15 Resort Activities Worth Trying At Disney World

You don’t need a park ticket to feel the magic. Disney Resort hotels pack in plenty of fun—right where you’re staying. Think low-key mornings, lively afternoons, and cozy evenings that go way beyond bedtime. Here’s how to make your stay more than just sleep.

Enjoy Movies Under The Stars

At Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, the fun continues after the parks close. Families can catch outdoor movie screenings by the beach or poolside, with large inflatable screens showing beloved classics. Movies begin around sunset, and guests often bring towels, pajamas, or snacks from nearby quick-service locations.

Participate In Resort Campfire Activities

Roasting marshmallows by a campfire is available at many Disney Resort hotels, especially in moderate and deluxe locations. When the sun starts to dip, cast members bring out the marshmallows and roasting gear for a low-key evening treat. Some resorts even include singalongs or trivia games, offering entertainment alongside relaxation.

Take A Yoga Class

At select Disney Resorts, mornings begin with free yoga sessions. Resorts like Saratoga Springs and the Contemporary provide 30-minute beginner-friendly classes at 7:30 a.m. No sign-up is required, and yoga mats are provided. Instructors lead small groups through stretches in peaceful outdoor areas for a refreshing start before the chaos begins.

Explore Cultural Presentations

Inside Animal Kingdom Lodge, cultural presentations give guests the chance to learn directly from staff members representing various African nations. Each session covers a different topic—ranging from folktales to food traditions—and usually runs under 20 minutes. Presentations take place in the lobby or near animal viewing spots and rotate daily.

Try Your Hand At Archery

Archery at Fort Wilderness is a beginner-friendly activity for guests aged seven and older. The 75-minute activity includes safety instruction, guided practice, and target shooting. Held in a wooded area, it creates a break from crowds and screens. Equipment is provided, and group sizes are kept small for personalized coaching.

Join Arts And Crafts Sessions

Art activities take place at most Disney Resort hotels several times per week, especially during the afternoon. Children can paint, decorate picture frames, or make themed items using materials provided on-site. Adults are invited to join or observe as well. Some resorts also feature Disney-themed crafts, which add a unique touch to the experience.

Enjoy Poolside Fun

Throughout the day, Disney cast members host scheduled games and contests at various resort pools. Guests might find themselves in a lively round of trivia, a spontaneous hula hoop contest, or a dance-off set to familiar tunes. Participation is free and optional, and families often join in alongside excited kids.

Go Fishing

Catch-and-release fishing is available at select Disney Resort hotels, including Fort Wilderness and Port Orleans Riverside. With guided excursions, you get two- or four-hour trips on stocked waterways using all-ages equipment. Advance reservations are recommended, and fees vary by package. Additionally, life jackets and bait are included, and weather conditions can affect availability.

Dine With Disney Characters

Enjoy your meal while your favorite Disney characters stop by for hugs, photos, and quick chats. These experiences are available at select resort restaurants, such as Chef Mickey’s and Topolino’s Terrace. Reservations are necessary, especially for breakfast and weekends. Additionally, booking early can help avoid interruptions to park day schedules.

Attend The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue

Located at Fort Wilderness Resort, Hoop-Dee-Doo is a long-running dinner show featuring comedy, music, and Southern-style food. Advanced booking is necessary for tickets, and seating is assigned based on pricing tiers. Shows are held multiple times each evening, with meals served during the performance, making it a unique hotel-based entertainment option.

Take A Guided Resort Tour

Some resorts offer free guided tours that highlight their architecture, cultural significance, and storytelling. Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge are popular locations with scheduled tours, sometimes led by cultural or historical cast members of the park. These typically last 30 to 60 minutes and are available once per day.

Play Miniature Golf

Two miniature golf courses—Fantasia Gardens and Winter Summerland—are available on Disney property and open to all guests. Each features two themed 18-hole courses located near Blizzard Beach and the Swan Hotel. The cost is modest, and hours vary by season. It’s a low-stress activity for families, especially in the afternoon.

Attend Live Music Performances

Several Disney Resort hotels offer live music in the evenings, with styles ranging from piano at the Grand Floridian to blues at Port Orleans Riverside. Performances usually run for short sets in lobbies, lounges, or open courtyards. No reservations are needed, and seating is first-come, first-served.

Rent Bicycles

Resort guests can rent bikes at locations like Fort Wilderness and Saratoga Springs, where paved paths wind through green areas. Helmets are included, and child trailers are available. Rentals are hourly, and no advance booking is required. This self-paced activity is ideal for cooler parts of the day.

Go On A Pirate Adventure Cruise

At select resorts like Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, kids aged 4–12 can board a themed pirate ship for a supervised treasure-hunting cruise. Led by cast members in character, the voyage includes storytelling, games, and a snack break. Cruises usually run mid-morning and require advance reservations due to limited capacity.