No Park Ticket Needed!!
There are times when you go to Disney World when you may not be going to a park that day. For me, I never go to a park on arrival or departure day; those are my days to get myself organized but there are still tons of ways to make those days fun. Sometimes, when I go for long enough, I just need to schedule a relaxation day away from the parks in the middle of my trip to recharge myself.
Here’s a list of some of the things that you can do without using a park ticket at Disney World:
- Visit Disney Springs
This is my favorite thing to do on arrival and departure day. Disney Springs has tons of shops, both Disney brand as well as others, and both a movie theater and a bowling alley so there’s always tons to do. I always go get my new ears for my trip on arrival day and last minute souvenirs on departure day. There are also a great variety of restaurants there to fit every budget and tastes. One of my favorite sit down restaurants that I feel is super underrated is Bongo’s Cuban Cafe. Oh and the chicken caesar salad at Wolfgang Puck Express is honestly the best one I’ve ever had. And finally, you can’t forget the brownie sundae from Ghiradelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop!
2. Explore other resorts
Exploring other resorts at the Walt Disney World property can be SO much fun. It is a great way to see where you may like to stay on your next trip…and maybe even where you wouldn’t want to stay. Did you know that there are more than 25 resorts currently at Disney World? Each of the resorts is unique and has a different feel.
My favorite resorts to visit are the Polynesian and Animal Kingdom Lodge. The Polynesian houses my all time favorite restaurant, Ohana. The atmosphere is relaxed and makes you feel like you are in Hawaii. There are also gift shops to visit and walking around the outside, I love to take pictures with all of the tropical plants. If you’ve never visited Animal Kingdom Lodge, it’s a must do. There are several restaurants in this African themed hotel and even a viewing area of the safari!
3. Go to the Boardwalk
In my opinion the Boardwalk is one of the most forgotten about places to visit in Disney World. Outside of the Boardwalk hotel is a boardwalk that resembles seaside boardwalks such as Coney Island or Atlantic City of long ago.. There is shopping, dining, and entertainment. You will find the ESPN Club, Trattoria al Forno which hosts a character dining experience with Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, Jellyrolls – a 21 and over piano bar with dueling pianos, Atlantic Dance Hall (a nightclub for 21 and over that plays 80s, 90s, and 2000s music with NO cover charge), rental bikes, and sometimes even performers on the boardwalk. This is definitely a good time for all ages.
4. Relax by the pool
One of the best things to do at your own Disney resort is to relax by the pool. There are often children’s activities hosted by the pool staff that keep children of all ages busy, too! Every single resort has amazing pools and you will want to make some time to spend there.
5. Have a monorail meal
There are three hotels on the monorail route: the Grand Floridian, the Polynesian, and the Contemporary. Choose a hotel to start off with, go into it and have an appetizer, then leave, so to the next on on the route for your entree, and finally the third hotel for your dessert. This is a great way to sample different menus in each of the hotels and have access to easy transportation.
6. Go to the spa
There are several spas on Disney property, including spas at the Grand Floridian and also at Coronado Springs. I have gotten a much-needed massage after too much walking the previous day at the spa at Coronado Springs. It was awesome and I really didn’t want to give back the robe either!
7. Do a dinner show
There are several dinner shows that are in some of the resorts including the famous Hoop-De-Doo Revue at Fort Wilderness, the Luau at the Polynesian, and Mickey’s Backyard BBQ, also at Fort Wilderness. If you have the dining plan, these will cost you two meal credits. Make sure to reserve well in advance if you plan to attend one of these shows.
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