Please help me plan "outside the park" activities?

[familyfirsttimer]

On our 1st trip there last year, we just did the parks, every day/night for 8 days. The only dinner we did was Chef Mickey's our first night and we did do the Princess Lunch on our Epcot day.
For families with younger childrern (my DDs are 4&7), what kind of other activities do your do. (ie HoopDeDoo, visit DTD, etc.) Also, do you ever visit the other resorts and if so, do what, just wander around and check them out?
Just curious, I would like to plan some other fun things that I may not have considered!
TIA

 

[DizzyErin]

We try to do as much as possible .. Sea World .. Universal .. IA .. This year we plan 2 do Gatorland, BG and DTD too, aswell as WDW .. My DD7 is so excited about the extra things we've got to do

 

[familyfirsttimer]

Thanks DizzyErin fr your input but I was looking for more Disney-type things like DTD, etc and wondering what other families with young kids do outside of the 4 mian parks and what they enjoy most.

Thanks!

 

[chop456]

My DS6 and I are going to play mini golf one day, go to the Boardwalk and eat at Beaches and Cream - yummy, ice cream for lunch?!?!! (hey, it's vacation!), DS is going on Pirate Cruise and Alice in Wonderland Tea Party, and we'll go check out some resorts.

 

[mrstomrice]

Consider booking the Hoop-de doo, and spend some time at Ft. Wilderness before the show. There is a petting zoo, a nice little beach area, a chance to rent boats at the dock, and the evenings there are bonfire sing alongs. Even if you don't do the show (which is great!), the atmosphere there is relaxing! Also, check out the Marketplace for a change of pace and some good shopping (i don't recommend Rainforest cafe there though...very busy, expensive, and the food is average)

 

[DVCkidsMOM]

While there are lovely things to do outside of the parks that cost extra $$, there are some inexpensive options also. Definitely check out other resorts - especially AKL and WL where there are tours. AKL also has a story time around the fire - the activities are listed near the bell station in the lobby. Many ideas at FW were already mentioned but I'd like to add the campfire program followed by movie (free - bring marshmallows to roast if desired) or for a cheaper pay activity, the wagon rides or an hour in a canoe.
Our kids usually spend nearly an hour playing at the Lego store at DTD. They also think the resort boat transportation and monorail are rides. Why not, they don't cost any extra.

 

[MinnieNurse]

Last year we took DS (then 5) to DTD and while there he and DH rented a small boat and went for a ride, he loved Lego Land. We did the Hoop Dee Doo Musical which he had so much fun at. We did Restarauntasaurus (sp?) and Rainforest Cafe at AK. At MK we did Crystal Palace with the Winnie the Pooh crew which was nice. At MGM we did Sci Fi Theater which DS thought was absolutely incredible. We did Coral Reef at Epcot-DH and I were not that impressed with the food but DS loved the environment and his Mickey Sundae.

 

[gianna2006]

We did DTD on our last trip and both my kids loved Legoland!!! We were there for at least two hours. Also loved the World of Disney store, for looking around (be prepared for the "I wants" though). We also did DisneyQuest, which was wonderful for both my son who loves video games and my daughter who loves to "paint" on the computer. There were also some interactive rides to do as a family there (also a great thing to do on a rainy day, since it's all indoors!). This vacation we plan to also do minigolf, check out Fort Wilderness (especially their petting zoo), and try fishing.