Visiting WDW in October, not visiting parks, need ideas of "other" things to do

[MomiTo2SwtGuys]

We have booked a last minute stay in a WDW resort for fall break with our 3 boys. We really don't have the money to spend on park tickets for 4 or 5 days but want to get to the WDW area. We are heading back for a 10 day trip in June so we aren't too concerned about not buying park tickets on this trip. Although, this will be the first time that we have ever been and not been inside a park.

We plan to swim and hang out at the resort during the day and head to Disney Springs in the evening for supper, shopping and fun. The kids are also planning to bring their pins and trade with the CM's at the resort and Disney Springs. We may possibly buy tickets to MNSSHP but that is still up in the air.

Do you have any other ideas of something fun to do with three boys, (ages 13, 10 and 4) that doesn't cost a tremendous amount? We are truly just looking forward to being able to be at WDW again. But, just looking for a few ideas that maybe haven't crossed my mind.

 

[ADisneyQueen]

An annual pass to the disney water parks is only $115 per person. You could get a lot of use out of it in October and June.

 

[im4pacers1]

I would buy party tickets one night. That will give you 8 hours in MK.

 

[hiroMYhero]

Splittsville for bowling during the day when it's easy to get a lane.

AMC Disney Springs has matinee pricing @ $5.49 per person - adults and children. There always seems to be a Disney movie playing there.

 

[MelissaBee]

We've done park-less trips before. You may know about these, but in case you don't: http://www.mousesavers.com/free-and-cheap-stuff-to-do-at-walt-disney-world/

Our favorites are the ft. Wilderness campfire sing-a-long, dole whip on poly beach while watching the water pageant and wishes (they pipe in the music), hanging out at the lego store building race cars, riding all the free Disney transportation (yay boats!), walking around the boardwalk and getting ice cream, and playing putt putt.

 

[DWillowBay]

Just wondering and others can correct me, if I'm wrong, but....if you're going to buy MNSSHP tickets, why not just buy one day of MK on a Non-party day? For $20.00 more, you could spend one whole day in a park rather than just from 4 - midnight. Just thinking cost effectiveness. The kids would still get the ambience of Halloween from the decorations. Obviously this comes down to your preference/ available funds. No matter what you choose...Have Fun! **** I agree with the suggestion of Splitsville Bowling alleys. They were great fun and, if you're eating there, the food is good too! If you go early in the morning, there's a discount for bowling.

 

[Nina Tow]

We don't normally go to the parks. We do a week at Christmas every year. Two adults. This year we are going to MVMCP. We also resort hop, play the miniature golf courses, fitness rooms, movies, Disney Springs, tours and safaris, Pirates and Pals is an absolute blast, rent a water craft, Bob Jackson is a not miss at Riverside, bowling, and restaurants, Sanaa being our favorite, and at Christmas the gingerbread houses are up. There's lots to do if you want to.

 

[Nina Tow]

We've done park-less trips before. You may know about these, but in case you don't: http://www.mousesavers.com/free-and-cheap-stuff-to-do-at-walt-disney-world/

Our favorites are the ft. Wilderness campfire sing-a-long, dole whip on poly beach while watching the water pageant and wishes (they pipe in the music), hanging out at the lego store building race cars, riding all the free Disney transportation (yay boats!), walking around the boardwalk and getting ice cream, and playing putt putt.

Yes Hoop De Doo at fort wilderness and this year we're going for lunch at Whispering Canyon pass the ketchup.

 

[MomiTo2SwtGuys]

I do agree that the price of the party is almost the cost of 1 day at MK. I did check into that also. We have been 3 times in October but have never been to a party yet is the only reason I would even think of it. But for the money, I 100% agree on the cost being almost the same.

I love the idea of bowling. Didn't think of that. Thanks so much for all of your help!

 

[Nina Tow]

If you have not done Pirates and Pals or Hoop De Doo those are great family choices.

 

[glassslippergirl]

Wagon rides at Ft. Wilderness are $5 for kids, $8 for adults. A lot of non-theme park activities can add up. Be careful that what you spend to be entertained doesn't add up to more than the cost of park tickets. That said, I'd look at the list of recreation activities on WDW's website and make some picks.

 

[poppinspenguins]

When we go for a week, we usually only do 2 or at most 3 park days, so I have lots of suggestions: (many a dependent on having a car though...not sure if you are driving?)

Pool time (obviously)
Miniature golf, Disney or elsewhere
Beach! We love taking a day to hit the beach. We usually go towards Tampa..but I think cocoa beach is closer
Kennedy space center (haven't done yet, but plan to when son is older, can sometimes find coupons online)
We love going to the disney character outlets
Wandering around the walking trails,at fort wilderness...I think you can canoe there too?
Ye haw bob at port orleans! For adults and kids, everyone will like him!
Getting dole ships at the poly, possibly timing it to see fireworks
Im,not a golfer, but husband does golfing off site, much cheaper
We want to try Lego land one of these times...costco has cheaper tix if you or a friend has access to that.

There is a employee that trades pins at animal kingdom lodge gift shop. He is usually in African apparel and has a grab bag and a big board of pins. Can't think of his name and now will have to Google him lol.

Edited to add: found him. Disneykingpin on twitter!

 

[chicagodisfan]

We just came back from a non-park trip! I totally agree about Pirates and Pals firework cruise, an absolute blast! Typhoon Lagoon was great and the annual pass gets you into both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. You could get good use out of it between the fall trip and in June. One of the things that was really fun (and cheap) was we brought our Hidden Mickey book and went hunting for them in the resorts and at Disney Springs. It was like a big scavenger hunt! I'm not sure where you are staying, but one day we went to the Animal Kingdom Lodge and did their bead activities (great hidden Mickeys there) and had lunch at Sanaa. I am pretty sure they are open to any WDW guest. We had stayed there in May and only needs two more to get the Mickey bead! Fun to see the animals and AKL is beautiful.

T-Rex and Raglan Road for dinner at Disney Springs are a lot of fun. Call T-Rex directly for more availability and try to get the main dining room to see the Irish dancing at Raglan Road. The kids can go up and dance and get a certificate and a sticker. We went in July so it was a little too hot, but we had talked about renting bikes at Fort Wilderness, dinner at Trails End and the campfire sing-along and Winter Summerland mini golf.

Have a great trip!

 

[Legendteri]

The new chocolate factory at universals city walk might be open at the time. Wouldnt hurt to check it out.

 

[MomiTo2SwtGuys]

Thanks so much guys! We definitely will not run out of things to do now. Can't wait to get there!

 

[rwdavis2]

Staying onsite and not going to parks is something I've never understood.

 

[NileNellie]

Staying onsite and not going to parks is something I've never understood.

I'm with you. You spend all of that money staying onsite and don't get to take advantage of FP+? If it was a budget issue, I'd spend one less day in the hotel and buy park tickets for one day.

 

[Bullseye]

Staying onsite and not going to parks is something I've never understood.

A lot of DVC members go annually or multiple times a year so going to the parks every single trip is not necessary. You've done just about everything a "zillion" times. You just want to stay in a luxury resort and have fun. That being said we have never planned a non-park trip because I think it would kill us to be in the world without going to the parks. Maybe when I retire that will be doable .

 

[NeuroCindy]

Staying onsite and not going to parks is something I've never understood.

I'm with you. You spend all of that money staying onsite and don't get to take advantage of FP+? If it was a budget issue, I'd spend one less day in the hotel and buy park tickets for one day.

I'm with you two. OP, are your boys going to be able to handle being at WDW without being able to ride any rides or be in the parks?

 

[Happyinwonerland]

If it were me, I'd stay offsite and use the savings to buy park ticket or go to legoland or something. Being at disneyworld but not actually going into disneyworld seems like torture for a kid.