What to do on extra day?

[JJIRmom]

During our stay in August we will have 3 rest days. We have 11 days with parks 6 of the days. I have a plan for 2 out of 3 rest days but I'm stumped trying to find something to do on that third day. We drive down to Disney so we are okay with doing something within a resonable distance. Also it doesn't necessarily have to be Disney related, but don't really want to do another theme park like Legoland or Universal. Also were staying at a value so not really looking to just hang out around the hotel. Here is our plan so far.

Day 1: Check in & Blizzard beach
Day 2: MK
Day 3: H.S
Day 4: rest day 1 (outlet on Vineland & golfing that evening)
Day 5: Epcot
Day 6: rest day 2 (Blizzard beach again & DS for dinner/shopping)
Day 7: AK
Day 8: rest day 3 (???)
Day 9: MK
Day 10: H.S
Day 11: Check out & Typhoon Lagoon

 

[Starport Seven-Five]

I would do Universal Citywalk in the evening of day 2 (free parking after 6pm IIRC) and then do Disney Springs/Resort Hopping on Day 3.

 

[samara]

Have you ever been to Gatorland? It’s a fun little non-theme-park park. They’ve added a zip line since I was last there that looks like it could be exciting, too.

 

[Marthasor]

I can't emphasize enough how hot it will be in August, so I would recommend something water related. What type of ticket did you purchase? If you purchased the ticket with the water park option, I would simply go to a WDW again. You could also go to a water park off-property, though it will not be cheap - Volcano Bay is amazing. You could also consider a fishing excursion from one of the resorts that offer it (CR, WL, YC for example) or, perhaps, visit Ft. W and do the archery experience.

 

[JJIRmom]

Have you ever been to Gatorland? It’s a fun little non-theme-park park. They’ve added a zip line since I was last there that looks like it could be exciting, too.

no we have never done Gatorland. I will check into what all they offer and prices.

I can't emphasize enough how hot it will be in August, so I would recommend something water related. What type of ticket did you purchase? If you purchased the ticket with the water park option, I would simply go to a WDW again. You could also go to a water park off-property, though it will not be cheap - Volcano Bay is amazing. You could also consider a fishing excursion from one of the resorts that offer it (CR, WL, YC for example) or, perhaps, visit Ft. W and do the archery experience.

We did purchase the tickets with water park option. I worry that if we did the waterpark 4 times it would be boring. I don't remember how much there is to do at each waterpark.

I would do Universal Citywalk in the evening of day 2 (free parking after 6pm IIRC) and then do Disney Springs/Resort Hopping on Day 3.

Is there much to do at Citywalk? Is it a shopping district like DS?

 

[CindysMice]

We did purchase the tickets with water park option. I worry that if we did the waterpark 4 times it would be boring. I don't remember how much there is to do at each waterpark.

Who is going on the trip? I’m not sure about our party size and ages, but my husband and I are in our late 30s and we can easily spend a couple days at each of the water parks. On water park days we alternate between snacking, doing some slides and relaxing with a book. It’s a great way to have some downtime with some excitement sprinkled in.

 

[StageTek]

So on rest day 3 you're looking for an activity other than water park or shopping...

Are you interested in outdoor activities like nature trails?
Maybe renting kayak's for a journey along a creek or a trip in a glass bottom boat?
We always love Showcase of Citrus.
Are you interested is visiting a museum?

 

[JJIRmom]

Who is going on the trip? I’m not sure about our party size and ages, but my husband and I are in our late 30s and we can easily spend a couple days at each of the water parks. On water park days we alternate between snacking, doing some slides and relaxing with a book. It’s a great way to have some downtime with some excitement sprinkled in.

It will be me, DH & our 2 kids under 10.

 

[tigger2002]

Beach day? Maybe Tampa? It is about two hours away. The ocean, beaches, and bridges would be neat for kids. And Cape Canaveral is the other direction.

 

[JJIRmom]

Beach day? Maybe Tampa? It is about two hours away. The ocean, beaches, and bridges would be neat for kids. And Cape Canaveral is the other direction.

Ooohh I'm intrigued what bridges are you referring to? Also what beach would you recommend? TIA

 

[CindysMice]

It will be me, DH & our 2 kids under 10.

Ah 2 kids under 10 so I get wanting some more variety. I still think if you take the water park days easy you can make them great down days. I know every family is different and even my 6 year old can be a little lazy if needed lol.

Beach day? Maybe Tampa? It is about two hours away. The ocean, beaches, and bridges would be neat for kids. And Cape Canaveral is the other direction.

Love this idea!

 

[elittleton]

How about Kennedy Space Center? It’s just over an hour drive. They have lots of hands on things along with a tour of the launch pads. My daughter loves it and she was under 10 the first time we visited it.
Also, Wild Florida is not far away. They have an Air boat ride and they can hold baby gators. My daughter loved it at 12.

 

[Marthasor]

We did purchase the tickets with water park option. I worry that if we did the waterpark 4 times it would be boring. I don't remember how much there is to do at each waterpark.

I would switch TL to rest day 3 and, perhaps, consider doing a Disney mini-golf course on your check-out day since that is included with your ticket as well. Maybe mini-golf and a DS or resort lunch? Personally, I wouldn't want to be without a resort room on a water park day to shower and freshen up. They have showers at the water parks, but nothing like having your own room to change in.

 

[Starport Seven-Five]

Is there much to do at Citywalk? Is it a shopping district like DS?

It's similar vibe to DS but much smaller and primarily restaurants.

 

[tigger2002]

Ooohh I'm intrigued what bridges are you referring to? Also what beach would you recommend? TIA

Sunshine Skyway Bridge - Tampa Bay
Ride in to the sky!!! Sunshine Skyway Bridge - Tampa Bay (Florida) - YouTube

 

[2manyplans]

Hi - as a Florida resident, I would like to just second that it will be soooo hot and muggy that outdoor activities need to have built-in shade. I personally wouldn’t plan any airboat tours or gator-park type visits. Also, although I take the sunshine skyway bridge very frequently and it is an engineering and aesthetic marvel, I’m not sure it will be worth it to drive two hours through Tampa traffic to get there and then back again especially with two kids in the car. If you want to instead view the bridge from a distance and have an amazing beach day , visit Fort deSoto park. It will be a longish day but, depending on where you are coming from, you may rarely experience such beautiful beaches as we have on the gulf coast of FL. And lots of fun places to catch lunch/dinner on PassA-Grille beach on the way to/from. For a shorter drive that does not include seeing the skyway bridge, look at Clearwater beaches. Your kids will prob not want to go back. Alexander Springs and Blue Springs are not too far away from WDW and otherworldly in their beauty (and crystal clear water to swim in). Kayak/swim and have a picnic. Also special nod to DeLeon Springs State park - we have never done the kayaking/swimming there (but looks nice - maybe someone else can chime in) HOWEVER the Old Spanish Sugar Mill restaurant on site is soooo cool - my kids loved making their own pancakes and it was a fun visit. (No idea if it’s the same during COVID.) The springs in central florida are beautiful, cooler water and shady. Nice for your kids too, to see some of the beauty of natural FL. Spend a little time with Mr Google on some of these places and I bet you come away with some fresh ideas.

One more point that can’t be stated frequently enough and I think sometimes non-locals tend to discount: the afternoon thunderstorms here in the summer are almost daily and nothing to mess with. The lightning here is serious and if you are on or near the water, go inside or to your car. The storms will pass but don’t try to ride it out. If it was me with two kids under ten, I would just leave that third rest day sort of open until last minute. You may have had some interrupted days because of storms anyway and/or just be ready for some Disney down time.