July 2025
Perfect Itinerary for Walt Disney World – Without Visiting the Theme Parks
A trip to Walt Disney World is expensive. And while you can try to cut costs around flights, accommodations, and even food and souvenir purchases, one cost remains that is the most expensive part of a Disney vacation – theme park tickets. Tickets to enter any of the Disney parks is extremely expensive! And there are very few incentives or deals that help reduce that cost. I have an entire post on Tips to Save Money on a Walt Disney World Vacation so make sure to check that out. But tickets remain a large portion of a Walt Disney World vacation budget.
But if you like being in the Disney bubble, there may be another solution – what if you skip the parks?
In an era where you are nickel’ed and dime’ed to have a shot at having the ‘perfect’ day at Magic Kingdom, it is definitely a consideration and our most recent trip to see the Mouse, we did just that. The recent crowds make going on even the simplest rides a challenge. And if you want to go on big ticket attractions, you are stuck paying a premium either for the entire day or per attraction to get a Lightning Lane to skip the line. So on top of the already expensive ticket to get into the park, you are likely paying for rides as well.
The beauty of Walt Disney World is the expansive property where there is so much to do and this applies to outside the theme parks as well!
Walt Disney World offers so many options outside of the theme parks that guests often do not take advantage of because they are preoccupied with the theme parks. And with the price tag for entry, you want to get every second you can to make it worth it. Spending all of your time in the park is definitely not a bad thing- it is the reason you go on vacation to Walt Disney World and certainly reflects my childhood trips. With crowds in the parks continuing to rise and only going to get worse with the opening of new attractions, the out of theme park activities still remain very tolerable if not empty in some occasions. If you are looking for a ways to spend a park-free day around Walt Disney World, let’s plan a perfect trip. And dare I say – it may be your most relaxing Walt Disney World vacation yet.
Resort Hopping
The first thing any Disney fan will tell you for a park-free day is to go to the resorts. You do not need to be a guest to visit these immersive, artfully themed hotels and take advantage of offered activities. All are accessible by Disney transportation (some easier than others) so it is free to get around.
- Stop by Animal Kingdom Lodge to enjoy the Animal Kingdom inspired flare and spot animals from the resort. If you are not staying here, grab a bus to any of the parks or Disney Springs and then get on a bus that is going to Animal Kingdom Lodge. There are actually two sides to the resort – Kidani Village and Jambo House – to explore.
- Go to Art of Animation to get photos with larger than life characters from your favorite movies such as Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, The Lion King, and Cars. If you are not staying here, grab a bus to any of the parks or Disney Springs and then get on a bus that is going to this resort or take the Skyliner.
- Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness offers so many unique activities including horseback riding, sleigh rides, and archery. There is always a lot going on at this resort so it is well worth a visit, especially when it is decorated for the holidays – magical! If you are not staying here, grab a bus to any of the parks or Disney Springs and then get on a bus that is going to the resort or take a boat from Magic Kingdom.
- The EPCOT resorts include The Boardwalk Inn, The Yacht and Beach Club, and the Swan and Dolphin Resorts and each has something to offer. The Boardwalk Inn has many shops along the boardwalk, including a bakery, and you can rent surrey bikes. A short walk from there is The Yacht and Beach Club where you can enjoy ice cream and other 50’s inspired fare at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop, as well as rent boats to take out on the lake. At night, the entire boardwalk comes alive with nightly entertainment including live performers and carnival styled games. We have even played Nintendo Switch on the lawn of the Boardwalk while a movie was playing outside. You can also ride the boat around from EPCOT to Hollywood Studios hitting each resort along the way for a 45 minute round trip- very relaxing, especially if you sit in the back outside!
- The monorail resorts include the Contemporary, the Polynesian and the Grand Floridian. A short boat ride off the monorail loop is also Fort Wilderness/Wilderness Lodge. Four incredibly themed resort in such close proximity. The monorail always felt like our first ride at Disney when I was young and it still fantasizes me. These resorts are the flagships for Disney so they have tons to offer when walking around and exploring. You are also so close to the ‘magic’ of Magic Kingdom. From dining to shopping and taking in the gorgeous properties, this area is always a stop on our trips no matter what we are doing.
And do not forget to enjoy your own resort too! Besides the typical hotel amenities, Disney hotels offer daily activities that are either free or have a small fee including an arcade, s’mores making, movie nights, yoga, crafts, and more.
Disney Springs
Grab a map and explore Disney Springs- the “free” Disney park! Disney Springs has transformed into a fifth park option for guests and there is still more to come. There are so many dining options here and with such a range of offerings. From food trucks to fine dining to gourmet desserts to ice cream, there is something to suit everyone in your group. In addition to food, there is tons of high end and casual shopping. While we are not shoppers, this is certainly a great place to pick up favorite Disney and non-Disney brands. House of Blues hosts a variety of musicians so definitely check their performance schedule. There is also an AMC movie theater and bowling alley Splitsville Luxury Lanes- both great for rainy day options as well. Our must do’s include: Gideon’s Bakehouse, Salt and Straw, and Wine Bar George.
Pool Day
Recently, Disney is offering free access to the two water parks – Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach – on the day of your check in when staying at a Disney Resort (as of the writing of this post). So if you arrive early in the morning, you can go to one of the water parks – for FREE! This is a great perk especially if you have older kids. My suggestion is when you get to your resort on check in day and before sending your bags to bellhop, get changed at the lobby bathroom and pack a small bag before heading off to the water park.
Don’t forget to take advantage of the resort you are staying at (even if you are staying off-site, enjoy the amenities you are paying for!). Disney is full of elaborate pools from fully themed to relaxing. If you are new to your resort, ask the front desk for all the resort has to offer and you may be surprised at the variety. Especially on a hot day, take time to sit by the pool and relax. And some of the pools have the best pool side bars with great food including The Riviera, The Polynesian, and Wilderness Lodge.
Mini Golf
Did you know there are two mini golf locations at Disney? Fantasia Gardens and Winter Summerland are available for guests. There is a small fee to play but another way to spend time away from the parks. There is also a real golf course by the Grand Floridan if that is something you are interested in as well.
Dining
Some of the best dining options are not in the parks but at the resorts. In fact, we almost exclusively eat at the resorts when we vacation. Kevin and I have had some of our best meals at some of these restaurants, including Michelin star Victoria and Albert’s, Flying Fish, and California Grill.
I have an entire post on my favorite places to eat in Walt Disney World and here are some highlights:
- Boardwalk Area: Flying Fish for a nicer meal and Beaches and Creams for a relaxed meal. Also take the Skyliner to Riveria and eat at Toppolino’s Terrace, definitely one of our new favorites and their pool bar is very good too.
- Monorail Loop: All of these have great dining options – some of the best on property. The list here is endless but head to Citricos and California Grill for nicer meals over at the Grand Floridian and Contemporary. Dining at California Grill also allows for guests to have prime viewing of the Magic Kingdom fireworks, even if you dine earlier in the evening you are allowed back to the terrace for fireworks viewing. And the new pool bar over at the new Polynesian tower is so delicious. The Polynesian in general has the best causal dining fare on the monorail loop.
- Dinner shows like Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Fort Wilderness offer delicious food and several hours of entertainment. Do yourself a favor and book Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at least once in your Disney life. Great food and a hilarious show!
- Head to Disney Springs for endless food and snack possibilities – visiting Wine Bar George is a requirement on every trip we take but Disney Springs is seriously full of fantastic options that will meet your entire family’s needs.
Bars
There are a shocking number of bars throughout the resorts and at Disney Springs. While many are traditional bars often resembling the resort decor, there are several that are immersive. Trader Sam’s Grotto at the Polynesian is a very popular spot with fun drinks and retired Skippers from the Jungle Cruise keeping guests very entertained. Specialty drinks provoke interaction with the room, Skippers, or both and fellow patrons can’t resist joining in.
At the Boardwalk, Abracadabar is a magician lounge with intriguing cocktails. Disney Springs has countless establishments for an adult beverage. Hangar Bar (Indiana Jones) and the Edison (industrial warehouse) have great atmospheres and even better drinks making them great places to hang out.
Wine Bar George is a great spot because you can order wine by a variety of amounts- some as small as 1 oz pours by Coravin and is a great opportunity for wine enthusiasts as well as people that just want to enjoy a glass of wine.
And during the day, all of these spots are kid friendly and due to their immersive themeing are a great spot for kids to enjoy while you enjoy a well earned beverage. Even the food is great at these spots so do not be afraid to spend time relaxing here.
Watch Fireworks
You do not have to be in the parks to see the fireworks! The best place to position yourself is around the monorail loop or around the boardwalk. Make sure to check the My Disney Experience App for the times for firework shows as it varies throughout the year.
- Monorail loop during a meal: If you are eating around the time of the fireworks, view from California Grill at the Contemporary is great. Dining at California Grill also allows for guests to have prime viewing of the Magic Kingdom fireworks, even if you dine earlier in the evening you are allowed back to the terrace for fireworks viewing. Narcoosees at the Grand Floridian and Ohana at the Polynesian offer great views as well but the visit has to be during the firework times.
- Monorail loop: If you are not eating, there are a number of great spots to view around the monorail loop. at the Contemporary, go to the main concourse floor (where you get the monorail and Chef Mickey’s is located) and go past the stores to the Bay Lake Tower walkway. There is a terrace before the walkway that is a great hiding spot to view fireworks or the Bay Lake Tower walkway itself is great. At the Polynesian and the Grand Floridian, go to the beach or the walkway from the Polynesian to the Grand Floridian or the walkway from the Grand Floridian to the Magic Kingdom. You could even hop on the monorail and ride it around without getting off.
- Boardwalk area: You can see the EPCOT fireworks from the boardwalk but the best viewing is the far side of the Boardwalk Villas by the Atlantic City Dancehall. There are benches along the boardwalk to sit and plenty of ice cream spots to top of the night.
Volunteer at GKTW
Give Kids the World (GKTW) is an organization that grants wishes for Make a Wish foundation. When a Wish Kid wishes for a trip to Disney World, GKTW is there to grant it. The property is enormous and has housing, dining, transportation, entertainment, and more all at no cost to the Wish Kid and their families. We have volunteered there several times now and it is a fantastic way to give back which enjoying your Disney vacation. You can read all about our experience here.
Perfect Itinerary
With so many options available, you can just about have an entire vacation without going into the parks. Let’s plan a four day trip without going into the theme parks! Feel free to mix and match days so it best suits the trip you want to have – there is truly no wrong way to do it.
| Day 1 | Arrival in the morning Check bags in with bellhop if room is not ready by arrival Either spend the day at the waterparks (especially if still free!) or go to Disney Springs |
| Day 2 | Sleep in morning Half day at the Boardwalk Area Resorts Half day at the Monorail Loop Resorts Fireworks from the Monorail Loop Resorts |
| Day 3 | Pool Day / spend the day at the resort |
| Day 4 | Check bags with bellhop at check out Disney Springs Leave in the evening |