Tell me about your "relaxed" WDW vacay

[kathy884]

I'm planning a fairly relaxing trip catering to my 84 year old dad in March of 2022. We'll stay offsite in a condo. DH is staying home as he doesn't care for theme parks. I will have two 20 somethings with me who will want to hit more parks and do a little faster pace, so they will spend some time with us and some time without. I'll have the rental car for everything I do with dad. The 20 somethings will do uber or lyft for things they are doing on their own.

First of all with my dad, we have a six day trip, but are only doing three theme park days (every other day). As he doesn't do thrill rides, most of the theme park attractions we'll be doing won't have long lines. To fully enjoy Epcot Flower and Garden and not feel like we have to be there from rope drop to close, I'm planning two days at that park for me and dad too.

Full day plan for me and dad and for 20 somethings (will note when 20 somethings have different plans)

Day 1 -- Epcot Flower and Garden all of us
Day 2 -- Resort day a.m. (all of us) early afternoon and evening we will go to my nephew's house (all of us). My nephew lives in Orlando and is going to do a cook out. He has a hot tub and swimming pool too and said to bring our swimwear.
Day 3 -- SeaWorld all of us. We will separate for some things as dad goes for more shows and 20 somethings go for more thrill rides. SeaWorld is a beautiful park and very relaxing compared to Disney parks. It's less crowded too than Disney usually.
Day 4 -- Dad and I will do a day trip to Tampa where we will visit my favorite cousin who lives there. The 20 somethings who don't need as much of a relaxed pace will do a day at Universal/Islands of Adventure (park to park ticket)
Day 5 -- resort day (all of us) -- pool time, tennis (dad just watches now), shuffle board, mini golf (all offered at the resort where we are staying). The 20 somethings wanted a full resort day as a down day and when staying at such a nice resort like to spend some time enjoying amenities.
Day 6 -- Dad and I are back to Epcot -- The 20 somethings will go to the Magic Kingdom. DS 25 always likes to end an Orlando trip at this classic Disney park.

I think it's easier for us to do relaxing trips because we go down so often, so aren't concerned about missing something as we've been there, done that, and bought the T-shirt lol. We've been to all the new stuff too at Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom, so aren't even hitting those parks. At the parks too, we have no problem just doing some favorites. We usually have a touring plan, but throw that out and take stuff off if something else catches our fancy. Also, no little kids makes everything very easy peasy (little kids though are a total joy to take to the parks, but with all their needs, etc. make for a way more hectic day).

 

[loves to dive]

We have never made ADRs in advance, always book them day of while walking around. We always have park hoppers so we can make them anywhere. We love discovering new places to eat. We rarely, if ever, book FPs in advance if at all. We will go and stand in line and look to see what is available for about 1/2 hour after we think we might be off the ride. If it's something we want, we will book it. We never book more than one FP out. We don't schedule anything, we decide when we get up in the morning what park we want to go to and go from there. Riding rides isn't our focus, we will ride them if we want but also love just walking around and looking at the details. It's my adult son and I but we have been going since he was just shy of 3. A few years ago we got a refreshing adult beverage from a booth in Italy, sat on a bench across from the pavilion and looked up and noticed the statues on top of the buildings. Which got us speculating who they were. Which got my son on the internet on his phone looking it up. After we found out who they might be, we sat there and made up stories about them. Must have sat on the bench for at least a hour, just looking at the details on the buildings. We love exploring the resorts and finding all the little hidden places. If it's warm enough, we will go back to the resort in the afternoon and either go to the room and rest or go to the pool, get a refreshing adult beverage and sit in the hot tub and relax in the pool. After that, we decide what park we want to go to maybe for supper, maybe to walk around, maybe to ride a ride or two. With the new system I guess we would have to book at least one park in advance but you can bet after two o'clock we would be hopping to another. We don't even hate having to stand in lines, we look at all the details, make up stories about the stuff or the people we see walking around (not bad things just funny stuff).

 

[nkereina]

This is not a budget thread. I do ask that some posters stay on topic...

The OP asked for insights into how other enjoy slower, relaxing vacations.

If a moderator takes issue with the subject matter, I'm sure he or she will let us know. The poster you quoted was pointing out that the suggestions of a PP would significantly increase the price of a WDW trip. While PP's suggestions of tours, etc. are valid ideas for PP to consider to enjoy a slower paced trip, the financial implication is certainly worth pointing out for both the OP to consider, as well as anyone else reading this thread. The board is both a discussion forum as well as a resource for anyone planning a Disney trip, so I always find it beneficial to have thoughts from all angles when I'm reading a thread.

To that end, OP, perhaps a unique experience that you've never done in the past might be a good way to draw DH in. Something like mini golf or a water park or even just doing a ride or TS meal you haven't done before might add a little excitement and change the pace.

 

[fairestoneofall]

I agree with others that the lack of FPs makes it more relaxing. You don't have to worry about rushing to make your FP or fitting in certain things before your FP time comes.

We only had three full days (I see yours is four). Because of this, we DID rope-drop each day. We actually combined AK and Epcot into one day. But, since parks closed earlier, we were able to relax in the evenings. So, it wasn't overly tiring to get up early.

Also, we only had one TS--50's Prime Time. Our reservation was for after park closing. It was so beautiful to exit an empty park. I took lots of pictures of my kids.

For our other meals, we often split our group of six. We used mobile order and never had issues finding a table. We never rushed. We also took time to grab a snack and just relax at a table somewhere. That change was a huge one for us--we never do that! I hope it's something we continue to do in the future.

And because crowds are limited right now, we didn't miss anything we wanted to do.

 

[sethschroeder]

Quick Service before Covid was often a zoo. Can just imagine how it is now. Recall waiting for 45 min at Casey’s for hot dogs last March. Sit downs to me help relieve agita.

QS is great with mobile

Times could disappear but you can place a QS order, lock in your time, and always cancel.

We didn't have any issues but were not there during Christmas either.

 

[TiggerBouncy]

One thing we started doing was adding a extra day or two to our plans. We use them as 'pool days' ( but we don't always go to the pool ). I realize that's not something everyone can do so here are some other do's and don'ts.

• DON'T overplan. Sounds like you are already on this path. We pick 3 or 4 Must Do's and consider everything else a bonus.
• DON'T plan for Park Hopping everyday. That's not to say not to do it, but just don't plan it into every day. It'll be less exhausting if it just happens because you're more likely to determine your fatigue level when making the decision to hop or not that day.
• DO plan for a TS breakfast at least 1 day. As an example, plan for breakfast at the Wave or Grand Floridian Cafe. You can still take a bus to MK and then walk to the restaurant of your choice. ( or you could Uber/Cab too ) Have a leisurely meal and then a nice walk back to the park.
• DO use your MDE for bus arrival times. You won't have to run to a bus stop only to find out you just missed the bus. I know it's not always 100% but we found it to be pretty close to the posted times.
• DO plan for a 'down day'. That can mean not waking up early, or planning a resort day, going for a walk/jog, etc.
• DO start a tradition - when my mom and I travel together we like to close the day out by stopping at the resort lounge and having an after park cocktail. It gives us time to talk about the highlights of the day and decompress some before we head back to the room. My husband and I have also started this tradition.

And just remember to stop and smell the roses some at the parks while you are there.

This, this, this, this, this.

Before I was DVC, I was Go Go Go all the time. I got to parks at opening. I stayed until closing. I may not walk everywhere and do everything, but I was there.

As DVC, I now plan 3 or 4 things I really want to do. These are my favorite rides that I feel I have to have. Like PotC. I hate to miss my pirates. I am an early riser, so I still usually am up and about, but I hit breakfast at the resort, grab a bus when I am ready, do my must do's. I spend time just walking slowly - not rushing and running to the next ride. Tke in the sights and sounds, Sit for a few minutes on a bench and watch people and just enjoy the atmosphere. When the parks get busy, I just shrug and head back to the hotel. Enjoy some time at the pool. Check out the community center. Maybe make some pottery. Take a trip down the mini-golf.

But mostly to me, relaxing it about being on my balcony (especially at AKL) or the pool and just... not going everywhere.

 

[PlutoTheDog89]

Wouldn't call it "relaxed" per se, but more relaxed than usual.

We went for Easter, 2018. My dad was growing tired with going to Disney all the time, so the only way to talk him into going was to promise that we won't be "going one park to another..then to another...and rushing around." I'm so glad we took that trip beause it would up being the last trip we took as a family, as my dad passed in January 2019. We had so many great memories from that trip.

For starters, we were just coming off a Christmas trip with family friends. The first time around, they were great. The second time around, they really tied us down and we couldn't enjoy ourselves as much...so Easter kinda made up for things...

We happened to stay at Yacht Club. We usually stay at beach Club, but we scored a deal for YC and loved the fact that we would have a full balcony. Everything kinda went right for us. We were placed on the second or third floor overlooking a quiet pool. It's as if Walt himself was like "we need to make this relaxing for them..."

Our first day we laid by the pool, as it was a PERFECT 80-something degree sunny day. After soaking up some sun, we went to dinner at Beaches and Cream. Keeping our ADR at the resort or in the park we were visiting was pivotal to ensuring we weren't running around all the time. After dinner, we took a nice boat ride over to DHS, where we had 3 FP+'s and watched Fantasmic.

We had a breakfast ADR at Ohana on Easter Day. We took an Uber to Poly to decrease the amount of transportation. We had a few FP+ for later in the afternoon, so if we wanted to enjoy the resorts we could. We took photos at Poly, then went to GF and each went our separate ways. I took photos of the Easter eggs, my dad sat and listened to the orchestra. My sister IG'd all the easter eggs, my mom stopped by a store.

That was the overall mood of the trip. Long story short:
- We scheduled FP+ for later in the trip so if we wanted to hang by the pool on a nice day, we could without feeling guilty.
- We scheduled ADRs at our resort or in the park (or vicinity of the park) we were going to, so we'd avoid going from Animal Kingdom then jumping to DHS
- Park hopping was only done between Epcot and DHS.
- If we missed a FP+, we missed a FP+. We didn't think twice about it.
- We had a day in Epcot where we had no FP+ or ADRs. We wanted to stop and try food at a Flower and Garden Booth? We did. Felt like sitting and people watching? We did.

My dad loved the trip and it made him enjoy Disney once again. Until we got the bill.

 

[Lumpy1106]

This last August was the ultimate. No FP's, no real lines (longest was about 30 minutes for Splash on a Friday). Imagine walking into the park then just deciding "left" or "right', then doing everything you want in order, without crisscrossing the park to avoid long lines. We had dinner back at the room most nights, and breakfast at the room every morning.

Negatives;
"The bus situation" really describes it. It was a pain getting to DS for dinner on the bus - so we didn't. We had dinner at Raglan Road one night then called it a trip for going back to DS - just too much work getting there. Getting to DHS in time to get a ROTR BG was equally frustrating. The worst was when an EPCOT bus left us at the curb with no indication when the next bus would be there (had been about 40-45 minute intervals though). The absence of crowds and lines made that work though - we had a little adventure and rode the monorail to MK, then took a bus to RIV, to take the Skyliner to EPCOT. Might as well - beats sitting around waiting for the next bus and we were going to get everything in anyway. That's certainly not something we would have attempted on a normal trip.

 

[ZephyrHawk]

Sorry, I can't help. If I enjoyed relaxing vacations, I wouldn't be a Disney fan. My mom recently referred to the Disney vacation we planned with her, my then 3-year-old, and my daughter's other grandparents as a "forced march" which had brought her and her in-laws together in rolling their eyes behind my back.

It's a trip they'll never forget.

 

[Lisa P.]

When my DH & I travel, and we're not part of a larger group, it's usually very relaxed. When FP+ was available, we would schedule the first one of the day in late morning or early afternoon. That way, we could rope drop and get in a few headliners if we happened to be up early enough or sleep in if we felt like it. We rarely go to the parks two days in a row because we really value time to enjoy the resorts, take long walks & bike rides & boat rides, go swimming, see/hear live music & entertainment... whatever we feel like that day. By day 3 or 4 of a week-long vacation, we have really let go of work stress and then the 2nd half of the trip is always the better half.

Before we arrive on timeshare condo, week-long trips with some of our 3 adult kids, their spouses & children, and/or other family friends, we usually figure out what one thing we're all interested in doing all together and we plan on a day to do that. We also sometimes plan a guys' outing (usually golf or boating) and a girls' outing (usually dessert/drinks or shopping), as well as one large potluck or barbecue dinner all together for some time that week, taking the weather forecast into account. That's it for planned group togetherness so each family can still have plenty of time to vacation as they'd like. We also usually swap around childcare so each couple can have a date night during the trip.

We tend to start our days on a group trip with a morning walk around the resort with our coffee cups. Whoever is ready to walk first sends out a group text inviting others to join, no pressure. Often one parent brings their littles in strollers with cereal bars and drink cups while the other parent sleeps in. While walking, we all share possible plans for the day and sometimes decide to meet up in smaller groups for part of the day. We love having pool time with our young grandbabies and poolside is less stressful for the parents with extra adults helping keep an eye on the children.

When everyone feels free to opt out and doesn't feel pressured to please others, we are all better able to have a fun and relaxing trip.

 

[TiggerBouncy]

Sorry, I can't help. If I enjoyed relaxing vacations, I wouldn't be a Disney fan. My mom recently referred to the Disney vacation we planned with her, my then 3-year-old, and my daughter's other grandparents as a "forced march" which had brought her and her in-laws together in rolling their eyes behind my back.

It's a trip they'll never forget.

I learned the hard way that wanting to show people everything *I* love about Disney can backfire and they need to find their own joy.

I used to call it the Epcot Death March. I took my step daughter for her first trip and over-planned, and I regret it. I had desert parties scheduled and she was so worn out, she cried when I wasn't looking (she didn't want me to know and tried to hide it). She had a miserable time, and it was pretty much my fault for over-planning activities from dawn to dusk.

Next time I can convince her to go, she's on her own. I will ask for a dinner or two, but otherwise, she gets to go where she wants, when she wants and if she wants to sleep or relax by the pool, then I will encourage just that.

 

[chynnaalanis]

We're a family of 4 with two young daughters 5&4.

Because we come over from the UK our stays are a minimum of 10day up to 3 weeks, we always buy the tickets from the UK which include 14days, park hopping, water parks and mini-golf which offers us full flexibility!

We are morning people my daughters naturally wake up at 6 am and are ready to go to sleep around 7 pm, therefore we like to utilise the morning, AKA Rope Drop!

• Rope Drop
• Get on most desirable rides that we don't have fast passes for, then use our fast passes.
• enjoy and snack and wander around
• then we spend the afternoon doing whatever we feel like, relax by the pool at our resort or resort hop and use their QS, or if we just feel like it, we will stay in the park.

Personally, for us, afternoons in the parks are too hot, too busy and the kids start to flag and become irritable then.

I think if your a morning person, rope drop and use your fast passes then utilise the afternoon to relax and do whatever you feel like.
If your not a morning person, relax in the mornings and book your fast passes for the afternoon - just be prepared that they may be the only rides you get on if the wait time is long.

I understand that if your not there for a long time and only have on day in the parks I think you just need to decide whats more important to you - get on all the rides and see everything or to relax and enjoy family time.
Perhaps on one trip you could concentrate on two parks and then the other two parks the next time you go.

 

[imktdqt810]

I am really loving and enjoying this thread on what everyone does! I think might look at TS menus to see what each park offers as the "most diverse" menu so we have a better option to chose from on that day. And I am agreeing that I should let DH and DS pick a few rids at each park as the "Must Do" vs the "Like to do". I'm glad I started this thread to get all these great ideas! Once again, thank you to ALL that have posted and I look forward to reading more!