The Best of Walt Disney World Resort Hotel Recreation

If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World, you may decide to include a Resort day on your itinerary. Long days in the Parks can take a toll on anyone, so we always love to have a day for rest and relaxation. The question is: what to do during your Resort day.

Thankfully, there is an abundance of fun activities to enjoy at the Disney World Resorts, and we’re here to tell you about a few of our favorites.

Let’s chat about some of the best Resort recreation options!

Pools

Whether you’re staying in a Value, Moderate, or Deluxe Walt Disney World Resort, you have access to some pretty fabulous pools. While pool-hopping is not permitted (unless you’re a Disney Vacation Club member), you will have access to the pools at your Resort — and they’re usually really fun. 

We’re big fans of the Big Blue Pool at Art of Animation, the Fuentes del Morro Pool at Caribbean Beach Resort, and the Lava Pool at the Polynesian Village Resort. 

But the cream of the crop is none other than Stormalong Bay, found at Disney’s Yacht Club  and Beach Club Resorts. This pool is more like a small waterpark, complete with a sandy bottom, an exhilarating slide, and a lazy river. 

While pools at the Value Resorts do not have slides or hot tubs, those found at Moderate and Deluxe resorts do! And those Value Resort pools tend to have colorful and fun theming, so you really can’t go wrong with a pool day! 

Spas

If you want to be truly pampered during your vacation, be sure to check out one of the many spas on Disney World property. At Saratoga Springs and the Grand Floridian, you’ll find two Senses spas, where you can experience a wide array of spa treatments. 

You can also get a massage or facial at Animal Kingdom Lodge, Yacht Club Resort, and Coronado Springs Resort. Click here to see if a spa day is right for you.

Fitness Centers

Several Resorts are also home to fitness centers, in case you haven’t already burned enough calories in the Parks. 

You’ll find fitness centers at Riviera Resort, Coronado Springs Resort, BoardWalk Inn, Old Key West Resort, Contemporary Resort, Yacht Club Resort, Wilderness Lodge, Animal Kingdom Lodge, and the Grand Floridian Resort. The fitness center at the Grand Floridian is also available to those staying at the Polynesian Village Resort. 

Click here for more info about fitness centers at Walt Disney World Resorts!

Boat Rentals

Ever wanted to navigate your own boat around Disney World property? You can! 

For $32-$45 per half hour (depending on which boat you choose), you can take an aquatic joyride in Bay Lake, Seven Seas Lagoon, or Crescent Lake. Reservations are not required, and rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn more about Disney’s motorized boat rentals here!

Carriage Rides

At Disney’s Port Orleans Resort and Fort Wilderness Resort, you can take a relaxing carriage ride! Each ride is 25 minutes long and costs $55 per carriage. Reservations are recommended and may be made up to 180 days in advance by calling (407) WDW-PLAY. 

During the holiday season, you can enjoy a festive sleigh ride at Fort Wilderness, too. These are a bit more expensive at $84 but offer a unique way to take in the Resort’s holiday decor. Reservations for sleigh rides are strongly recommended, and you may make one by calling (407) WDW-PLAY. 

Horseback Riding

Also at Fort Wilderness, you may take a leisurely horseback ride. These 45-minute trail rides cost $55 per person and are open to guests nine and older. Riders must be more than 48 inches tall and weigh less than 250 pounds. 

Reservations are recommended for horseback rides, and you can make your reservation by calling (407) WDW-PLAY.

Movies Under the Stars

At all Walt Disney World Resorts, you can enjoy (complimentary!) family-friendly movies as you wind down for the evening. If you aren’t ready to go to sleep, but you want to relax, this will be perfect. 

To find out which movies are on your resort’s schedule, either ask a Cast Member at the front desk or call (407) 939-2273.

Surrey Bike Rentals

If you want to take a family bike ride, renting a surrey bike would be a blast for everyone. At Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Old Key West Resort, Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter and Riverside, and Saratoga Springs Resort, you can rent a bike for two to four people. The price per bike is $25 and includes tax. 

You can also rent traditional bicycles for $20 at a variety of Resorts as well. 

What are some of your favorite Resort activities to experience in Disney World? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!