Best Out-Of-Park Walt Disney World Adventures

Sure the Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom are the big draws for Walt Disney World, but there's plenty to do at Disney without ever stepping foot in one of the parks.

Here are my family's choices for the best out-of-park experiences when we are visiting our favorite vacation destination: Walt Disney World:

Hoop-Dee-Do Review

The Hoop-Dee-Do Review is my all-time favorite activity at Walt Disney World. This saloon-style show is presented during a gut-busting all-you-can-eat dinner of fried chicken, bar-b-que ribs and all the fixin's. The feast is topped off with the most sumptuous serving of strawberry shortcake you have ever tasted. The hootin' and hollering is all in good fun. Encouraging plenty of audience participation, the extremely talented cast of characters filters through the entire room, and even the balcony. In trademark Disney style, musical numbers and good ol' fashioned comic routines are performed for your enjoyment, and, at times, although always good-naturedly, at your expense. Reservations are necessary.

Rent a Pontoon Boat

Set sail with your family across Disney's Seven Seas Lagoon on a spacious, semi-covered pontoon boat. There are numerous rental sites, primarily at the main resorts. We like to set out from the beach at the Fort Wilderness boat ramp or from the pier outside the Contemporary Resort. The rate is currently $45.00 per ½ hour and includes the use of life vests for each person. The pontoon boats hold up to 10 people, and we usually plan on being out on the man-made Disney lake for about an hour to thoroughly enjoy the experience.

Horseback Riding

Heading out from the Tri-Circle-D Ranch at the Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, riders embark on a guided 45-minute course through the natural Florida pine and cypress woodlands within the 750 acre Fort Wilderness resort area. A weight limit of 250 lbs is enforced, and parents must sign a waiver for all children under 18. Those not wanting to ride are welcome to stroll through the stables, home to the Disney's famous steeds, including Cinderella's ponies. Pony rides are offered for guests over 2 years of age and under 45 inches. Reservations for rides are strongly encouraged.

Movies Under the Stars

Just after sunset, several Walt Disney World resort hotels raise inflatable screens to air Disney flicks outside. For those staying in the EPCOT resort area, grab a burger at Hurricane Hannah's poolside behind the Yacht Club Resort before walking over to the white, sandy beach of Crescent Lake for the evening's featured movie. If you're camping out or settling in at one of the cabins at Fort Wilderness, catch a courtesy bus to the campfire site near the main swimming pool for the evening's movie selection. For all other resorts, speak to the concierge at check-in for the most convenient location and to get movies and showtimes applicable to your stay.

The BoardWalk

Running alongside the BoardWalk Inn, evenings on the Coney Island-style strip bring out street characters performing magic and comedic routines for passersby. Rent a traditional bike or engage the whole family in a four-person surrey and peddle your way around Crescent Lake. Or just take a stroll along the shop-lined walk. Be sure to pick up some salt water taffy at Seashore Sweets or, my personal favorite, a cheese cake brownie at Disney's BoardWalk Bakery.

Sources: Personal Experience

Walt Disney World Website