20 Things You Must Do At Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

After a couple of days trooping around Disney parks I sometimes find that I’ve got a hankering for a more zen-like atmosphere away from the press of crowds. At this point I turn my attention to Disney’s fabulous resorts! Here’s my list of 20 things you must do at Walt Disney World Resort Hotels.

20. Have Tea With A Princess

Have tea with Princess Aurora in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. Your little prince or princess will love this luxurious experience that’s a feast for all of your senses! You’ll be served delectable finger sandwiches, cakes, succulent fruits and teapots full of apple juice for pint-sized guests. ‘Tea-goers’ also receive a large limited edition Princess Aurora doll, crown, and a fresh rose to help commemorate their experience. The icing on the cake is your private visit with the royal lady herself and the intimate nature of the gathering ensures a lot of 1-on-1 time with her majesty!

19. Rock Your Cares Away

Next, it’s off to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge for a taste of the rustic majesty of America’s great northwest. Follow the path up to the lodge from the resort boat launch and you’ll discover a delightful patio just outside with oversized rocking chairs. Take in the sounds of the murmuring creek while you rock your cares away!

18. Beaches and Cream

There’s a perfect little corner in the Beach Club Resort near the pool that houses a tiny, charming ice cream shop. Beaches and Cream is small but its’ signature ice cream treat is ENORMOUS! It’s called the kitchen sink and it’ll blow you away!

17. Dinner and Fireworks at Narcoossee’s

This is our second recommendation at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and it’s AWESOME! Get ready to enjoy the most delicious seafood you’ll ever eat at Narcoossee’s! Situated right on the water of the seven Seas Lagoon, this dining experience affords incomparable views of the fireworks at Magic Kingdom!

16. Animal Watching At Animal Kingdom Lodge

This One’s Free! Visit Animal Kingdom Lodge and you’ll discover over 30 species of African wildlife – up close and personal! Best times to view more animals in action are the early morning and later in the evening.

15. Sanaa

Enjoy the exotic tastes of African/Indian fare while a proverbial zoo of African animals graze just outside the panoramic windows of the restaurant.

14. Shop at Zawadi Marketplace

Arguably, one of the best in-resort shopping experiences is found in Animal Kingdom Lodge at Zawadi Marketplace. With the unique African theming, you’ll find delightful gifts and souvenirs that one can only find here. An added bonus is watching a wood carver whittling beautiful African animals right inside the store! Your kids will love it!

13. Chill in Polynesia

The Perfect end to a hot day in Magic Kingdom. Take the resort boat to Disney’s Polynesian Resort and order a delicious fruity drink at Tambu lounge. They serve the best Pina Colada I’ve ever had! Oh My!

12. Hawaiian Hospitality

After drinks at Tambu Lounge, head into Ohana’s for a delectable dinner of skewered meats, and other Hawaiian favorites. Make sure you save room for the bread pudding and enjoy watching the sun go down over Cinderella Castle!

11. Boardwalk Fun

Spend an evening walking along Disney’s Boardwalk in front of the Inn and you’ll be treated to a host of entertainers and delights. Be sure to check out the candy shop – Seashore Sweets!

10. Have Dinner With Mickey and Enjoy The Fireworks

Book a character dinner at Chef Mickey’s inside Disney’s Contemporary Resort and afterward you can enjoy an unparalleled view of the fireworks at Magic Kingdom!

9. Art Of Animation Resort

Surround yourself in the art of Disney Pixar movies at The Art Of Animation Resort. Walking amongst the larger-than-life characters from Finding Nemo, Cars, Lion King and The Little Mermaid will blow your mind! After you indulge in the visual marvels of this resort, take a dip in the largest pool to reside in Walt Disney World!

8. Dine In A Shipyard

Enjoy a New Orleans style meal inside a rustic shipyard warehouse at Boatwright’s Dining Hall. Disney’s Port Orlean’s Riverside is home for this unique dining experience. N’awlins favorites like gumbo and jambalaya bring you home to the Bayou in this resort that has almost a cult following!

7. Head to Cape May

Dine with Mickey, Goofy, Minnie and other Disney characters at this delightful breakfast buffet. The healthy breakfast options balance out the Mickey waffles and maple syrup. Yummy!

6. Basin White

Indulge in the expertly milled soaps, bath bombs and delicious body products available at Basin White in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. The sugar scrub is beyond wonderful!

5. Learn To Hula

Throughout the day in the lobby of Polynesian Resort, guests can receive a free hula lesson from a master. Grab a grass skirt and dive into the fun!

4. Food Courting

Take your family to the World Premiere Food Court At Disney’s All Star Movies Resort for dinner. It’s designed to look like you’re in the lobby of a grand movie palace. Even the pickiest of eaters in your group will find something to tempt them amongst the 5 different movie marquees. After dinner, stroll around the resort and enjoy colossal figures from Disney movies including 101 Dalmations and Toy Story!

3. Tri-Circle-D Ranch

Ever wonder where Cinderella’s Ponies and the majestic horses of Main St. USA spend the night? Where else would they reside but at the Tri-Circle-D Ranch located at Disney’s Fort Wilderness. You can see these magnificent animals up close as you explore the ranch or indulge in a pony, horse, carriage or wagon ride.

2. The Spirit of Aloha

Think you have to travel to Hawaii to enjoy a luau? Well, now you can immerse yourself in the pagentry of hula dancing, fire dancing and more at the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show! Indulge in the All-You-Care-To-Eat polynesian offerings of pulled pork, BBQ ribs, polynesian rice and more!

1. Have Breakfast With Your Ohana (Family)

Yeah, I know I listed Ohana’s for dinner above but the breakfast meal at this restaurant has an extra dose of Disney magic! Dine with Mickey, Lilo, Stitch and other Disney characters in this heavily timbered dining room while platters of breakfast favorites are brought to your table. Stitch is particularly playful and makes this experience a fabulous way to start your day!

I hope you’ve discovered that there’s no shortage of Disney magic at these resorts. There are a world of delights ready to be discovered at each and every one!

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