I grew up going to Disney as a child. I had been 11 times from 2 to 14 yrs old. We had gone to the parks every single time. Sometimes just Magic Kingdom and Epcot, and sometimes a water park or two or perhaps Hollywood Studios. I’ve been to every corner of every theme/water park as they existed in 2013, and even the Fantasia Gardens mini-golf courses. This time I decided I would rather see what I could of other resorts and the new addition of the Skyliner. As it turns out, there is a whole other world of Disney World beyond the parks.
Here are my best discoveries after exploring the world beyond the parks. Afraid it might be boring? Definitely not.
Just watch out for tree maintenance while you’re out and about!
One of the main attractions of the Caribbean Beach Resort is that each village has its own pool in addition to the Fuentes del Morro Pool next to Old Port Royale. If you are looking for somewhere quiet during the afternoon, just look around at all of the village pools. When I was there in August, Aruba’s pool tended to have kids running around day and night while Jamaica’s was nice and quiet.
Another highlight of the evening are the Movies Under the Stars on Caribbean Cay island. There is plenty of room on the lawn to spread out, and be sure to look up as the clock strikes 9 pm -you’re in for a spectacular show courtesy of the Epcot fireworks display, which is perfectly visible from Caribbean Cay.
Looking for an afternoon outing? Try some mini-golf at Fantasia Gardens, which is just past the Swan Hotel.
Another evening excursion can be found strolling down the boardwalk along Cresent Lake. From Swan, just head down to the walking trails and you’ll come out on the rear of Boardwalk Inn and Villas. The path to the left then continues down to the boardwalk where you’ll find a lively soiree of fun carnival games, shopping, restaurants and don’t forget the ice cream store!
Catch a movie on the beach at Beach Club. They run different movies depending on the days of the week. Tuesday night is Monsters Inc.
Then be sure to head down to the bridge the connects Beach Club and the boardwalk at 9 pm…besides standing directly in Epcot World Showcase, this is the best spot in Disney World to view the Epcot fireworks!
Another day full of walking, shopping and dining presents itself in a short bus trip to Disney Springs. Stock up on some Disney themed trinkets and grab a Dole Whip in the Market Place. Then take a stroll down to the natural springs by The Landing where Disney Springs got its name from. Finally, head over to the West Side for some fine dining, a balloon ride, and a performance by Cirque Du Soleil (starting back up Nov. 18th, 2021).
– See more details in Disney Springs – Disney in Two Days
Let’s recap – here are just a few things to do in the magical World Beyond the Parks:
• Catch a Movie Under the Stars
• Relax at the pools
• Watch the Epcot fireworks from any Epcot Resort including Caribbean Beach Resort
• Test your skills with some mini-golf at Fantasia Gardens
• Stroll the boardwalk
• Spend a day in Disney Springs
Up for a challenge?
• Start at Caribbean Beach Resort
• Catch the Skyliner to Epcot
• Walk around Cresent Lake until reaching Swan and Dolphin
• Walk past the Swan Hotel all the way to Hollywood Studios
• Hop on the Skyliner back to Caribbean Beach and walk across Caribbean Cay to Old Port Royale.
Complete this challenge and you earn a gold star in the form of a 5-mile workout! Then treat yourself to a spa session at the Grand Floridian, Swan Hotel, or Saratoga Springs, or chillax in a hammock at Caribbean Beach. You’ve earned it!
