Home » Disney After Dark: 10 Family Fun Activities Outside The Walt Disney World Theme Parks

    Disney After Dark: 10 Family Fun Activities Outside The Walt Disney World Theme Parks

    Movies under the stars, Disney

    People focus so much energy on the four Walt Disney World theme parks that they forget that Walt Disney World is a world-class resort that has dotted all their ”I’s” and crossed all their “T’s” when it comes to entertaining their guests. The parks themselves aren’t the only place you can enjoy family fun at Walt Disney World.

    Let us take you through these 10 fun activities available outside the theme parks on the Walt Disney World property…

    1. Visit the Resorts

     

    Art of Animation Resort
    Image: Kimberly Crawford

    Disney resorts are in a league of their own. Each is uniquely themed with eagle-eyed attention to detail, making guests feel like they have been transported to a magical destination. So it stands to reason that they would just be brimming with lots of unique opportunities to add more fun to your vacation.

    2. Photo Opportunities

    Finding Nemo
    Image: Kimberly Crawford

    That eagle-eyed attention to detail we mentioned, well it’s also what makes the resorts a fantastic place to snap some gorgeous family photos. My family’s favorite is the Art of Animation Resort. The life-size statues (and some larger than life) from The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, Cars, and The Lion King surround the hotel. Kids get a kick out of finding all their favorite characters and posing with them.

    3. Campfire Activities & Movies Under The Stars

    Movies under the stars, Disney
    Image: Disney

    Most of the resort hotels offer campfire activities, usually based on the resort’s theme. Some of these campfires even have Disney Characters join in on the fun, like the Chip n’ Dale Campfire Sing-A-Long. The campfire activities are followed immediately by a Disney movie under the stars. Like the look of the campfire activities or film at a different resort than you are staying at, no problem. Disney guests are welcomed at any of the resorts.  

    4. Themed Arcades

    Each resort has a uniquely themed arcade. This is an excellent place for the families to let off some steam and enjoy playing a large variety of Disney-themed arcade games.

    5. Electric Water Pageant

    Electric Water Pageant
    Image: Kimberly Crawford

    This musical parade of lights on water is held nightly on the Seven Seas Lagoon. The Electric Water Pageant is just a delightful experience for families to watch, but a Disney tradition and has been running continuously since the park opened 50 years ago. The Pageant can be seen from one of the four resort hotels on the lagoon: the Polynesian Village Resort, The Grand Floridian Resort, Fort Wilderness Resort, and the Contemporary Resort.

    6. Miniature Golf

    Fantasia Gardens, Disney
    Image: Disney

    The Fantasia Gardens is a whimsical golf course that is fun for all ages. Fans of Fantasia will love this miniature golf course depicting scenes from the movie. The Fairway Golf Course mimics an actual golf course (including sand traps and water hazards) on a miniature scale for those looking to show off their skills.

    Most people associate Disney Springs with restaurants and shopping but may not realize that there are some wonderful places to enjoy some family fun.

    7. Cirque Du Soleil – Drawn to Life (Disney Springs)

    Drawn to life, Cirque du Soleil
    Image: Disney

    For over twenty years, Cirque Du Soleil has been a favorite Disney Spring acrobatic show. Their newest show, Drawn to Life, collaborates with Disney Animation Studios, where beloved Disney animation is brought to life in this colorfully artistic acrobatic show.

    8. Aerophile Balloon Ride

    Aerophile Balloon Ride, Disney Springs
    Image: Disney

    Fly high above Disney Springs and be treated to a view of up to 10 miles, depending upon visibility, which includes many famous Disney landmarks.

    9. Splitsville Luxury Lanes

    Take bowling and billiards to the next level at this state-of-the-art bowling alley that captures the classic feel of the 1950s.

    10. AMC Disney Springs 24 Dine-In Theatre

    AMC Theatre,  Disney Springs
    Image: Disney

    You will never look at dinner and movie the same after experiencing the AMC Dine-in Theatre. Families can enjoy top-notch cuisine and cocktails while taking in the latest feature films.

    When planning your next Disney vacation, don’t forget to add some of these family fun activities to kick your vacation up a notch, creating lifelong memories. Have you enjoyed any of these? Have you got any other fun suggestions to add to our list? Let us know by leaving us a comment below or on our Facebook page.