Believe it or not, it is possible to have an amazing Disney Vacation without going to the parks. Walt Disney World is a MASSIVE city, and there is plenty to do outside of the parks. Here is my list of favorite non-park activities, many of them FREE.
Visit the Resorts
Each Disney Resort has plenty to offer, from crafts to movies under the stars. DISCLAIMER: you cannot use the pools unless you are a guest at the hotel. However, each hotel has daily recreation activities, from cookie decoration, to ceramic castle making, drum lessons, and even tie-dye t-shirts. Just check the resort recreation for the day!
If you are visiting around Christmas time, be sure to check out the decorations at the Deluxe Resorts.
Book an Advance Dining Reservation at a nice restaurant for a special family meal. Or just take in the details in the resorts. The Value Resorts have some pretty amazing Disney-themed details to take in, and the Deluxe Resorts offer everything from volcanoes to beaches. And with 25 or so hotels, it will take a while to visit them all!
Splurge on a Deluxe Resort
If you’re not spending thousands of dollars on park tickets, you might consider putting a little extra money into the resort. Deluxe Resorts offer bigger pools, with longer waterslides (or a mini-water park, if you stay at Yacht or Beach!), spas, surrey bikes, boat rentals, and more!
Shopping and Eating at Disney Springs
Disney Springs is an adventure in and of itself! Take flight on Aerophile! Take a ride in an Amphicar. Get a cupcake from the cupcake ATM. Shop in World of Disney. Go to the PhotoPass site and have tons of pictures taken! The opportunities are endless. There are also seasonal opportunities available, including the Christmas Tree Trail and more. And there is also free entertainment available.
Golf and Miniature Golf
Walt Disney World has 4 full size golf courses, 1 foot golf course, and 2 miniature golf courses. Take the family for some fun, competitive time, and test your skills!
Basically, there is tons to do at Disney World without even entering a theme park. You could even go camping in Fort Wilderness, and spend a week doing just the activities at the Fort, including horseback riding, archery, Segway tours, boating, fishing, swimming, and more!
Considering a parks-less Disney getaway? Contact me today!
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