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Do you want some Disney magic during your vacation but don’t want to spend money on park tickets every day? You can do that, you just have to know where to look!
Whether you want some variety on a Disney vacation or you’re looking to add a little magic to a visit to Orlando, there are tons of activity options outside of the Disney World parks.
I’ve been to Disney World several times and have done everything from eating with Mickey to playing Fantasia mini golf. I want to share some of the fun and relaxing things you can do without going to a Disney park that will add a little magic to your trip.
Here’s what I’m going to share with you:
You’ll find Disney-themed fun at on-property hotels and Disney Springs. Some things on this list are only available to Disney World Resort hotel guests. If you’re not staying on Disney property, call to confirm whether a specific activity is available to you.
As a Disney hotel guest, you can watch Disney movies under the stars for free! According to a Disney representative, Disney World hotels all offer complimentary movies with varying schedules.
Once you know when you’re going, call your hotel for details. If you don’t like your hotel’s time or movie, you can always call up another Disney hotel to check their movie schedule.
If you want a character experience with your Disney flick, go to the Campsites at Fort Wilderness for Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-a-Long! This nightly event lets you meet characters, make s’mores and enjoy some Disney magic.
Tip: Save money by bringing your own s’mores fixings instead of purchasing a pack there.
Character dining is one of Disney’s most popular attractions. You dine at a normal restaurant, but Disney characters come around to the tables to visit with the guests.
As a kid, it was exciting to eat breakfast at Chef Mickey’s and have Minnie come by our table to give me a hug.
Some of the most popular include the aforementioned Chef Mickey’s, ‘Ohana, and Story Book Dining. These restaurants are all at Disney Resort hotels but don’t require Disney park tickets.
You also do not have to be a guest of a Disney hotel in order to book, but you will likely need reservations to participate in these dining experiences.
Disney has two dinner shows that offer fun for the whole family.
When I was a child, I went to the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at the Fort Wilderness Pioneer Hall with my family. This old West-style dinner theater production was a blast as a kid, plus my dad was pulled on stage to participate. He was a great sport considering that he ended up in a tutu.
Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show is a Luau-themed dinner theater hosted at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, with performances and dances from different Pacific island areas.
As with other Disney dining, you’ll want to make a reservation in advance.
Disney World has two mini-golf courses: Fantasia Gardens and Winter Summerland. Each course offers 18 holes of Disney-themed fun!
Fantasia is one of my dad’s favorite Disney movies, so playing on this themed course was a special treat for him.
The BoardWalk area is one of the most peaceful places in Disney to me. You can take a walk or rent a surrey bike and enjoy the view of Cresent Lake, pop into the Ample Hills Creamery for a sweet treat or be entertained at Jellyrolls or the ESPN Club.
My mom and I love to play air hockey, so when we have a chance we head into one of Disney’s many arcades.
Like many arcades now, Disney requires you to buy a game card and load it with cash or a credit card in order to play. Find a list of Disney arcade locations here.
You don’t need to be in a park to watch some excellent fireworks at Disney. You can see the Magic Kingdom evening display from the Contemporary, Grand Floridian and Polynesian hotels.
Disney’s Electrical Water Pageant is a floating light show on the Seven Seas Lagoon. Find the schedule and viewing locations here.
Both of these shows are totally free and you don’t need to be a Disney hotel guest to enjoy them!
Animal Kingdom Lodge has African animals in residence, including giraffes, zebras, wildebeests and more! You can request an animal viewing guide from the concierge to help you identify which animals are out there.
I’m a sucker for a sweet treat, so this quick stop is always on my list. If you’re already walking around Disney Springs, pop into the Ghiradelli shop for a free chocolate square.
When I was a child, my brother and I became part of Captain Hook’s Pirate Crew. We sang, ate and went sailing on Captain Hook’s ship. Kids ages 4 to 12 can join the crew for a three-and-a-half-hour evening adventure — enough time for you to have dinner.
If you’re looking for something else to do, explore hotel activities from these categories:
Disney Springs, formerly Downtown Disney, is an outdoor shopping and entertainment district that does not require any type of Disney ticket. There is free Disney transportation to Disney Springs from select Disney hotels and parks.
However, you may want an advanced reservation if you plan to dine at some Disney Springs restaurants. This area has basic things that you might find in and around many malls: shops, a movie theater and bowling — but there are a few special things to do, too!
Make sure to check the Disney Springs calendar to see what events and performances will be there!
Disney Springs has a tethered, giant helium balloon called the Aerophile. Kids ages 3 to 9 can ride for $15, and adults 10 and up can go up for $20.
Want that classic carousel ride? Disney Springs doesn’t disappoint. The Marketplace Carousel is fun for kids of all ages, plus admission is only $3!
The Marketplace Train Express gives kids a fun little train ride in the heart of Disney Springs. Any age may ride, and admission is $3.
Big basketball fans will love The NBA Experience complex with a court, games and behind-the-scenes tours.
The Lego Store isn’t just a place to buy buildable sets. The Disney Springs location has hands-on play tables and large-scale Lego models of Disney characters.
You can use many of these tips whether you’re staying on Disney property or are just in the Orlando area. Do these activities to get your Disney magic fill or as a less intense alternative to another park day on your trip.
If you’re someone who loves Disney and saving money, these options are a great way to spend your vacation with The Mouse without spending all of your money.
To me, Disney magic is about enjoying yourself and the people around you — and these amenities can help you create some magical moments.
Have any questions? Let us know in the comments below and we’ll answer them for you!
This post was last modified on November 8, 2019 4:27 pm
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