Resort Recreation and Movies Under the Stars

[inspiredlife]

Hiya, I am looking for tips on your favourite things to do at Disney... that aren't in the parks!

This July, we're staying a week at Saratoga, with no parks (DVC members using up points). It's just my wife and I and we are perfectly fine with this as we're looking for an especially restful and relaxing break, and plan some extensive park touring next year. However, that doesn't mean no Disney magic and activities.

So far we've planned to spend a day at the Epcot resort area, with Fantasia Minigolf, Ample Hills ice cream and just strolling the boardwalk; a Sunday spent hopping the monorail resorts, with brunch at the California Grill, some pool time and watching fireworks from the beach; a spa day at the Saratoga Senses and then movies and dinner at the Springs AMC, and a day at the Wilderness Lodge, with drinks at the Geyser bar and then taking the boat to the Contemporary to watch the fireworks from the Top of the World Lounge.

Is there any favourite resort activity that you'd recommend?

Secondly, we're also thinking about catching a screening of the Movies under the Stars. This is something we'd never done before and only saw the setup at Saratoga. Is there a particular resort where the screening is especially scenic and comfortable?

Finally, any resort must-have snacks and treats? (aside from Dole Whip... I'm deadly allergic to pineapple)

Thank you so much for any tips or ideas!

 

[Deb & Bill]

We like to head over to AKL, either KV or JH and sit in one of the observation areas and watch the animals on the savanna. They often have activities going on during the afternoons, too, where you can talk to the CMs from Africa and learn about the animals.

 

[Sue M]

I’m not sure about where a good scenic resort to watch in comfort is any more. Used to be WL, GF, Poly, & YC/BC had the movies on the beach where you could sit in comfort on lounge chairs and enjoy the pleasant views too. But since they put up ropes along the beaches the movies have been moved off the beaches and now are shown on lawn areas where you have to sit uncomfortably on the ground. I haven’t watched movies since. No way I can sit for 2 hrs on the ground.

 

[bensonburns]

The best movie setup I’ve been to is the one at Fort Wilderness Campground. Don’t know if it’s scenic in the way you’re describing but I find the whole campground lovely and relaxing. They have a free “campfire singalong” before the movie where you can roast marshmallows and meet Chip and Dale. There’s a large outdoor screen and you can either sit on blankets or bleachers. Depending on personal preference it may sound a little juvenile for an adults only trip, but I found it both fun and relaxing and really enjoyed it.

 

[loves to dive]

If you enjoy wine there is a wine tasting at AKL at Jikos on Wens I think. You have to make ADRs but it might be fun then you can explore AKL afterwards. There is also a very good safari/dinner at AKL (it's a little pricey) called the Wyanama Safari, it goes around the lodges savannah and then there is a great meal at Jikos served family style with great wine pairings and chef specials.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

I also recommend the campfire and sing-along with Chip and Dale at Fort Wilderness. I used to enjoy the movies under the starts but skipped it last time because they didn't have the lounge chairs.

 

[disneyholic family]

we were at SSR last august - they had free roasted marshmallows over the fire pit in the evening.....not sure when it was but DD and i went over one night and had a really good time..


they also had a lot of pool activities...games, prizes....tie die....we were there for 3 weeks, so had a lot of park time, but also a lot of very pleasant resort time...

 

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

we were at SSR last august - they had free roasted marshmallows over the fire pit in the evening.....not sure when it was but DD and i went over one night and had a really good time..


they also had a lot of pool activities...games, prizes....tie die....we were there for 3 weeks, so had a lot of park time, but also a lot of very pleasant resort time...

They have the sticks and marshmallows right there. And if you prefer, you can purchase chocolate and graham crackers at quick service. It makes for a delicious evening snack.

 

[Ladyfish77]

Did they stop giving out popcorn for Movies under the Stars? When we were at POFQ in 2016 they handed out bags of pop secret popcorn. We're at POR now, and no popcorn. We also noticed that since 2016 the tea bags are kept behind the counter at the food court. I'm guessing that people took advantage and so now we all pay the price.

 

[mamabunny]

Disney Springs is always great - a lovely stroll along the water, Adult Beverages ™ and maybe dessert on a lovely evening...

You can have your caricatures made, get a henna tattoo, catch a movie, go bowling... buy her something sparkly at Arribas Brothers!

FW has the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue - dinner and a show! and depending on which show you see, stick around to watch the Electrical Water Parade down by the docks.

Poly has the Spirit of Aloha dinner show - then fireworks from the beach!

And if you want something really fun and corny and kind of campy - then Pirates N Pals fireworks cruise is what you are looking for; it departs from CR and is great fun for all ages!

 

[fhtpdw20]

Now that dogs are on the property, might want to check the ground before you sit down for a movie. Not all pet owners worry about picking up after their animals as reported on the dog experience/information threads.

 

[disneyholic family]

Now that dogs are on the property, might want to check the ground before you sit down for a movie. Not all pet owners worry about picking up after their animals as reported on the dog experience/information threads.

that's annoying!!

 

[lucas]

Is there a schedule of movies currently being shown at the resorts? We will be there soon and are hoping to catch Coco under the stars.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I really enjoyed the boat from SSR to Disney Springs and back. Taking a few boat rides is an attraction itself to me.

 

[dansdad]

Is there a schedule of movies currently being shown at the resorts? We will be there soon and are hoping to catch Coco under the stars.

Here you go.

http://www.kennythepirate.com/resorts/walt-disney-world-resort-recreation-guides/

 

[Jadyreen1282]

If you are deadly allergic to pineapple then why go to the land of the tasty Dole Whip! Kidding.

 

[lucas]

Here you go.

http://www.kennythepirate.com/resorts/walt-disney-world-resort-recreation-guides/

Wow! Thanks.

I am hoping it will be updated for June soon. We will be checking in on Wed. I wonder how much the schedules change month to month?

 

[looking4themouse2]

Following

 

[Euby]

June activities calendar for Saratoga Springs can be found here...

http://www.themouseforless.com/tripplanning/resorts/wdw/pdf/SSRCalendar.pdf

 

[Marionnette]

Check the DVC events calendar for beverage tasting and other activities. You can find it online when you're signed into your account. You may want to check the members' lounge in Reunion Station at WL.

Some resorts do tours. I did one at GF that was quite informative. It ended with a visit to V&A and we were offered some treats (eaten outside of the restaurant). There was a nominal fee. I think $15?