Most Disney Visitors Ignore These 10 Things You Can Do At the Disney World Resorts

When most people think of Walt Disney World, they typically think of the parks—experiencing Cinderella’s Castle, the enchanting Main Street, iconic rides, and character meet-and-greets.

These are surely wonderful ways to spend your trip, but the truth of the matter is that spending time at the parks can be tiring, and sometimes you want a break.

Plus, there are so many attractions and activities to be enjoyed at Disney World hotels. Don’t miss out on these during your next Disney World trip, and make the most of your experience by checking out as many activities as you can!

Enjoying the Disney World Resort Offerings

Only focusing on the parks during your Walt Disney World vacation means missing out on so many fun experiences and activities! From special activities to culinary delights, each Disney World resort has something different to offer.

Something that makes the Disney hotels special is that they each have their own theming and flair. For instance, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has an island-like, tropical feel, with villas suspended over the water. In contrast, Disney’s Riviera Resort is inspired by the beauty of Europe’s French and Italian Riviera region.

Taking the time to explore the resorts, participate in their offered activities, or dine at their restaurants allows you to fully immerse yourself in the magic of Disney World. Whether you’re taking a break day during your trip to resort hop or are just looking to break up your park day, make sure to pencil in some time to explore at least a few of these special properties! Here are some of the most fun activities you can try at the Disney World Resort hotels.

Make Your Own Sangria

This is a fun activity for adults 21 and up! Visit Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort to attend “Sangria University.” There, you attend a course led by professionals. Dive into the world of tasty sangria, learning its origin and the recipes of the four in-house sangrias served at Three Bridges Bar and Grill, located at Coronado Springs. You’ll even get to taste each of these sangrias for yourself and make your own elixir based on the lesson!

This activity takes place on Saturdays and Sundays only and lasts about 90 minutes. Prices vary by date, ranging from $69 to $79 per person, and it includes the sangria tasting, “make your own” experience, and a light appetizer. To attend, you must make an advanced reservation online or through the My Disney Experience app.

Relax at the Grand Floridian Spa

As I mentioned above, park days can be kind of tiring! So why not unwind at a beautiful spa, located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort?

There, you can pamper yourself in a tranquil setting. The spa offers many services: body treatments, massages, nail services, and several other offerings that are perfect for a day of relaxation. Best of all, you don’t have to be a guest of the Grand Floridian to make a spa appointment!

Book the service of your choice in advance online, and you can email spa.requests@disneyworld.com with questions. Keep in mind that guests must be 18 years or older to enjoy the Spa Services, with select treatments available for those younger who are accompanied by a guardian during the experience, and the fitness center is available only to Grand Floridian guests.

Grab Breakfast at BoardWalk Deli

BoardWalk Deli is a relatively new eatery on Walt Disney World property, having opened in the summer of 2022. Located at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort, this is the perfect place to enjoy a casual grab-and-go meal as you take a break from the nonstop action in the parks.

BoardWalk Deli's menu is inspired by the delis of the Northeast. Feast on house-made bagels, classic savory breakfast meals, sandwiches like the warm pastrami Reuben, and sweet treats like a hand-piped cannoli. This is one of my favorite places to grab something to eat on a park day or a more relaxed day at Walt Disney World, especially because there are tables overlooking the water right outside. It’s the perfect place to unwind!

Take a Starlight Safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Animal lovers, this one’s for you! This VIP tour at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is truly unforgettable. Book this experience for an after-dark safari tour of the expansive savannas surrounding the resort. From the comfort of an open-air safari truck, a guide will bring you through the landscape, taking the time to point out all the wildlife along the way. Guests on this tour utilize a night vision device to enhance the viewing experience.

This tour is about an hour long and is suitable for guests aged eight and up, and advanced reservations can be made on Disney’s website or the My Disney Experience app.

While this experience is on the pricier side—tickets run between $75 and $89 per person (pre-tax)—you can still take in the sights of the savanna by just visiting Animal Kingdom Lodge. Upon arriving, stop by the front desk and ask for a Wayfinder Map. The map is dotted with paw print symbols, which denote Savanna Overlook areas. Visit these and take in the scenery and the wildlife!

Watch the Fireworks from California Grill

One of the most magical experiences you can have at a Walt Disney World resort restaurant is to watch the fireworks from California Grill. Located at the top of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, one of Disney World's monorail hotels, this upscale restaurant has floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook Magic Kingdom. This provides the most serene perspective of the nightly fireworks show as the restaurant dims the lights and pipes in the audio of the show to make it a truly magical viewing party.

To take advantage of this view—and the delicious food at California Grill—simply make a reservation to dine at the restaurant. Even if your reservation is earlier or later than the fireworks show, you will still be able to snag this highly coveted view that day. If your reservation is after the fireworks show, just check in with the Cast Member at the podium on the second floor. If you’ve already completed your reservation before the show, show the Cast Member your receipt. Either way, they’ll send you up to the 15th floor observation deck to watch the show.

A reservation at California Grill can be a competitive one to snag leading up to your trip. An advanced dining reservation (ADR) is recommended to dine here. If you’re going to be staying at a Walt Disney World resort during your trip, you can make your reservation 60 days from the start of your trip. If you’re staying off-property, you can make a reservation 60 days before the desired dining date.

Watch a Movie Under the Stars

There’s nothing more relaxing than watching a movie under the stars. And there’s nothing that makes that experience more magical than doing it on Disney World property!

If you’re a guest at a Walt Disney World hotel, check with the front desk about the complimentary movie screening schedule during your stay. Then, grab some popcorn, head outside, and watch a Disney favorite in the most tranquil of settings! This is a great and relaxing way to end the day.

Get Beignets at Port Orleans French Quarter

Another sweet dining experience at Walt Disney World resorts takes place at Scat Cat’s Club-Cafe at Port Orleans French Quarter. This is a hotel that falls on the moderate price scale at Disney World, and it’s accompanied by a direct “sister” resort next store, Port Orleans Riverside.

The Mickey-shaped beignets are the star of the show at this eatery, but they also offer coffee and other yummy pastries. While you’re at the Port Orleans resorts, you might as well board the boat that sails down the Sassagoula River to Disney Springs. This is a scenic and soothing 20-minute ride that will provide a lovely break in your day!

Laugh at the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue

Get ready to be entertained and sing along at the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue. Located at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, this is a one-of-a-kind show at Walt Disney World. During the two-hour event, watch the Pioneer Hall Players as they dance, sing, and make you laugh.

This show is great because it doubles as a chance to dine on property! Enjoy all-you-can-eat fried chicken and smoked BBQ pork ribs, salad, beans, cornbread, macaroni and cheese, and coleslaw. Then, you can close out your meal with a delicious helping of strawberry shortcake.

This is a show for all ages, but adults looking to indulge in alcoholic beverages can enjoy draft beer, wine, and sangria. Tickets are required for the show and range in price between $39 to $44 for children ages three to nine and $66 to $74 for adults. Kids under the age of three do not require a ticket for the show, but you should include them on your reservation count. Guests can make reservations up to 60 days in advance of their trip.

Meet Characters at Story Book Dining at Artist Point

Ready to meet some characters? Snow White fans, rejoice! You can attend the Story Book Dining character meals at Artist Point at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, allowing you to meet Snow White, Dopey, and Grumpy as you enjoy a delicious dinner.

With a setting reminiscent of an enchanted forest, guests will enjoy a prix fixe menu, which includes appetizers, entrees, and desserts. There’s even a “Poison” Apple dessert option, staying true to the theme! There’s also a full beverage menu available at the experience.

Story Book Dining provides a lot of entertainment, photo ops with characters, and yummy food. “ADR”s are recommended. Dinner is served from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm and typically takes about an hour to an hour and a half to enjoy.

Have a Margarita at The Dolphin Hotel

Disney’s Swan and Dolphin resorts are on-property, Epcot-area hotels that have so many culinary options to enjoy! One of their newest restaurants is Rosa Mexicano, which opened in early 2023. This spot has received rave reviews and offers modern Mexican cuisine.

Complete with a chic and beautifully themed atmosphere, you can enjoy an award-winning margarita here like their signature frozen pomegranate. Rosa Mexicano's margaritas have been named the best in New York City!

This restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and is located at the Dolphin Hotel. Reservations are recommended for dinner. Sometimes, restaurants at these resorts tend to be overlooked by guests, since they’re not technically part of Disney Dining. However, don’t discount Rosa Mexicano if you’re a fan of delicious Mexican food!

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