Non-Theme Park Activities

[LeeAnn]

What Non-Theme Park Activities is there to do in WDW?


Will do all 4 theme parks (1 day each). Plus MNSSHP. So I don't think I would go to the Theme Parks again. What should I do? I have a whole day free to schedule.

Thanks.

 

[jordgubben]

I always think that EPCOT takes two days just because it's almost like two parks in one with Future World and World Showcase.

If you don't think it will take you 2 days to do EPCOT you could:
- spend the day enjoying your resort
- DisneyQuest
- do a backstage tour
- water park
- Resort Hop to check out where you want to stay next time

 

[Baloo]

Hi Leann!

I came up with a few things for you!

Fort Wilderness has a petting zoo just south of Pioneer Hall. You can take boat or bus to Fort Wilderness. Cost is free to Walt Disney World resort guests. Great place for kids

Fort Wilderness has a campfire and sing-a-long every night of the week. A Disney classic movie follows the sing-along. Chip and Dale usually make an appearance. The Fort Wilderness staff provides a campfire; bring your marshmallows, hot dogs and sticks if you have them. If not, marshmallows and sticks are available for purchase. Cost is free to Walt Disney World resort guests. Great evening for kids

Fort Wilderness has a self-guided nature walk in the woods. The trail begins at the far east end of the beach. This trail is normally very private and can be nice for a romantic walk in the woods. Best seen during daytime as there are no lights. Cost is free to Walt Disney World resort and River Country guests.

The Market Place at Downtown Disney is one of our favorite places to go.The Rainforest Cafe is a restaurant to dine with kids!The MKTPL has fountains for them to play in so you might want to bring along their swim suits! There is a a small train and carousel (for a small fee) that they can ride.A big don't miss is Legoland! Kid's can spend hours here!Other don't miss shops at MKTPL...Once Upon a Toy Store,Art of Disney,Disney Days of Christmas(Pick out a special ornament to commerate your trip.They'll put your name on some of them.)Pooh Corner,Team Mickey and of course the largest Disney Store in the world,World of Disney.

Olivia's at Old Key West is a wonderful quiet little restaurant y'all might like to try out.It's very laid back in the tradition of the Florida Keys.The decore is quite charming ,the walls covered with photos of people who are DVC...check out the one of the bride and groom with the white strech limo in front of Cinderella's Castle! Talk about fairytale wedding!!

Tour the monorail resorts.Hop on the monorail travel from the future(Contemporary) to the South Pacific (Poly) to Old Florida (GF) Get a bite to eat in one of their restaurants.

Yacht and Beach Club - get an ice-cream cone or a giant milkshake from Beaches and Cream stand. Check out the pool at the Resort. Ya can't take a dip but looking is free! The walk around the lake there to the Boardwalk is quite relaxing.

Have lunch at Whispering Canyon Cafe at WL. Then go to ther front desk and ask for the Hidden Mickey list.Fun way to tour this resort.

Make a PS for dinner at Boma's in the AKL.After dinner take a stroll around the grounds.It is amazing!AKL also has a Hidden Mickey list that's alot of fun!

If you have a car I recommend you head up I-4 to the Belz Outlet Mall.There are 2 Disney stores there.Great bargins in both!

 

[donna in Oz]

I agree wholeheartedly with jordgrubbon . . . actually, I think both MK and EPCOT are best enjoyed when you have at least a day-and-a-half to spend. Even though you'll be attending MNSSHP at the MK, there are many special activities for that evening, so you may not be visiting many "regular" attractions.

Having that little bit of extra time gets rid of the "commando" style of visiting those parks and allows you time to take in lots of small extras that you might miss otherwise.

But if you still wish to spend the extra day elsewhere, all of the previous suggestions are good, and in addition, you might like to check out Disney's mini-golf at WinterSummerland. Here's a link, if you're interested:

http://wdwig.com/golf2.htm

Above all else, enjoy!!

 

[Rpsemont]

I will echo everyone saying that it would be very easy to spend that extra day redoing things you missed in the parks - I guess that assumes you have a hopper with an extra day. Depending on when your MNNSHP falls, you may want to take that day to NOT use a hopper. Then you could hang at the resort (if you're on site) or resort hop, do a water park, go to one of the MK resorts and rent a boat or water mice. Do a resort character meal, downtown disney,marketplace, outlet stores, SOme resort also have bike rentals, min golf (2 to choose from) and all the other things already mentioned

 

[jeleebeene]

If you are looking to get away from the parks, I would choose a water park. You can then do something else in the afternoon/evening. You might try Disney Quest, Downtown Disney or check out the Boardwalk - there are a few shops, sometimes even entertainment outside if weather permits. Stop at Beaches and Cream, right across from Boardwalk at the Beach Club Resort and have some ice cream - it is sinful!

There is miniature golf also - that may be fun! Take a tour of Animal Kingdom Lodge - they have animal viewing areas.

All of the suggestions are great, and no matter what you choose, you will have a blast!

 

[LeeAnn]

Going w/ a 9 month old so we are only covering the kiddie areas (or kidde friendly areas) so I think 4 days in 4 parks should cover it (since we are skipping the big rides). And only have a 4-day hopper.

Going to MNSSHP.
Too young for water parks.
Doing 3 Character Meals.
Taking mid-day breaks (poolside).

There just one full day unplanned.
Minature golf seems good for about hour.
Anthing else?

Thanks.

 

[luvaladdin]

Deb Wills website has a link that lists "overlooked attractions," things to do inside and outside the parks that are not specific rides or attractions. It is at http://wdwig.com/ola.htm.

 

[swclark]

Go to one of the resorts that have marina (we have always stayed at port orleans). You can rent paddle boats, or the surrey bikes to pedal.. they were both great fun! we have also done the mini-golf courses, tours and things like that to break up the park visiting and get a look at the other things disney provides..