What should we do.....

[RachelEllen]

We are doing an extended family long week-end trip in March. As the disney "expert" (ha!), I'm in charge of the itinerary. The group is 4 adults and 3 girls - ages 8,8, and 10. We are staying at the Beach Club.

Originally, I had planned Friday - Epcot, Saturday - Discovery Cove (no dolphin swim), Sunday - Magic Kingdom.

However, the other family group doesn't want to go to discovery cove and would rather spend the day at the pool. It's partially a finanicial decision and partially about keeping things mellow for their group. Our family can't stand sitting around a pool (even one as amazing as the beach club pool) for more than half a day.

Can anyone think of any good options for a half day activity aside from going to a different theme park? Ideally, I'd be able to take along one or more kids from my brother's family if they get bored of sitting by the pool. Also, ideally, not a huge upfront investment like a whole other theme park day. Even if its an area that's just interesting to explore. It can't be so amazing that it's mean to the kids left at the pool (no going to Universal, for example). I'm kind of stumped.

 

[IrishNYC]

Visit AKL and check out the Savannah, explore the monorail resorts, grabbing a snack at each one.

 

[ghtx]

A water park is a good choice, if that's in your budget. Or Disney Springs, or mini golf. Or resort-hopping. Or take a boat ride (e.g. round trip from Beach Club around Epcot resort area).

 

[Nancyg56]

Is there a reason that you are not spending all of the park time in Disney Parks? I just ask because Universal is pricey too, and from your post it does not seem that you are totally invested in that park, but looking for something to do.

My DGD does like Disney Springs and could spend hours there, but she has always been a bit of a shopper and wanderer. At the ages of the girls. given a choice though, she would choose park time over DS time.

 

[angierae]

Honestly, I'd just plan a day for your family, and let your brother's family do what they want to do that day. I have found that with extended family trips, time apart can do some good. If they want a pool day, let them have it and you guys go do your thing.

 

[RachelEllen]

The girls are all big Harry Potter fans and would love universal. I know my kid would be fine with three really active days. However, my brother knows his kids best and feels like his need a down day. I did explain that discovery cove really is a "down day," but they feel like the pool gives them enough of the same experience for free. Not what I would choose, but, it is what it is!

So, anyhow, I'd love to do another theme park with my kid, but, that's so cool, it wouldn't be nice to the cousins left behind. They'd want to go, even if it's not the best thing for them as per their parents!

I like the boat ride idea. But, basically I hoping to find something active enough that my daughter and I would really enjoy it and get to experience something, but not something that would upset a cousin to hear that they had missed!

(Btw, the cousins will love the pool ....that's not the issue.... My kid and I are just not lounging around types.)

 

[Hopefully]

I would mini golf at Fantasia Gardens for a few hours. It is within walking distance of the Beach Club, right across the street from the Swan. I would spend the morning at the pool with the cousins and then head to minigolf after lunch with your daughter.

 

[Mama Lo]

Go check out AKL, there are so many activities available to everyone (all the ones that aren't pool side). You could easily spend several hours there. See here: http://kennythepirate.com/wp-content/uploads/akl_recreation.pdf

Also, your kids will not be sitting around at the pool at the Beach Club, you might, but they will most likely be swimming or enjoying the poolside activities.

If you stay at Epcot until close, sleep in, spend a couple hours by the pool and then head to AKL it will be a perfect and inexpensive day.

You could go from AKL to Disney Springs for dinner to top off the evening or there's always Boma.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Maybe head over to Ft. W? You could see the stables and they have an archery experience and canoe rentals. Pair those with lunch at Trail's End and you've got yourself a pretty nice day!

A boat ride and afternoon tea at GF?

Mini-golf (we like WinterSummerland best, but Fantasia is within walking distance)

Disney Springs

Or go completely off the beaten track and go to the Orlando Science Center for the day!

 

[kayteekt]

I think the other suggestions to do some pool time along with some resort touring is a great idea. Book a dinner somewhere and go a few hours early. AKL or FW are great choices... or maybe tour the monorail resorts.

 

[Nancyg56]

The girls are all big Harry Potter fans and would love universal. I know my kid would be fine with three really active days. However, my brother knows his kids best and feels like his need a down day. I did explain that discovery cove really is a "down day," but they feel like the pool gives them enough of the same experience for free. Not what I would choose, but, it is what it is!

So, anyhow, I'd love to do another theme park with my kid, but, that's so cool, it wouldn't be nice to the cousins left behind. They'd want to go, even if it's not the best thing for them as per their parents!

I like the boat ride idea. But, basically I hoping to find something active enough that my daughter and I would really enjoy it and get to experience something, but not something that would upset a cousin to hear that they had missed!

(Btw, the cousins will love the pool ....that's not the issue.... My kid and I are just not lounging around types.)

Got it!

First I agree that SAB is not a lounging area, and I bet you a buck that your brother will be exhausted after a day there. That place is huge. LOL!

As posted by others, I think that an afternoon or a morning exploring may be fun. Animal Kingdom Lodge is a great suggestion, and you could include your meal there, either at Jambo House, which is the Min Lodge, or over at the DVC area, Kidani Village. This is a wonderful place to spend time, with a lot of thinks to do.