I know it’s been a while since I’ve posted but with finals done, it is officially my summer break and I can now thoroughly enjoy my days off without having to worry about deadlines! One thing that I’m looking forward to doing more in my spare time now is to check some more stuff off my DCP Bucket List. Even though I am only halfway through my program I’ve made a pretty decent dent on my list and have actually found a bunch of cool stuff to add to it as well. Below I’ve compiled a list of fun options that you can do on your days off while down in Florida.

Universal Studios

If you have an Annual Pass, like me, or if you just want to get a ticket for the day Universal Orlando is a good place to visit if you are looking to still go to a park but get away from Disney. Universal is known for their thrill rides, so it’s a great option for those who love a good adrenaline rush.

Another option is to pop into the resort and explore CityWalk, this is Universal’s shopping, entertainment, and dining area that sits right in front of the two parks. Parking is free after 6pm so even if you aren’t an AP you can come and visit CityWalk at night and see all that it has to offer.

Resort Hop

One of the very first things that were on my Bucket List for my program was to visit every Walt Disney World Resort hotel. With over 25 different resorts to choose from, you can spend an entire day walking around and exploring all the different resorts that Disney has to offer. Some popular areas of hotels that are closely linked together include

–The Monorail Resort Loop (Polynesian, Grand Floridian, Contemporary)

-Boardwalk Resort area (Boardwalk, Beach Club, Yacht Club)

-Disney Springs Resort area (Old Key West, Saratoga Springs, Port Orleans French Quarter & Riverside)

-Pop Century & Art of Animation area

-All-Star Resort Area (Sports, Music & Movies)

Disney Springs

Another great option is to bus over to the Disney Springs area. Parking and entry are free for all guests and it is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening if you need to get some shopping done or if you just want to look around. Some cool activities that the area has if you are looking to do something besides shop and eat include:

Hot Air Balloon:

Take a Hot Air Balloon flight and see 10 miles out all around the Walt Disney World Resort with Aerophile – The World Leader in Balloon Flight – 20% off for Cast Member

Star Wars Secrets of the Empire:

Anyone who is a fan of Virtual Reality and Star Wars will love his new attraction. Help K2SO complete a secret mission in Star Wars Secrets of the Empire: The VOID Virtual Reality Experience – 10% off for Cast Members

Splitsville Bowling

Cast Members can enjoy Splitsville bowling and shoe rental for just $9/per person after 10 p.m. every day, except holidays and certain blackout dates.  

AMC Theater

Catch a movie any time of the day at AMC^® Disney Springs^® 24 – 30% off after 4 p.m. for Cast Members

Beach

Florida has so many beaches to go and visit for the day. You can visit some on the Atlantic side such as Daytona Beach and Cocoa Beach or go over to the Gulf side and visit beaches such as Siesta Keys or Clearwater Beach

Behind the Scenes Tour

Dolphins in the Depth

A 3 hour behind the “Seas” tour at EPCOT that teaches guests all about Dolphins and how trainers and researchers at the Seas with Nemo and Friends pavilion work with them every day –up to 50% off for Cast Members

Wild Africa Trek

A 3 hour behind the scenes safari tour of the Savannah at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Along with a private safari, you will learn more about Disney’s dedication to animal conservation and how they are able to maintain all the animals that they do at Animal Kingdom -up to 50% off for Cast Members

Mini-Golf

Another cool thing to do with roommates and friends is mini-golf! CM’s get 50% off 1 round and can choose between 2 locations

Winter-Summerland at Blizzard Beach

(or) Fantasia Gardens over by the Boardwalk

Water Sports

One of the cool things I found on my program while walking around is that as a Cast Member, you can get up to 50% off the Watersports that are offered at the Walt Disney World Resort. Sammy Duvall’s offers many different water activities for guests to experience while at the WDW resort, with its major location being at 7 Seas Lagoon & Bay Lake right in front of the Magic Kingdom.

My friend Caroline and I rented one of the little jet boats one afternoon in front of the Polynesian. For about 40 minutes it costs us a grand total of $20 to boat around the Magic Kingdom resort area and it was one of the best (and cheapest) things I’ve done this entire program.