Wanting to slow down and savor the magic. Suggestions please.

[bow0303]

We're the family that rushes from attraction to attractions and when we aren't we're rushing from attraction to a dining reservation. We're hoping to slow down this trip and focus on our favorites as well as just taking in some of the hidden jewels in each park. We have already decided that we are going to spend an entire day exploring the world showcase in Epcot but not really sure about the other parks. I'm sure we'll take our time in FLE but can anyone suggest any others? Thanks.

 

[NYwdwfan]

I would suggest spending an evening at the Boardwalk. It's outside any parks - so you won't be rushing anywhere - and the atmosphere is amazing. It's a great place to spend time enjoying your family. Grab an ice cream cone, rent a surrey bike, watch the street performers - etc.

 

[bow0303]

I would suggest spending an evening at the Boardwalk. It's outside any parks - so you won't be rushing anywhere - and the atmosphere is amazing. It's a great place to spend time enjoying your family. Grab an ice cream cone, rent a surrey bike, watch the street performers - etc.

Thanks. We talked about trying the Kitchen Sink, and renting the surrey bike would seem to be a must after all that ice cream.

 

[ABQ]

We're the family that rushes from attraction to attractions and when we aren't we're rushing from attraction to a dining reservation. We're hoping to slow down this trip and focus on our favorites as well as just taking in some of the hidden jewels in each park. We have already decided that we are going to spend an entire day exploring the world showcase in Epcot but not really sure about the other parks. I'm sure we'll take our time in FLE but can anyone suggest any others? Thanks.

If you can time it well, find a reason to be at the AKL in the late afternoon, maybe book a dinner over there (Jiko is fantastic) but before hand, head out to the savanna area out back where they have the fire pit going, roasting marshmallows for the children and just watch the animals roam around. It's always quiet out there, very relaxing and a good meal afterwards won't hurt.

 

[rob45]

Slow down and smell the Disney roses. I often hear folks say Disney is no restful vacation. Slow down and enjoy what you can.

 

[Susan Savia]

We found out that to really Slow down, we needed more time and so we built more days into our vacation. Thus it eliminated all that rushing about to make sure we didn't miss anything.

 

[Mr Ferret 75]

How many times have you been to WDW in total ?

 

[real mad hatter]

Also how long are you there for.?...For us across the pond..7 days is way too short..14 is ideal...21 I think is too much...Last year we done our fifth trip and after 14 days we were ready for home..We had done everything we had planned,and more..We never rushed the whole time..Careful planning..Up early when required..The afternoon chill and swim a big factor...One morning at the rope drop at Epcot,this family started sprinting towards Soarin ......Next minute the kids mobile went flying out his pants..Splatter.....It was lying it bits..Mom and Dad shouting at him.....I only rushed once last year,and that was to the gents at La Cava after eating my Jalapeño out of my Margarita......Phew!

 

[75disney]

W

If you can time it well, find a reason to be at the AKL in the late afternoon, maybe book a dinner over there (Jiko is fantastic) but before hand, head out to the savanna area out back where they have the fire pit going, roasting marshmallows for the children and just watch the animals roam around. It's always quiet out there, very relaxing and a good meal afterwards won't hurt.

What time do they do this. We are stopping at AKL in November to eat and look at the decorations. Is it only for guests staying at the resort?

 

[Mr Ferret 75]

Also how long are you there for.?...For us across the pond..7 days is way too short..14 is ideal...21 I think is too much...Last year we done our fifth trip and after 14 days we were ready for home..We had done everything we had planned,and more..We never rushed the whole time..Careful planning..Up early when required..The afternoon chill and swim a big factor...One morning at the rope drop at Epcot,this family started sprinting towards Soarin ......Next minute the kids mobile went flying out his pants..Splatter.....It was lying it bits..Mom and Dad shouting at him.....I only rushed once last year,and that was to the gents at La Cava after eating my Jalapeño out of my Margarita......Phew!

21 is a few too many . But agreed carefull planning and preperation is essential.We have found on our more relaxed trips we noticed so much more aound the place than if we were ride-hopping.Even down to little details around the parks

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

If you want to still do something but not be at the park, try one of the mini-golf courses. We really like WinterSummerland. The course has neat theming and some fun elf gags. There are usally discounts in your package from Disney too.

 

[jencor]

We enjoyed one trip where we had a couple of extra days there and the first few days we did our normal routine and after we got everything we wanted for sure, we slowed our pace down and just enjoyed everything around. I think we enjoyed watching the reactions of others most and even went out of our way to help others when we could. Nothing better then seeing everyone enjoying themselves and that is what helps make Disney magical

 

[MouseDreaming]

We're the family that rushes from attraction to attractions and when we aren't we're rushing from attraction to a dining reservation. We're hoping to slow down this trip and focus on our favorites as well as just taking in some of the hidden jewels in each park. We have already decided that we are going to spend an entire day exploring the world showcase in Epcot but not really sure about the other parks. I'm sure we'll take our time in FLE but can anyone suggest any others? Thanks.

My favorite place to slow down is a comfy chair on the porch at Tom Sawyer Island. The kids love running around there, too. You get some interesting views of different attractions, while you sit and wave at the Liberty Belle as she passes by.

 

[lazyboy97o]

Don't plan.

 

[ABQ]

W
What time do they do this. We are stopping at AKL in November to eat and look at the decorations. Is it only for guests staying at the resort?

I was there between 5:30 and 7:30, don't recall the exact time, but no, it is not just for hotel guests. Just head out the back door from the awesome lobby and you'll probably smell the fire burning.

 

[bow0303]

How many times have you been to WDW in total ?

3 times in the last 4 years.

 

[bow0303]

Also how long are you there for.?...For us across the pond..7 days is way too short..14 is ideal...21 I think is too much...Last year we done our fifth trip and after 14 days we were ready for home..We had done everything we had planned,and more..We never rushed the whole time..Careful planning..Up early when required..The afternoon chill and swim a big factor...One morning at the rope drop at Epcot,this family started sprinting towards Soarin ......Next minute the kids mobile went flying out his pants..Splatter.....It was lying it bits..Mom and Dad shouting at him.....I only rushed once last year,and that was to the gents at La Cava after eating my Jalapeño out of my Margarita......Phew!

Trip will be 11 days but broken up. Travel day getting in mid afternoon with no plans. 1 day at universal and one day at LEGOLAND. Doing 4 night cruise then 4 nights at WL. Not sure if we'll hop but option is still there.

 

[mrsmtc]

We are slowing down this coming trip by doing less park days. Taking time to enjoy the different resorts, the Boardwalk (there is a free tour https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/boardwalk-ballyhoo-guided-tour/) and DTD. Going to enjoy campfire sing-a-long at Ft. Wilderness one night, looking for a variety of place to watch Wishes.

We are also limiting our ADR so we don't have to keep watching the clock to race somewhere to eat.

Last trip we looked for Hidden Mickeys in Epcot-World Showcase, made us look and go in places we haven't gone before, gonna do it again, probably more in the resorts this time. And we're two grown adults!

 

[Disvillain63]

Spend an evening at Poly...around sunset one of the dancers from the Luau will light the torches...then have dinner and maybe hang around for the EWP and MK fireworks.

If you time your evening on the Boardwalk, you can see some of the fireworks from MK and Epcot. If DHS has fireworks, you can see them from the Villa side toward DHS.

We saw 3 fireworks shows in one evening during our September visit.

Schedule the 6:15 Hoop-Dee-Do Revue...arrive at Fort Wilderness before 5:00 and visit the petting zoo near Pioneer Hall...check-in for dining at 5:45 and get your photo taken then browse the kiosks/booths or go to the playground/dock area until 6:00 (really no reason to stand in line, because everyone's table is already assigned)...enjoy the show and dinner...afterwards maybe take a carriage or hayride around Fort Wilderness...go to Chip 'n Dale's Campfire Sing-a-long...stay for the movie...watch EWP from the dock...

 

[mr spalding]

Ditch the spouse and kids and hit World Showcase by yourself. I did this on the last day of our most recent trip when everyone else wanted to stay at the resort.