8 fun things to do at Disney World beyond the parks

There’s no question that Walt Disney World® Resort is brimming with incredible rides, attractions and experiences at the four theme parks. But if you’ve already visited the parks or just need a break from the crowds, there are lots of activities to do at Disney World that don’t require a park ticket. We’ve made a list of the top things to do at Disney World beyond the parks (and some are free!).

Fun things to do at Disney World that don’t require park tickets

From water parks to whimsical miniature golf and horseback riding, take advantage of these eight activities available at Disney World outside the parks.

1. Spend a day or evening at Disney Springs®

A charming waterside dining, shopping, and entertainment destination at Walt Disney World® Resort, Disney Springs® is free to enter and has something for the whole family. With more than 150 stores, unique restaurants, and nightly shows and live music, Disney Springs® is an excellent alternative if you need a break from the parks. The complex is divided into several neighborhoods—The Landing, Town Center, West Side, and Marketplace—and each one has a distinct feel.

Here are some of the most popular attractions at Disney Springs®.

• Splitsville Luxury Lanes^™- A two-story, 50,000-square-foot bowling and dining venue with 30 bowling lanes, arcade, billiards, and indoor and outdoor seating.
• Amphicar Tours – A 25-minute, captain-guided tour in amphicars (a cross between a retro car and a boat) around Lake Buena Vista.
• Helium Balloon Rides – An attraction that uses Aéro30 helium balloons, which you can board and take for a relaxing ascent more than 400 feet above Disney Springs^®.
• Movies – Perfect for rainy days, Disney Springs^® is home to an enormous AMC Theatres^® with seat-side, full-service dining options for lunch and dinner.
• House of Blues^® - A legendary concert hall with a Southern-inspired restaurant and bar featuring nightly live entertainment and shows with big name artists and bands.
  
  

2. Soak up family fun at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

A tropical paradise located inside Walt Disney World^® Resort, Typhoon Lagoon is a 56-acre water park perfect for all ages. The water park is home to the largest wave pool in North America and has tons of splash-worthy rides and attractions, including the Crush ‘n’ Gusher water coaster, the Castaway Creek lazy river, a fun whitewater rafting adventure, and a designated kiddie splash zone for younger visitors.

Note: Tickets are required to enter.  Typhoon Lagoon is temporarily closed to undergo updates and renovations.

3. Chill out at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park

Blizzard Beach is the iconic, ski-resort inspired water park that spans over 66 acres and features slides, raft rides, splash pads, lazy river, and even a chair lift. One of the most popular attractions is Summit Plummet, one of the world’s tallest and fastest free-falling slides standing at 13 stories high! Yet, the park has something for relaxers and thrill-seekers alike.

Note: Tickets are required to enter and at this time a park reservation is not required.

4. Putt your way through Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course

A two 18-hole miniature golf adventure, Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf is located inside Walt Disney World^® Resort and is based on Disney's classic animated film Fantasia. Putt your way through five whimsical scenes featuring tutu-clad hippos, marching broomsticks, and pirouetting ostriches. Perfect for all skill levels, Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf is the epitome of “Disney” golf all set against the backdrop of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ at Disney’s Hollywood Studios^®. Walk-ins are welcome; however, reservations are encouraged.

5. Find a stroke of luck at Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course

The second miniature golf experience at Walt Disney World^® Resort, Winter Summerland Miniature Golf is a festive, holiday-themed putt-putt course available all year round. The attraction is divided into two courses—one for summer and one for winter. On the summer course, you’ll encounter sandy beaches, surfboards, sandcastles, and palm trees adorned with ornaments. On the winter course, you’ll find snowy hills, snowmen, elves, and even Santa Claus himself. Walk-ins are welcome; however, reservations are encouraged.

6. Go horseback riding at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

Spend the afternoon riding through the idyllic trails of the “real” Florida. Guests 9 years of age and up can go horseback riding at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. The 45-minute trail ride is perfect for beginner and intermediate riders and if you’re lucky, you’ll see some Florida wildlife, including deer, ducks, armadillos, and rabbits. Advance reservations are highly recommended, as availability is limited.

7. Fly high on Disney’s Skyliner

Want a bird’s eye view of all the Disney parks? Take a ride on the Skyliner, a 100% free to ride, gondola lift system that connects EPCOT^® and Disney’s Hollywood Studios^®. The Skyliner runs daily and is available one hour before Early Theme Park Entry until 90 minutes after EPCOT^® and Disney’s Hollywood Studios^® close.

8. Take a family bike ride on a Surrey Bike

When visiting Walt Disney World^® Resort, there are so many incredible experiences available. But one activity is truly unique. At multiple locations across the resort, you and your family can rent Surrey Bikes, 2-, 4- or 6-person bike carts. The Surrey Bikes are shaded and have seats to accommodate smaller children. The bikes are available for rent daily from 8:30 am-10 pm, weather permitting.  Both the single and double bench bikes can be rented for $25 per ½ hour.

If you are looking for a fun and inexpensive family activity, renting a Surrey bike is a great option!

Book your Disney World vacation at Caribe Royale Orlando, a Walt Disney World Good Neighbor^® Hotel

Caribe Royale Orlando is a newly re-imagined, all-suite resort with an array of amenities. From sparkling pools and a waterslide to six on-site dining options and unique recreational activities, such as biking and fishing, Caribe Royale Orlando will make your visit to Walt Disney World^® unforgettable.

Plus, when you stay at Caribe Royale Orlando—a Walt Disney World Good Neighbor^® Hotel—shuttle transportation to all four Disney Theme Parks and Disney Springs^® is included in your stay.

Book your stay here.