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As recurring, theme park visitors, we’ve learned a thing or two along the way. One essential planning choice, break up high- energy park days, with one or two mellow, non-park, days. Some people use this day to lounge by the pool, see other resorts, or in our case, play miniature golf. But which theme park golf is the best? Time to compare Disney Mini-Golf vs. Universal Mini-Golf.
Fantasia Gardens-Disney Mini-Golf Course
Some people are surprised to discover that Disney Mini-Golf exists. There are two miniature golf courses in Disney World, Fantasia Gardens and Winter Summerland. We’ve yet to play Winter Summerland (still on the Disney World bucket list), so I can only give thoughts on Fantasia Gardens.
Fantasia Gardens is located near the Swan Resort. Go to The Boardwalk area, take the Friendship boat to the Swan, then take a short walk to this Disney Mini-Golf course.
I’m surprised to find the secret is out, as there are more people than I expected at Fantasia Gardens. We give our name to a cast member. After a quick restroom break, and peek around the golf shop, we’re invited to pick out clubs, balls, and prepare to tee up.
As the name foretells, Fantasia Gardens, Disney Mini-Golf, is based on the Fantasia movie.
Wear sunscreen. Bring a hat. There isn’t a lot of shade on the course. You will get sweaty. The bonus of this course is that it contains several water features and surprises. You have the option to cool off a bit, or stay as dry as you wish.
The cave is also a nice place to get a break from the sun.
Play is not hard, nor is it extremely easy. It is just right. It’s fun for visitors of any age.
Statues, decorate every hole. The design is simple.
On the day we visit, it seems that certain effects are not working, and some that do work, are a little anemic. Perhaps this course could benefit from a refresh.
Aside from the lack of shade, the water views and course itself,
creates a respite from line and crowd navigation.
Universal-Hollywood Drive-In Golf
Unlike Disney’s hidden miniature golf courses, Universal’s golf courses can’t be missed. They dazzle the eye, as you make your way through City Walk, to the parks. Though they beckon, you must make haste to Harry Potter.
Planning a Universal only trip, we schedule a non-park day, to explore the resorts and City Walk. Finally, there is time to play miniature golf.
Universal offers Hollywood Drive-In Golf. You can play the horror movie side, the sci-fi movie side, or both. I’m more of a sci-fi gal, and I’ve longed for an up close and personal visit with the giant robot.
Hollywood Drive-In Golf is bright, colorful, with ample, delicious shade.
The story is more PG to PG-13, depending on how much you want to explain to a child what being probed means.
The play is challenging, but not extra difficult.
I relish in the creative hijinks of this course.
Silly surprises and neat effects, greet golfers at the holes.
Though City Walk itself, can feel lackluster, the golf course provides imaginative entertainment.
Compared to Universal, Disney Mini-Golf, is more old-school.
No matter which Orlando miniature golf you play, the courses will provide an enjoyable, non-park activity.
