Last updated on January 11th, 2024 at 11:38 am
It’s no exaggeration to say you can easily fill up a week or two at Walt Disney World and still not see everything there is to see. But whether have you a week or two weeks or even just a couple of days, sometimes you need a break from visiting the parks. Luckily, Walt has you covered. And you don’t even have to leave Walt Disney World or spend a ton of extra money to enjoy these 15 fun and family-friendly things to do outside Disney World parks.
Fun Things to Do Without a Park Ticket at Walt Disney World
People go to Walt Disney World to experience those four amazing theme parks – Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Epcot and the Magic Kingdom Park. But there’s so much more to do while you’re there! Be sure to build some “non-park” down time into your vacation itinerary.
Here are 15 fun things to do outside the parks at Walt Disney World!
1. Visit Disney Springs
This is the obvious one so I am just going to straight up mention it first. Formerly known as Downtown Disney, the recently expanded Disney Springs features great restaurants, shopping, and entertainment.
For a really cool experience right outside the Disney World parks, take your family on a one-of-a-kind ride on Characters in Flight. You’ll ascend 400 feet in the air over Disney Springs. This giant helium balloon has a 19-foot-diameter basket, which holds up to 29 people.
What else is there to do at Disney Springs?
If you are a fan of the Rainforest Café, be sure to try dining at T-REX. This lively restaurant has a similar menu and dramatic dino-mite setting kids will love. There are literally tons of other great restaurants and eateries to try in Disney Springs.
My son’s favorite is the aforementioned T-REX, but when we want to grab something quick we hit Blaze Pizza, Earl of Sandwich or The Smokehouse at House of Blues for ribs. (Bonus: even though The Smokehouse is a walk-up window, you still get to enjoy live blues music as there is usually a band playing outside afternoons and evenings.)
2. Go Bowling
Does your family like to go bowling? Splitsville Luxury Lanes in Disney Springs has 30 lanes of bowling, billiards, live entertainment, full-service dining and five bars for the grown-ups to enjoy.
3. Play Mini Golf
So, you have mini golf courses near your house…why would you want to take time to play at Disney World? Because it’s Walt Disney World! There are two courses to choose from – Disney’s Winter Summerland and Fantasia Gardens.
We always make time for a round of mini golf when we visit Walt Disney World. The courses are beautifully landscaped, feature fun themes, and are challenging and well-kept.
Winter Summerland Miniature Golf is located near Blizzard Beach Waterpark. It features two different 18-hole courses, “summer” and “winter.” I definitely recommend this one more for younger kids! Fantasia Gardens is a more challenging course. It features five scenes from the animated classic film Fantasia, and is better for older kids.
Many Disney World vacation packages even include a free round of golf before 5pm, so be sure to check your fine print!
4. Visit a Disney Deluxe Resort
Does your budget not allow for a stay at a Deluxe Resort? No problem! Even if you are not staying at one of Disney’s Deluxe Resorts, you are perfectly welcome to pay them a visit during the day. Each uniquely themed resort features fab amenities, restaurants, and shops. These upscale resorts are a great way to pass a few enjoyable hours.
My number one favorite is Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. You can take a free tour of the property, or just hang out on one of the many terraces overlooking the savannas. There’s always plenty of wildlife to see, and experts on hand to answer questions and lead activities. There’s also a nightly storytelling around the fire pit outside, and after dark you can view the animals wearing night vision goggles.
Our other favorite is Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Set right on the Seven Seas Lagoon across from the Magic Kingdom, the Polynesian is like a tropical oasis right in the middle of Disney World. Grab a fruity cocktail at Trader Sam’s or buy a Dole Whip and sit on the beach.
Located on the monorail line, it is easy to hop from the Polynesian to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Contemporary Resort. It is also a lovely stroll along the waterfront from the Polynesian to Disney’s Grand Floridian, an equally marvelous Deluxe Resort.
5. Catch a Movie Under the Stars
Almost all the Disney resorts show movies several nights a week, either by the pool or on the beach for those who have one. You can ask the front desk at your hotel for a schedule. Even if you’ve seen the film 100 times (what parent hasn’t seen Disney movies 100 times?) it is still a lovely experience to enjoy a movie outdoors on a warm Florida night.
Our favorite spot to catch a flick is at the Fort Wilderness Resort. The movies here are screened at an outdoor theater in the Meadow Recreation area. Stadium type seating, a large movie screen, and snack bar with ice cream and popcorn make for an unforgettable evening. This activity is a great way to wind down after a busy day in the parks or by the pool.
6. Ride in an Amphicar
Your family can cruise Lake Buena Vista and see Disney Springs from the water aboard an Amphicar. The Boathouse at Disney Springs is the only place in the world where you can take a ride on these vintage car/boat combos! The 30-minute tour starts at the dock, and your captain literally drives into the lake.
This is just one of the many fun things to do with kids outside Disney World parks!
7. Rent a Bike
Most resorts at Walt Disney World offer numerous recreational activities for a nominal fee.
Both adult and children’s bikes can be rented at multiple resorts, and Surrey bikes are also available in either 2, 4 or 6-person sizes. Rent one at the Boardwalk near Epcot and ride along the waterfront; stop at Beaches and Cream for ice cream or grab a slice of pizza. You’ll feel like you are cruising down the Boardwalk in Atlantic City!
Other favorite spots to rent bikes are at the Wilderness Lodge and Caribbean Beach Resort.
8. Stroll Down the BoardWalk
Disney’s BoardWalk is an entertainment, dining and shopping area. Reminiscent of turn-of-the-century boardwalks in Coney Island and Atlantic City, Disney’s BoardWalk features restaurants, entertainment, nightlife, and boardwalk arcade games. Stroll along the water’s edge, play afternoon midway games and discover evening street performers.
In addition to the restaurants and bars at the BoardWalk, there are two quick service food locations. We love going to the Boardwalk Pizza Window for a slice of pizza and eating outside overlooking the water. It makes a great budget dinner, too! Boardwalk Bakery is another great spot to grab breakfast or a snack later in the day.
Disney’s BoardWalk is a short walk or boat ride to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and is located adjacent to several Disney Deluxe Resorts.
9. Take a Carriage Ride
Take a ride in an authentic horse-drawn carriage at the Port Orleans Resort – Riverside or Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter. Guests can even take holiday-themed rides during the month of December. Each carriage fits up to four adults or two adults and three children. The carriages cruise along the tranquil riverfront between the two resorts.
10. Have a Character Dining Experience
You don’t have to be in the theme parks to spend time with Disney characters. Several Disney Resorts offer character meals where you can meet and visit with your favorite Disney friends. Some of our favorite character dining experiences include:
- Cape May Café at Disney’s Beach Club Resort
- Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Wonderland Tea Party at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
11. Build with LEGOs at Disney Springs
When mom needs a break and little kids need to play, visit the LEGO Store in Disney Springs. The LEGO store offers free play with LEGOs right out in front of their store. There are multiple tables and thousands of LEGO pieces. It is every LEGO-loving kid’s fantasy and good opportunity for pooped parents to relax in the shade while kids play.
12. Make S’mores with Chip and Dale
Purchase a kit at the Chuckwagon Snack Bar at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and enjoy s’mores with Chip and Dale. After the sing-a-long with Chip and Dale, cozy up with a blanket for a movie under the stars. This free activity is perfect for all ages.
13. Spend Time at the Pool
Whether you are staying at one of the official Walt Disney World Resorts or a nearby hotel, be sure to enjoy some pool time! Orlando has some of the best pools, and you will want to take advantage of this great free amenity included with your stay.
14. Set Sail with Pirates
Whether your kids are fans of Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean or just love pirates, Walt Disney World has a cool experience for you! Pirate Adventure Cruises for kids are great activities to do outside the Disney World parks. Choose from two adventures that leave either from the Caribbean Cay at Caribbean Beach Resort or the Bayside Marina at Disney’s Yacht Club and Disney’s Beach Club resorts.
You can also take the whole family on the Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage sailing out of the Contemporary Resort. The voyage includes dessert and a seriously superb view of the nightly fireworks over the Seven Seas Lagoon.
15. Enjoy the Electrical Water Pageant
The Electrical Water Pageant is a floating light parade (think Disney’s Electrical Parade on water) that takes place every evening on Walt Disney World’s Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. It features 14 floats with lights that depict images of sea creatures.
The Electrical Water Pageant is free and can be easily viewed from the shores of Disney’s Grand Floridian, Polynesian and Contemporary Resorts. One of our favorite things to do outside the parks is order a Dole Whip at the Pineapple Lanai at Disney’s Polynesian Resort and watch the parade from their beach!
Walt Disney World is filled with a seemingly endless array of things to do with kids outside the parks as well as in. Whatever activities you choose to fill your days, your family is sure to have an amazing time!
Pin This Article for Later!
Planning a Walt Disney World vacation? Pin the image below for future reference!
Leave a Reply