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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Skyliner is Disney World\u2019s newest transportation method implemented inside the resort.The Skyliner is made up of giant gondolas that transport guests above the ground from select resorts to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why is the Skyliner on our list of things to do around Disney World? The Skyliner offers great views, as well as the opportunity to visit and explore a few of the Disney resorts. By some accounts, the Skyliner travels at speeds of 11 miles per hour, but you\u2019ll feel like you\u2019re going faster as you whiz past trees and watch cars crawling beneath you when you pass some of Disney\u2019s roadways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the most thrilling aspects of the Skyliner ride is watching the parks and resorts come closer into view as you descend toward the stations. It\u2019s a new way to see Disney and something you really need to experience at least once. However, you could easily spend the day Skyliner hopping and taking in the sights and dining at different hotels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many people utilize the Skyliner as a way to hit different bars at the resorts along the line and make a bar hopping adventure out of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Skyliner has stations at Disney\u2019s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney\u2019s Riviera Resort, Disney\u2019s Pop Century and Art of Animation Resort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the Skyliner routes, as well as more info about the Skyliner<\/a>, click here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Disney World is praised for its golf courses, but for non golfers, mini golf offers a chance to get in on the action without the pressure of competitive play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When looking for things to do around Disney World, the two mini golf courses can provide a day of Instagram worthy fun, with lower crowds than you\u2019ll find in the parks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Winter Summerland Mini Golf Course<\/a> has two 18-hole mini courses, one themed to summer, and one to winter. This course is said to be a retreat built by Santa for his elves to enjoy in the off season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Guests have the option to play on the summer or winter course, or both. Both courses have interactive elements that respond to the play action. For example, on one hole, a fire pit blasts out steam when the ball travels through it, and in another hole, a snowman squirts guests with water when the ball enters the hole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We tried both courses at the Winter Summerland, and we personally prefer the winter one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The other mini golf course on Disney World property is the Fantasia Gardens.<\/a> This course also contains two 18 hole courses, with a backdrop of the Tower of Terror.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unlike the Winter Summerland, the Fantasia Gardens focuses on skill rather than chance. It is a shrunken down full golf course. This means instead of whimsical obstacles to hit your ball through, it plays more like a real golf course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When Disney World first opened, there was only one park, and a small handful of resorts. Due to this, many roadside attractions, restaurants, and exhibits popped up around the Disney property. Today, many of these are gone, or changed, but some still exist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Along Highway 192, you\u2019ll be transported to an older time, before Disney dominated the area. We often find this trip down memory lane a fun thing to do around Disney World.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For some discounted Disney shopping, you\u2019ll find many places offering Disney merch in this stretch. While most do not offer official Disney merch, they can still be fun to peruse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For official Disney parks merch at a steep discount, try the Disney character Warehouse Outlets<\/a>. Here, official Disney parks merch goes for up to 80% off retail price. Even some of the pricier items can be found here, such as items from Dooney & Bourke and Loungefly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Looking for a relaxing day on the water? When it comes to finding things to do around Disney World, try<\/a> renting a boat<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pontoon boats can be rented at:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pontoon rentals are $49 per half hour and can seat up to ten guests. Rentals are offered on a first come first serve basis, and boat drivers must be at least 18 years of age with a valid drivers license.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Guests can cruise around Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not interested in piloting a powered boat, but still looking for some water themed things to do at Disney World besides the parks? Try a canoe or Kayak!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n These can be rented at Disney\u2019s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. Just look for the Bike Bar at the Meadow Recreation Area. Rentals cost $15 per hour for canoes and kayaks. Rentals are first come first serve, and are available from 9 am to 5 pm daily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Disney monorail, the original highway in the sky is a fun thing to do around Disney World, even if you don’t plan to visit the parks. The monorail offers amazing views of the Magic Kingdom resorts, and the opportunity to get off and explore them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We also recommend stopping at the Polynesian<\/a> for a Dole Whip,<\/a> or a drink at Trader Sam’s. All of the Magic Kingdom resorts have delicious dining options, as well as places to enjoy a drink for a bit of monorail bar hopping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For an added view, hop on the EPCOT<\/a> monorail and enjoy a tour through the park as the monorail loops around Spaceship Earth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019ve mentioned using the monorail and the Skyliner to resort hop, but why is resort hopping so much fun?<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s a chance to explore resorts you haven\u2019t gotten to stay in yet, and see what they have to offer, shop at smaller boutique stores and enjoy new sights.<\/p>\n\n\n While you\u2019re there, see the pools, waterslides, and stop by the restaurants for a bite to eat. For example, we don\u2019t often stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, but our favorite restaurant is there. In addition to great African inspired cuisine, you can take some time to watch the animals on the savanna. It’s a far more personal viewing experience than you’ll find on Kilimanjaro Safari<\/a>, and cast members are often on hand to answer questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Boma<\/a> is arguably the best buffet experience inside all of Walt Disney World. If you\u2019re looking for things to do at Disney World besides the parks, hop on a bus to the Animal Kingdom Lodge for dining, and animal watching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Holidays are a great time to resort hop as well. At Christmas you’ll find decorated gingerbread houses at the various deluxe resorts<\/a>. In addition, resorts at all levels sport unique decor and decorated trees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Disney World\u2019s internal transportation includes buses, monorails, the Skyliner, and boats. The boats<\/a> traverse Bay Lake, Seven Seas Lagoon and Crescent Lake around the EPCOT resorts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Riding the boats is a fun and relaxing thing to do around Disney World. Cruising across the lagoons in the open air boats offers the smells of the water and the sights of Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sailing along on the boats is another way to resort hop and experience other restaurants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All of the Magic Kingdom resorts have boats that transport guests to and from the hotels to Magic Kingdom. These resorts include: The Grand Floridian, The Polynesian, The Contemporary, Bay Lake Towers, Fort Wilderness Campground, and Wilderness Lodge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The EPCOT resorts with boat transportation are the Beach and Yacht Club, the Boardwalk Inn, and Swan and Dolphin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Looking for things to do around Disney World? Consider a fireworks cruise.<\/a> Watching Magic Kingdom fireworks is a magical experience, but an awfully crowded one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Guests line up a couple hours in advance to score a good fireworks view in front of the castle, or spend extra money for fireworks dining packages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All of this can be avoided if you opt for the prestigious Fireworks Cruise.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The cruises depart from marinas at the following resorts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Departures for EPCOT fireworks depart from the Beach and Yacht Club.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each cruise provides stunning views with onboard audio synched to the shows. In essence, it\u2019s the same as watching the fireworks from inside the parks, without the crowds and with a better view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re not up to driving the boat, no worries. Each cruise comes with your own personal captain to pilot each craft and share little Disney secrets along the way. Best of all, snacks and soft drinks are included.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For things to do around Disney World, head to Tri Circle D Ranch<\/a>. Here, all of the Disney World horses live and rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Have you ever wanted to see the Headless Horseman\u2019s horse or Merida\u2019s noble steed? What about Cinderella\u2019s ponies or the Main Street carriage horses?<\/p>\n\n\n\n All of these horses live at Tri Circle D and are available for guests to visit. Over 90 horses call this ranch home, and they all receive top notch care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Spend some time exploring and be sure to ask any of the cast members all about the horses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For more fun at the Tri-Circle-D ranch, take a pony ride or a trail ride.<\/a> Trail rides are available for advanced reservation for guests over 9 years old and over 48\u201d tall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trail rides are 45 minutes and suitable for beginner riders. If you decide trail riding is one of the perfect things to do at Disney World besides parks, be sure to wear closed toed shoes and long pants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Guests over 250 pounds are not permitted on trail rides for the health of the animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As mentioned above, Disney is known for its world class golf courses. Disney has two 18 hole golf courses: Disney\u2019s Palm Golf Course, and Disney\u2019s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course. Additionally, there is one 14 hole golf course: Disney\u2019s Magnolia Golf Course, and a 9 hole course: Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to things to do around Disney World, the Magnolia Golf Course<\/a> is the perfect course for the biggest golfing enthusiasts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is the longest of all of the Disney World courses, and is newly renovated. Currently, in April 2023, the course only has 14 holes, but will be debuting as a full 18 hole course later this year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n UPDATE: Magnolia Golf course is currently operating with 18 holes and an amended par 71 routing as the finishing touches are being placed on the final 2 holes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This course is located at the Shades of Green Resort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Palm Golf Course<\/a> was completely redone in 2013<\/a> by Arnold Palmer Golf Management and emphasizes the natural beauty of the area. This prestigious course was also awarded the Renovation of the Year in the resort course category by Golf Inc. Magazine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This course features challenging play with water hazards, bunkers and more for newbies and experienced golfers alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This course is located at the Shades of Green Resort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Lake Buena Vista Course is a traditional country club course with the Saratoga Springs resort in the backdrop. This course has held the PGA tour, and is certified by Audubon International as a Cooperative Wildlife Sanctuary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Lake Buena Vista Golf Course is one of the most challenging courses at Disney World.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For a short golf foray offering competitive play, try Disney’s Oak Trail <\/a>9-hole course. Holes range from 132 to 517 yards from the white tee, with three holes surrounding a challenging canal. This course is operated by Arnold Palmer Golf Management and caters to younger players and families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If regular golfing is not your thing, maybe you should add footgolf to your list of things to do around Disney World. What is footgolf?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Footgolf combines both golf and soccer for a new sport that\u2019s fun for all ages. Disney states Footgolf is \u201ca sport that combines the patient precision of golf with the athletic coordination of soccer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The 9 hole Disney footgolf course is located at the Oak Trail Golf Cours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For more horse themed things to do around Disney World, you’ll find carriage rides offered at Port Orleans Riverside and at the Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The carriages can hold 4 adults or 2 adults and three children. Each carriage ride is $65.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This one may sound obvious, but a pool day is a great way to unwind when you’re looking for something relaxing to do around Disney World. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A pool day is the perfect way to save on ticket costs, catch up on sleep, and relax. Disney resorts often offer waterslides, poolside activities for the young ones, and poolside restaurants offering adult libations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another thing to do around Disney World besides the parks is to enjoy some of the spa services offered at some Disney resort hotels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Grand Floridian Spa<\/a> is a full service spa and health club. It offers massages, body wraps, haircuts, manicures, pedicures, facials and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Mandara Spa<\/a> at the Disney World Dolphin Hotel offers massages, body wraps, facials, and aromatherapy. Additionally, the salon has services such as manicures, pedicures, haircuts and styling, and services for men.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Disney\u2019s premier DVC resort, Saratoga Springs, also offers a full-service spa. According to Disney, Senses<\/a> is reminiscent of the legendary mineral springs popular in upstate New York around the turn of the last century. It\u2019s a chance to indulge while sharing a bit of history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Disney Springs is the ultimate daytime shopping center, with added life at night. Disney Springs has shopping for everyone from Disney themed items, to Legos, and high end luxury items. You could easily spend all day inside Disney Springs shopping and dining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, you don\u2019t have to miss out on the thrills of the parks either. The Aero30<\/a> takes guests up to 400 into the sky, offering unparalleled views of the surrounding Saratoga Springs resort and the parks in the distance. For a unique experience you won\u2019t easily forget, take an amphicar ride<\/a> and literally drive a vintage automobile right into the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If drinking around the World Showcase is too crowded and pricey for you, head to Disney Springs instead. Disney Springs offers nighttime activities for adults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here, you can dine at one of the many highly rated restaurants, slow down at a bar, or even enjoy the bowling alley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019ve never heard of surrey bike, you probably aren\u2019t alone. This quadricycle is a pedal-powered carriage reminiscent in style to an early automobile. Each surrey bike carries up to 6 passengers ad can be rented at many Disney Resorts, including the Beach\/Yacht Club and Saratoga Springs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While we haven\u2019t tried one yet on our own, when we see people riding one, they\u2019re always laughing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Request your FREE, no-obligation vacation quote today!<\/p>\n\n\nMini Golf the Disney Way<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThings to do around Disney World: Finding Disney Merch at a Discount<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Rent A Power Boat: Things to Do Around Disney World on the Water<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Rent a Kayak or Canoe<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Ride the Highway in the Sky<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThings to Do Around Disney World Besides the Parks: Resort Hopping<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nTravel the Disney Waterways: Things to Do Around Disney World Besides the Parks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThings to do Around Disney World Besides the Parks: Fireworks Cruise<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Visit the Disney Horses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Enjoy Florida\u2019s Nature by Horseback<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Take in a World Class Golf Course: Things to Do Around Disney World Besides the Parks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Disney\u2019s Magnolia Golf Course<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Disney\u2019s Palm Golf Course<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Disney\u2019s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Things to Do Around Disney World besides the Parks: Footgolf?!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Take an Evening Carriage Ride<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Take a Pool Day<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDisney Spa Relaxation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Things to do Around Disney World: Shopping<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nTake in the Night Life<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Ride an Old-Time Surrey Bike<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\nBook Your Vacation With Us AND Get Help With ALL YOUR PLANNING NEEDS!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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