What "special things" can you do at WDW?

[NewbieMouse]

I have decided to stay in a moderate instead of a deluxe, and blow the savings on special experiences instead. I'm wondering what there is that comes highly recommended by DISers at WDW. Some things I've heard mentioned are a fireworks cruise and Illuminations - these sound like really good possibilities but I'm not too sure what they are exactly. We're not on big on "tour guide" style stuff, but really interested in things where you get reserved access, special seating, a really special meal with it, etc. My DDs are 11 and not really into characters anymore. For DLR fans, we loved the (now defunct) Fantasmic Dessert Seating, so I'm looking for possibilities like that.

What are your favourite "special extras" at WDW?

 

[Alesia]

If you've never seen La Nouba, you really should.

 

[GaryDis]

There are dessert seatings for both Wishes and Illuminations. Both have several threads here, and my take is that they both get mixed reviews.

The Illuminations fireworks cruise is very expensive, only affordable if you can split the cost with other people (since it's per boat). There are meal packages for Fantasmic!, but other than reserved seating in one of the center sections, and including three courses (appetizer, entree, dessert), I don't think there's anything significantly special about the meal. Someone who's actually done it may add more info.

Victoria and Albert's is a unique, special meal, but not a park attraction.

 

[Jadyreen1282]

Wild Africa Trek is awesome. Do the SOA or hddr.

 

[magicaldisney]

Horseback riding at Fort Wilderness.

 

[Sarahbelle341]

Fantasmic dining package is nice since its one meal credit and includes a reserved seating voucher for Fantasmic. The seats are great. And if you choose Mama Melrose you get an appetizer included with your meal. For something special you might consider one of the premium events at Food and Wine Festival with reserved seats for the concerts and great food or one of the hard ticket parties.

 

[Amysita]

Another vote over here for La Nouba. Awesome show!

 

[bushdianee]

My 9yo DNiece and I did the Wishes Pirates and pals Fireworks Cruise this past June and had a blast. It was about $90 for the 2 of us. It starts out at the Contemporary Resort at 8:00 if I remember correctly. The gave each of us a pirate scarf which is pretty big and were told to wear it any way we wanted to. They had coloring pages and a scavenger hunt for the kids. then we were led into a room that was filled with desserts and snacks and told to take whatever we wanted and to take enough for later on the boat. They had cake, all kinds of ice cream treats (Mickey bars, etc.) bags of cotton candy, small bags of pretzels and popcorn, chocolate coins, fresh bananas, lemonade or coffee and possibly some other things. Captain Hook and Mr Smee were there as well as a photopass photographer. About an hour later we were escorted to 2 boats. Each boat was staffed with a pirate leader who led the festivities on the boat. There were trivia questions, singing, jokes, etc. Each child got a small prize. We had a close up view of the water pageant. When wishes started the music was played on the boat. When it was over and the boats returned to the dock there was a "special" visitor waiting on the dock for another photo opportunity. We got back to our room at WL about 11:30 PM. We both really enjoyed it. Our pirate leader had everyone laughing and participating the whole time.

 

[GaryDis]

hddr

How could I forget this? It's the same genre as the Golden/Diamond Horseshoe Reviews, so if you don't like those, you probably wouldn't like the HDDR. But it's more and better food, and a longer show, well worth it.

 

[Narawen]

We've done the Pirates and Pals cruise for Wishes and loved it. We booked it again for November. Great fun with Capt Hook and Mr Smee and snacks before heading down to the boats to watch the electrical water pageant and Wishes. Really amazing views.

Would also recommend a backstage tour and signature dining.

 

[massmickeypal]

We have done Hop Dee Doo several time then gone to the beach to watch the Electrical Water Pageant and Wishes.

 

[Stinky_Pete]

You can go parasailing on Bay Lake from the Contemporary resort. I did that once as a special treat on Christmas Eve. I had never been parasailing anywhere before.

 

[IRISH249]

We have done the Fantasmic dining package and found it is well worth it . . . good meal, great seats, for an incredible performance. We've done the fireworks cruise with preteen daughters and it really was underwhelming. It lacks something not being in the park. Although the boat operator shared some incredible Disney history.

 

[DisneyFive]

If you haven't done Hoop Dee Doo Review, like others have mentioned, it's a fun time for sure. We did it for the first time on our 4th trip and LOVED it. Just a fun, goofy experience.

Dan