While some people may think that they Walt Disney World® Resort is all about the four theme parks and two water parks, in actuality, there is so much more to do here than meets the eye. Disney really did think of everything when they built this resort, and many options for recreational activities are readily available. Whether you would like to spend a day on the fairways at Disney’s championship golf courses, take a guided fishing excursion or go on a scenic boat ride, you can do it all without ever having to leave the Walt Disney World® Resort grounds.
One of the main attractions for all of the fathers on vacation may be Disney Golf. Disney Golf is open 365 days a year and is home to five championship courses: Osprey Ridge, Lake Buena Vista, Palm, Magnolia and Oak Trail. GOLF Magazine endorsed the Walt Disney World® Resort as one of the 25 best resorts in the nation for their courses, and Disney’s Osprey Ridge Golf Course was awarded the distinction of being named America’s Best Resort Course by Golfweek in 2006. Tee times for these courses can be booked for Walt Disney World® Resort guests up to 90 days in advance, and all other guests can make reservations within 30 days by calling (407) WDW-GOLF.
Disney has two miniature golf courses for those who aren’t quite on par with the major courses yet – Fantasia Gardens and Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Courses. Like everything else on property, these two attractions are themed and provide experiences like no other miniature golf courses around town. Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course is a great whimsical adventure that really brings the Disney magic to life. Based on the Academy award-winning movie “Fantasia,” this golf course has dancing hippos, leaping fountains and marching broomsticks! Also a one-of-a-kind course, Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course is located just outside of Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park and is a great way to end your day after hitting the slopes inside. Everything here is small, because legend has it that it was built by elves and that Mr. and Mrs. Clause make their off-season home here!
The Richard Petty Driving Experience at the Walt Disney World® Resort offers guests an option for fun that you won’t see anywhere else. At the Walt Disney World® Speedway, guests can either ride along with a professional driver in a two-seat stock car or take the reigns and drive themselves around the mile-long tri-oval track. For more information on the Richard Petty Driving Experience, which is located just outside the Magic Kingdom® Park’s parking lots, or to book reservations, click here.
If boating is one of your favorite activities, be sure to check out Disney’s vast array of marinas and watercraft located across property. From Sea Raycers by Sea Ray, Boston Whaler Montauk boats, kayaks, pontoons and sailboats to paddle boats, there is a price and a speed that fits into every family vacation. Guests can take these boats out for a ride on either the Seven Seas Lagoon or Bay Lake in front of the Magic Kingdom (these can be rented at any of the Magic Kingdom Park hotels) or at several other resorts and areas on property. Each boat has it own specifications, but guests must be at least 12 years old AND five feet tall to drive a Sea Raycer at most of the marinas. However, at any of the Magic Kingdom® resorts, due to the large lake, there must be at least one person in the boat with a valid driver’s license. There is a maximum of two persons per Sea Raycer and a combined total weight limit of 320 pounds. All drivers under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign a release as well.
If driving the boat is not your ideal way to spend a day of vacation, perhaps a fishing excursion is. Two-hour fishing excursions are scheduled for three different departure times during the day – 7 a.m., 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at the following marinas: Disney’s Boardwalk Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campgrounds, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Disney’s Old Key West Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and the Downtown Disney® Marketplace. The rates are $ 35 for the first two excursions and $ 200 for the afternoon excursion, and the prices for the private catch-and-release trip are good for you and up to four other guests. All Walt Disney World® Resort Guided Fishing Excursions include an experienced fishing guide, rod and reel, tackle, artificial and live bait, beverages and a one-year BASS membership. You can also call 407-939-BASS to book this excursion.
As if all of these activities weren’t enough to keep you occupied, the Walt Disney World Resort also offers recreation activities such as arcades, bike rentals, jogging trails, kids programs, playgrounds, tennis, volleyball, water sports and more for your vacation enjoyment!
