Best Things To Do In Disney World Without Going to the Parks

Planning a Walt Disney World vacation doesn’t always mean spending every single day inside the theme parks.

In fact, some of the most magical (and relaxing) experiences happen outside the parks – especially for families who want a slower pace, a budget-friendly day (or a few!), or a much-needed break from rides and lines.

So if you are wondering what to do in Disney World without going to the parks, this post is for you!

This guide will walk you through everything families need to know about spending a full day in Disney World without park tickets, including transportation, parking, resorts, Disney Springs, dining, activities, and insider tips to help you make the most of your time on Disney property.

Understanding the Walt Disney World Resort Landscape

Before planning a non-park day, it helps to understand just how massive Walt Disney World really is. It’s seriously huge. If you think about other theme parks, or even other Disney parks, they are all small in comparison to the size of Walt Disney World. 

Walt Disney World Resort spans over 25,000 acres and includes:

• 4 Theme Parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom)
• 2 Water Parks (Typhoon Lagoon & Blizzard Beach)
• 30+ Disney-owned resort properties (Value, Moderate, and Deluxe + Villas and a campground!)
• Disney Springs (shopping, dining, and entertainment district)
• and several golf courses, miniature golf, spas, and recreation areas

You do not need a park ticket to enjoy many of these areas, making it easy to plan a full, fun-filled day entirely outside the parks. It’s truly one of our favorite ways to spend time in Disney World, even with annual passes!

​Transportation Outside of Disney World Parks

Let’s start with transportation and navigation. You can get around most of Walt Disney World without a car, you just have to know your way around and understand the transportation options. 

The most important thing to understand is if you are staying onside at a Disney property OR if you are staying offsite at a vacation rental or another hotel property. 

If you’re visiting Disney World without staying at a Disney resort, Disney Springs is your best parking option. If you’re staying at a Disney resort, you can always utilize the free Disney-provided transportation directly from your resort. 

Parking at Disney Springs

• Free self-parking in garages
• Garages open one hour before Disney Springs officially opens
• Easy access to buses that connect to Disney resorts

Once parked at Disney Springs, you can take complimentary Disney transportation to many resorts and resort areas.

Tip for families: Parking at resorts is restricted to guests with dining reservations or hotel stays. It’s also often limited to a specific time period if you are visiting for a dining reservation. Disney Springs avoids this issue entirely.

If you are staying at a Disney World resort, or once you arrive to Disney Springs, this guide will explain everything you need to know about utilizing free Disney transportation.

When to Start a Non-Park Day

The best time to start depends on your plan, so once you read through everything below, come back to this section to understand the best way to time the day. 

• Morning (8 – 10 AM): Ideal for character dining for breakfast, pool time, mini golf, or lounging at your resort 
• Late Morning: Great for Disney Springs brunch or resort hopping
• Afternoon: In the summer, this is the perfect time for indoor activities, poolside games with cast members (if you are staying at the resort), fun activities like Mickey Tye-Dye, and other options around the resorts 
• Evening: Perfect for dining, entertainment, and fireworks views. We also love renting surreys or Boats around sunset. 

If you’re with young kids, arriving earlier allows for downtime later in the day.

What is Resort Hopping?

Resort hopping is one of the best free things to do at Disney World outside the parks. We almost always spend time resort hopping when we are in Disney- even if it’s just for the weekend! 

Resort hopping is simple- it’s visiting different Walt Disney World resorts, usually by using Disney transportation, to see their theming, views, restaurants, lounges, and more. It’s one of my favorite things to do in Disney, especially during the holidays!

How Resort Hopping Works

You hop on Disney transportation and see where it takes you 🙂 

You can visit Disney resorts using:

• Buses (via Disney Springs or parks via other Disney resorts)
• Skyliner
• Monorail
• Boats

You are welcome to explore lobbies, shops, dining locations, and outdoor areas.

Best Disney Resorts to Visit With Kids

Depending on how crazy you want to go, you could technically visit every Disney resort on property in one day, though I don’t think it’s necessary. I would stick with mainly the deluxe resorts, and sprinkle in a Moderate and a Value (IF it’s Art of Animation).

Magic Kingdom Area Resorts (Monorail Loop)

This is a loop of resorts accessible via the Monorail or a boat. You can always walk between the Transportation and Ticket Center and the Polynesian, then onto the Grand Floridian and end at Magic Kingdom, or continue to the Contemporary. 

• Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Watch the monorail pass through the lobby or grab a reservation at Chef Mickey’s
• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort – Beach vibes, delicious food (the best quick service around in my opinion!), and Dole Whip
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort – Elegant atmosphere with good table-service dining and pretty views. 

Read all about the Polynesian resort to understand why this is the best resort to hop to in the evening.

You can also boat to Wilderness Lodge from Magic Kingdom if you want to see another great resort option. 

These resorts are especially magical around holidays, but always worth a visit throughout the year as well. They are iconic!

EPCOT Area Resorts

Each of these resorts is within walking distance of the others, or you could take the boat from the International Gateway entrance of Epcot.

Note: If you are at the front of Epcot, arriving by either the monorail or a bus, you won’t be able to access these resorts or the skyliner without going through the park. 

• Yacht Club & Beach Club – Incredible theming, great dining options, beautiful views
• BoardWalk Inn – Street performers, carnival-style games, and nightlife with great table service dining options or “street vendors”

You can also walk over to the Swam & Dolphin or the Swan Reserve!

Kids love the BoardWalk atmosphere in the evenings, and there are fun options on an adult’s trip as well!

Skyliner Resorts

The Skyliner line starts right next to the Boardwalk and Beach Club, at the Epcot International Gateway outside park security. The Disney Skyliner itself is an attraction, and my favorite way to get around the property. 

The resorts you can visit via the Skyliner from Epcot are: 

• Riviera Resort
• Caribbean Beach
• Art of Animation
• Pop Century

Pro-tip: The line may look longggg in the morning hours, but it moves quickly! 

If you plan to use the Skyliner, there are four main stations. The first is between Art of Animation and Pop Century, the second is the transfer hub, where you can either go straight to Epcot, Caribbean Beach (you could also get off here instead to walk through the resort), and Riviera or to the left for Hollywood Studios, the third is at the Riviera Resort and the fourth is at Epcot’s International Gateway. 

If you are looking for fun activities to do before or after the skyliner resorts, walk over to the Boardwalk Inn and Villas!

Disney Springs: A Full Day All on Its Own

Disney Springs is Walt Disney World’s massive entertainment district and a must-visit on a non-park day. We also love Disney Springs as an arrival day treat, but be prepared because it can get very crowded on weekend nights. 

If you aren’t familiar with Disney Springs, it’s previously known as Downtown Disney! 

What You’ll Find at Disney Springs

• World-class shopping. Everything from the Lego Store to Zara, World of Disney and World of Coke. There are shops for everything, including specialty Disney stores. 
• Family-friendly dining. Disney Springs has some of the best food outside of the parks. And great Disney Springs happy hours too!
• Live entertainment. Check the entertainment schedule and locations because there could be a live band in one section, a dance team performing in another, and an elf on a sled in between. 
• Dessert, treats and snack stops. So many fun options depending on what you are looking for- from waffles to affogato, Dole Whip floats and more. 
• A animation themed Cirque Du Soleil Show is another great option for older kids and adults. 

Best Things to Do With Kids at Disney Springs

Depending on when you visit, there are rotating activities available. There are plenty of stores with larger-than-life experiences that are cool to see, various things to do depending on how much time you have, and, as mentioned, live entertainment. 

• LEGO Store with outdoor characters all created with LEGO, or you can build your own LEGO inside!
• World of Disney a visit to the largest Disney store is a must on any Disney trip! You’ll find things here that you won’t find in the parks. 
• Aerophile Balloon Ride. This is a fun hot air balloon-style ride that soars above Disney Springs. Be sure to check if it’s open first! 
• Splitsville bowling is a great activity for a day when you don’t want to be outside

Coming soon: Level 99 is a multi-room interactive game location. I am really excited to see what this is all about! I miss the days of ESPN Zone and this should be a welcome, similar style, experience for families! 

If you are visiting during the holidays, check out the Christmas Tree Stroll!

Dining Options Outside the Parks

One of the biggest perks of a non-park day is enjoying Disney dining without rushing. There are great restaurants and dining options all outside of Disney parks, so save your character dining reservations for a non-park day! 

Best Family-Friendly Table Service Restaurants

Not all table-service restaurants have characters, and not all character dining is available for every meal. Below are some of our favorite options, but there are plenty more! 

• ‘Ohana (Polynesian Village Resort) – Character breakfast and family-style dinner with Stitch! 
• Chef Mickey’s (Contemporary Resort) – Classic character dining for all meals, right inside of the Contemporary resort
• Whispering Canyon Café (Wilderness Lodge) – Interactive and fun atmosphere. This is such a low-key amazing experience! If you are a fan of a waitress with jokes, endless laughter and a great meal, this is where you want to go! 

Quick-Service Dining Worth Visiting

Do not discount a good quick service meal! We’re aren’t huge foodies, and we also don’t love sitting down for long meals everyday, so we frequent quick-service options when we’re in Disney! These are some of the best! 

• Capt. Cook’s – This quick-service at the Polynesian is the BEST. For breakfast, lunch and dinner. It also has a beautiful view if you find a seat outside. Get the Tonga Toast for breakfast or the Thai Coconut Meatballs for lunch/dinner! 
• Le Petite Cafe – A coffee shop and cafe in the lobby of the Riviera Resort. Great for a cup of coffee and a pastry! 
• Primo Piatto – I can’t help that two options from the Riviera made it onto the list, I love their options! This is a great stop for lunch or dinner while resort hopping! 

Best Disney Springs Dining for Families

• Raglan Road – Live Irish music and dancing, with nice bar areas outside as well! 
• The Boathouse – Waterfront dining and amphicars, which are a fun Disney Springs activity while you visit!
• Chicken Guy! – One of our favorites. It’s kid-approved, more budget-friendly, and the sauces are delicious! 

While you visit Disney Springs, consider checking out some of the great Happy Hours!

Other Things to Do Outside the Parks

If you haven’t yet realized that Disney usually goes above and beyond when it comes to options for a great family vacation, these additional experiences may seal the deal for you. 

PLUS! If you booked a Disney vacation package at a Disney resort or partner hotel, you get magical extras included for free, which include some of the options below! 

Mini Golf

There are two mini golf courses on Disney property, and both of them have their own theming. 

• Fantasia Gardens – near Epcot, directly next to the Swan Reserve
• Winter Summerland – shares a parking lot with Blizzard Beach and is Christmas themed

Golf Courses at Walt Disney World

Many families don’t realize that Walt Disney World is also home to championship-level golf courses that are open to both resort guests and day visitors – no park ticket required.

Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course

Oak Trail is Disney’s family-friendly, walking-only 9-hole course.

Why families love it:

• Shorter course, perfect for beginners
• Ideal for kids learning to golf
• Less time commitment than a full 18 holes

This is a great option if you want to introduce children or teens to golf while still enjoying a relaxed Disney day.

Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course

The Magnolia Golf Course is Disney’s flagship 18-hole course, recently redesigned to host professional tournaments.

What to expect:

• Classic Florida landscape with magnolia trees
• Challenging holes for experienced golfers
• Professional-level course conditions

This course is best suited for adults or teens who already enjoy golf.

Disney’s Palm Golf Course

The Palm Golf Course offers a slightly more forgiving layout than Magnolia while still providing a championship-level experience.

Highlights include:

• Wide fairways
• Scenic water features
• A balanced challenge for intermediate golfers

It’s a popular choice for vacation golfers who want quality without an overly difficult round.

Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course

This course winds through Disney resorts and natural scenery, making it one of the most visually interesting on property.

You’ll play alongside:

• Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
• Disney’s Old Key West Resort
• Tree-lined fairways and waterways

Because of its location, this course feels uniquely “Disney” while still offering a true golf experience.

Helpful Golf Tips for Families

• Clubs can be rented on-site – no need to bring your own
• Tee times should be booked in advance, especially during peak seasons
• Early morning tee times help avoid Florida heat
• Pair golf with a Disney Springs afternoon for a well-rounded non-park day

Golf at Disney World is an excellent option for:

• Parents looking for downtime
• Teens who enjoy sports
• Multi-generational trips where not everyone wants a park day

Water Parks 

The two Disney water parks both have their own theme and usually have a rotating schedule unless it’s peak summer. PLUS, Disney often has special packages where a water park day on your arrival is included. Check with your travel agent if you have questions! 

• Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon – this water park is shipwreck themed and is right across from Disney Springs 
• Disney’s Blizzard Beach – Frozen/snow theming at this water park which is near Animal Kingdom and the nearby resorts 

Recreation & Experiences

One of my favorite reasons to stay at a Disney resort is for all of the included activities while on-site. From free marshmallow roasting over the fire, movies on the lawn, dance parties, and games, there is something happening every single day. 

One experience that many people skip is the Animal Viewing at Animal Kingdom lodge, be sure to check these areas out if you are staying at the resort! 

• Campfire sing-alongs at select resorts
• Movies Under the Stars
• Bike rentals
• Playgrounds 

There are a few things worth considering that take up a bit of time during a Disney World vacation, like fishing excursions, horseback riding and more. 

Tri-Circle-D Ranch at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

Tri-Circle-D Ranch is one of Disney World’s most underrated non-park experiences, especially for animal-loving kids.

Here you can:

• Visit the horses that work in the Disney parks, including the Cinderella Castle horses
• See ponies and draft horses up close
• Learn about Disney’s equestrian program

Fort Wilderness also offers:

• Scenic walking trails
• A playground
• Campfire sing-alongs with Chip & Dale (select nights)

Pro Tip: Fort Wilderness is easiest to reach by boat from Magic Kingdom or by bus from Disney Springs.

Pontoon Boat Rentals, Fishing & Fireworks Cruises

Several Disney resorts offer pontoon boat rentals that allow families to experience Disney World from the water.

Pontoon Boat Rentals

Available at select marinas, including:

• Contemporary Resort
• Polynesian Village Resort
• Grand Floridian Resort
• Wilderness Lodge

While you can’t swim in the waters around the parks, it’s a relaxing and nice experience and something a bit out of the ordinary for a Disney vacation. 

Guided Fishing Excursions

Disney offers guided bass fishing experiences departing from multiple resorts. These are catch-and-release and include all equipment, making them beginner-friendly. A guide will take you to the best spots for fishing, offer guidance to how to fish (if needed!) and provide everything you need for a great day on the water. 

This is a great non-park activity for:

• Older kids
• Teens
• Parents looking for a quiet break

There are also options like Mosaic crafts, Sangria University, and more, depending on what you are looking for! If you are aiming for an adults-only Disney vacation, check out the Disney Adults guide to a Disney trip!

If you are trying to determine if it’s worth it to stay at a Disney World resort, check out the guide to Disney World resort benefits.

Fireworks Without a Park Ticket

This one will be controversial because many visitors will say it’s not something that should be advertised, but I think it’s an amazing benefit of being inside the Disney bubble. You can absolutely see the fireworks, and even listen to the exact music playing in the parks, without a park ticket. 

I will say, I think the prime viewing locations should be left for the resort and dining guests, but that doesn’t mean you should skip out of these options entirely! 

Where can you enjoy fireworks views without entering a park? At many Disney World resorts! 

• Polynesian Beach – Magic Kingdom fireworks with the music piped in. The beach is large, as is the area in front of the tower, so grab a spot and enjoy! 
• Contemporary Resort – observation decks by the outside stairs. There are even a limited number of seats available on each floor. 
• BoardWalk area and Beach/Yacht beaches – EPCOT nighttime shows are visible from the outside area around the lake. 
• Wilderness Lodge & Fort Wilderness – These resorts don’t have a direct view, but you can see the fireworks in the sky! 

There are also multiple dining options with a fireworks view. If you want to see the Magic Kingdom fireworks, check out dining options at the Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian. If you want to see the Epcot fireworks, the Riviera Resort will have the best views. This is a great way to experience the fireworks without the crowds! 

We also love seeing the fireworks from the boat ride back to Wilderness Lodge or Fort Wilderness. 

Fireworks Cruises 

Fireworks cruises are a memorable splurge that allows families to watch Magic Kingdom or EPCOT fireworks from the water. 

What’s included:

• A private boat with a captain
• Music synced to the fireworks
• Snacks and beverages

Sample One-Day Non-Park Itinerary

Morning:

• Breakfast at a monorail resort. My choice would be Topolino’s for a character breakfast or Capt Cooks for quick service!
• Explore Polynesian, Grand Floridian, and the Contemporary 

Midday:

• Take a bus to Hollywood Studios and hop on a boat (or walk) to the Boardwalk to see the resort
• ​Grab a sweet treat from Cake Bake before taking the Skyliner for a spin or starting the Skyliner crawl
• Take the bus to Disney Springs 

Afternoon:

• Disney Springs shopping and exploring 
• ​Grab lunch at one of the Disney Springs dining options 
• Stay for happy hour if you are so inclined! 

Evening:

• Take the boat to Port Orleans French Quarter for beignets or rent one of the surrey bikes at Port Orleans Riverside
• Take a bus to Magic Kingdom, then monorail to a fireworks viewing spot from a resort

While the above example could seem overwhelming, it’s meant to show you a full list of how you could spend a day. If you wanted to have more of a rest day and enjoy some pool time, you could always do a mix of that plus some of the above! One of the best things about a Disney vacation is that you can make it exactly how you want to! No matter what, there are fun things to do to ensure everyone in your family has a great time. 

Final Tips for Families

• Build in downtime – this day should feel restful, try to include multiple if you have a week or longer in Disney World! 
• Use Disney transportation as part of the fun
• Make dining reservations early
• Bring a stroller for younger kids
• Stay flexible and follow your family’s energy

Bonus- it may feel like a rest day, or a day outside of the Disney parks could be best utilized by going to another theme park, like Universal Studios Orlando, or even making the trip out to the Kennedy Space Center. I strongly recommend that you don’t, unless you are visiting for 10+ days. Use your days outside of Disney parks to enjoy everything that Disney World property has to offer! 

Is a Non-Park Day Worth It?

Absolutely. A day outside the parks allows families to:

• Save money on tickets
• Slow down and recharge
• Experience Disney magic in a different way

Whether it’s your arrival day, departure day, or a mid-trip break, spending a day at Disney World without entering the parks can be one of the most memorable parts of your vacation.

Looking for more Disney planning tips and family travel guides? Explore more on the blog, or check out my Instagram and YouTube!