Top 10 Recreational Activities at Walt Disney World

If you’re a Guest who thinks that navigating theme parks is recreation enough, then there’s a whole new world of recreational activities you really should explore at Walt Disney World!  There are far too many options to include in this list, but we’ve included some of the most popular recreational activities on the property.  Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill, sit back and listen to a campfire story, or maybe break out those jogging shoes, there’s a perfect choice here for you!

1. Swimming

Swimming is one of our favorite recreational activities in Walt Disney World, and we try to designate one day of each vacation as a Resort day to fully enjoy the pools at our resort.  Each resort at WDW has a pool (typically much more than one!), and each one is themed to fit in with the design of your Resort.  It’s easy to find hot tubs and kiddie pools or splash pads as well, so there’s water fun for everyone!  Of course, you can always head to one of WDW’s water parks (Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon) for even more water adventures!

2. Tennis

Whether you’re a tennis pro or have always wanted to try the sport, you’ll love having access to the various lit tennis courts at Walt Disney World.  Eight different resorts on property boast courts, and as long as you’re staying on property, you can use your MagicBand to check out equipment (it’s free for Disney Vacation Club members, but a small fee applies to other guests).  Really serious about your game?  Book a private or group lesson with one of Disney’s tennis pros!

3. Horse-back Riding

Did you know you can hop on a horse and take a trail ride in Walt Disney World?  You don’t even need experience – you just have to be at least 9 years old.  Mosey on down to Tri-Circle-D Ranch at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and let your horseback riding adventure begin!  You’ll ride through beautiful wooded areas, and you may even spot some resident wildlife.  Of course, if you’d prefer a less interactive horse adventure, you can always visit the stables to see the beautiful Main Street, U.S.A. horses, and Cinderella’s ponies, or even take a horse-drawn sleigh ride, wagon ride, or carriage ride.

4. Archery

Archery is another great activity you probably never thought you’d find at Walt Disney World, and it’s located at the Bike Barn at Fort Wilderness Resort. You’ll have a training session, and then be free to release your inner Hawkeye or Katniss as you aim for the bulls-eye!  Class sizes are small, so you’ll get plenty of personal attention, and the sessions are 90 minutes long.  Kids aged 7 and up can participate.

5. Golf 

Golf aficionados have their pick of golf courses at Walt Disney World!   Even if you’ve never set foot on a golf course, you’re in good hands, as you can take golf lessons at multiple locations across WDW property.  There are three golf courses, each with an 18-hole championship layout: Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course, Disney’s Palm Golf Course, and Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course.  For families with young kids, the 9-hole walking course, Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course, is probably the best bet.  Or you can try your hand at one of WDW’s mini-golf courses: Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf (themed after the animated film Fantasia), or Disney’s Winter Summerland, where you’ll get to golf in a summer or winter wonderland!

6. Community Hall Fun

Every Walt Disney World Guest knows (or soon discovers) that Orlando weather doesn’t always cooperate, and it’s a good bet that at some point during your vacation, you’ll experience some rain.  If you’re staying at a Resort with a Community Hall, there’s a whole world of fun open to you, even when inclement weather hits!  Come inside for a friendly game of ping pong, darts, foosball, or air hockey.  You can also check out books or DVDs, chill out in the tv viewing area, or make some art or crafts.

7. Cycling

Renting a bike and cruising around your Resort for an afternoon of family fun and exploration is one of the best recreational activities in Walt Disney World!  Eight Resort locations on the property offer bike rentals, and helmets and child seats are complimentary.  There’s nothing like peddling along scenic waterways and woodlands when you need a bit of a break from the parks!  Surrey bikes can also be rented at some locations if you’re in the mood for a slightly different cycling adventure.

8. Boating

Some of the most spectacular views of Walt Disney World can be had from the waterways throughout the theme parks and resorts.  And renting a boat is one of the best ways to enjoy these waterways!  Whether your idea of the ideal boat is a speedboat, pontoon, kayak, or something in between, there’s a boat waiting for you!  Plenty of Disney Resorts have marinas, so you’ll be casting off in no time.

9. Jogging

Of course, the simplest recreational activity at Walt Disney World requires no special tools or equipment at all – just your own two feet.  Jogging (or running, or walking, depending on your desired pace) is an excellent way to de-stress while discovering parts of WDW you’ve never seen before.  There are miles and miles of jogging trails on the property, and they wind through some pretty picturesque scenery.  So go ahead, pack those sneakers!

10. Campfire

After a long day in the parks, or a long day of enjoying recreational activities at Disney Resorts, one of the most rewarding ways to relax is with a good ol’ fashioned campfire, complete with marshmallows and great company!  Many Disney Resorts offer these complimentary campfire activities, and they’re followed by Disney movies under the stars, which is pretty much the perfect way to end a day in the most magical place on earth.