Located in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, the Walt Disney World Resort has plenty to offer while you’re there. As much as I love visiting the theme parks, there are days where we need the break from all the hustle and bustle of the crowds. Although sometimes visits change, I hope these ideas and suggestions will help give you some ideas for either some unplanned down time (such as a rainstorm coming through), or a planned non-park day!
My Favorite Things to do at WDW
Disney Springs
When this shopping plaza transformed to Disney Springs back in 2015, this wonderful area now boasts 4 districts with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Some of our favorite spots here are to check out all the soaps at Basin, shopping at Sugarboo & Co., and stopping in Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop. The Springs offers plenty of parking in one of their parking garages or lots, just be sure to get there early for a good spot! Located in the eastern part of the Walt Disney World Resort, this shopping and dining district is nothing short of amazing.
Both Raglan Road and The Edison are great for offering live entertainment while you’re at Disney Springs (entertainment subject to change).
AMC Dine-In theatre
Dealing with crummy weather? Why not grab dinner and a movie! Located in the Westside section of Disney Springs, this AMC Dine-In is a great location to be able to grab dinner and a show simultaneously. Click here for more information and shows.
Visit a Resort, or several!
What is not to love with checking out all of these themed hotels WDW has to offer? Each one of them is uniquely different, and are categorized into a few main groups: Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and DVC (Disney Vacation Club). Each Theme Park has Resorts within proximity you can be able to catch Resort Transportation to grab lunch/dinner, or just browse through on your way to your next Theme Park. We love being able to spend the day perusing through several of the Resorts, although we decide ahead of time which ones to visit; a good portion of our time is taking the WDW Transporation to each Resort.
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort – Pineapple Lanai, try the dole whip
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge | Jambo House – The Mara, try the zebra domes
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort | French Quarter – Sassagoula Float Works & Food Factory, try the beignets!
Restaurant (or Bar) Hop
What’s not to love about being able to either Wine or Dine yourself while visiting Disney Springs or one of the Walt Disney World Resorts? Each Resort boasts its own unique food and beverage items, so whether you’re there grabbing a beverage of sorts or sampling a signature snack, this is sure to be able to help enable several of your senses.
Favorite Resort bars are the AbracadaBar at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn & Resort and the Enchanted Rose at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
Disney’s Boardwalk Resort
This charming entertainment district is a much smaller version of Disney Springs and is mostly bustling during the evenings. From the captivating atmosphere of the entertainment, it evokes the nostalgia of Atlantic City about a century ago. Located between EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, this is a great spot for couples and families, due to the offerings this Resort has to offer. Enjoy anything from some live entertainment, cruise the lake on a Surrey bike, to visiting Jellyrolls for some dueling pianos or dancing the night away at Atlantic City Dance Hall.
Note: parking is extremely limited here.
Spend the Day at the Waterpark
Besides the 4 theme parks, Disney also hosts 2 waterparks on its property in Lake Buena Vista: Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Both are uniquely different and located on opposite sides of the property, and offer several amenities such as lazy rivers, wave pools (floats included in admission), along with several other options the family is sure to enjoy! oh, and you don’t have to pay for parking at either one
Blizzard Beach
What do you do when the snow melts at a Florida ski resort? Go swimming of course! This waterpark’s main feature is Summit Plummet, which is great for the thrill seeker and adds to its winter theme (you’ll have to take a ski-lift up there). The entire winter themed water park is incorporated into every detail, but yet you can be able to enjoy it for most of the year in Florida. Located near Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park in Bay Lake, Florida, this hidden gem is one of my favorites, but be sure to check the transportation guides if you’re staying at a WDW Resort.
Typhoon Lagoon
This colorful waterpark came about from a Typhoon wreaking havoc on a tropical island. Miss Tilly is the landmark feature here, along with its wave pool big enough to surf in or teaming up with a friend for your ride on Crush ‘N’ Gusher. This popular spot is located near Disney Springs, so if you’re staying on Disney property, be sure to check the transportation options there.
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