I know what you might be thinking: “We came all this way for a Disney vacation, so why would we waste time doing nothing?” Well here’s how to plan a “break day” at Disney World without feeling like you’re missing anything.
“We’re Here for the Attractions”
Obviously some of the biggest draws at the Disney Parks are the rides. While you can only find these inside the parks themselves, here are a few alternatives that will keep your family active and engaged:
- Disney Resort Pools – Spend an afternoon cooling off by the pool or enjoying the slides/hot tubs. (Disney’s Beach & Yacht Club Resorts have the best ones on property)
- Miniature Golf – Walt Disney World Resort offers two themed miniature golf courses, and most vacation packages include free admission tickets.
- Bowling – Splitsville Luxury Lanes at Disney Springs offers a fun environment and a restaurant with a full menu.
- Arcades – Each of the Disney Resort hotels offers an arcade filled with a variety of games.
“We’re Here for the Shows”
Disney’s shows are pure magic, and thankfully you can find several options around Walt Disney World Resort. Here are a few fun ideas:
- Live Music – Disney Springs offers live entertainment throughout the day and at select restaurant venues.
- Dinner Shows – Choose from Spirit of Aloha, Hoop-Do-Doo Revue, or Mickey’s Backyard BBQ at the Disney Resorts. (I recommend reserving these in advance)
- Movies Under the Stars – The Disney Resort hotels offer (Disney) movies out on the lawns most nights (weather permitting).
- Campfires – The hotels also offer campfires on select nights. At Fort Wilderness Resort & Campgrounds you may even spot Chip and Dale!
- Fireworks on the Beach – At Disney’s Polynesian Resort, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and the Contemporary you can spot the fireworks from Magic Kingdom on the beach. They typically pipe in the music too.
- Electrical Water Pageant – Seven Seas Lagoon is host to a nighttime parade in front of Magic Kingdom Park.
“We’re Here for the Characters”
Don’t think your kids will get enough of the princesses in the parks? Don’t worry – you can still enjoy the characters elsewhere. Here’s where to find them:
- Character Dining – Many of the Disney Deluxe Resort hotels offer character meals, such as Chef Mickey’s or Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner at 1900 Park Fare.
- Character Experiences – Disney’s Enchanting Extras Collection offers several opportunities to spend time with the characters, such as the Perfectly Princess Tea party, Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage, and the Wonderland Tea Party.
- World of Disney Store – While you won’t find actual characters here, in Disney Springs you can shop for almost any type of character-themed souvenir you can think of.
So plan that break day, sleep in, and explore everything that Walt Disney World Resort has to offer!
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Very cool tips! We’ve been there enough that break days are easy to take. I think it’s harder your first few trips when you’re trying to fot it all in.
I agree! The first few trips you’re trying to “do it all” and it’s hard to spend a day outside the parks. Once you’ve got your own rhythm there you can relax a bit more and take advantage of the resort of the resort.