Magic Kingdom. Epcot. Hollywood Studios. Animal Kingdom. With more than 100 “attractions” to experience, it may seem as if a trip to Walt Disney World Resort must be limited to the four theme parks. But there is more to enjoy outside park boundaries, particularly for visitors staying for extended visits or for seasoned park-goers. We’ve compiled our five favorite things to do when we’re not riding Pirates of the Caribbean or eating our way around World Showcase!
5. Disney Springs
Life-sized Lego sculptures at Disney Springs
Disney Springs is an upscale, outdoor shopping and dining plaza featuring 100 shops, 60 eateries and family-fun entertainment. In terms of shopping, there are plenty of stores to find unique Disney souvenirs including at World of Disney, the world’s largest Disney character store, fashion-forward apparel inspired by Mickey & Minnie at Tren-D and adorable Disney-themed housewares at Marketplace Co-op. There’s non-Disney shopping to be had too with stylish clothing, shoe and accessory retailers like Zara and Anthropologie, fine jewelry purveyors including Pearl Factory and Pandora, and eyewear, hat and wellness boutiques.
Foodies will need more than one visit to satiate their tastebuds at Disney Springs. Some of the world’s top chefs operate restaurants at Disney Springs - Chef Art Smith’s Homecoming features down-home Southern fare; Frontera Cocina boasts Mexican cuisine from eight-time James Beard Award winner Rick Bayless; and everyone’s favorite Iron Chef America delights with Pan-Asian cuisine at Morimoto Asia. Opening this fall, Disney Springs welcomes Jaleo by Jose Andres’, an internationally-renowned Spanish chef.
You don’t have to spend money to have fun at Disney Springs. There are plenty of free offerings at several of the outdoor stages including concerts and DJ kids dance parties. Disney Springs really shines during the holidays with festive music, falling snow and Disney-decorated trees. Those who still believe in the Christmas spirit can also meet Jolly Old St. Nick and have a picture taken with him.
When staying on-property, Disney offers free shuttle bus service to Disney Springs from the resorts. An added bonus of staying at the Port Orleans sister hotels, guests can board a complimentary water taxi to Disney’s entertainment district.
4. Resort Relaxation
When staying on-property, we strongly recommend building a day into your vacation plans to relax at your resort. And by relax we mean - waking up without an alarm, enjoying a leisurely breakfast and heading to the pool! Each Walt Disney World Resort features a great pool for catching rays and sipping a fruity cocktail, but there are differences among the resort category tiers. The Value resorts have a central pool area along with smaller pools throughout the property with water features for young children. The Big Blue Pool found at Art of Animation is one of the best pools of all resorts with underwater speakers piping in music. At the Moderate resorts, you’ll start to find water slides and hot tubs. And the Deluxe resorts feature some of the best pools on property - our favorite being Stormalong Bay shared by Yacht Club and Beach Club, a three-acre aquatic park featuring a life-sized shipwreck replica, a 230-foot-long water slide and a sand-bottomed pool.
3. Movin’ on the Monorail
Taking a break on the monorail at Walt Disney World Resort
Disney’s monorail is an attraction onto itself. It’s the most magical mode of transportation, in our opinion. The monorail is not limited to guests staying at the resorts on the monorail line, those being the Contemporary, Polynesian and Grand Floridian. In fact, we think taking the monorail is a fun way to visit those resorts when we’re not staying there. Not to mention, it’s a relaxing break after walking miles and miles at the parks; the monorail offers (limited) seating - giving your feet a much-needed rest - and coveted air conditioning to escape the heat and humidity for a bit. Just hop on from the Ticket & Transportation Center (TTC), making sure you get on the resort line. The Epcot and Express lines will take you to Epcot and the Magic Kingdom nonstop.
2. Resort Activities
All Walt Disney World resorts offer free fun activities like Movies Under the Stars - nighttime outdoor screenings of Disney film favorites - while some offer unique yet still free happenings like drawing classes at Art of Animation and nighttime safari viewing at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Other resorts offer exclusive, fee-based activities harmonizing with the resort’s theme like romantic carriage rides at Port Orleans Riverside, archery lessons at Fort Wilderness Lodge and surrey bike rentals at Boardwalk Inn.
1. Indulge in Culinary Cravings
Heirloom Tomato and Stone Fruit Salad at California Grill
Wherever we travel, whether it’s a new locale or an old favorite, our favorite thing to do is eat. Of course, this holds true when we visit Walt Disney World. We have had some of the most scrumptous meals at the parks and resorts. There are fine dining experiences rivaling restaurants found at food-centric cities. Jiko found at Animal Kingdom Lodge boasts an award-winning wine list with one of the most robust South African selections. Grand Floridian is home to Victoria & Albert’s, recipient of AAA’s highest achievement, the Five Diamond Award, and Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating. Forget about corn dogs and chicken nuggets. Instead how about New Zealand Langoustine with Imperial Caviar, Avocado and Lime Nuage? Can we get a loud and resounding YES! And let’s not forget about California Grill at the Contemporary offering fresh, seasonal culinary-scapes of the Pacific Coast. Although the food is the star, the exceptional service and incredible panoramic views of Magic Kingdom and beyond cap off an incredible evening on top of the Contemporary at California Grill.
We’d love to hear about your favorite things to do outside of the four theme parks!