Favorite things to do outside the parks?

[Amy Shelton]

Hi everyone!
We’re taking a very quick, very spontaneous trip the last weekend in August. No plans to do the parks at all so I’d love to hear your favorite things to do around the resorts and your favorite place to watch HEA other than MK. We’re staying at Pop Century and so far our only plans are to eat at Ohana on Saturday night.
Thank you in advance!!

 

[Worldlover71]

I love watching the Electric Water pageant from the beach at the Poly. Depending on the timing of your Ohana reservation, you could combine them for a great evening.

Since you're staying at Pop, you could take a ride on the Skyliner over to the Epcot stop and walk around Crescent Lake and its resorts (Beach Club, Yacht Club, Boardwalk, Swan & Dolphin.) There are several places there for light meals or snacks that don't require a reservation. One note: If you go during the day, there isn't much shade so bring your sunscreen!

If you're an animal lover, the fancy new horse barn at Fort Wilderness might be a fun trip. Take the bus from Pop to the Magic Kingdom and then enjoy the boat ride to FW. There you can see the horses up close and, if you like, go horseback riding with a guide. There is a fee and reservations are recommended but they sometime have room for walk-ins. Also fun for animal lovers would be a trip to Animal Kingdom Lodge where you can walk around the savannas to view the animals. There are usually cast members around to tell you about what you are seeing.

Finally, on my last trip, we spend an evening at Disney Springs. We had dinner but didn't spend a penny in any of the stores and still had a great evening. The whole area is just beautiful at night when it is all lit up, with the lights reflecting off the lake. They even have live music.

Have a great trip!

 

[ArmoredRodent]

Depends when you go. For example, in December, going resort hopping to see the decorations at all the hotels is really fun.
But year-round, our favorite thing to do outside the parks is mini-golf. Once you master the "regular"-type mini-golf with the weird decorations and moving things, like Fantasia Gardens and the Winter/Summerland courses, then try the "pro" course: Fantasia Fairways, where it's skill that matters (you actually have to try to make good shots on regular, but smaller, holes), rather than hope for lucky bounces. There are also good courses outside the Resorts.

 

[JIMINYCR]

We enjoy taking the monorail ride around a couple of times, getting a different view out the windows depending on the side you sit on. Weve also enjoyed riding the ferry boats across the water. Mini golf as has been mentioned is enjoyable as long as you dont bet too much on each hole with who youre playing against. Also check out the guest schedules that list various resort entertainment programs.