40 Things to do near Walt Disney World Without Visiting a Theme Park • Mouse Travel Matters

Last Updated on February 24, 2022

21)

Pick A Pearl

Stands are located at Disney’s Beach Club Resort and at Disney Springs. Choose an oyster and see what lies within.

22)

Learn to Surf at Typhoon Lagoon

Each 3-hour session comes packed with 100 waves—broken into sets of 25. That means you’ll get lots of world-class surf all to yourself. You always choose the direction, no matter if you are regular- or goofy-footed—or if you have a preference for left breaks and right.

Find out more at Disney.go.com

23)

Kennedy Space Center Day Trip

It is a bit over an hour away in Port Canaveral but it is worth the drive.

24)

Bowling at Splitsville Luxury Lanes

With outdoor seating, great music and even better food, this is not your grandfathers’ typical bowling alley.

25)

Walk Disney’s Boardwalk

This mildly forgotten shopping centre is quieter than Disney Springs and is much closer to the resorts for a day of rest.

Our Disney’s Boardwalk Guide

26)

Rent a surrey bike

Cover more ground when you rent a bicycle to explore waterfront boardwalks and woodsy pathways.

27)

Catch a movie at AMC

The 24-theatre complex provides the finest in film presentation with a sleek, modern interior. Stretch out in rocker-style stadium seats with Digital Sight and Sound™ for a truly immersive entertainment experience.

28)

Cirque du Soleil in Disney Springs

29)

Disney Bar Hopping

For some adult-only fun be sure to check out the bars. The Disney Resorts and Disney Springs are home to the variety of different themed bars for your enjoyment.

Some of my favourites include the duelling pianos at JELLYROLLS on Disney’s Boardwalk, Trader Sam’s at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar in Disney Springs.

30)

Winter Summerland Miniature Golf

Join Santa and his elves at their off-season retreat for two 18-hole mini-golfing adventures.

>>Check out our guide on Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course <<

31)

Movie under the stars.

Each night most Disney resorts show a Disney movie outside, weather permitting. This is an opportunity for kids-young and old alike to enjoy a classic Disney movie for free while you relax under the stars

32)

Learn to draw at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Drawing Classes occur daily with a new session beginning every 30 minutes from 9 am to 4 pm.

33)

Rent a Canoe

Stop by the Fort Wilderness bike barn for hourly rentals.

34) Beaches & Cream Soda Shop

Eat Everything, including the Kitchen Sink

It has 28 ingredients in total. Five different kinds of ice cream. Seven different kinds of sweet sauces. Eight tablespoons of various toppings. And not one cherry, but an entire half cup of cherries on top.

Pro Tip – Make a reservation.

35)

Professional photoshoot

A little on the expensive side, however, the photos that come out of it are worth every penny. Plus, who else gets to have a family picture taken with a Polynesian flair without ever leaving the continental USA.

At Walt Disney World without a park ticket, or with an extra day to spend outside the parks? There is so much to do, you certainly won't be bored. We've got just a handful of suggestions to get you started, including Walt Disney World live entertainment, resort hopping, where to find giraffes outside of Animal Kingdom, the best pools at WDW, and more.

36)

Parasailing and waterskiing at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

From parasailing and personal watercraft to tubing, water skiing, and wakeboarding, ‘Splash-tacular’ family thrills abound, only at Sammy Duvall’s Watersports Centre.

37)

Hang out at the Downtown Disney Lego Store.

Kids can play for hours in their open block area.

38)

Time for a Run

Many of the Disney resorts have lovely jogging trails nearby. Inquire at your hotel’s concierge desk. Be sure to arrive prepared for the summer heat and bring your Best Shoes for Disney & Theme Parks.

39)

Ride the Monorail

Monorail front of Spaceship Earth – 2020 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

40)

Catch up on some sleep

Just reading this list is exhausting. Take the day off, sleep in, go to bed early and do a whole lot of nothing in between. Catch up on some Disney+ or read a good book. Recharge those batteries, give your feet a rest, and hit the ground running tomorrow.