What's your pick for 'small' things to do?

[UgleeBug]

Well, it's official. We're going to stay for seven days. [img]graemlins/clappy.gif[/img] It's so exciting. It will be the longest trip we've managed so far. (Thank goodness hubby is in Natl. Guard and we can stay in the world for such a reasonable price)

My question is: What would you do if you couldn't afford to do the major parks for every day of your trip? [img]graemlins/mixed.gif[/img] It doesn't have to be completely free, but just cheaper than fifty bucks a person. We're traveling with an 8 year old and two year old twins and we're thinking one or two 'down' days might not be such a bad idea even if we had more money to spend!

Thanks for any tips,
Barbara

[Mary M]

If it's warm when you go, the water parks are always a fun thing. Also, just going swimming is fun.

You can wander around Fort Wilderness and see the petting zoo. I think you can even rent bikes to ride on the trails there.

[iloveokw]

1. Put the swimming suits on the kids and take them to Downtown Disney to play in the fountain.

2. Go to the outlet mall and have lunch at Sweet Tomatoes.

3. Spend a day at the pool.

4. Go explore other resorts.

5. RELAX

[Disney24Seven]

There are 2 miniature golf courses at WDW, Fantasia Gardens near the Boardwalk and Swan&Dolphin and Winter Summerland near Blizzard Beach. We have played at Fantasia Gardens twice and had a great time. Each hole has a musical poem to read that gives you a hint on how to play the hole. There is also a pro course for those that don't find the regular one challenging enough[we tried it and it was REALLY hard]. The price is about $9-10 for adults and $7-8 for kids with 50% off on a second round played the same day. We plan on trying the Winter Summerland course on a future trip. This might be good for the 8yo but I'm not sure about the 2yo twins

A previous post suggested the fountains at Downtown Disney, here's a drier alternative, the Legoland Store has a cute playground area that was recently redone, my daughter loves it there and as long as you're at Downtown Disney try Ghirardelli's Soda Fountain-YUMMY!!!!!

Hope this has been of some help to you.

Have a Magical time!!!!! [img]graemlins/mickey.gif[/img]

[ChipDale]

Be sure to see the Electric Water Pageant. It plays every night and it's FREE! [img]smile.gif[/img]

I like the idea of just relaxing at your resort. Enjoy the pool and/or water activities that they offer. [img]smile.gif[/img]

[dkmwong]

Back in 2000 we stayed for 8 days and for relaxtion we stayed by the pool and had a GREAT time...
[img]graemlins/mickey.gif[/img]

[Balootoo]

When we took our 19-month old to WDW in 2001, we found that starting our days with leisurely breakfasts at various resorts, then seeking out each resort's playground offered our little one the chance to blow off some steam before spending lots of time in the stroller the rest of the day. While one of us watched our son, the other had a chance to check out the lobby, gift shop, etc. Those nice, relaxed mornings offered us a lot of exploration time at the resorts and Fort Wilderness--which is a great place to hang out as mentioned in an above post.

[MKPlutoGuy]

I agree the Electrical Water Pagent is a must!

Mini-golf ( WinterSummerland and Fantasia Gardens is also a cheaper (compared to other activities) alternative.

Definately relax at your hotels pool for half a day. Dinner Shows are just over $50 a person, but provide a great evening of entertainment!

You can also check out the recreation activities, through the link to Info Central. [img]smile.gif[/img]

[Katzateer]

Things we do that won't cost anything:

Ride the monorail to Epcot and back to MK

Explore the resorts

Walk on the boardwalk

Go to outlet malls

Go to downtown Disney

Watch the Electrical Water Parade from the beach at the Poly around 9pm

Watch the fireworks from MK at the beach at the Poly

[Patti]

My DD gets her hair wrapped each year we go to WDW. Some of the parks and resorts have stations set up for hair wrapping. One year she had it done at DD. Depending on the length of hair, it costs approximately $20.

This may be an option for you (if you have girls, I've never seen a boy who had this done).

[JoeMaz]

GO FISHING...You can rent poles or even go on a fishing trip (boat, snacks, guide). I want to go fishing around the Disney lakes on our next trip.
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[MaryburkS]

Eat beignets at Port Orleans and go see the geyser at the Wilderness Lodge. [img]smile.gif[/img]

[Sportster]

I'm with Katzateer...
- enjoy a monorail ride from Epcot to MK
- explore the resorts
- try Disneyquest and the other sites at Downtown Disney
- I haven't been there yet, but my parents said that there is so much to do at Fort Wilderness, you spend a vacation enjoying the campground.
- Take a drive to International Drive, park the car and window shop. There are also some low cost attractions on I-Drive.
- Old Town on 192 a few miles from WDW is neat to see also.

[Altair]

Gatorland
Kennedy Space Center
Gulf beaches
Fantasy of Flight
Mideval Times
Green Meadows Petting Farm
Flying Tigers Warbird Museum
Downtown Disney
Ripley's Believe It or Not
[img]graemlins/mickey.gif[/img]

[Grace]

UgleeBug- Exploring the resorts and their playgrounds would be lots of fun. Dine at their food courts. As already mentioned, go to Downtown. Then take the boat to POR to see the the Piano Man. He does an early evening show for kids thats lots of fun. Also, see the sights at Boardwalk. And every resort has a video arcade too.

[Wayne]

After reading the previous posts, I'm surprised that no one mentioned searching for hidden Mickey's at your resort. It's a lot of fun with the younger kids (and adults too).

Be sure to ask Guest Services at your resort for their hidden mickey's clues and then spend your down time looking. When we were at AKL in May, my 8 yo daughter and I spent several nights trying to track them down. Then when you think you've located them all (or most of them anyway) take it back to guest services. The GS CM will go back in the back office to check them and will return with a certificate signed by the mouse himself

[UgleeBug]

You guys are great! [img]graemlins/laughing.gif[/img] So many wonderful ideas. Oh gosh, I just can't wait to get there to try them out.

[img]graemlins/notworthy.gif[/img] Thank you [img]graemlins/notworthy.gif[/img] Thank you
Barbara