Top Recommendations for Non-Park Fun

Jan 26

Theme parks aren’t the only fun that can be found at Disney World! The Disney World resort has plenty of entertainment for families to enjoy outside of the parks.

Some experiences will require advanced reservations that can be made online similar to dining, some require calling to secure reservations, and others won’t require reservations at all.

Here are my top recommendations for non-park fun:

1. Miniature Golf – There are two miniature golf courses at Walt Disney World Resort. Many booking packages even include a free round of golf for guests before 4pm during your stay.

2. Disney Springs – Spend the day eating and shopping at Disney Springs. Try checking out World of Disney, the Lego Store, and Goofy’s Candy Co.

3. Aerophile – Take an 8-minute hot air balloon flight over Disney Springs. Tickets are first-come, first-served.

4. Amphicar – Take a 20-minute voyage on a vintage automobile transformed into a boat. Walk-up reservations only at the Boathouse at Disney Springs.

5. Bowling – Reserve dinner and bowling at Splitsville Disney Springs. You can reserve online up to 2 months in advance.

6. Boardwalk – Enjoy outdoor entertainment along the quarter mile promenade with midway games and exciting nighttime entertainment.

7. Surrey Bikes – Explore the Boardwalk area, Old Key West, Port Orleans Riverside, Port Orleans French Quarter, or Saratoga Springs on a bike fit for the whole family. Rentals available daily.

8. Skyliner – Riding the Skyliner is free to anyone whether you have park tickets or not. Soar above the parks and resorts that make up Disney World. You can also use the Skyliner to hop from resort to resort on the Skyliner for dining or drinks.

9. Tri-Circle D Ranch – Whether you want to take a pony ride or just check out where the Disney World horses reside, the Tri-Circle D Ranch is a wonderful location to visit. Pony rides are available at the stable near Pioneer Hall on a walk-in basis only, and trail rides are bookable online or walk-in if available at the at the Trail Ride building at the front of Fort Wilderness. Carriage rides are available to reserve 60 days prior and can be booked online.

10. Carriage Rides at Port Orleans Riverside – Over at Port Orleans Riverside, you can also book carriage rides 60 days prior and can be booked online.

11. L&B Gem Mining Experience – Head to the Bike Barn at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground where you’ll pick a bag of mining rough, screen it, and sluice it to find gem stones.

12. Resort Pool – Relax and recharge at your resort’s pool.

13. Animal Kingdom Lodge – Enjoy the savannahs at Animal Kingdom Lodge or ask the front desk for the scavenger hunt where you’ll explore the resort and learn more about the artifacts on display.

14. Archery – Guests aged 7 and up can learn how to use a compound bow during a 75-minute lesson. Reservations are recommended, but some walk-ups may be available.

15. Fishing – You have the choice of guided excursions and dockside fishing. Excursions require you to call to make reservations. Dockside fishing locations are found at the Fishin’ Hole at Port Orleans Riverside and the Bike Barn at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground and are walk up only.

16. Movies Under the Stars – Most Disney resorts offer outdoor movie showings nightly (weather permitting). Check the activities schedule.

17. Campfires and S’mores – Most Disney resorts have campfires nightly. Guests can toast marshmallows for free and can purchase s’mores kits for a small fee.

18. Children’s Activity Centers – Some Deluxe Disney resorts offer children activity centers where you can find free children’s activities like games, crafts, and movies as well as some paid-for activities as well.

19. Community Halls – Enjoy games, crafts, movies, and more activities at Community Halls in some Deluxe resorts.

20. Arcades – Most Disney resorts have arcades for guests to enjoy with a wide variety of games.

21. Disney Springs Kids Club - Saturday mornings starting at 10:30am you’ll find family-friendly activities at Waterview Park in Disney Springs.

After booking with Magic Me Vacations, let me know if you’d like to book any activities that require an advanced reservation. I can search for those reservations for you similarly to dining reservations.