I put on my love for Disney with delight. I go to Disney World a number of instances a 12 months, know a few of the park’s best-kept secrets and techniques and have made it my job to assist individuals benefit from their time at Disney.
However I have never been so blinded by Tinkerbell’s pixie mud to lose sight of the truth that not everybody was born with the Disney gene. I additionally know that individuals who do not look after Disney generally discover themselves at Disney World with well-meaning buddies or household hoping to transform them into Disney followers.
However I am not right here to transform you.
Listed here are 12 actions that can make your time at Disney extra satisfying. No Mickey hugs, matching shirts or theme park tickets are required.
Go on a DIY ‘bars and bites’ monorail crawl
The Walt Disney World monorail has three strains. The Epcot Line transports company between the car parking zone at Disney’s Transportation and Ticket Heart to Epcot, whereas the Categorical Line goes between the TTC and the Magic Kingdom. Along with the Magic Kingdom, the Resort Line stops at Disney’s Up to date Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
Use the Resort Line to “hop” between the resorts for a drink, chew to eat or each. If you’re ranging from the TTC, your first cease shall be Disney’s Up to date Resort.
My suggestion right here could be Steakhouse 71 for appetizers just like the lump crabcakes with Outdated Bay remoulade and corn hash, or the “bacon and eggs” served with maple-lacquered pork stomach, smoked cheese grits and an egg. To drink, contemplate the Citrus Blossom Groves cocktail (Campari and Chartreuse blended with citrus juices and orange bitters) or a beer from a Florida brewery like 3 Daughters Brewing in St. Petersburg or Cigar Metropolis Brewing in Tampa.
From there, you will head to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, the place you possibly can attempt to snag a spot on the bar at Dealer Sam’s Grog Grotto for tiki drinks. This tiki bar is small and common, so it may be exhausting to get a seat. You may as well head to Wailulu Bar & Grill on the resort’s new Island Tower for cocktails with a fireworks view.
Your final cease on this tour is Disney’s Grand Floridian, the place you possibly can seize do-it-yourself truffle fries or a charcuterie board and one in every of many variations on a basic martini on the Enchanted Rose lounge.
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Should you aren’t staying close to the Magic Kingdom, you can do an analogous (and extra budget-friendly) Skyliner gondola crawl.
The Disney Skyliner connects Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Seashore Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Artwork of Animation Resort with Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You may hit up the pool bars or quick-service eating places and pattern numerous dishes and drinks at every location whereas exploring the completely different resorts.
Associated: One of the best eating places at Disney World
See a world-class Cirque du Soleil present
Disney Springs is Disney World’s buying, eating and leisure complicated. It is free to enter should you simply need to window store and benefit from the atmosphere, however it’s also possible to go bowling, catch a film or see a Cirque du Soleil present.
“Drawn to Life” blends the magic of Disney animation with the spellbinding bodily feats Cirque du Soleil is thought for. The present tells the story of a younger woman whose now-deceased father was a Disney animator. His ultimate want was for her to complete an animation sequence he by no means had the possibility to finish.
Because the present progresses, the woman learns extra about animation via acts carried out by acrobats, unicyclists, aerialists, jugglers and extra.
Tickets begin at $59 per individual for adults, however if you would like a behind-the-scenes take a look at the present, premium seating and a meet-and-greet with the performers, guide the “Drawn to Life” Web page to Stage Signature Expertise. Tickets begin at $258 per individual.
Paint, make sangria or attend a wine tasting
All on-site Disney accommodations provide actions like complimentary nighttime film screenings, scavenger hunts and pool video games, however some take it a step additional with alternatives to flex your inventive muscular tissues or brush up in your bartending expertise.
At Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, you possibly can create a Spanish mosaic memento ($30 per individual) or learn to craft the right glass of sangria at Sangria College ($69 to $79 per individual). You do not have to be a resort visitor to attend.
Different resorts provide related arts and crafts actions, however most contain Disney character artwork. Exterior of the resorts, you possibly can study to style wine like knowledgeable with grasp sommelier George Miliotes at Disney Springs’ Wine Bar George ($138 per individual) or pattern and find out about tequila at La Cava del Tequila ($180 per individual) in Epcot’s Mexico pavilion.
Go horseback driving
Whereas individuals do not usually take Disney at a leisurely tempo, there’s a quiet, secluded spot the place you are able to do simply that.
Even higher, you are able to do it on horseback.
Tri-Circle-D Ranch presents horseback path rides ($65 per individual) via the wooded areas surrounding Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. Advance reservations are inspired. If you’re extra comfy by yourself two ft than atop a horse, it’s also possible to stroll via the ranch and go to with the horses.
E-book a spa day
There is definitely one thing to be stated for a rejuvenating foot therapeutic massage after a day spent logging miles round Disney, however you do not have to partake within the parks to take pleasure in Disney’s full slate of enjoyable spa remedies and pampering salon companies.
The Grand Floridian Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian presents head-to-toe remedies, together with haircuts, facials, massages and manicures. Earlier than or after your remedy, you possibly can unwind within the spa’s rest lounge.
The close by 4 Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort has its personal luxurious spa and focuses on remedies with high-end Biologique Recherche and Is Scientific merchandise. A number of of the normal spa remedies are regionally impressed with elements like honey and grapefruit. The spa additionally presents cryotherapy classes, IV drips and intramuscular pictures to assist with hydration and immunity.
Go for a motorbike trip
If you cannot match your personal bike in your carry-on bag, you possibly can lease one at Disney World (beginning at $9 per hour). A lot of Disney’s accommodations have bikes obtainable to lease and tranquil paths the place you possibly can trip them.
My favourite areas to discover by bike are Disney’s Port Orleans Resort’s French Quarter and Riverside properties, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort.
If you wish to share a scenic trip with your mates or household, cruising alongside Disney’s BoardWalk Inn space on a two-, four- or six-person surrey bike (beginning at $25 per half hour) will magically transport you again to a full of life turn-of-the-century seashore city.
Try Disney’s nightlife
Nightlife at Disney may be troublesome to seek out, but it surely does exist, and most of it has a decidedly un-Disney vibe. When day turns to nighttime on the boardwalk exterior of Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, the lights that illuminate the promenade beckon the over-21 crowd towards drinks and dancing.
You will discover a DJ spinning tunes at Atlantic Dance Corridor and bartenders slinging curious concoctions just like the Parlor Trick (4 Roses Bourbon, easy syrup and a splash of soda water) and The Conjurita (El Mayor blanco tequila, Cointreau, easy syrup and lime juice) on the magic-themed AbracadaBar.
Disney additionally has a few nice lounges the place you possibly can take pleasure in attractive views (cocktail or mocktail in hand, in fact) with out the crowds.
My favorites embrace the rooftop Dahlia Lounge within the Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, Geyser Level Bar & Grill at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Nomad Lounge at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Stand up shut and private with Disney’s wildlife
All company can go on a safari journey on the Kilimanjaro Safaris trip at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, however if you wish to skip the lengthy line and have an much more instructional and close-up expertise, the park has a number of add-on excursions to select from.
Up Shut with Rhinos ($49 per individual), Wild Africa Trek (beginning at $219 per individual), Savor the Savanna ($189 per individual) and Caring for Giants ($39 per individual) provide Disney guests an opportunity to get a more in-depth take a look at the creatures who name Animal Kingdom dwelling in a semiprivate setting good for many who need to escape the throngs of different Disneygoers.
You do not even should courageous the crowds at Animal Kingdom to behold the greater than 30 species of African animals that decision Disney World dwelling. The close by Animal Kingdom Lodge has a number of savanna viewing areas the place you possibly can spot wildlife (and useful solid members to level you in the appropriate path in case you are having bother discovering any). You may as well decide up a subject information within the foyer to maintain observe of which species you notice.
If you wish to get a bit nearer to the animals, you possibly can guide a Starlight Safari (beginning at $75.65 per individual). Throughout this nighttime tour, you will be supplied with a night-vision gadget to assist see the animals as you tour the savanna in an open-air safari car. You should not have to be a visitor of Animal Kingdom Lodge to go to the savanna viewing areas or participate within the Starlight Safari.
Play a spherical of golf
What’s a world-class theme park and not using a world-class golf course (or 4)? Disney has three 18-hole programs and one nine-hole strolling course. Stroll-ups are allowed, however advance reservations are advisable.
If it’s good to brush up in your golf swing, Disney presents golf classes with PGA professionals, or you possibly can go for miniature golf or foot golf if you do not know the distinction between a birdie and a bogey.
Hire a ship, or go fishing
From the Seven Seas Lagoon close to the Magic Kingdom to Crescent Lake close to Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, there are quite a few waterways you possibly can discover by boat at Disney World.
If you’re comfy behind the wheel of a ship, you possibly can lease a pontoon (no reservations required) from numerous Disney resorts, or you possibly can go the nonmotorized route and lease a canoe or kayak at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort.
Anglers of all expertise ranges can lease a rod and reel for dockside fishing at Port Orleans and Fort Wilderness or set out on two- or four-hour guided fishing excursions.
Keep at a Disney resort that does not really feel like a Disney resort
For some, the in-your-face theming at Disney’s on-site accommodations is without doubt one of the perks. For others, it could really feel like a relentless reminder that there isn’t any escaping Disney’s world of princesses and larger-than-life mice.
One among my favourite accommodations that matches the “non-Disney at Disney” invoice gives an escape from the hordes of anthropomorphic animals however is definitely one of many closest accommodations to 2 of Disney’s theme parks.
The Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin and Swan Reserve resorts have fashionable, upscale decor, resort-style swimming pools and vibrant lobbies with full of life lounges. All three resorts take part within the Marriott Bonvoy program, so you possibly can earn or redeem resort factors. Plus, as a result of the resorts are technically on Disney property, you possibly can make the most of advantages like complimentary theme park transportation and early entry. It is a win-win.
Associated: 5 the explanation why Marriott is the very best resort model for theme park followers
Go to 1 of Disney’s fantastic eating eating places
Most Disney company are clamoring to dine with Mickey and Minnie or snag a coveted reservation contained in the fort at Cinderella’s Royal Desk, however it’s doable to seek out character-free fantastic eating at Disney World.
A few of these eating places are contained in the parks, however my favorites that do not require a park ticket are California Grill at Disney’s Up to date Resort, Jiko — The Cooking Place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney’s Yacht Membership Resort.
If finances will not be a priority, Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian is in a category by itself with regards to eating at Disney. This AAA 5 Diamond, Michelin-starred fantastic eating restaurant is a four-hour culinary expertise the place each dish is artfully ready, plated and (optionally) paired with complementary wines.
Backside line
As a lot as I really like Disney, I do know there are individuals who find yourself there and would fairly trip wherever else however are good sufficient to play together with their Disney-loving buddies or household. Should you do end up in that scenario, you now have quite a lot of backup plans to maintain you busy when your journey companions ask if you wish to be a part of them for a day within the parks.
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