Spend a Day Outside the Parks at Walt Disney World

Yes, the parks are magical, but it is also a lot of walking. That’s why we highly recommend giving your feet (and your schedule) a little break with a full resort day. And trust us, there’s still plenty of Disney magic to go around!

On my last trip, we stayed at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter, and trust me, this resort is such a gem. It’s got that sweet New Orleans vibe—colorful buildings, jazzy touches, and a relaxed pace. What a beautifully themed resort — it definitely says “laissez les bon temps rouler!”

Start your day by sleeping in (those Disney beds are so comfy)!  Once you’re up and dressed in your best Disney wear, stroll over to the Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory for breakfast.  I’m still dreaming about the Loaded Totcho Bowl—crispy tots, gooey cheese, all the good stuff.

Linger over that cup of coffee or hot tea. Walk the peaceful paths past blooming azaleas, and if it's a Sunday or Thursday, head to the lobby between 9:30 and 10:20 AM for a surprise character meet and greet. It's such a fun bonus and the perfect way to sneak in some pixie dust without even entering a park.

Next up? Disney Springs! Just hop on the water taxi (yes, it’s as charming as it sounds). Once you arrive, grab a new pair of ears at World of Disney, find the perfect gift at the Co-Op, and yes, I always check out the pet section for my best boy waiting for me back home. I’m also very partial to the matching earrings and necklace sets—you’ll usually catch me leaving with at least one!

And if you’re a pin trader, you have to stop by the Pin Store. It's wall-to-wall treasures and a great place to chat with fellow Disney pin collectors.

When you’re ready for lunch, the only hard part is choosing where to go. If you want something quick but delicious, try The Polite Pig—hello Layla’s Ribs! Or Chicken Guy with its 22 signature sauces (I’m working my way through them one by one). If you’re in the mood for a sit-down meal, I love the fish and chips at Raglan Road.  This pub has a unique blend of Disney hospitality, Irish culture and tradition.  

Love bowling?  Head over to Splitsville, where you can order up some delicious Macho Nachos and bowl some balls.  They’ve got all the fixings and provide plenty to eat.  Just remember that advanced dining reservations for a table service restaurant are strongly recommended and sometimes even required.  

After lunch, it’s pool time. Head back to French Quarter for a lazy afternoon at the Doubloon Lagoon Pool. There’s a 51-foot-long snaking sea serpent slide (Scales is his name!), a Mardi Gras-themed splash zone, and poolside drinks at Mardi Grogs. Don’t forget sunscreen!

To wrap up your no-park day, make a dinner reservation at one of the deluxe resorts on the monorail loop. It’s super easy to get there—just take a Disney bus to Magic Kingdom, then walk right over to the Contemporary or hop on the monorail to explore another resort. We always recommend grabbing a dining reservation in advance since walk-up lists can fill up fast!  One of our go-tos? Steakhouse 71 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Their French onion soup? Chef’s kiss.

And here’s the perfect nightcap: after dinner, cross the Sky Way Bridge over to the Bay Lake Tower and go up to the 16th floor.  There, you can walk out on the rooftop  to watch Happily Ever After from above. You’ll hear the music piped in and see the fireworks sparkle without the crowd. Pure magic.

Before bed, stop by Scat Cat’s Club Café back at French Quarter for some Mickey-shaped beignets (you’ve earned them). Then it’s time to slip into that cozy bed and wind down with a Hey Disney bedtime story.

Ready to slow down and soak up the magic beyond the parks? Let us help you plan the perfect balance of fun and relaxation on your next Disney vacation. Reach out to your Be Our Guest Vacations agent to start dreaming up your ideal resort day—you deserve it!

Just a little planning and a lot of pixie dust.