Other Disney Fun : More than Just the Mouse – And Beyond What You May Have Ever Imagined

No, the teenagers might not run with wild abandon toward every Disney Princess that crosses their path, but they probably will beat feet to be at the front of the line for exciting rides, such as Expedition Everest or Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.

And even adults will appreciate the fine dining, incredible shows, and – maybe – even the attractions that provide so much fun to everyone who is young at heart.

There really is something for everyone in this magical place, so, with all due respect to their place in this Magic Kingdom, let’s put the princesses and the Mouse aside and read about some other Disney fun.

Animal Lovers

Animal lovers have plenty of reasons to visit Walt Disney World Resort. Not only will you have the chance to see creatures such as the Komodo dragon and Asian Tigers, but you can also learn about what you can do to protect the habitat of endangered animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

The sunrise safari, offered by the Animal Kingdom Lodge, gives guests a chance to see the animals while they are at their most active. Some people would rather not see animal living in cages, but at Animal Kingdom, all of the animals roam in natural settings. They are well-cared for, but also have much more freedom than one would find at a traditional zoo.

There is even a petting area called Affection Section. Here, animal lovers young and old can cozy up to goats, sheep and other furry pals.

Make a Splash

One thing that most visitors to Disney World Resorts can agree about is this: It’s hot in Florida. One fun way to beat the heat is to visit one of the two water parks located in the resort. Of course, Disney could not just provide water slides and wading pools. Instead, they created two unique water parks – and both are over-the-top and totally worthy of the Disney name.

Blizzard Beach

Blizzard beach provides chutes and slides that will keep you cool on even the hottest summer day. There are areas within Blizzard beach that are appropriate for all ages. In true Disney style, there is also a really, really big waterslide. In fact, Blizzard Beach is home to the tallest water slide in the entire world.

Typhoon Lagoon

Typhoon Lagoon offers what one would expect in a water park, but then goes well beyond to make this park a one-of-a-kind experience.

You can drift lazily in your inner tube down the Castaway Creek. If you want a little excitement while you are cooling off, try the Crush n Gusher. This attraction gives you all the fun of a water slide with the excitement of a roller coaster.

The Shark Reef provides a spot where guests can go swimming with sharks (yes, real sharks) and other sea creatures. How many water parks have this option?

If you have always wanted to try your hand at surfing, a visit to Typhoon Lagoon could be your chance. You can make an appointment to take surfing lessons in the surf pool. Lessons are available before the park opens, and appointments must be made in advance.

Shopping

Love to shop? Then you can have all kind of fun while at Disney World Resort!  There are shops all over the resort. Whether you choose to spend some time browsing the neat little offerings in Downtown Disney or looking for items with international flair in Epcot’s many stores in World Showcase, you are sure to find unique treasures that will serve as long-lasting mementos of your time at Disney World.

Relaxing

A Disney World Resort vacation is a lot of fun, but it can feel quite busy as you try to see and do as much as possible. But, in keeping with the theme of other Disney fun, you should try to take advantage of the many ways that Disney World tries to help you relax.

Babysitting services are offered at most of the resort’s hotels – even the value option hotels. Take advantage of those services to spend an adults-only night out.  Eat at one of Disney’s fabulous signature restaurants and take in a show, such as Cirque du Soleil la Nouba. Artists from around the globe come together for this one-of-a-kind show.  You will be amazed at the acrobats and stunning routines.

Most of the resort hotels have pools. The theme parks aren’t going anywhere. Why not take at least one day during your stay to just relax by the pool?  Sip on a cool drink and work on your tan while the kids splash and play.  Remember to take time to simply relax.  After all, you are on vacation and want to return home recharged, not exhausted.

Dining

Along with the quick service and casual dining restaurants located in Disney World Resorts are amazing signature restaurants. Foodies will be thrilled at the options. Examples of Disney’s fine dining restaurants include:

• Todd English’s bluezoo at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel
• Bistro de Paris at Epcot's France Pavilion
• Artist Point at the Wilderness Lodge Hotel
• Chef’s Table at Victoria & Albert at the Grand Floridian Resort & Hotel

As you can guess, the food is amazing. As a convenient bonus, the Disney Dining Plan is accepted at most of the fine dining restaurants in the resort.

Disney Fun Facts

Now that you have learned about some of the other Disney fun that is available for guests of all ages, take a look at some random Disney fun facts.

• Before Space Mountain’s official opening, it was tested out by real astronauts.
• There are mouse ears planted in very strange places throughout the park. See how many of these “hidden Mickeys” you can spot.
• Mickey Mouse is quite the clothes horse. He has more than 200 outfits from which to choose.
• Disney World covers more than 40 square miles. While much of that land is dedicated to the theme parks and hotels, a portion has been set aside as a wilderness preserve.

With all of the theme parks, water parks and other Disney fun, you have more reasons than ever to choose Walt Disney World Resorts for your next vacation. 

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