If you’ve been reading over the last year, you know I’m a fan of taking a day off from the hustle and bustle of the parks during your Disney World trip. After all, this is a vacation, you should at least have one relaxing day, right? If you’re like me, though, you can’t spend your whole day lounging in the room when there’s so much to do outside your door. Here are a few fun activities to try on your down day at Walt Disney World.
1. Explore Your Resort
Spend the morning sunning in a lounger. Check out the activities being offered in the common areas. Join in on the afternoon pool party. Walk around aimlessly taking in the sights, sounds and feel of the Disney hotels in motion. If your cash is burning a hole in your pocket, peruse the gift shop(s) or patronize the restaurants. There’s so much to do at each Disney resort that you could easily fill a day.
Get Resort Wise: Some resorts offer free guided tours of the hotel and grounds. Check with the concierge or front desk to see if your resort hosts a tour and for the most up-to-date times and days. These are open to anyone, so if you’re a fan of, say, Wilderness Lodge, you are more than welcome to hop on the tour whether or not you’re a guest of the resort.
2. Visit Downtown Disney
After sleeping in, head over to Downtown Disney for brunch (or lunch depending on how late you slept) and shopping. There are a wide variety of restaurants from Cuban to comfort food. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can grab a bite in the rainforest or surrounded by dinos! World of Disney is a favorite shopping stop, but there are a plethora of other retailers in the shopping and entertainment district to appease almost any shopper. As the day goes on, you can usually catch live music or other performances. Be sure to top off your visit with your free sample at the Ghiradelli. Who am I kidding? Go for the sundae.
3. Resort Hopping
We love to visit other resorts for meals, shopping and atmosphere. Each resort offers its own distinct feel and flavor, so take some time to explore. Grab a dessert at each of the hotels on the monorail line. Get one of every pressed penny at both Port Orleans resorts. See who can get the most creative pictures using the larger than life icons at the values. Or just take your time and wander through the grounds. We could probably spend a week at Disney World just visiting all of the hotels, particularly during the holidays.
Get Resort Wise: Don’t have your own wheels? Each resort can be accessed via Disney transportation using a park or Downtown Disney as a transfer point. Of course, cabs are readily available if you prefer a more direct line.
4. Recreation and Spa
There’s no shortage of recreation opportunities at Walt Disney World. Consider renting a boat for the afternoon and drift along the lagoon, or rent a couple of
5. An Actual Down Day
Sleep ’til noon, call room service or pizza delivery and nurse your aching feet while reading your travel guide or catching some daytime TV. If you need to get outside, float around the pool for a while. If you have a balcony or patio, crack the door a bit and let the ambient music waft in while you lay back and relax.
Do you take a down day when at Disney? If so, how do you like to spend it?
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