Other Fun at Walt Disney World®

Water Parks

Walt Disney World has 2 huge themed water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon.  Both are packed with watery fun rides for all ages.  There are kiddie areas, thrilling slides, ride the rapids, flumes, and, of course, everyone’s favorite wave pools.  The theming at Blizzard Beach is surprising because you see a frozen wonderland with snow piled high but you feel a tropical oasis.  Typhoon Lagoon is set at the scene of a shipwreck caused by a storied typhoon that placed the ship high atop a mountain.  Here you can snorkel over a shark infested reef and book surfing lessons in the very best wave pool around!

Disney Springs

Formerly Downtown Disney, is Walt Disney World’s new Florida town with classic charm that you can only find “Where the Magic Lives”. Featuring four distinct neighborhood “districts” anchored by a central focal feature, aptly called The Springs. The main feature of the Springs area is the large crystal blue spring with floating lanterns that borders each part of the town. The districts are The Marketplace, The Landing, Town Center, and the West Side. The Marketplace is the older 1930’s shopping and dining district, formerly the Disney Village Marketplace prior to Downtown Disney. This is where you can find the World of Disney store, the largest single site selection of Disney character merchandise in the world. This is also the home to the Rainforest Cafe, T-Rex Cafe, Ghirardelli Soda Shop, and the original Earl of Sandwich location. A causeway bridge spanning Village Lake between Rainforest Cafe and Lego store was added in 2015. The Landing is the transportation hub and marina, with The Boathouse and Jock Lindsay’s Hangar Bar (based on characters from Indiana Jones) as the major features. The Boathouse offers unique amphicar cruises around Village Lake in multicolored amphibious automobiles that drive both in water and on land. Definitely worth a try! (This is a separate fee from food and/or drinks served at The Boathouse.) The Town Center is the newest section of Disney Springs, known to be the town’s Central Business District. Built in the Spanish Revival style, this is the home to multiple upscale and well known retailers like Sephora, L’Occitane en Provence, Pandora, UGG, Kate Spade, and Under Armour. More retailers are due to move into the Town Center, so keep an eye out! The West Side is the “exposition center” featuring the AMC Disney Springs 24, a 24 screen movie theatre, Splitsville Luxury Lanes, a combination bowling alley and restaurant on two levels, a House of Blues, and Cirque du Soleil’s personalized show for the Walt Disney World Resort, La Nouba. The West Side also features the five story DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive Theme Park. DisneyQuest features interactive attractions with many different offerings of arcade games, classic video games, and one of the best pinball selections around.

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

This is a 220 acre athletic complex located on the southern portion of the Walt Disney World Resort. Featuring nine unique venues, the Wide World of Sports Complex is renowned for hosting multiple amateur and professional sporting events throughout the calendar year, including Varsity and Pop Warner cheer leading competitions, Atlanta Braves Spring Training, and other major events. Most recently, the complex was the host for the 2016 Invictus Games, created by Prince Harry and televised on ESPN networks. Guest admission can be gained to the Sports Complex for $16.50 for adults and $11.50 for children. Special events may require elevated or tiered pricing and may not be available to combine with your Disney ticket.

Still more fun…

Other options for family fun and nightlife include Disney’s Boardwalk Resort. The Boardwalk features Jellyrolls, a dueling piano bar featuring music from the oldies to pop and rock hits from today, and Atlantic Dance Hall, where you can dance the night away to current hits. more Walt Disney World information is available here.