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Some of my favorite Orlando memories are days spent engaging in Non-Park Activities at Disney World. Though having a hotel pool day, is one of the most popular Non-Park activities, with a wonderland as vast as the Disney Orlando Resort, there is a plethora of entertainment to experience, without a park ticket.
Take a Carriage Ride (additional cost)
Horse-drawn carriage rides are available at Port Orleans Riverside and Fort Wilderness Resorts. The rides occur between the hours of 5:30pm-9:30pm. The ride lasts approximately 25 minutes.
A reservation can made via the app, to ensure you get the day and time you prefer.
Our ride takes place at the Port Orleans Riverside Resort. It’s one of the more relaxing Non-Park Activities at Disney World. The horse leisurely clops along the beautifully landscaped resort.
For more about a Port Orleans Riverside Carriage ride read- Staying at Port Orleans Riverside
Disney Springs Balloon Ride (additional cost)
Though not a park, you can easily spend an entire day, exploring Disney Springs. Take-in the sites. Shop for souvenirs. Grab a peanut butter cold brew and cookie at Gideon’s.
Sip at a lounge.
To find out more about Disney Springs Lounges read-Lounging Around Disney
Take a tethered hot air balloon ride.
On our bucket list of Non-Park Activities at Disney World, this mission is consistently thwarted. If you see the balloon in operation, head over right away. It often closes due to wind, rain, and/or storms.
The balloon is slow moving. The nets make you feel safe. The views are fantastic.
Note, though you think sunset would provide epic pictures, I’ve heard many people express that the sky is usually very hazy at this time of day which makes snapping dazzling photos a fail.
Once back on firm land, our group agrees that the Disney Springs Balloon Ride is worth the time and extra cost.
Resort Hop (Free)
Our favorite non-park days are spent resort hopping. I would suggest planning a breakfast at your starting resort, and reserving a dinner at your final stop.
You can plan a theme, like resorts on the Monorail Loop, Skyliner Route, or zip around from resort to resort by boat. Alternatively, you can let each member in the group chose the resort they would most like to see, then plan the day’s resort itinerary.
Allow unplanned time for snack stops, lobby chair breaks, and plenty of pictures.
Our Disney trips group, still remembers resort hopping days with fondness.
Live Music (Some music is free. Some encourage you to purchase a drink and/or food)
A night of live music, is an ideal, after dinner entertainment. Be sure to get to the venues early, as they can fill up quickly.
At the Boardwalk, you can visit the dueling pianos at Jellyrollls.
The Edison and Raglan Road, feature live music at Disney Springs. We’ve visited Raglan Road several times. It’s a vibrant, toe-tapping good time, as the Celtic music, resonates throughout the pub. The show also includes Irish dancers. The performance makes a nice side dish to your fish and chips.
If you wander about Disney Springs in the evening, your ears will capture music from multiple buskers or a performance on the Waterside Stage.
Perhaps sipping a cocktail to relaxing jazz, is more your speed. Then head to Scat Cat Lounge at Port Orleans French Quarter.
If you require a pick-me-up, head to Port Orleans Riverside’s River Roost Lounge, for the one and only Yehaa Bob Jackson.
A talented piano player and singer, his energetic show includes a mix of Disney songs and other popular tunes. Audience participation is highly encouraged.
To learn more about Yehaa Bob’s show, read – Yehaa Bob Show
Guided Resort Tours (Free)
If you are a fan of architecture, Disney Imagineering, and/or the art of storytelling, a guided resort tour, should be on your Non-Park Activities at Disney World list.
You can take a guided tour of Animal Kingdom Lodge, Boardwalk Inn, Yacht Club, Grand Floridian, and Wilderness Lodge. Staying at the resort is not a requirement.
The tours occur in the morning. They are free, but it’s recommend to let the resort’s front desk know which day you plan to take the tour.
The Wilderness Lodge tour is informative. Ranger Alan tells us the intricate narratives behind many of the design elements. There are details that seem insignificant, that you walk right by, that have their own, unique stories.
My highlight, is visiting the famous train room, where some of Walt’s personal collection is on display.
After discovering, how worthwhile taking a guided resort tour is, we hope to take others during future trips.
Play Mini-Golf
People are often surprised to learn that Disney World possesses two miniature golf courses. Winter Summerland Miniature Golf, is located near the Blizzard Beach Park, while Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf course, is located near the Swan Resort.
Thus far, we’ve only played Fantasia Gardens. It’s a fun time, and a nice diversion, if you want a break from the hustle and bustle of the parks.
To learn more about playing miniature golf at Disney World, read-Disney Mini-Golf vs. Universal Mini-Golf
A Disney World Trip is exciting, but also exhausting. I always suggest building a few non-park days into a schedule. Though the down-time to rest and recover is important, you may not want a day of doing absolutely nothing. Having a day that is a balance of rest and a non-park activity, makes for an enjoyable Disney World Trip.
Places to Stay in Orlando
