- I made a point of going down stairs at night after the kids were asleep and my wife was unwinding in the room, to read the newspaper (given to each room free in the morning) in front of the fireplace in the main lobby.
- As someone else mentioned, there is a second fireplace/ sitting area just above the entry. Next to that is an area with a desk and chairs. We actually had our daughter do her homework during the afternoons at this desk, as it was a change of pace from staying in the room to do it, and even though it was overlooking the main lobby, it was not very distracting.
- While checking in, have the kids take advantage of the cartoons playing behind the bell services desk. It will keep them entertained, and not running wild while you take care of business - plus you can keep an eye on them.
- There is an expansive terrace overlooking the parking lot (also on the second floor above the entry. This is another nice place for kids to let off steam without going into the main lobby, or out to the pool area.
- There is also another lesser used balcony on the opposite side that overlooks the courtyard area, and has a decent view of the lake.
- Even if you are not eating at Artist Point, take some time to go into the main space and look up into the high ceiling. Next, find the corridors above that look into Artist Point, and look through the windows into the top of the same space.
- Look for the hedge animals out near the main entrance.
- Take advantage of the pool at the Villas if the other pool seems too crowded. This was not the case for us, but I know that others have done so.
- Have the kids do the Duck Races just above the pool where the inlet is. Although they have changed the location, and made the course smaller, this is still fun.
- Enjoy the pool and the families that are there. This is probably the same at any of the resorts, but our family had fun with other families that we met there. During the week, we would see many of the same people and our kids would play with each other and it was very nice. Also, the lifeguards would have games going on in the 36" depth water every so often which added to the close community feel.
- Take one of the surrey bikes to Fort Wilderness Campground. We saw some baby deer along the way, and then saw nice white ponnies (one of the cm's let us pet one in the stable) at the campground. There's plenty of time to do all of this in the initial 1/2 hour or 45 minute rental period, plus the ride is nice.
- All of the rental boats (pontoon and racers), have 9 h.p. engines. While this may not seem fast, it is for the little boats.
- As someone else mentioned, the Chip and Dale sing-along is well worth the time. We enjoyed this very much, as the crowds are not huge, and the atmosphere is great.
