One day activity outside Disney for a toddler?

[Honeymooner04]

I managed to snag some great airfare to Orlando if we left a day early so I'm left with the horrible ;-) problem of deciding what to do with an extra day of vacation before we can check into our Disney resort. I would really like to know what you experienced Disers would do. We will be arriving at 5 pm on a Saturday and can check into our resort at 3 pm on Sunday. We will have a rental car and we have Disney Annual passes so going to the parks is an option. Our party consists of myself, my hubby and our daughter who will be 20 months old. I'm thinking that our options are:

1. Get a hotel offsite, relax the Saturday evening, check out Sunday morning, drive to Disney parks, have fun, check into resort at 3.

2. Get a hotel offsite, relax the Saturday evening, check out Sunday morning, do non-Disney activity, have fun, check into resort at 3.

So if we go with Option 2, what non-Disney activity would in your opinion be the most fun/doable with a 20 month old? I'm thinking maybe Sea World but not sure if she would enjoy all the shows. What have your experiences been? We're planning on saving Universal Studios for when our daughter is bigger and we can all ride the big rides. What other attractions am I completely missing?

Thanks so much for your help and insight!

 

[MSSANDRA]

I would go ahead and see if you could get one night at a value hotel (or if you are staying value any way extend it one night). If you are on WDW property they will move all your stuff when you change resorts leaving you free to enjoy the parks. I do however think it would be fun to do sea world too.

 

[powellrj]

Not sure if this makes a difference, but you can check into your hotel anytime. They just may not have your room ready until 3pm. There have been many times that we have been able to get into our room early in the morning even though check in is at 3.

I think I would try to check in early and then head off for a character breakfast at one of the hotels like Chef Mickey or 1900 Park Fare.

We love Sea World, but my kids have been older when we take them. I think that 4 is the youngest we have ever taken them, so I am not sure a 20 month old would like it or not.

 

[Tikicampers]

DS loved AK at 18 months, which makes me think Sea World would be a good option if your toddler is into animals.

 

[Nanu57v]

Where are you staying? We've gotten a room on Disney property as early as 10am. Yeah, check-in isn't supposed to be until later, but the room was ready so they gave it to us.

Another option would be the Nick Hotel? I've wanted to take DD there. You could stay there that night. Its kind of $$ though.