Read Why Some Families Do A Trip at Disney World Without Visiting the Parks!

Walt Disney World is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the entire world. With a large number of activities spread across four theme parks, Guests of all ages can have a fun and magical experience that they’ll never forget.

Even though the theme parks are the main draw, there are many Guests who book trips without intention of visiting the parks. With so many offerings available across property, it’s not uncommon for Guests to book a Walt Disney World staycation as opposed to a traditional vacation.

While this is something that’s typically more popular among the locals, all Guests are welcome to enjoy a staycation at Walt Disney World. Follow along as we take a closer look at the offerings and activities that are available at the resorts, Disney Springs, and beyond!

Golf at Walt Disney World

Whether you’re an experienced golfer, or simply want to have some fun, there’s a golfing experience for you at Walt Disney World. On property, there are four traditional golf courses and two miniature golfing locations.

Traditional Golf

Traditional golf takes place at Disney’s Palm, Magnolia, and Lake Buena Vista 18-hole golf courses. For those who don’t have time for an 18-hole game, a 9-hole course is available at Disney’s Oak Trail. Tee time can be booked online at GolfWDW.com or by calling (407) WDW-GOLF (407-939-4653).

If you’re interested in enjoying traditional golf during your staycation, but are a little weary of your skills, lessons with a skilled professional from the PGA are available. Your lesson can be had as a 45-minute lesson, ½ or full day golf school, video analysis, group lesson, or an on-course playing lesson. To request golf instruction, a request can be put in with Michael Schlager at (407) 454-5096 or mschlager@palmergolf.com.

Golf Clinics are also available for children ages 7-17. During these clinics, PGA Professionals will assist with full-swing and short game skills, on-course management, and performance training. Junior Golf Clinics are currently taking place for the winter months of 2025 with dates available in January, February, and March. Sign-ups are available at GolfWDW.com or by phone at (407) 454-5096.

FootGolf

FootGolf is a special combination sport that takes place at Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course. This game mimics most of the same characteristics of golf. However, instead of hitting a golf ball with a club or driver, you kick a soccer ball. Just like the traditional golf course at Disney’s Oak Trail, FootGolf has a 9-hole course. It’s estimated that a 9-hole game of FootGolf should take about 1 hour and 30 minutes, just like traditional golf.

Tee time can be booked online at www.golfwdw.com/footgolf. FootGolf reservations are available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays after 4:00pm now through March 8th, 2025 and after 5:00pm for the rest of the 2025 season.

FootGolf Prices

• 1/10/25 – 4/13/25
  • Day/Resort Guest – $35
  • Junior (Under 18) – 25% Off
• 4/14/25 – 5/26/25
  • Day/Resort Guest – $29
  • Junior (Under 18) – 25% Off
• 5/27/25 – 9/25/25
  • Day/Resort Guest – $25
  • Junior (Under 18) – 25% Off

READ MORE- Golfing at Walt Disney World- Golf Lessons, Disney Mini Golf, FootGolf

Miniature Golf

There are two miniature golf locations at Walt Disney World – Winter Summerland Miniature Golf and Fantasia Gardens & Fairways Miniature Golf. Both locations feature two uniquely themed 18-hole miniature golf courses. Winter Summerland features beautiful Disney-inspired snow sculptures and is understandably one of Santa’s favorite places to be when he’s on break! Fantasia Gardens & Fairways is modeled after the movie Fantasia and showcases many familiar characters such as Sorcerer Mickey, the broomsticks, and dancing ostriches.

Walk-ups are available for miniature golf games, but reservations are available. If you’d like to book your game in advance, you can do so by calling (407) WDW-PLAY.

Miniature Golf Prices

• Adult – $19
• Child (Ages 3-9) – $12

Spa Day

If you’re looking to luxuriate during your staycation, you can do so by visiting a spa. Currently, spa services are only available at The Grand Floridian Spa. At this full-service spa, Guests can enjoy a variety of therapies and services including body treatments, massages, facials, manicures, and more.

The relaxation begins in the dressing room, where a comfortable robe and slippers are readily available in each locker. Your pampering will take place in a calm environment that includes soothing music and light effects. A similar environment is available in the relaxation room where light snacks are available.

Spa services are available for Guests ages 18 and over. However, Guests who are 14-17 may also enjoy these services as long as they are accompanied by an adult. There are also select Salon & Nail Services that children ages 5 and over may experience with a parent or guardian present.

Walk-ins are welcome at The Grand Floridian Spa. However, reservations are highly recommended. Those interested in booking an appointment can do so online.

The Grand Floridian Spa also welcomes small and large groups. Spa Group Coordinators are available to help assist you with the planning of your relaxing day. Group reservations must be made over the phone by calling (407) 824-3039.

Take a Class

A fun way to spend the day is by taking an informative class. There are a variety of classes that are offered at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels and at Disney Springs. These classes are centered around art, alcohol, and baked goods.

Art

Currently, there are two art classes available – Colors of Coronado Painting Experience and Spanish Mosaic Art. Both of these classes take place at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.

Colors of Coronado is a 2-hour class that’s led by local artists. During the class, you will follow along with painting instructions to create a beautiful Disney-themed work of art. After the class, you will have an 11”x14” canvas to bring home with you. The class is $45 per person.

The Spanish Mosaic Art class is also a 2-hour experience. During this time, you will take a Disney-themed design and create a colorful mosaic. The size of the final product may vary, but will be no larger than 12”x12”. Travel containers will be provided so you can safely transport your mosaic back home. The cost of the Spanish Mosaic Art class is $30 per person.

Alcohol

Also located at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is Sangria University. During this lesson, Guests will learn about the history of sangria and the different fruits and flavors that are used to make the delightful drink. The recipe for four in-house drinks will also be revealed during the course. Once you've learned about the drinks, you will have a chance to sample them as you dine on a tasty appetizer.

Sangria University not only provides the opportunity to learn about and taste sangria, it also gives Guests the chance to make their own! With a variety of fresh fruits and base spirits to choose from, you’ll be able to create your own delicious drink.

The price for Sangria University varies by date, but ranges from $69 to $79. Guests must be 21 years or older to attend the class. Advanced reservations are required to attend and can be made online.

Baked Goods

Over at Disney Springs, cake decorating classes take place in the morning at Amorette’s Patisserie before the shop opens up for the day. You, and one other Guest, can take part in a class that’s led by Disney pastry artists. During the class, you will learn how to decorate a character-themed dome cake.

On Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, the cake is a Mickey Mouse Dome Cake. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, the cake is an Amorette’s Choice Dome Cake. The Mickey Mouse Dome Cake is made with a Chocolate Chiffon Cake, Milk Chocolate Mousse, and Orange Pate De Fruit Jelly. The Amorette’s Choice Dome cake is made up of Lemon Chiffon Cake, White Chocolate Mousse, and Strawberry Pate De Fruit Jelly.

Refreshments, such as specialty coffees, teas, water, and alcoholic beverages, are also provided during this experience.

Once you complete your cake, you’ll be able to take it home! It will be securely packaged in order to keep it safe. If you plan on looking around Disney Springs, you can keep your cake at Amorette’s Patisserie and pick it up later in the day.

The entire cake decorating experience takes about 90 minutes. The price is $199, which covers the cost of you and one additional Guest decorating a single cake. If your Guest would like to decorate their own cake, an additional $50 charge will be applied. You must request a second cake at least 48 hours in advance. You can do so by calling (407) 934-3500.

Water Sports

On Walt Disney World property, you’ll find lakes, lagoons, and rivers. Luckily, with all of those bodies of water, the beautiful hotel pools, and two fantastic water parks, there’s no shortage of water sports available at Walt Disney World. Guests of all ages can enjoy activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, and more.

Boating

At Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Guests are able to rent kayaks and canoes. Both rentals allow you to paddle along the peaceful streams, ponds, and waterways of the resort. Reservations are not required. However, rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Because of this, we highly recommend that you make a reservation if this is an activity that you know you want to take part in. Reservations can be made by calling (407) 824-1147.

Canoes and kayaks are available for rental from The Bike Barn at the Meadow Recreation Area from 9:00am to 5:00pm daily. The price is $15 per person, per hour.

If you have a larger group that you’d like to venture out on the water with, pontoon boats are also available for rent. These boats, which seat up to 10 Guests, are perfect for cruising around the lakes, lagoons, and inlets on property.

Pontoon boat rentals are $49 per half hour. Rentals can be made at one of the Walt Disney World Resort marinas. Marinas are located at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort.

One of the most unique boating experiences can be found at Disney Springs. Here, Guests can enjoy a 20-minute guided tour of Lake Buena Vista on board a vintage Amphicar. This special car can drive on land and float in the water!

Tours take place from 10:00am to 10:00pm daily (weather permitting). Reservations cannot be made ahead of time and must be made in person at The BOATHOUSE BOATIQUE. These special tours cost $125 per car, which accommodates 3 to 4 Guests.

Fishing

Walt Disney World takes fishing up a notch with its Guided Bass Fishing Excursions. These guided catch-and-release experiences can take place on your choice of a pontoon boat (up to 5 Guests) or a tournament-style bass fishing boat (up to 3 Guests).

The excursions include an experienced guide, rods and reels, tackle, artificial and/or live bait, and assorted Coca-Cola beverages. Both 2-hour and 4-hour excursions are available. However, an additional hour may be added in person at the marina (subject to availability). If you’re interested in having a solo experience, afternoon excursions are available at a reduced rate.

We highly recommend making an advanced reservation for these bass fishing excursions. Reservations can be made by calling (407) 939-3474. When booking your reservation, you will be able to choose where you’d like to fish. Available options include Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney's Old Key West Resort, Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, Disney's Wilderness Lodge, and Disney's Yacht Club Resort.

For those looking for a more lowkey fishing experience, dockside fishing is available at Port Orleans Resort – Riverside and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Fishing gear is available for rental at the Fishin’ Hole at Ol’ Man’s Island (Port Orleans) and the Bike Barn (Fort Wilderness).

Swimming

There are plenty of opportunities to splash around and enjoy the water at Walt Disney World. Each resort hotel has multiple pools that are open to the Guests staying at that hotel. Many of these pool areas are uniquely themed and have a wide variety of water activities, such as swimming pools, lazy rivers, water slides, splash zones, and kiddie play areas. Those who are looking for a more relaxing experience can enjoy hot tubs, sunbathing areas, and even rent a private cabana or patio. Many of the resorts also boast poolside bars where Guests can indulge in cool, refreshing drinks and snack on light bites.

While the Walt Disney World Resort hotel pools have a lot to offer, the ultimate water experience can be had at the water parks. There are two water parks on property – Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Both of these water parks offer fun for Guests of all ages with their wave pools, body slides, raft rides, tube slides, lazy rivers, kiddie areas, and obstacle courses. With multiple dining locations and stores at the water parks, you’ll have no need to leave these watery wonderlands, giving you the opportunity to have a fun-filled day.

An amazing water park deal is taking place in 2025. All Guests checking into a Walt Disney World Resort hotel in 2025 will receive free water park admission on their check-in date.

For all other Guests, 1-day Water Park Tickets are $74 per adult and $68 per child (ages 3-9). Frequent visitors will want to take advantage of the Water Parks Pass that’s available for only $79! This pass allows for endless visits to the Walt Disney World water parks now through May 23rd, 2025.

Surfing

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is home to the largest wave pool in North America. Guests interested in riding the 6-foot swells can take part in the surf lessons that are offered before the park opens and after park closing. 

Two different 3-hour sessions are available – Open Surf and Private Surf. During Open Surf, you’ll share the pool with other surfers who have signed up for the session. Each surfer participating in the Open Surf session is guaranteed at least 10 waves. Private Surf sessions are your own private event where you’ll surf with up to 25 friends and family members of your choice. During Private Surf, there are 100 waves, which are broken up into sets of 25.

Open Surf

• Morning Surf
• • Time: 6:45am-9:45am
  • Price: $245
• Evening Surf
  • Time: Begins 30 minutes after park closing
  • Price: $270 Sundays through Thursdays, $310 Fridays and Saturdays

Private Surf

• Morning Surf
  • Time: 6:45am-9:45am
  • Price: $1,300
• Evening Surf
  • Time: Begins 30 minutes after park closing
  • Price
    • $1,400 Sundays through Thursdays
      • 125 Waves – Additional $300
      • 150 Waves – Additional $650
    • $1,600 Fridays and Saturdays
      • 125 Waves – Additional $400
      • 150 Waves – Additional $750

Full payment is due at the time of booking. Reservations for Open Surf and Private Surf sessions can be made online. (Surf sessions are currently unavailable for seasonal refurbishment.)

Sports

Those who are wanting to keep their physical health in check during their staycation have plenty of opportunities to do so at Walt Disney World. All across property, there are a variety of fitness activities that Guests can participate in. Sports such as basketball, volleyball, and tennis are available at many of the Walt Disney World Resort hotels. Fitness centers are also available at select hotels and include workout equipment such as cardio machines and weights.

Running

If you’re a runner, you’ll enjoy the mass amount of running and jogging trails that are available. Paths are available in the Animal Kingdom Resort area, EPCOT Resort area, Magic Kingdom Resort area, Disney Springs, and beyond. The distance of the trails vary.

Walt Disney World Running Trails

• Animal Kingdom Resort Area
  • 1-mile jogging trail connects Disney’s All-Star Resorts
  • .75-mile loop around Lago Dorado at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
• EPCOT Resort Area
  • Jogging paths and a loop around Crescent Lake are available at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn & Villas, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, and Disney’s Beach Club Resort & Villas
  • 1.25-mile path at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
  • 1.4-mile trail around Barefoot Bay at Disney’s Riviera Resort
• Magic Kingdom Resort Area
  • 3.1-mile pathway that takes Guests on woodland trails and past Seven Seas Lagoon at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
  • 1-mile path that runs along Seven Seas Lagoon connects Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney Springs and ESPN Wide World of Sports Area
  • 1.7-mile trail along Sassagoula River connects Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
  • 1.44-mile trail and 0.8-mile loop through the resort and Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
  • 1.37-mile path that takes Guests along the grounds and past the canal of Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course at Disney’s Old Key West Resort
  • 1.1-mile or 1.38-mile loop along Hourglass Lake at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
  • 1.38-mile trail along Hourglass Lake at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Disney Springs

Disney Springs is a great place to visit during a staycation. This shopping, dining, and entertainment district has free parking and no admission charge. However, what it does have is 96 shopping locations, 70 dining locations, and 25 entertainment options.

Shopping

The shopping locations are split among a variety of stores, pavilions, and pop-ups. At Disney Springs, you’ll find that shopping goes way beyond traditional Disney merchandise. Although, if that’s what you’re looking for, you’ll find exactly what you need at World of Disney – the largest Disney store in the world! Some of the stores that really stand out at Disney Springs are the uniquely-themed ones, such as the Coca-Cola, M&M’s, and LEGO stores. One of the best things about Disney Springs shopping is that the available items range from popular brand merchandise all the way to personal, handmade items.

Dining

Whether you’re looking for a treat, snack, drink, or full meal, you’ll find it at Disney Springs. At Disney Springs, dining options are spread among quick-service restaurants, full-service restaurants, lounges, bakeries, coffee shops, and even food trucks! Delight in a sweet treat from Gideon’s Bakehouse, Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop, or Salt & Straw. Dine lakeside at The BOATHOUSE, in the jungle at Rainforest Cafe, or in prehistoric times at T-REX Restaurant. Enjoy the entertainment that’s available at AMC Dine-In Theaters, House of Blues Restaurant & Bar, and Splitsville Dining Room.

Can’t make up your mind? Check out our article “Best Disney Springs Restaurants RANKED” for our thoughts and opinions on the best dining options at Disney Springs.

Entertainment

Disney Springs has a variety of entertainment options that Guests of all ages can enjoy. From a movie theater, to a bowling alley, small rides for children, and a hot air balloon ride, there’s fun around every corner. Make sure that you come with your best smile, because there are multiple photo opportunities at Disney Springs. Stop by the Coca-Cola store to take a picture with the Coca-Cola Polar Bear or head over to the Disney PhotoPass Studio for a special photo shoot opportunity. Musical experiences can be enjoyed at the Waterside Stage, House of Blues, and Raglan Road. You can also catch a show stopping performance of Drawn to Life, performed by Cirque du Soleil.

Tri-Circle-D Ranch

One of the best kept secrets of Walt Disney World is Tri-Circle-D Ranch. This is where Cinderella’s Ponies and the horses of Main Street, U.S.A. are kept. Guests are able to walk through the stable and visit with the horses and ponies.

During your visit, you’ll see breeds such as Appaloosas, Arabians, Belgians, Clydesdales, Percherons, Quarter Horses, and Shetland Ponies. Equestrian activities are also available at Tri-Circle-D Ranch. Guests can enjoy Pony Rides, Trail Rides, Wagon Rides, and Carriage Rides. In December, Sleigh Rides are also available!

Pony Rides, which are $10 per child, are for children who are at least 3 years old, under 80 pounds, and no taller than 48 inches. Guests ages 9 years and older are able to participate in Trail Rides. These Trail Rides take place through the wooded trails of Fort Wilderness. The cost is $65 per person.

Wagon Rides are available on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings and take place from 6:00pm to 8:30pm. Each ride lasts approximately 25 minutes. Your ride will be in a beautiful old-fashioned wagon that’s pulled by two draft horses. The cost is $15 for adults (ages 10+), $10 for children (ages 3-9), and free for little ones who are 2 and younger.

Carriage rides are available at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort as well as Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside. Carriage rides are about 25 minutes long and are $65 per carriage. The carriage accommodates 4 adults or 2 adults and 3 children.

Pony Rides and Wagon Rides are conducted on a first-come, first served basis. Advanced reservations are highly recommended for Trail Rides and Carriage Rides. These reservations can be made online.

Archery

An archery experience is available at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort for Guests ages 7 and older. During this 75-minute session, Guests are taught how to use a compound bow. After the lesson, time is available to put your newfound skills to the test. Archery Guides not only teach the lesson, but also assist each Guest personally. The cost for this archery experience is $49 per person.

Segway Tours

Enjoy the scenic beauty of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort during the Wilderness Back Trail Adventure. Guests ages 16 and older are able to enjoy a delightful guided tour on a Segway X2. Training sessions take place for approximately 30 minutes before the tour begins in order to make sure that everyone is comfortable with their Segway.

After the training, you’ll set out on your adventure, which takes approximately 2 hours. Through an electronic earpiece, you’ll be guided by an informative Cast Member who will fill you in on information, trivia, and on-the-go instructions.

The cost of the Wilderness Back Trail Adventure is $90-$99 per person.

Bike Rentals

Bike Rentals are available at multiple Walt Disney World Resort hotels. Both traditional bikes and surrey bikes are available for rent.

Traditional bikes are available for both children and adults. A select number of children’s bikes are even available with training wheels. All Guests under the age of 16 will be required to wear a helmet. (Helmets and child seats are complimentary with all bike rentals.)

Bike rentals range from $9 to $20 and are available at Disney’s Old Key West Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort.

There are two different types of surrey bikes available for rent, 2-person or 4-person. This is an exciting way to adventure around Walt Disney World together. Surrey bikes are available for rent at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Disney’s Old Key West Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter, and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort. The cost is $25 for 30 minutes on a 2-person surrey bike or $28 for 30 minutes on a 4-person surrey bike.

As you can see, there are so many activities to enjoy at Walt Disney World that doesn't include the theme parks!

Read More – Current Disney World Discounts 2025 – Every Available Hotel & Ticket Savings Deals

Disney World consistently offers great discounts throughout the year which vary from the free dining plan to discount packages in the Spring. We are seeing more Disney World discounts as we move into 2025. Demand for the theme parks remains a little bit soft as compared to the pent up interest in the parks after the reopening from the 2020 closures. Disney World has already started to release great discounts for guests looking to visit in 2025. We have all of the current Disney World discounts that are available below along with commentary on which discounts are best for you to consider for your trip!

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Disneyland's best breakfast options include grab-and-go locations in both parks, Starbucks coffee, and sit-down dining. You'll find great sit-down meals both with and without the Disney character dining option. We have tried all the Disneyland breakfast options on this list and have made note of our favorites and best tips for beating the morning lines! Whether it's taking the time to enjoy a sit down meal, a character dining experience, or grab and go quick service options there's plenty of variety for breakfast at Disneyland. Keep reading for our full ranking of the best Disneyland breakfast options in Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, the Disney hotels and Downtown Disney.