Planning a Non Park Day at Disney World

Did you know that outside the gates of Disney’s theme parks lies more magic?  Working a day or so of “non park” entertainment into your itinerary can allow you to experience Disney’s magic outside the parks.

1.  Downtown Disney-Downtown Disney is a marketplace of shops, restaurants, and entertainment.  It’s divided into three sections-Downtown Disney Marketplace, Downtown Disney West Side, and Pleasure Island.  You can visit the huge LEGO store, enjoy some Ghiradelli ice cream along the waterfront, or listen to live music at various times of the day.  Or, take in a movie, Cirque du Soleil La Nouba performance, and enjoy the Characters in Flight hot air balloon attraction.  If you have a gamer in your travel party, then Disney Quest might be a great way to cool off during the hot days.  It’s an interactive, indoor theme park at Downtown Disney.

2.  Resort Hop-What does this mean?  Basically, you hop on the monorail, a Disney boat or bus for a different Disney resort than where you are staying.  Staying at Contemporary?  Hit the monorail and ride it over to the Polynesian to enjoy a Dole Whip at captain Cook’s and explore the grounds of this Hawaiian themed resort.  The monorail will also take you to the Grand Floridian or you can take the boat to Wilderness Lodge.  There are several EPCOT resorts within walking distance of each other.  Disney’s Beach CLub Resort, Yacht Club Resort, and Boardwalk Inn are all on the Boardwalk area outside of EPCOT.  Another fun excursion could be over to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.  This resort has balconies for viewing the animals on the savanna, and the resort in and of itself is gorgeous.  Exploring some of the theming, restaurants, and views from other resorts can be so much fun!

3.  Disney’s Boardwalk Area-Speaking of the Boardwalk Resorts, hang around the Boardwalk for some non park fun.  To get to the Boardwalk from your resort, simply take a Disney bus.  At the Boardwalk, you can enjoy a surrey ride, movies from the beach, and fun street performers.  This is also the home of Disney’s famous “Kitchen Sink” dessert. Literally, the most ice cream I’ve ever seen in one serving!

4.  Watching Wishes-A “magical” way to end your non park day is watching Wishes from the Polynesian Resort beach. Perhaps plan a 7:00 or so dinner at Chef Mickey’s {at the Contemporary Resort} or Ohana {at Disney’s Polynesian REsort}.  Enjoy your dinner, and take the boat or monorail to the Polynesian Resort.  You can also enjoy Disney’s Electrical Water Pageant from the Poly beach.

Do you plan a day outside the parks?  If so, I’d love to hear about it!

Magically Yours,

Carrie

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