A visit to Walt Disney World® Resorts isn’t your typical vacation. It’s magical and more fun than you can imagine, and full of memories, but real talk – there’s no tired like “Disney tired”. Get up early, go go go, fun fun fun, magic magic magic, and stay up late to catch fireworks before you crash and repeat. A rest or resort day is just what you need to recharge and make some more magical memories. If you still want to enjoy the magic but prioritize rest and relaxing, here’s a list of things for your day outside of the Disney Parks.
Explore other resorts/Resort specific fun
- DID YOU KNOW: Most resorts have a “Resort Scavenger Hunt” that can be picked up at the front desk?
- Visit the play areas at any Disney resort that strikes your interest.
- Take in a movie under the stars at most of the Disney Resorts.
- Enjoy a boat ride from the Magic Kingdom to surrounding resorts.
- Lounge by the pool!
PRO TIP: Which resorts have the best pools? I love: Beach Club and Polynesian (Deluxe), Port Orleans Riverside (Moderate), and Art of Animation (Value). Check out the full resort guide here.
- Animal Kingdom Lodge – Visit and view the animals (free), for extra fun you can do the Starlight Safari (extra cost).
- Art of Animation – Take pictures with life sized statues of Cars, the Lion King, the Little Mermaid, and Finding Nemo.
- Beach Club – Stop into Beaches and Cream Soda Shoppe for a sweet treat. (Advanced reservation required for the sit down, but the treat window is always open.)
- Boardwalk Resort – Walk the Boardwalk, loop the lake, rent a surrey bike.
- Caribbean Beach – Soak up the vibe of the Caribbean with a drink at Banana Cabana or a walk around the water.
- Contemporary Resort – Discover the small Butterfly Garden. It is located near the Mickey topiary and Mickey metal statue.
- Contemporary – view the fireworks from the fourth floor balcony.
- Coronado Springs – Take the Sangria University class (additional cost).
- Coronado Springs – Take a paint class! Small cost, lots of fun.
- Fort Wilderness – Relax on a nature walk, take a wagon ride, or go horseback riding. (Advanced reservations are required for wagons and horses.)
- Grand Floridian – Enjoy live music in the grand lobby, be sure and check the schedule.
- Grand Floridian – Treat yourself to a sunset walk on the beautiful path from the Grand Floridian to the Polynesian.
- Polynesian – view the Electrical Water Pageant or Fireworks from the Polynesian, Contemporary or Grand Floridian.
- Port Orleans Riverside – Rent a bike, take a walk, or a carriage ride for a small fee.
- Saratoga Springs, Port Orleans Riverside or French Quarter, and Boardwalk – rent a surrey bike!
- Wilderness Lodge – See the eruption of “Old Faithful”.
Explore some fun at Disney Springs
- Photo session at PhotoPass Studio
- Build something grand at the Lego Store in Disney Springs.
- Dance the day away at the DJ Kids Dance Party at the Disney Springs Waterside Stage.
- Shop ‘til you drop at Disney Springs. Unique Disney and non-Disney stores will keep you hopping and shopping.
- Learn about Disney Pin Trading at Disney Springs.
Have a FUN meal!
- Character breakfasts, well any special breakfast is great on your rest day. Early or late – your choice. Here are some of my favorites!
- Boma (no characters)
- Grand Floridian Cafe (no characters)
- Chef Art’s Homecomin’ (no characters)
- Chef Mickey’s (characters)
- Topolinos’ Terrace (characters)
Transportation fun
- Explore all the transportation on Disney property.
- Loop the loop on the monorail.
- Take a skyliner ride.
- Skyliner bar crawl
Which will you add to the list for your next resort day? Did I miss something you love – send it my way. Learn more about choosing a Disney resort in this post.
