You don’t have to go to a park every day you are at Walt Disney World – really you don’t! ( I heard the gasps from some of you) Sometimes you need to rest your tootsies or you just need a break from the crowds. Here are my favorite non-park Disney things to do.
VISIT DISNEY SPRINGS
One of my things to do at Disney World without theme park tickets begins in Disney Springs. This entertainment district is filled with unique shopping venues, fun dining options, a movie theater, bowling, a hot air balloon and plenty of activities to keep your kids entertained.
SEE THE ANIMALS
Head to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge to watch animals grazing on the savanna. Walk around Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge to see zebras and giraffes for free, and then head to the Kidani Village area of the property to dine at Sanaa, where you can eat with a view of the animals.
GOLF
Love to golf? Disney World is home to three great 18-hole courses, Disney’s Palm, Disney’s Magnolia, and Disney’s Lake Buena Vista. Young golfers and newbies to the sport will enjoy the nine-hole Oak Trail course at the Grand Floridian Resort. Putting purists can mini golf their way through two different 18-hole courses, one of them quite challenging, at Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course.
ENJOY YOUR RESORT
Spend the day relaxing at the pool. Many of them have activities for the kiddos during the day. Walt Disney World can be tiring – a day to recharge may be just what the doctor ordered. Just remember your sunscreen
ENJOY NATURE AT FORT WILDERNESS
Nestled inside a 750-acre cypress and pine forest, Fort Wilderness is much more than just a campground. Activities at the resort include horseback riding, a petting zoo, archery, canoes, kayaks, bike rentals, wagon rides and some of the best fried chicken on property.
TAKE A TRIP ON THE DISNEY MONORAIL
Although taking a trip on the monorail does require bag checks to board at each stop, it doesn’t require a Park ticket. It’s no secret that the Monorail resorts are some of the best on Walt Disney World property, and a trip to the monorail resorts can easily fill a few hours. Explore the lobbies and shops and grab lunch at one of the restaurants.
VISIT DISNEY’S BOARDWALK
Disney’s BoardWalk is a quarter-mile promenade of dining, unique shops, and fun nightlife. There are midway games to play, street performers, and much more. The boardwalk will take you back in time to the turn of the century and such cities as Coney Island and Atlantic City.
CATCH A MOVIE
If you are staying on Disney Property, Many of the resorts have a movie night by the pool or campfire. You can get the list of times, locations and movies from your resort (though sometimes they have it posted in the cafeteria or the check in area!)
GO ON A BIKE RIDE
Many of the resorts have options for renting bikes. You can explore the area and the trails close by while having lots of fun riding around. Disney provides helmets and kid seats.
Here’s a list of resorts where you can find the bikes.
- Caribbean Beach Resort
- Old Key West Resort
- Port Orleans Resort- French Quarter
- Port Orleans Resort- Riverside
- Saratoga Springs Resort
- Wilderness Lodge
- The Cabins and Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
What would your #10 be? I’d love to hear from you!
Sara is the owner of Platinum Travel. She customizes seamless, stress free vacations for people who want to see the world and all things Disney.
She also owns Autism Friendly Vacations where she helps families who have a member on the Autism spectrum get the vacation they deserve. Visit AutismVacation.com for more information.
You can reach her at 414-377-8611 or Sara@PlatinumTravelWI.com to start planning your vacation today.
