Please remember that this article was written prior to the CoVid-19 pandemic and some items discussed may not currently be available. We are anticipating most, if not all, experiences and attractions to return to the parks when Disney fully reopens.
It's amazing to think that even after all of the rides and entertainment in the 4 major parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios) Walt Disney World still has so much to do that we are extending this to third post. This is where we are going to hit on a lot of the "I didn't know about that" stuff around the resort, including golf, games and tours inside each park, the water parks, and Disney Springs. Even when you are done with this post, there is still more to do.
Continuing Inside the Parks
Even with so much to do in each park, people still find that there are more offerings than they know about. If you are wanting to take a different path than most of the crowds, check out these offerings.
Pin Trading - We have found with our kids that this is a great way for them to safely explore the parks and meet new, and sometimes different, people. Pin trading happens with most of the Cast Members around the parks and the front desk at most resorts. It is just as simple as it sounds, you trade one of your Disney pins for one of their Disney pins. It is fun to watch the Cast Members interact with our kids during this exchange and to watch the gain in personal skills and confidence it has given to our children.
Interactive Games - Each of the 4 major parks now has an interactive adventure inside their gates.
Magic Kingdom has a quest called Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom where you use cards at special video portals to defeat villains and save Magic Kingdom. A starter set of cards can be obtained at the fire station on Main Street and there are additional cards that can be collected through special events at Magic Kingdom.
EPCOT has Agent P's World Showcase Adventure where you use a smart phone to collect clues and solve the puzzle before Dr. Doofenschmirtz wreaks havoc. This is just as it sounds. You have to sign up online and you will be given a mission to go to one of the participating pavilions and solve the puzzles while learning about the culture and history of that country.
Animal Kingdom offers the Wilderness Explorers Adventure. Once you pick up your badge book, this challenges you to move throughout the park and collect badges while learning about animals and the cultures represented throughout the park.
Hollywood Studios started an interactive experience with the opening of Star Wars Galaxy's Edge called Datapad. This experience is played through the Play Disney app and allows you to interact with the scenery throughout Galaxy's Edge. This game has evolved since its release and now offers some missions and tasks that earn you rewards in different forms upon completion.
Continuing with the Play Disney app, there are many interactive games that can be played through rides queues and other areas of the parks. This has also been constantly changing since its release and continues to offer more fun if you get caught in some of those longer lines.
Guided Tours - Disney has another way that you can explore the magic of their parks. They offer many guided tours ranging in price from $29 per person up to $400/hr (min 4 hours) for a group of 10 people. There are many different aspects covered by these tours and you can definitely add to your Disney knowledge through some of them. Others provide VIP access to rides and restaurants. The full list is on the Disney website and does change seasonally.
Exploring Outside the Big 4
Once you leave the confines of the parks, there isn't that much to do. Said no one ever. There are numerous areas that offer different forms of fun that just can't be contained in the parks.
More Parks???? - Disney does have 2 more parks within the resort property that don't get the fanfare that the others tend to see. Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach are world class, standalone water parks that give you plenty of options to cool down on those hot Florida days. Entrance can be obtained using either a park day, adding the Park Hopper + option to your tickets, or just paying at the gate. They do offer transportation through the Disney bus system and both have quick service dining options on site.
For the Golfers - If you want to hit the links while you are on your Disney vacation, they have you covered on site for this as well. Their offerings include 3 beautiful 18 hole courses, a 9 hole walking course, and 2 fantastically unique miniature golf courses. As a golfer myself, I have been able to sample most of the offerings Disney has and they are worth the time and money. The courses are in incredible condition and the pro shops offer unique Disney golf apparel and gifts. Deals can be had at the full courses in the early mornings for quick 9 and a sandwich. More information can be found here.
Shopping, Food, and More - If you are still looking for something to do or somewhere to eat, slowly turn and look at yourself in a mirror to see if you are permanently growing mouse ears. In all reality Disney Springs has exploded for those people that are still looking for more to do around the resort. It offers the world's largest Disney story and a multitude of restaurants and other retail options (think of an outdoor mall attached to an entertainment district). On the fun side there is a theater complex, bowling center, and a Cirque du Soliel theater (the home of Drawn to Life starting in April).
Amazingly after 3 posts, I think we have hit a majority of the options available around the parks. If you are looking for something to do, you probably need to ask yourself if you really planned well. If you have questions, let us know so that we can help and follow the blog. As we continue to add more content, a lot of these offerings will be covered in much more detail.
Are you ready to take the next step? Fill out our information form on the Booking Your Trip page and let's talk about your Disney adventure. If you are looking for more information, the Disney Planning Insights Podcasts and Princesses and the Mouse Blogs provide more information to help you plan your next Disney vacation.