10 Things You Didn't Know You Could Do at Disney World
There's a key difference between those who've been to Walt Disney World and those who haven't. Those who haven't been can't understand why a Walt Disney World vacation can meet virtually all of my vacation needs. There is just so much to do, no matter what your interests are. Beyond the parks, a lot of the recreation we showcase in this post is offered by resorts.
So, without further delay, here are ten things you might not have known you could do at Walt Disney World.
Photo from Disney Parks Blog
1. Learn to surf
Typhoon Lagoon water park at Walt Disney World is the only water park in central Florida where you can learn to surf! You can take a private lesson or a group lesson as long as you are 8 years old or older. The surf lessons are held in the wave pool, so you are guaranteed a wave just right for your skill level, starting with 3 foot waves, and then graduating into 6 foot waves. They provide a beginner surfboard and a towel, plus photography and a light breakfast. Space is very limited so call to reserve. The cost for group lessons right now is about $190 per person.
2. SCUBA dive
Photo from Disney Parks Blog
At EPCOT's the Seas pavilion, certified divers can tour backstage areas and dive in the large tank on DiveQuest, for a cost. The entire tour is about 3 hours long, with the SCUBA portion about 40 minutes. Expect to see turtles, dolphins, rays, and sharks.
Even for those who aren't certified, you can explore this pavilions waters in two other experiences: one a snorkeling experience, and another one a dolphin encounter.
3. Mail a coconut
Why mail an ordinary postcard when you can mail a coconut? Why, indeed. You can find these coconuts, drained of their milk and ready to mail, at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, Caribbean Beach Resort, and at the Pirates of the Caribbean gift shop. The cost is about $20 and includes the priority mail postage.
4. Ride an amphicar
What's an amphicar? It's a classic car that can float on the water, of course! 25 minute tours depart the Boathouse at Disney Springs 10 AM to 10 PM. Each tour can hold 3-4 people in the car for $125.
It turns out these cars are not a gimmick (or at least, not a new one). 4,000 such vehicles were produced in the 1960's. Only 400 are estimated to exist in running condition today, and those at Disney were bought from several collections.
5. Ride a horse or take a carriage ride
Both activities can be found at Disney's Fort Wilderness Campground and Cabins. Each horseback trail ride winds through the wooded areas of this resort for a 45 minute ride. The cost is about $55 for each rider ages 9 and up. You might even see an armadillo!
Horse drawn carriage rides are also available at Fort Wilderness at the Tri Circle D ranch, or at Port Orleans Riverside resort, where you can ride along the banks of the Sassagoula river (heyyyy!). And during the holidays, you can even take a "sleigh" ride. It might not be a sleigh, but it's festive! Each carriage ride is about 25 minutes long and costs $55.
Fort Wilderness in general has a ton of really neat activities to explore in addition to these equine-related activities. For example, you could learn archery there too!
Photo from Disney Parks Blog
6. Attend a ho-down
To be honest, we're not really sure how something qualifies as a Ho-Down, but we thought that might be the best word to describe the Diamond Horseshoe Jamboree (also at Fort Wilderness). You'll eat barbeque, enjoy country music, and maybe even dance along.
7. Ride a surrey (a what?)
A surrey is a 2-4 person bike with a canopy to provide shade. It's a fun way to get around several resorts at Walt Disney World, including Disney's Boardwalk Resort, both Port Orleans resorts, Old Key West, and Saratoga Springs. The first time we saw them, we knew we had to try it... the bell is my favorite part.
8. See an interactive comedy show
There are plenty of attractions on property that are comedic in nature, but if you desire something close to a show, go see Ye Ha Bob at Port Orleans Riverside. He plays piano, sings funny songs, and invites you to sing along. Or if you are 21 and over, consider going to JellyRolls at Disney's Boardwalk Resort to see the dueling pianos and sing along.
9. Make a Na'Vi version of yourself
You can make your own Avatar (and purchase the Barbie-sized replica) at WindTrader's in Pandora at the Animal Kingdom Theme Park. There is limited space available, so make sure you show up early if you wish to do this. You'll first scan your face and then a replica will be designed that may make you realize you look good in blue.
We feel we should also mention a couple more unique "build-your-own" activities at Walt Disney World, notably at Galaxy's Edge in Disney Hollywood Studios where you can build your own lightsaber or build our own droid. These two latter experiences are in extremely high demand right now, so make sure to reserve a spot early.
10. Dine at the chef's table at a AAA five diamond restaurant
Photo from Disney Parks Blog
Victoria and Albert's at the Grand Floridian Resort, is Florida's only AAA 5-diamond restaurant and if you want to splurge, this is THE meal to have to Disney World (or the entire state of Florida for that matter).
This restaurant is only for those 10 years old and up, and enforces a suit and tie dress code. In other words, it's fancypants!
There is of course the dining room seating, which alone is luxurious. But the chef's table is exclusive. Only one party per night is seated here where the chef will discuss your dietary preferences first, then serve tasty morsels throughout the three hour experience. The experience is $250, and you can opt to add wine pairing for another $150. Is it insanely posh? Why, yes. But is it every foodie's dream? Yes, yes, yes.
Did you know you could do every one of these things at Walt Disney World? Have you done them? Tell us about your experiences in the comments or, better yet, head on over to our Facebook page where you can follow us to see when new articles arrive every week. Until next time...
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