Sports Activities
When you hear people tell you that a week at Walt Disney World won’t even scratch the surface of things you can see and do while vacationing there, we really aren’t kidding. And there is still SO much to do beyond the parks. I always suggest planning a few days away from the parks where you can enjoy the pool and not feel rushed to run from one ride to another.
If you or someone you’re traveling with is a sports enthusiast, here are some great activities to consider for your next vacation to the Walt Disney World Resort.
Mini Golf: There are 2 places to go mini-golfing at Walt Disney World. Fantasia Gardens & Fairways Miniature Golf is located near Hollywood Studios (there are 2 courses here – Fantasia Gardens is better for younger families, and Fairways is a little more challenging with some holes having a range of just over 100 feet long). Winter Summerland Miniature Golf also has 2 courses – one is summer-themed, and one is winter-themed; Winter Summerland is located near Blizzard Beach.
Foot Golf: Is it golf? Is it soccer? It’s a little bit of both! Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course is proud to offer FootGolf, a sport that combines the patient precision of golf with the athletic coordination of soccer. This 9-hole FootGolf course is certified by the American FootGolf League (AFGL) and is fun for the whole family!! This course is located near Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Golf: Walt Disney World has 4 golf courses, 3 of them are 18-hole championship layouts playing to a par of 72. For less-skilled golfers who are still learning to play or families with young children, we recommend the 9-hole walking course, Disney′s Oak Trail Golf Course. Don’t want to fly with clubs? They are available to rent from the course. If you’re looking for a way to save money, try the Sunrise 9 or Sunset 9 for a deal! Be sure to reserve your tee time in advance!
Check out the Water Parks: Walt Disney World is home to 2 water parks. Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Blizzard Beach will make you feel as though you’ve been transported to a ski resort – except it’s filled with water slides and winding rivers instead of ski slopes! There’s plenty here for everyone, even your littlest water lover! Typhoon Lagoon is themed to resemble a tropical paradise that has survived a typhoon – plenty of water slides, a great kids and beach area, a lazy river, and even a wave pool! If you’re up for the challenge, you can even schedule surfing lessons before Typhoon Lagoon opens (additional fees apply and reservations are required).
Visit ESPN Wide World of Sports: Walt Disney World is home to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Here, there are 230 acres of professionally run, state-of-the-art facilities host over 60 sports and thousands of events for athletes of all ages and abilities. Train and compete with your team—or catch the excitement as a spectator—in this grand sports setting where classic athletic ideals meet contemporary innovation. Whether you visit as an athlete, a spectator, or just to dine at the ESPN Wide World of Sport Grill, this stop will be one that sports lovers enjoy.
Play Tennis at the Resorts: Tennis courts can be found at Saratoga Springs, Yacht Club, Fort Wilderness, Contemporary, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Boardwalk, and Old Key West. DVC guests have access to equipment for free, otherwise there is a small fee associated with renting equipment. Tennis lessons may also be available to those interested in learning!
Play Volleyball at the Resorts: The following resorts have volleyball courts on-site: Caribbean Beach, Contemporary, Coronado Springs, Old Key West, Polynesian, Yacht & Beach Clubs, The Campsites at Fort Wilderness, and the Dolphin and Swan Hotels. There’s no fee to borrow equipment for DVC members, though there may be a small fee for all other guests staying on-site.
Play Basketball at the Resorts: Equipment and access are free for guests with a valid resort ID at Disney World Resorts if you want to shoot some hoops! Basketball courts are located at Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village, Contemporary/Bay Lake Tower, the Grand Floridian, Old Key West, Saratoga Springs, and Fort Wilderness.
Have you experienced any of these on a vacation to Walt Disney World? My family loves the water parks (Typhoon Lagoon in particular – we love the wave pool!!) Don’t forget, many of these experiences can be included if you add the Water & Sport Option (or the Plus Option if you’re going to have the Park Hopper) to your vacation package. Talk to your Travel Advisor about how you can experience many of these activities for one low upgrade fee.
Stay tuned each Monday for another installment!
Aly Hirst
