Things To Do At WDW Besides The Parks

[linklewtt]

I'm going to WDW this July and I've been twice before. The last time I went was 2 years ago, so I will hit the new attractions in the parks. I was wondering if you guys have any suggestions for things to do besides the parks. I'm not looking to water ski or anything, but I know that some hotels have tours, so I'll do that. Anything else would be greatly appreciated!

[uscfan7690]

IoA!

Errrr
Typhoon Lagoon is nice

[PeoplemoverMatt]

Islands of Adventure is the best non-Disney park to visit. Just don't let Universal dupe you into thinking you MUST visit both parks. Even if you don't see a 1-day 1-park ticket offered anywhere (and you most likely won't) they are offered to those who ask for them.

Other than that, beaches are nice, there's the WDW Speedway & Daytona Int'l Speedway close by if anyone's into racing, Busch Gardens about a hour's drive West on I-4 in Tampa, Cape Canaveral (NASA launch site) fairly close by. Lots of stuff to see & do in the Orlando area. :smile:

-- PMM :cool:

[LoehnWolf]

Depends on what things you like. I know there is horseback riding available at the Wilderness, fishing for the kids at the Port Orleans. Surrey bikes at the Caribbean Beach. Mini golf at Fantasia gardens and the Winter/Summer links. There are tons of non park related activities at the resorts.

[linklewtt]

I'm gonna plan a day to go to IoA. i've heard good things about the Lost Continent and I want to see it before Potter moves in.

i'm mostly interested in things to do at the different resorts. i'd love to take a tour of the bigger ones like Wilderness Lodge if it's offered. i know they have one at Animal Kingdom Lodge, but I have no idea when.

any sites with this info? the official Disney site wasn't very helpful.

[Tell_No_Tales]

IOA is freakin awesome, you'll love it. If you get into the park right when it opens I suggest riding Hulk or Spiderman first before the lines get to long. If you don't get into the park early you should start with Dueling Dragons and the lost continent area at the back of the park. That area is less crowded at the beginning because everyone are doing things at the front of the park. They do have a fastpass system for certain rides but they only have a certain amount each day. I think 1,000 so the fastpasses run out really quick. they put the fastpass kiosks in the most obscure places to.

[Tell_No_Tales]

at their downtown disney they have Disney Quest which is good if you like simulators and virtual reality games. They have the House of Blues, you can check to see if a band you like is going to be playing there. They have a little outdoor amphitheatre where they do little performances. you can rent a boat and cruise around the lake at the downtown disney too. Then there's pleasure island at night. whatever you do, have fun and hopefully you enjoy your trip.

[mistymutt]

Go to the water parks... Go to the dinner shows especially the Hoop-Dee-Doo Review. Just explore the resorts. Restaurants, pools. outdoor nighttime activities at Fort Wilderness (campfire and movie). I kind of miss going to the Island in the middle of Bay Lake with all the Birds. Oh dont forget about the nightly electrical parade on the water in bay lake

[mistymutt]

Also, look into taking one of the "Behind the Scenes" tours. You get to see the Utilidors under the magic Kingdom and you get to go behind some of the attractions at the parks to see how they work. Very interesting if you can afford them that is

[Smeecanada]

One thing we enjoyed when we went was a tour of the Land Pavilion. Not sure if that is still available though.

[disneyson]

I know this was mentioned, but they have the BEST mini-golf!!! Check Mouse planet, I think they have a review of Fantasia Mini-golf.

[albino_pygmy]

Universal and IOA most definately. I would recommend that you stay at one of their hotels for a few days and go to the parks, your room key works just like a fastpass and you bypass the normal line on most attractions. If you don't stay on-site, you do have the option of paying more for an 'express' ticket (which is Universal's fastpass. They've removed the free express ticket machines and believe it or not has helped REDUCE the wait time in lines) Anyways, there's several attractions down I-drive which is next door to Universal, there's Wet n' Wild, Ripley's, Titanic exhibit, Wonder works, Magical midway (it's go karts and other carnival style thrill rides) Fun spot (same thing, but more go kart action) several mini golf courses, and plenty of shopping and dining. Hope that helps.

[sora_145]

Disney Quest.

IOA is the best Theme Park on the planet. It's a MUST. Skip Universal though, not much to do there.

[LoehnWolf]

I thought Disney Quest was shutting down and being replaced by some Sports complex??

[albino_pygmy]

Universal alone has plenty to do, in fact I feel it has more things to do than MGM. Ok so it has plenty of shows, so what? If you haven't seen them, they are quite entertaining. In fact, one of the most overlooked shows that I think is by far one of the best is the Horror Makeup Show where they'll show you tricks of the trade in the horror movie business and will leave you laughing until your sides split. Terminator 2: 3D may not be the newest 3D show out there, but is one of the best because of it's unique live action that flows with the film. MIB surpasses Buzz Lightyear as far as interactive dark rides go. And for those that love flying with Peter Pan and want more? E.T. just phoned you and wants you to ride along. There are other attractions out there, just do a little research and check it out. It is worth visiting if you've never been, and if you have and didn't like it, then don't spoil it for those who haven't been, they just might like it more than you would. /rant

[hurricane22]

I went to WDW in 2006 and I did IOA and then went and saw Cirque Du Soleil's La Nouba at Downtown Disney. It was awesome!!! If you go, I totally recommend that!