Visiting the Mouse outside of the House.

Anyone who knows our family probably considers us “the Disney people”. I know that I myself am most people’s example of a Disney adult. I wear Mickey on my clothes, have him on my coach bag and wallet, in my kitchen, in my bathroom and I love most everything about Disney. 

I went once or twice as a child. One day trips from Cocoa Beach. I don’t remember anything about it. I had always thought it would be fun having toddlers who loved Disney jr, but it wasn’t until we planned a trip to Chicago for our son’s adoption that we made the Disney leap. Chicago is expensive. 15 years ago as I crunched numbers I thought, we can go to Disney for this price…. And thus our journey began! 

Over the years we have stayed at numerous resorts. We have been annual Passholders and became Disney Vacation Club Members. Our kids have been blessed to grow up Disney, even from Ohio. The reason for this post is to share about our trips where we don’t go to the parks. Sometimes the weather or the funding just doesn’t add up to make a park trip make sense. We still like our Disney fix and over the years we have come up with ways to feel the Disney Magic without stepping foot in the parks! 

Here are a few tips - 

1. Stay on property. We have our favorite resort, Old Key West, that has very little Mickey in your face. 

But, if you want lots of photo ops head to Art of Animation or a value resort. They do Disney BIG and it makes you feel like you are really in the movies. 

  

Lookout for  characters stopping by resorts! My girls saw a few friends at the Boardwalk  this trip. We saw Smee and Captain Hook at The Contemporary once too! 

 

Being on property is unparalleled and just an amazing feeling. If you are needing your Mickey shaped snack- they have them available at all of the resorts. It also gives you the benefit of Disney transportation. Monorail, Bus, boat and skyliner. 

2. There are more than 30 resorts on Disney World property. Even if you don’t stay on property you can still Take advantage of the fun meal opportunities that help you see new resorts. One of our favorite options is Cape May Cafe Breakfast Buffett at The Beach Club villas. You can spend time with Daisy, Minnie, Donald and Goofy. After breakfast you can walk or take a boat over to The Boardwalk. There are games, stores and food choices. You could also walk to the swan and dolphin and explore their grounds. 

 

3. Another fun option is Chef Mickey’s at the Contemporary. Mickey and Friends host a buffet you will never get your money’s worth at, but it is THE Mouse! So totally worth it:) too! 

  This one comes with a lot of potential perks. Once you are at the Contemporary you have access to the monorail. You can take a ride around and even stop at Grand Floridian or Polynesian for a dole whip. If you are there in the evening there is a beautiful firework watching area and if you are DVC the Villains Lair

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4. Breakfast at Port Orleans French Quarter- one of our every trip favorites is to head over to Port orleans for some delicious hot man cakes -aka Beignets. Mickey shaped and delicious. There are a few shops, a playground and super cute phot ops there as well. 

5. Footgolf at Disney’s Old Oak Trail golf course. There are many golf options on Disney property, but this one is fun for the whole family! 

6. Take the Disney Vacation Club tour at one of the DVC resorts. We originally took ours at Saratoga springs and we got to see some amazing rooms and we got snacks and ice cream at the end. From time to time they even offer gift cards to listen. Most recently we did a tour at Riviera and Poly’s new tower. Being able to explore the resorts and see what’s new is a fun and free way to spend time in the A/C! 

 

7. Putt putt- I know a typical vacation thing, but Fantasia has a great course and within walking distance to Boardwalk if you want to explore there after!

Winter/Summerland is fun with a lot of cute photo opps too! 

8. Disney Springs- the way this place has grown over the last few years is crazy! We usually stick to our favorite spots on the “older side” with once upon a toy, world of Disney and the Disney themed stores. We make sure to keep those traditions up posing with Pooh 

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9. Fort Wilderness Tri Circle-D Ranch is home to 90 horses on Disney property. The cabins are an incredible place to stay and even if you stay somewhere else you can visit the ranch. They have horseback riding, carriage rides and other opportunities. This is also home to the Hoopty Dee Doo Review dinner show and a campfire sing along with Chip and Dale. 

10. Spend an evening at The Boardwalk. This is one of our favorite resorts and it is so much fun in the evenings. You can rent a little bike cart, shop the stores, visit the busy cake shop or get margaritas and watch a street performer! There is a pizza window with a great quick food option too. 

11. If you happen to be at Disney World near the holidays make sure you check out the resorts and Disney Springs !

So many beautiful displays you can entertain yourselves for hours! A few of our favorite memories.

After our most recent trip being only a few days and record breaking heat we were happy with these fun options to keep mom’s Mickey loving heart full!!