We are ‘Disney fanatics’ in our family and love all things Disney. But did you know that there are lots of other Disney attractions apart from the theme parks? Of course, if this is your first visit you will probably want to spend most of your time at the parks with a bit of rest and relaxation in between. After your second or third visit we found it was nice to do something a little different. Here are just a few Disney treats, some of which will not cost you a penny!
The Electrical Water Pageant is a nightly display that makes its circuit around Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. It is best to check at a Guest Services desk either at Magic Kingdom or one of the resorts for the times but as a general rule it starts at 9pm. We find one of the best places to watch it from is the beach at the Disney’s Polynesian Resort. The pageant consists of two strings of seven barges, each carrying a 25-foot-tall screen of lights. The pageant features King Triton and creatures from under the sea (turtles, whales, seahorses, even a sea monster) set to music. The pageant concludes with a salute to America, with Flags and Stars set to a musical medley of God Bless America, Yankee Doodle, and You're a Grand Old Flag.
‘Wishes’ fireworks at Magic Kingdom can be seen nightly from the beach at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. We usually grab ourselves a beach chair, sit back and relax (beats being squashed by the crowds standing up in Main Street, USA). Unfortunately, you can’t hear the narration or the music or see Tinkerbell flying through the sky but if you have already seen it for real and have used up all your days on your Disney tickets this is the next best thing!
Disney’s Boardwalk is home to a wide range of entertainment. Jugglers, magic shows, a pianist playing the piano whilst riding a bicycle and a whole host of other activities. These can differ from day to day but are usually in the afternoons or early evenings. One of our favourite things to do at Boardwalk is to rent a Surrey Bike. Two, four and six-seater bikes are available and a pedal around the picturesque promenade is great fun.
Disney’s Miniature Golf. Disney has four courses in two separate locations each having 18 holes. Fantasia Gardens Mini Golf Courses are in the Epcot Resort area on Buena Vista Drive just across from the WDW Swan Resort. You can choose from the fun ‘Fantasia Gardens’ course (dancing hippos, leaping fountains and marching broomsticks complete with music and interactive obstacles) which is more suitable for adults with young children or the ‘Fantasia Fairways’ (par-three and par-four holes ranging from 40 to 75 feet long) for the more experienced golfers. The Winter Summerland Mini Golf Courses are adjacent to Disney's Blizzard Beach water park. The Winter course is covered in snow with ice castles and snowmen and a trip to the ‘North Hole’ whilst the Summer course consists of sandcastles, surfboards and a visit with Santa on the Winternet.
Disney provides lots of activities not only for their resort guests but also for anyone to enjoy. Try horse riding at Fort Wilderness, fishing excursions on Bay Lake or the Seven Seas Lagoon, or rent a tandem bike from the Bike Barn at Fort Wilderness. You’ll never been short of something to do at Disney. Have fun!