Amy Beatrice: June 2018

Things To Do In Walt Disney World Outside Of The Parks

Obviously when you go on a holiday to Walt Disney World your main priority is going into the parks. Whether you're more interested in the rides or the characters, you want to make the most of the tickets you've paid for and experience all those fast passes you've been patiently waiting 30-60 days to do. However, there are also so many amazing things to do on Disney property outside of the parks, for when you want to still experience some Disney magic but without the busyness and craziness of the parks.

Resort hop

Everyone knows that the Disney resorts are there, but I don't think everyone is aware of how much there is to do at the resorts other than them just being a place to stay. First of all, the resorts are available to everyone, whether you are staying on site or not and can be accessed via car or the free Disney buses (which are also available for everyone regardless of where you're staying). They all have their own merchandise locations, which often sell resort specific items, some have absolutely incredible live entertainment including dinner shows and bar acts, and in my opinion, they have some of the best restaurants on the whole of Disney property (I would travel to Orlando and back in one day just for dinner at 'Ohana). But as well as these experiences that are likely to cost you a fair bit of money, the Disney resorts are also the perfect place to soak up the Disney atmosphere in a relaxed (and cost free) way and one of my favourite things to do is spend a day resort hopping.

The value resorts have amazing Disney theming and are the perfect place to take some cracking pictures for your Instagram/family photo album, whilst the moderate resorts have a much more chilled vibe, and when walking around you begin to feel like you're actually in the middle of New Orleans or the Caribbean instead of a theme park in Florida. Meanwhile, the deluxe resorts allow you to experience a bit of luxury as soon as you step in the door, whether you're relaxing on the beach at the Polynesian or trying to spot giraffes and zebra at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Obviously there are certain things that are exclusive to the resort guests such as access to the pools and certain facilities but it's so much fun to just walk around and take in all of the immersive theming, and maybe get some inspiration for where you want to stay on your next trip!

Chip and Dale campfire singalong

Whilst this experience takes place within a resort, I wanted to mention it separately as it is one of the only live entertainment shows that is completely free and I believe it is the only place where you can meet characters without having a park ticket or paying for a character meal. Chip and Dale's campfire singalong takes place at Fort Wilderness resort every evening at 8pm (although this may change depending on the time of year). It is completely free and doesn't require any kind of booking, and you do not need to be staying at Fort Wilderness or any onsite resort to take part. There are loads of benches lined up to sit on and some bleachers at the back of the area, and at the beginning of the 'show' a man stands at the front playing some classic campfire songs on the guitar that everyone is encouraged to sing along to and take part in the actions. This bit is really fun and allows you to be a bit silly and is definitely something that little kids will enjoy. After a few songs Chip and Dale come out and invite everyone up to the front to dance with them. Whilst it's mostly children who go up to dance, me and my friend went up and had a great time so don't feel like you can't if you really want to! Afterwards you go back to your seat and the chipmunks come round to meet everyone and take pictures (my only complaint about this is that we only got to meet one of the chipmunks). After the singalong they also show a Disney movie on the big screen and you can buy s'mores kits from the little shop there and toast your marshmallows on the campfire whilst watching the film. I think that this is a great way to spend an evening doing something other than just watching the fireworks.

The Boardwalk

Again, whilst this is a Disney resort, I feel like I have to mention the Boardwalk on its own as I believe it's a cut above all the rest in terms of evening entertainment. The Boardwalk is one of the Epcot resorts and is beautifully situated looking out over Crescent Lake and the Yacht and Beach Club resorts. According to Disney, it evokes 'turn-of-the-century boardwalks in such coastal cities as Coney Island and Atlantic City' and, whilst I've never been to those places, you definitely feel transported away from Orlando. As well as being able to walk along the Boardwalk and take in the stunning atmosphere, there are also plenty of shops to look in, including an amazing art store, numerous bars and restaurants, photo booths, and cute little stalls selling classic boardwalk snacks such as funnel cake, fries, and foot-long corn dogs and hot dogs. If you're over 21 you can also spend the evening at Jelly Rolls, a bar that has duelling pianos and audience sing-a-longs. Because of it's location, depending on where you're standing you'll also be able to catch a glimpse of both the Magic Kingdom and the Epcot fireworks, although you'll have to make do without the accompanying music (unless you're like me and my friend who just sang the whole of Happily Ever After for ourselves).

Mini Golf

If you're looking for a bit more of a hands-on activity without having to wait in hour long queues for rides in the parks, I would 100% recommend going for a game of mini golf. I think this is possibly my favourite thing to do outside of the parks, so much so that when we did it last summer we ended up playing twice in one day after enjoying it so much. There are three mini golf courses at Disney World, one at Fantasia Gardens near Hollywood Studios, and two at Winter Summerland by Blizzard Beach. Whilst I don't think there are any direct buses to these locations, you can get one to the nearest locations and just walk over to them. All the courses are really well themed and I think its a great thing for the whole family to enjoy and get involved in (especially if you're in a very competitive family like mine!). Whilst this isn't in the parks, you will still be getting your money's worth from your tickets if you go to mini golf as it is included in the price of the UK ultimate tickets. Whilst it is fun and can get a bit competitive, it's a really great way to have a bit of a relaxed morning/afternoon/evening as you're able to take things pretty much at your own pace.