carolfoy
<font color=cc6633>One has Ones hat and One's orf.
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2005
- Messages
- 8,316
there really are so many things to do around the hotels
check out a few of these for more ideas
Caribbean Beach - Check out the pirate-inspired pool.
Take the boat ride from the Contemporary Resort to Fort Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge across Bay Lake. If possible, do this at night with your SO. Very romantic. (sz9njm)
For the kids -- The petting zoo at Fort Wilderness (just south of Pioneer Hall ). Take boat or bus to Fort Wilderness . (nurczyk)
On a steamy day (early in the morning), take a walk through the cool mists of the woods at Fort Wilderness . (B. Zall)
Enjoy a Hay Ride at the Fort Wilderness Resort and Campgrounds - Take an old-fashioned, horse-drawn hayride which offers an hour-long scenic tour around Fort Wilderness Campground. Hayrides depart at 7:00pm and 9:30pm nightly from the front of Pioneer Hall. $6.00 Adult; $4.00 Child (ages 3-9). Hayrides are on a first-come, first-served basis only ( no reservations!) (dwills)
Go to Fort Wilderness for the campfire/sing-along, nightly at 7pm behind the Meadow Trading Post. Movie begins approximately 7:40pm. A Disney classic movie follows the sing-along. Chip and Dale usually make an appearance. The Fort Wilderness staff will provide a campfire; bring your marshmallows, hot dogs and sticks if you have them. If not, marshmallows and sticks are available for purchase at $2 for 2 sticks and plenty of marshmallows; $5 for a s'more kit. The movie shown is different each night of the week. In the event of inclement weather, a "Porch Jam" sing-a-long will take place at the Ol' Meadow Swimmin' Hole. Movie & Sing-a-Long free of charge. Note: All movies & characters are outside! Campfire Show is held nightly if weather permits.
Note: the campfire/sing-along is located in the middle of the Fort Wilderness campground (about a 15-minute walk from Pioneer Hall ). If you do not wish to walk, you will have to catch a bus that is on the internal Fort Wilderness route (you can catch this bus at the Pioneer all bus stops). Get off at the Meadowlands Trading Post stop. If the campground is crowded, the campfire/sing-along may also be crowded. (sz9njm)
Rent an electric cart at the Bike Barn at Fort Wilderness . The Bike and Cart Barn opens at 8:00 am and is located in the Meadow Recreation Area. You can explore the Tri-Circle Ranch while giving your tired feet a little rest. There are lots of trails to check out and when you get out of the cart just plug in your "Electric Pony" at one of the concrete recharging posts. (cfp219)
There is a nice, self-guided nature walk in the woods near Fort Wilderness . The trail begins at the far east end of the beach on Bay Lake (the end farthest from River Country ). 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 and some of the trail passes through swampy areas, making misstepping off the trail somewhat unpleasant. (rberbaum)
Grand Floridian has a very nice white sand beach; you can listen to piano/jazz band in lobby (call in advance for musician schedule). Tea, miniature sandwiches, trifle, etc. (served on beautiful china) are served in the afternoon at the Garden View Lounge from 3 - 6pm daily on a first come first serve basis.
A nice serene walk along the beach from the Grand Floridian to the Polynesian resort. this is best right after sunset. the beach is very still and the moonlight, combined with the sound of the waves reaching shore, make it a romantic stroll. (Jeff Davis)
Take the boat from Port Orleans Riverside or French Quarter to Pleasure Island on the Sassagoula River. Great view of the Treehouse Villas/former Disney Institute . If possible, do it on a chilly evening with your significant other (SO). Very romantic. (suzyd & dbarber)
Riverside: the Cotton Coop, right off the main lobby, becomes a piano bar at night with a very entertaining sing-along king. the atmosphere is very light and the gentleman playing piano goes out of his way to make everyone feel welcome. it's a good way to spend an evening. plus, kids are welcome. (Jeff Davis)
Walk the Carriage path from the French Quarter to Riverside. Do this in the evening with your SO. (dems)
Take a Family Bike Trip from Riverside to the French Quarter (.7 Mile) for a swim in the delightful pool. The bikes must be back to Riverside prior to closing at 7:00 PM. Note: be careful as to where you park your bikes; don't leave them any place close to the French Quarter bike rack or some guest may take it for a spin. We parked ours next to the door in the courtyard. (cfp219)
An evening on Seven Seas Lagoon: eat at the Whispering Canyon Cafe in Wilderness Lodge. If you time it right (get there for about 7:30 PM to 8:00 PM), you can have a nice meal and finish dessert just after 9 PM, at which time you can stroll down to the dock or the beach to watch the Electric Water Pageant as it passes the Lodge. Then board the next boat toward the MK, (no earlier than 9:45 PM) and you will be halfway across the lake when the 10 PM fireworks start over Cinderella Castle. This is a beautiful way to view the fireworks, and is really romantic as the boat captain will dim the onboard lights during the show, and may even pause before docking to allow you to see the show to the end. Sit in the front of the boat for the best view, it's really beautiful.
Wilderness Lodge: see Disney's version of Old Faithful (erupts on the half hour); check out the Pacific Northwest Indian art at the gift shop. Sit in the rows of rocking chairs in front of a huge stone fireplace (Chip and Dale may visit).
Take the tour of the Wilderness Lodge, offered once in the morning, and once in the afternoon. The guide will point out many interesting things about the construction of the lodge and its exterior. Be sure to say Hello to Stan from his Friends on the Internet! (drager)
French Quarter - try the beignets, a pastry dish available at the bakery. Stroll around the New Orleans-inspired squares.
We took a carriage ride at FW last year in September. Linda was our driver and Scotty was our horse. Our ride was right at twilight time and it was peaceful and romantic. There were deer and bunnies out along the paths. The smell of the honeysuckle filled the air. It was just the perfect end to a quiet evening out. I highly suggest it to anyone. It was a 30 minute ride for $30 and we tipped the driver. From 6:00 to 10:00 PM - carriages depart from Crockett's Tavern
at Pioneer Hall. Call 407-824-2832 up to 60 days in advance for a reservation. (mickeysaver)
Riverside - the food court is an enormous cotton mill with a real water wheel. Also, check out Ol' Man Island, a combination playground/swimming area. The bakery is highly recommended.
Yacht and Beach Club - get an ice-cream cone or a giant milkshake from Beaches and Cream stand (this costs). Also, check out the pool at the Resort. Swimming in the StormAlong Bay pool is reserved for Yacht and Beach Club Resort guests. Looking, however, is free.
Watch the Wishes Fireworks from the outdoor porch at Narcoossee's. They let you take your drinks right outside where they have tables and chairs. Right at starting time they dim the lights and pipe in the Music from The Magic Kingdom. In my opinion the view is much better than the view from either The Polynesian Resort or The California Grill. The Castle itself is a lot closer and the fireworks seem to come right at you!! (Glenn Wojtusiak)
See the Electrical Water Pageant Parade. This show can be seen from the Fort Wilderness Beach , from the Wilderness Lodge boat dock and beach , behind the Contemporary Resort , from the Polynesian Resort Beach , and from the Grand Floridian Beach . The show lasts about ten minutes. A chain of parade floats will entertain you with lights and music from the water. Show time varies slightly from resort to resort (anywhere from 9:30 PM to 10:30 PM). Call Guest Services at one of these resorts for an approximate schedule. (gt3579b)
A Resort Tour : For the monorail hotels, try parking at the Wilderness Lodge about 10-15 minutes before the hour, watch the geyser on the half hour, then take the boat to the Magic Kingdom . Next, take the clockwise monorail to each hotel in turn - but walk between the Polynesian and the Grand Floridian . Then monorail back to MK , and boat back to your car at Wilderness Lodge. It takes a few hours, but is great fun even in poorer weather, as once you get on the monorail everything is under cover (if you want it to be).
Take a ride on the monorail. Be sure to ask for the front car. The view is great at night and it's easier to get because the monorail is less crowded. After you ride the full circut, stop at the Poly. Grab hamburgers and fries from Captian Cooks and head to the beach. You have a great view of the Water Pagent and the MK fireworks! (Steve Benson)
Fishing Excursions - Let Dad and/or Grandad kick back and try his hand at fishing. There are several two hour guided fishing trips from DL, WL, FW, and DVM; they supply everything. The one at DL begins at 6:30 am and Pop can get in his fishing while the family sleeps in. The Florida bass are huge and the week I was there at DL on a hot morning in early May they boated 16. (cfp219)
Visit the Maya Temple Pool area at Coronado Springs ....it's a stunner! ( ESGeD)
Are you a trivia buff ? Stop in the Art of Disney store! They run a quiz every day and give out prizes if you get them all right!
Visit the Downtown Disney . Check out The World of Disney, the Lego Store, as well as all the new stores on Disney. Beer - For the beer lover -- . At Riverside: Blackened Voodoo Lager; the Wilderness Lodge has Lodgehouse Ale;
Coffee - For the coffee lover: visit the Kona Cafe on the 2nd level of the Polynesian hotel! Just outside the Kona Cafe is also a coffee bar. Try the little coffee bar in the lobby of the Wilderness Lodge . Stop by and ask what the current specialty is. Hot chocolate at this bar is also recommended. Don't miss the Fountain View Cafe in Epcot's Future World where a great espresso can be found. (gxcw75A)
Ride up front with the driver on the Monorails (4 person max). As long as no one else is waiting, and they aren't too busy, if you ask the Cast Members, they MIGHT let you do it. (You'll stand in a separate queue to ride up front.) It's a great view, especially at sunset. If you decide to do this, it is best to try for an off-peak time. The Cast Members will usually be more accommodating when things are quieter (try to avoid morning and evening rush periods). Price: free. Ask for a monorail certificate - sometimes they are available for guests. UPDATE: Front car monorail rides are now ONLY offered at resort hotel monorail stops.
Boat Around the Lagoons - Rent one of the boats (pontoon, etc.) from any hotel marina (excludes All Stars and Boardwalk) and cruise the canals. Very relaxing and enjoyable. Price: varies, depending on which boat you rent. WDW/public transportation between all the WDW resorts is free to all WDW resort guests. (rlancaster)
check out a few of these for more ideas
Caribbean Beach - Check out the pirate-inspired pool.
Take the boat ride from the Contemporary Resort to Fort Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge across Bay Lake. If possible, do this at night with your SO. Very romantic. (sz9njm)
For the kids -- The petting zoo at Fort Wilderness (just south of Pioneer Hall ). Take boat or bus to Fort Wilderness . (nurczyk)
On a steamy day (early in the morning), take a walk through the cool mists of the woods at Fort Wilderness . (B. Zall)
Enjoy a Hay Ride at the Fort Wilderness Resort and Campgrounds - Take an old-fashioned, horse-drawn hayride which offers an hour-long scenic tour around Fort Wilderness Campground. Hayrides depart at 7:00pm and 9:30pm nightly from the front of Pioneer Hall. $6.00 Adult; $4.00 Child (ages 3-9). Hayrides are on a first-come, first-served basis only ( no reservations!) (dwills)
Go to Fort Wilderness for the campfire/sing-along, nightly at 7pm behind the Meadow Trading Post. Movie begins approximately 7:40pm. A Disney classic movie follows the sing-along. Chip and Dale usually make an appearance. The Fort Wilderness staff will provide a campfire; bring your marshmallows, hot dogs and sticks if you have them. If not, marshmallows and sticks are available for purchase at $2 for 2 sticks and plenty of marshmallows; $5 for a s'more kit. The movie shown is different each night of the week. In the event of inclement weather, a "Porch Jam" sing-a-long will take place at the Ol' Meadow Swimmin' Hole. Movie & Sing-a-Long free of charge. Note: All movies & characters are outside! Campfire Show is held nightly if weather permits.
Note: the campfire/sing-along is located in the middle of the Fort Wilderness campground (about a 15-minute walk from Pioneer Hall ). If you do not wish to walk, you will have to catch a bus that is on the internal Fort Wilderness route (you can catch this bus at the Pioneer all bus stops). Get off at the Meadowlands Trading Post stop. If the campground is crowded, the campfire/sing-along may also be crowded. (sz9njm)
Rent an electric cart at the Bike Barn at Fort Wilderness . The Bike and Cart Barn opens at 8:00 am and is located in the Meadow Recreation Area. You can explore the Tri-Circle Ranch while giving your tired feet a little rest. There are lots of trails to check out and when you get out of the cart just plug in your "Electric Pony" at one of the concrete recharging posts. (cfp219)
There is a nice, self-guided nature walk in the woods near Fort Wilderness . The trail begins at the far east end of the beach on Bay Lake (the end farthest from River Country ). 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 and some of the trail passes through swampy areas, making misstepping off the trail somewhat unpleasant. (rberbaum)
Grand Floridian has a very nice white sand beach; you can listen to piano/jazz band in lobby (call in advance for musician schedule). Tea, miniature sandwiches, trifle, etc. (served on beautiful china) are served in the afternoon at the Garden View Lounge from 3 - 6pm daily on a first come first serve basis.
A nice serene walk along the beach from the Grand Floridian to the Polynesian resort. this is best right after sunset. the beach is very still and the moonlight, combined with the sound of the waves reaching shore, make it a romantic stroll. (Jeff Davis)
Take the boat from Port Orleans Riverside or French Quarter to Pleasure Island on the Sassagoula River. Great view of the Treehouse Villas/former Disney Institute . If possible, do it on a chilly evening with your significant other (SO). Very romantic. (suzyd & dbarber)
Riverside: the Cotton Coop, right off the main lobby, becomes a piano bar at night with a very entertaining sing-along king. the atmosphere is very light and the gentleman playing piano goes out of his way to make everyone feel welcome. it's a good way to spend an evening. plus, kids are welcome. (Jeff Davis)
Walk the Carriage path from the French Quarter to Riverside. Do this in the evening with your SO. (dems)
Take a Family Bike Trip from Riverside to the French Quarter (.7 Mile) for a swim in the delightful pool. The bikes must be back to Riverside prior to closing at 7:00 PM. Note: be careful as to where you park your bikes; don't leave them any place close to the French Quarter bike rack or some guest may take it for a spin. We parked ours next to the door in the courtyard. (cfp219)
An evening on Seven Seas Lagoon: eat at the Whispering Canyon Cafe in Wilderness Lodge. If you time it right (get there for about 7:30 PM to 8:00 PM), you can have a nice meal and finish dessert just after 9 PM, at which time you can stroll down to the dock or the beach to watch the Electric Water Pageant as it passes the Lodge. Then board the next boat toward the MK, (no earlier than 9:45 PM) and you will be halfway across the lake when the 10 PM fireworks start over Cinderella Castle. This is a beautiful way to view the fireworks, and is really romantic as the boat captain will dim the onboard lights during the show, and may even pause before docking to allow you to see the show to the end. Sit in the front of the boat for the best view, it's really beautiful.
Wilderness Lodge: see Disney's version of Old Faithful (erupts on the half hour); check out the Pacific Northwest Indian art at the gift shop. Sit in the rows of rocking chairs in front of a huge stone fireplace (Chip and Dale may visit).
Take the tour of the Wilderness Lodge, offered once in the morning, and once in the afternoon. The guide will point out many interesting things about the construction of the lodge and its exterior. Be sure to say Hello to Stan from his Friends on the Internet! (drager)
French Quarter - try the beignets, a pastry dish available at the bakery. Stroll around the New Orleans-inspired squares.
We took a carriage ride at FW last year in September. Linda was our driver and Scotty was our horse. Our ride was right at twilight time and it was peaceful and romantic. There were deer and bunnies out along the paths. The smell of the honeysuckle filled the air. It was just the perfect end to a quiet evening out. I highly suggest it to anyone. It was a 30 minute ride for $30 and we tipped the driver. From 6:00 to 10:00 PM - carriages depart from Crockett's Tavern
at Pioneer Hall. Call 407-824-2832 up to 60 days in advance for a reservation. (mickeysaver)
Riverside - the food court is an enormous cotton mill with a real water wheel. Also, check out Ol' Man Island, a combination playground/swimming area. The bakery is highly recommended.
Yacht and Beach Club - get an ice-cream cone or a giant milkshake from Beaches and Cream stand (this costs). Also, check out the pool at the Resort. Swimming in the StormAlong Bay pool is reserved for Yacht and Beach Club Resort guests. Looking, however, is free.
Watch the Wishes Fireworks from the outdoor porch at Narcoossee's. They let you take your drinks right outside where they have tables and chairs. Right at starting time they dim the lights and pipe in the Music from The Magic Kingdom. In my opinion the view is much better than the view from either The Polynesian Resort or The California Grill. The Castle itself is a lot closer and the fireworks seem to come right at you!! (Glenn Wojtusiak)
See the Electrical Water Pageant Parade. This show can be seen from the Fort Wilderness Beach , from the Wilderness Lodge boat dock and beach , behind the Contemporary Resort , from the Polynesian Resort Beach , and from the Grand Floridian Beach . The show lasts about ten minutes. A chain of parade floats will entertain you with lights and music from the water. Show time varies slightly from resort to resort (anywhere from 9:30 PM to 10:30 PM). Call Guest Services at one of these resorts for an approximate schedule. (gt3579b)
A Resort Tour : For the monorail hotels, try parking at the Wilderness Lodge about 10-15 minutes before the hour, watch the geyser on the half hour, then take the boat to the Magic Kingdom . Next, take the clockwise monorail to each hotel in turn - but walk between the Polynesian and the Grand Floridian . Then monorail back to MK , and boat back to your car at Wilderness Lodge. It takes a few hours, but is great fun even in poorer weather, as once you get on the monorail everything is under cover (if you want it to be).
Take a ride on the monorail. Be sure to ask for the front car. The view is great at night and it's easier to get because the monorail is less crowded. After you ride the full circut, stop at the Poly. Grab hamburgers and fries from Captian Cooks and head to the beach. You have a great view of the Water Pagent and the MK fireworks! (Steve Benson)
Fishing Excursions - Let Dad and/or Grandad kick back and try his hand at fishing. There are several two hour guided fishing trips from DL, WL, FW, and DVM; they supply everything. The one at DL begins at 6:30 am and Pop can get in his fishing while the family sleeps in. The Florida bass are huge and the week I was there at DL on a hot morning in early May they boated 16. (cfp219)
Visit the Maya Temple Pool area at Coronado Springs ....it's a stunner! ( ESGeD)
Are you a trivia buff ? Stop in the Art of Disney store! They run a quiz every day and give out prizes if you get them all right!
Visit the Downtown Disney . Check out The World of Disney, the Lego Store, as well as all the new stores on Disney. Beer - For the beer lover -- . At Riverside: Blackened Voodoo Lager; the Wilderness Lodge has Lodgehouse Ale;
Coffee - For the coffee lover: visit the Kona Cafe on the 2nd level of the Polynesian hotel! Just outside the Kona Cafe is also a coffee bar. Try the little coffee bar in the lobby of the Wilderness Lodge . Stop by and ask what the current specialty is. Hot chocolate at this bar is also recommended. Don't miss the Fountain View Cafe in Epcot's Future World where a great espresso can be found. (gxcw75A)
Ride up front with the driver on the Monorails (4 person max). As long as no one else is waiting, and they aren't too busy, if you ask the Cast Members, they MIGHT let you do it. (You'll stand in a separate queue to ride up front.) It's a great view, especially at sunset. If you decide to do this, it is best to try for an off-peak time. The Cast Members will usually be more accommodating when things are quieter (try to avoid morning and evening rush periods). Price: free. Ask for a monorail certificate - sometimes they are available for guests. UPDATE: Front car monorail rides are now ONLY offered at resort hotel monorail stops.
Boat Around the Lagoons - Rent one of the boats (pontoon, etc.) from any hotel marina (excludes All Stars and Boardwalk) and cruise the canals. Very relaxing and enjoyable. Price: varies, depending on which boat you rent. WDW/public transportation between all the WDW resorts is free to all WDW resort guests. (rlancaster)
ah! the beauty of cut and paste Claire!
