Disney World Water Parks, Tours & More

LAST UPDATE: 7/28/20

If you buy a multi-day ticket to the Walt Disney World theme parks and stay for a week or less, you’ll probably find that you can’t begin to explore all the entertainment options that are INCLUDED in the park passes, between the rides, parades, fireworks, and a zillion other Disney World activities.

However, the time may come when you’ll want to get out of the Disney theme parks and do something different, like riding the wild slides at Disney’s water parks, taking a backstage tour, getting a relaxing massage at one of the Disney spas, playing a round of golf on one of Disney’s award-winning courses, or enjoying any of the dozens of other Disney World attractions.

Naturally, Disney has plenty of ways to separate you from your money if you want to enjoy these extras. There are some discounts, deals and bargains available for almost every activity you can name, however, and we’ve gathered them in one place here! Disney World vacation packages include discounts and vouchers for some of the activities on this page as well. Check our Disney Resort Hotel vacation package details page to see the current discounts that are included with a vacation package.

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Special Events

We have an extensive MouseSavers page with information about seasonal and special events at Walt Disney World, many of which are included in the price of admission. Whether you want information about Mickey’s Not-So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom, the Food and Wine Festival at Epcot or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom, that is the place to check!

If an additional cost is required to attend the event, we list any available discounts.

Water Parks

There are currently two Disney water parks: Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Both are wonderfully themed and have great water slides as well as quieter areas to just float. Standard water park tickets are valid at both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, and if both are open you can visit both on the same day with one ticket.

Please note: For the July 2020 reopening of Walt Disney World, Disney has not yet announced a reopening date for the water parks.

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Tickets That Include Water Park Admission

Water Park Discounts at Ticket Window

Other Water Park Deals

Cirque du Soleil – Drawn to Life

A new Cirque du Soleil show called Drawn to Life is coming to Disney Springs. Its scheduled April 2020 opening was postponed due to the COVID-19 closure of Walt Disney World Resort. A new opening date has not yet been announced, but tickets are on sale for performances on August 1, 2020 and later.

Drawn to Life follows the story of Julie, a courageous and determined girl who discovers an unexpected gift left by her late father: an unfinished animation piece. Guided by a surprising pencil, she embarks on an inspiring quest sprinkled with her Disney childhood memories. Through this journey, she learns to imagine new possibilities and animate the story of her future. This show is a collaboration between Cirque du Soleil, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering and will feature acrobatic performances, amazing costumes, live music and whimsical characters.

While it’s expensive, most people (including us) find Cirque du Soleil shows well worth the price. You can order tickets online, or by phone at (855) 473-7783 or (702) 352-0221. Shows are at 5:30 and 8:30 pm. There are no performances on Sundays or Mondays.

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Regular Cirque du Soleil Prices and Info

Our main comment would be that there are NO horrible seats in this theater. It’s not super-critical to be centered to the stage with a Cirque du Soleil show, because a lot of the show will place in the air and there is usually a lot going on all the time — if you miss something on one section of the stage, there’s generally plenty of other activity on another part of the stage to watch! We think the big decision is whether you want to be super close (to see the performers’ faces) or further up (so you’re not craning your neck to watch the aerial acts).

There are 6 categories of seats – each represented by a color. If you want very good seats, go for the Blue section and see if you can get a discount. If you want to see the show but you’re on a tight budget, consider the Green or Tan sections. We don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

Please note: there is a $9.95 service charge per ticket online.

Cirque du Soleil Discounts

In the past there were sometimes discounts to to the Disney Springs Cirque du Soleil show for Disney World Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club members and Cirque Club members (free to join). When those are available we will post them here.

Aerophile/Characters in Flight Balloon

A tethered gas balloon — which features hand-painted silhouettes of Peter Pan, Dumbo, Aladdin, Jasmine, Buzz Lightyear, and Tinkerbell — rises 300 feet above Disney Springs. The balloon’s 19-foot diameter gondola can hold up to 29 passengers and a pilot. Participants hover for 8 to 10 minutes while enjoying a breathtaking ride and a 360-degree view of Walt Disney World.

Amphicar Tours

Enjoy a 20-minute Captain’s guided tour of the landmarks of Disney Springs aboard one of The Boathouse’s rare Amphicars that drive on land and float in the water. Tours are offered hourly (weather permitting) from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, and includes your own Car Captain and seating for up to 3 adults, or 2 adults and 2 small children.

To book a tour call (407) WDW-BOAT (939-2628) or visit The Ship’s Store adjacent to The Boathouse.

Bass Fishing

Guided catch-and-release bass fishing is available at Walt Disney World. Excursions include fishing equipment (rod, reel, tackle, bait) and non-alcoholic beverages. Advance reservations are required. Call (407) WDW-BASS (939-2277).

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is owned by Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother herself and operated by her wand-toting Godmothers-in-Training. Children ages 3 – 12 can choose a hairstyle then add makeup, nail color and accessories, and even a Disney Princess costume. There are a variety of Princess packages as well as a Knight Package and Deluxe Knight Package.

There are three locations for the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique: in Disney Springs Marketplace; in the Magic Kingdom inside Cinderella Castle; and in the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

You can book sessions at any location up to 180 days in advance on the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique page or by calling (407) WDW-STYLE (939-7895).

Please note: For the July 2020 reopening of Walt Disney World, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique appointments will be temporarily unavailable.

Boating, Water Sports & Biking

We always have a fantastic time buzzing around Bay Lake on the little Sea Raycers (formerly called “water mice”) available for rent at Wilderness Lodge and other resorts. These and many other types of boats can be rented at Walt Disney World.

At Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs, Port Orleans, Old Key West, Saratoga Springs, Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness, you can rent bicycles. Helmets and child seats are provided. At Boardwalk, Coronado Springs, Old Key West, Saratoga Springs and Port Orleans, you can rent “surrey bikes” which are like small covered pedal cars for 2, 4 or 6 people. You do not need to be staying at the resort to rent bicycles or surrey bikes. All of the resorts have designated loops you are allowed to bike on (though you’re welcome to stop along the way and take a break or look at the scenery). No reservations are needed; it’s first-come, first-served.

Bowling at Splitsville

Splitsville is a luxury bowling alley with great food, located in Disney Springs. They also have live bands performing every Saturday night. There is no cover charge.

Please note: Disney Springs has reopened with a limited number of shopping and dining experiences; check the Disney Springs Know Before You Go page for the most current information about what is open.

Character Couture

Guests of all ages can get a hairstyle or makeup look based on a Disney character or theme. Professional stylists work their magic to help you get into character during your visit to the parks or at a special event. Services will take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the service selected. Unlike Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, where kids choose from pre-set hairstyle and makeup options, the licensed cosmetologists at Character Couture can work with you to create a look more tailored to your features and preferences.

There are several locations offering Character Couture:

In-room services are also available at participating Walt Disney World Resort hotels for an additional fee of $25 per reservation.

To book an appointment, call (407) WDW-GLAM (939-4526).

Please note: For the July 2020 reopening of Walt Disney World, Character Couture appointments will be temporarily unavailable.

ESPN Wide World of Sports

[The ESPN Wide World of Sports hosts over 60 sports and thousands of events for athletes of all ages and skill levels. This is actually a very nice complex to see sporting events, and they host many different amateur sports events pretty much year-round. There is an admission fee to enter the complex, but there’s not much to see or do unless there’s a game going on, and nearly any game will have its own admission tickets which include admission to the complex.

Please note: For the July 2020 reopening of Walt Disney World, ESPN Wide World of Sports will be closed until further notice.

Golf

Disney operates three championship golf courses (Lake Buena Vista, Magnolia and Palm) plus a 9-hole family walking course (Oak Trail). Oak Trail can also be booked for an 18-hole game of FootGolf. Advance reservations are required. To book a round of golf or for more information about any of the special offers below, visit golfwdw.com or call (407) WDW-GOLF (939-4653). The Walt Disney World Golf Blog, written by Marc Schwartz, can now be found on the Walt Disney World Golf site.

Store Your Clubs by Owner’s Locker

Store Your Clubs by Owner's LockerIf you are a frequent golfer at Walt Disney World and the surrounding area, consider using Store Your Clubs by Owner’s Locker. It’s a new service from a very reliable company we’ve been recommending for years, Owner’s Locker.

With Store Your Clubs by Owner’s Locker, you won’t have to haul a set of golf clubs back and forth, ship them or pay extra baggage fees to the airlines. The service will pick up your clubs from your resort as you depart at the end of your vacation, keep them in a climate controlled warehouse and have them waiting for you at your resort when you return!

Miniature Golf

Disney operates two miniature golf courses: Winter Summerland, located near Blizzard Beach Water Park, and Fantasia Gardens, located near the Dolphin Hotel.

Harmony Barber Shop on Main Street, U.S.A.

Located on Main Street, U.S.A. in the Magic Kingdom, the old-fashioned Harmony Barber Shop offers a relatively low-cost and definitely fun experience. Haircuts start at $19 for adults, $18 for kids 9 and under, and $25 for “My First Haircut” package.

The barber shop also offers a fun service of decorating kids’ hair for a nominal charge. They will put gel and glitter (aka “Pixie Dust”) in a child’s hair, and sculpt the hair into a crazy ‘do, for just $7.50 plus tip.

You can walk up and wait your turn, though waits can take awhile at times.

You can make an appointment up to 180 days in advance at on the Harmony Barber Shop page or by calling (407) WDW-PLAY (939-7529).

Please note: For the July 2020 reopening of Walt Disney World, Harmony Barber Shop will be closed until further notice.

Horseback Riding and Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

There are a number of activities for horse lovers at Walt Disney World, most of them at the Tri-Circle-D Ranch at Fort Wilderness.

You can walk through the stables at the Tri-Circle-D Ranch and see Cinderella’s Ponies, the horses of Main Street, U.S.A. and the Dragon Calliope—the horse-drawn musical instrument used in the Mickey Mouse Club Circus Parade at Disneyland Park in the 1950s. The Tri-Circle-D Ranch has Appaloosas, Arabians, Belgians, Clydesdales, paint horses, Percherons, quarter horses and Shetland ponies.

Pony rides are offered daily at the Trail Blaze Corral at Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Riders must be at least 2 years old, under 80 pounds, no taller than 48 inches and able to hold on by themselves. A parent or guardian must lead the pony at all times. There is a fee for this activity and payment must be made in cash. For more information, call (407) WDW-PLAY (939-7529).

Fort Wilderness and Port Orleans – Riverside both offer a 25-minute ride in a horse-drawn carriage. The ride at Fort Wilderness takes you through a pine and cypress forest. At Port Orleans – Riverside you ride along the banks of the Sassagoula River. The carriages fit up to 4 adults, or 2 adults and 3 small children. Reservations are recommended and can be made up to 180 days in advance by calling (407) WDW-PLAY (939-7529).

Guided horseback trail rides are available at Fort Wilderness, riders must be ages 9 and up, over 48 inches tall and weigh under 250 pounds. Closed-toe shoes are required. The 45-minute ride takes you through the woods surrounding Fort Wilderness. Reservations are recommended and can be made up to 180 days in advance by calling (407) WDW-PLAY (939-7529).

Movies

There is an AMC 24-plex movie theater in Disney Springs.

Please note: Disney Springs has reopened with a limited number of shopping and dining experiences; check the Disney Springs Know Before You Go page for the most current information about what is open.

NBA Experience

The NBA Experience in Disney Springs has multiple interactive elements and hands-on activities, all related to professional basketball. In a slam dunk challenge, you can change the height of a standard 10-foot-tall rim to as low as seven feet so you can perform your own superstar moves – captured by burst photography. See how you stack up to some of the world’s best basketball players by measuring your vertical leap, wingspan, and shooting and dribbling skills. You can return to stations multiple times to try and improve your performance.

To participate in NBA Experience activities, footwear is required; athletic footwear is recommended. Upon arrival, adults must sign a waiver; children under 18 will need a parent or guardian to sign the waiver for them. Guests under age 14 must be accompanied by a guest age 14 or older to enter the NBA Experience.

Please note: Disney Springs has reopened with a limited number of shopping and dining experiences; check the Disney Springs Know Before You Go page for the most current information about what is open.

Pool Cabanas

Pool cabanas are available at the Contemporary, Beach Club, Grand Floridian and Yacht Club Resorts. They include such amenities as a flat-panel television, DVD player, digital music docking station, locking drawer for personal items, mini fridge, fruit platter, soft drinks and bottled water. (Amenities may vary by resort: ask when booking.) You’ll also receive service from a cabana attendant. To book a cabana, call (407) WDW-PLAY (939-7529).

Guests staying at any Disney Resort Hotel can book a cabana at the Contemporary or Grand Floridian Resorts, but to book a cabana at the Beach Club or Yacht Club Resort, you must be currently staying at one of those two Resorts.

Spa & Salon Treatments

Disney’s Spas

There are two full-service spas available at Walt Disney World resorts: Senses Spa at the Grand Floridian Spa and Senses Spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort. Most of Disney’s Deluxe hotels also offer limited massage services, fitness rooms and/or salons. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (407) 824-2332 for Grand Floridian or (407) 827-4455 for Saratoga Springs.

Please note: For the July 2020 reopening of Walt Disney World, spa appointments at Disney’s Spas are temporarily unavailable.

The Mandara Spa at the Walt Disney World Dolphin is another full-service spa option on Disney World property.

Curious about how the spas differ? Kris Borchardt compares the Mandara Spa at the Walt Disney World Dolphin with the Spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort.

Mandara Spa at the Walt Disney World Dolphin

The Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel, a non-Disney-operated hotel located on Disney property right next to several Disney resorts, has a fabulous Mandara Spa.

Magnolia Spa at Shades of Green

If you qualify to stay at the military-only Shades of Green on the Walt Disney World property, you can visit Magnolia Spa at the resort. Their prices are substantially lower than the other spas on Disney property and nearby.

MouseSavers Preferred Hotel Spas

Several of MouseSavers preferred hotels have small but luxurious spas, where you can pamper yourself with a variety of massage options, manicures and pedicures, or get a fabulous new salon haircut or hair treatment.

The Island Spa at Caribe Royale Orlando

Caribe Royale operates The Island Spa. This boutique spa located in Tower III of the resort, offers nail, massage, and complete body treatments that are designed for ultimate relaxation. While open daily, spa hours and pricing are subject to change seasonally. Visit Caribe Royale’s website for information and pricing for The Island Spa.

Tours and Special Backstage Programs

Disney offers many interesting tours in the theme parks. You must reserve tours in advance through (407) WDW-TOUR (939-8687).

Please note: For the July 2020 reopening of Walt Disney World, most tours and backstage programs are unavailable. Check the Walt Disney World Experience Updates page for more information.

Private Premium VIP Tours are private tours just for your group. You’ll be led around by a Host or Hostess who will tailor the tour to your interests. They can usually assist you in experiencing the attractions with minimal waits (you don’t always skip the lines, but they know which rides will have the shortest lines at which times and in many cases they are allowed to use the FastPass+ entrance). When you set up a Private Premium VIP Tour, you can also request restaurant reservations, special viewing areas for certain shows and parades, etc. The cost is $400-$600 per hour for up to 10 guests (varies seasonally and higher rate applies if booked less than 48 hours in advance). Private Premium VIP tours have limited availability; it is recommended that you book 90 days in advance. There is a 7-hour minimum for this tour. Park admission is required. There are no discounts for this tour.

Several Ultimate VIP Tours are available. These tours have a per person cost and take place on specific days of the week. On these tours you will be part of a larger group, each tour has a limited number of spots, generally around 20-25 people. The Ultimate VIP Tours can be booked 180 days in advance. Park admission is required.

The Void

The Void offers two virtual-reality experiences in Disney Springs: Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire and Ralph Breaks VR. In both experiences, guests can move freely through an untethered, social, multi-sensory experience while interacting with members of their party as well as the characters.

Depending on how busy they are, the whole experience can take between 30 minutes to an hour, which includes an orientation and suiting up, as well as the actual virtual reality experience. Advance reservations are recommended.

Please note: Disney Springs has reopened with a limited number of shopping and dining experiences; check the Disney Springs Know Before You Go page for the most current information about what is open.