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Evening Activities Outside the Theme Parks


Not only can touring theme parks all day be exhausting, but in the off-season, the parks sometimes close earlier as well. Having a game plan for those evenings can be crucial! Here are a few of our favorite ways to spend an evening outside the theme parks.

Disney Springs - Dinner or Dessert

Disney Springs has really upped its food game in the last several years. You can find a wide variety here, from fine dining to quick service and even food trucks. Honestly, I’ve liked almost everything I’ve tried. This is a great option to mix it up and get a meal at a more leisurely pace since you won’t be running to the next attraction afterward. Many dining options even boast celebrity chefs, great for a foodie like me. Some of my favorites include Morimoto Asia or Paddlefish for a nice dinner (and they both have great lounge/bar areas as well!). T-Rex is also a huge hit for families with dinosaur fans, but the meteor strike can be a little loud and scary for younger kids. The Polite Pig is great for BBQ fans, and there are plenty of other great quick service options too. While the food trucks can rotate, I’ve been a fan of the mac and cheese food truck and then enjoying my food with a great view of the water.

If you had dinner in the parks but aren’t quite ready for your night to wind down yet, there are also incredible dessert options to be found at Disney Springs. Some must-try spots include Gideon’s Bakehouse for their giant cookies, Amorette’s Patisserie for exquisite pastries, and Vivoli il Gelato for a sweet treat.





Disney Springs - Activities

If you have even more time, why not add some fun activities to your Disney Springs trip? There’s tons of great shopping so you can tackle all your souvenirs and gifts from Disney merchandise to handbags, Legos, M&Ms, and much more! We are personally big fans of bowling at Splitsville or catching a movie at the AMC theater, particularly if the weather is gloomy, cold, or wet. Another option is the Cirque du Soleil show, Drawn to Life, created specially for this location. You can also enjoy live music, take a ride on the Aerophile balloon, or even go for a vintage Amphicar tour.





Disney’s Boardwalk

Disney’s Boardwalk offers a charming, turn-of-the-century Atlantic City vibe with a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. You can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the water, rent a Surrey bike, or try your hand at some classic carnival games. For evening entertainment, check out Jellyrolls, a lively dueling piano bar, or dance the night away at the Atlantic Dance Hall. The Boardwalk is also home to several great dining and drink options, including Flying Fish, Abracadabar and Trattoria al Forno.





Enjoy Your Resort

Walt Disney World has so many great resorts, and you are spending money to stay at them, so why not set aside some time to really enjoy them? Use the amenities offered, take in the details in the lobby, go for a stroll, or enjoy a visit to a lounge or late dinner. Many resorts offer unique dining experiences, themed pools, and recreational activities. For example, you can watch outdoor movies under the stars or take a night swim in the beautifully themed pools.




There are plenty of ways to enjoy your evenings outside the theme parks at Walt Disney World. Whether you’re dining at Disney Springs, exploring the Boardwalk, or relaxing at your resort, you’re sure to find something fun and memorable to do. So next time you’re planning your Disney vacation, be sure to include some of these evening activities in your itinerary!

Planning a Walt Disney World vacation? We are here to help! Contact your Kingdom Konsultant travel professional or submit a request form for a free quote today. Make sure to check out our Planning for Walt Disney World Vacations page for more posts. 

We Want to Hear From You

What are some of your favorite activities outside the Walt Disney World theme parks? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Maci Schau
Maci is an avid foodie and loves trying out new restaurants and seasonal food offerings in the parks.  You can email Maci at maci@kingdomkonsultant.com.
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