When most people think of a Disney World vacation, the first things that come to mind are the theme parks. In fact, some visit Disney World with the ultimate goal of staying in the parks from sun-up to sun-down, only returning to their hotels when it’s time to sleep. I’m here to remind you that Disney Resorts Collection Hotels also offer numerous amazing experiences that you really shouldn’t overlook on your next visit!
View The Activities Schedule
Most resorts have their Activities Schedules posted on the Walt Disney World website. To check if this applies to your resort, just visit the resort’s page and click on the “Recreation” tab. When available, there will be a link near the top of that page for you to view the Activities Schedule. This can be helpful in planning out which activities you may want to try, because some are only offered on specific days and times.
All resorts have Activities Schedules posted on property, even if they didn’t have one available to view online. You can usually find the schedule posted near the check-in desks or the pool area. If you have trouble locating the list at your resort, simply ask a Cast Member. They can point you in the right direction. Sometimes, printed versions will be available at the front desk. If not, the display board will have a QR code to scan for a digital version.
Free Activities Available At Multiple Resorts
You will find that many resorts will offer the same type of activities. Here are just a few that you can reliably expect at most Disney resorts:
- Movie Under The Stars – On select nights, resorts will host a showing of a Disney movie. The movies vary at each resort, but you can expect to find a mixture of animated classics, newer animated films, and live-action movies. Ratings are typically G and PG, so they are suitable for all ages.
- Campfires – Each resort has a nightly campfire. Generally, the campfire is available for approximately an hour. If you stop by during this time, you can roast complimentary marshmallows (or purchase a S’mores kit if you’re feeling extra fancy).
- Poolside Activities – If you like hanging out around the pool, resorts offer a variety of poolside activities each day. These activities can include games and trivia as well as plenty of music. You’ll find these activities at a resort’s main feature pool. If you prefer to avoid the crowds and noise that can come along with exciting activities, you may want to stick with the “quiet pool” at your resort during these times.
- Lawn Games – Resorts offer a variety of lawn games. You can find things like giant Chess, giant Connect Four, ping pong tables, corn hole, and more set up in common areas.
- Find A Friend – Many resorts have a free scavenger hunt in their main lobby/building. To participate, simply look for the cardboard cutout of the specified Disney character. Cast Members hide the character in different places around the lobby or main building each day. When you spot it, snap a picture or a selfie and head to the front desk for a small surprise!
Examples Of Free Activities Found At Select Resorts
Some resorts have their own, resort-specific free activities. This is why it’s important to check the schedule! You may discover unique activities that can’t be found anywhere else. Here are just a few examples of fun, free things to do at specific resorts:
- Lobby Tours – Two of Disney’s most uniquely themed resorts have guided lobby tours on certain days.
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge features the Jambo House Lobby Art Tour. This resort is home to the largest private collection of African art outside of Africa! Several days a week, African Cultural Representative Cast Members host a tour of these stunning artifacts. Learn about African art and traditions during a fascinating tour. Be prepared to share some traditions of your own during the tour!
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge hosts The Wonders of The Lodge Art & Architecture Tour. This daily tour is a one hour look at the architecture and theming of the resort. You’ll also learn more about the art and artifacts on display.
- Animal Kingdom Lodge String of Memories Activities – African Cultural Representative Cast Members host a variety of daily activities at Jambo House and Kidani Village. By completing activities, guests can earn themed beads to create their own “string of memories”. Topics such as animal tracking, flamingo behavior, African music, and more are presented.
- Yoga Classes – Seasoned yogis and newbies alike can experience gentle yoga practices at Disney resorts. Disney’s Contemporary offers a weekly Disney Yoga Fit practice set to Disney songs. Alternatively, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Grand Floridian have weekly Storytime Yoga sessions featuring stretches and stories inspired by Disney characters.
- Self-led Nature Walks – multiple resorts have their own version of this activity. Stop by the front desk or concierge at participating resorts (examples include Wilderness Lodge, Caribbean Beach, and Coronado Springs) to pick up a Nature Guide and complete this serene activity at your own pace.
- Purple Martin Nest Checks – Have you ever seen the structures housing purple martin nests around Disney’s Caribbean Beach? Animal Caregiver Cast Members conduct weekly checks of these nests to count eggs, monitor chick development, and record data on the birds. You can watch the process and have your questions answered by these expert Cast Members!
Paid Activities You Can Do At Multiple Resorts
There are many activities you can do at the resorts that, while not free, are still a lot of fun. Many allow you to create a special souvenir in the process! Here are a few examples:
- Mickey Tie Dye – Mickey Tie Dye is probably one of the most classic resort activities you can try. Every resort offers it, so check the Activity Schedule for the specific days and times at your resort. For around $20 (pricing may vary), you can create your very own Mickey shirt! Shirts are already rubber banded such that the Mickey design will be revealed. All you have to do is apply the fabric dye, wrap your creation in plastic, and prepare to wait! Cast Members hosting the activity will give you all the necessary instructions. When the team did this activity, we were advised to leave shirts wrapped for at least 48 hours before rinsing out excess dye and laundering them. So, fair warning if you plan to do this activity on the final day of your trip and you will be flying home!
- Mosaics – While initially an activity at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort to celebrate the Spanish Mosaics around the resort, this activity has become available at more resorts in recent years. Each resort gives it a unique spin: think Mary Blair-inspired mosaics at the Contemporary, Mickey music notes at All Star Music, or Simba at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Designs may vary and advanced reservations are often required.
- Painting Activities – Numerous resorts offer their own painting experiences. Coronado Springs, Animal Kingdom Lodge, and Beach Club all offer master-led painting classes. At Caribbean Beach, you can paint seashells with Disney themes. Disney’s Pop Century Resort gets in on the action with a groovy vinyl record painting activity or the opportunity to paint your own bowling pin. As you can see, there are a lot of options (and this isn’t even all of them)!
- Boat Rentals – Several resorts have marinas where you can rent boats. Resorts offering motorized boat rentals include Disney’s Contemporary, Disney’s Grand Floridian, and Yacht & Beach Club Resorts.
Examples Of Paid Activities At Select Resorts
- Make Your Own Kukui Nut Leis – At Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, you can celebrate Polynesian culture by designing your very own Kukui Nut Lei. After choosing your size, a Cast Member will give you instructions on the number of beads to select and the basics of stringing the lei. Then, choose your colors (some include designs) and create your project.
- Sangria University – Head to Coronado Springs Resort if you’re a fan of sangria! At Sangria University, you’ll learn about the history of sangria, discover signature sangria recipes, and enjoy a tasting session. Participants even get to make their own glass of sangria. Advanced reservations are required for this activity. You can sign up in your My Disney Experience App.
- Surrey Bike Rentals – At Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Port Orleans Riverside, Old Key West, and Saratoga Springs Resorts, you can rent two or four person Surrey bikes for a little bit of exercise and a unique way to explore these resorts.
With so many resort activities available, you may never want to visit the theme parks! Just kidding. Planning a resort day or two as part of your Disney vacation not only allows you time to relax, but also gives you the ability to have some unique experiences. This is not an all-inclusive list of available activities. As an example, I didn’t even discuss the unique outdoor activities at Fort Wilderness campgrounds! As I mentioned previously, it’s important to check out the Resort Activities Schedule at your resort to see what kind of fun is available during your stay.
If you would like help planning your next Disney World vacation, our friend and Vacation Specialist, Marcus, is available to help! Click the button below to get a free Disney vacation quote and start dreaming up your next magical vacation. A slew of new deals just dropped this morning, so Marcus can help you save money on your trip!
For more Disney World news, tips, and reviews, stay tuned to MouseHouseNews.net. We’ll see you real soon!
