There are many ways you can add a little extra magic to your Walt Disney World vacation. Here are a few that we’ve enjoyed, or would like to enjoy on a future trip, that you may be interested in:
Chip and Dale Campfire at the Ft. Wilderness Campground Resort
This is a free event that occurs nightly at the Ft. Wilderness Campground. Each night they have a campfire with marshmallows, and kits available for purchase to turn those marshmallows into s’mores. There is a sing-a-long with Chip and Dale and a movie. This is a great option to spend an evening outside of the park! You don’t have to be staying at Ft. Wilderness to participate, but it can be tricky to get to the campfire. The best option is to take a bus to Magic Kingdom, then take a boat over to Ft. Wilderness, then take a bus to the campfire location. You’ll need to leave about 2 hours early for transportation.
Art of Animation Resort has an animation class in the lobby each day at 11:00am, 2:00pm, and 5:00pm. This is a free class and you don’t have to sign up in advance for it. The class is led by a Disney animator and they break down the drawing process for everyone to follow along with. You don’t need to have any drawing talent or experience to participate.
Typhoon Lagoon Surf Lessons
Typhoon Lagoon has group surf lessons on select days of the week for ages 8 and up. The class is limited to 12 participants, lasts for 2.5 hours, and includes on land instruction, time in the water with the waves, towels, continental breakfast, and digital photos of your session. The cost is $199 per person.
Starlight Safari at Animal Kingdom Lodge
The Starlight Safari takes place most nights at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. This nighttime tour lasts about 1 hour, and you’ll see zebras, giraffes, gazelles, wildebeests, flamingos, and so many more. Night vision goggles are provided so you can see in the dark. The tour costs $75 per person, and kids must be over the age of 8 to participate.
Pirate Adventure Cruise and Pirates and Pals Cruise
There are several different adventures that little pirates can take around Walt Disney World.
- Pirate Adventures from Caribbean Beach Resort and Beach/Yacht Club Resorts
These cruises are for kids ages 4 – 12, cost $40 – 50 (depending on time of year), and take place most days between 9:30am and 11:30am. Snacks are included. - Captain Hook’s Pirate Crew
These cruises are for kids ages 4 – 12, cost $55 per person, and take place each evening from the Beach Club resort between 5:00pm-8:30pm. Kids will learn to talk like a pirate, swab the deck, and sing sea chanteys. Captain Hook will show up, and dinner is included as well! This is a fantastic activity for kids to do while the adults sneak off for a quiet dinner. - Pirate and Pals Fireworks Dessert Party
This is a family event that sets sail from the Contemporary Resort each night. This cruise takes place in the Seven Seas Lagoon, and provides a perfect fireworks view over the lake. Desserts are included, and special characters will make an appearance as well. Cost is $84 for adults, $50 for kids. Times vary depending on the fireworks schedule.
Surrey Bike Rides
At the Boardwalk Inn, Saratoga Springs Resort, Old Key West Resort, and Port Orleans Riverside Resort you can rent a 2 or 4 seat Surrey bike to take for a spin around a marked path on property. Cost is $25 for 30 minutes.
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Culinary Tour at Animal Kingdom Lodge
This free tour occurs every day at 4:00pm at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. You don’t need to sign up, just go to the check in desk for Boma on the lower level of the resort. The tour includes information about Boma and Jiko with a focus on the design details of each restaurant, and samples of some of the food available.
Movies Under the Stars
These free movies occur most nights at every resort. A list of movies, times, and the location of the movie is available at the front desk, and there is usually a sign in the lobby as well. Towels from the pool are provided for seating. Grab a snack from the food court or quick service location beforehand.
Have you tried any of these Magical Extras? Let us know by joining in the conversation in our Facebook group or on our Facebook Page. You can also follow us on Instagram @ears4youpodcast.
