The Disney Traveler

20 Activities Other Than Theme Parks at Walt Disney World

by Susan Gunelius on March 9th, 2008

If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World, don’t assume there is nothing to do other than visiting the four theme parks: the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. While the theme parks are a big part of the Disney vacation experience, there is so much more to do.

Check out these 20 activities other than going to the theme parks that you can enjoy during your Walt Disney World vacation:

1. Swimming: Every hotel on Walt Disney World property has at least one pool with themed-pools, slides, games, pool-side bars and more at many of the larger pools.
2. Water parks: Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach offer slides, snorkling, surfing lessons, wave pools and more.
3. Boat rentals: You can rent a water sprite, pontoon boat, sailboat and more at several Disney locations.
4. Fishing: You can go on a chartered fishing excursion on one of the Disney lakes.
5. Tennis: There are tennis courts in several locations throughout Disney property.
6. Golf: Golfers can play on several championship courses.
7. Miniature golf: Disney offers 3 different miniature golf locations in two different locations.
8. Parasailing: You can go single or tandem parasailing at the Contemporary Resort.
9. Jetskiing: You can rent a jetski and take a morning spin on the lakes around the Contemporary Resort.
10. Race car driving: At the Richard Petty Driving Experience, you can drive a real stock car or ride with a professional driver at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour. It’s a real thrill!
11. Horseback riding: Head on over to Fort Wilderness for daily horseback riding excursions.
12. Shopping: Great stores can be found in every Disney hotel and park as well as in Downtown Disney and Pleasure Island.
13. Volleyball: Several hotels offer volleyball courts for guests.
14. Bike or surrey bike rentals: You can rent bikes and/or surrey bikes at several Disney hotels and at Fort Wilderness.
15. Spas: Take some time to relax at one of Walt Disney World’s first-class spas.
16. Sports events: There is almost always something interesting going on at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.
17. Clubbing: Go dancing at one of the hot spots at Pleasure Island.
18. Shows: You can see a variety of shows from the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue at Fort Wilderness to Cirque Du Soleil and popular bands and artists at Pleasure Island.
19. Playgrounds: If you’re with your children, take some time away from the theme parks to enjoy one of the many playgrounds offered at Disney’s hotels.
20. Arcades: There are arcades in every Disney hotel, but the biggest and most diverse arcade is DisneyQuest, which offers an array of vintage and current video games as well as interactive games and 3D, virtual reality games.

Next time someone tells you they don’t like theme parks so they wouldn’t like Walt Disney World, tell them they have no idea what they’re missing then describe how much more Disney has to offer.

Photo Source: ninjapoodles via Flickr

Tags: Walt Disney World, Disney vacation tips, Disney for adults, Disney entertainment, Walt Disney World vacation planning, Disney World tips, Walt Disney World activities

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POSTED IN: Vacation Planning, Walt Disney World