The Top 3 Things to do on “Non Park” Days
Everyone knows Disney Park days are fun. Those who have made these trips also know they can be very rewarding or very exhausting if not done correctly. To assure our guests a week of fun-filled magic, and not one that is 80% misery and 20% fun, we always recommend a rest day (or two) to recharge those batteries for the coming days of world-class excitement. Knowing how to rest and have fun in between park days is the secret to a great trip. Here are recommendations on fun but relaxing things to experience on those “non park” days!
Water Parks
The water parks are a great way to cool down on a hot Florida day and they also keep the kiddos entertained as well. Though a day of swimming can sound like another day of exhaustion, there are a couple of tricks.
The first is to relax and not try to maximize the whole day at the park. Disney currently owns two waterparks: Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Though Blizzard Beach is temporarily closed due to refurbishment, Typhoon Lagoon remains open. Their hours are from 10:00 am to either 5:00 or 6:00 pm, depending on when you visit. This leaves plenty of time to sleep in, cool down in the water, and get back to your resort for dinner and an early bedtime.
Secondly, take advantage of the easier side of the water parks, such as floating down Melt-Away Bay or lounging in a chair while the little ones play in Tike’s Peak. Not only is this a more “laid back day”, a family or an individual alike will have a wonderful time as well.
Hotel Hop
Hotel hopping is one of our favorite things to do at Disney World. Each hotel has its own theming and each destination feels like you are in a different part of the world, and it’s FREE! Here are three things that will help you have a great “hotel hopping” experience.
Grand Floridian Resort
Plan to “take in” the experience. Every hotel has a theme. Some are larger than life, literally, like the oversized characters at All-Star Movies or Art of Animation. Some capitalize on nostalgia, taking you down decades of memory lane such as POP Century Resort. Others are centered around modern design, such as The Contemporary Hotel, or the eloquence of Disney's flagship resort, The Grand Floridian. Our personal favorite is the Polynesian resort and the island vibes that you are immersed in. And there is so much more. Whatever your flavor, choose several that work for you logistically and go take it in!
Don’t forget to eat also! Some of the best restaurants are in the Disney Hotels. You will need reservations for sit down meals so be sure to plan in advance. By chance you can sometimes snag a last minute reservation so it never hurts to keep checking. Seriously, don’t underestimate this suggestion. It can change your life! The experiences are so varied and ever changing that it never feels “dull” or like a “second” option from going to the parks if this is done right.
Lastly, the resort scene offers plenty of shopping. All of the hotels offer things unique to their destination and theming. If one of your goals is to pick up unique souvenirs for the trip, then this is a great choice for you! Lots of alluring options are available to purchase, from things unique to Hawaii, found at the Polynesian, to soap shops at the Grand Floridian. Want Disney clothing? That’s available. Want something to take home as a gift for the relatives who couldn’t come? They’ve got that covered too. It will save you time in the park since you will have already taken care of souvenirs you can spend time enjoying the rides or shows.
Mini Golf
Disney’s Fantasia Gardens
A family favorite. Who doesn't like some friendly competition? Ok, our kids don’t, so to keep the peace we don’t keep score. However, the fun is not abated in all of this. Disney has two mini golf courses. Fantasia Gardens is fun, but we prefer Winter Summerland. Both are fantastic to be sure, this is just a preference. Our favorite thing about Winter Summerland is the theming. One side is on the South Pole and the other is the Northpole. Respectively this represents sand and snow courses. If mini golf is not your thing Disney also has three 18 hole championship golf course layouts for those looking to take the seriousness of competition to the next level!
There are many other things to do on your days off too. These are our three favorites, for now at least. I can say fairly confidently that I doubt the hotel hopping choice will ever leave our top three. We have enjoyed doing this as a family (and on date nights) for years, and it has never gotten old. What do you like to do on your day off? Let us know below! And as always subscribe to keep receiving more travel tips!
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