What to Do at Walt Disney World When You Aren't at the Parks
While on your Walt Disney World Vacation, don’t forget to allot free time away from the parks. You won’t be bored, I promise, because there is plenty to do on your non-park days!
Usually, we're those crazy whirlwind people who show up at 10:00 p.m. on our travel days, go to four parks in four days, then head back out at the crack of dawn on the return travel day.
It's hectic and doesn't give you a moment to catch your breath, but we believe in packing in as much as we can.
One of my best Disney World with toddlers tips is to have these non-park days so your entire family enjoy the vacation and not get too tired.
In the past, we’ve had so fun on those non-park days that I'm seriously considering adding more to our next trip.
What can you do at Disney when you're not in the parks? Here's are our best ideas.
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Explore the resorts.
I promise, this is not nearly as boring as it sounds. Each of the Disney resorts is themed, so you can head over to the Polynesian for a taste of Hawaii, return to the Victorian period at the Grand Floridian, see larger than life cultural icons at Pop Century Resort, and mosey through the streets of New Orleans at Port Orleans French Quarter.
Take a surrey ride.
So, when does this thing start moving?
In an attempt to do something that I've never done before at Disney, I convinced the rest of my family to rent a surrey (with the fringe on top! Oklahoma, anyone?) over at Port Orleans Riverside. It cost us $22 for a half hour rental that fit all six of us.
ACTION SHOT! My mom and sister peddle furiously in an attempt to keep our surrey going.
Since it's basically a really fancy bicycle, we got our post-lunch workout cruising around the resort. We sang Disney songs at the top of our lungs and waved manically at passers-by.
All of us laughed until we nearly cried, and it was the best $22 I've spent in a very long time.
Head over to Disney Springs.
This massive complex combines shopping, dining, a bowling alley, a movie theatre, Cirque de Soliel, and DisneyQuest.
While my two favorite areas are the World of Disney store and Goofy's Candy Company, Britton loved the kiddie train ride and the carousel onsite.
For $2 a ride (adults ride free when accompanying tiny ones), they were both easy and cheap ways to keep my toddler entertained while meandering around Downtown Disney.
Clearly, my preschooler got WAY more than two dollars worth of fun from the train ride.
Hang out at the resort.
Even the value resorts come with themed pools, an arcade, and afternoon dance parties!
The deluxe accommodates have the best pools, and Stormalong Bay at the Beach Club resort is more than a pool--it's a small water park.
All of the resorts also offer outdoor movies and campfires year round, which would be such a fun way to end a day in Disney.
Ride a pony.
The Tri-Circle-D Ranch at Fort Wilderness Campgrounds has the most adorable ponies that your little ones can ride. For eight bucks, your little cowpoke can wrangle the roughest, toughest pony this side of the Mississippi. Or, just ride a cute pony in a circle. (Basically the same thing.)
Fish for bass.
Bass fishing excursion are offered from nine different resorts, so if you're looking to find some fish in Walt Disney World's lake, there are plenty of opportunities to do so. For those who'd rather fish from the banks, you can rent equipment at Fort Wilderness Campgrounds or Port Orleans Riverside.
Catch a wave.
You know you've always wanted to be one of those cool surfer types, so grab your board shorts and head over to Typhoon Lagoon for some surf lessons.
You'll have to get up early for your class, as they only take place before the water park opens. But if it helps you get some of that surfer swagger, an early morning might be worth it.
Relax at the water parks.
I love the Disney water parks because they are so big and so wonderfully themed. There is something for every member of the family here, from the tiniest baby to the grandparents!
Both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon have children’s areas with smaller slides, splash zones, and play areas. However, I think that Blizzard Beach is the better choice in general, but especially if you’re traveling with little ones as the children’s area is much more expansive.
Plus, the Blizzard Beach children’s area has tiny water slides, which my preschooler loved!
See my entire guide to visiting Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park with a toddler here.
Have tea.
The Grand Floridian has a tea room where you can treat yourself to scones, a pot of your favorite tea, and some delicious desserts. Go for the English Breakfast tea and clotted cream, and request a seat by the window!
NOTE: As of April 2024, this experience has not re-opened since the pandemic. However, it has only been labeled as “temporarily closed” on the Walt Disney World website, so I’m holding out hope that it will return eventually.
Try your hand at mini golf.
The Walt Disney World Resort has 2 mini golf courses, which are such a fun way to spend an hour or two on your non-park days.
Many packages now include a round of mini golf for everyone in your party, so be sure to cash that perk in if applicable.
Otherwise, a round is reasonably priced fun for the entire family.
They courses are located next to Blizzard Beach, making them a great add-on to a day at the water park.
What's your favorite thing to do away from the Disney parks? Do you build in rest days on your vacations?
