top of page
Search

A Disney Vacation Without the Parks

  • elisabethmbestdaye
  • Aug 7
  • 3 min read

Yes, you read that right — a Walt Disney World vacation without setting foot in a theme park.

Is that even possible? Why would someone want to do that?


While Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida is home to four of the most popular theme parks in the world, there's so much more to this magical destination than rides and fireworks. Whether you’re taking a break from the parks, skipping them altogether, or looking for new experiences, there are endless ways to enjoy Disney magic without a park ticket.


Here are some of the best non-park activities at Walt Disney World:


Tri-Circle-D Ranch

Have you ever wondered where the horses go after a long day pulling carriages around Magic Kingdom? Located at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Tri-Circle-D Ranch is home to “The Happiest Horses on Earth.” Guests can visit and see over 90 horses, including Appaloosas, Arabians, Belgians, Clydesdales, Percherons, Quarter Horses, and Shetland Ponies.

You can also book a horseback ride or a relaxing carriage ride at the Trail Blaze Corral. In December, you can even enjoy a festive sleigh ride through the woods!


ree

Fishing

Did you know you can go fishing at Walt Disney World? Disney offers 2- and 4-hour guided fishing excursions for up to five guests on catch-and-release outings across scenic waterways — yes, even the Seven Seas Lagoon!

Fishing excursions are available at these resort marinas:

  • Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

  • Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

  • Disney’s Contemporary Resort

  • Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

  • Disney’s Old Key West Resort

  • Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

  • Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

  • Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

All equipment — rods, reels, tackle, and bait — is provided.


ree

Golfing

You don’t need to be a pro to enjoy the Walt Disney World Golf courses. Choose from:

  • Disney’s Magnolia (former PGA Tour course)

  • Disney’s Palm

  • Disney’s Lake Buena Vista

  • Disney’s Oak Trail (a 9-hole walking course perfect for beginners or a shorter round)

Club rentals and golf shoes are available for men, women, left- and right-handed players.

Want something more casual? Try FootGolf — a fun hybrid of soccer and golf — also offered at Disney’s Oak Trail.


ree

Miniature Golf

Looking for something whimsical or family-friendly? Disney has you covered with two unique mini golf locations:

Fantasia Gardens & Fairways (near the Swan & Dolphin Resort)

  • Fantasia Gardens: Classic mini golf with fun scenes from Fantasia.

  • Fantasia Fairways: A more challenging mini golf experience, complete with bunkers, water hazards, and sloped greens.

Winter Summerland (near Blizzard Beach)

  • Play on either the Summer or Winter themed course — or both! Each ends with a special message from Santa himself.



Disney Springs

Disney Springs is a must-visit for anyone at Walt Disney World — no ticket required! It's home to the largest Disney Store in the world, along with a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment.


Dining highlights include:

  • Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’

  • Jaleo by José Andrés

  • Wine Bar George

Don’t forget dessert! Stop by:

  • Gideon’s Bakehouse

  • The Ganachery

  • Salt & Straw Ice Cream


Before you go, take to the skies in the Aerophile — the world’s largest hand-painted helium balloon!


ree

Resort Hopping

Want a relaxing, scenic way to spend a day? Try resort hopping via Disney’s Monorail or Skyliner!


Monorail Resorts:

  • Disney’s Contemporary Resort

  • Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

  • Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Skyliner Resorts:

  • Disney’s Pop Century Resort

  • Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

  • Disney’s Riviera Resort

  • Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

You can also use the Skyliner to explore EPCOT-area resorts like:

  • Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

  • Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts

  • Swan and Dolphin Hotels


Even if you’re not staying at these resorts, you can explore their lobbies, gift shops, lounges, and public areas. While pool access is limited to resort guests, you can always make dining reservations at resort restaurants for a delicious and relaxing experience.



The Magic is Everywhere

When most people think of Disney, they picture Cinderella Castle, Tower of Terror, and Spaceship Earth — but the Disney magic goes far beyond the theme parks.

Whether you're visiting for the first time or the fiftieth, a park-free Disney day (or trip!) can still be filled with unforgettable moments.


So go ahead — plan your Disney vacation without the parks. You just might discover a whole new kind of magic.

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page