13 Things to Do at Disney World Outside the Parks

Walt Disney World Resort is so vast that you could fill up an entire vacation itinerary with enough things to do without ever setting foot inside any of the theme or water parks.

Don’t believe me? Here are more than 13 non-park activities at Disney World.

Catch the latest movie at Disney Springs

The AMC movie theater at Disney Springs is not like the typical movie theater.

They have an adults-only section where you can order food and drinks while enjoying the latest cinema hit!

Go for a Bike Ride at your Disney World Resort

Several Disney World resorts offer bike rentals, including tandem bikes.

A bike ride through your resort would be a great way to get to know the layout at your resort on arrival day.

Opt for a carriage rides at your Disney World resort

Several of the resorts at Walt Disney World offer horse-drawn carriage rides.

Perfect for a romantic and relaxing activity that is completely different than the busy pace at the parks.

Go for a boat ride

There are several cruise options at Walt Disney World Resort.

Ferrytale Cruises takes you out on the water to admire spectacular views of the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom.

You can even rent deluxe pontoon boats or a yacht for special occasions.

Play a round of golf

If you’re into golf, Walt Disney World resort has 4 golf courses of varying sizes.

Lessons are available, but if you’re more into mini-golf, there 2 mini-golf courses too!

Check out a show

I used to recommend La Nouba, Cirque de Soleil’s crazy show at Disney Springs, but unfortunately it closed at the end of 2017.

Just before the show ended its 19 year run, Disney confirmed that a brand new Cirque due Soleil show is in the works.

A debut date has not yet been announced, but no worries, there’s a few more shows that don’t require park tickets!

Consider the Spirit of Aloha luau at the Polynesian, the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Fort Wilderness Campground or Mickey’s Backyard BBQ at Fort Wilderness Campground.

Watch a movie under the stars

Many of the resorts at Walt Disney World host a movie outdoors each night, typically by the pool.

Some of the deluxe resorts also offer s’mores kits and occasional character meet-n-greets.

Take a dip in one of the many pools at your resort

Take a break from the heat at the parks and chill by the pool at your resort. Most of the resorts have more than 1 pool and some even have water slides!

Run a race through Disney World

RunDisney hosts several races at Walt Disney World Resort and other Disney parks, including a marathon and half-marathon.

Hang loose with adventurous water sports

Sammy Duvall’s features water sports such as parasailing, tubing, wakeboarding, and water skiing.

If you were ever worried about missing out on the typical beach resort activities, be assured that you’ll find your fix at Walt Disney World.

Shop ’til you drop at Disney Springs

Shop ’til you drop at Disney Springs, formerly known as Downtown Disney.

This newly expanded entertainment district features both souvenir shops and non-Disney retail shops such as Anthropologie, Lilly Pulitzer, Kate Spade New York, Lucky Brand, and Uniqlo.

Relax and get pampered

Several of the resorts have spas that offer massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, and other spa services.

Spend the day relaxing instead of waiting in line at the parks’ rides.

Hit the bowling lanes at Disney Springs

Splitsville Luxury Lanes features 2 floors of bowling, as well as 5 bars and a restaurant. So, pretty much a guaranteed good time!

Tour Disney’s many gorgeously themed resorts

Walt Disney World has over 25 resorts, all amazingly themed and worth a visit. I could spend an entire day touring the resorts!