Walt Disney World is such a vast place that you can spend weeks exploring and still not see everything. There are even plenty of things to do at Disney World besides the parks which can give you a break from the hustle and bustle, yet still enjoy the Disney magic.
Visit Resorts
We love visiting different Disney World resorts during our holidays. We have so far only stayed at Caribbean Beach Resort, however we have visited the Polynesian, Grand Floridian, Ft Wilderness, Beach Club and more. We often will spend a day exploring different resorts, usually by arriving at one park entrance and using the monorail system, or the bus service to visit different resorts.
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Each resort has amazing theming and many of them have lovely restaurants that are worth a visit such as Ohana at the Polynesian. The only thing you cannot do at the resorts is use the pools if you’re not staying. Plenty of the Disney resorts also have great opportunities for character dining.
Pool Parties
There are plenty of different Disney World activities happening in the resorts. Each resort has its own style of pool parties that happen during the day and evening. If you’re planning a day by the pool at your Disney resort, then you wont be bored as the kids are entertained by the cast members with fund activities and games.
Movies Under The Stars
One of the best free things to do at Disney World is movies under the stars. The movies schedule will vary from resort to resort, and month to month, but on selected nights (or every night depending on where you’re staying), you can be treated to a movie under the stars.
At French Quarter resort we were treated to free popcorn and fresh towels to lay on as the screen was on the grass, but different resorts offer different facilities.
Hoop Dee Doo Revue
The Hoop Dee Doe Revue is a dinner show base at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campgrounds. There are generally two or three shows nightly, and it is well worth a visit. We enjoyed our experience so much we will definitely do it again.
The food is amazing with salad, corn bread, all you care to enjoy fried chicken, ribs, mashed potato, beans and corn. Followed by dessert of strawberry shortcake.
All the while you are eating this you can enjoy a show from the Pioneer Hall players. I guarantee lots of laughs and feet stamping.
Watch Happily Ever After Fireworks from the Magic Kingdom Resorts
If you don’t fancy the busyness of the Happily Ever After fireworks from inside Magic Kingdom, take a trip to the Polynesian Resort or the Grand Floridian resort and watch from the beaches.
You will also be treated to the Electrical Water Pageant that tours the resorts on Bay Lake after the fireworks.
Watch Epcot’s Fireworks From The Boardwalk or Yacht and Beach Club.
Leave the busyness of Epcot and watch the fireworks from the Boardwalk or Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. Find a bench on the Boardwalk and enjoy the scenery as the sky above you is lit up.
Horse and Carriage Rides
If you’d love to travel around a resort on a horse and carriage, then you can at both Port Orleans resorts and also Fort Wilderness Resort and Campgrounds. You can book a 25 minute gentle carriage ride as something completely different and special to do.
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Bike Rentals
Whether you wish to hire a surrey bike to seat four or six people, or whether you want to hire a different bike, the majority of the Disney resorts offer this hire service. It’s a great way to see the sights of the resort without tiring your legs.
Running Trails
The majority of Disney resorts have a running trail for guests to enjoy should you want to get that early morning run in before the weather heats up too much. The running trails are usually around a mile in length, but will vary according to resort.
There is no running trail at The Grand Floridian resort, Disney’s Polynesian resort or Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. One of the great free things to do at Disney resorts.
Campfires
Campfires are available at the majority of Disney resorts. On selected evenings according to the monthly schedules, you can toast marshmallows around the campfire. This is a free activity provided by the cast members, and there is no need to pre book, just arrive at the fire pit to take part.
Visit Disney Springs
Disney Springs is an attraction in itself. Full of restaurants, shops and scenery, you can spend ages here. We always like to visit the Christmas shop to purchase a new ornament, and we cannot pass up the World Of Disney shop for a good browse.
Spa Experiences
If you have want to enjoy some spa facilities when at Walt Disney World, then you can check out either the Grand Floridian, or Saratoga Springs Resorts as they each have spa facilities available.
Hire A Boat
Boats are available to hire at Disney World to take out onto Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon. You can opt for a Sea Racer seating 2 guests, or a Boston Whaler seating up to 6 guests, or even a Sun Tracker seating up to 10 guests to enjoy some time on the water.
You could even book a speciality fireworks cruise to enjoy the Happily Ever After fireworks on the water.
Canoe Rentals
Canoes can be rented on a first come first serve basis at Disney’s Fort Wilderness resort. You can hire the canoes between 9am and 5pm for around $13 per hour.
Fishing At Disney World
Disney World offers a variety of different fishing activity options. You can book a guided fishing excursion from Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Old Key West Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort.
You will receive an experienced guide, rod and reel, tackle, bait and non alcoholic beverages.
Dockside fishing is available to book at Port Orleans Riverside resort.
Archery At Disney World
At Fort Wilderness Resort, you can take part in an archery experience. Guests aged 7 and over can enjoy a 75 minute experience firing at range target.
Horseback Riding At Disney World
Also at Fort Wilderness, guests over the age of 9 years old can enjoy horse back riding through the scenic resort. These trail rides are suitable for both beginner and intermediate riders.
Visit The Boardwalk
The Boardwalk itself has plenty of attraction to keep you busy. From restaurants and amazing scenery, it’s well worth a stroll to escape the madness of the parks.
You could arrive directly at the Boardwalk or walk via the International Gateway in Epcot near the France pavilion to enjoy some more amazing scenery along the way.
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Afternoon Tea
Looking for special things to do at Disney World? If you fancy a spot of afternoon tea, then you can visit the Grand Floridian and enjoy a very special afternoon tea. This is definitely on my list of things to experience during a future trip.
As you can see Walt Disney World isn’t just about the park, there are plenty of things to do at Disney World outside the parks.
Beignet Dash Fun Run
Specific to Port Orleans resorts, both French Quarter and Riverside offer a Beignet Dash fun run on a Sunday morning. A 1.5 mile fun run around the resort with the reward of beignets at the finish line. There is a small charge to take part in the fun run.
What are your favourite things to do at Disney World besides the parks?
We always used to dine at Ohana on our last evening so we could watch the fireworks from the beach. Love having a good old nosey around all the amazing hotels at WDW x