Looking for Something Unusual but Cheap

ExtinctJenn

ExtinctJenn

Well-Known Member
Over the years we've done a few of the experiences a lot of folks miss out on doing. They've been a neat way to make a vacation a little something special so, since we are arriving on property in 26 days :geek: I'm debating doing something new.

First and foremost, the experience needs to be relatively affordable. Given I know that term can be subjective, as an example, a tour that comes in at $100+ per person is not an option.

Secondly, the experience needs to be something that is enjoyable for kids, but also includes an adult. For example, the pirate cruises where kids take off on their own without a parent in tow aren't an option. This is because our son is on the autism spectrum and has some mild sensory issues, but moreover, some issues with aggressive behavior if he is nervous/frustrated.

Here are things we've done in the past:
Behind the Seeds, Pirate Cruise (the one out of the Grand Floridian), Tomorrowland Dessert Party, Surrey Bikes

I'd love any suggestions you may have! As I've been out of the loop for a couple years I am very sure that there are things I've not considered, or am not aware of, and look to you lovely folks who have a fairly constant pulse on stuff to help!
 
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piglet21

piglet21

Well-Known Member
ExtinctJenn said:
Over the years we've done a few of the experiences a lot of folks miss out on doing. They've been a neat way to make a vacation a little something special so, since we are arriving on property in 26 days :geek: I'm debating doing something new.

First and foremost, the experience needs to be relatively affordable. Given I know that term can be subjective, as an example, a tour that comes in at $100+ per person is not an option.

Secondly, the experience needs to be something that is enjoyable for kids, but also includes an adult. For example, the pirate cruises where kids take off on their own without a parent in tow aren't an option. This is because our son is on the autism spectrum and has some mild sensory issues, but moreover, some issues with aggressive behavior if he is nervous/frustrated.

Here are things we've done in the past:
Behind the Seeds, Pirate Cruise (the one out of the Grand Floridian), Tomorrowland Dessert Party, Surrey Bikes

I'd love any suggestions you may have! As I've been out of the loop for a couple years I am very sure that there are things I've not considered, or am not aware of, and look to you lovely folks who have a fairly constant pulse on stuff to help!
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Hi! What about Characters in Flight, the hot air balloon ride in Disney Springs? I know you said the kiddo has ASD and some sensory issues so it may not be an option, but just a thought! ($20/adult, $15/kid)
If you're Star Wars fans, trading with Jawas is a cute, fun activity in Hollywood Studios and it's free! You can trade just about anything with them :)
I haven't done it, but I've heard good things about the carriage rides at Fort Wilderness and Port Orleans Riverside! ($45/carriage)
 
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BigRedDad

BigRedDad

Well-Known Member
There are things that one cost you more than you have already spent. Entertainment on the Boardwalk is always fun and free. Yee Haw Bob at POR is free unless you order drinks/appetizers (can yo buy apps there?). Monorail hop and visit the resorts. This is free and can be a lot of fun.
 
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MickeyMomV

MickeyMomV

Well-Known Member
Have you looked into events over at ESPN WWoS? It looks like later this month they have Boys and Girls AAU basketball championships going on as well as some cheerleading championships.
 
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Weather_Lady

Weather_Lady

Well-Known Member
This one is totally free: have you done the interactive scavenger-hunt-type adventures, the "Treasure of the Seven Seas" adventure at MK's Adventureland, or "Agent P's World Showcase Adventure" in Epcot? There are several adventures available at each location, with each one taking 15-20 minutes to complete. You can do as few or as many as you want, and they are a fun way for families to work as a team. (At the Adventureland one, you get collectible maps and cards to keep as souvenirs.) They also (particularly in World Showcase) tend to take you to quiet, out-of-the-way corners of various pavilions to interact with objects, so a child with sensory issues would hopefully not find them to be overwhelming.
 
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ParentsOf4

ParentsOf4

Well-Known Member
disney4life2008 said:
$45 for 30 minutes? It would take me 15 minutes to get from the dock lol
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I believe the Sea Raycers were $45 per hour last time we rented a few.

Renting them at one of the Monorail Resorts and then navigating on the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake gives you a different perspective of WDW! :)

You really only need about an hour and then can head to one of the Monorail Resorts for a meal to talk about your adventure. ;)
 
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nickys

nickys

Premium Member
Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom. Allowing maybe 2 to 3 hours, out of the hottest part of the day, would give you a decent crack at it.

Riding the boats around Bay Lake or Seven Seas, or Friendship boats. Or the boats from DS to resorts. My son has ASD and loves this, even now he's late teens. Or another favourite, watching the trains in Germany at Epcot. We once spent a good 90 minutes (with a drink, beer for DH, wine for me from Italy) whilst he quite happily watched them!

Resort hop to GF and listen to the orchestra/band. The pianist usually plays afterwards and will take requests of Disney songs.

Maybe these aren't exactly exciting to "us" but for children with ASD these things can often be more memorable than all the rides in MK. At 17, ask my DS about PotC or JC and he'll shrug. Ask him about Sorcerers and he'll get out his cards and tell me which one he played where.
 
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Much-Pixie-Dust

Much-Pixie-Dust

Well-Known Member
We like to pick out a resort and go hidden Mickey hunting. AKL has a list of them for their resort and cast members enjoy helping you hunt if you need help. There's also tons of other free activities to enjoy. They tend to be low key and not crowded.
 
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EricaG

EricaG

New Member
Not sure if it would be in your budget but we did the Star Wars Galactic Dessert party at Hollywood Studios and it was so amazing. Great desserts + snacks for an hour. Unlimited drinks (inc. alcohol) and then you have reserved seating for the fireworks which was an AMAZING show.
 
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Rogue21

Rogue21

Well-Known Member
The Archery Experience at Ft Wilderness is a lot of fun -- and relatively inexpensive. When we went it was about $45 per person, but it's probably more now. Magic Behind the Steam Train tour isn't too expensive (in the grand scheme). The new Caring for Giants sounds great too.
Of course, can't get any cheaper than sitting on a rocking chair and staring into the fireplace at Wilderness Lodge. :p
 
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