15 Fun and Unique Things To Do in Disney World Other Than The Parks
Going to Disney World is so much more than just visiting an amusement park. Disney World truly is a mini-world full of activities, shops, and entertainment! Experience the best of Disney by enjoying fun things to do in Disney other than the parks!
If you’re planning on visiting Disney World for 7 days, one way to save money is to buy a 5 day park pass and spend the other two days outside of the theme park enjoying other amenities that Disney World has to offer! Some are completely free while others cost a fee. Check out the list below for ideas of things to do in Disney World other than the parks.
1. Shop in Disney Springs
The most obvious thing to do when you’re not in the Disney theme parks is visit Disney Springs. This is a huge shopping center that features World of Disney (largest Disney shop in the world), restaurants, popular store brands, and more. The best part about Disney Springs is that it is free to visit (free parking as well).
You can easily spend an entire day at Disney Springs walking around, dining, and shopping. This is definitely a spot you don’t want to miss!
Some of my favorite things to do in Disney Springs are:
- World of Disney
- Ever After (Disney Boutique Store)
- Coca-Cola Factory
- Splitsville Bowling & Dinner
- Cupcake ATM at Sprinkles
Note: If you still want to shop even more after leaving Disney Springs, there are 2 outlets nearby off Disney property. Each of them have a Disney outlet store that features discounted Disney items!
2. Relax at Your Resort
Whether you’re staying at a Disney Resort or off property, chances are that you’re hotel has a resort pool. Spend the day or afternoon relaxing by the pool and soaking up the Florida sun! The parks can certainly exhaust you quickly so a day of rest and relaxation is the perfect way to recharge.
I personally prefer staying at a Disney Resort – their pools are always themed and so fun! I’ve provided a full list of perks for staying on property at a Disney Resort HERE.
3. Walk Along The Boardwalk
The Boardwalk is a Disney Resort that features a true boardwalk. If you’re there during the day, try renting a surrey bike – these bikes can fit up to 4 people and are fun for the whole family (plus its like a mini workout). This is a great free thing to do near Disney World that makes you feel like you’re in a quaint beach town!
The Boardwalk is also is a great place to come for an evening stroll. There are great bars along the boardwalk that are fun at night.
4. Play Mini-Golf
Disney has 2 different mini-golf courses on property. Fantasia Gardens is located in the Epcot Resort Area while the Winter Summerland is located just outside of Blizzard Beach Waterpark. Both courses are themed and unique. The price per person is $14 and features the standard 18 holes.
There are a few mini-golf courses outside of Disney property, but they don’t have the special Disney magic touch or theming. To me, it is worth it to stay here on property and enjoy the fun here!
5. Play Golf
If mini-golf isn’t your thing, try actual golf! Disney has a total of 4 Disney Golf Courses here on property: Disney’s Palm, Disney’s Magnolia, Disney’s Lake Buena Vista, and Disney’s Oak Trail. They even have a Junior Golfer program that kids can enroll in!
These beautiful courses were designed by top golf course architects and offer challenging play for golfers of all skill levels.
6. Resort Hop
Each Disney resort it themed completely differently. They’re all so unique and so fun to explore. I like to spend an entire day resort hoping when I need a break from the parks.
All year round, you can check out the beautiful lobbies and try some of the restaurants at the resorts. However, visiting the Disney resorts are particularly fun in the winter season because some resorts build large, grandiose Ginger Bread Houses & Christmas Trees that are a must see!
My favorite must-see Disney resorts are below:
- Port Orleans French Quarter (must try: the Mickey Benigets)
- Polynesian (must try: Uncle Sams Tiki Bar)
- Animal Kingdom Lodge (must see the different animals living here)
I also love to take the monorail around the Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian for drinks at each. No need for a Designated Driver when you have a monorail – which makes it one of my favorite things to do in Disney World other than the parks!
7. Ride Disney Transportation
Speaking of monorails, don’t forget about ALL the free Disney transportation options. This includes ferries, boat rides, the Skyliner, monorails, and buses! Honestly, some of the transportation options are like mini-rides (with a far shorter line). My favorite is riding the Skyliner around sunset – beautiful views!!
Disney Transportation will take you to various places so you can plan ahead and schedule lunch/dinner at one of the resorts if you want. See the various resorts you can reach by free Disney transportation:
- Skyliner: Caribbean Beach, Riviera, Art of Animation, and Pop Century
- Monorail: Contemporary, Polynesian, Grand Floridian
- Boat: Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge, and Fort Wilderness
- Ferry: Boardwalk, Swan and Dolphin, Beach Club and Yacht Club
- Ferry: Port Orleans Riverside, French Quarter, Disney Springs, Saratoga Springs, Treehouse Villas, Old Key West
- Bus: offered between every Disney resort and park
8. Cirque du Soleil
Treat yourself to a wonderful show at Cirque du Soleil’s Drawn to Life. This is a NEW show that opened Spring 2020. Ticket pricing starts at $79 per person plus taxes and fees. The theatre is located in Disney Springs so it is easily accessible and perfect for dinner & a show!
9. Watch The Electrical Water Pageant Parade
Parades are not just for the parks! Disney has a free parade on water at the Seven Seas Lagoon. You can see it from any of the hotels that touch the Seven Seas Lagoon (Polynesian, Grand Floridian, Wilderness Lodge, and Contemporary).
Timing is different for each hotel (typically ranging between 9PM and 10:30PM). Ask your hotel front desk for the best time to see the water parade. This is one of the best free things to do in Disney World other than the parks because it is such a random delight!
10. Helicopter Ride over the Parks
Okay, this technically isn’t a Disney activity, but it involves flying high above the theme parks like Peter Pan! You can book helicopter rides over Disney theme parks to see them in a new view!
11. Enjoy Character Dining
Character Dining is a fun treat for kids and families. There’s nothing better than seeing your favorite friends while enjoying a great meal. While there are Character Dining options inside Disney parks, there are also great options in the resorts!
Let your kids meet their favorite Disney characters without paying for theme park tickets – definitely sounds like a money saving hack and one of the best things to do in Disney World other than the parks!
A full list of Character Dining offered in the Disney Resorts is listed below:
Breakfast Character Dining at Disney World:
- Ohana (Polynesian)- Lilo and Stitch, Mickey and Pluto
- Topolino’s Terrace (Riviera) – classic characters with adorable French outfits
Breakfast and/or Dinner Character Dining at Disney World
- 1900 Park Fare (Grand Floridian) – Alice and Friends, Mary Poppins, Winnie the Pooh and Tigger, or Cinderella and the stepsisters
- Cape May Café (Beach Club)- Minnie and Daisy
Dinner Character Dining Options at Disney World:
- Story Book Dining (Wilderness Lodge)- Artist Point at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort (Snow White, Dopey, Grumpy, and the Evil Queen)
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner:
- Chef Mickey’s (Contemporary) – classic characters in chef outfits
12. Watch a Movie at AMC Theatres
Disney Springs has an AMC Movie theatre on property! This state-of-the-art movie theater features luxurious seating, reserved seating, and IMAX screens.
Going to the movie theatre is a great way to spend a rainy day in Disney World!
If Disney has recently released a new movie, they will often feature a fun red carpet and photo opp for the new feature film!
13. Go Fishing on Disney Property
Yes, you read that correctly! You can fish on Disney property in a few different locations – as long as you follow the “catch and release” rules. This is one of the fun things to do in Disney World other than the park that still allows you to stay outside!
I’ve listed all the best fishing options on Disney World property below:
- Guided Bass Fishing Excursions: You can fish for largemouth bass, bluegill, and other fish species on select waterways throughout Walt Disney World Resort. Guided fishing excursions are available on Bay Lake, Seven Seas Lagoon, and other waterways. You can book a fishing excursion through the recreation desk at your Disney resort or call (407) WDW-BASS to make a reservation.
- Fishing at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside: You can fish at the resort’s Ol’ Man Island fishing hole, which is stocked with a variety of fish species. Fishing gear and bait can be rented at the resort’s Fishin’ Hole.
- Fishing at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground: You can fish at the resort’s catch-and-release fishing hole, which is stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish. Fishing gear and bait can be rented at the resort’s Bike Barn.
- Fishing at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa: You can fish at the resort’s Lake Buena Vista fishing hole, which is stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish. Fishing gear and bait can be rented at the resort’s Bike Barn.
14. Enjoy a Spa Day in a Disney Resort
After a long day in the Disney theme parks, I can’t think of a better way to relax other than a nice spa treatment at one of the luxury Disney Resorts! This is definitely one of the best things to do near Disney World for adults!
Two of the best Disney World spas are listed below:
- Senses Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa: This full-service spa offers a variety of treatments, including massages, facials, body treatments, and nail services. The spa features a Victorian-inspired design with elegant chandeliers and plush seating, and the relaxation room overlooks the resort’s beautiful gardens. You can also enjoy the spa’s steam room, sauna, and whirlpool.
- Mandara Spa at Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort: This Balinese-inspired spa offers a wide range of treatments, including massages, facials, body wraps, and salon services. The spa features a serene atmosphere with soothing music, tropical plants, and soft lighting. You can also enjoy the spa’s steam room, sauna, and outdoor meditation garden.
Overall, there are PLENTY of things to do outside of the Disney Parks! You can’t ever get bored here in Disney World. Other ideas include fishing, boating, working out, going to the movies, etc. Also, don’t forget about the Water Parks!!
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