resort polynesian castle monorail
  • On Jan 21, 2023
    Rachel from AR Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    I'm planning my second non-park stay in a few months. What are your MUST do extras outside of the parks? I'm traveling with 3 adults (myself included) and a 9 year old boy. Thanks!

    Welcome back to planDisney, Rachel! 

    What I love the most about Walt Disney World Resort is that there are so many activities and experiences outside of the four theme parks. I am more than happy to share what my own family of four does when we want a change of pace. 

    My first recommendation is to check out the one-and-only Disney Springs! I’m a major foodie, so a lunch or dinner at Disney Springs is a must-do when I’m not visiting the theme parks. Some of my favorite spots for a tasty meal are Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ for its brunch (the fried chicken and doughnuts are an oddly delightful combo) and Splitsville Luxury Lanes (lunch plus bowling is always a good idea). This is also a great place to do some shopping on your non-parks day. You’ll find a lot of merchandise that you can find in the parks at World of Disney, plus an array of well-known global brands.

    We also really love doing Disney Monorail and/or Disney Skyliner crawls. For instance, off of the Disney Skyliner route, we’ll spend the afternoon relaxing at Disney’s BoardWalk riding on a 4-person Surrey bike (or even walking over to Fantasia Gardens & Miniature Golf for a round of mini golf). Then we’ll take the Disney Skyliner from the EPCOT International Gateway to visit the various resort hotels. My kiddos love Topolino’s Terrace to visit Mickey Mouse at Disney’s Riviera Resort, and I really love getting a bite to eat at Sebastian’s Bistro at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. If you’d prefer a nighttime crawl, I strongly recommend a visit to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort to watch the Magic Kingdom Park fireworks from its beach.  

    AN EXTRA GEM:  Consider a visit to Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park (Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is currently closed). It’s a great way for all of the adults and your child to have some fun in the sun without the hustle and bustle of the theme parks. 

    Rachel, please revisit us here at planDisney if you have any further questions as you gear up for your next magical vacation! 

    Magic always, 
    LeAndra 
thumbnail image for LeAndra

Meet the Panelist: LeAndra, Florida

Hey, Mouseketeer! I'm LeAndra, a wife, mom of two, and content creator from beautiful Central Florida. I've lived near The Most Magical Place on Earth for my entire life; so, I like to say that I'm a Guardian of this galaxy! My love of all-things-Disney has also taken me on multiple cross-country road trips to Disneyland Resort and on a few flights over to Disneyland Paris. I am oh-so-grateful to be a part of your world by helping you plan your magical vacations.  Learn More About LeAndra

Related Video

  • thumbnail image for Top Spring Break Tips at Disney | planDisney Podcast - Episode 1

Didn't find what you were looking for? Click the Ask a Question button to open the Ask a Question dialogue box. If you are not logged in a dialogue box will appear to signin in order to ask a question.

To submit your question, please log in now if you have not already done so.

Ask a QuestionOpens the Ask a Question dialog box.
x

Update Browser

For a better experience browsing this website, please download an updated version of Internet Explorer.


Or you can continue browsing without updating.