When most people visit Walt Disney World, they usually try to spend as much time as possible in the parks since a lot of money is spent on park tickets. However, if this isn’t your first time to WDW or you’re enjoying Disney for a longer period of time, it can be fun to explore some of the other entertainment Disney has to offer. Here are some of my favorite places out of the parks on Disney property.
- The BoardWalk– Disney’s BoardWalk instantly transports you to the glitz and glamor of turn-of-the-century boardwalks like Coney Island and seaside towns in New England. There, you’ll find amazing food, fun entertainment, and beautiful scenery. During the daytime, a plethora of recreational activities are available for people of all ages- from renting a Surrey bike to setting out on the water on a rented boat. During later hours, older guests can experience the nightlife at Jellyroll’s and the Atlantic Dance Hall, while younger visitors and families will be amazed by live entertainers like jugglers and magicians at dusk and night. The BoardWalk is within walking distance of both Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but you can also catch a Friendship boat both to and from both parks.
- Downtown Disney– Downtown Disney is a massive shopping, dining, and entertainment complex. It is home to the world’s largest Disney store, World of Disney, along with forty other shops (and counting). If you are in the mood for some good grub, try one of Downtown Disney’s world-class restaurants. From dining in the jungle at Rainforest Cafe to enjoying fresh seafood from Fulton’s Crab House, there’s something for everyone at Downtown Disney. For entertainment, House of Blues offers live bands, while Cirque du Soleil: La Nouba features a stunning acrobatic circus that can only be seen in Walt Disney World. Downtown Disney is also a nice way to get away from the crowds at the parks to just stroll around and enjoy the scenery.
- Disney Resorts– Although this may be more of an obvious choice, the Disney Resorts are so unique that it’s hard not to be amazed by them. The diversity that flows throughout the dozens of resorts is astounding. In a matter of minutes, you can travel to the savannas of Africa to the sandy shores of the Caribbean to the golden era of the Victorian age, and everything in-between. Whether you’re staying in a particular Disney resort or not, it can be fun to just explore what Disney has to offer with accommodations and the entertainment found at each respective resort. Many resorts also offer exclusive dining options that can’t be found anywhere else on property. All of the Disney resorts can be accessed from the complimentary bus service offered at all parks, and a few are found along the Monorail line that runs from the Transportation and Ticket Center and Magic Kingdom. Even if it’s just to sit in the lobby to take a breather, visiting the Disney resorts is an experience of its own.
The next time you’re visiting Walt Disney World, I hope you take the opportunity to explore everything the resort has to offer. There are so many options to continue the magic outside the parks, from mini-golf to water parks and more.
