We are season pass holders and were wondering if anyone else who goes weekly ever went just to see places like Fort Wilderness, The High End Hotels, and Downtown Disney? For example: Is there really anything cool to do at Fort Wilderness? Can you even go there? Is Downtown Disney worth a half day trip? We now go to WDW once a week and we don't want to "burn out" the place.
We would appreciate any suggestions from long term Florida locals who go to WDW all the time.
THANKS!
Downtown Disney would be like going to an extended shopping trip with a night out added to the end. Shop for a couple hours, then go eat, then go to the clubs of Pleasure Island or see a movie. To a lesser extent Disney's Boardwalk would be the same way. Eat a nice dinner then go dancing at Atlantic Dance or Jellyrolls.
Disney quest is an attraction in its own right... even comes with the admission price to prove it.
Cirque du Soliel is also worth going to see just by itself, but again requires it's own ticket.
You are always welcome to explorer the resort hotels. Some of the resorts do have activities that you can participate in. You can go out at look at the animals at animal kingdom lodge. I believe you can rent boats from any of the resort marinas even if you are not a resort guest. That's a fun way to kill an hour or so, especially if the weather is nice. And any of the resort restaurants make a nice meal out as well.
You can go to either Fort Wilderness or Polynesian Resort to catch their dinner shows (Hoop-De-Do Review or the Spirit of Aloha). Both of those are entertaining and worth doing if you go often.
Don't forget golf (both regular and mini). Don't have to visit the parks to do either of those.
My wife and I will be in Orlando in January for a wedding and have already made a reservation for breakfast at Kona Cafe before we head back to Atlanta. We'll probably take a lap around the Monorail just to get that disney feel.
So yes, you can go to Walt Disney World and never set foot in the parks but still have plenty to do.