It comes as a surprise to many who visit Walt Disney World Resort for the first time that there is so much more to do than visit theme parks. For those in the know, it was likely shocking the first time we visited as well. With an area of 43 square miles, equivalent to the city of San Francisco, there’s bound to be much more than meets the eye. It is for this reason that theme park visits are only part of my goal whenever I visit. Today I will share five activities for Disney Adults that don’t require stepping foot in a theme park.
Catch a Birds-eye View
For a different point of view while visiting Disney World, stop by Aerophile! Aerophile is a custom balloon, specifically built for Disney, which is located in Disney Springs. The balloon is filled with 210,000 cubic feet of helium and can ascend to a height of 400 feet. It is a huge focal point of the shopping and entertainment district that you can’t miss (even when it is on the ground). The balloon’s basket can hold up to 29 guests plus one pilot. A flight up costs $29.99 + tax per person ($24.99 + tax for children age 3 – 9). You’ll see views up to 10 miles away on a clear day during this ride, but do expect to feel some swaying. Disney does keep you safe, however, and they will ground the balloon when there is a storm in the area or the winds are over 22 mph.
Putt Around the Green
Did you know that there are two mini-golfing sites at Disney World? Each site has two miniature golf courses to choose from, for a total of four different courses. There is a $19 fee to play ($12 for guests age 3 – 9), but guests who reserve a Disney World vacation package (hotel + park tickets) should receive free vouchers to enter the mini-golf courses.
In Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort Area, you will find Winter Summerland Miniature Golf. Santa Claus designed this venue as a vacation destination for his off-duty elves. There is a Winter course with “snow”, candy canes, and a melting snow castle. Then there is a Summer course with surfboards, sand castles, and inner tubes. This allows the elves, and you, to decide what team you are on: Warm Florida or Cold North Pole.
In the EPCOT Resort Area, there is the Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf. These courses are based on the Disney animated film Fantasia. Expect to see things like musical surprises, broomsticks, and a sorcerer’s hat (of course!). If you want an easier course, you’ll want to select the Fantasia Gardens side. The Fantasia Fairways course is quite a bit more difficult.
Ride In the Sky
The team at MouseHouseNews.net raves about the Disney Skyliner. There’s a good reason for that… it is a ton of fun to ride! The Skyliner connects EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios with four Disney resorts (and others within walking distance in the EPCOT Resort area). It is a free mode of Disney Transportation that is scenic and soothing… many consider it a theme park ride, but without the need for a theme park ticket. Many of the colorful gondolas are wrapped with Disney characters and it is fun to see which one you’ll be placed on. We love it and you will too, unless you are afraid of heights… in that case, maybe you want to avoid this one.
Bike Around Crescent Lake
It may seem a little odd to brag about biking around Disney World. But you can certainly do it together with your group… with a Surrey bike! These two-seat or four-seat bikes can be found on Disney’s Boardwalk, where you can rent them by the half-hour and ride around Crescent Lake in the EPCOT Resort Area. Make sure everyone is pedaling… no freeloaders! This is especially true in one uphill section where you will get quite the workout.
Grab a Drink and Enjoy the View
A great way to end your day is to watch a nice sunset from a rooftop lounge with a drink in your hand. At Dahlia Lounge, you can do just that! Located on the 15th floor of Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Grand Destino Tower, Dahlia Lounge is inspired by Spanish surrealism. The lounge is at the very top of the tower and has a rooftop balcony with stunning views. While an environment of Spanish modernism makes you want to drink inside, it may be worth it to step out onto the balcony when the sun is setting and grab a seat. You won’t be disappointed.
These are just a handful of things to do at the Walt Disney World Resort without even stepping foot into a theme park. There’s countless more activities that you can take in, so don’t discount the activities that are offered outside of the parks. You’ll never get to do it all in one trip, but that’s okay! It just means that you can start your to-do list for the next trip. MouseHouseNews.net will keep bringing you tips to help plan your next Disney vacation!
