Walt Disney World is a vast playground filled with fun and adventure for people of all ages.  When most people think “Disney,” they think of the four theme parks which are the most attended theme parks in the world.  However, Walt Disney World has a lot more to offer than just four theme parks.  Today’s article is going to take a look on how to spend four days at Walt Disney World and never step foot in the parks.  Sounds strange but some people want to experience Disney but not experience the parks.  This post is for them.  It can be done.  Let’s dive into our hypothetical vacation.

Day 1 – Morning: Arrive at Orlando International Airport and head down to Disney’s Magical Express.  Hop on your resort’s bus and relax as the bus whisks you away to Walt Disney World.  Then check into your resort.  For this vacation, we will stay at Disney’s Yacht Club resort.  It has a great central location between EPCOT and Hollywood Studios (but you said we weren’t going to the parks – relax we aren’t just follow along) and a short bus ride to the Magic Kingdom.

Day 1 – Afternoon – Trip to Disney Springs: Disney Springs is a great place to experience the parks without entering the parks.  There is a plenty of shops and restaurants to enjoy.  Stop by for a quick lunch at Earl of Sandwich before spending the afternoon browsing through the many shops of Disney Springs.  After a busy afternoon shopping, head back to Yacht Club to freshen up before dinner.

Day 1 – Dinner – Yachtsman Steakhouse: Have dinner at the flagship restaurant inside the Yacht Club….Yachtsman Steakhouse.  This restaurant is one of the best restaurant on the Walt Disney World property and has, in my opinion, the best steak on property.  Crew’s Cup located right next to the restaurant is great place to get a quick drink either before your reservation or for a night cap.

Day 1 – Evening: Close out your night by taking a quick walk over to the bridge by the Boardwalk Resort to watch Illuminations.  This is a great location, outside the parks, to watch the fireworks show.  You will miss the light show that takes place inside the park but the music and fireworks while sitting someplace that is not crowded more than make-up for it.

Day 2 – Breakfast: Take a short walk to Disney’s Beach Club and have a breakfast with some character at Minnie’s Beach Bash Breakfast inside Cape May Cafe.  This is a meal, in my experience, where you can meet some of the most popular characters without having much of a wait.  If you get a late breakfast, it’s an even shorter wait as very few guests make reservations for this character meal.

Day 2 – Afternoon: Having a filling buffet breakfast at Cape May Café, catch a taxi to Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course for a “relaxing” 18 holes of golf.  The Lake Buena Vista Course is not as demanding and test of golf like the two Championship courses: Magnolia and Palm.  It’s a great place to get a nice round of golf and get away from the crowds of the resorts and parks.

Day 2 – Evening: After your round of golf, head over to your dinner reservation at California Grill inside the Contemporary Resort.  Enjoy a fine dinner of the best that California cuisine and wine has to offer.  After dinner, be sure to linger over dessert and watch Wishes from California Grill’s viewing area.  If you finish before Wishes, you can return to California Grill with your receipt (from that day only) to gain access to the restaurant’s viewing area.

Day 2 – Late Night: When Wishes is over, hop on the monorail and take it to the Polynesian Resort for a night-cap at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto and Tiki Bar.

Day 3 – Breakfast: Hop on the bus to Magic Kingdom (look at all the people entering the parks) and resist the temptation to join the crowds and head inside.  Go to the monorail and start your day where last night’s ended at the Polynesian Village Resort.  You’re having an ‘Ohana breakfast with Lilo and Stitch.

Day 3 – Mid-day: Spend the afternoon at The Grand Floridian Resort.  Walk over to the Senses Spa for a relaxing late morning/early afternoon getting spa treatments like a Warm Stone Massage or a Sweet Red Rose Body Treatment.

After your stay at Sense spa, have a late lunch at the Grand Floridian Café and enjoy the Grand Sandwich.  Say goodbye to Walt Disney World’s monorail loop, it’s time to head back to the room and getting ready for your last night at Walt Disney World.

Day 3 – Evening: Take a walk over to Boardwalk and enjoy one of Disney’s newest restaurants, Trattoria al Forno.  Trattoria has some of the best of the Italian cuisine on Disney property.  After dinner, take a walk down the pathway to Hollywood Studios and take in the newest firework show on Walt Disney World property, Symphony In the Stars which features the music from John Williams and the Star Wars series of movies.

Day 4 – Morning: Check-out of the Yacht Club resort and board the Magical Express to catch your flight now.

If that sounds like a good Disney vacation and you need someone to take care of the planning, contact me at Fairytale Journeys by Tim Brooks. E-mail: dadfordisney@gmail.com  All quotes are no-obligation and fee-free.

Thanks for reading!