Beyond the parks? What the heck does that mean? You mean there are other things to do?
Heck, yeah! I LOVE doing all the other things you can do without having to use a day on your park ticket. Now, it really doesn't matter for me because I always get an AP, but I really want people to see that there are a lot of things you can take in outside the big 4 parks.
1. Miniature Golf
Disney has two fabulously fun mini golf courses on property! And these just aren't your run-of-the-mill mini golf spots from back home. You get fabulous theming!
Fantasia Gardens is located near the Swan and Dolphin Resort. It's themed to...you guessed it...the classic Fantasia! Actually, the classic themed course is just one of two 18-hole courses at Fantasia Gardens. The other course I haven't actually done. It's supposed to be fairly challenging. But it's also pretty popular because supposedly this course can have the longer wait times.
Cost is around $12 for adults and $10 for kids under 10. Last I checked, if you played a second round right away it was half price.
Winter Summerland is located right near Blizzard Beach waterpark. So it's a little closer to the Animal Kingdom park area. It too has two 18-hole courses: one is covered in "snow" and the other is more tropical and holiday themed. Both courses are probably equal in difficulty, which I'd say is not terrible.
Prices are the same as Fantasia Gardens.
2. Resort Hopping
Resort Hopping means you visit other resorts and just check them out. This can be as simple as deciding to eat at the counter service place at another resort and doing a Hidden Mickey hunt while there.
Keep in mind that pool hopping is not allowed at some resorts. Some resorts allow it, but you need to call ahead and ask about availability.
3. Waterplay
There are lots of water options you can take advantage of.
* Fishing excursions are available. You go out on a pontoon boat and do a little catch-and-release.
* Pole fishing is available at some resorts.
* Rent a SeaRaycer. These little two seaters are available at several resort marinas. Kids age 12+ can pilot with an adult in the same boat. Ages 16+ can drive solo.
4. Dinner Shows
Ahhhh...here we are, back to food! There are three dinner show options on property and all of them are outside the parks.
* Hoop Dee Doo Revue is an old West Vaudeville type show at Fort Wilderness. It's all you care to eat ribs, chicken, salad, corn bread and strawberry shortcake for dessert. There are usually three shows each night.
* Mickey's Backyard BBQ is a bit of a character experience and located at Fort Wilderness as well. It features more of your picnic type foods. Chicken, hot dogs, ribs, salads, corn on the cob...stuff like that. This one is not held year round nor is it every day. It's usually on Tuesdays and Thursdays and is on hiatus for part of the winter months.
* Spirit of Aloha Luau is held at the Polynesian Resort. You get the whole nine yards: hula dancing. tiki torches, fire dancing, etc. You can expect the food to feature salad, pineapple, chicken, rice vegetables and a "volcano" dessert. There are usually two shows each night the show plays, which is Tuesday through Saturday.
5. Shopping at Downtown Disney
I think this is probably an obvious answer, but sometimes people forget that Downtown Disney is on the Disney Transportation System and is easy to get to. You can take a leisurely shopping day, but it window shopping or buying the stores out. Plus, the people watching can be very entertaining!
A couple more tidbits... It's sounding like Disney is NOT raising ticket prices tomorrow. They may be waiting for the first full weekend in August to do that. Stay tuned!
Also, it seems that Rapunzel and Flynn from the new Tangled movie will be moving into the space where Storytime with Belle used to be in Magic Kingdom later this year. I'll be interested to see that. From the previews, Rapunzel and Flynn look like a hoot. They could be hugely entertaining.
Have a great weekend!
Mary
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