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10 Experiences You Might Not Have Tried Around Walt Disney World Resorts

Credit: Disney Tips

One of the easiest ways to make the most of a Walt Disney World vacation is staying on property at a Disney Resort. There are over twenty different Disney Resorts to choose from and each one is popular with many guests. Those who spend time in the Disney Resorts can enjoy wonderful themes, recreation, dining, shopping, amenities, entertainment, pools, architecture, and gardens which bring each resort to life. Many of the Disney Resorts are home to experiences which are very popular and tend to always be busy with guests like ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort or Doubloon Lagoon at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort. While these experiences are well known, there are plenty of other great experiences to enjoy at Disney Resorts that some guests might not know about! From special meals and dining experiences to beautiful views and pools, there are some amazing experiences waiting to be enjoyed by guests. Here are ten experiences that guests might not have tried around Walt Disney World’s Resorts.

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10. Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show —

While many guests love to visit Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and enjoy dining at ‘Ohana or Kona Café, there is another unique dining experience which guests they might not know about. Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show is hosted by Auntie Wini and features traditional Polynesian components like drummers, hula dancers, and knife performers. In addition to the amazing entertainment, guests who enjoy Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show can chow down on an all you can eat medley of pulled pork, ribs, and other traditional foods from the islands.

9. Boat To Disney Springs —

Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter and Riverside Resorts, Disney’s Old Key West Resort, and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort are located along the banks of the river that also boarders Disney Springs. While the river provides beautiful views and ambiance these Disney Resorts, it also serves as a functional mode of transportation. Guests who visit these resorts can board boats which continuously travel back and forth to Disney Springs. These boat rides are a convenient way to get to Disney Springs and offer up some beautiful views and gentle breezes along the way.

8. YeHaa Bob Jackson —

Also found at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort is a performer who is sure to entertain guests to no end. YeHaa Bob Jackson can be found performing most nights at the River Roost Lounge and combines hilarious jokes, catchy and familiar music, and a persona that is out of this world. Those who stop by to enjoy a drink and the show are sure to love YeHaa Bob.

7. The Wave…of American Flavors —

One of the most recognizable Disney Resorts is Disney’s Contemporary Resort located on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon near the Magic Kingdom. The Disney Resort features a modern architectural style and a monorail track which glides directly through the lobby. While many guests who visit Disney’s Contemporary Resort enjoy dining at location like the California Grill and Chef Mickey’s, there is another full service location which serves up some amazing cuisine in a beautiful setting. The Wave…of American Flavors is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and features a delicious menu with options like Grille Pork Tenderloin, Seared Potato Gnocchi, and Braised Lamb Shank.

6. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge’s Fireplaces —

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is a favorite Disney Resort of many guests thanks to its beautiful theme and architecture which aim to bring the rustic spirit of America’s National Parks to life. The lobby of the Disney Resort features an impressive atrium with plenty of wood beams and natural touches which transport guests to the lodges of the National Parks. While guests can enjoy wandering through the lobby, some might never happen upon one of the cozy fireplaces tucked in the floors above. Scattered throughout Disney’s Wilderness Lodge are massive fireplaces accompanied by cozy armchairs which guests can relax in at the end of a long day.

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5. Stormalong Bay —

Guests who stay at Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort have exclusive access to one of the most amazing pools in all of Walt Disney World. Stormalong Bay spans over three acres and includes a lazy river, sun deck, water slide, hot tub, zero depth entry, and sand bottomed pool. With so many aquatic features to enjoy, it is no wonder that Stormalong Bay is one of the best pools in Walt Disney World!

4. The Savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge —

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge aims to transport guests directly to Africa with authentic artwork, artifacts, cuisine, architecture, and décor. In addition to the theme, guests are sure to absolutely love the massive savanna which can be found in back of the lobby. Guests who spend time simply enjoying the savanna views might catch a glimpse of beautiful animals like zebras and giraffes gently grazing through the grass.

3. Big Blue Pool —

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort brings The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Cars, and Finding Nemo to life through uniquely themed rooms and areas full of locations and characters from the films. The Big Blue Pool is the largest in all of Walt Disney World and is surrounded by larger than life statues of the characters from Finding Nemo. Guests will love splashing around in this aquatic haven thanks to underwater speakers, the Schoolyard Sprayground, and Squirt’s Righteous Reef.

2. Boatwright’s Dining Hall —

Guests who visit Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort should definitely plan on enjoying a full service meal at the delicious Boatwright’s Dining Hall. Open for dinner only, the restaurant serves up traditional Southern classics like Voodoo Chicken, Cajun Bayou Catfish, and Boatwright’s Jambalaya which guests are sure to love. With a simple nautical setting and lots of Southern charm, Boatwright’s Dining Hall is a great location to enjoy a full service meal at a Disney Resort.

1. Beaches & Cream Soda Shop —

Another great full service location that can be found at a Disney Resort is Beaches & Cream Soda Shop at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. This unique location brings an old fashioned soda fountain to life with bright accents and plenty of charm. Guests who dine at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop for lunch and dinner can enjoy American classics like Grilled Cheese and Tomato Bisque, Beaches Patty Melt, Beaches Hot Dog, and Angus Beef Burger. In addition to the amazing food, the dessert at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop is out of this world as guests can enjoy everything from milkshakes to over the top ice cream sundaes.

About Caitlin Kane

Caitlin Kane first started visiting Walt Disney World when she was two years old, and despite spending most of that trip quarantined with the chicken pox she managed to fall in love with the place. Visiting WDW every year since, she especially loves learning all about the history and small details of the parks and eating/drinking her way through the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival each fall. When she's not in Disney, Caitlin lives in New York and spends her time counting down the days to her next trip.