Here is a list of 25 things to do at Walt Disney World that may surprise you. There are so many hidden little treasures to explore at Disney World. This is one of the reasons so many people keep going back!
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1. Go Horseback Riding
Guests ages 9 and up can take a trail ride exploring the natural beauty surrounding Fort Wilderness Resort. You don’t even have a be a guest at one of the Disney resorts. Reservations are made through the Tri-Cirle-D Ranch by calling (407) 939-7529.
2. Take a Segway Tour
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort also offers the Wilderness Back Trail Adventure. On this two-hour tour, guests will ride a 2X, an all-terrain Segway, around Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, the stables of Tri-Circle-D Ranch, and Bay Lake. Tours are held daily at 8:30 and 11:30, prior reservations are required and can be made by calling (407)-939-8676. Check-in at the Bike Barn at Disney’s Fort Wilderness 15 min prior to your tour.
Pro Tip– Allow lots of extra time to get to the Bike Barn if you are not staying at Fort Wilderness. If you are driving you will need to park in the guest parking lot at the front entrance then take an internal bus to the Bike Barn. If you are coming from a different Disney resort and using the bus transportation, you will need to take a bus from your resort to a park or Disney Springs then catch a bus from there to Fort Wilderness. Disney does not offer bus service direct from resort to resort, don’t ask me why.
3. Golf
There are three 18 hole golf courses and one 9-hole course on Disney property. The 9 hole course is family friendly. Anyone can golf at them, you do not need to be a guest at one of the Disney Resorts. There is also the option of playing 9 holes using the Sunrise 9-Hole or Sunset 9-Hole promotions.
- Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course
- Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course
- Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course
- Disney’s Palm Golf Course
Disney also has four miniature golf courses. The Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf course are located between the Swan and Swan Reserve Resorts.
The Winter Summerland Miniature Golf has two courses and it is located just outside of Blizzard Beach Waterpark.
4. Get a haircut
It may not be that surprising that you can get a haircut at Disney World. There are 5 salons on the Walt Disney World property that offer hair services, but did you know that you can get a haircut right in the Magic Kingdom? Well, you can! The Harmony Barber Shop is located right on Main Street U.S.A and offers a charming, old-school barbershop feel.
While anyone can get a haircut here, their signature service is the My First Haircut package. This includes a haircut, a milestone certificate, keepsake lock of hair AND a Mickey ears hat with “My First Haircut” embroidered on the back. You get all of this and an amazing memory for $25! They also offer kids haircuts for $18 and adult haircuts for $19. Complimentary pixie dust (glitter) is also offered.
****Harmony Barber Shop is currently not open**** I will update this post as soon as it is back in business. Updates 2/1/22
Other places that offer haircuts for the entire family are:
- Salon of the Springs at Wilderness Lodge
- Ivy Trellis Salon at the Grand Floridian
- La Vida Salon at Coronado Springs
- Ship Shape Massage Salon Fitness at the Yacht and Beach club
- Mandarin Spa at the Dolphin
5. Sing Karaoke
Yep. Have a little sake and get your sing on at Kimonos. This (amazing) sushi restaurant turns into a karaoke bar every evening around 9:30. Don’t worry, if sake is not your thing, they offer an extensive bar menu. Kimonos is located at Disney’s Swan hotel.
Pro Tip-Kimonos does not participate in Disney’s Dining Plan and does not accept Magic Bands for payment.
6. Take surfing lessons
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon offers surfing lessons in America’s largest outdoor wave pool. Classes are offered before park open and are limited to 12 students. A continental breakfast is also included.
7. Archery
At the Fort Wilderness Archery Experience guests, 7 years of age and up can learn how to hold and fire a compound bow during this 75-minute session. This is located at the Bike Barn at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort.
8. Ride in an Amphicar
Located in The Landing at Disney Springs, cruise Lake Buena Vista on a leisurely tour aboard a vintage amphibious car or an Italian water taxi.
9. Participate in Flag Retreat
This is one of those things that Disney does that makes me all sappy, nostalgic and blessed. I love it!
This ceremony takes place at 5:00 PM in Main Street USA’s Square at the entrance to the Magic Kingdom. Walt Disney World Security and a randomly select Veteran conduct the ceremony. Guests are lead in reciting the pledge of allegiance and a chorus of “God Bless America” while the Color Guard removes and folds the flag for the day.
10. Make s'mores by a campfire
Basically all of the moderate and deluxe resorts have evening campfires where they offer free, unlimited marshmallows for guests to roast. So technically you could make s’mores at any of these resorts if you bring graham crackers and chocolate.
The Fort Wilderness Campground also offers a Campfire Sing-A-Long with Chip and Dale. This is basically a free character meet and greet! The fun begins around 7:00 in the fall/winter season and 8:00 in spring/summer. Unlike the campfires at the moderate and deluxe resorts, there are not free marshmallows but you can buy everything you need to make smores at Chuck Wagon Snack bar or bring your own.
11. Take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage
This is high on my bucket list of things to do at Walt Disney World. Especially during the holidays. You can enjoy a relaxing ride through the beautiful grounds of Fort Wilderness Resort or Port Orleans Resort. Carriages fit 4 adults (or 2 adults and 3 kids). Rides are 25 minutes long and reservations can be made by calling 407-WDW-PLAY
12. Play FootGolf
Located at Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course, FootGolf is basically a combination of soccer and golf. On this 9 hole course players try to get their soccer ball into the hole using the least amount of kicks.
Guests are welcome to bring their own soccer ball or one is provided. Play as a single, or bring your friends/family and socialize! FootGolf is available every Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday after 2:30 pm, subject to availability. Make reservations online here.
13. Watch an outdoor movie
All Disney Resorts offer nightly Movies Under the Stars. Start times vary by resort but are generally between 8:30 and 9:00pm. You can get specific time and what is showing by contacting the resort front desk.
14. Have a picnic in front of the castle
This is an easy one. There are open “grassy” spaces just past Main Street in the area known as “the hub”. They are actually astroturf which nice as it is not messy and you don’t have to worry about grass stains. The view of the castle is perfect! So grab some lunch and relax on the (artificial) lawn for a little picnic.
15. Tour The Underground Tunnels
Did you know that Magic Kingdom is built on top of a maze of underground tunnels known as “utilidors”. Walt wanted to maintain the authenticity of each area of the park. He did not want cast members from one area walking through other areas where they did not belong. So they built a series of tunnels that makes it possible for Cast Members to move between lands and across the park in an efficient, covert manner. On a backstage tour such as Keys to the Kingdom you can get a glimpse into some of the Utilidors and how they use them.
16. Rent a bike
Both adult bikes and children’s bikes—some with training wheels—are available on a first-come, first-serve basis from the following Disney Resort hotel locations:
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
- Disney’s Old Key West Resort
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
- Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
- The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
Helmets and child seats are complimentary with all bike rentals. Florida law requires bicyclists under 16 years of age to wear helmets.
There are designated routes for biking at each resort. Rental prices are roughly $9/hour and $18/day. Surreys for 2 or 4 people are available at:
17. Go fishing
There are a couple of options for fishing at Disney World. Guided fishing excursions can be booked for up to 5 people. This catch and release tour is fun for guests of all ages and experience levels. Excursions include:
- An experienced guide
- Rod and reel
- Tackle
- Artificial and/or live bait (NITRO boats will not offer live bait.)
- Non-alcoholic beverages only (Guests may not bring alcoholic beverages aboard.
Fishing excursions are available at the following marinas and can be booked by calling : 407-WDW-BASS
- Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Old Key West Resort
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
The other option is to do some dockside fishing at Port Orleans Resort-Riverside. All gear can be rented at the old-fashioned Fishing Hole which is stocked with catfish, blue gill, sunfish and bass. This is offered from 7:00am to 1:45pm
18. Take a Fireworks Cruise
Take in the wonder of the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the Seven Seas Lagoon. Enjoy sparkling deserts and specialty drinks while you relax aboard an enchanted ferryboat. Ferrytale Fireworks: A Sparkling Dessert Cruise takes place on select Wednesday and Saturday nights. Check here for availability.
19. See Dualing Pianos
This one is just for the adults! Yes, Disney World is fun for adults too! Disney’s Boardwalk is a great place for a night out. You will find a bunch of great dining locations, lounges and entertainment. At Jellyrolls you can get a little crazy at this lively paino bar. Take a seat up front and request all of your favorite from your glory days! Currently, Jellyrolls is open Thursdays – Sundays 7:00pm-1:45am
20. View animals in the Savannah at night
Another great opportunity at Animal Kingdom Lodge is viewing the animals on the savanna at night. Every evening shortly after sundown you can go to the Uzima Overlook where a cast member will be handing out night vision goggles. (check with the front desk to confirm times) This is also a free activity.
21. Create your own treat at Goofy’s Candy Company
At Goofy’s Candy Company in Disney Springs, you can customize your own treat creation. First, you select from a Caramel Apple, Marshmallow, Gingerbread Mickey Cookie, or Mickey Krispy Rice Treat. Then you pick a dipping flavor of White Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate. Select a topping (or more for an additional $1.oo per topping) of Sprinkles, Mini M&M’s, Peanut Butter Chips, Chopped Peanuts, Chopped Pecans, Chopped Walnuts, Sliced Almonds, Cinnamon and Sugar, Dark and White Chocolate Chips, Crushed Oreo Cookie Crumbs, Crushed Butterfingers, Coconut, Graham Cracker Crumbs. And finally, pick a drizzle of White Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate. Yikes!
22. Buy an authentic Black Forest cuckoo clock from Germany
You need not travel the world to collect authentic souvenirs from your favorite counties. Just visit Epcot. Here you will get a taste of 11 different countries all within a mile! At the Volkskunst, in Germany, is where you can find your Black Forest Cuckoo clock.
23. See the largest collection of African art outside of Africa
Apparently, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge houses this collection with over 380 museum quality pieces throughout its two buildings. No wonder this resort is beautifully represents African culture and art.
24. Rent a Canoe or Kayak
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground offers a wide range of recreational activity. This includes canoe and kayak rentals. Accessing this location is the most challenging part of this activity if you are not staying at Fort Wilderness Resort or Campground. Your best bet is to park at the Wilderness Lodge and take a boat over to the campgound. During peak season, you may be required to have a dining reservation at a Fort Wilderness location to park at Wilderness Resort. It is best to call the resort ahead of time for their current policy. Check here for more information.
25. Earn Wilderness Explorer Badges
Don’t miss this free activity at Animal Kingdom. You can earn your very own Wilderness Explorer badges just like Russel! Pick up a map by the bridge at the Oasis. Find and complete each of the activities and the map to earn your badges.
Add a couple of these unique things to do at Walt Disney World to your upcoming vacation. It will add that little extra special experience you will treasure for a lifetime.
4 Real Disney Mom
I really want to go do the Savannah At Night, it seems like a lot of fun. We never get to see the animals at night, just being active. It would be nice to seem them do something besides sleep. Don’t get me wrong, they are beautiful even when they are sleeping, but i want to see them play!