Trip planning help!

[dahrjo]

We have not been to Disney in about 5 years.
Last time I planned everything with help from the boards here and everything turned out great!
We will have 9 or 10 days. 4 days mid-week we have pre-planned activities with my son's Marching band group we are going with. We have park passes for those days only.
What are some near-by alternate activities we can plan. Maybe go to the ocean, other parks? Any ideas for the few days before or after Disney?

Also, any flight recommendations for Presidents week or car rental info would be appreciated!!!

Thanks !

 

[dzneelvr]

We took advantage of Vero Beach Disney some years ago and truly loved the perfect ocean experience. I have to admit I'm a true believer in enjoying everything to be found at WDW, and we don't venture outJust keep cruising the various boards and you'll find all you need to know about off-site activities and experiences

 

[sharonabe]

The tickets you have for the band part of the trip....can you upgrade them for more days? If not, are you planning on buying park tickets for the other days? Or are you just looking for things to do outside of the parks?

 

[mrssmith06]

Can you buy park tickets for your other days? Since your activities are all pre planned, you might want some days in the park just for your family?

 

[dahrjo]

I do not know yet if we can add days to them. So for now, I was looking outside the parks.
Is there somewhere the kids could swim with dolphins?

 

[Hootch]

to Sea World and it's worth a day. Costco currently has three day passes to Universal for about $150. You may consider the Water Parks and More add on if you can add to your tickets. For each day of your ticket, you get a day in one of the water parks, Disney Quest or the nine hole gold course for about $55.

There is a a swim with Dolphins program at Discovery Cove which is going to be around $300 and one at Sea World that is a little cheaper but not much. These prices include access to parks beyond the dolphin swim. I have done neither.

We usually combine the beach with Disney. The Atlantic beaches are a little closer but we prefer the Gulf side. Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key and Siesta Key all have nice beaches. We spent two nights on Longboat Key after a week at Disney in June. Some guests at the hotel for a wedding were taking day trips to Disney so it is feasible.