5 Things to Do at Disney When You’re Not in the Parks
Disney World is magical! Although, it’s not always synonymous with relaxation!
You’re sure to have a blast visiting the theme parks. But have you considered a Disney day off?
If possible, we recommend scheduling at least one non-park day during your Walt Disney World vacation.
There’s so much to see and experience beyond the theme parks! Plus, a break from the parks can be a perfect way to recharge your batteries.
Here are five things you can do on your next Disney day off:
Go Swimming!
Each of Walt Disney World’s Resort Hotels include splash-tastic pools perfect for all ages!
You’ll find multiple pools with one feature pool and a “quieter” pool or pools located throughout the property. Best of all, resort pools are heated for year-round fun!
Some resorts even have splash pad areas for littler guests!
Looking for a water slide? Check out Disney’s moderate and deluxe resorts. Pools at these locations feature at least one water slide.
What’s the best pool on property? Many guests argue its Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts.
This “water park” is three acres and features a lazy river, sandy beach, and Shipwreck Pool. You can even rent a cabana here!
Have you opted for the Water Parks & Sports or Park Hopper Plus ticket add-on? If so, you can visit Disney’s water parks, Typhoon Lagoon (currently closed) and Blizzard Beach! Now that’s a great way to cool off on a hot summer day!
Go Shopping!
Head to Disney Springs on your non-park day for some serious shopping! There are countless stores to enjoy, including World of Disney, Star Wars Galactic Outpost, Disney’s Days of Christmas, and The LEGO Store.
You can take a break from all that shopping by enjoying lunch at T-REX or with some bowling time at Splitsville Luxury Lanes.
Maybe you’d rather catch a movie? AMC Movies at Disney Springs 24 had all of the latest releases!
Is your family adventurous? Then consider an Aerophile balloon ride or an Amphicar guided tour of Lake Buena Vista.
There’s no shortage of fun at Disney Springs!
Go Horseback Riding!
Visit Tri-Circle-D Ranch at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and get up-close-and-personal with the beautiful horses who call this location home!
You can explore the stables to see Cinderella’s Ponies and the majestic horses of Main Street, U.S.A. Horse lovers and animal lovers alike will enjoy seeing all of the different breeds of horses.
Then enjoy a horseback ride on the wooded grounds of Fort Wilderness. This experience costs $55/person (plus tax) and can be scheduled at least 60 days in advance of travel by calling 407-WDW-PLAY.
If you have younger kids, they can take a pony ride for only $8/person (plus tax).
Tri-Circle-D Ranch is definitely worth checking out!
Go Resort Hopping!
An off day from the parks is a perfect day to explore Walt Disney World’s resort hotels!
For example, take a bus to Magic Kingdom and hop on the monorail to explore the surrounding resorts: Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.
Enjoy a quick bite to eat at these resorts or just explore the beautiful grounds! Just a note, though, that monorail service is currently suspended at the Polynesian.
Or head to the BoardWalk area! While you walk around the BoardWalk, you can stop at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, and Disney’s Beach Club Resort!
Take a surrey bike ride and then stop for some ice cream at the brand new BoardWalk Ice Cream or order the Kitchen Sink at Beaches & Cream!
Did you know that each resort has family-friendly events and experiences, some of which are free of cost? Check with your hotel for a daily list of happenings!
Go to Sleep!
Maybe you’d like your break from the parks to be a true break!
Sleep in or just relax at your home resort. Mobile order some quick-service, watch the Disney World Today TV channel, and enjoy your day off!