Hi Tricia,
Your visit is almost here and I am sure you are getting really excited to experience as much magic as possible in your eight days. Renting a car is a great way to give you and your family some flexibility so that you can do and see even more.
I have several suggestions for you to consider. Be sure to visit Downtown Disney for some amazing dining locations such as Raglan Road for traditional Irish fare and entertainment, Paradiso 37 and its delicious Latin American flavors and Earl of Sandwich, one of my favorite sandwich spots. Not only are the food options unlimited, but the shopping is phenomenal. My family always ends our trip there to purchase all of our favorite souvenirs that we have been eyeing throughout our trip. Beyond the shopping and dining,
DisneyQuest Indoor InteractiveTheme Park and
Characters in Flight are two truly unique experiences also found in Downtown Disney.
If you're up for a little competitive family fun, why not try your hand at one of the miniature golf courses.
Winter Summerland is located near the entrance to Blizzard Beach and
Fantasia Gardens and Fairways can be found across the street from the Walt Disney World Swan Resort. Both are a fun way to spend an afternoon or evening away from the parks while still enjoying some wonderful Disney theming and magic.
I hope this offers you some fun alternatives to spending some of your days away from the theme parks. Have a fantastic time, it will be here before you can say, "supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!"
~Allison L