Top 15 Walt Disney World Resort Experiences

We all love visiting the Walt Disney World Parks, but there is nothing like experiencing the magic at the resorts. With over twenty different resorts to choose from, you are guaranteed to find one that will make your family pleased. Here are fifteen of the best Disney resort experiences!

15. Character Dining

One of the best ways to meet characters (without waiting in line) is at character dining restaurants, and at the Walt Disney World Resorts there are plenty of restaurants that deliver a one of a kind character meet-and-greet! Most of the deluxe resorts offer these kinds of experiences, so be sure to ask which characters you can meet on your next dining experience!

14. Live Music

The Grand Floridian is one of the most luxurious resorts on property, and its lobby not only has exquisite décor, it also includes a live band! Many guests love taking some time to just enjoy the vintage sounds of some of the classic Disney tunes. Whether you’re enjoying this music with your significant other or just hanging out with your kids, this is a great way to unwind and ‘smell the roses’.

13. Outdoor Movies

Every single Disney World resort offers movies under the stars each and every night. Your favorite Disney films are played nightly on a larger than life blow-up screen by the pool or beach area (if applicable). We’re so used to watching movies indoors, so this is a nice treat because the atmosphere is beautiful! It’s also a great way to enjoy a snack and relax by the pool!

12. Campfires

Who doesn’t love roasting marshmallows by a fire? Did you know that every Disney resort now has a marshmallow roasting area? Enjoy roasting unlimited marshmallows in the evening with cast members right before the movies under the stars! You can check the time for this event with the lobby of you resort. If you are staying at the Fort Wilderness Cabins, you’re in for a great treat! Not only can you roast marshmallows here as well, but there is a huge s’more station to purchase graham crackers and Hershey’s chocolate!

11. Sand Bottom Pool

The Yacht and Beach Club is known for its luxurious New England Style vintage elegance, but its pool area is out of this world! Stormalong Bay offers 3 acres of a water wonderland that includes a lazy river, shipwreck replica slide, and three pools that are sand bottom! This is a great way for adults to relax and kids to have fun under the sun!

10. Dining With a Twist

We all love Disney dining, but each hotel offers special and unique with each of their restaruants. Many of the restaurants match their cuisine with the theme of the resort, making it a great cultural experience. For example, the Coronado Springs serves amazing Mexican cuisine while the Animal Kingdom Lodge offers authentic flavors of Africa. Not only is the cuisine fantastic, but there are great interactions between cast members and guests. For example, the Whispering Canyon at the Wilderness Lodge includes dining with a rootin’ tootin’ good time with a whole lotta’ hollering from the servers. If you want to have a romantic evening, check out restaurants like Narcoosse’s (at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa) or California Grill (at the Contemporary Resort. These restaurants have exquisite award winning dishes and sync the music from the Magic Kingdom during the Wishes Firework Spectacular for your enjoyment. Watch the fireworks right from the restaurant and listen to the tunes that go along with it right from your chair. If you love dinner and a show, you will love the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue (at the Fort Wilderness Campground) and The Spirit of Aloha Show (at the Polynesian Resort). The resorts offer spectacular dining options that are always worth checking out!

9. Savannah Views

The Animal Kingdom Lodge whisks guests away to another world with its lush African décor. One of the most popular reasons why guests choose this resort for their vacation are the famous views of four lush savannahs right from your hotel balcony. Guests can sit back and watch Giraffes, warthogs, zebras, gazelles, kudu, and much more. You won’t find a place like this anywhere else on the property!

8. The Boardwalk

The Boardwalk is nestled in the rear of the Boardwalk Resort. Guests can visit this Coney Island style boardwalk, which includes restaurants, a bakery, shops, games, kiosks with yummy desserts, and entertainment in the evenings. There is even a dance club and live piano bar! The views of the beautiful lake and Epcot Ball are stunning from here in the evening. The neighboring resorts, the Yacht and Beach Club and the Swan and Dolphin, are other great places to check out while visiting the Boardwalk. There is much to do here, so you won’t want to skip it on your next visit!

7. Recreation

Each resort offers a list of recreation activities for each and every member of your party. Whether you’re a child, teen, adult, or senior, I’m sure you will find something you like to do with all that is offered at the resorts. Enjoy activities such as boating, horseback riding, biking, wagon rides, fishing, water skiing, basketball, jogging trails, playgrounds, and much more! If recreation is your thing, check out what the resort you’re interested in offers!

6. Electrical Water Pageant

If you’re staying or visiting any of the resorts in the Magic Kingdom area, you’ll love checking out the nightly Electrical Water Pageant. Every night guests find a comfy spot along the beach of their resort to watch larger than life mythical sea creatures and flags light up the lake with correlating Disney tunes. This fifteen-minute parade is very cute and loved by many that stay at these resorts!

5. Dazzling Views Right From Your Balcony

Depending on where you are staying, you are more than likely to have some great views right from the balcony or window of your room. Pool views are always beautiful and calming, but did you know that there are many rooms that have views to the iconic park structures? If you’re staying at resorts near the Magic Kingdom, you can request rooms with Cinderella Castle view. This is also a great way to watch the firework shows while still in your pajamas! There are also resorts that have views to Epcot’s iconic ball and Hollywood Studios spooky Tower of Terror. The lake views of many resorts are also calming and beautiful.

4. Pool Parties for Kids

Each resort has a great team of cast members that are always ready to party with the kiddos under the sun. Every afternoon pool parties kick off at each resort pool with a plethora of games and sports that kids can participate in. This is great entertainment for the kids while adults get to snap pictures and relax by the pool!

Bonus Tip!

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3. Convenient Bus Rides

OK, this may not seem like an experience, but it is for many. The complimentary bus rides from each resort to the theme parks is a magical experience on its own. I’m not sure if it’s the mingling amongst guests or the excitement of getting to the parks, but there is definitely some excitement hen riding the Magical Express.

2. Gift Shops

Disney gift shops always have such beautiful and cute souvenirs. The gift shops at the resorts not only carry authentic Disney apparel, housewares, technological accessories, home décor, and more, but they are also tailored to sell gifts that carry the theme of the resort. Even though there are many gifts online at the Disney Store, some of the merchandise at the resorts is unique and can’t be found anywhere else!

1. Disney Magic

I don’t know how to put the feelings one gets when staying at a Disney resort into words, but the feeling of staying on property at the Walt Disney World Resort doesn’t compare to any other resort in the city. Your heart fills with joy and your smile never leaves your face. Disney provides such magic in each and every one of their hotels and it is truly a magical experience from the moment you wake up to the moment you go to sleep. The theming, amenities, service, and ‘magic’ makes your entire resort experience incredible and amazing!

BONUS TIP: Consider planning and booking your next Disney trip with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner you can trust like Mickey Travels. They’ll help you get the best Walt Disney World deal, share expert advice and their services are totally FREE! It’s genius!