11 Things to Do in Disney World Outside the Parks
Obviously, the Parks are the big draw to Walt Disney World, but there’s a lot of fun things to do in Disney World outside the parks.
The resorts have a lot more to do than you might expect and most (but not all) activities are available to non-guests.
So if you’re looking to have a bit of a slower day (or two), here are eleven things you can do in Disney World outside the parks.
Electric Water Pageant
This is a free night time show that’s been at Disney World for decades. This pageant takes place on Disney’s Seven Seas Lagoon and runs for about fifteen minutes.
If you would like to see this show, you can visit the beaches of any of the Magic Kingdom hotels.
Start time can vary, so be sure to check out today’s time here. It’s also worth noting that this pageant moves around Seven Seas Lagoon, so the time it makes it to your location will likely be different from the start time.
This might be a great arrival day activity if you want to get a dose of Disney Magic without wasting a park ticket for half a day.
Disney Springs
Disney Springs is Disney World’s shopping and dining district. There are tons of shops and restaurants to choose from.
They have something to offer no matter you budget. And there are some really delicious and interesting places to explore.
There’s also a Waterside stage that often has live entertainment that’s absolutely free.
Visit the animals at Animal Kingdom Lodge
There are a lot of really cool reasons to visit Animal Kingdom Lodge. The restaurants are fantastic, the theming is great, and you can visit the animals on the savannas for free!
That’s right, Animal Kingdom Lodge has several public viewing areas that allow anyone to check out the animals on the savannas at absolutely no cost.
If you’re looking to have a relaxing non-park day, a stop at Animal Kingdom Lodge might be the perfect fit.
Go on a Resort Tour
Disney World Resorts are known for their magnificent theming. And at some of those resorts, you can get a free tour!
These tours offer insights into the culture, history, and individuality behind the theme and decor. Not every resort offers this tour, so you’ll have to do a little poking around, but the Deluxe resorts are a great place to start!
If you go to the “Recreation” tab of the Disney World Resort you want to explore, they’ll likely have it listed somewhere there. For instance, at the time of writing this, Wilderness Lodge has their activities schedule available for download.
At the time of writing this, they share that the Wonders of the Lodge tour runs daily at 9:00 am and meets at the lobby fireplace.
If you’re looking to have a resort day, this can be a great activity to be on the look out for.
Campfires and Movies
There are campfires most evenings at a number of Disney World Resorts, and they’re typically followed by a movie. They’re completely free and you don’t have to be a resort guest to enjoy them.
And even Resorts that don’t have campfires typically have movies offered.
You can learn more about time and movie selection by visiting the recreation tab of your preferred resort.
Dine at a Resort or Disney Springs
There are SO MANY fantastic restaurants outside the parks! If you’re looking to get a great meal, you can head to Disney Springs or one of the Disney World Resorts.
If you’re looking for a Quick Service/counter service meal, you can go to any location you’d like to check out. If you’re looking for a table service meal, try Disney Springs or a Deluxe or Moderate resorts.
Do a little research before you go so you have an idea what’s offered. That way you can find something that meets your tastes and budget.
And if you’re planning a table service restaurant, you’ll need an Advanced Dining Reservation. These restaurants can be just as popular (if not more so) than the restaurants in the parks,
Yoga
Did you know you can do yoga in Disney World? You can! Many resorts offer morning yoga.
They have mats and props so you don’t have to worry about fitting your mat in your suitcase.
If you’re interested in doing yoga, check out your resort’s activities schedule. If your resort doesn’t offer yoga, you should be able to find it at another resort.
However, you’ll want to get there early, as spots can fill up fast!
Visit the gingerbread creations (during the Holidays only)
If you happen to be at Disney World during the Holidays, one fun activity can be to seek out the gingerbread creations at the participating resorts.
In the past, they’ve been at the following locations, but know that this can change and you should double check before you head to a resort.
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Disney’s Beach Club Resort
- Disney’s BoardWalk Resort
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
These displays are massive, and definitely worth the trip.
Take Some Pool Time
Disney World has such incredible pools! This is especially true if you’re staying at a Deluxe or Moderate resort.
We often put so much of our attention on maximizing Park time that we don’t take enough time to enjoy our resort pool. But they’re pretty fantastic and it can be a great way to spend a non-park day.
Now, when it comes to pools, you do have to be staying at a given Disney World Resort to use their pool. So this isn’t something you can do if you’re not a guest.
But even if you’re not staying at a Disney World Resort, taking some pool time at your hotel’s pool can really hit the spot.
Spa day
There are two spas on Disney World property. One at the Grand Floridian and one at the Dolphin Hotel.
So if you’re really looking to relax, book some time at one of these locations can be a really great way to do that.
Sleep
This is how you know this blog is primarily for Disney Adults. This is legitimately something fun you can do outside the parks so you can be fresh and fully enjoy your park days.
I’m not saying it’s easy to substitute Disney fun for rest. But I am saying I’m finding that I enjoy Disney even more when I give myself some time to sleep in and go slow.
To me, this is the advantage of going to Disney World as an adult. I know Disney World will always be there and I can choose to save my money to come back.
Which means I can take the rest I need and want on my trip so I can fully enjoy the activities I decide to participate in.
If you’re looking for more Disney World tips, check out these posts!
What fun things to do in Disney World outside the parks are most exciting to you?