5 Ideas for Disney Resort Fun
The Walt Disney Resorts are well worth visiting when you plan your next trip to Walt Disney World. Often, if they are not full, you are welcome to enjoy the restaurants and shops at any of them – whether you are staying there or not.
If you are staying on Disney property, it’s easy enough to take a bus (or drive if you have a dining reservation) to any of the Disney resorts and if you have a non-park day planned, I definitely suggest checking out a few different resorts.
👉 For your park days, get your Disney tickets from Undercover Tourist for the best deals!
5 Fun things to do at Disney World Resorts without visiting the parks
Not only is the theming of the resorts amazing, but many of them have something unique or special well worth enjoying:
1. Treat yourself to Beignets and Cafe au lait
Ready for an afternoon treat? Then get yourself over to the French Quarter for some fresh beignets and cafe au lait. In Disney World, these tasty treats can be found at Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter.
Not only are the beignets delicious, but they are also Mickey-shaped. What could be cuter?
If you are craving something more substantial, the quick-service restaurant next door has a few yummy Cajun and Creole dishes in addition to the more standard Disney fare.
Depending on where you are staying you might be able to reach this resort by boat – which can be a lot of fun!
2. Visit a Safari
Animal Kingdom is hands down my kids’ favorite resort. The theming of the buildings and grounds is amazing, the pools are wonderful, the food is fantastic, there are many activities AND there are animals!
Staying at this resort is a special treat, but even if you don’t stay on the property you can still venture over and view the animals.
Plan a dinner at Sanaa and head over early so you can enjoy checking out the zebras, giraffes, and more right on the property.
Both Jambo House and Kidani Village have viewing areas with plenty of places to enjoy watching the animals. If you are lucky, there will be a knowledgeable cast member out there who can share interesting tidbits about the animals and the resort.
Related Post: Enjoy a Special Night Out at Disney World
3. Watch a floating parade
Another favorite resort of ours is The Polynesian. With its tropical theme and delicious restaurants, we try to visit it on every trip.
And if you love Dole Whip – you can purchase it right outside the main lobby.
Plus, at night time, if you head out to the beach area behind the resort, you’ll have a wonderful view of the Electrical Water Pageant.
Most evenings, a fun parade of electrical floats passes by The Polynesian on their route around the Seven Seas Lagoon. If you have younger kids, keep it a surprise and you’ll be delighted by their reaction!
👉 Learn more about The Polynesian and the other Disney World Hotels on the monorail
4. Hit the Boardwalk
Disney’s Boardwalk hotel & resort is built on an actual boardwalk. So, right in front of the resort, you’ll find restaurants, carnival games, and more.
On a busy night, we’ve had fun watching magic shows and carnival-type acts, while enjoying funnel cake or ice cream cones.
There are even a few fun bars and nice restaurants to pick from as well as typical Boardwalk food like pizza and beer.
If the weather is nice you can rent a surrey bike and explore the boardwalk from a different viewpoint.
Insider tip: Boardwalk parking is often limited to guests, so having a dinner reservation or walking from Epcot is probably your best bet.
5. Enjoy visiting the stables
Did you know there are horses you can visit at Disney World? If you have a horse-crazy kid, be sure to check out the Tri-Circle-D Ranch at Disney’s Fort Wilderness campground.
The stables house a wide variety of horses from Clydesdales to Shetland Ponies. And you can easily visit them all and even enjoy horse or pony rides (for an additional fee of course).
The campground itself is lovely and well worth walking around and exploring. It really feels like you are off Disney property, yet it still has that magical Disney touch.
So, what is your favorite resort and Disney and what do you love about it?
Love Disney? Check out these other Disney posts: Beat the Heat at Disney, Save Money on Dining at Disney; Table Service at the Parks
PIN FOR LATER:
