Exploring WDW: Outside of the Park Gates
- paigelandrum
- Jun 3
- 6 min read
As I sit here and plan my own family’s next trip to Walt Disney World, I am trying to fill an itinerary with a good portion of our days outside of the park.
Outside of the park? You say to yourself. Why travel to Walt Disney World to spend a majority of your time outside of the park?
Well let me tell you friend, I am on a mission to make my husband fall in love with Walt Disney World the way that I and my children have. And if I know him, it’s not the top attractions or nighttime spectaculars that will convert him, and no, he doesn't feel nostalgic walking down Main Street (GASP, I know!). For him, I need to show all of the little hidden gems that Disney offers. The ones that are a little less well known, the ones that don’t require a Lightning Lane or 50 minute wait, and the ones that come with shade or AC.
Here is how I plan to spend a majority of our next trip, to show off how fun Disney can be outside of the theme parks.
Explore the Resorts
Each Disney resort offers its own atmosphere, architecture, and amenities. This makes resort hopping a great way to experience more of Disney without stepping foot into a park.
Keep in mind that while you can visit and eat at any resort, you cannot use some of the amenities (like the resort pools) unless you are a guest at that specific resort.
With Disney’s complimentary transportation, this is easier than ever. A few of our favorite ways to hit multiple resorts is:
The Monorail Loop: Stop by the Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian resorts. Each one offers unique dining, shopping, and relaxing spots to explore. This is even more glorious during the holiday season, checking out the life-sized gingerbread houses is a must! While you’re at the Grand Floridian take advantage of the the PhotoPass station on the second floor.
The Skyliner Resorts: Check out the Riviera, Caribbean Beach, Pop Century, and Art of Animation. If you take it all the way to the EPCOT stop, you can even explore Yacht & Beach Club, and Boardwalk Inn. Pop Century and Art of Animation are especially fun for younger kids, with larger-than-life theming and wide open spaces. For a more relaxing afternoon, climb in a hammock at Caribbean Beach and take a nap, or stroll along the Boardwalk and pop into the shops while eating one of the many treats offered..
Sassagoula River Cruise: Take a sunset cruise and explore the 4 resorts that are along the Sassagoula River; Port Orleans Riverside, Port Orleans French Quarter, Saratoga Springs, and Old Key West. Make sure to grab some beignets from the French Quarter or take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage at Port Orleans Riverside.
Visit Disney Springs
Disney Springs offers shopping, dining, and entertainment, all in one walkable area. It’s especially nice in the late afternoon or evening, and is a great place to grab dinner. Some of our family favorites include:
Family-friendly restaurants like The Boathouse or Polite Pig
The LEGO store
Live music and street performers throughout the day
Splitsville for a round of bowling and an afternoon snack
Treats from Gideon’s Bakehouse
I’ll be honest, Disney Springs is rarely on our must-do list unless we are staying at a resort on the Sassagoula River, in which case we do ride the boat over, even if it's just to grab a cookie and then head back. However this is a great option for a flexible, open-ended outing. We typically will eat first and then browse the shops until our kids let us know that it’s clearly past bedtime.
Walk the Disney Boardwalk
Tucked away on Crescent Lake, is one of Disney’s most charming spots, and my favorite place on all of Disney property- Disney’s Boardwalk. Here you can stroll along the waterfront, enjoy a scoop of ice cream (or margarita for Mom), watch street performers, or rent a Surrey bike. It’s especially nice in the early evening, with lights twinkling and entertainment popping up.
The Atlantic Dance Hall is a great place for adults to spend the night dancing to music from the ‘80s, ‘90s and today. Between the Boardwalk and the 5 resorts within walking distance, the entertainment and food options are endless.
Dine at the Resorts
Many of Disney's most popular restaurants are located at the resorts. In my season of life, having a 2 and 4 year old, sit-down dining is not high on our priority list, but if you are a family that enjoys eating out, this is such a fun activity to plan!
Some of my favorite resort restaurants are:
Topolinos at the Riviera Resort for a character dining breakfast.
‘Ohana at the Polynesian for a family-style meal with island-inspired dishes. Catch Mickey, Pluto, Lilo and Stitch in the morning, or enjoy a view of the fireworks from Magic Kingdom during a late dinner.
Sanaa at Animal Kingdom Lodge, where you can enjoy African-inspired cuisine with views of the animals outside.
These dining experiences can add something special to a non-park day. Additionally, there are 6 resort restaurants that have character dining, you can read more about those here.
Enjoy a Round of Mini Golf:
Disney has two mini golf courses that are themed and family-friendly; Fantasia Gardens near the Boardwalk and Winter Summerland near Blizzard Beach.
I haven’t done this activity with my kids yet, but I am excited to try it on our next visit, as I feel like my oldest is old enough now to at least semi-understand the rules. Both courses are great for both young and older kids, and they make a fun, easy outing on a non-park day.
Depending on your package, these may come complimentary with your stay! An AMAAB travel advisor can help with this.
Visit Fort Wilderness
I’ve mentioned my husband likes places off the beaten path, so a trip to Fort Wilderness is definitely in the plans for our next trip. Fort Wilderness is where you will find the cabins as well as the camping area. This is home as well to Tri-Circle-D Ranch where more than 90 horses live and are taken care of by cast members.
Additionally there are:
Pony rides and wagon rides or bike rentals;
Canoe and kayak rentals;
Guided fishing excursions;
Bike rentals; and
The Wilderness Back Trail Adventure - my kids aren’t old enough for this, but it looks so fun!
Fort Wilderness is such a peaceful setting that feels like a complete change of pace from the theme parks, and even with the absence of the breakfast buffet at Trail’s End (R.I.P.), it’s a place I know my family will love too.
2025 Free Water Park Promo
Don’t forget that if you are traveling in 2025 and staying on-site at one of their many resorts, you will receive a free visit to one of Disney’s water parks on check-in day.
Even if you’re not heading into a water park, most resorts have splash zones and themed kiddie areas that your entire family is sure to love.
Take Advantage of Resort Activities
Most resorts offer a daily schedule with a multitude of activities, which may include:
Poolside games and trivia;
Campfires with marshmallow roasting;
Evening movies on the lawn; and
Arts and crafts or scavenger hunts for kids.
I always like to check ahead when selecting a resort, so I know what all there is to do for my younger kids for downtimes when we are not in the parks.
These are a great way to unwind while still enjoying something fun. Check out how my friend and fellow AMAAB travel advisor Melissa McGill spent her time on a resort-focused Walt Disney World Vacation here.
Low-Key Magic at Its Finest
Walt Disney World is so much more than just the theme parks, it’s a full vacation destination with magic waiting to be discovered all across property. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love the parks and all the unforgettable moments they bring, but there’s a quieter kind of magic in the lesser-known spots that’s just as special. I can’t wait to share them with my family this year and help them see a whole new world outside of the park gates. This is what fans lovingly call 'The Disney Bubble.'
AMAAB Travel Advisor
Want to experience the Disney Bubble? Our AMAAB Travel Advisors are here to help you get started planning your next Walt Disney World Vacation... including helping you plan activities outside of the theme parks. Fill out our complimentary quote request when you are ready to countdown to the MAGIC.
Comments