There are people that simply do not like theme parks. *GASP* I know it’s hard to believe, but it’s true. My father, for example, does not like crowds and only does Disney because my other family members like it so much. This article is dedicated to people just like him. There really are so many different things you can do at Walt Disney World that don’t even involve the parks. Let’s take a closer look at some of those things. Maybe I can even convince you to take some time away from your vacation and enjoy something you never knew you could find in the “Vacation Kingdom”.
Photo Credit DisneyWorld.com
Sports: Did you know that there are dozens of different sports offerings at Walt Disney World? For instance, Walt Disney World hosts 2 beautifully designed 18 hole championship golf courses, used every year for the PGA tour. Both of these courses are literally just minutes from the Magic Kingdom. There’s also ESPN Wide World Of Sports, which hosts the Atlanta Braves spring training every year. For the die-hard fishing fan, there’s fishing galore all over Walt Disney World property. You can even take guided fishing tours at many of the resort hotels. And don’t forget the water sports. There’s parasailing, canoe rides, paddle boats, surfing (Typhoon Lagoon water park), water skiing, and more. And for the equestrian types, there’s horseback riding at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.
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Shopping: The Downtown Disney District, soon to be rechristened Disney Springs, is a shopper’s paradise. You can find everything from park souvenirs to specially blended bath products within the shopping center. Over 50 stores give you a chance to find something for everyone without needing to go from mall to mall to find everything. And if you’re shopping in the parks, you have the option of not carrying your bags with you while you shop. You can have your bags sent to the front of the park to be picked up when you leave, or you can have them shipped back to your resort hotel room complimentary if you’re staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel.
Photo Credit DisneyWorld.com
Dining: This is where Walt Disney World really shines outside of the parks. Throughout the property there are over 150 different dining options to chose from, ranging from a quick hot dog to an award winning 10 course feast. All over property you can find great quick service options serving anything from traditional burgers and fries to specialty items like boeuf bourguignon. And if you’re looking for something a little more filling, there are lots of table service options to chose from, like Fulton’s Crab House, Wolfgang Puck, Le Cellier, and Liberty Tree Tavern (the only place on Walt Disney World property that you can get a traditional thanksgiving dinner every single day of the year). There is something for every single palate, even the pickiest of little eaters.
Photo Credit DisneyWorld.com
Relaxation: There are so many options to chose from if you simply just want to relax and leave your cares behind that I simply cannot mention them all. Most of the resort hotels that have lakes on property have wonderful beaches where you can pull up a reclining deck chair or a hammock and sleep the day away. Every single resort hotel has an amazing pool (most of them have more than one to enjoy) where you can swim your cares away. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa both have the amazing Senses Spa, and the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel houses the Mandara Spa.
You can also opt for a quiet private fireworks cruise in front of Magic Kingdom, away from the hustle & bustle of the park. Some of the resorts and the water parks also offer private cabanas where you can enjoy a leisurely day to yourself. Some of the resorts also offer bicycle and surrey bike rentals so you can enjoy the resort from a different angle. Most of the resorts also offer running and hiking trails for a nice quiet walk through experience. Also for those with a more romantic side, there are carriage rides available at Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts.
Most people come to the Walt Disney World Resort with a focus on doing the parks, but if you have any free time or are just not a park person, don’t think for a minute that there’s nothing to do. Walt Disney World was truly created as a “Vacation Kingdom” with something for everyone to do, both inside and outside its award winning parks. Have you tried some of the things listed here? I’d love to hear what your favorites are. If I’ve not listed them, I’d love to hear about them too!
Joshua Snyder is a Disney fanatic and Travel Agent, working with MouseHunters Travel. He is an annual passholder for Walt Disney World, Sea World, Aquatica, and Universal Studios. In his spare time, he enjoys reading everything he can about the parks and visiting as frequently as possible. He currently resides in the Orlando, FL area. He can be reached at joshua@mousehunterstravel.com.
