We spend so much time crafting the perfect park strategy with our Genie and Lightening Lane picks and dining reservations that it’s easy to forget one of the most important days on the itinerary: the rest day! But here’s a little secret: at Walt Disney World, a “rest day” doesn’t have to mean sitting in your room.
A Disney World non-park day is your golden ticket to explore the rest of the World. It’s a chance to slow down, recharge your batteries, and discover the incredible, immersive magic that exists beyond the castle walls. From foodie adventures to resort explorations, a day without a park ticket can be one of the most memorable parts of your trip.
So, put away your park map for a day and let’s dive into the ultimate guide to crafting the perfect non-park day at Walt Disney World!
1. Enjoying a Disney World Non-Park Day at Disney Springs
Think of Disney Springs not as a shopping mall, but as a fourth-and-a-half theme park dedicated to food (check out my favorite restaurants), shopping, and entertainment. It’s massive, it’s beautiful, and you can easily spend an entire day (and a whole lot of money) here.
- What It Is: A sprawling outdoor complex with four distinct “neighborhoods” filled with world-class restaurants, one-of-a-kind shops, and endless entertainment.
- Best For: Literally everyone. Foodies will be in heaven, shoppers will find unique Disney and brand-name merch, and families will love the atmosphere.
- Cost: Free to enter and walk around.
- Don’t Miss:
- World of Disney: The largest Disney character store in the world.
- Gideon’s Bakehouse: Home of the legendary half-pound cookies. (If lines get too long they use a virtual queue.)
- Live Entertainment: There are always free musical performances at the small stages scattered throughout the area.
- Insider Tip: Arrive in the late afternoon. You can browse the shops and grab a snack before the evening dinner rush. For a truly unique experience, take a ride in one of the vintage Amphicars—a car that drives right from the land into the lake!
2. Go Resort Hopping (Our Favorite FREE Activity)
This is, without a doubt, one of the best ways to experience the incredible artistry of the Disney Imagineers. Each resort hotel is a masterclass in theming, and you’re welcome to visit, explore the lobbies, walk the grounds, and grab a bite to eat.
- What It Is: Using Disney’s free transportation system (buses, monorail, Skyliner, boats) to visit other resorts and soak in their unique atmospheres.
- Best For: Disney fans who appreciate theming, architecture, and finding hidden gems.
- Cost: Free! (Though we highly recommend budgeting for snacks along the way).
- Easy “Hopping” Routes:
- The Monorail Loop: From the Transportation and Ticket Center, ride the monorail to explore the tropical paradise of the Polynesian, the Victorian elegance of the Grand Floridian, and the sleek modernity of the Contemporary.
- The Crescent Lake Stroll: Head to the BoardWalk area and take a leisurely walk around the lake connecting the BoardWalk Inn, the Yacht & Beach Club, and the Swan & Dolphin.
- The Ultimate Hop: Take a bus to Animal Kingdom Lodge. This resort is a destination in itself, with multiple savannas where you can see giraffes, zebras, and other animals roaming freely right from the lobby windows!
- Insider Tip: The best resort hops have a goal! Make a list of iconic snacks you want to try: Zebra Domes at Animal Kingdom Lodge, beignets at Port Orleans – French Quarter, or a Dole Whip from the Polynesian. For more on these amazing hotels, check out our Ultimate Disney World Monorail Crawl.
BONUS TIP: Ride the monorail loop and hit some of the best lounges in Disney World! From Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto to the Enchanted Rose Lounge.
3. Have a Glorious Pool Day
You’re paying for an amazing resort, so use it! Disney pools are more than just holes in the ground with water; they are incredibly themed oases with fun waterslides, splash pads for little ones, and plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained.
- What It Is: A dedicated day to relax, recharge, and enjoy the incredible pool at your resort.
- Best For: Families with kids who need a break, and anyone whose feet are screaming after a few 20,000-step park days.
- Cost: Included with your resort stay.
- Insider Tip: Check your resort’s activity schedule! Most resorts have poolside games, trivia, and even movie nights under the stars. It’s a great way to enjoy some low-key Disney fun.
4. Play a Round of Miniature Golf
Disney is home to two whimsical and wonderfully themed 18-hole miniature golf courses that are often overlooked.
- What It Is: Your choice of two mini-golf experiences: Winter Summerland, where Santa and his elves relax in the “off-season,” or Fantasia Gardens, themed to the classic animated film.
- Best For: A fun family competition or a playful date night.
- Cost: Around $14 for adults, $12 for children.
- Insider Tip: If you visit Winter Summerland you’re right next to Blizzard Beach, and a short bus ride or drive from Coronado Springs Resort, which is a great place to grab lunch at the Three Bridges Bar & Grill.
You may want to call to make reservations for tee times. Although walk-ups are welcome. Click for more info.
5. Stroll the Boards at Disney’s BoardWalk
Step back in time to a turn-of-the-century Atlantic coastal village. The BoardWalk is a destination in itself, especially as the sun begins to set.
- What It Is: A beautiful quarter-mile promenade on Crescent Lake filled with restaurants, shops, and nightlife.
- Best For: Couples and adults in the evening, but fun for families during the day.
- Cost: Free to walk around.
- Insider Tip: Rent a surrey bike and pedal your way around the lake—it’s a hilarious and memorable family activity. In the evenings, the boardwalk comes alive with street performers like magicians and jugglers, creating a carnival-like atmosphere that is completely free to enjoy.
Want to elevate your time at the Boardwalk?! Grab a slab of cake from The Cake Bake Shop!
6. Enjoy a Character Meal at a Resort
Want to meet Mickey and friends without needing a park ticket? Book a character meal at one of the resort hotels! The experience is often more relaxed than in the parks, with fantastic food and quality time with the characters.
- What It Is: A sit-down meal where beloved Disney characters visit your table for photos and autographs.
- Best For: Families with young children who want guaranteed character time.
- Cost: Pricey, typically $50-$65 for an adult breakfast or dinner.
- Our Top Picks (No Park Ticket Needed):
- Topolino’s Terrace (Riviera Resort): The best character breakfast on property for food and atmosphere.
- Chef Mickey’s (Contemporary Resort): The classic, high-energy buffet with the Fab 5.
- Story Book Dining at Artist Point (Wilderness Lodge): A unique dinner with Snow White, Dopey, Grumpy, and The Evil Queen.
- Insider Tip: Booking a character breakfast at a resort on the monorail or Skyliner line gives you a perfect excuse to go resort hopping afterward!
Be sure to get a reservation! Character dining can get booked out fast. Click to get more information!
7. Watch the Electrical Water Pageant
This is a true piece of Disney history and one of our favorite hidden gems.
- What It Is: A charming, floating parade of sea creatures lit up with thousands of tiny lights that has been gliding across the Seven Seas Lagoon since 1971.
- Best For: Families with little ones and anyone who loves a dose of pure, simple nostalgia.
- Cost: 100% Free!
- Insider Tip: The best place to watch is from the beach at the Polynesian Village Resort. Grab a Dole Whip, find a lounge chair on the sand, and wait for the twinkling lights and classic electronic music to float by. It’s the perfect, peaceful end to a non-park day.
There you have it—a whole world of magic that doesn’t require a park ticket. A non-park day is your chance to see Disney World as a true resort, and we can’t recommend it enough for your Ultimate Disney World Vacation.
What’s your favorite thing to do on a Disney World non-park day? Share your tips in the comments below!
Looking for more things to do in Orlando? Check out my Beyond the Theme Parks Guide to Orlando!
Thanks for reading!
Xx Autumn
