Post-Cruise, which Park would you do?

[tambo3]

I have about 8 hours to wittle down until our flight after our cruise that leaves at 6pm. Which WDW Attraction would you do with boys ages one, four and six? We are not overly attracted to long lines for rides,,,,thought about Animal Kingdom,Epcot...?

WHat would you advise???

 

[dis-happy]

Honestly, I'm not sure I would try to do any park---would be too concerned about time and getting to the airport, etc. A more relaxing route in my book however, would a few hours at Downtown Disney. Kids play with the legos, rent a mouseboat, lunch at Rainforest Cafe, eat a sundae at Ghiradelli, maybe even walk over and hang out at Saratoga Springs resort--blend in enough and slip into the pool (shh!). Anyway, just a thought.

 

[tkd lisa]

Unless you have an AP that you can use, I also would just do Downtown Disney.

But if you're bound and determined to do a park, DON'T do MK. It's notoriously busy on Saturdays (assuming you're on a 7 day). We did MK after our first cruise (we stayed over that night and flew out the next day), and probably only managed a half a dozen rides because it was really packed. We actually had to wait in line for the People Mover thingie (the one that goes through Space Mountain?).

 

[jrabbit]

If I was to do a park it would be Sea World. Sit and enjoy the shows. If you like rollercoasters - they have a great one- Krakken. There is also the Journey to Atlantis ride (combo splash mountain and a rollercoatster). I think it would be more relaxing that trying to do a WDW park AND it's closer to the airport.

But my first choice is Downtown Disney - ease yourself back into the real world.

 

[JC Butterfly]

Have you been to Disney World ever before or would this be a first experience?

Animal Kingdom is an easy park to get character interaction. They regularly have Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto and the Pooh gang out and about (plus others). They have some great shows to experience but I'm not sure how well that would be appreciated by a 1 year old. This park always feels "hot" to me as there are not enough shaded areas and the walk from one area of the park to another can be quite lengthy.

EPCOT is nice in that every country in World showcase has a station where kids can decorate masks or learn a word or two from the countries. But again, a lot of walking. The future world part of EPCOT has a lot of hands on activities that your boys might enjoy.

Another suggestion would be to go to one of the water parks for the day. The boys could enjoy splashing around in the water without dealing with as many crowds and long lines.

Finally, if you are just looking for something to "kill time" another option would be to go to the Hyatt at the airport and rent a day room. Then you would have the relaxation of knowing you are already at the airport. You could take a nap, shower, change, enjoy the pool, etc which I think most young boys love and have a very relaxing end to your vacation.

Good luck with your choice.

 

[westjones]

I wouldn't try a park if I had a flight at 6:00.

If you have never visited the different resorts, I would go exploring (I especially love Wilderness Lodge, and maybe have lunch at the Whispering Canyon--which isn't really all that quiet ). You can walk over to Fort Wilderness from there.

At Downtown Disney there are movie theaters, so you can take in a movie.

But really, the best idea I have heard (but haven't tried) is getting a Day Room at the Hyatt at the airport. You can relax in the room or enjoy their pool. With children as young as yours, they may want a nap. I believe I have seen people post that they spent about $75 for the day rooms.

As I said, I haven't tried it, but we might some day.

DJ

 

[tambo3]

I know this sounds unbelievable but I have never heard of Downtown Disney- I thought people were talking about Walt Disney World. Can someone give me some input on what this is, where it is and cost? ( I hope no one faints at my lack of knowledge!)

 

[jel0511]

Originally posted by tambo3
I know this sounds unbelievable but I have never heard of Downtown Disney- I thought people were talking about Walt Disney World. Can someone give me some input on what this is, where it is and cost? ( I hope no one faints at my lack of knowledge!)

Downtown Disney is the shopping/restaurant venue of WDW. There are tons of unique stores here, as well as some very good restaurants. There is no price of admission, you just can enjoy the area for free and decide where you want to eat. Here are a couple of links about Downtown Disney.

http://allearsnet.com/btp/downtown.htm
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/moreMagic/moreMagicLanding?id=DTDLandingPage

 

[crisi]

Not being a shopper, DTD wouldn't do it for me. I hated shopping with so many little hands reaching to touch everything.

I vote for AK. If you get off the boat promptly, you can be there shortly after opening. See the Lion King show, the safari, do many of the rides, walk the trails and see animals, have a long lunch at RFC or Tusker House. And still be out of there to drive to the airport by 3:00. Its a decent use of a day on a seven day hopper.

If you want to avoid park admission, I'd book a late character meal, then go to the petting zoo at Ft. Wilderness.

 

[westjones]

Don't feel bad, I didn't know about Downtown Disney until this past year after being on these boards! I had no idea it was there. Then we took our kids over to Disney Quest (my twins are 11) and they LOVED it! Your kids may be too young to enjoy it, but there are things there for everyone!

We love the Rainforest Cafe, and we have eaten there a couple of times.

So it is a nice place to spend some time when you don't want to spend a whole day at the parks.

DJ

 

[buster478]

If you get off the ship right away and you have a rental car you should make it to WDW by 9:30. Of the parks AK, MGM and AK are the quickest to get into because the parking is close. MK you will take a little more time do to parking, monorail etc. However, it is my families favorite. One other thing to consider, if you get back on a Saturday, the parks are VERY busy on Sat. I don't know if it would be worth it for only 6 hours unless you have tickets you need to use Otherwise, for a family of four it would be over $200. I understand how you feel. I can't ever go on a cruise without visiting WDW. Our last 7 day cruise we spent an additional 4 days at WDW.

 

[dis-happy]

DTD has shops, but it is more than a mall type experience. Really, I'm not a big shopper, but everyone in my family loves to spend at least half a day there on every trip. First off, there is a huge Lego store along with a huge free Lego outside play area where you can build stuff and go down a slide. There is also a large lake with boats for rent. Plus, the area is Disney, so they have Lego dragons coming out of the lake. Another part of DTD has some fountains the kids can play in. Plus several different food areas. There is no entrance fee at all. It's kind of like MK main street with different theming---shop if you want, but still lots to see and do, with all the Disney atmosphere. If your kids like McDonalds, there is one of those too, great service, clean bathrooms. My dh and I enjoy the food at Earl of Sandwich--more grown up fare, very inexpensive. Rain Forest Cafe as well if you like that. Old fashioned yummy soda bar at Ghiradella--go for chocolate sundaes. You can rent a boat and easily spend an hour exploring the canal all the way to Old Key West and points further---free lifejackets provided.

If this totally doesn't sound like what you want after your cruise, I second the suggestion of visiting one of the water parks instead. Of the theme parks, Epcot or AK would be my choice.