100+ Tips for Walt Disney World Resort Without Theme Park Tickets

Pro tip: You will be amazed how much you love Disney without theme park tickets!

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You probably already know that Walt Disney World Resort has something for everyone inside of it’s four theme parks. What you might not realize is that there is so much to do outside Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, that it is completely reasonable to book an amazing vacation at Disney without theme park tickets!

In fact, we have done exactly that several times!

With theme park admission ticket prices steadily on the rise, here are some options to help you reign in those ticket costs for your next journey to the Sunshine State without sacrificing any fun family adventures. You might just find yourself on your way to Orlando much more often when you discover all the fun you can have at Disney without theme park tickets!

Fitness

Surely you could have guessed that ways to stay active on your next visit would top my list! This is an excellent opportunity to get your entire family in on the heart-pounding action…and I don’t mean just on Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith!

Resort Running

Running at Walt Disney World Resort makes the miles fly by! Every Walt Disney World Resort hotel offers a safe, generally well-lit running path. The Cast Members at the front desk would be happy to supply you with a map or you will find wooden signage near the start of the path to indicate distance options.

The best options are when a path connects two or more Resort hotels. Then, you have plenty of routes to create the milage you crave for the day. These are my favorite places to run at Walt Disney World Resort:

• The trail connecting Disney’s Old Key West Resort and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. When you add the Resort sections themselves, this is a great run.
• The path around Hourglass Lake between Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort.
• Around Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.
• The loop connecting Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios all around Disney’s BoardWalk.
• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and the connecting path to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
• The Trail connecting all three All Start Resorts.
• TIP: Several Resort hotels host an organized run one morning per week. These generally involve a finishers medal or Disney Trading Pin, so don’t miss out! Check your Resort Activity Calendar for the latest schedule.

runDisney

Take part in the most magical races in America, right at Walt Disney World Resort! Every runDisney race weekend gives runners, walkers, and run/walk-ers the chance to make and achieve a new goal, meet very rare characters, and even check out backstage areas normally off limits to Guests! There is a distance for everyone who has the courage to try!

• Kids races from diaper dashes to the 1-mile
• 5k
• 10k
• Half Marathon
• Marathon – Only during Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend
• Multi-day, multi-race challenges

TIP: Pick the race weekend theme that speaks to you and register early! Some races are notorious for selling out within minutes of registration opening. Be sure to subscribe to this blog and join our social media channels to keep updated about registration dates.

• Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend in January – Your only chance to run the full 26.2 mile experience with Mickey. Race Challenges for this weekend are:
  • The Goofy Challenge – Half marathon followed by the Full Marathon
  • The Dopey Challenge – 5k, 10k, Half Marathon and Full Marathon.
• Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend in February
• Star Wars Rival Run Weekend Weekend in April
• Disney’s Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend in November

Bike

• Explore beautiful Resort hotels as a family with a two or four person Surrey Bike Rental, available at:
  • Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
  • Disney’s Old Key West Resort
  • Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Both Riverside and French Quarter
  • Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
• Cruise around on two wheels (or four, since training wheels are available on a limited basis) with standard bike rentals from:
  • Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
  • Disney’s Old Key West Resort
  • Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
  • Disney’s Old Key West Resort
  • Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts – French Quarter and Riverside.
  • Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and The Campsites and Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, but this program is suspended due to construction projects. I hope it returns!

Lap Swimming

If you’re sure that lounging in the shallow end of the family pool with a frosty beverage isn’t keeping up with your swim training, consider booking your stay at one of these Walt Disney World Resort hotels with lap pools:

• Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort has a small lap pool in the Casitas section
• Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort has two lap pools

equestrian

You might have noticed when you weren’t experiencing Disney without theme park tickets that horses are important Cast Members at Walt Disney World Resort. From pulling Cinderella’s Carriage to the immediately identifiable “Clip-Clop-Clip-Clop” of Daredevil’s hooves as the Headless Horseman rides through Magic Kingdom Park during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, these beautiful animals enhance the theme park experience. Did you know that you can also enjoy them on your non-park days? Visit the Tri-Circle-D Ranch at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort for:

• Pony rides
• Longer trail rides on horseback
• Horse drawn carriage rides
• Holiday “Sleigh” rides
• Wagon rides
• A visit to Dragon Calliope, a horse-drawn musical instrument purchased by Walt Disney himself
• Everything you need for a casual game of horseshoes is normally on the ground just outside Trails End, the restaurant between the Ranch and the boat launch.

Golf

• Enjoy the full 18 -holes or squeeze in a quick nine at any of five full golf courses on site:
  • Disney’s Palm Golf Course
  • Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course
  • Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course
  • Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course
  • Tranquilo Golf Club
• Work with a resident Golf Pro for:
  • Lessons by the hour
  • Golf School
  • Group Lessons
  • Video analysis of your swing
• Practice your putt on the putting greens
• Improve your shot at the driving ranges
• If mini-golf is more your style, visit:
  • Winter Summerland Miniature Golf
  • Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf
• For something truly different, give Footgolf a try at Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course. (Yes! This is a real thing)

Yoga

Yoga is an incredible way to start your day, even when you aren’t visiting Disney without theme park tickets! Several Resort hotels offer complimentary organized yoga classes. Check your Resort Activity Calendar for days and times of:

• Lakeside Yoga at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Rise & Shine Yoga at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
• Sunrise Yoga at
  • Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
  • Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
  • Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts

Spas and fitness centers

If your fitness and pampering routine is more suited for the indoors, here are some options for you:

Weight rooms and cardio equipment

The following Walt Disney World Resort hotels offer an on-site fitness center:

• Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
• Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
• Disney’s Old Key West Resort
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, both Kidani Village and Jambo House

Spa services

For everything from massages pedicures, relax in these luxurious spa

• Mandara Spa at Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
• La Vida Health Club at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
• Senses, a Disney Spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
• Senses, a Disney Spa and Salon at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Zahanati Massage and Fitness Center at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Ship Shape Massage, Salon, and Fitness and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
• The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort

Fun on the open water

Walt Disney World Resort has a fascinating construction history, with much of the story involving on how the engineers could work with the water on-site. With a man-made lagoon and natural rivers, swamp lands, and lakes, this is no-doubt a waterman’s vacation choice

Fishing

• Cane Pole Fishing at the Fishin’ Hole on Ol’ Man Island, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
• Fishing Excursions with a Guide from:
  • The Magic Kingdom Area Resort hotels on Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon
    • Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
    • Disney’s Contemporary Resort
    • Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
    • Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
    • The Campsites & Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
  • Disney Springs Area Resort hotels along the Sassagoula River
    • Disney’s Old Key West Resort
    • Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
    • Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts – Riverside and French Quarter
• Disney Vacation Club Members are invited to compete in a weekly largemouth Bass fishing tournament held on Thursday mornings from 10 am – noon from Disney’s Contemporary Resort

boating

• Small, motorized boats are available for private rental, in 30-minute increments, from Walt Disney World Resort hotel marinas. Choose to:
  • Rent a Sea Raycer, a 2-seater motorboat
  • Explore as a whole crew on a pontoon boat for up to 10
  • Speed away on a 6-passenger Boston Whaler Montauk
• Rent a Kayak at The Cabins and Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
• Rent a canoe from The Cabins and Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
• Reserve a Private Fireworks Cruise
• Enjoy a Private Day Cruise around Crescent Lake and World Showcase Lagoon
• Relax in style on the Grand 1 Yacht on Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake
• Watch Happily Ever After from a new vantage point on a:
  • Ferrytale Fireworks: A Sparkling Dessert Cruise
  • Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage
  • Simply board one of the boats used for transportation to and from Magic Kingdom Park during the timeframe for a nighttime spectacular. It won’t feel quite as luxurious, but it’s still amazing!
• Teens can investigate mysteries of pirates past on the Unsolved Mysteries of Barefoot Bay Adventure Cruise from Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
• Young pirate enthusiasts (4-12) can sail the:
  • Islands of the Caribbean Pirate Cruise from Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort on Sundays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
  • Albatross Treasure Cruise from Bayside Marina in front of Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays

Exploring with food & drink

Some wonderful Walt Disney World Resort memories are made around the table. If you fancy a foodie scavenger hunt, here are some must-stops on your culinary adventure that don’t require stepping foot into a theme park.

Must try Signature Desserts

• Try a Dole Whip from Pineapple Lanai at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• Check out the current, limited edition cupcakes found at Contempo Cafe at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Take the Flavor Challenge (taste every flavor available) at Ample Hills Creamery
• Attempt the Kitchen Sink Sundae at Beaches & Cream at Disney’s Beach Club Resort
  • TIP: For fewer Guests or smaller appetites, go for the Mickey Pants Sundae for the bonus souvenir
• Dessert for breakfast: order the Tonga Toast from Kona Cafe. Trust me!
• Savor the Zebra Domes from The Mara (or Boma) at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Indulge in beignets from Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
• Purchase a cupcake from a specially designed vending machine in front of Sprinkles at Disney Springs

Alcohol

• Visit Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. (I hear he is always having a special.)
• Watch as the Brewmaster crafts beer onsite at Big River Grille & Brewing Works
• Highway in the Sky Dine Around Progressive Dinner or it’s unofficial little brother, the Monorail Pub Crawl
• The Disney Food Blog Skyliner Pub Crawl
• People watch from AbracadaBAR
• Relax in Enchanted Rose, a Beauty & the Beast themed lounge at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Wednesday Wine Tasting at Jiko in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Wine and Mixology Seminars at Disney’s Old Key West Resort

Disney Springs

There is so much to see and do at Disney Springs, that I believe this area needed it’s own category! You will hardly even notice that you are visiting Disney without theme park tickets after a visit, because you can expect to find something new whenever you head over to this beautiful shopping, entertainment, and dining district. Here are some ideas for your next visit:

• Bowling at Splittsville
• Catch a movie at AMC Disney Springs 24
• Take in the live entertainment all around
• Lego car racing in front of the Lego Store
• Princess or Knight makeover experience at Bibbidy Bobbidy Boutique
• Take a ride in an Amphicar, launching from The BOATHOUSE
• See everything from above in the Aerophile hot air balloon
• Learn a new skill at an Amorette’s Cake Decorating Experience
• Shop until you drop!
• Take a ride on the Marketplace Carousel
• Choo! Choo! Ride the tiny train of the Marketplace Train Express
• Experience The Void: Step Beyond Reality
• Visit the NBA Experience
• Try your legs at Irish Step Dancing at Raglan Road

Classes, culture, Experiences & shows

Isn’t part of the appeal of travel that we are always growing and learning? This is especially true with select Walt Disney World Resort classes and experiences like:

• Painting With a View at the Top of the World Lounge on Tuesday and Thursday mornings – For Disney Vacation Club Members Only
• Take a cultural tour of:
  • Sanaa
  • Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Take an art tour of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village or Jambo House
• Join the drum circle at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village
• Wonderland Tea Party – Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney’s Perfectly Princess Tea – Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• The Legend of Conch Flats tour at Disney’s Old Key West Resort
• Take an organized painting class like:
  • Painting on De Bayou at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
  • Painting with a POP at Disney’s POP Century Resort
  • Win, Paint, SHOW at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
  • Colors of Coronado Painting Experience – Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
  • Painting in the Vineyard at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts
• Enjoy the Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show
• Have a rootin’ tootin’ good time at Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review
• Wanyama Safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Resort Specific Activities

With such spectacularly themed Resort hotels, here are a few ideas to keep you entertained close to “Home.”

Salon Services

Special event? Family photo session? Big night out? Sometimes we need a salon treatment to feel our best. Here are the salons available for you on your Walt Disney World Resort vacation:

• La Vida Health Club at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
• Senses – A Disney Spa and Salon at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Ship Shape Massage, Salon, and Fitness at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Daily Family fun

Under the Stars

• Watch Movies Under the Stars hosted at most Walt Disney World Resort hotels nightly
• Most Walt Disney World Resort hotels prepare a large campfire nightly, weather permitting
  • TIP: The very best campfire is Chip’n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long at The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. Truth be told, it can be difficult to reach the location using exclusively Disney transportation if you aren’t staying at this location or it’s sister, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Give yourself plenty of time!
• Catch Happily Ever After with a great view from:
  • The beach, boat docks, or pools at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort or Disney’s Contemporary Resort & Spa
  • The walkway (named Skyway Bridge) between Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower
• Enjoy Disney’s Electrical Water Pageant on Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon

Anytime Adventures

• Disney Vacation Club Members can rent DVDs for free from any DVC Resort
• Craft, play board games, level up on your favorite video game at Community Halls, family community centers, at:
  • Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village
  • Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  • Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
  • Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
  • Disney’s Old Key West Resort
• TIP: These Community Halls are my very favorite way to spend a rainy day at Walt Disney World Resort or even to take a midday break. I have yet to find an age where these are not the perfect solution to any vacation crankiness.
• Explore Disney transportation options.
  • Zip around Resort track and the Epcot track of the Monorail
  • Fly on the Disney Skyliner
  • Try to sail on each type of Walt Disney World Resort transportation system boat
  • TIP: These are the different styles:
    • FriendShips around Crescent Lake between Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios (ECV and Stroller Friendly)
    • Large boats that bring Guests between Magic Kingdom Park and The Cabins and Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort (ECV and Stroller Friendly)
    • Smaller launches for routes between Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (ECVs not permitted and strollers must be folded)
    • Water Taxis on the Sassagoula River with service to Disney Springs from Disney’s Old Key West Resort, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter and Riverside (ECV and stroller friendly)
  • Channel your inner Merida at the Fort Wilderness Archery Experience
  • “The wilderness must be explored” and you can do that by Segway on the Wilderness Back Trail Adventure at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
  • Search for Hidden Mickeys all around the property

Let us know in the comments or on our Facebook Page if you tried some of these activities and love them or even if you have more options to add to this list!

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