Let’s face it: it’s very difficult to do everything in the Walt Disney World Parks. When you’re there on a vacation, you will probably want to try to do it all. And who wouldn’t? We’re only in the most magical place on Earth for a limited time, and we want to make the most of our vacation. But what happens when you have an extra day you would like to spend outside of the parks?
Though some may think the Disney World Resort is just the parks, it is so much larger than that. One could spend a whole vacation without even going into the parks! So, if you’re looking for just a few of these options, I have compiled eight here for you. You could easily do a few of these ideas a day. While a lot of these ideas are completely free, I will put an asterisk by any that are not. Keep in mind that there is always the option to pay for food or merchandise at any of the free locations.
So, let’s get started!
- Play a Round of Golf and Mini Golf *
Disney World has many golf courses on property. Complete with clubhouses and golf carts to rent, guests can golf for a small fee on courses scattered around the resort. Reservations are not fully necessary, though they are recommended. Disney character-themed snack carts even make their rounds! 45 minutes lessons are available for golfers both over and under 18 years of age. Please research the different golf courses to find which one is right for you.
There are also two miniature golf courses on property! Fantasia Gardens and Fantasia Fairways are located at the Swan Hotel by Hollywood Studios, and host two beautiful 18-hole courses. Winter Summerland is located at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Waterpark and is separated into two 18-hole courses themed summer and winter. Guests can play here for an even smaller fee than the regular golf courses and are sure to have a great time taking in the scenery of these stunning miniature golf courses.
- Explore Disney’s BoardWalk
Disney’s BoardWalk is by far my favorite place to walk around. Home to the BoardWalk Inn, this boardwalk stretches a quarter of a mile long. Guests could spend a whole night here. Ample Hills Creamery, one of my favorite ice cream places in all of Disney World, can be found right here; as well as the Boardwalk Bakery, a delicious place for desserts and a quick meal. For a longer meal, guests can visit places like the Flying Fish and Trattoria al Forno. There are also various snack carts and even boardwalk games. Nightly entertainment can be found here, as well as Jellyrolls and the Atlantic Dance Hall, two adult-only nightspots. The BoardWalk also has its own boat dock! I highly recommend checking this beautiful section of Disney World out.
- Play at the Waterparks*
Disney World hosts two waterparks: Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Typhoon Lagoon boasts the largest wave pool in North America and is filled with slides and areas for younger children. It has all types of refreshments, private areas to sit at, towel and locker rentals, and even surfing lessons! Reservation is necessary for these lessons.
Blizzard Beach is home to one of the tallest and fastest free-fall body slides in the world and has slides and areas for younger children as well. It has food and drinks, towel and locker rentals, and private patios for guests to enjoy. Both of these parks require tickets to get in.
- Resort Hop
Are there any Disney hotels you would like to stay at, but don’t know enough about the hotel and its location? Want to explore the Disney World property a bit further? Resort hop! Make a list of hotels that interest you and decide the best route to get to them. It is always fun to take the monorail loop around the Contemporary, the Grand Floridian, and the Polynesian resorts. You could also take a boat around the Yacht Club, the Beach Club, and the BoardWalk Inn. Your resort hopping experience is completely up to you!
- Visit the Fort Wilderness Resort
Filled with wildlife, this large area is home to many activities that are hard to find anywhere else. You could go horseback riding or canoeing, take archery lessons, explore the decorated campsites during the holiday season, bike, and visit two arcades. There are also multiple dining experiences. The Fort Wilderness Resort is home to the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review, an all-you-can-eat country dinner show. This area is always worth exploring, and you can easily take a bus or boat to another resort.
- Go to Disney Springs
Disney Springs is full of stores and restaurants. Guests could definitely spend a whole morning, afternoon, or night here. Completely free to get in, there is so much going on that it is impossible to do everything in a day. Families and guests of all ages will enjoy Disney Springs, as there is something for everyone. Be sure to decide what you would like to visit before you go!
- Have a Spa Day*
There’s no better way to relax during your trip to Disney World than with a spa visit! Many resorts offer spas for guests. There are treatments for almost everyone, though guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent. Costs vary depending on the treatment. There are also hair and nail salons! Guests can receive almost every type of treatment they can think of. Reservations are needed.
- Go to the Pool
Spend a few hours at your resort’s pool for the closest activity outside the park. There is something special about each one, from the beautiful decorations to the unique additions that make them stand out. I try to visit them on every trip, especially if I am staying at a new hotel. Guests of all ages will enjoy this activity!
I hope this list helped you out a bit. What’s your favorite activity outside of the parks? What would you like me to post about next? Let me know in the comments!
Have a great day,
Gia