LONE-STAR 370 Posted June 13, 2014 Report Share Posted June 13, 2014 So what do you do?We have never done a no parks trip but I have thought about it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
red...Susan 37 Posted June 13, 2014 Report Share Posted June 13, 2014 Resort hopping, downtown disney, mini golf Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Judy in Texas 150 Posted June 13, 2014 Report Share Posted June 13, 2014 Disney has a nature preserve that is not part of the parks proper:https://www.google.com/search?q=disney+wildlife+management+area&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&client=safariStay at The Fort but go to Universal - especially if you are a Harry Potter fan. It's still parks,though, just not Disney. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DaveInTN 3,247 Posted June 13, 2014 Report Share Posted June 13, 2014 We're usually there during the holidays so we resort hop to look at decorations. We enjoy riding our bikes to the Lodge and enjoying breakfast over there. For that matter, we ride our bikes all over the Fort. Rent canoes. Fish in the canals and the Meadows pond. Go to the pool. Visit DTD and get a bite at Earl's. Play mini golf. INC likes to head offsite to shop at Ikea. It's amazing how time can fly by at the Fort even when not doing parks. But it's a more relaxing vacation for me doing it this way. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted June 13, 2014 Report Share Posted June 13, 2014 Resort hopping is a biggie for us. Lots to do and explore, places to eat, etc. During the holidays it's even better as the decorations are amazing. While it's a bit of a hike, Animal Kingdom Lodge is probably our favorite as it's very different from all the other resorts, and on top of some great places to eat, they have their own savannah of animals with lots of viewing areas accessible to visitors. We don't venture off property a lot, but we usually make a trip to the 2 Disney outlet stores nearby - fun to poke around and sometimes some great deals. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lou... 3,118 Posted June 13, 2014 Report Share Posted June 13, 2014 Disney has a nature preserve that is not part of the parks proper: If you decide to visit, don't expect the Disney touch. Despite it's name, it's not part of the Disney company, it's owned and managed by "The Nature Conservancy". In 1990 the Walt Disney Co. provided 8,000 of the 12000 acres of land to the conservancy and funded the restoration of the land and monitoring of the animal life. They continue to sponsor scientific projects. Disney’s name is connected to it only because of the U.S. Clean Water Act, which requires wetlands damaged by human activity, IE. WDW, to be replaced elsewhere. It's located near Kissimmee. It's free to get in, but donations are appreciated. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Seals 111 Posted June 13, 2014 Report Share Posted June 13, 2014 Ride the monorail. Ride various boats. Visit other resorts. See a movie. Mini golf. People watch. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted June 13, 2014 Report Share Posted June 13, 2014 ...People watch. Reminds me... we've put together our own mini "Food & Wine" at DTD where we grab something to share (and a beverage) at different places and just stroll around and people watch. While you're there, and if it's a calm, clear day or night (especailly around fireworks time), go up the Characters in Flight balloon. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lou... 3,118 Posted June 13, 2014 Report Share Posted June 13, 2014 go up the Characters in Flight balloon. Or if you're too cheap to pay to do this, visit the Orlando World Center Marriot which is nearby, take the elevator to the top and look out the windows.It's about 100 feet lower, but it's free. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
AC in A2......Aaron 693 Posted June 13, 2014 Report Share Posted June 13, 2014 Walk the boardwalk.Pool hop to other pools like Art of Animation.....the gate will likely be open.If non resort visitors can use your pool, you outta be able to use any pool you want.Go on a treat tour.....dole whips at poly (if they are available again), ice cream of the future at CR, magic cookie bars at WL.Go on a drinks around the monorail tour.If you have never been to Art of Animation it is worth a walk-about.Hang out by marina before and after the HDDR shows and listen to what other resort guests think about the Fort and its people. I have heard some funny things.Here's one i remember from our last trip: "Now I see why these "campers" like this place. It is very peaceful"......in best female fake british/L.A. voice.It was totally meant as a putdown to us lowly people but with a back handed compliment so i am sure it was all good on her end. LOL BradyBzLyn...Mo 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted June 13, 2014 Report Share Posted June 13, 2014 I totally forgot about the Boardwalk - great place to go hang out, walk around, rent a surrey bike... You can also check out a bunch of resorts ...including the Swalphin. Take the boat around. The Yacht/Beach Clubs also have movies on the beach at night. Not sure if it's the same movie schedule as the Fort or not. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
red...Susan 37 Posted June 13, 2014 Report Share Posted June 13, 2014 Chip and Dale sing a long, roast marshmellows, water pageant, meet new people. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lou... 3,118 Posted June 13, 2014 Report Share Posted June 13, 2014 The Yacht/Beach Clubs also have movies on the beach at night. Not sure if it's the same movie schedule as the Fort or not. As far as I know, all WDW resorts have "Movie under the stars", and the movie schedule is different from resort to resort. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ImDownWithDisney 342 Posted June 13, 2014 Report Share Posted June 13, 2014 Go to the marina and move golf carts around using a univeral key. fortpartyof4 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DaveInTN 3,247 Posted June 13, 2014 Report Share Posted June 13, 2014 Go to the marina and move golf carts around using a univeral key. :rofl2: Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lou... 3,118 Posted June 13, 2014 Report Share Posted June 13, 2014 kfk Who? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023 Posted June 13, 2014 Report Share Posted June 13, 2014 Go to the marina and move golf carts around using a univeral key. :bellringer: Quote Link to post Share on other sites
alexwyattmommy 181 Posted June 13, 2014 Report Share Posted June 13, 2014 Is there really a universal key? Cause that would be really fun to do. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
kadancer 82 Posted June 13, 2014 Report Share Posted June 13, 2014 We like to ride the epcot monorail all the way around - it is a fun view of the park even when you are not visiting. The boat ride from epcot to the studios is fun too and gives able spots to hope off and tour the resorts. We spend a whole day resort hopping even when we are doing parks. And I know I'll will sound like a fuddy duddy, but I like to sit under my awning with a glass of wine and a good book. Not many opportunities for that at home. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
h2odivers...Ray 952 Posted June 13, 2014 Report Share Posted June 13, 2014 Goto PO riverside and see yeehaw bob. He puts on a great show. Family friendly and it's free. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
GaDawgFan.....Kelly 799 Posted June 13, 2014 Report Share Posted June 13, 2014 Lay in my hammockHang out at the poolGo loopingVisit all the playgroundsArcheryPony rides Quote Link to post Share on other sites
AC in A2......Aaron 693 Posted June 13, 2014 Report Share Posted June 13, 2014 Lay in my hammockHang out at the poolGo loopingVisit all the playgroundsArcheryPony ridesTry to keep all the hot girls away from ZFixed it for you Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Judy in Texas 150 Posted June 13, 2014 Report Share Posted June 13, 2014 If you are thinking about going up in the Characters of Flight balloon at DTD, check Groupon. They had a really good discount earlier this year. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
CCIntrigue...aka Gwen 547 Posted June 13, 2014 Report Share Posted June 13, 2014 You all have really great suggestions. But I've been sitting back and reading along until the point has come where I have to add my 2 cents. The OP is in Texas. So it costs him at least as much in fuel as us. Sites are obviously the same for both of us. There is NO WAY I would spend that amount of money and not go into at least one of the parks. Really there's no way we would make that trip and not have at least a 10-day pass. We have made trips where we've only stayed 7 days, but that was when we were both working and under time constraints. And we had more income. And we weren't happy with the short stays. I would go to an RV park much closer to home. In fact, we could make 3-4 trips closer to home than what one trip to WDW would cost. And overall be much happier. We would be miserable at the fort knowing we couldn't enter a park. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Beckers 1,136 Posted June 13, 2014 Report Share Posted June 13, 2014 I couldn't do it either Gwen. Maybe if I lived closer but that would kill me being that close and not going into the parks. And honestly Adam would drive me insane I'm sure. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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