Florida Locals Guide to Experiencing Disney Outside the Parks

It’s no secret in the Moving to Orlando Facebook group that many of us love Disney. Each year, more people choose to follow their dreams of living closer to The Most Magical Place on Earth. While a number of new residents are anxiously awaiting the return of Disney Annual Passes, I thought it would be fun to explore ways you can get your Disney fix without going into the parks.

Special Note: While parking can be tricky at some of these resorts we recommend either parking at Disney Springs or a theme park (if an annual pass holder) and taking free Disney transportation.

Disney Springs

Everyone is familiar with Disney Springs. However, there is much more to do there aside from shopping and dining. Here are some of our favorites.

The resorts are full of paths and walking trails to explore.

Disney Resorts

Even if you’re not staying at a Disney resort, you can still take advantage of many experiences. While accessibility to the resorts has changed, there are still ways to visit. You can visit any resort on property with an advanced dining reservation. Another option is to take Disney transportation. You can park for free at Disney Springs, then take a bus to your resort destination. Some non-dining experiences, like those you book in advance, will allow you to park at the resort. Let’s dive into some exciting adventures you can have at the resorts.

Discover Tri-Circle-D Ranch to visit with the horses and their caretakers.

Other Experiences

Outside of Disney Springs and the Resorts, there are still more experiences to be had.

  • Challenge your family or friends at a Disney-themed game of miniature golf at Fantasia Gardens or Winter Summerland.
  • There are no shortages of real golf courses around Disney either. Check out Disney’s Palm Golf Course, Magnolia Golf Course, Lake Buena Vista Golf Course, and Oak Trail Golf Course.
  • Go Fishing! Disney offers fishing excursions at a variety of locations.
  • Get in touch with nature, Disney style. About 40 minutes from Disney World, you will find the Disney Wilderness Preserve. Here, you can hike, bird watch, and enjoy Florida’s native plants and animals.

Let us know in the comments what your favorite Disney experiences are outside the parks. If you are interested in getting started on your Florida home purchase and taking advantage of all Florida has to offer, our Moving to Orlando REALTORS are here to help you navigate the market. Take a moment to fill out our contact form, and someone will be in contact with you!

Amy Krieger

Amy loves all things Disney from the theme parks and resorts to the beloved films. She and her husband, Paul, are originally from Wheeling, West Virginia. They now live in Central Florida with their two fur kids, Odie the greyhound and Hermes the Spanish galgo. As Disney Vacation Club members and Disney World Annual Passholders, they visit Disney World and other Disney properties as often as possible. Full time, Amy is the Manager of Loan Origination for Monera Financial, a World of DVC company where she helps buyers finance DVC contracts. Amy and Paul own DVC at some of their favorite resorts: BoardWalk, Grand Floridian, Animal Kingdom, Polynesian, and Grand Californian.

One thought on “Florida Locals Guide to Experiencing Disney Outside the Parks

  • Renting a canoe at Fort Wilderness was one of our highlights. We were out there all by ourselves and two vultures flew right down by our boat. Not to mention the turtles in the water.

    Reply

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