©Disney Image Makers
It’s rather obvious that I am a complete Disney fanatic. I’ve been going since the day the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971 and have over 300 visits under my mouse ears. My daughter is also a Disney nut and is my favorite person to do the parks with. She has grown up in the parks, just like I did, and she enjoys every moment we spend there. We never get bored with doing the same thing over and over and always add something new to each time we go.
But what about that one person in your family that isn’t a Disney fanatic? I imagine there are several of you that this applies to. For me, it is my husband – sigh! He likes Walt Disney World, but he does not LOVE it the way my daughter and I do and does not always accompany us when we journey from NC to Florida anywhere from 4-6 times a year to get our Mickey fix.
To him, the Walt Disney World Resort is a collection of crowded, expensive theme parks with little to do other than tour the attractions. GASP!!! What??? Needless to say, I had to prove him wrong, being the Disney freak that I am. I rattled off a list of things for him and that fact that you could spend an entire week at Walt Disney World without even stepping into a park and be completely entertained. You know who won that conversation, right??
He’s getting better about it, I promise. It took a few visits just he and I to show him how cool this place really is. Also, I find him wearing things with Mickey on them. I don’t say anything about it, I just know my evil little plan is working! He will be a “Mouse” guy in no time!
So, what is it that you can you do that is fun, different and sometimes free? Here is a list of 25 cool things to do outside of the Disney Parks for the non-Disney fanatic or even for a relaxing day of escaping the crowds.
- Play miniature golf – There are two wonderful miniature golf courses at WDW and each are accessible by Disney’s free transportation. Winter Summerland and Fantasia Gardens offer guests a nice reprieve from the crowded parks and something the whole family can do together.
©Disney Image Makers
- Go parasailing or take in other water sports – Sammy Duvall’s WaterSports Centre located at the Contemporary Resort offers guests the opportunity to parasail, water ski, wakeboard, go tubing or rent personal watercraft along Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon. Reservations can be made by calling (407) 939-7529.
- See a movie at AMC 24 Theater at Downtown Disney – Check out all the latest first run films with Fork & Screen dining options.
- Go Fishing – Private bass fishing excursions and dockside fishing are available at various resorts. Reservations can be made by calling (407) WDW-BASS.
- Play golf – Disney’s Lake Buena Vista, Magnolia, Palm and Oak Trail golf courses offer guests of all levels the opportunity to hit the links. Reserve a tee time at (407) WDW-GOLF.
- Explore the Tri-Circle D Ranch at the Fort Wilderness Campground – stroll through the stables to see Cinderella’s white ponies, take a tour of the campground on horseback and enjoy carriage and wagon rides.
- Rent a Surrey Bike– Explore Disney’s Boardwalk or the wooded pathways on a bicycle built for 2, 4 or 6 for fun the whole family can enjoy.
©Mad About the Mouse
- Strike like a Kingpin at Splitsville Luxury Lanes – Downtown Disney offers classic american fun the whole family can enjoy with great dining options.
- Dine with an Imagineer – Disney Boardwalk’s Flying Fish Cafe allows guests the opportunity to dine with a real Disney Imagineer.
- Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show – Perfect your hula skills at a charming luau and all-you-care-to-enjoy feast at Disney’s Polynesian Resort.
- Characters in Flight – Located at Downtown Disney West Side, float 400 feet in the air in the world’s largest tethered helium balloon for a breath-taking 360 view of the world.
©Mad About the Mouse
- Stroll the Boardwalk – Offering free entertainment nightly such as musicians, jugglers and magicians, the Boardwalk is best when the sun goes down!
- Rent a canoe at the Fort Wilderness Campground – Paddle your cares aware on a relaxing trip through Disney’s waterways.
- Watch your favorite sports at the ESPN Club – With over 25 satellite feeds on 40 monitors, this is the ultimate paradise for sports fans.
©Mad About the Mouse
- Explore your resort pools and lounges – Relax and cool off with specialty cocktails around your resort pools.
- Discover DisneyQuest – The perfect indoor, interactive theme park offering high-tech adventures for guests of all ages
- View savanna animals at the Animal Kingdom Lodge – Take in the sights of Disney’s savannah animals without even going in the Animal Kingdom Park. Nighttime visitors can even get night vision googles for viewing.
- Sing along with dueling pianos at JellyRolls or dance the night away at the Atlantic Dance Hall – Offering amazing entertainment for the 21 and over crowd.
- Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue – A hootin’ hollerin’ good time with a finger-lickin’ feast for the whole family to enjoy located at the Fort Wilderness Campground
- Take in the Electrical Water Pageant – Delight as charming sea creatures parade to whimsical music along the Magic Kingdom Park resorts nightly.
©Mad About the Mouse
- Movies Under the Stars – Enjoy a classic Disney film in the great outdoors at each of the resorts…for free!
- Enjoy the fireworks outside of the park – You can enjoy the Wishes Nighttime Spectacular from the Polynesian Resort, the Grand Floridian, high atop the Contemporary Resort and from the Ticket and Transportation Center.
- Dine with Characters – You don’t have to step foot in the parks to dine with your favorite characters. Choose from Chef Mickey’s at the Contemporary Resort, Ohana’s at the Polynesian Resort, Cape May Cafe at the Beach Club Resort, 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian Resort or the Garden Grove at Disney’s Swan Hotel.
- La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil – Experience this extraordinary show exclusive to the Walt Disney World resort as amazing feats are performed right before your eyes.
- Search for Hidden Mickeys at the Resorts – A keen eye can spot the famous 3 circles that make up a Hidden Mickey. Have a contest to see who can spot the most!
©Mad About the Mouse
Visit www.capturing-the-magic.com for a preview of the stunning coffee table book, Capturing the Magic and purchase your copy today.
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