The Walt Disney World parks aren’t the only places to enjoy with your family on a Disney vacation. While I am a huge fan of all the parks, I also believe there are a number of activities to experience and enjoy throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. If you have enough vacation time I always recommend taking a day off from the parks to unwind and let those tired feet rest. Here are some of my favorite activities to enjoy on a day off from the parks.
Take a Dip in the Pool
Spend some time enjoying your resort’s pool. All Disney resorts offer multiple pools for guests to enjoy and unwind. If your adventurous ones enjoy water slides be sure to check out the Moderate and Deluxe level pools that offer more water features and play areas. Also, Disney Recreation Cast Members are often poolside offering a number of fun games and activities for the whole family.
Enjoy Your Resort
Speaking of Recreation Cast Members, be sure to check out your resort’s Recreation Calendar. You will find a number of activities available including Mickey Tye Dye T-Shirts (makes a great souvenir!), “Movies Under the Stars”, Castle Painting, and much more (activities vary at each resort). Some resorts also offer fitness centers and arcades for guests to enjoy.
Play Miniature Golf (for Free)
Four rounds of miniature golf are included in every Walt Disney World Package (please note you must book as a package – combining your resort stay and tickets together to receive this benefit). Use the Magical Extras card that you can pick up at check-in to redeem for four rounds of miniature golf at one of Disney’s two courses. Head over to either Disney’s Fantasia Gardens or Winter Summerland before 4:00 pm to take advantage of this perk.
Do A Little Resort Hopping
That’s right when you are staying at a Disney World resort, you have free transportation and access to other Disney World resorts. You can travel to other resorts on the WDW property, and explore the different properties. You may want to head over to the Animal Kingdom Lodge and walk out onto the savannah and see some giraffes, zebras, and gazelles grazing in the area. Want to ride the Monorail or the Disney Skyliner? Hop over to one of these resorts and experience these fun transportation options. Later in the day, you may also want to treat the kids to an unforgettable ice cream dessert, which can be found at Disney’s Beach Club. The Club’s Beaches & Cream Soda Shop offers a variety of tasty ice cream treats. (Be sure to secure a reservation in advance.)
One of my favorite times to resort hop is during the Christmas season (November through December). This is a great time to travel around to the resorts and enjoy all the beautiful holiday decorations. Be sure to check out the life-size Ginger Bread House at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. (Note that the only thing that you cannot do at other resorts, is to swim in other resort’s swimming pools).
Spend time visiting Disney Springs
Catch free Disney transportation over to the Disney Springs area where you can do a little bit of shopping or eat at one of the fun restaurants. Your family can also play a game of bowling at the Splitsville Luxury Lanes or let the kids play in the free Disney Springs Splash Pad. For those braver families, you can even experience a (tethered) hot air balloon ride and soar above the festivities for some incredible views.
Looking for some fun activities for your family to enjoy? Be sure to reach out to me at natalie@castleandcruiseadventures.com.