What haven't we done? Tips on off the beaten path visit

[megs1313]

This is our fourth trip to Disney as a family (though my youngest has only been once before) and our second trip in the last year. I'd like to find some new things that we maybe haven't enjoyed yet. We've done the pretty standard stuff. I am not looking for big ticketed events. More like tips for things that are fun that aren't as widely pursued. As an example, on one of our trips, we picked up the kids' passports for the world showcase and had a great time going to the kidcot stops. We love to check out resorts, too, so maybe some ideas on non-MK area resorts to hit up?

The one thing I have in mind so far is a stop at Beaches and Cream. We've never been and I think it's time! We've also never caught illuminations (i know!) so that's a must this trip as well.

We have 10 days, so LOTS of time to explore. Any ideas? TIA!

 

[BrownHP800]

There is a real nice walking path from Fort Wilderness Lodge to the Fort Wilderness campgrounds. It will take you right by the stables where they keep their horses. It's worth checking out. You might even find a hidden Mickey on the way

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Beaches and cream is great!

Have you used the night vision googles at AK resort?

sat around the campfire at the resorts and toasted marshmellows?

Swapped gifts with the Jawas?

Pirates League?

Been on the boat during wishes leaving MK?

Seen the light pageant from the Poly or WL?

Got on the train at AK?

Train at MK?

 

[Mesh]

My daughter really enjoyed doing the Wilderness Explorers activities in AK and the Pirate's Adventures in MK. She was 6-7 when we did these and wants to do both of them when we return next month (she'll be 9). She also loves doing Pick-a-Pearl in Epcot (I've ordered cage necklaces/bracelets off Etsy to put the pearl in) and I think it makes a nice souvenir.

 

[Harambe]

If you have skipped the animal walking trails at AK (Maharajah Jungle Trek & Pangani Forest), please take time to do them! They are wonderful, and are truly transporting!

 

[OldSlowGoofyGuy]

If the weather is nice, take the boat from Disney Springs to PO Riverside, then walk down to POFQ and have beignets. Boat back to DS.

 

[DVCkidsMOM]

Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom, Wilderness Explorers at AK, game at Epcot (it was Kim Possible, then Phineas and Furb, now idk).
Shows at different parks: Tam Tam Drummers and Viva Gaia at AK, Jamminators at Epcot as well as some of the WS shows like Dragon Acrobats, Notorious Banjo Brothers and Bob at MK.
Explore Tom Sawyer Island at MK, explore other resorts' activities - we especially love storytime around the fire pit at AKL.
In addition to the Trek and Trail at AK, take the train to Rafiki's Planet Watch if there is an animal presentation or ask a CM if there's an animal exam/surgery that morning.

My family has enjoyed all of the above and have been doing so while the children were many different ages. My children are now 16 and 18. DS and I had a blast completing the Wilderness Explorers when he was 16 - to liven it up for a teen, he and I did it as a race to see how fast we could do it. We completed every "badge" to get "Wilderness Explorer" in 2-3 hours, but we really were speed walking and we knew where to find the vast majority of the stops because we'd been noticing them... It has been a couple years since we've done the Epcot game; but if it has changed we may do it. My children have not yet outgrown Sorcerers and the 16 year old still wants to complete the Pirate Adventure (free game, not the paid dress up thing).

 

[Shellyred8]

This is our fourth trip to Disney as a family (though my youngest has only been once before) and our second trip in the last year. I'd like to find some new things that we maybe haven't enjoyed yet. We've done the pretty standard stuff. I am not looking for big ticketed events. More like tips for things that are fun that aren't as widely pursued. As an example, on one of our trips, we picked up the kids' passports for the world showcase and had a great time going to the kidcot stops. We love to check out resorts, too, so maybe some ideas on non-MK area resorts to hit up?

The one thing I have in mind so far is a stop at Beaches and Cream. We've never been and I think it's time! We've also never caught illuminations (i know!) so that's a must this trip as well.

We have 10 days, so LOTS of time to explore. Any ideas? TIA!

When is your trip? If it's during the Christmas holiday's, definitely take some time to tour the Deluxe resorts and look at the decorations and ginger-bread creations. Don't forget about the Swan and Dolphin. The couple of times that I've been there during Christmas they had big displays that were all made of chocolate and/or candy! The smell was amazing!!

We always enjoy the miniature golfing. It's not too terribly expensive and a fun way to pass some time.

Take a trip over to Ft. Wilderness Campgrounds and see the horses. They are beautiful and amazing!! There is also archery over there, but I think that might be an extra fee.

If you haven't been to the Animal Kingdom Lodge, I would definitely take some time to go there and check out the animals. There are lots of places to view them that are common areas. As someone else mentioned, you could try the night vision goggles if you are there in the evening. It was a fun experience.

Check out the Boardwalk area in the evening. They have street performers that are usually pretty entertaining.

Take a boat ride from the Contemporary to Wilderness Lodge and then to Ft. Wilderness Campground. We enjoy just doing this loop a couple of times during the day.

If you have never been to Wilderness Lodge, they have a replica of Old Faithful. So the geyser goes off every hour. It's short, but if you happen to be in that area at the top of the hour, it's fun to check out.

10-days!!! That sounds amazing!!! Have a great trip!!

 

[Parker Clan]

Mini golf?

 

[MeganS721]

We rented golf carts and explored Fort Wilderness. Tri-Circle-D ranch is back there and was fun to check out.

 

[RachaelA]

We just got back a couple weeks ago from an 11 night trip. We did Wilderness exPlorers at AK and Pirates Adventures at MK this past trip. My kids loved them. I wanted to do new stuff as well this past trip since we go so often. Wilderness explorers helped us basically see all the parts of AK we had never got to on previous trips.

 

[RachaelA]

My daughter has also done the kids only pirates cruise (they have 4 resorts that have one). Ages 4-12. The wonderland tea party is at the GF and is kids only ages 4-12 as well. She loved them both and it was a nice break from the parks.

 

[alex9179]

FW also has Chip & Dale's campfire and sing along with a meet & greet. Extra for s'mores supplies but the rest is complimentary.

AKL has activities where you can earn beads.

 

[mickeymom22]

Dance on the twinkly sidewalks at Epcot...

Archery lessons at Fort Wilderness...

Ride a pony at Fort Wilderness...child has to be over 2 years old and under 80 pounds and under 48 inches

Eat at Sci-Fi Dine In...

Have a Mickey shaped treat every day...

Pick a particular pin series and hunt for and trade for the pins...

Get some pixie dust in your hair at World of Disney at Disney Springs...

Have the CMs write your name in their native language when you are traveling around World Showcase...

Animation class at Art of Animation Resort...

Have a magical time!

 

[Disney Khaleesi]

If you don't have an ADR for Beaches and Cream, and you want to eat inside the restaurant, I'd start looking for one ASAP. Otherwise it's not happening. If you do have an ADR, great! Beaches and Cream is awesome!

Resort hopping is always fun. I'd recommend mini-golfing, going to Splitsville at Disney Springs, maybe even doing a cheap tour? Behind the Seeds at Epcot isn't very expensive and is very informative.

 

[winthropf]

Spend the evening at YeHaa Bob's show at POR.

 

[cigar95]

Have you seen the Voices of Liberty before watching the American Adventure? Quite possibly. If not, definitely go. Bu if you have seen them, you probably haven't stayed around after the set to meet them and take a couple photos. They're delightful people who love to visit with guests, especially kids.

Another possibility - when you exit the theater at Tough to be a Bug, turn left instead of right and explore the path a bit. You'll come across some animals you may not have seen before, get a different view of the tree, and maybe come across a character with little or no crowds around.

 

[Disney9.9.10]

There are so many places to explore that won't cost you anything (or have minimal costs) that aren't your typical theme park attractions.

You mentioned exploring the world showcase, and if you liked the passports for your kids, they would probably love Wilderness Explorers in Animal Kingdom. You go around to different stops at the park, and learn different things about animals and get "badges" (stickers in a sticker book) for each thing that you do. My daughter was only 2 when we did it so she didn't get the full benefit, but she had fun getting stickers and finding new animals and things to do. And there is no extra cost to do this.

We also really love resort exploring. Walk the bridge between POP and AoA and explore the resorts. Walk from Poly to GF. Take a boat to POR. Things like that.

 

[katt789]

-Explore Fort Wilderness, even if it's prior or post a Hoop Dee Doo or Trails End resso, the walking path to Wilderness Lodge is wonderful too
-AKL is an amazing place to visit! I like to pop in there, look at the animals, hang out for a bit, and get some counter service food, or stop in at the lounge!
-Characters in Flights at DTD
-Horseback riding at FW
-Any of the tours, things like Wild Africa Trek seem SUPER cool
-Take the time to do the Wilderness Explorer adventure hing at DAK
-Try the 4 park challenge
-Try the "meet every princess in one day" challenge (obvs this requires some planning and park hopping too)
-Art of Animation & Pop are neat resorts to explore, especially AoA, all the decorations are awesome, and it has a wonderful food court with great options and delicious food!
-Port Orleans Resorts are great too!! Pick up some beignets at one, explore around it, then walk/boat/carriage ride over to the other! If you have a kid free night, there's an awesome lounge at Riverside with Yeehaw Bob(? it's been awhile, gonna pretend that's right) who's hilarious and entertaining!

 

[dminnie]

If you don't have an ADR for Beaches and Cream, and you want to eat inside the restaurant, I'd start looking for one ASAP. Otherwise it's not happening. If you do have an ADR, great! Beaches and Cream is awesome!

Resort hopping is always fun. I'd recommend mini-golfing, going to Splitsville at Disney Springs, maybe even doing a cheap tour? Behind the Seeds at Epcot isn't very expensive and is very informative.

Can you just go there and get some ice cream to go? I've never been there, but somehow I thought it was a sit down restaurant.