A No-Park Disney Day
A few weeks ago, my family traveled to Orlando for a work trip but we had a few days to ourselves to go adventuring! We decided not to do a Disney park in the heat of July & August because we were spoiled on our last trip this past February BUT, my heart could not take being in Mickey's city and not getting a glimpse of the most magical place on earth.
This day of ours inspired me to write this guide on:
HOW TO HAVE A MAGICAL DAY OF DISNEY WITHOUT GOING INTO A PARK.
MORNING:
Wake up leisurely in whatever accomodations you previously made. We stayed in this Airbnb and it was the BEST airbnb experience I have ever had. The location was perfect for a Disney trip, the condos were beautifully painted in pastels & the 2 pools are perfect for a family of all ages. Either make your own breakfast or for an absolutely MAGICAL breakfast, make a reservation at one of these delicious restaurants below to enjoy free parking & access to the parks without purchasing a parking pass. *If you do NOT make a dining reservation, you will have to pay to enter the parks $25 per vehicle*
Breakfast Ideas:
Polynesian Resort:
Kona Cafe $$- Tonga Toast is a fave!
Grand Floridian Resort & Spa:
Grand Floridian Cafe $$- Mickey Shaped waffles adds the extra dash of magic to your morning coffee!
The Contemporary Resort:
Chef Mickey's $$$: This is a buffet where you can meet Mickey & his pals!
MID MORNING:
Enjoy the views of the 3 resorts you have access to by using the monorail. You can take the monorail straight to the Polynesian, the Grand Floridian and the Contemporary resort! Also, peep the castle and the Magic Kingdom entrance on the monorail between Grand Floridian and Contemporary! Relax on the beach of the Polynesian and explore the beautiful Victorian elegance in the Grand Floridian. Each hotel also boasts a few shopping venues with themed merchandise from that hotel and the parks.
Lunch-Afternoon:
Option 1: Each resort hosts several restaurants that are quick serve and sit down restaurants. Here are a few options in each resort for you to choose from:
Polynesian Resort:
Cap't Cooks $- The sweet pork nachos were so good!
Grand Floridian Resort & Spa:
Gasparilla Island Grill $- The chicken & brie would be my go to!
The Contemporary Resort:
Contempo Cafe $: Yummy sandwiches, burgers and salads.
After you're done eating you can explore the grounds some more, catch a bus to the Disney's Boardwalk, ride the monorail to the other parks or head to Disney Springs!
Option 2: Since you have so much time left to your day, use the bus system from one of the resorts or the transportation center (accessible by the monorail) to Disney Springs. Disney Springs is a HUGE outdoor shopping center with restaurants & activities. They have a bowling alley, Cirque des Soleil, AMC theater, a hot air balloon, and sooo many different shopping venues. My go to places to stop are:
Gideon's Bakehouse- I head straight here because there is currently a virtual queue you have to enter which takes about 1-2 hours to get a callback. Once you get the text telling you to come back, you wait your turn to get in and buy EVERY cookie flavor they have...
World of Disney- a GIANT store of all things Disney!
Lego Store- it's right next door and I have 2 little boys sooo...
DisneyStyle- cute Disney clothes!
Star Wars Galactic Outpost, Star Wars Trading Post & Super Hero Headquarters- once again.... my boys!
Disney's Days of Christmas- a beautiful and festive store of Christmas items!! <3
Marketplace Co-Op- super cute Disney boutique items.
Late Afternoon-Dinner:
Once you've made it back from your afternoon trek to the other Disney areas, you have a few options of where you want to end the night with fireworks (the best goodnight kiss from Disney).
Option 1: head back to the Magic Kingdom Resorts and eat dinner at one of the resort restaurants:
Polynesian Resort:
Ohana $$- "Feast family-style on popular selections such as scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, Stitch and Mickey waffles, ham with pineapple, a variety of fresh fruits and ʻOhana pineapple bread."
Grand Floridian Resort & Spa:
Narcoossee's $$$- This restaurant is very fancy and requires a special dress code.
The Contemporary Resort:
California Grill $$$: This restaurant is also very fancy!!
CHOOSE OPTION 1: If you want to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks.
Option 2: take a bus to one of the Disney's Boardwalk resorts (Disney's Yacht Club, Disney's Beach Club, Swan Hotel, Disney's Boardwalk Inn & Villas). All resorts are nearby walking distance to the boardwalk. The boardwalk is a promenade of cuisine, entertainment, games & even performers. Designed to look like a coastal city such as Atlantic City or Coney Island, the boardwalk is a leisurely stroll with beautiful views.
Flying Fish $$$- covid temporarily closed but reviews are very high for this restaurant!
Trattoria al Forno $$- Italian
Ale & Compass Restaurant $$- Located within Disney's Yacht Club Resort
CHOOSE OPTION 2: If you want to watch the Epcot fireworks.
Late Evening:
You're full from dinner and found wonderful Disney goods on your day of "Disney", so let's end the night with a colorful and beautiful celebration by watching the fireworks!
Magic Kingdom Fireworks locations- to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks, you can either head to the observation deck in the Contemporary resort and get a fabulous view of the castle display and fireworks. They also have the music and sounds playing on the deck for you to experience the whole view OR you can watch from the beach of the Polynesian (while enjoying a Pineapple dole whip from Pineapple Lanai). They also have the sounds and music of the show but with a farther view.
Epcot Fireworks location: to watch the Epcot fireworks you will need to be at the Disney Boardwalk. There is a bridge that connects the boardwalk to the resorts that makes a great view but the entire boardwalk makes a great backdrop for the fireworks and you might even be able to see the Hollywood Studios show!
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