The thought of visiting Walt Disney World and not visiting a theme park might seem inconceivable to most travelers—this writer included.
But it shouldn't.
In the early years of the Walt Disney World Resort, promotional materials focused on the variety of leisure activities available for guests. If Disneyland was The Happiest Place on Earth, then Walt Disney World was to be The Vacation Kingdom of the World.
In addition to the Magic Kingdom and the three original Disney resorts, what could visitors expect at Walt Disney World? Tennis. Golf. Horseback riding. Boating. Water skiing. Swimming. Shopping. Fine dining. Dinner shows. This idea of Walt Disney World as a resort is evident even in the opening montage of The Wonderful World of Disney during the 1970s, which featured footage of guests boating on Bay Lake and splashing around River Country at Fort Wilderness.
To this day, it is possible to spend a week at one of Walt Disney World's many resorts and never set foot in a theme park. A sojourn at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, for example, can easily fill a week or more.
Looking for a chance to reconnect with the great outdoors? There's a quiet meandering path that connects the lodge to Fort Wilderness where it is not uncommon to spot deer, especially at dusk. It is also possible to rent a variety of boats at Teton Boat and Bike Rentals near the main pool. Nothing compares to a tranquil pontoon ride around Bay Lake or a high-speed romp on a Sea Raycer; the view of the resorts, natural open spaces, and the Magic Kingdom are unparalleled. More boating opportunities are available at the Fort Wilderness Bike Barn where pedal boats, kayaks, and fishing equipment are available for rental. Bike rides around either resort are also quite enjoyable. If sitting on the beach sounds good, try the beaches at the Wilderness Lodge for sunning in the daytime or for stargazing at night.
The athletically inclined can swim in the beautiful Silver Creek Springs pool, work out at Sturdy Branches Health Club, play tennis, or play volleyball. Nearby Fort Wilderness offers many activities such as trail rides and pony rides at the Tri-Circle D Livery. Thrillseekers can head over to the Contemporary Resort for parasailing at Sammy Duvall's near the Contemporary's main pool area. Golfers can enjoy any of the world-class Disney golf courses scattered throughout the vacation kingdom.
Need some Disney-style entertainment to get in the “Disney zone”? No problem. At the lodge, view the nightly showing of the Electrical Water Pageant, a tradition that started in 1971. It's something of a floating Main Street Electrical Parade set to familiar Disney tunes with a patriotic finale. At Pioneer Hall over at Fort Wilderness, there's the venerable Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue, a rousing dinner theater show that has been pleasing crowds for decades. For quality time with Disney characters, there's the lesser-known campfire program that meets at the Meadow Trading Post. Sing along with Disney cast members while roasting marshmallows around a campfire and hanging out with Chip and Dale. Another character driven show—Mickey's Backyard BBQ—features Mickey, Minnie, a Country Western band, and good old-fashioned barbeque style food. The monorail resorts are only a short boat ride away, so consider seeing characters at the Polynesian Resort's 'Ohana Character Breakfast, the Contemporary's Chef Mickey's, or the Grand Floridian's character dining with Mary Poppins or Cinderella at 1900 Park Fare.
Shopping opportunities abound at the resorts. The Wilderness Lodge Mercantile stocks a limited selection of ubiquitous Walt Disney World merchandise, but also offers an interesting assortment of items with the Wilderness Lodge logo or a National Parks theme. Nearby resorts offer more options. The Contemporary features several shops—Fantasia and Bayview Gifts—that carry a surprisingly large variety of gifts, toys, souvenirs, clothing, and art for all ages. At The Grand Floridian, M. Mouse Mercantile is the spot for souvenirs and toys, while Summer Lace and Commander Porter's offer clothing for women and men, respectively. The Polynesian has two shops—Wyland Gallery and BouTIKI—that offer items exclusive to this location.
Children can take advantage of programs unique to the resorts. The “Wonders of the Lodge Tour” at the Wilderness Lodge is a great option for older children, the petting zoo and wagon rides at Fort Wilderness are fun for all ages, and little explorers will get a kick out of the various pirate cruises available at the nearby monorail resorts. Other recreational activities at Walt Disney World include miniature golf and water parks.
There are plenty of indulgences geared towards adults as well. For fine dining, there's Artist Point at the Wilderness Lodge. Take the monorail to the Contemporary for the California Grill, to the Polynesian for 'Ohana, or to the Grand Floridian for Victoria and Albert's or Narcoossee's. Another treat is time spent at one of Walt Disney World's world-class spas. Indulge, relax, and unwind.
There is something very special about experiencing the Vacation Kingdom of the World at a slower pace, one that does not involve standing in lines or battling crowds. Particularly for frequent visitors, exploring the amenities found at Walt Disney Resorts can make a trip to the World an entirely new experience. And for those visitors who just can't stay away from the parks, consider a day or two “off” to take advantage of all the World has to offer.
Tom Richards is a life-long admirer of Walt Disney, something of a Disney historian, and a free-lance writer. His Disney interests include—but are not limited to—Walt Disney World, classic Disney animation, live-action films made during Walt's lifetime, and Disney-related music and art.
