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, including dining options and our favorite hidden gems 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. You can take a bus from any of the Walt Disney Resorts or park in one of the garages or lots at Disney Springs. There you will find endless shopping, excellent restaurants and something for everyone in the family to enjoy. There are a few affordable and free activities that are perfect for toddlers at Disney Springs.
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
The LEGO store is a great stop for your little ones. Whether you opt to enter the store or not you can still enjoy a pitstop at the play area on the exit side of the shop. 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, shaded, and a great place to let your kids have some fun.
Discovery Dig Fossil Sandpit at T-Rex Cafe
Inside the T-Rex Cafe you will find a fun, free activity for toddlers. You’ll find the restaurant located next to the LEGO store – trust us, you can’t miss it. Enter through the gift shop and to the right to find the Discovery Dig Fossil Sandpit. This pea gravel pit hides dinosaur fossils that little ones can dig and discover. Enjoy some playtime while waiting to be seated for lunch at the cafe or just for fun. Inside you will also find the only Build-a-Bear location on Disney property.
If your toddler loves the animatronic dinosaurs and amazing ambiance inside the T-Rex Cafe they may also enjoy the Rainforest Cafe across the bridge. There you can take photos with the animatronic crocodile at the base of en erupting volcano. Inside the store there you will find more life size animals and giant fish tanks.
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Hotel Hopping around Walt Disney World
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 and most of the time you will be allowed to park and walk around. The only time you may be turned away is during peak season or at hotels with smaller parking lots. If you aren’t sure, just ask security. They’ll politely let you know whether they can let you in or if you should find another option.
If 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.
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, treats and entertainment. It is fun to walk around and check out the hotels, all of which are connected by a walkway around the lake.
You can usually park at any of the resorts, just let them know you are there to visit the BoardWalk or check out the hotel. During peak times, parking may be limited and may be restricted to just those staying on property or with dining reservations at one of the restaurants. If you run into this, you can take a bus from Disney Springs or the Skyline to the Epcot World Showcase entrance and take a short walk.
Ice cream treats at Beaches n’ Cream
Take a 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! Reservations are highly encouraged, as it is a small restaurant that has grown in popularity. If you can’t snag a reservation you can check the walk-up list or grab a more modest treat from the walk-up window.
Have Some Fun and Grab a Bite to Eat on the BoardWalk
Just outside of the Boardwalk Resort are some fun carnival-style games. They will cost you around $5 per game and some offer a guaranteed prize for your little ones. You may also find some street performers here, particularly in the evenings, including fun, interactive magicians.
One of our favorite things to do on the Boardwalk is to hop in the Photo Booth for a fun family photo to remember our trip.
Dining around Crescent Lake
There are so many dining options along the BoardWalk as well. From ice cream to fine dining, there is sure to be something to appeal to everyone in your family, including picky toddlers. Here is a quick list of some favorite dining around the BoardWalk. All options can be found in your My Disney Experience App.
- Boardwalk Ice Cream
- BoardWalk Deli
- The Cake Bake Shop Restaurant by Gwendolyn Rogers
- Pizza Window
- Trattoria Al Forno
- Flying Fish
Explore more dining options a short walk away at Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Resorts or Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts.
Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
- Todd English’s bluezoo
- Shula’s Steak House
- Rosa Mexicano
Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
- Kimonos
- Il Mulino
Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts
- Yachtsman Steakhouse
- Ale & Compass Restaurant
- Beaches & Cream Soda Shop
- Cape May Cafe
Hotel Hopping around the Monorail Hotels
Disney’s Contemporary, Grand Floridian and Polynesian Resorts are located on the monorail loop. We especially love to do this during the holidays when each hotel is decorated beautifully. But even during other times of the year this is a fun way to spend a more relaxing day and take in the ambiance of Disney World.
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 resort monorail there. If you are staying at a Disney Resort Hotel, you can take a bus from your hotel to Magic Kingdom and hop in the resort monorail from there as well.
Enjoy a Monorail Ride
The monorail ride itself can be a fun attraction for toddlers. If they enjoy the short ride between the hotels, you can even opt to catch a longer ride on the Epcot monorail with a transfer at the Transportation and Ticket center. The Epcot monorail is about a 20 minute ride and circles through the park and around Spaceship Earth before dropping guests off and heading back for the ticket center.
You can stay on the monorail loops as long as you like or hop off at each stop along the way. Just try to avoid peak busy times, like early in the mornings when the parks open, or later in the evenings when everyone is heading back to their hotels.
Enjoy a Dole whip at the Polynesian Resort
If you’ve wanted to try the infamous Dole Whip, make a stop at the Polynesian Resort, head through the lobby and out to the Pineapple Lanai where you will find little to no wait most of the time. You can find seating outside or inside the Polynesian Lobby.
There is a small grass area outside where toddlers love to run and play. You can also 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 areas.
Stop at the Contemporary and Catch a Glimpse of Characters
Keep your eyes peeled when entering and leaving the Contemporary Resort on the monorail as you just might spot Mickey and his pals walking around Chef Mickey’s. If you’re looking for a character dining experience outside of the parks, this is a favorite choice for families.
Take in the Majestic Grand Floridian Resort
You will feel like royalty when visiting the Grand Floridian Resort. Take in the surroundings and enjoy live music played on the lobby’s grand piano. There is a small sitting area with toddler sized chairs and tv playing Disney cartoons (which you’ll find in all Disney Resort lobbies) to keep little ones entertained while you enjoy the scenery. During the Christmas season, you’ll find a life sized gingerbread house and spectacular tree.
Hotel Hopping the Value Resorts
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. The best way to access these hotels is by car, but you can also take the Skyliner to Disney’s Pop Century and Art of Animation Resorts.
All-Star Resorts
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 hotel sections you will find giant statues and fun areas to run around and explore. If your toddler is a fan of Toy Story, make sure to visit the All-Star Movies Resort!
Pop and AoA
Disney’s Pop Century and Art of Animation Resorts are connected by a walkway across a small lake and are located on Disney’s Skyline. 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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Enjoy a Round of Mini Golf
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 $19 and $12 for children 3-9 at the time of writing this post. Both of these courses are included in the Park Hopper Plus ticket option and may be included in other ticket options, be sure to check what’s included with your ticket. You may call ahead for reservations or walk up to join the list, though there may be a bit of a wait.
Fantasia Gardens and Fairways has two separate courses, Gardens is more child-friendly and the Fairways resembles a miniature professional golf course. Wait the extra time to golf on Gardens if you have little ones in tow. Toddlers will be free and they have child size clubs for them to play with.
Plan Ahead for a Magical Trip
There is certainly no shortage of things to keep your family busy while at Walt Disney World. If you are planning a trip longer than just a few days, most Disney experts recommend scheduling a rest day. A day at the pool is the ultimate rest day, but if you have little ones, you know that’s not always enough to keep them entertained. 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!
