Whats the best Disney stuff to do not in the parks?

[Minky]

Hi everyone

Was wondering besides all the great attractions IN the parks.....whats not to be missed at some of the resorts and things like that. What are your favorite off-beat Disney activities?

 

[sarahsmom73]

Visit Downtown Disney!
Check out the Bopardwalk at night! It is really fun with all the street performers.
Swim in the pool!

 

[CamColt]

mini golf
resort hop, just to check out the theming.
parasail
rent surrey bikes
rent water mice
horse/carriage rides(I believe Ive heard they have these at POR)
Jellyrolls at BW

 

[Gaiusrex]

You mean they have theme parks at this golf resort?

 

[Simba's Mom]

Originally posted by Gaiusrex
You mean they have theme parks at this golf resort?

That's exactly how DH would respond. On his one "down" day from golf this trip, he's doing the Richard Petty Driving Experience.

Me? I like going to Fort Wilderness, renting a bike, and riding around. It amazes me that such a beautiful, natural oasis exists there.

 

[Eyore4Ever149]

I have read on here that there is a storytelling around a campfire every evening at AKL- I have not done it, but it sounds like fun.

Thanks for the OP and other replies- some great ideas!

 

[aladdinsgirl]

We love to go miniature golfing, we especially like the Fairways at Fantasia Gardens. One word of warning about the Fairways, the course is 18 holes of fairways and it is pretty difficult, but so much fun. The CM working there told us that the Fairways is the most difficult miniature golf course in the world--the real world, not Disney.

We also like resort hopping and renting water mice. Of course, it goes without saying that I love shopping at Downtown Disney. DH thinks I love it a little too much.

Krista

 

[oogieboogie]

FW Campfire w/ Chip & Dale - Smores kits are cheap
Bob Jackson in POR - excellent performer
Whispering Canyon Cafe - Dinner and wackiness
Boardwalk
Storytelling in AKL
Animal watching in AKL
Petting Zoo in FW
Riding the monorail from MK to Epcot and back, then transfer to riding the monorail around the lagoon
Build your own Mr. Potato Head in DTD on the computer, then printing it out (free)
Lego store in DTD
Swimming in the pool

 

[trracers]

We love the campfire at Fort Wilderness, riding bikes and renting boats. We also did a fireworks cruise at EPCOT and it was INCREDIBLE to be parked right there on the water watching the whole thing. We were lucky and the wind wasn't blowing our way, so we didn't have to deal with any smoke from the show, either!

We also love to swim and go to the water park. We did that for our first time last trip and really enjoyed it.

At the Wilderness Lodge, we played checkers in the lobby and wandered around looking at all the "stuff" that you just can't take in when you just walk through to get to your room.

 

[madalex]

Nothing new here, but we love all these:

Boardwalk
Resort hopping (especially AKL with the animals)
Surrey bikes
Water mice

 

[jacncaitsmom]

I think everyone has covered all that we do, but I thought I would reply anyway. We live in Orlando and have found cheap/out of the park ways to Disney when we don't have passes.

Downtown Disney/Both Marketplace and Westside
Boardwalk -- the takeout Pizza window at Spoodles is great, we sit outside to eat. Also grab a bicycle ride (we know the owners). These are a lot of fun.
Animal Kingdom Lodge -- go grab a cocktail and see the resort. You can see all sorts of animals, they have guides as well.
Drink and eat around the world -- Ride the monorail to the resorts. We start at the Poly and have a drink at the lounge, then head to GF -- drink and look around (grab an appetizer), then head to California Grill at the Cont. and eat dinner or another appetizer. This is a fun night out with your hubby.
Watch to fireworks from the Poly beach, another night GF docks, and then CG observation deck. All of those are nice.

That's all I can think of for now. Have fun.

 

[Guads6]

Renting bikes and min golf are a nice break from the parks!

 

[theresaruth]

Can you suggest some off site activities for 4 adults...we're done the Universal end of things, citiwalks, etc. we will probably want to check out some of the sites in downtown Orlando. Are there any nice restaurants or mixed dance clubs, comedy clubs, other things non-disney. I have been down to Orlando many times and have not ventured off to visit "the common" areas if you will. Thank you.

 

[wannabee princess]

Take the boat from DD to POFQ/POR, then get out at POFQ and go to the food court to get beignets! Take a carriage ride while you are there, then hop back on the boat back to DD.

Boardwalk ESPN - if you have any sports fans in the group, call ahead and see if anyone you would be interested in seeing is scheduled to be there during your visit. If so, head over to see the sports figure and eat. If no one interested in appearing, go and eat anyways and check out the memorabila. After dinner, walk around to the YC/BC and get "dessert" at B&C. Then finish the circuit back around past Swan/Dolphin, or take the boat across to Boardwalk.

Watch the Electrical Light Parade from one of the monorail resort beaches.

If you want a less challenging mini golf (but not too easy) try Winter/Summerland. Lots of fun Beach Boys music to listen to as you putt.

If anyone sports fans, check the schedule at Wide World of Sports - may be able to catch some event.

Agree with resort hopping - but I also like to check out the various stores at the resorts! They have a variety of merchandise (ex. AKL has African/safari themed items while WL has items that would remind you of staying in the wilderness)

Disney Quest - try the Pirates of the Carribbean (? Is that the right name?) and build your own roller coaster!

 

[vicb]

More of the same advice from me:

Surrey bikes - What a riot!

ESPN - fun at night, love the trivia contests

BW buskers (when they are out, we missed them due to rain and cold! )

Mini Golf

Blizzard Beach - so glad we made the effort, really fun park!

cruising on the monorail!

could go on and on..............

 

[Minky]

Thanks guys,

I love being in the parks, but sometimes the crowds get to me...not so much the crowds as the rude people....so was trying to think of fun things to do on the side

 

[Mickey76]

Definitely visit Downtown Disney. The World of Disney is awesome. I tend to but most of my souvenirs there instead of at the parks so that I don't have to cary anything around. Also, the Art of Disney is great if you like to collect Disney artwork, whether it be expensive collectibles or posters, they got it all.

Depending on what resort you're staying at, there's a multitude of activities to do and things to see. When I last visited WDW in 2002, I spent at least 2 hours every day in the afternoon at the CSR so I could use the great slide there as well as relax when I wasn't at the parks.


Mickey76

 

[Daddy Daughter Day]

Jelly Rolls at the Boardwalk! Those pianno players are amazing, and very funny.

If you have young kids that like the characters, Mickeys Backyard BBQ. Best place at WDW to actually spend time with Mickey, Minnie, goofy, Chip and Dale.

 

[slo]

We set aside one day to hang out at the resort to enjoy the pool and especially to rent a Pontoon boat. We rent a boat for an hour and casually go around the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. This is one of my favorite WDW activities.

 

[TDC Nala]

Theme Parks:

Where I waste time while waiting for the Adventurers Club to open.