What to do on the no-park day?

[kohlby]

We've figured out our schedule and planned in one down day without any parks. (And one day with a too be determined park at that time). It happens to be the day that we're switching hotels too from a Disney one to a Universal one. Other than the pools, what do you do on no-park days? We have a 3.5 year old and an 8 month old.

 

[4lilpoohs]

Are you going in December? If so you could go to the other resorts to look at their Christmas decorations. We plan to do that, swim and go to DTD.

 

[kohlby]

Yes, we're going in December. We'll see if the kids are decorationed-out yet. DD does think lights are the funniest thing ever - just have to see if active DS is interested in doing that too!

I don't know the abbreviations here - what is DTD?

 

[SoonerGirl]

DTD is Downtown Disney. I like to go to Downtown Disney on non park days, lots of great shops to check out! We've also played miniature golf - Disney has two nice mini golf courses.

 

[swillis]

There is a ton of stuff to do in Orlando that is fun, and exciting. If I read your post correctly, then your heading offsite on your "down day". I would check out the pool at your new hotel, check the Orlando area thread on this site for a nice restaurant or other low keyed things to do.

 

[pbharris4]

We do DTD or go to the outlets, swim, read, etc. This year we may check out Wonder works it looks pretty neat.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

Here are some things we've done in the past:

Downtown Disney
Miniature Golf (Disney has some great courses)
Rent those little boats in the Seven Seas Lagoon
Tour the different Disney Resort Hotels
Swim with the Manatees (over on the Gulf coast)
Beach
Canoe Juniper Springs (about 1 hour north)

 

[powellrj]

If you have a car, maybe drive over to Cocoa Beach. Its only an hours drive.

 

[sammieJ]

my kids loved the giant gingerbread house at the grand floridian. you could try to book a character breakfast there, park for free for the 3 hours, eat, enjoy the gingerbread house and giant christmas tree, then take the monorail for a spin. Then, drive to your new hotel, have naptime, wake up, and swim.

 

[ajcolorado]

Spend the afternoon at the Fort Wilderness Campground. I believe there is a walking trail. You can rent boats, if you want. The Kayaks are pretty inexpensive but your seat may get wet. There is an animal viewing area near the stables and small kids can get a reasonably priced pony ride. There are hayrides in the evenings.

You could do dinner at the Trails End - it wasn't fancy but it was tasty.

Then you can go over to the Campfire Sing-Along w/ Chip & Dale, followed by the Disney movie shown on an outdoor screen - both free. Our family really loved this. Here's a link with the details: http://www.buildabettermousetrip.com/activity-campfire.html

We haven't tried this yet but there is also pole fishing (inexpensive) for kids at Fort Wilderness: www.buildabettermousetrip.com/activity-fishing.html that the 3 year old might like to try.

 

[Lisa0503]

I am reviving an old thread since we will have 2 Non-Park Days during our upcomming trip. We won't have a car and our children will be 4 & 2 when we go.... I am trying to get an idea of things we can do those days. I have already decided that I will send my 4 yr old DD on the Pirate Cruise from the Grand Floridian (which I am sure she will love) but I need more ideas. Since we are going in Jan, I don't want to count on pool days since I have heard it can be cold and we will miss all the Christmas Decorations since we are going at the end of the month....

As per Mini Golf... Do the busses stop at the Mini Golf courses? If not, how do you get there?