Disney World Outside of the Parks: Unforgettable Adventures and Hidden Gems
A trip to Walt Disney World can often feel very “GO-GO-GO!”. During longer visits, or even not-so-long visits with toddlers, you may find you’ll need to take a break from the theme parks to avoid a burn-out. It is definitely possible to enjoy some leisurely activities while on a Disney vacation. Luckily, there are plenty of things to do all throughout the resort area. Here are a few favorite, toddler-friendly things to do outside of the parks that are either inexpensive or free:
Disney Springs with Toddlers
A day at Disney Springs is an excellent way to spend a day outside of the parks. There is plenty of shopping, excellent restaurants and something for everyone in the family to enjoy. A few affordable or free things to keep toddlers entertained are:
Carousel and train rides
In the Marketplace area of Disney Springs you will find a carousel and a toddler-sized train ride. The best part is that there is often little to no wait! Each ride requires a token. 2 tokens cost $5 and can be purchased right in line for the ride. Accompanying parents ride free.
The LEGO Store
Although this store is typically crowded it is worth the stop for little ones to touch and pose with larger than life LEGO statues. You’ll find a covered area with toddler sized Duplo tables and track where older kids can build their own LEGO race car and join others in a race. These activities are totally free!
Discovery Dig fossil sandpit
A fun, free activity for toddlers is located inside the store at the T-Rex Cafe (located next to the Lego store, you can’t miss it!). This pea gravel pit hides dinosaur fossils that little ones can dig and discover.
If your toddler loves the animatronic dinosaurs and amazing experience inside the restaurant and store they may also enjoy the Rainforest Cafe across the bridge. There you can take photos with an animatronic crocodile at the base of en erupting volcano. Inside the store there you will find more animatronic animals and giant fish tanks.
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Epcot Resort Area Hotels and BoardWalk Area
The Epcot resort area hotels are located around Crescent Lake and include the Beach and Yacht Club Resorts, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels and Disney’s Boardwalk Inn. Outside of the Boardwalk Inn you will find restaurants, nightclubs, treats and entertainment. It is fun to walk around and check out the hotels that are all connected by a walkway around the lake. You can park at any of the resorts, just let them know you are there to visit the boardwalk or check out the hotel.
Ice cream treats
Walk over to the Beach Club Resort and find Beaches n’ Cream. Watch your toddlers eyes light up as they deliver to your table a giant ice cream treat with everything on it, including the kitchen sink! Typically you’ll need a reservation for the dining experience so be sure to check ahead. If you can’t snag a reservation you can check the walk up list or grab a treat from the walk-up window!
Carnival games
Just outside of the Boardwalk are some fun carnival-style games. They will cost you around $5 per game. If you play the water-sprayer game with two family members, you’ll be guaranteed a small prize. You may also find some street performers here, particularly in the evenings, including fun, interactive magicians.
Hotel Hopping the Monorail Hotels
Hotel hopping is another great way to spend the day outside of the parks. Disney’s Contemporary, Grand Floridian and Polynesian Resorts are located right on the monorail loop. During the holidays each hotel is decorated beautifully. But even during other times of the year this is a fun way to spend a more relaxing day. As long as there are no major events going on, you can follow the signs for Magic Kingdom resorts and park at one of these hotels. Just let security know you are there to visit the hotel or grab a bite to eat. If it is busy, or you are not driving, head to the Transportation and Ticket center and hop on the monorail there. You can also grab a bus from your hotel to MK and find the resort monorail.
Monorail ride
The monorail ride itself can be a fun attraction for toddlers. If they enjoy the short ride between the hotels, you can catch a longer ride on the Epcot monorail. Just transfer at the Transportation and Ticket center. The Epcot monorail is about a 20 minute ride and circles through the park, around Spaceship Earth, before dropping guests off and heading back for the ticket center.
Dole whip at the Polynesian Resort
If you’ve wanted to try the infamous Dole Whip, make a stop at the Polynesian Resort and head through the lobby and out to the Pineapple Lanai where you will find little to no wait most of the time. If anything, it will still be less than the wait inside the park. There is a small grass area where toddlers love to run and play or head to the beach area to let them get out some energy in the sand. If you are able to visit at night, the Magic Kingdom fireworks can be seen from both places.
Hotel Hopping the Value Resorts
As I mentioned earlier, hotel hopping is a popular activity for Disney visitors. If you have a car, you can drive to any resort and let them know you are there to check out the hotel. It you are using other transportation, you can catch a bus from your resort to any park and grab a bus from there to any of the hotels. Some buses loop through multiple hotels which will allow you to hop on and off. Water taxis and the Minnie Van service are a couple of other options to get around while hotel hopping. If you are unsure the best way to get to a hotel, check with a cast member and they will be happy to direct you.
One group of hotels that are great for toddlers are the value resorts. These include Disney’s All-Star Resorts, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort.
Value Resort Hopping
The All-Star Resorts include Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort, Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort and Disney’s All-Star Music Resort. They are side by side and can be walkable if the conditions are right. Each area of each resort has a different theme and in the center of the area you will find giant statues and a fun area to run around and explore. If your toddler is a fan of Toy Story, make sure to visit the All-Star Movies Resort!
Disney’s Pop Century and Art of Animation Resorts are connected by a walkway across a small lake and are located on Disney’s Skyliner gondola system. If your toddler is a fan of Cars, the Lion King or Finding Nemo (or Dory), add a visit to Art of Animation to your to-do list. Pop Century is a 1950-90s themed hotel, but toddlers will have fun running around a giant foosball field or posing for photos with Mr. and Mrs. Potato head.
Each resort also has a small playground, in case all of the exploring isn’t enough to tire your toddlers.
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Minigolf
There are two mini golf courses in Walt Disney World. Fantasia Fairways, located near the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel and Winter Summerland, located in the same parking lot as Blizzard Beach water park. The cost for adults is $14 and $12 for children 3-9. Both of these courses are included in the Park Hopper Plus ticket option.
There is certainly no shortage of things to keep your family busy while at Walt Disney World. If you find yourself with an extra day to fill, or if you simply need a break from the parks for a bit, try to do some exploring outside of the parks. You are bound to find something exciting no matter where you end up!
