Anyone who has ever been to Walt Disney World can tell you that there is a whole world beyond the 4 theme parks, with so many things to do that you could spend a whole week doing them and not even set foot in the Parks! Of course, I wouldn’t recommend that, as the Theme Parks are amazing too, but what I would recommend is that you try some of these awesome non theme park activities for when you need a little break from all the Park action:
1. Monorail Resort Tour – This is a great way to spend an afternoon (especially since the afternoon is when the Parks are the hottest and most crowded, so any escape from that is welcome in me book!), and you can take the Resort monorail from the Magic Kingdom over to The Grand Floridian, Polynesian, and Contemporary Resorts. These are all Deluxe Disney Resorts, which means they are some of the nicest on property. I like to just stroll around the grounds of these resorts, taking pictures, relaxing, and taking in the atmosphere. At the Contemporary, I really enjoy the gift shop and pool area, and the Polynesian has its own self serve dole whip machine, and the Grand Floridian is just so beautiful and regal, with a huge lobby, it’s a great place to take a stroll! I also highly recommend planning a meal at one of the great restaurants at these resorts, each one offers a character meal, as well as other sit down and quick service dining options. I did this “monorail resort tour” last time I was at Walt Disney World, and it was really fun, and a great way to see some new Resorts (that I will probably never be able to stay at, but it’s nice to dream, isn’t it?)
2. Watersports – Not only can you go waterskiiing, parasailing, and fishing at WDW but you can also rent various watercrafts like jet skis, pontoon boats, and motor boats. This option is available at several WDW Resorts, for more info on where you can rent the various watercrafts click here. We rented a boat from the Contemporary recently, and the price was pretty reasonable, and the views were amazing! What a perfect afternoon activity!
3. Get Some Exercise – Ok, so we all know that a vacation at Walt Disney World means a LOT of walking, so it’s not like you are not getting your exercise, but in case you are looking for something different, WDW has plenty of options for you! Many Resorts offer bike rentals, as well as paddle boat/canoe rentals, as well as walking/jogging paths so you can really get your workout in while on vacation! Check out this info on working out at WDW
4.Downtown Disney – This entertainment complex has it all! From some amazing places to shop, to some drool-worthy restaurants, to an exclusive Cirque De Soleil show, to a movie theater and soon they will even have a bowling alley! Downtown Disney really has it all, and it’s a great place to spend a day, and the best part is, since it’s not a Theme Park, that means there is no separate admission charge, you can stroll around the Marketplace all day and into the night, when the Pleasure Island area comes alive with music and dancing!
5. Explore Unique Dining Options – The WDW Theme Parks have plenty of amazing food, from snack carts to counter service to table service, there are a lot of options, but after a while they can all start to feel the same, and they are usually crowded and loud (in my experience anyway!). Which is why I HIGHLY recommend you plan some meals at some of the amazing restaurants located outside the WDW Theme Parks. All of the WDW Resorts have their own dining choices, and many are worth checking out. Our personal favorite? Boma, where the African cuisine is different and always fresh and delicious. Aside from the WDW Resort Hotels, you can also find a lot of options in Downtown Disney, like Raglan Road Irish Pub, as well as Wolfgang Puck eateries – both in counter service and table service varieties
A runner up for this top 5 list would have to be the ultimate in relaxation – spending a day at one of WDW’s Spas and getting pampered while your worries are massaged away! This can be a pricey way to spend a day, but if you are celebrating a special occasion or if you want to surprise someone you love, spa packages are a great way to celebrate AND surprise!
Disney really caters to both adults and children, and the above activities are some of the ones I have enjoyed outside the Theme Parks as an adult WDW traveler. Should you find yourself in the WDW Theme Parks, then you should try out some of my Top Theme Park Activities for Adults . But no matter where you are in Walt Disney World, you’re going to have an amazing time!
Related articles
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- Top 5 WDW Theme Park Activities That Adults Will Love (chipandco.com)
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Where is the picture taken at the top of this article? We have just begun exploring outside the parks, so I love this article. Would love to have a pic at this spot.
Thanks for the great ideas. We love to spend some time checking out things outside of the parks. There are sooooo many great things at Disney to see not just at the parks. My favorite is resort hopping to see the Christmas trees, gingerbread houses during the holiday season. Love it!
One of the best times to take a monorail resort tour is around Christmas time. All of the resorts are beautifully decorated. You can also catch a bus to the closest theme park or Downtown Disney and then hop a bus to the Boardwalk resort. After strolling the boardwalk, eating and watching free entertainment, you can hop a boat to check out the Beach Club, Yacht Club, Swan and Dolphin resorts. Make sure to wander the property at the different resorts (especially AKL since they have their own animal preserve including night vision goggles after dark.)