What to do on a "free" evening?

[Crazy4mandms]

Our last night at WDW is going to be the Sunday night before memorial day...we will have had all our park visiting done, waterparks done, Disney Quest and DTD done.....we just want to kick back and enjoy something at a slow pace (and something cheap!) since we will be heading to UNV the next day. I'm sorta tossed between doing the campfire at Fort Wilderness or catching the free, roaming entertainment on the boardwalk. We are staying at the All Star Sports and I have DH and 2 DS (7 and 11)...any opinions?

 

[Jordan's MOM]

Well, I would just let them play in the pool at the resort. My DS never gets enough time in the pool, and while the pool at the all stars, is nothing special, the boys will love it there. Hitting the arcade at the resort is fun too. If you have gone hard for several day, I think you will all welcome some down time. Call in a pizza and just chill out!


Jordan's mom

 

[Pat_Elliott]

We've on several occasions taken a picnic lunch over to the Poly and just eaten on the beach watching the Lagoon, with MK in the background. Always a neat time!

Pat

 

[skiwee1]

We have a free day planned too and decided to try out Disney miniature golf. My 4 y/o loves mini golf and we think she will enjoy a little down time.

 

[Momto2Minnies]

We went to the boardwalk for the first time on our last trip. It was a lot of fun. We had dinner at ESPN which I think your 2 DS would love if they are sports fans. The kids also got a big kick out of seeing the tvs in the bathrooms! There is a small arcade there too. We all really enjoyed this more relaxed evening, and the scenary is really pretty. Have fun!

 

[kdibattista]

How about Cirque de Soleil (sp??). Not sure if you already had this planned into your DTD time.

 

[Trish5768]

I second Cirque-absolutely fantastic!

 

[Crazy4mandms]

Well, the circus = a significant amount of money that our budget just won't have. I've prepaid for everything right down to getting disney dollars set aside for our character meals.....another major ticket purchase is not in the financial forecast.....That's why I was thinking something on the cheap side, like the free entertainment that travels the boardwalk and a light dinner at ESPN or the campfire. And, although others may object, I don't think my kids are the circus de soleil type! If we had more $ we'd probably choose to do the Medieval Times rest off property. Is the Boardwalk atmosphere really cool for that age? The reviews say sword swallowers and jugglers and stuff....

 

[Pat_Elliott]

Crazy4mandms

The Boardwalk is a fantastic place after dark. It's one of the few things I like better when it's crowded. Watch out for expensive eye candy for the kids. One that comes to mind is the Surrey's. The kids will see them and want to try it. And they cost bit. Watch out for stuff like that.

But the entire theme is excellent, recreating the Atlantic City-style Boardwalk back in the "good old days." ESPN is excellent if they're into sports, boring if they're not. There's also some cheap stuff, in addition to freebies. I believe there's an old-style arcade (outdoor) with skeeball.

And don't forget to take a ride on the Friendship, walk over to the YC and BC and check them out (very nice). All in all, you can have a pretty good time at the BW without dropping your wallet. But watch out for the expensive attractions the kids will be drawn towards.

Pat

 

[mmounsey]

Definitely Boardwalk! I'm hoping to get at least one night over there...

 

[HakunaMatataMan]

I highly suggest the following

1) Head over to the Boardwalk and play a round of Minature Golf at Fantasia Gardens.

2) Then take a short boat ride over to Yacht and Beach Club and have a "cheap" dinner at BEACHES AND CREAM! This place is themed like an Old Tyme Soda Shop. They have the BEST hamburgers and milkshakes in WDW and they also have great ice cream ( I suggest sharing the "No Way Jose", its out of this world!).

3) After your bellys are full, maybe the kids would want to play some video games in the Yacht Club's great arcade next door, while you and DH relax by the BEST Pool at WDW, Stormalong Bay!

4) After that, head over to the Boardwalk for some fun and games.

Its not really a "free" WDW night, but it's relatively cheap compared to the amount of BEST entertainment that isnt parks related. I consider all of the above some of the best HIDDEN GEMS in WDW!

 

[twinz]

We went to the campfire last September and the kids we were with LOVED it. Nothing like S'more's cooked over an open fire, and you get a LOT of food for your $5.00. The sing-a-long was fun, and the movie was a great experience.
My vote...Campfire

 

[Crazy4mandms]

Alot of food for your $5???? I thought they just roasted marshmallows?? Is there some sort of dinner also? And what time should I show up at the campfire? Is it crowded? If we go to the boardwalk do we need to make ressies for ESPN?

 

[Momto2Minnies]

ESPN does not take ressies. We got there around 6 and were seated right away (5 people). Our timing was great as the boardwalk performers were just starting to roam around when we finished our dinner.