Fun for Kids Outside the Disney Theme Parks

Disney World is known for their amazing parks. They have four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, and two water parks: Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. But what is there to do when you are not in one of the parks? PLENTY! Here is a quick list of kid friendly activities just outside your resort door:

*Disney Springs – Many consider this the seventh park. Here you can listen to live music, shop and dine at some of the best restaurants around. But for the kiddos, here are my suggestions:

-AMC theaters – Disney Springs is home to one of the most state-of-the-art AMC theaters in the world! This AMC offers 24 theaters, 6 of which are extra special! They feature a “dine-in” service where you can have hand-crafted drinks, cocktails and meals delivered right to your seat!

·-Splitsville Luxury Lanes™ – Enjoy an upscale spin on a classic American pastime at this modern take on a bowling alley. There’s some really good food available here, too!

·-Vintage Amphicar Tours – Make a splash on a captain-guided tour of Lake Buena Vista aboard a fully restored retro dream boat.

*At the Resorts – Don’t forget how much there is to do at the resorts!

-Catch a Movie Under the Stars – Guests at Walt Disney World resort hotels can view complimentary movies under the stars. This activity is a great way to wind down from an eventful day in the parks or by the pool. Watch a Disney movie on “the big screen” on the lawn at any of the resorts.

-Swim in Your Resort Pool – Whether you are staying value or deluxe, there’s nothing like a refreshing dip in a cool pool to relax just a few steps from your room.

*Animal Kingdom Lodge – Animal Kingdom Lodge is as close as it gets to a vacation straight to Africa without having to leave the country. Upon entering the lobby, be prepared to be awestruck by the massive chandeliers, intricate ceilings, 5 story open concept, and, of course, African decor at every turn! Be sure to take the time to visit the savannas on property! The Resort features three separate 10-acre pieces of land which are home to Ostriches, Zebras, Kudu, Giraffes, and more! And Animal Kingdom Lodge features some great dining options, too.

*Take a Carriage Ride – Take a ride in an authentic horse-drawn carriage at either Port Orleans-Riverside or Fort Wilderness resort. Guests can even take “holiday” themed “sleigh” rides during the month of December. Each carriage fits up to four adults or two adults and three children.

*Fort Wilderness Campgrounds – If you love recreation, you will fall in love with the activities that the Fort Wilderness Campgrounds has to offer. Here are just a few favorites:

-Fort Wilderness Archery Experience – Learn how to hold and fire a compound bow—then put pro tips to the test.

-Horseback Riding – Ride through an idyllic woodland teeming with deer, ducks and rabbits.

-Pony Rides – Introduce your junior cowboy or cowgirl to our 4-legged equine friends with an old-fashioned pony ride.

-Wilderness Back Trail Adventure – Experience nature the high-tech way while riding on a Segway® X2.

*Golf – Disney World is home to three championship golf courses!

1) Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course is a classic country-club course winds through pastel villas, palmettos, and sparkling lakes.

2) Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course is designed in classic Tour style; this championship course is paradise for serious golfers.

3) Disney’s Palm Golf Course is an outstanding course amid the natural beauty of the Florida woodlands.

Kids can get in on the action too! Try out:

-Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course – Family-friendly retreat that’s home to an enjoyable 9-hole, par-36 walking course.

-FootGolf at Disney’s Oak Trail – Kids, tweens, teens, and adults will get a kick out of this precision sport that combines soccer with golf.

-Golf Lessons – Perfect your game or pick up new techniques with a one-on-one lesson taught by a PGA professional.

*Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf – Putt your way past twirling obstacles, fanciful fountains, and surprises.

*Winter Summerland Miniature Golf – Join Santa and his elves at their off-season retreat for two 18-hole adventures.

This is just a few of my favorite things to do on our “down” day. Just know that some of these experiences may not be available so be sure to have your travel planner check to see what of these are offered during your stay. Reservations may be required as well.

And for even more ways to add magic to your next Disney vacation, book with Middle of the Magic Travel! Begin planning your next adventure by completing the contact form below.

About the Author

Jill Reich is a founding member of the Middle of the Magic Travel Parent Panel. She is a mom of 2 girls, 16 & 13 years old, and her goal is to build relationships with families to cultivate a lifetime of shared magical memories.