Want to soak up a little Disney magic, but can’t get into the theme parks? I feel your pain. Whether you’re visiting for the first time and don’t want to drop thousands of dollars on multi-day tickets, or you’re an annual passholder looking to fill the days while your pass is blocked out, I’m here to save the day (and your vacation) with a few fun recommendations. There are so many ways to enjoy Walt Disney World Resort without ever stepping foot in the theme parks. Some of them are even free! Here are 10 incredible things you can do at Walt Disney World right now that don’t require a theme park ticket.
Relax, Shop, and Dine at Disney Springs
Let’s start with the obvious: Disney Springs is the ultimate extension of the theme park environment. Like everything else at Walt Disney World, this gorgeous shopping and dining destination is impressively themed and filled with dozens of entertainment options. Inspired by the real-life towns that sprung up around Florida’s natural hot springs in the early 1900s, Disney Springs is a stunning homage to Florida’s unique history and architectural style as well as an incredible place for Disney fans to shop, dine, and relax in style. There are 100 shops, 64 dining options, and 22 entertainment offerings, ranging from a movie theater to waterside concerts. Relax with a margarita and some live music, or browse the world’s largest Disney gift shop for the latest in Mickey ears, mugs, toys, and more.
Bonus: there is a major Disney bus hub here that offers transportation to every Disney-owned resort hotel! The buses are a 100% free and convenient way to get out and explore all of the things to do at the Walt Disney World resort.
My Disney Springs Recommendations
- Best casual dining: Blaze Pizza, Earl of Sandwich, 4 Rivers Barbacoa food truck, Cookes of Dublin
- Best sit down dining: The Boathouse, Raglan Road, Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill
- Shopping: World of Disney, The Spice & Tea Exchange, Basin, Marketplace Co-op shops
Go Old School With an Amphicar Tour
Craving a relaxing cruise after lunch? The Boathouse at Disney Springs has more than fantastic seafood. They also offer guided amphicar tours, using genuine amphicars—cars designed for both land and water use—manufactured in the 1960s. The 25-minute guided tour drifts past some of the most important landmarks of Disney Springs. Even seasoned Disney fans may learn a thing or two on this tour!
Race with runDisney
Disney World hosts dozens of annual running events, from 5Ks to full marathons. Park admission is not included in marathon costs, so you’ll need to exit the park once the run is over. However, many races have long stretches inside the park as well as in backstage areas most park guests will never see. At the end of the day, you’ll have a shiny Disney-themed medal to commemorate your big race. In-person runs are currently unavailable, but you can still sign up for virtual runDisney races and earn medals while you train for in-park events to return.
Fake a Resort Vacation
One of my absolute favorite things to do is visit the Walt Disney World hotels and soak up a little bit of that vacation lifestyle. From the fun and family-friendly Art of Animation hotel to the ultra-chic Riviera Resort, it’s fun to get lost in the elaborate theming and unique experiences that make Walt Disney World such a celebrated resort destination. Grab a drink at the bar, celebrate with a special meal, take some photos, or simply sit and enjoy the ambience.
For my birthday one year, we spent an evening at the Grand Floridian Resort, pictured above. We explored the hotel and had dinner at their waterfront restaurant, Narcoosee’s. After dinner, we walked to the nearby Polynesian Resort, where we enjoyed Dole Whips and went out to the beach to enjoy the nightly Magic Kingdom fireworks on the other side of the lake.
Not sure where to start? I got you covered! Check out this post on some of the best Disney resort activities you can enjoy, like zebra spotting at the Animal Kingdom Lodge or taking in the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the terrace of the Contemporary Resort.
Favorite WDW Resorts to Explore
- Grand Floridian
- The Boardwalk
- Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Riviera Resort
- The Polynesian
Mini Golf, Disney Style
There are two fantastic mini golf courses at Walt Disney World. Fantasia Gardens Mini Golf, located near the Swan and Dolphin resorts, features scenes and characters from the movie Fantasia. When you’re done mini golfing, pop over for a stroll around the Boardwalk Resort hotel. The second golf course, Winter Summerland, is currently closed. Winter Summerland is designed by Santa Claus himself as “a vacation destination for his off-duty elves,” and features cheerful scenes of snow and sand. Keeping with its theming, the mini golf course is perfectly situated by Blizzard Beach water park.
Golf Like the Pros
Walt Disney World is home to four championship golf courses. All are rated 4 stars by Golf Digest, and operated by Arnold Palmer Golf Management. Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course has even hosted the PGA tour, the LPGA tour, and USGA events. When you’re done golfing, head over to the Shades of Green resort for specialty dining, pool time fun, and more.
Ride the Monorail
Yep, even if you’re not going to the parks, you can still ride the iconic Disney monorail. There are three routes to choose from.
The first is a direct route from the Transportation & Ticket Center (Magic Kingdom parking lot) to the Magic Kingdom main entrance. You’ll pass through the Contemporary Resort and catch a stellar view of Cinderella Castle, Space Mountain, the Magic Kingdom train station, and the Grand Floridian and Polynesian resorts sparkling across the lake. The return journey to the parking lot coasts past both of these resorts, where you can catch a glimpse of the Disney Wedding Pavilion overlooking Bay Lake.
Next is the Magic Kingdom resort monorail. It runs the same route as the direct Magic Kingdom monorail, but it goes in the opposite direction and makes stops at the Contemporary and Grand Floridian resorts. It would normally also stop at the Polynesian Village Resort, but that station and hotel entrance are currently undergoing major renovations. This monorail route is a fun option if you want to get off the train and explore one or more of the Magic Kingdom area resort hotels.
The last route, which goes from the Transportation & Ticket Center to Epcot, is my favorite. This relaxing route culminates in a journey over Future World, with interesting narration on the park’s history and future and some of its points of interest. It’s fascinating to see the evolution of the park from its earliest days to its present form. At the time of writing, the Epcot monorail is not operating.
Soar on the Skyliner
The Disney Skyliner, a charming gondola system with colorful cars and incredible views, is my favorite way to get around the Walt Disney World resort. There are currently three routes which connect to a central hub at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. The Skyliner offers direct access to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, as well as the Riviera, Caribbean Beach, Art of Animation, and Pop Century resorts. Simply hop aboard a gondola and enjoy the views and convenient access to some of the most beloved destinations at Walt Disney World. You may not be able to get into Epcot without a valid park ticket, but you can still admire World Showcase from above as you soar over the France pavilion.
Get Out on the Water
Enjoy a new perspective on one of the most-visited destinations in the world by getting out on the water. Rent a canoe or kayak at Wilderness Lodge, and slip through the lush waterways of the resort. Book a guided fishing excursion in Bay Lake, World Showcase lagoon, and more. Motorized boat rentals are currently unavailable, but when they return, you can enjoy the sensation of jetting about with up to nine other people in your group.
Kick Back on the Ferryboat
You may not be able to enjoy a scenic tour on Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square Riverboat, but you can always hop aboard the ferry from the Ticket & Transportation Center to the Magic Kingdom entrance. Enjoy the breeze on your face as you drift across Bay Lake and admire the beautiful resort hotels. Cinderella Castle is especially lovely seen from the water. When fireworks return to the park, the ferry boat is a great place to take in a free show.
More Disney Posts
- 21 Must-Dos at the Walt Disney World Resort Hotels
- Walt Disney World Packing List: Park Day Essentials
- Taste the World at the 2019 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
- Discovering Disneyland Paris
Which activity are you most looking forward to on your next Walt Disney World vacation? Let me know in the comments! And stay tuned for a follow-up post with some of the best things to do at the Walt Disney World resort hotels!
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