No Parks this time (Sigh)

[AirlineGuy07]

We received the vacation club as a gift from my father-in-law a few years ago when my mother-in-law past away from cancer. They always wanted to get it when she was alive so as a remembrence to her we share it with my father-in-law. We are leaving in a week and spending 5 nights at SSR but wont be going to the parks this time. (Sigh) We were at the parks last year and with ticket prices as high as they are we decided to save our money until maybe the next year or two. This will be a relaxing vacation to hang out by the pool and do misc things. Where is the best place to view the Magic Kingdom fireworks at night since we wont be in the park? Also does anyone have any good ideas for kids activites. (3 year old) I know SSR has some during the day. Thanks!

[Jasper]

We always have liked going to the top of the Contemporary Resort and watching the fireworks. You go through the restaurant to get to the viewing area. Some people like watching the fireworks from the beach at the Polynesian as well. Sorry, I don't know about children's activities at SSR.

[DDuck66]

There are a lot of things to do without going to the Parks that will not be as expensive. Take the bus to the POLY and watch Illuminations from the Beach. They also pipe in the music.
There are also some character breakfast that your little one might like that are not at the Parks. Cape May is supposed to be real nice and there is always Chef Mickeys at the CR. As frequent day trippers, there are many times that we do not go to the parks. Of course there is always DTD for shopping, etc. There is also a large movie theatre there. I am sure you will still have fun!!!

[DisneyDog]

You could do mini-golf. 3 might be a bit young, but if you go at an off-peak time when you aren't holding anyone up, you could have a really great time.

You could also let him run through the fountains at DTD.

When I was that age, my parents bought a big paintbrush. I would stand in the baby pool and "paint" the sides of the pool. That kept me occupied for hours:)

[KylesMom]

You could travel to Fort Wilderness & check out the petting zoo, and also catch the free movie & campfire one evening. I believe Chip & Dale make an appearance, too. :mickey:

[faline]

We always have liked going to the top of the Contemporary Resort and watching the fireworks. You go through the restaurant to get to the viewing area.

Only those dining or visiting the lounge at California Grill are allowed to go out to the viewing areas now. You must be escorted to the restaurant from the check-in area downstairs. There is a viewing platform located on the Concourse floor. The beach at the Poly would be a better place from which to view the Magic Kingdom fireworks, in my opinion.


Take the bus to the POLY and watch Illuminations from the Beach.

You can watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the area but not Illumuninations which takes place at Epcot. Occasionally, you can see a few of the higher Illuminations fireworks from the parking lot area at the Poly.

You can go to the movies at Downtown Disney or play mini-golf. You can go canoeing at Fort Wilderness or rent a boat on the marina. Even if you don't plan to go to the parks, you might want to consider going to a water park for a day.

[DisneyDudet]

You can watch Wishes from the Poly beach with the music piped in. There's also the Electrical Water Pageant that you can view from the beach as well.

If you go to Pop Century, and get on the top floor of the 50's building, you can view Illuminations.

WL has some kid's activities, as well as the Grand Floridian. I don't know if there is a minimum age requirement.

You can also go to AKL to view some animals, and talk with the very knowledgeable CM's there!

FW has a petting zoo, and bike trails that you could go on!

BW has some fun things to do, plus you can rent surry bikes and go up and down the boardwalk and Y&BC.

I'm sure you can fill your time with shopping, activities, and relaxation, no matter where you find it!

[eeyoremom]

The last several years, we spend as much time out of the parks as in. Sometimes even more out of the parks. We love to go to all the other resorts. Sometimes for a meal, sometimes just to look around. This past Jan, our 3 year old granddaughter was with. She really liked a carriage ride at POR. She still talks about the horse. We like to rent boats, or ride the boat from POR to DTD. You can go to Fort Wilderness and rent a golf cart for an hour. I think it was only about $15. We had great fun. There really is so much to do without ever entering a park. But let's keep this our little secret.

[PetefromRI]

As hard as it sounds,I bet this could be a really nice relaxing vacation.I don't know if I could handle not going to a couple parks but it sounds like fun.Great weather,pools restaurants and DTD.Sign me up!!!

[#1disneyfan]

As hard as it would be for me not to visit the parks, I think that there is a ton to do outside of the parks. You have been given lots of great ideas here, and many I have never even thought of. I hope that you really enjoy yourselves and PLEASE make sure you write trip reports when you get back and let us know all you did!

[AirlineGuy07]

Thanks everyone! It going to be extremely difficult not going to the parks. I hope I'll be able to handle it. My wife wants to take the monorail around EPCOT to see the flowers. I told her it may not be a good idea because I might have to jump out. So if you hear in the news of a guy jumping out of the monorial next week at EPCOT you'll know it's me!:funny:

[PAYROLL PRINCESS]

Take a bathing suit with you to DTD & let your little one play in the sidewalk fountain there. There is also lots of entertainment at the Boardwalk.

[tinksmom02]

Thanks everyone! It going to be extremely difficult not going to the parks. I hope I'll be able to handle it. My wife wants to take the monorail around EPCOT to see the flowers. I told her it may not be a good idea because I might have to jump out. So if you hear in the news of a guy jumping out of the monorial next week at EPCOT you'll know it's me!:funny:

You know what? I'm kind of envious of you. When we go to WDW it's all about the parks (plus DH always says it's the last time we're going, so I have to make sure we do as much as possible LOL). Your vacation actually sounds like...a vacation. There's so much to do outside of the parks! Plus you get to relax, sleep in, no plans...if I were a DVC owner I would definitely plan a trip like this.

[PlutoToo]

You might also consider watching the Electric Water Parade from the beach of the Grand Floridian, Poly, Fort Wilderness, or Contemporary. I think it leaves the GF about 9 pm and goes by the other resorts on the lagoon.