5 Activities for Non-Park Days at Disney World

Everyone knows and loves the four theme parks at Walt Disney World. They’re the stars of the show! But, did you know there’s a ton to do at Walt Disney World without even stepping into the parks?

Below are just a handful of things you can do if you’re planning to avoid the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, or Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We love the theme parks just as much as anyone, but sometimes it’s nice to have a break.

Visit a Water Park

OK, we’re bending the rules a little here. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach water parks are technically parks, though we think they fall into their own unique category. You can have a peaceful and relaxing day at either water park, and that’s pretty hard to do at the four main theme parks.

We personally love Typhoon Lagoon and its tropical theme. Floating around the lazy river or battling the surprisingly-intense wave pool is a great change of pace. Both water parks also have some exhilarating slides if you’re still looking for some heart-stopping excitement amidst the relaxation.

An added bonus is the fact a water park day in the middle of your vacation can really help break up the trip.

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon — Credit: Notes from Neverland

Play Some Miniature Golf

Disney World is home to world-class golf courses that can challenge even experienced golfers. Did you know it’s also home to some outstanding miniature golf courses too? The Fantasia Gardens & Fairways and Winter Summerland miniature golf courses provide a total of 72 holes of tiny golf fun.

The Fantasia Gardens course is themed to (you guessed it) Fantasia and has whimsical props and effects throughout its 18 holes. Meanwhile, the Fantasia Fairways course offers a real challenge and resembles a real golf course shrunken down. Complete with hazards and par 5s, this isn’t your average miniature golf course! Finally, the Winter Summerland courses allow you to join Santa and his elves either on a sunny beach course or on a course up at the North Hole … or Pole.

We highly recommend adding a round of mini golf to your vacation plans.

Disney Mini Golf Fantasia Gardens — Credit: Notes from Neverland

Make it a Pool Day (or Night)

Ditch the madness of the parks in favor of the relaxing vibes of a resort pool. We highly recommend that guests who stay on Disney property consider splitting up their day with some time at the pool. That’s especially true when the Florida heat is in full effect.

Disney resorts are home to some awesome pools. A personal favorite is Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club resorts. It’s like a miniature water paradise! Many guests who stay at these resorts dedicate at least a full day to this pool complex, and we don’t blame them.

Best of all, it doesn’t even have to be the peak summer temperatures to enjoy Disney’s pools. All of Disney’s pools are heated up to 82 degrees. It might not make swimming in winter feel super ideal, but it’s not too bad.

Disney's Beach Club Stormalong Bay — Credit: Notes from Neverland

Disney Resort Hop

Many of the resorts at Walt Disney World are attractions in themselves. Check out the immense rustic lobby at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge or watch some of the animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Or, maybe take the Monorail loop for a resort tour of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and the iconic Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Want to take to the sky? Consider resort hopping with the Disney Skyliner over to Disney’s Caribbean Beach, Disney’s Riviera Resort, and the Disney BoardWalk area resorts. This can be a great way to explore options for future trips or to grab a meal at one of the many delicious resort restaurants. Don’t just eat in the parks!

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Zebra Giraffe — Credit: Notes from Neverland

Eat, Drink, and Shop at Disney Springs

Disney Springs is a massive retail and dining destination at Walt Disney World. Home to dozens of stores and restaurants, there’s something for everyone at Disney Springs. You can catch a movie, eat arguably the best cookie you’ve ever had at Gideon’s Bakehouse, or maybe enjoy a cocktail at Jock Lindsey’s Hanger Bar.

And if shopping in your favorite pastime, Disney Springs is home to more than 100 retail spots ranging from boutiques and kiosks to sprawling stores with familiar brands.

Don’t sleep on what Disney Springs has to offer. Arguably some of the best restaurants at Walt Disney World are at Disney Springs, and we think many are overlooked.