Hiya Jenny! Welcome to planDisney!
Thanks for stopping by with your question! I'm excited about your upcoming visit which will be here before you know it! It seems like you have a lot planned for your stay, including spending time having fun outside of the theme parks. This is one of the best parts about
Walt Disney World, that it offers something for everyone to enjoy!
Jenny, you are correct.
Park reservations along with valid park tickets are required for entry into the four theme parks each day. The same is not the case for the water park or golf options, as you can show up at any point during operating hours to enjoy. Depending on how many park days you purchased tickets for will depend on how many days you have to use them. For example, if you purchased a
4-day park ticket with the water park and sports option added, you'll have four visits to other Walt Disney World activities. You'll also have eight consecutive days to use them all within. Essentially you can plan four days at the theme parks during any of these eight days, then fill in visits to
Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park and miniature golf throughout that time. (Keep in mind, Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex are not available at this time.)
If you want to fit two activities into one day, such as visiting the water park and a theme park on the same day, you can do so as well. Just make sure to make a theme park reservation to the park you plan to visit later in the day, then head over to the water park in the morning. Your theme park reservation will be valid for the entire day. You can also plan to play a round of miniature golf and visit the water park on the same day. This will account for two visits, so keep this in mind when planning.
Jenny, you have plenty of options to choose from when planning your stay! As long as you plan each activity within the consecutive days you are allotted, you should have an easy time firming up your itinerary.
Have a magical day!
Greg