Things we've never done?

[peewakio]

Next year will be our 6th trip to Orlando and we have decided to give priority to things we have never done before. We generally go for three weeks so in all we have spent the best part of 4-5 months in Orlando over the past 8 years so as you can imagine we have virtually run out of new experiences. Two thing we have not done is a Helicopter ride and a hot air balloon ride which will be on the agenda for next year but what I need are more suggestions of things to do with the DW and 2 teenagers.
All suggestions welcome no matter how wacky

 

[allie5]

This year will be trip number 8 for us, and are facing the same dilemma! As we are going for Xmas there will lots we can do that will be new for us, like MVMCP and Candlelight Processional etc.

Things we havent done yet are:

Trail Rides round Fort Wilderness (our kids arent old enough yet)
Dine With Shamu
Hire a Mouseboat (though we took a Pontoon Boat out a few years back)
Discovery Cove (again, kidlets too small)
The Florida Keys
Hoop De Doo Revue
Silver Springs / Swim With Manatees
Backstage Tours
Mount Dora and the Steam Train Ride
Ice Cream Social at Epcot
Skycoaster at Kissimmee (never have, never will!)
Watch a baseball / basketball game
Kissimmee Rodeo

Things we have done in the past and would recommend if you havent done them yet!!

Illuminations Cruise
Haircut at the MK Barber Shop
Watch the Electrical Water Pageant (drink in hand!) From the beach at the Grand Floridian
Book a table at 'ohana, California Grill or Artists Point to coincide with the Fireworks at MK, Spectacular views!
Drive to down to Everglades and experience a real airboat ride
Sea Screamer At Clearwater
Hire a Speedboat for the day on the Gulf

Look forward to reading more suggestions!

Allie

 

[peewakio]

Thanks Allie,
You.ve given me some good possibilities there, especially a haircut at the barbers at MK. Not for me but my eldest son who is going through his gothic phase at present.

Kissimmee Rodeo also sounds good

Mount Dora and the Steam Train Ride (don't know what this is, so I'll find out about that)

Never eaten at O'hanas so that will be on the cards

Thanks again

 

[SidB]

Originally posted by peewakio
You.ve given me some good possibilities there, especially a haircut at the barbers at MK

If you do decide to get a haircut go when the parades are on as the queues are much shorter. AND because the barbers is right where the parades finish you can still watch them ! Ask for the hair to be coloured too. My 8 year old daughter spent the day with red streaks in her hair. Me, mine was green ! It's great fun and dirt cheap. I think it was $15.

 

[juliebro]

We like to try something a little bit different too while we are there. On our most recent trip we went to see Orlando Magic v Detroit Pistons NBA Basketball at the TD Waterhouse Center in downtown Orlando. Tickets were only $10 plusbooking fee via Ticketmaster online. Quite an entertaining evening - even if basketball is not your thing. An alternative slice of US culture.

Another thing we did was the Winter park scenic boat trip. It was a really nice relaxing way to spend an hour or two. Here's the website

http://www.scenicboattours.com/home.htm

The tours are run by a couple of 'ole boys' and only cost $8 per adult and $4 for kids. You see some beautiful lakeside homes and gardens, as well as local wildlife. Winter Park itself is worth exploring too - it's a lovely upmarket suburb with lots of little specialist shops and cafes - quite cosmopolitan.

'Ohana is great too - we tried it for the first time on our last trip. It's also nice to watch Wishes from the beach at the Poly after the meal. You can sit in a cabana - or relax in a hammock.

Julie

 

[Bellis Belle]

Isn't there something called the key to the kingdom which is a behind the scenes tour of the MK and the underground tunnels. Would love to do that.

Enjoy whatever you do.

 

[Twinks]

We have been 8 times and back again this Christmas (wish I knew how to do the count down thingy!). We had to book again for this Christmas as I couldn't believe how many things we hadn't done once I found this website!

Some of the things we plan to do this year that we have not already done.

Find Beaches and Cream
Find the ice cream get together with Mickey at Epcot (any hints!)
Busch Gardens
Eat at Animal Kingdom Lodge
Victoria and Alberts (sounds wonderful!)
Swim with the manatees at the Crystal River

Memorable things we have done

Trainer for a Day
Discovery Cove
Wishes
Fantasmic
Crystal Palace
Cinderellas Royal Table
Carried the 1995 plaque on the Castle Stage during the anniversary celebrations.
New Years Eve at Epcot
Spectro Magic
Dining around the world at Epcot (yum!)
Woken up Christmas morning at WDW to find a Christmas stocking hanging on our door!

I could go on forever

We introduced my brother's family to WDW for the first time last year, they've been bitten by the bug and have booked to come back with us again this year. There will be 10 of us, any more great tips for things we have missed would be very welcome.

Twinks

 

[Twinks]

Hee hee worked out how to do the countdown thingy!

 

[peewakio]

Twinks
I found V & As to be a little pricey however you get what you pay for.
As an alternative to V & As why not try Sam and Harrys on I-Drive, it's also a little on the pricey side but it is as upmarket as V & As with a lot more varirty on the menu.

 

[Twinks]

Thanks Peewakio, I will add it to the list. We have downloaded the 'Magical Gatherings' software from WDW site so we can all add our faves to the list and have polls on what and when to do things.

So excited, we can't wait!

Twinks

 

[allie5]

Twinks, the Ice Cream Social is at The Garden Grill at The Land Pavillion in Epcot. We had one booked last year including the "Re-Hitching Ceremony (where Mickey & Minnie come round to "renew your vows!!) but had to cancel because we just run out of time that day. Determined to do it this year though!

 

[Twinks]

Thanks Allie

Did you book via Guest Services or at the Garden Grill?

Twinks

 

[allie5]

Just called WDW-DINE as for any other PS. Hope that helps!

Allie

 

[Twinks]

Allie

You have given me a great idea! We celebrate our 25th Wedding Anniversary in 2005. What is this about Mickey and Minnie and renewing vows?

Twinks

 

[T16GEM]

Hmmmm! I can't actually remember how many times I have been to Florida now, but I have realised that there are so many things that I haven't done! Do I really have to wait until November for the next trip!!!!

 

[Teris]

Has anyone done this? Tour EPCOT on a segway

I think this would be fantastic.

There is a tour company in Sarasota that does a tour with them as well. It looks like good fun

Segway guided tours

We are considering the Sarasota tour for August.

Sarasota segway tour

 

[Miffy2003]

Hi Teris,

I can't get the Sarasota Segway link to work, could you post the web address again for me please? (Or PM it to me?)

Many thanks !

Karen

 

[Teris]

Hey Karen, ,, their site must be down at the moment, it was working earlier for me,, but it's not now. The main segway site has a link to it as well, will try that one again.

EDIT,, both sites seem to be down at the moment,, try them again later perhaps.

Teris

 

[Miffy2003]

Thanks Teris, will do.

 

[Teris]

humm,, oh well, the site is still down. Must be their server. I am sure it will be up again soon. I hope so anyway,, I am trying to talk hubby into doing the Sarasota one. We aren't going to Disney this trip, but were thinking of staying on Santa Maria Island for a few days, and it's very close to Sarasota.