5 fun things to do IN Disney if you do not LIKE Disney

Are you traveling to Disney with someone who would rather not go at all? Are YOU the Disney grump? Here are 5 fun things to do for the person who does not like Disney.

Wait…there are people out there who DON’T like Disney?

I know, I cannot believe it either. But, there are actually people in the world who would rather vacation at places other than Disney. In fact, they may dislike Disney so much that they just don’t want to go at all. I know because I (Monica) am married to a former Disney grump. Thankfully, I turned him around.

I have high hopes you can do the same for that one person in your life. Maybe it’s a spouse, a grandparent, or even your teenager who thinks they are too cool for Disney rides. In order to successfully turn that person into a Disney lover, you are going to have to slowly ease that person into your world. This means you may have to do some things are not Disney specific during your trip.

I have compiled a list of 5 fun things to do around Disney World property that the non-Disney lover in your life will actually enjoy!

#5 Disney Springs

I know Disney is in the name Disney Springs, but other than a few Disney stores, it is basically a giant outdoor shopping mall and entertainment complex. There are close to 100 stores, pavilions, and pop-ups like LEGO store, Anthropologie, the Coca-Cola store, and Kate Spade New York.

In addition, there are 68 dining locations, so you will literally find SOMETHING for every person in your life. Some of our team’s favorites include Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, Wine Bar George, Chicken Guy, and The Edison.

You can also take in a Cirque du Soleil show, go bowling, take a hot air balloon ride, catch a movie at the AMC theater, enjoy live entertainment, and go for a boat ride. There really are a lot of non-Disney things to enjoy here, which may be just the thing that person needs in between a week full of Disney.

#4 Eat at all the fun restaurants

You probably can’t convince someone who doesn’t like Disney that a character meal is the ultimate dining experience at Disney. However, there are so many great restaurants in the parks and resorts that don’t feel like Disney. Adding these into your day will help that person feel not so overwhelmed with Mickey Mouse and princesses.

Any of the World Showcase restaurants would be an excellent choice. I personally love Le Cellier and Rose and Crown. Also in Epcot is Space 220 which I whole-heartedly recommend! Other restaurants that come to mind include Beaches and Cream, California Grill, Steakhouse 71, BOMA, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater, The Hollywood Brown Derby, and Tiffins.

Also, the Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve hotels are NOT Disney themed. They have some really great upscale dining establishments which would be perfect for that person who would rather not be at Disney. In fact, you may want to consider staying at one of these resorts if you want to be close to the magic but not feel overwhelmed with Disney theming.

As I mentioned above, Disney Springs does not really feel like a Disney theme park, so any of those restaurants would be an excellent choice as well.

#3 Jellyrolls

I really love the Boardwalk. It comes alive at night with entertainment, street performers, and wonderful treats and libations. However, the real star of the Boardwalk is Jellyrolls! Guests over 21 can experience this lively piano bar. Drinks, dueling pianos, and audience sing-alongs make this one of the most fun and unique ways to spend your time at Disney.

Disney describes Jellyrolls as, “Raise a glass as you enjoy the musical stylings of a pair of piano prodigies. No request is too obscure. These musical maestros can play anything. Well, almost anything. Go ahead—try to stump them!

Take your seat in front of a stage featuring twin baby grand pianos—and enjoy the show. The players take turns dazzling the audience with their showmanship and easy rapport. It’s a great time all around!”

Trust me when I tell you this is the most fun you will have at Disney World – no matter who you are! Read more about why I love it so much and what you can expect in this post.

#2 Outdoor Recreation

You will be spending a lot of your vacation outdoors traversing across the theme parks. But, don’t forget about some of the other great outdoor recreational activities to explore! It may help turn that Disney Grump around if they have some time to enjoy some old-fashioned outdoor fun.

Golf and mini golf: There are 4 golf courses and 2 mini golf courses on Disney World property. If you book a Disney World Travel Package, your package also includes mini golf!

Fishing and boat excursions: Enjoy dockside fishing or guided excursions at various resorts that are near a body of water. Note that all fishing is catch and release.

Pool time at the resort: What better way to enjoy some outdoor fun at your hotel than a dip in the pool? My personal favorite is Stormalong Bay!

Horseback riding, canoeing, and much more at Fort Wilderness: There is SO much to do at Fort Wilderness that you could spend an entire vacation here and not even step foot in the parks. A stay (or at least a visit) here may be just the thing your Grumpy Dwarf needs to get through a Disney vacation.

#1 World Showcase

The World Showcase in Epcot may be the closest things in the theme parks that does not resemble Disney. Yes, you will see characters, merchandise and other Disney-related things in the World Showcase. However, it really is an incredible display of Imagineering done right. There are real life replicas of landmarks from the countries they represent. Read more about those in this post.

Each of Epcot’s 11 World Showcase themed pavilions were created to represent each country’s landscape, architecture, and marketplaces.  Each pavilion is staffed with cultural representatives from the pavilion’s country. Enjoy gelato from Italy, pick a pearl in Japan, and shop the marketplace of Mexico.

The World Showcase is actually one of things that turned my (Monica) grumpy Disney husband into a happy Disney husband! It was his favorite part of Disney World, and it really opened his eyes to all this special place has to offer.

Do you have any special activities for people who don’t LIKE Disney to do IN Disney World? Share them with us in the comments below and be sure to pass this along to someone who needs ideas!