Things to do at Walt Disney World on a Non-Park Day

When most people think of a Walt Disney World vacation, images of Cinderella Castle, the “big golf ball” at Epcot, or the Tower of Terror probably come to mind.  Walt Disney World, after all, is a theme park resort destination with four different theme parks to visit. ​

Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom Park, the original park which opened in 1971, is classic Disney. Bringing to life the stories from our childhood and immersing us in a fairy tale.  For many, the Magic Kingdom IS Walt Disney World.  Hopping on the monorail at Magic Kingdom and transferring at the Ticket and Transportation Center (known as the TTC by cast members and regulars) brings guests to EPCOT a theme park inspired by Walt Disney’s very own vision of communities of the future.  In fact, EPCOT stands for “Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow," a name coined by Disney himself. This park has evolved to become a celebration of nature, innovation, and culture.  A short boat ride or Skyliner ride away from EPCOT, is Disney’s Hollywood Studios - a theme park that recreates the epic movies and television shows that have defined generations like Star Wars, Indiana Jones and Toy Story.  And last, but certainly not least, is Disney’s Animal Kingdom. A theme park that transports guests to tropical jungles and lush savannas where animals roam and food and entertainment celebrate the cultures of Africa, Asia and even fictional places like Pandora from the world of Avatar.  With four incredible theme parks filled with attractions, shows, restaurants and shops, guests will have no trouble filling their days with fun, adventure and excitement!

​But the reality is that with so much to do at the theme parks, guests seem to forget about all of the amazing things to do at Disney World outside of the parks.  For me, the best Disney vacations are the ones where I take rest days in between park days. After all, going non-stop all day at the theme parks can be exhausting!  There is so much to do at the resorts and elsewhere on property which makes it really easy to have a couple of days to relax. 

​Here are a few of my favorite things to do on my non-park days:

Walt Disney World resort pool day relaxing

Resort Pools
Every Disney resort whether you are staying at a Deluxe Resort like Disney’s Beach Club Resort, a moderate resort like Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort or a value resort like Disney’s Pop Century Resort, is expertly themed to transport guests to another place or time.  From furnishings to decorations to the music playing throughout the resort, Disney resorts allow guests to feel like they are in the magic even when they aren’t in the theme parks.

​The resort pools are no exception.  The pool areas are all designed with great attention to detail with ample seating, pool bars, and fun activities hosted by Disney cast members.  Disney Deluxe and Moderate resorts all even have at least one waterslide.  Many resorts feature themed splash areas for the littlest members of the family!  As your travel agent, I can help you pick the resort that is best for your needs (and can give you the heads up about which waterslides are my favorites.)  A day at the resort pool is always a great way to relax, especially on those hot Florida days!

Disney Water Park

Water Parks
Did you know that Walt Disney World has two water parks on property?  Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach are a great way to spend a hot day at Disney World.  With thrilling waterslides, lazy rivers, wave pools and even character meet and greets, the water parks allow guests to experience the thrills of Disney World while staying cool.  Each of these parks showcase the creativity of Disney Imagineers, making guests feel transported to a tropical paradise at Typhoon Lagoon or a melting ski resort at Blizzard Beach. 

While admission to the parks is typically an additional cost, guests who are staying at Disney resorts this summer with check-in dates from May 26 to September 8, 2026 will receive free admission on their arrival day!  This is such a great way to ease into your Disney vacation without needing to use up a day on your park ticket!

Aerophile at Disney Springs

Disney Springs
For guests who love to dine, shop or enjoy live entertainment, a day at Disney Springs is a must!  Disney Springs is an outdoor complex accessible by bus from any Disney resort or by boat for guests staying at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, Disney’s Old Key West Resort, and Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter resorts. 

Disney Springs is home to some of my favorite restaurants at Disney World including Wine Bar George for delicious small plates and a thoughtfully curated wine list. Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ serves delicious southern comfort food and Raglan Road, a lively Irish pub with live music, Irish step dancers and great pub offerings. 

Disney Springs is also a great place to shop for just about anything!  Looking for some new Minnie Ears?  Head to World of Disney - the biggest store on Disney property with a large selection of Disney Parks merchandise. 

​Forget your brush at home?  Head to Sephora (I did this once 5 years ago and still use the brush I bought there!) Looking for a gift for your pet sitter?  Stop into Basin for some custom soaps and bath salts. 

Strolling through Disney Springs in the evening is so nice.  Situated on the water, it has a beautiful view of the sunset and is dotted with live entertainment throughout the length of the thoroughfare. Speaking of the water, you can take a cruise the water in a vintage car-turned-boat with the Amphicar Tours. You can soar high above in the iconic Aerophile – The World Leader in Balloon Flight, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Walt Disney World.

Disney Springs is also great for a rainy day at Disney - with an AMC Theater and Splitsville Bowling Alley, this is the perfect place to stay dry!

Mini Golf
Looking for some innocent, competitive fun?  Check out one of the two mini golf locations at Disney World.  Fantasia Gardens and Fairways is located at the Walt Disney World Swan and Disney’s Winter Summerland is located adjacent to the Blizzard Beach water park. Both locations feature two 18-hole courses 

​Guests who book a room + ticket vacation package receive 4 vouchers per package for one 18-round hole of miniature golf. I recently redeemed my vouchers and played a round of mini golf with my daughter at the Winter Summerland golf course - we chose the Winter course.  We had so much fun!  The theming was absolutely adorable - think Christmas at the beach complete with the Beach Boys playing in the background.  Mini golf was the perfect way for us to spend our non-park day!
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So Much More!
I have barely scratched the surface here with things to do on a non-park day.  There are so many other ways to spend your day including fishing, renting a boat, renting bicycles, horseback riding, archery, resort arcades, resort hopping, and more! 

​As your travel agent, I can help you not only plan out your park days and help you navigate Lightning Lanes and dining reservations, but I can also help you craft a non-park day itinerary that will help you take advantage of all of the Magical Extras Disney World has to offer.  Send me an email at [email protected] to start planning your Walt Disney World vacation today!

Email Amy