Relaxing Recreation away from the Parks
Traveling to Walt Disney World is always exciting, but it can get pretty hectic! From planning dining reservations to waking up early to make rope drop, it can be easy to schedule your vacation down to the last minute.
It is always important to remember to set aside some time to relax, and one of the best ways to do that is to plan a resort day! Disney Vacation Club resorts offer such an amazing array of recreation activities that there will be something for everyone in your party! Below, I have highlighted some of the amazing recreation amenities that DVC resorts offer to their guests.
Pools
Every DVC resort offers at least one pool for guests to enjoy, while most offer a feature pool and a quiet pool. Feature pools are typically larger and have a slide for guests to enjoy, with lots of seating for guests to relax in after taking a plunge.
All of the pools are themed to match the resort, so the pools are super creative! At the Polynesian Villas, the Lava Pool features a volcano and waterfall, and Stormalong Bay at the Beach Club Villas has a massive shipwrecked pirate ship with a slide that goes over the sidewalk!
The feature pools also typically offer some poolside activities hosted by Cast Members. They will play music, host some trivia games with prizes, and even provide some crafts (which may cost extra to participate in).
If you are looking for something quieter and less busy, the quiet pools or leisure pools are perfect for you! Most DVC resorts off one leisure pool for guests to enjoy. However, some resorts like Old Key West and Saratoga Springs offer several quiet pools to choose from. They are certainly a great place to soak up the sun and maybe take a nap!
Bike Rentals
Some DVC resorts offer bike rentals for an extra fee; however, helmets and child seats are complimentary with the rentals. Old Key West, Saratoga Springs, Copper Creek Villas, and Boulder Ridge Villas offer both single bike rentals as well as surrey bike rentals. With bike paths throughout the resort, hopping on a bike is a great way to see the beauty of the resort. I have rented a surrey bike a few times, and they are such a fun experience to enjoy with friends!
Playgrounds and Splash Pads
For the youngsters, most DVC Resorts will offer playgrounds or splash pads! The playgrounds can be found in centralized areas, making them convenient for most people. This means the kids can play off any extra energy they have!
The splash pads are always located near the feature pools, so the kids can have fun if you are relaxing near the pool. All of the splash pads are completely different and have fun theming for the kids to run through. Definitely a great way to make a splash!
Fitness Centers
Are you looking to stick to your exercise routine? All of the DVC resorts offer access to Fitness Centers with state of the art equipment for guests to use. Although exercising is not on my list of things to do partake in during a vacation, I completely understand wanting to sweat off all of the delicious snacks Walt Disney World has to offer!
If working out in a Fitness Center is not for you, but you are still looking to burn some calories, some DVC resorts offer running and jogging trails for guests to utilize. While they do vary in length and intensity, they are another great way to get in your exercise while enjoying the beauty of the resort.
Game Rooms
How about some timeless fun? Many of the DVC Resorts offer arcades for guests to use! Guests can load money onto an arcade card, and away we go. Most of the arcades have a wide range of games to choose from, so there is always something fun to try and beat! My sisters and I used to love visiting the arcades when we were younger since it is such a great place to have some fun in the air conditioning!
Community Halls
Community Halls are a great place to visit if you are looking for some relaxing fun at your resort. Community Halls offer arts and crafts for guests to make, as well as DVD rentals to bring back to your room to watch! Some Community Halls will show movies and offer board games. They can also have billiards or ping pong! I always suggest checking the community hall for something fun to do because what they offer can change, and you might find a nice surprise!
For resorts with sports courts like basketball, shuffleboard, or tennis, the Community Hall is also where you can pick up equipment to play on them! The use of the equipment is complimentary for resort guests, but you will be given a time limit for how long you can use the equipment. The time limit is dependant on how busy they are, but typically you will be able to use the equipment for an hour. It is a great way to squeeze in a game of volleyball or a couple of tennis matches!
Movies Under the Stars
At the end of the day, all of the DVC resorts offer Movie Under the Stars. A large screen will be put up, and guests can enjoy one of the many wonderful Disney movies. This activity is complementary and weather permitting. You can even find a guide at the resort of movies that will be playing throughout the week! My dad and I love to check out these movies at the end of the night!
Fishing
Bay Lake Tower, Old Key West, Polynesian Villas, Copper Creek, and Boulder Ridge offer guided fishing excursions. You can sign up for either 2 or 4 hour excursions that include all of your fishing needs, including an experienced guide, rods, tackles, and bait. Your guide will help you fish for largemouth bass using live bait. Reservations for guided fishing excursions are highly recommended and can be booked for an additional fee.
Boat Rentals
While not being offered currently, some DVC resorts offer motorized boat rentals for guests to use. With a variety of boats to choose from, guests 18 years of age or older are able to rent one of these watercrafts to enjoy some time out on the water. I really look forward to when these rentals will be offered again because I’m looking forward to taking one of these out on the water!
This list covers just some of the amazing recreation that you can enjoy while at your resort. Each resort offers guests different options based on their amenities and location, and there may even be special activities they offer, which varies depending on the time of year!
That is why I always suggest exploring your resort and finding all of the fun things there is to do because you never know what new you will see!
Does your family plan a resort day while in Walt Disney World?
~Alyssa
