15 Things to Do at Disney World Besides the Parks

Most people think of the Disney Parks like Magic Kingdom and EPCOT when they think of Disney World, for good reason. But, there are so many things to do outside the parks to have fun at Disney World, and the best part is, you don’t have to pay for a ticket just to get to the activity (and some of the activities are free). If you’re looking for something to do on a resort day around Disney World, here’s some awesome activities. I’ll let you know about helicopter tours, things to do at Disney Resorts and things to do at Disney Springs.

The Aerophile at Disney Springs. Cred: Neil Williamson https://flic.kr/p/23C4KkZ

Helicopters over Disney World

I want to start with a hidden activity that’s unbelievably awesome. You can hop in a helicopter and see all of the Orlando attractions. You can see the parks like never before! This is an experience you’re not likely to ever forget. Head here to book.

A view of Galaxy’s Edge from the helicopter.

Fireworks Helicopter Tour at Disney

If a helicopter tour isn’t cool enough, you can book one at night and see the fireworks shows at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. Nothing is cooler than watching the fireworks at the height of the fireworks. Head here to book.

An amazing view of the EPCOT fireworks. Easier to see from here. Don’t even have to carry my kids to see.

Things to do at Disney Resorts

If you are looking for things to do outside of the Disney parks, check out the resorts. It doesn’t matter if you’re staying at a resort or not, you can participate in tons of amazing activities. Here are some of the best.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Night Safari

If you head over to Animal Kingdom Lodge (not the park) at night, they have an exciting opportunity. You can go on to the nature preserve and see all the animals at night. Most of the animals are more active at night, but you can’t see them. That’s why they give you night vision goggles! It’s a good idea to reserve this ahead of time. What happened to the goat? (Jurassic Park reference) https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/animal-kingdom/night-safari/

Sangria University at Coronado Springs

Coronado Springs has a hidden restaurant called Three Bridges that has world-class sangria. We love eating there, but you can only eat there if you happen to be near the restaurant to join the waiting list. However, you can sign up for the Sangria University and learn how to make their phenomenal sangrias (and try them all). Go here to sign up https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/coronado-springs-resort/sangria-university/

Karaoke at Disney World- Swan Hotel/Kimono Lounge

It seems obvious that Disney would have a karaoke opportunity. Very few people standing on property right now haven’t imagined themselves as part of one of the musicals. Therefore, it’s a bit surprising that the only karaoke opportunity is at the non-Disney Swan Hotel. Our family is obsessed with karaoke. Head over to the Kimono Lounge and let it go (see what I did there?). https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/swan-hotel/kimonos-lounge/

Archery at Ft. Wilderness

It seems like a great headline: “Florida man shoots bow and arrow in Disney World.” But if you head to Ft. Wilderness you can live out your Robin Hood or Merida dreams and shoot at targets. And don’t worry—they’ll teach you how to shoot them as well. You can find the details here. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/recreation/fort-wilderness-archery-experience/

Golf at Disney World

The iconic Mickey bunker at Lake Buena Vista golf course. See if you can accidentally land in both ears.

Disney World might be known for its parks, but Florida is known for its golf. If you want to enjoy a round in the middle of January while your home course is buried in snow, head to one of Disney’s amazing courses. It also might be a good getaway from the crowds while still experiencing some Disney magic. Bunkers aren’t as miserable when they are shaped like Mickey. Golf at Disney is not an afterthought either. Some of these courses have been here since Disney World opened.

Disney World has 4 courses, one of which is a 9-hole course. The prices are lower than I expected—between $65-150 a round, depending on time of year and time of day—given that many resort courses can easily top $200 a round. Follow this link for more information and a tee time https://www.golfwdw.com/. They’ll let you putt with your light saber.

Things to Do at Disney Springs

For a lot of Disney World guests, activities outside the parks means heading to Disney Springs. There are tons of amazing restaurants, unique stores, and whole bunch of awesome activities for you to make core memories. You can also take a boat from Disney Springs to French Quarter to get beignets!

Mixology Class at Disney Springs

The Edison at Disney Springs is known for it’s unbelievable cocktails. They don’t have bartenders. They have mixologists. And if you want to step up your bartending game—either to be a better host or just to make a drink that reminds you of Disney—sign up for one of these amazing mixology classes. https://www.theedisonfla.com/cocktail-culture/

Disney Springs Hot Air Balloon- Aerophile

The next activity is the iconic hot air balloon. If you’ve come within a mile of Disney Springs on a day that isn’t windy, you’ve probably seen the Aerophile up in the sky. It’s actually not a hot air balloon but a helium balloon. At only $25 a person, this is one of the most reasonable experiences for how exciting it is.

Custom Lego MiniFigure

Disney Springs has a LEGO store. There you can find some amazing Disney, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and other builds to purchase. You can also see some unbelievable Lego art, including the dragon from Sleeping Beauty, Star Wars characters, and a Loch Ness monster coming up out of the lake in front of the store.

The newest feature at the store is the Custom Lego Minifigure Experience. Here you can create your own LEGO character, including designing the t-shirt. My daughters and I checked out this experience last time we were here. They had an amazing time drawing their designs. I made a Second Dad to the Right minifigure.

My best attempt at drawing my logo. I write. I don’t do visual art.

You can go to the store and get on the waiting list, or you can go to the website and sign up online.

Cake Decorating at Disney Springs

Another great activity to do outside the parks is to head to Amorette’s to learn cake decorating. When we go to Amorette’s, we’re blown away by the expertise. It’s like watching Cake Boss. You can book a class where they’ll teach you to do the iconic Mickey cake. Then you can take it back to your resort and destroy your art. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/disney-springs/amorettes-patisserie-cake-decorating-experience/

Bowling at Splitsville

How about bowling at Disney World? Splitsville has several bowling lanes if you’ve missed your favorite pastime. They also have the best bowling alley food anywhere. Never thought I’d eat sushi at a bowling alley, but it was amazing.

Disney Springs Movie Theater

Disney Springs has a full movie theater as well. What could be better than catching the latest Marvel or Pixar movie at Disney World? Well actually, watching the latest Marvel or Pixar movie on a Disney cruise ship for free is better, but this is close! Not only are you in the magic, there will be tons of people dressed up for the movie as well. The amount of Barbie and Haunted Mansion costumes I saw this summer was staggering.

Tip: if you are planning on watching a popular movie here, get your tickets really early. Everyone had the same idea as you.

Raglan Road Irish Dancing

Third baby to the right and I are watching the amazing show at Raglan Road.

Our favorite restaurant to go to as a family at Disney Springs is Raglan Road. It’s amazing Irish fare with great drinks and the best bread pudding at Disney World (fight me). But it also has a show with Irish tap dancing and live folk musicians. Go watch their amazing skill and learn the complicated clap to “Whiskey in the Jar.”

Tip: Not everyone gets to sit where they can see the show. Book an early reservation and then ask to sit where you can see. It make extend your wait time by awhile, but you can get a mobile notification while you walk around the rest of Disney Springs.

Further Reading

Hopefully that gives you some good ideas for days when you’re not at the parks! Check this post out if your looking for date night ideas at Disney World, and this post if you’re looking for activities for kids at Disney Springs. Let me know in the comments your favorite activities outside the parks.