What are your "must do" non-park activities?

[utahkennedys]

I am trying to get a few ideas before we go "home" in September to OKW. I know I want to:
1. Do mini-golf at WDW (never done it)
2. Pool hop (unless we love the pools at OKW and don't need to go!)
3. Go shopping
4. Resort touring/lunch
5. Maybe the Fort Wilderness marshmallow roast

What other activities would you suggest with a 3 year old? We are going to do parks 2 days and Typhoon Lagoon, but I still think I need more ideas...

 

[Lesli54]

We love to go down to the Boardwalk in the late evening to watch the entertainers. Very family oriented, juggling, magic, etc. Very relaxing.

Also, stopping at Beaches and Cream for a treat (unless you are very hungry, split it, they give you alot). Excellent ice cream.

Cape May's for a character breakfast.

We also like to look around other resorts and their shops.

A spa treatment (even just a manicure or pedicure) can really relax you and make you feel pampered. That is if you can get away from the family for a little bit.

Shopping at DTD.

Taking a swim in the late evening when the pool isn't as crowded. Let's the kids get rid of the extra energy before bed.

Oh, yes. Relaxing in the whirlpool tub in the villa. We are definitely getting one of those when we remodel.

Be creative, the list is endless.

 

[chrissybear]

My favorite non park activity is to take the surry bike for a ride around the Boardwalk. I have done it with a large family and with just DH and myself. Both times were a lot of fun.

 

[tjkraz]

Rent a Sea Raycer (2-person speedboat) at one of the resorts on Bay Lake / Seven Seas Lagoon.

 

[lllovell]

For our family, a must on every trip is some time spent at DTD, most specifically LegoLand. It gives the kids a chance to play and use their noodles and fills a relaxing afternoon.

We also make sure to go swimming at least 2-3 times per trip as it provides great stimulation for all of us that isn't as busy as the parks.

Luckily, we are just starting our DVC journey, so I am looking forward to trying many other things as time passes

 

[JimMIA]

Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba at DTD! Unbelievable show!

 

[CharlesTD]

Mini put
DTD
Beaches & Cream
Resort visits we go in early Dec so we tour around to see the resorts all decorated for the christmas season.
We take the kids to the campfire and movie at FW and rent peddle boats.
We do a fishing trip on Bay Lake
We go to the coast and Merrit Island to the nature reserve we make the kids do a project on the birds and animals we see.

 

[MLK-RI]

Mini golf is great fun - we've done both Fantasia Gardens and Winter/Summerland and liked them both. With a 3 year old make sure if you aren't driving yourself that you know how you are getting there. We had "interesting" experiences using the busses etc. Sometimes the routes suggested just take way too long. We found that for Fantasia Gardens sometimes it's easier to bus to the Swan and walk over. For Winter Summerland - when we went Blizzard Beach was closed for yearly rehab, so bus there was exactly as guest services told us to go, but getting back was just nuts. We waited at the resort busstop while many busses went right by but none for us. Finally we said we simply couldn't wait any longer and decided to take a bus to the next park that came and grab a resort bus from there. An Epcot driver was coming around (possibly for the second time seeing us?) and he stopped to ask if we needed help. He's the one who informed us that no resort busses run there when the waterpark is closed!!! Luckily DS was 8 and there was just a bit of complaining, had he been 3 I think it might have been MUCH worse.

Anyway - I digress....
We also enjoy DD and LegoLand, when DS was little the "dancing waters" near the entrance to DD from the Busstop used to captivate him - and get him just a little wet

Possibly a trip to Fort Wilderness and the Petting Farm
Have a great trip!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Visit the animals at Ft. Wilderness. There's a barn with the horses, and other animals in a visiting area.

Bobbi

 

[NJOYURLIFE]

My children get the biggest kick out of sitting on the second floor of the Poly and having "drinks" (soda) with the little umbrellas in them, so we have made this a tradition.

Lisa

 

[kathleena]

Take the little guy to the Animal Kingdom Lodge to see the animals! Then treat yourself to Boma!

 

[Mr Poohbrain]

Oh yum. Last time we were there, I got too full on my lunch to enjoy the ice cream.

Our DS will be 3 and here are some of his favorite non-park things:
DTD (especially the water area)
Mini golf (DH complained that the Winterland/Summerland courses were exactly the same)
Any pool (we hopped to the Poly after breakfast at O'Hana's and had a great time)
Riding the boats and monorail (we'd hop off, visit a resort and then hop back on)

Mrs. PB

 

[Simba's Mom]

Since you're staying at OKW, it'll be fairly easy to do the same as ours-get a "specialty" drink from "Gurgling Suitcase" (choose from one listed on the blackboard), then sit and sip while sitting in the rocking chairs on the little Boardwalk. Hey, our must-do's aren't terribly "exciting! For true excitement we order a kitchen sink at Beaches and Cream!

 

[OneMoreTry]

I call these "must do" because we try to do them all, but aren't always able.

1. Character bfast at one of the resorts. Chef Mickey's a favorite.
2. Rent goats at the Contemporary or Polynesian.
3. Downtown Disney, especially to play in fountains, shakes at Ghiaradelli's and build with Legos.
4. Make prank phone calls to the phone operators.
5. Hang out at our resort.
6. Just kidding about number 4. You didn't believe that did you.
7. Look for pins.

 

[tjkraz]

2. Rent goats at the Contemporary or Polynesian.

Might have to stick to the Wilderness Lodge for that one.

 

[DVCconvert]

Might have to stick to the Wilderness Lodge for that one.

I don't know -- I've rented goats at the CR many times!

Of course, I've only done that when the outter rim closes down for the night!

 

[Tennesotans]

2. Rent goats at the Contemporary or Polynesian.

I've always read that the goats at the Contemporary are faster than those at the Polynesian

 

[OneMoreTry]

I've always read that the goats at the Contemporary are faster than those at the Polynesian

There are some slow goats at the Contemporary too. But not as bad as the ones by BC and BW. Those are slooow goats.

 

[stingmom]

There are some slow goats at the Contemporary too. But not as bad as the ones by BC and BW. Those are slooow goats.

are there any "medium" speed goats? too slow wil not entertain the kids or me, but too fast might scare the kiddies... The goats only hold 3 though, right? bummer. Nice way to make sure you have to rent 2 goats.

 

[SueOKW]

Your 3 year old will enjoy the pontoon goat that runs from OKW to DD...