23 unique things to do at Disney World

You might visit Walt Disney World for the theme parks, the characters, the attractions, the food, and the overall magic.

But, there is so much more to the most magical place on earth than what’s advertised.

Disney World is truly a unique place that offers a variety of experiences, including the chance to watch fireworks after eating dessert on a terrace, getting a haircut on Main Street, U.S.A., or even flying over Disney Springs in a tethered helium-filled balloon.

If you’re looking for something to add to your trip plans, go no further. Below are 23 unique things to do at Disney World!

Keep in mind that most of the following activities cost money (a few are steeper than others), but a couple are free.

Let’s get started…

Have dessert with your fireworks

Dessert, fireworks, and reserved viewing? Yes, please!

To be able to enjoy dessert while watching fireworks and projections on Cinderella Castle, you need to purchase a special ticket.

Important: Theme park admission is required and not included in the prices of each dessert package. You must also make a theme park reservation.

Fireworks Dessert Parties at Magic Kingdom are a unique experience. Why? The parties combine desserts, beverages (including alcohol — typically wine and beer), and a prime reserved viewing location for the fireworks.

There are 3 different options that guests can choose when booking online (see pricing above):

• Magic Kingdom Dessert Parties: Happily Ever After Pre-Party
• Magic Kingdom Dessert Parties: Happily Ever After Post Party (our favorite of the 3)
• Magic Kingdom Dessert Parties: Happily Ever After Seats & Sweets (the only one where you sit in chairs)

The dessert party portion for all 3 options takes place at the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant (label number 5 on the map above).

While on the pricier side, dessert parties can be worth it, especially if you don’t want to fight the crowds for a space to watch the fireworks.

Bonus dessert parties…

You can also book the Ferrytale Fireworks: A Sparkling Dessert Cruise.

You’ll board a ferryboat for an evening on the Seven Seas Lagoon, where you can enjoy Magic Kingdom fireworks, along with special bite-size signature treats and beverages (with and without alcohol).

This takes place on select Wednesday and Saturday nights. Pricing is:

• $130 per adult and $100 per children (ages 3 to 9) (tax and gratuity included)
• Disney Vacation Club Members can save 10%

Advance bookings are recommended. Same-day reservations can be made before 5 p.m. on a limited basis and are subject to availability.

Seating is limited. Wheelchairs and ECVs can be accommodated.

There is also Celebration at the Top – Sip, Savor, Sparkle, which takes place at the top of Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

This cocktail party features a variety of culinary offerings, including sushi, small bites, and favorite dishes from California Grill. Those over 21 can also enjoy beverages from the complimentary bar.

Before fireworks begin at Magic Kingdom, you’ll step out onto the private observation deck reserved for Celebration at the Top guests. Music from the show is also pumped in, so you’ll get the full effect!

After the fireworks, you’ll be able to enjoy a spread of petit four desserts, cordials, and coffee.

Pricing is $129 per person (plus tax and gratuity). Reservations are recommended, so be sure to book ASAP.

Get a haircut

Right when you walk into Magic Kingdom and just to the left sandwiched between the Fire Station and the Emporium, there is a place to get your hair cut called Harmony Barber Shop.

This is an old-fashioned kind of place where you can get a quick trim or a full groom.

Services at Harmony Barber Shop used to be just available by walking in but they now take appointments online, which we definitely recommend.

This makes for a great memory, especially if you’re waiting to get your baby or child’s first haircut at the most magical place on earth.

Play miniature golf

There are two miniature golf courses at Disney World that are adorably themed and perfect for families or groups looking for something to do outside of the parks.

The miniature golf courses are…

Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf

• Fantasia Gardens’ beginner and family course: putt through 5 scenes themed after Fantasia featuring tutu-clad hippos, marching broomsticks, and pirouetting ostriches
• Fantasia Fairways course: resembles a traditional golf course built on a miniature scale and emphasizes skill over chance, with par-3 and par-5 holes ranging in length from 63 to 109 feet long

Important: The Fantasia Fairways Miniature Golf Course closes one hour before the Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course.

Winter Summerland Miniature Golf

• Summer Course: play around Santa buried in the sand, surfboards, sandcastles, and ornaments hanging from palm tress
• Winter Course: head to the North Pole for all kinds of winter fun, including Squirty the Snowman, who sprays water at golfers when golf balls pass beneath him, and receive a special message from Santa

To make reservations for any of the courses, you must call (407) WDW-PLAY. Keep in mind that the miniature golf courses do close at times for annual refurbishments.

If you also purchase Park Hopper Plus tickets or choose the Water Park and Sports add-on ticket option (and depending on the length of your park ticket), you can get a certain number of visits to the following, including the miniature golf courses:

• Blizzard Beach
• Typhoon Lagoon
• ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
• Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course – FootGolf and Golfing
• Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf Course (before 4:00 pm)
• Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course (before 4:00 pm)

Take a dive

Inside The Seas Pavilion at Epcot is DiveQuest, which allows visitors to dive inside a 5.7-million-gallon saltwater tank and swim with over 2,000 sea creatures, including sea turtles, reef fish, stingrays, and sharks!

Guests must be SCUBA-certified and at least 10 years of age in order to participate. Guests ages 10 to 12 must be accompanied by a paying, participating parent or guardian.

This is a 3-hour experience, with guests spending about 40 minutes underwater. Participants also get to see the massive backstage infrastructure required to filter and maintain a vast manmade ocean.

The pavilion’s 56 giant windows make it possible for family members and friends with Epcot theme park admission and park reservations to view the dive.

You can book reservations online, via the My Disney Experience app, or by calling 407-WDW-TOUR.

Advance reservations are highly recommended. Same-day reservations and walk-ins can be made on a limited basis and are subject to availability.

You’ll check in at Guest Relations, located near the Main Entrance of Epcot, 15 minutes prior to the start of your experience. You will forfeit the entire price of your tour if you no-show or cancel within 2 days of your reservation.

Swim with dolphins

You can meet dolphins at Epcot! In The Seas Pavilion, there is an experience called Disney’s Dolphins in Depth.

The 2-hour experience gives you the chance to learn about bottlenose dolphins and their complex undersea behavior from experts who care for and work with them every day.

This is important: you don’t actually swim with the dolphins. You may interact with them for about 30 minutes.

We say “may,” because as Disney states clearly, “Dolphins are highly intelligent animals whose interaction with guests is voluntary; they are never forced to participate. Fortunately, dolphins are also extremely social and generally friendly, so while interaction isn’t guaranteed, it is likely.”

You can book reservations online, via the My Disney Experience app, or by calling 407-WDW-TOUR.

Advance reservations are highly recommended. Same-day reservations and walk-ins can be made on a limited basis and are subject to availability.

You’ll check in at Guest Relations, located near the Main Entrance of Epcot, 15 minutes prior to the start of your experience. You will forfeit the entire price of your tour if you no-show or cancel within 2 days of your reservation.

Have a campfire sing-along

Disney World doesn’t do a standard campfire. They make it a sing-along — and even add Chip ‘n’ Dale into the mix!

You will be able to pose for photos with the chipmunks, who also sign autographs.

Located near the Meadow Trading Post at Fort Wilderness, Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long occurs during the fall/winter around 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. beginning sometime in April through the summer.

Following the fun campfire sing-along that also features the roasting of marshmallows, a classic Disney movie under the stars will be shown.

There are benches provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own chairs and blankets. If you want to roast marshmallows, you’ll need to bring your own, along with sticks. You can also purchase a s’mores kit from the Chuckwagon Snack Bar.

You can find the movie schedule at Fort Wilderness’ front desk or by calling 407-WDW-PLAY.

Go fishing

Fishing at Disney World? Oh, yes! This is one of many activities you can try at the most magical place on earth.

Guests can go on private Guided Bass Fishing Excursions in a catch-and-release program for large-mouth bass. You can choose from a 21-foot Sun Tracker pontoon boat that can accommodate up to 5 guests, and a tournament-style NITRO bass fishing boat for up to 3 guests.

The excursions include a guide, rod and reel, tackle, artificial and/or live bait (NITRO boats don’t offer live bait), non-alcoholic beverages (guests cannot bring alcohol onto the boat).

While there are both 2- and 4-hour excursions offered, if available, you can add an extra hour in person at the marina. Life jackets will be provided and are required at all times for children ages 12 and under.

Fishing excursions are available at the following marinas:

• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campgrounds
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
• Disney’s Old Key West Resort
• Disney’s Polynesian Resort
• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Dockside fishing is also available at Riverside and Fort Wilderness. You can rent casting-rod fishing gear at Riverside’s Fishin’ Hole at Ol’ Man Island and at the Bike Barn at Fort Wilderness.

To book (and reservations are highly recommended), call 407-WDW-FISH.

Ride a horse

There are several different opportunities to ride horses at Disney World, including…

Horseback Trail Rides

• $55 per person (plus tax)

Guests 9 years of age and up can take this 45-minute trail ride through Fort Wilderness. It is built for both beginner and intermediate riders.

You can book trail rides online or via the My Disney Experience app. They are also available on a walk-in basis (pending availability) at the Trail Ride check-in building at the front of Fort Wilderness. Reservations are recommended.

Pony Rides

• $8 per person – 1 lap (plus tax)
• $12 per person – 2 laps (plus tax)

Pony rides are offered daily at Fort Wilderness, with the last ride of the day 30 minutes prior to close.

Riders must be at least 2 years old, under 80 pounds, no taller than 48 inches, and able to hang on by themselves. A parent or guardian must lead the pony at all times.

Pony rides are available at the stable near Pioneer Hall on a walk-in basis. Reservations are not necessary.

Horse Drawn Excursion

• $55 per carriage ride (plus tax)

You can book a Horse Drawn Excursion, aka a carriage ride, at Fort Wilderness and Port Orleans – Riverside.

At both resorts, carriage rides last about 25 minutes. Carriages fit up to 4 adults, or 2 adults and 3 small children.

If you’re taking a ride at Riverside, you’ll board your carriage at the Riverside Levee Marina. At Fort Wilderness, you can find the carriages near Crockett’s Tavern.

You can make reservations for carriage rides at Riverside and Fort Wilderness online or via the My Disney Experience app.

• More details for Riverside
• More details for Fort Wilderness

Holiday Sleigh Rides

• $75 per sleigh ride (plus tax)

For a limited-time during Christmas at Disney World, you can take a 25-minute holiday sleigh ride at Fort Wilderness.

You’ll board your sleigh for at the Tri-Circle-D Ranch Barn near the Settlement Bus Depot. Sleighs fit up to 4 adults, or 2 adults and 3 small children.

When available, you can book holiday sleigh rides online or in the My Disney Experience app.

Wagon Rides

• $12 per guest plus tax (ages 10 and up); $8 per guest plus tax (ages 3 to 9)

At Fort Wilderness, guests can take 25-minute wagon rides Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. (weather permitting) from the front of Pioneer Hall.

Important: this is a group wagon ride and tickets are sold by the driver 20 minutes prior to the departure time. Cash and MagicBands are accepted as forms of payment.

Rides are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not accepted.

If you don’t want to book any of these activities but still would like to see horses at Disney, you can visit Tri-Circle-D Ranch daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. free of charge. The ranch is home to over 90 horses.

Trade pins

Pin-trading is a very popular activity across Disney World. It can also be an expensive hobby depending how invested you become. But, it’s also a unique way to collect pins and spend your time at the parks.

Basically, all you have to do is buy a pin and then trade with Cast Members at designated pin-trading locations. You can even trade with other guests!

Cast Members are usually stationed near pin boards outside shops and other locations across Disney World. Trust us, you can’t miss them – or the pins.

You can purchase pins across Disney World, including pins online at shopDisney. You can find limited-edition, seasonal, character, and more styles of pins. There are a lot!

There are also starter kits available for purchase that range in price, which typically feature a set of pins and a lanyard to display your pins.

Some of the pin shopping locations at Disney World include:

• Disney’s Pin Traders at Disney Springs
• Frontier Trading Post at Magic Kingdom
• Pin Traders – Camera Center at Epcot
• Discovery Trading Company at Animal Kingdom
• Celebrity 5 & 10 at Hollywood Studios

Be sure to read this guide on pin trading for more details. You can also keep track of upcoming pin releases over on the official Disney World website.

Ride in a hot air balloon

If you don’t like heights, you’ll want to avoid hopping on the Aerophile in Disney Springs.

This is a tethered 8-minute balloon ride that ascends 400 feet into the sky offering stunning 360-degree views of Disney Springs and beyond.

The Aerophile was custom-built for Disney by Paris-based company Aérophile S.A. The Aéro30 is filled with 210,000 cubic feet of helium. The balloon also has a 19-foot-diameter basket that holds up to 29 people, plus one Aérophile-certified pilot.

You can purchase tickets at the booth next to the attraction. These are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. You will also have so sign a waiver prior to boarding.

Keep in mind that the balloon will not fly if winds exceed 22 mph or if there is a storm. Bags, food, drinks, smoking, and strollers are not permitted. 

Guests over 12 years of age are permitted to ride by themselves. Those using an ECV must transfer to a wheelchair in order to board the balloon.

Build your own droid

A visit to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge isn’t complete without building your very own droid — only if you’re willing to shell out a pretty penny for it, of course.

At Droid Depot, a workshop in the heart of Black Spire Outpost on the planet of Batuu, there are parts, chips, manuals, and other tech items available when constructing your droid.

You can choose from either the BB-Series or the R-Series. Here’s a breakdown:

After you pick your droid, you’ll register it with the clerk who the provides a basket and blueprint for parts.

You’ll then select different parts from the “Parts Station” and finally head to the “Build Station,” where you’ll create your custom droid.

You can (and should) book reservations online or in the My Disney Experience app.

Build your own lightsaber

Do you want to build a lightsaber? (Did you sing that as if you were Anna from Frozen? Yes? Good!)

Savi’s Workshop is the place where you can create your very own lightsaber and bring it to life through the power of kyber crystals!

The construction occurs at one of Savi’s Gatherers workshop, where you’re able to choose one of 4 available hilt themes and receive a cloisonné pin to identify your selection.

When it comes to selecting the heart of your lightsaber — the kyber crystal — you can choose between red, blue, green, or violet.

Each box of parts also includes:

• 1 hilt
• 4 sleeves (pick 2)
• 2 emitters (pick 1)
• 2 pommel caps (pick 1) 
• 2 sets of activation plates and switches (pick 1 set)

If you don’t use all of the parts, they are collected by the Gatherers and returned to Savi’s inventory. They are not included with your lightsaber package.

Finally, the Gatherers will connect your hilt to a 31″ lightsaber blade!

We definitely recommend making reservations, which you can do so online or in the My Disney Experience app.

Ride a car in water

A car that travels on water? Yes, you read that right.

At Disney Springs, you can book an Amphicar Tour. A classic car turns into a boat for a 20-minute tour around Lake Buena Vista.

To book, you must do so in person — and on a first-come, first-serve basis. You can book a ride inside the BOATHOUSE BOATIQUE, located next to The BOATHOUSE. There is also a podium outside near the dock.

When paying, you will have to sign a waiver in order to enjoy the experience. Tours are from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, weather permitting.

Your photo will be taken with the car prior to the ride and as soon as you take off into the water. Don’t forget to go inside the BOATHOUSE BOATIQUE to have your photos linked to your My Disney Experience app.

Attend Sangria University

If you love sangria and have always wanted to make your own, we recommend trying Sangria University at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.

Professionals lead an afternoon course, in which they discuss the history of sangria and reveal the recipes used to make the 4 in-house varieties served at Three Bridges Bar and Grill.

The lesson is followed by a tasting of the 4 sangria offerings and accompanied by a light appetizer.

Of course, you even have the chance to make your own glass of sangria from a selection of fresh fruits and base spirits.

Keep in mind that this experience is only held on Saturdays and Sundays. It’s about 90 minutes long.

Participants must be 21 years of age or older. Anyone younger than 21 must be accompanied by someone who is 21 of age or older, will be charged full price, and will be served a flight of non-alcoholic beverages during the experience.

Advance reservations are required, which you can make online or via the My Disney Experience app.

See a Cirque du Soleil show

This is truly a fantastic show. Drawn to Life Presented by Cirque du Soleil & Disney can be found in Disney Springs.

This is the first-ever collaboration between Cirque du Soleil, Walt Disney Animation Studios, and Walt Disney Imagineering.

Drawn to Life tells the story about the love between a father and a daughter. The story draws inspiration from Disney’s 100-year heritage of animation.

We’ve personally seen the show and it is outstanding. Between the costumes, the talent, the acrobats, and the storytelling, Drawn to Life is very impressive.

You can purchase tickets online from Cirque du Soleil or call (877) 924-7783.

Book a private tequila tasting

One tequila, two tequila, three tequila floor.

The La Cava Experience is all about showcasing some of the finest tequila in the world.

A certified Tequila Ambassador guides you through a selection of rare and unique agave spirits. Each spirit is paired with a flavor meant to enhance its essence. Some tequilas are exclusive to La Cava Experience and are not available anywhere else in the world.

Chips and guacamole are included, but there is not a full meal offered.

Reservations are highly recommend. You can check availability online or through the My Disney Experience app. You can also check for same-day reservations at La Cava del Tequila’s host stand.

Epcot park admission and theme park reservations are required for the experience. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to participate.

Watch fireworks from the water

There really isn’t anything quite like fireworks at Disney World.

You may have experience them from Main Street, U.S.A. or around World Showcase Lagoon. But, have you ever watched fireworks from a boat on the water during a nighttime cruise?

For the fireworks at Magic Kingdom and Epcot, you can book a chartered boat. Depending where you choose to watch the fireworks, you will either…

• Set sail for International Gateway near World Showcase Lagoon to watch the skies light up over Epcot
• Embark on the waters of Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake cruises to Magic Kingdom with synchronized audio onboard to fully immerse you in the moment

You will depart from Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort to experience Epcot’s fireworks or sail from the following marinas to view the fireworks at Magic Kingdom:

• Contemporary Marina
• Polynesian Marina
• Grand Floridian Marina
• Fort Wilderness Marina
• Wilderness Lodge Marina

Each cruise is accompanied by a captain, and includes assorted snacks and soft drinks. You can bring alcohol onboard, but it is an additional coast and something you must purchase it yourself.

You can request festive banners and balloons at the time of booking, which are also included in the cost.

For those with limited mobility, wheelchair/ECV transfer is necessary. To reserve a cruise, call 407-WDW-PLAY or (407) 939-7529.

Learn about seeds

This tour is for all those who love Living with the Land, just like we do.

Behind the Seeds is a one-hour tour of the fish farm and 4 greenhouses that make up The Land Pavilion. It includes:

• Learning about the hybrid striped bass, tilapia, catfish, and freshwater shrimp in the fish farm
• Seeing gigantic fruits and vegetables and unusual crops from around the world
• Discovering the latest plant-growing techniques, including hydroponics

You can make reservations online or in the My Disney Experience app. Same-day reservations and walk-ins can be made on a limited basis and are subject to availability.

Spend time at the BoardWalk

The boardwalk at the BoardWalk Inn and Villas is full of activities. It is one of the best places to hang in the evenings.

From food, lounges, a piano bar, a dance hall, and more, there’s so much to enjoy.

Here are just a few unique ways to spend time at the BoardWalk…

AbracadaBar

• Menu ranges in price

Do you believe in magic? You might after a few cocktails at AbracadaBar.

The theming here is spot-on, as the bar is inspired by magicians and illusionists. This is a great late afternoon and evening bar, where you can order delicious-themed beverages and small bites.

Reservations aren’t accepted here. It’s first come, first serve and gets very busy, so know you might have to wait for a table or bar stool to become available.

Jellyrolls

• $20 cover charge per person, plus any beverages purchased at the bar (all guests must be 21)

Jellyrolls is the perfect late-night activity. This is a dueling piano bar that’s so much fun!

Doors open at 7 p.m., with entertainment beginning at 8 p.m. The music is non-stop until closing at 1:45 a.m. There are usually 4 piano players who alternate throughout the evening.

Jellyrolls is popular and gets very busy, so if you want a table, you should arrive early. This is walk-in only, with tables available on a first come, first serve basis.

Atlantic Dance Hall

• Free to enter, bar available to purchase drinks

Located next to Jellyrolls is the Atlantic Dance Hall. This is exactly what it sounds like — a late-night dance hall!

It’s open Thursday through Sunday from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Only guests who are 21 and older are allowed entry.

Surrey Bikes

• Guests: $21.30 per 30 minutes (2-seat surrey)
• Disney Vacation Club Members: $19.17 per 30 minutes (2-seat surrey)
• Guests: $23.43 per 30 minutes (4-seat surrey)
• Disney Vacation Club Members: $21.09 per 30 minutes (4-seat surrey)

You can choose from either a 2- or 4-person Surrey bike for an outing around the BoardWalk! This makes for a fun family or group activity.

You can’t make reservations in advance to ride the Surrey bikes. You can just pay in person on the you decide you want to ride around the resort.

Nighttime entertainment

• Free

As you stroll around the BoardWalk in the evenings, you’ll encounter different nighttime entertainment acts.

For example, sometimes you can catch WeFlip Entertainment, a group of talented acrobats. They are super impressive!

There is no set schedule online or in the My Disney Experience app, but you can always ask a Cast Member to see if they have more information.

Run around Disney

One of the most popular ways to run around Disney is by registering for a runDisney race.

There are different Disney-themed races (where runners are encouraged to dress up) that take place throughout the year.

For a fee, you can sign up online in advance when registration opens. There are different distances depending on the event, including a 5K, a 10 miler, a 10K, a half marathon, and a full marathon.

The races are:

• Springtime Surprise Weekend (usually April): 5K, 10K, 10 Miler, and Half Marathon
• Disney Wine & Dine Race Half Marathon Weekend (usually November): 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon
• Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend (usually January): 5K, 10K, Half Marathon and Full Marathon
• Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend (usually February): 5K, 10K and Half Marathon

After you complete each race, you receive special finisher medals that match the Disney theme of the race you ran.

Amorette’s Patisserie Cake Decorating Experience

At Amorette’s Patisserie Cake Decorating Experience, you get to decorate Amorette’s signature Character Dome Cakes.

This special cake-decorating experience is 90 minutes. You gather in Amorette’s show kitchen before the shop officially opens for the day. The experience occurs on select mornings at 9:15 a.m.

After you complete your cake decorating, it will be neatly packaged. Amorette’s Patisserie will hold onto your cake, which you can pick up later in the day.

Refreshments, like specialty coffees, teas, water, and select alcoholic beverages, are included.

One reservation can accommodate up to 2 guests, who must be at least 5 years old. For an additional $50 (plus tax) and up to 48 hours before the class begins, you can add a second cake for 2 guests by calling 407-934-3500.

You can book reservations online or through the My Disney Experience app.

Book a tour

There are a variety of tours to book at Disney World. Here a few that are certainly unique.

Disney’s Keys to the Kingdom Tour

• $114 per person (plus tax)

This 5-hour walking tour explores the history of Magic Kingdom and gives you backstage access to legendary hidden areas.

The tour includes:

• Uncovering the hidden secrets of classic attractions at Magic Kingdom
• Accessing the famed underground “Utilidor” tunnels that allow people and supplies to travel beneath the park unseen
• Discovering little-known facts, trivia, and other exciting tidbits about the park.
• Lunch
• An exclusive keepsake

Theme park admission and a park reservation are required to participate in the tour. No cameras, video equipment, or mobile phones may be used during the tour.

Guests must be 16 years of age or older and have a valid photo I.D. 

You can make reservations online or in the My Disney Experience app. Same-day reservations can be made on a limited basis and are subject to availability.

Wild Africa Trek

• $199 per person (plus tax)

At Animal Kingdom, you can take a 3-hour privately guided Wild Africa Trek tour.

You get to see animals on Kilimanjaro Safaris in a whole new way. You walk along a grassland path, cross a rope bridge, and ride in a rugged safari vehicle over an open savanna.

A meal and beverages are included. You get to enjoy both while overlooking the savanna.

The Wild Africa Trek also includes complimentary PhotoPass. At the end, you’ll receive a photo code that you can use to access and download the images.

Theme park admission and a park reservation are required to participate in the tour.

A few important details:

• For your safety, you should be in good health and free from high blood pressure; heart, back or neck problems; motion sickness or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure.
• Expectant mothers should not participate.
• Participants must be 8 years of age or older and at least 48 inches (122 cm) tall.
• Participants must be between 45 and 300 lbs. with the harness gear on. The safety harnesses used for this experience may prohibit Guests of certain body shapes or sizes from participating.
• Guests seeking a less strenuous or wheelchair-accessible trek should contact Wild Africa Trek operations at 407-938-1373 for alternative programs.

You can make reservations online or in the My Disney Experience app.

Savor the Savanna

• $147.90-$174 per person (plus tax)

Savor the Savanna is a premium tour offered at Animal Kingdom, where you can enjoy the Harambe Wildlife Reserve and its animal, alongside an expert guide.

You even get to enjoy secluded and private viewing areas of the savanna, while sampling African-inspired cuisine, paired with a selection of regional beer and wine offerings.

Theme park admission and a park reservation are required to participate in the tour.

A few important details:

• Expectant mothers should not participate.
• Guests must be at least 8 years of age.
• Guests in ECVs are required to transfer into an available wheelchair.

You can make reservations online or in the My Disney Experience app.

Starlight Safari

• $75.65–$89 per person (plus tax)

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, you can watch the wild as it comes to life on this after-dark safari tour of Disney’s African savannas and wildlife! This is open to all guests at Disney World.

You’ll ride in an open-sided safari vehicle, while scanning the scenery and the horizon for over 30 species of African wildlife.

Guests are provided with night vision devices. The tour lasts approximately one hour.

A few important details:

• Available exclusively to guests 8 years of age or older.
• Expectant mothers should not participate.
• Guests using an ECV must leave their mobility devices behind at the hotel. They will retrieve them upon conclusion of the tour.
• Guests in ECVs must transfer into an available wheelchair.
• Nontransferable wheelchair guests may remain in their wheelchair, however due to limited capacity on board the safari vehicle, all accommodation requests must be confirmed by calling 407-666-6400.

You can make reservations online or in the My Disney Experience app.

Surf at a water park

Did you know you can go surfing at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park?

You can book two different types of surf lessons that take place at the wave pool, which just also happens to be North America’s largest outdoor wave pool.

Open Surf

When booking Open Surf, you’ll share the wave pool with other surfers, all while having the chance to spend a few hours riding waves. Each surfer is guaranteed at least 10 waves.

Times and pricing (tax included) are as follows:

• Morning Open Surf ($229): 6:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
• Evening Open Surf ($249 – Sundays through Thursdays; $289 – Fridays and Saturdays): Begins 30 minutes after park closing and lasts for 3 hours

Full payment is due at the time of booking. A full refund will be issued if cancelled at least 3 days prior to the event. If cancellation is requested within 3 days of your event, 50% of your payment will be refunded.

Each surfer is allowed to bring up to 2 spectators and are also responsible for bringing their own boards (surf boards, long boards, paddle boards, or boogie boards) and towels. Body surfing is strictly prohibited.

Important: Admission to Typhoon Lagoon is not required for participation in Open Surf.

Private Surf

Private Surf allows you to book a special event where it’s you and your friends in the wave pool.

You can invite up to a maximum of 25 guests (including participants and spectators), to ride 100 waves during your very own, private session.

Event times are:

• Morning Private Surf: 6:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
• Evening Private Surf: Begins 30 minutes after park closing and lasts for 3 hours

Evening Private Surf end times may vary if additional waves are added to sessions. Evening events are able to book up to an additional 50 waves.

Pricing is:

The base price for Private Surf events (includes up to 25 surfers and spectators) is as follows:

• Morning Private Surf: $1200
• Evening Private Surf (Sundays through Thursdays)
  • Base Price: $1300
  • 125 Waves: Additional $300
  • 150 Waves: Additional $600
• Evening Private Surf (Fridays and Saturdays)
  • Base Price: $1500
  • 125 Waves: Additional $350
  • 150 Waves: Additional $700

An additional charge of $90 may be added to each additional group of 5 people (or less). For example:

• 26 to 30 guests: an additional $90
• 31 to 35 guests: an additional $180
• 36 to 40 guests: an additional $270

The maximum party size may not exceed 40 Guests.

Private Surf events also have the option of adding on dining and digital photography (from an ESPN Wide World of Sports Gameday Photographer) for an additional price.

Full payment is due at the time of booking. A full refund will be issued if cancelled at least 3 days prior to the event. If cancellation is requested within 3 days of your event, 50% of your payment will be refunded.

Important: Admission to Typhoon Lagoon is not required for participation in Private Surf.

To book either Open Surf or Private Surf, you can email or call (407) WDW-SURF. Learn more details about Typhoon Lagoon’s surf lessons.

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Allyson Koerner

Allyson was able to take her lifelong love of Disney and her education (Bachelor’s Degree in English/minor in writing and a Master’s Degree in Print & Multimedia Journalism) and turn it into a career writing about all things Disney parks. Her writing can be seen in a few places, including her blog, Magic-Ally Main Treats. Email Allyson

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