Fun things you can do at Disney World resorts, even if you're not staying there
Amanda Krause
- Visiting a Disney World resort can essentially be a vacation in its own right.
- Some have gourmet dining options, art classes, and photo opportunities.
You don't have to set foot on a Disney World ride to have fun at the theme park.
Instead, many die-hard fans spend their time at the theme park visiting Disney World's numerous resorts. Not only do the onsite hotels offer unique dining options, but they're also home to painting classes, photo ops, and more.
Of course, some of these activities cost an extra fee, but they're open to everyone — even if you're not staying there.
The Fort Wilderness Resort is perfect for people who love the outdoors.
Arguably one of the best spots at the resort is the Tri-Circle-D Ranch. You can visit for free and view horse breeds like Clydesdales, Appaloosas, Shetland Ponies, and more inside stables.
For a $55 fee, visitors can also partake in carriage rides and horseback riding year-round.
There are plenty of unique photo-ops at the Pop Century Resort.
Each section of the resort honors a different decade between the '50s and '90s.
Room exteriors in the '60s area, for example, are decorated with flowers and peace signs, and staircases are hidden inside giant yo-yos.
Not only will you be transported to another era just by visiting, but you can also score some unique photos while there.
The same goes for Disney World's Art of Animation Resort.
The Art of Animation Resort is ideal for die-hard Disney fans, as the hotel has sections dedicated to "The Little Mermaid," "Cars," "Finding Nemo," and "The Lion King."
The "Cars" section is filled with pathways that look like roads, and "The Lion King" area has giant replicas of Simba, Timon, and Pumbaa. Everyone is welcome to take a walk around the resort and snap some photos while there.
It's also worth taking a walk around the All-Star resorts.
The least-expensive hotels at Disney World include the All-Star Music, All-Star Movies, and All-Star Sports resorts.
At the movies-themed location, you can walk through a larger-than-life replica of Andy's room from Toy Story. There's also a giant football field at the sports version, and a sky-high jukebox at the music-centric spot.
The photo ops at this hotel are arguably some of the best in the entirety of Disney World.
At the Caribbean Beach Resort, you can go fishing before enjoying standout dining options.
The Caribbean Beach Resort is one of multiple Disney World hotels to offer fishing excursions. Two-hour and four-hour trips are available, so long as you make a reservation beforehand.
For a meal afterward, you might want to check out Sebastian's Bistro or Spyglass Grill to get a taste of Latin and Caribbean food.
If you don't have time to go to Animal Kingdom, consider checking out the Animal Kingdom Lodge.
There's lots to do at the hotel, like eating African cuisine at places like Jiko and Boma, and walking around animal-viewing areas that house over 200 species of wildlife.
According to the Disney Food Blog, the resort also usually offers dinner and safari packages for upwards of $200. However, the activity has been paused since the start of the pandemic. There is an $89 evening version of the tour that is currently available to book.
For a relaxing activity, take a painting class at the Coronado Springs Resort.
Each Friday at the resort, hotel guests and visitors aged 12 and up can partake in the Colors of Coronado Painting Experience for $35 per person.
The classes are led by master artists, according to Disney, and attendees have the opportunity to create Disney-inspired paintings.
The Wilderness Lodge is the perfect place to take a scenic walk.
The resort was designed to resemble America's Great Northwest, so visitors will feel as though they've been transported to another state while onsite. The destination is so detailed that it even features a geyser that erupts on the hour.
When not exploring the resort's nature pathways, visitors can eat at numerous restaurants, go jogging, rent a motorized boat, or play at an arcade.
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