won't have to pay for parking.

You could probably get 2 park days in a row and then spend the 3rd exploring. Budget-wise you would be coming out on top between the price of the hotel stay, the parking, and the fact you wouldn't be using extra gas to drive back and forth for your 2nd park day.

You could also save on food by eating off site, or picking up something local to pack for the parks.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

We love the Boardwalk in the evening! Magicians and jugglers, carnival games, great CS food and atmosphere. You can also rent a surrey bike and even walk over to Fantasia mini golf.

 

[seashell724]

I'm just bumping b/c I'd love to hear more.