Walt Disney World near Orlando, Florida is home to four amazing theme parks. From the classic Disney attractions of the Magic Kingdom to the thrill of discovering new worlds at Epcot, The theme parks of the Walt Disney World resort have something for everybody.But Walt Disney World is home to more, a lot more, than the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom. Within Walt Disney World's 47 square miles (that right, it's about twice the size of the city of San Francisco) there countless things to do outside of the four main theme parks. Here are ten great things after you've visited the theme parks.
Cirque Du Soleil's La Nuba at Downtown Disney
Under the modern, white, "bigtop" at the end Downtown Disney Westside you'll fine La Nuba, Cirque Du Soleil's permanent show at Walt Disney World. If you've seen any of Cirque's other productions, then you know what you're in for; a 90 minutes of beautiful, artistic performance that will take your breath away. The show is performed twice nightly and tickets start at $69.
The Richard Petty Driving Experience at Walt Disney World
If you're ever wanted to race like the big boys do at the Daytona 500 then you can make that dream come true at Walt Disney World's Richard Petty Driving Experience. You take control of a NASCAR-style car and race around the regulation track either alone or as a passenger with a professional driver.
The Electrical Water Pageant on Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon
The Electrical Water Pageant is a nightly floating "parade" around Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon passing by the beaches of the Polynesian Resort, Grand Floridian Resort, Wilderness Lodge, Ft. Wilderness and Contemporary Resort. The pageant usually starts at 9pm and features dancing lights on the water set to music. Each of the pageant's 14 floats consist of 25 foot high screens at are decorated with lights depicting sea dragons, King Triton, and other creatures of the sea. The pageant's ends with a salute to America featuring the Stars and Stripes.
Tri-Circle D Ranch at Fort Wilderness
The Tri-Circle D Ranch is located in Fort Wilderness and is the home to Walt Disney World's horses. The horses used to pull the trolleys on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom retire each day to the Tri-Circle D Ranch. Visitors to the ranch can see the horses and other farm animals in the petting zoo area. There are also pony rides for the young at a cost of just a few dollars.
Disney's Boardwalk
Disney's Boardwalk Hotel features a recreation of an old fashioned boardwalk. While there are restaurants, shops, and even a dueling piano bar on the boardwalk, there's plenty to see and do on the boardwalk for free. You can watch the jugglers, mimes, musicians, and even fire eaters as they entertain at various points on the boardwalk. End you night at Atlantic Dance, and large dance hall with live music or a DJ spinning Top 40 music that usually has no cover charge.
Southern Gospel Brunch at House of Blues
The House of Blues at Downtown Disney Westside comes alive each Sunday with the sounds of the South. The world famous House of Blues' Sunday Gospel Brunch combines gospel singers with good ol' southern cooking to make one memorable experience.
Chip and Dales Campfire Movie and Sing-Along
Each night, there's a sing-along, marshmallow roast, and a free Disney animated movie shown on a large outdoor screen at Disney's Fort Wilderness campground. Bring our own food or buy it from the trading outpost and and enjoy a night under the stars watching some of your favorite Disney classic films. And best of all it's free!
AMC 24 Theaters at Downtown Disney
At Downtown Disney's AMC 24 movie theater not only can you catch the latest blockbuster while on vacation but you can visit the concession stand of the future where you can mix up your Coke drink in one of over 100 different flavors. Add a gourmet popcorn that you can flavor yourself, too, and you've got perfect date night at the movies at Walt Disney World!
The Golf Courses of Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World has 99 holes of championship golf and is known the world over as one of the top golf resorts. With courses designed by Pete Dye and Tom Fazio among others, you're sure to find a a course that's just right for your level of play.
World Of Disney Store (World's Largest Disney Themed Store) at Downtown Disney
Walt Disney World is over 47 square miles in size, so of course it's only natural that you'd find the world's largest Disney Store here, but it's not in one of the theme parks. The massive World of Disney store is at Downtown Disney and is a dream come true for any Disney fan. From Mickey Mouse ears to high-end Disney jewelery (think Tinkerbell necklaces with diamonds), the World of Disney store has everything "Disney" you could every want!
