Hey Howdy Hey Janet and welcome to planDisney!
Taking little ones to Walt Disney World Resort is such an amazing experience. As a GrilDad of three, we have taken our girls to Walt Disney World at various ages and let me tell you, there is so much to do on your non-park days that we still schedule them because we have so much fun just exploring the resort! Let's start by exploring your home resort.
I would take full advantage of all that your
Disney Resort Collection hotel has to offer. The big one is the pool. There usually is something for little ones to do at each hotel, usually a splash pad or smaller slides and shallow water areas, that little ones love. These areas are made for the little ones but so easy for adults to get around and help them out as needed with stairs and slides and such. You can spend a whole day just letting them run wild!
I would also recommend stopping by the front desk, as many of the resorts have scheduled times of activities around the resort and pool areas. Most of them are free of charge but some of the activities do cost a bit for supplies if making a craft.
Make sure to explore the dining locations at your resort as well. Dining locations like
Landscape of Flavors at Disney's Art of Animation Resort has so many great food offerings and snacks that sometimes just trying something new for an afternoon break is a great way to spend some time.
Many of the resorts often have outdoor play areas and just spaces for the kids to run around. My daughters use to love just having space to walk and run without as many obstacles as in the parks. In the evenings you can check out the
Campfires and
Movies Under the Stars. You can help the little ones roast marshmallows over a fire or you can purchase S'mores kits for the ultimate campfire snack which are available at most resorts. Movies Under the Stars happens almost every night when Disney Cast Members set up a mobile screen and play a Disney movie. The list of shows is also available at the front desk. Usually, this takes place outdoors so the kids can sit and watch as well as take breaks and move around a bit. This is also where I would suggest exploring different resorts as well.
You are totally allowed to check out the movies and campfires at other resorts as well. So if you have a nearby resort that is playing a different movie or you just want to visit a different resort, go ahead and try it! Getting there can also be a great experience. Try to visit resorts with different modes of transportation like
Disney Skyliner, the
Monorail or water transportation. These modes of transport are so much fun to experience and a great way to see the resort from a different view. One thing we love doing is riding the resort monorail. At each stop, we get off and try a dessert or snack from the hotels, explore the resort and hop back on for the next! It is so much fun and our girls loved snacking, walking and riding the monorail!
There is just so much to Walt Disney World other than the parks and I hope I was able to give you some ideas for other options. Let us know if you have any other questions and I hope you have a Magical stay for your upcoming trip!
Have a Magical Day,
Nick