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Does your family every contemplate a beach vacation instead of Walt Disney World? Or perhaps you have some dissenting family members who would really rather go to the beach. We love both – Disney and the beach – so we get it!
There are a number of beachy things to do at Walt Disney World that may help appease the beach lovers. Here are a few of our favorites.
#6 Visit Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park is a tropical oasis right here in Central Florida – complete with it’s own sandy beach! You can lounge on a beach chair with your toes in the sand or tackle the water slides.
While there are some major thrills, you’ll also find family friendly attractions and Ketchakiddee Creek has a whimsical water playground for the little ones.
The most beach-like experience you can get at Walt Disney World is probably the Surf Pool here. North America’s largest wave pool is here, and it creates dramatic 6-foot swells. Surf’s up all day long at Typhoon Lagoon! You can get in the deep end and dive through the big waves or stay near the edge and just enjoy the lapping waves as they reach the shore.
If you are interested in surfing, you can even book a private surf lesson that gives you access to the park early in the morning or after the park is closed!
#5 Play Mini Golf
We aren’t sure exactly why, but a lot of beach towns have mini golf courses. Playing a round of mini golf seems to be a common evening activity for families after their day at the beach. Disney has several mini golf options.
On park days, you may be out too late or too tired for mini golf, but a fun family round at Disney’s Winter Summerland course might be a great “night cap” after a day at your resort or even Disney Springs. We recommend Winter Summerland specifically because of the super fun theme.
The story here is that Santa and his elves are enjoying vacation. Some elves enjoy the summer-like warmth of Florida and others prefer the snow of the North Pole. So, there are two courses available – Summer and Winter. The Summer course has Christmas themed sandcastles, surfboards, etc. while the Winter course appears frozen over. Both have a lot of comical sight gags and challenging obstacles to conquer.
#4 Play in the Sand at Disney Resort Beaches
Several of the Disney resorts actually have their own white sand beaches. These include Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian, Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort.
While swimming is not permitted due to wildlife that resides in these waters, you can still swing in hammocks, build sandcastles, sunbathe, play beach volleyball and other games and anything else you might enjoy at the beach. And, a sparkling resort pool is just steps away, too!
#3 Rent a Watercraft
Walt Disney World even has options for those who like to get out on the water. At several of the resorts, boat and small watercraft rentals are available. You can choose from various offerings including a 1-2 passenger Sea Raycer, a 6-passenger Boston Whaler, and a 10-person Sun Tracker Pontoon Boat. You can even take a fishing excursion with a guide on the waters of Walt Disney World.
The kids love the Sea Raycers. Hunter drives for the 1st time on a recent visit to Disney’s Contemporary Resort. You can fast forward ahead to 10:45 to watch her drive the Sea Raycer on Bay Lake.
It’s not quite as beachy, but canoe and kayak rentals are also available at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, too.
#2 Shop at Beach Themed Retailers at Disney Springs
Looking to add some flip flops, board shorts or beach hats to your wardrobe? Disney Springs has some big-name beachy retail among its eclectic mix of unique shops, one-of-a-kind restaurants and lively entertainment.
Top stops we would recommend are Curl by Sammy Duvall, Everything But Water, Havaianas, Sanuk, Oakley, Columbia Sportswear, Ron Jon Surf Shop, Shore, Sunglass Icon, and Tommy Bahama. Plus, we will throw in an honorable mention for The Boathouse’s merchandise shop because of all the nautical-themed items.
If all those aren’t enough, the ultimate beach lover destination, Ron Jon Surf Shop, will also be opening here in late 2019!
#1 Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show
You may not be in the South Pacific, but you will feel like you are when you choose to go to this enchanting luau with Polynesian dancing and an all-you-care-to-enjoy family-style feast!
Disney’s Spirit of Aloha show includes traditional hula dancing, fire-knife performers, drummers, live music and more. It all takes place in an open-air theater at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. The meal includes fresh salad with mixed greens and ginger-lime dressing, authentic Aloha pulled pork, Polynesian ribs, roasted chicken and a vegetable medley. Dessert is a pineapple-coconut guava cake with chocolate crunch and beer and wine are also included for the over-21 members of your party. This show gives you an authentic Polynesian beach vacation experience without the long flight!
So, there you have it – we think these are the best ways to get the best of both worlds for beach lovers and Disney lovers at Walt Disney World!
What do you think? Would these options appease the beach lovers in your family?
