Things To Do Near Disney World
Things to do near Walt Disney World besides the parks: Disney water parks, Lake Buena Vista watersports, Disney Springs and more, plus nearby hotels.
Staying near Walt Disney World does not mean every day has to be a park day. The Lake Buena Vista area around Disney has jet ski rentals, wakeboarding and kayaking on nearby lakes, Disney's two water parks and Disney Springs, where shopping, dining and entertainment are free to enter.
This page ranks the bookable experiences in and around the Disney area by traveler ratings and review volume, including official tickets, and lists the free highlights that make great rest days.
- 21 options compared
- From $14.99
- Avg rating 4.2 (1,874 reviews)
- Typical length 3 hours
- 11 with free cancellation
Prices and ratings updated .
Our quick picks
Compare the top 12
| # | Experience | Rating | From | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drawn to Life presented by Cirque du Soleil and Disney | 4.7 (1,176) | $107.44 | 1 hr 30 min |
| 2 | Waterski Wakeboard and Tubing Charter from Lake Buena Vista Area | 5.0 (25) | $225 | 1 hour |
| 3 | Orlando: Jet Ski Rentals from Lake Buena Vista Area | 4.5 (47) | $79 | Varies |
| 4 | Walt Disney World Orlando Water Park Tickets | 4.0 (69) | $68.17 | 1 day |
| 5 | 2-Hour Stand Up Paddleboard Rental from Lake Buena Vista Area | 5.0 (2) | $59 | 1 hour |
| 6 | Private Bass Fishing Charter Near Disney World | 5.0 (2) | $237.50 | 3 hours |
| 7 | Enchantment and Elation: A Private Disney Springs Christmas | 5.0 (1) | $723.47 | 2 hours |
| 8 | Couples Massage Experience Near Disney Orlando | New | $189 | 1 hour |
| 9 | Brunch Bites and Bowling Adventure in Lake Buena Vista | New | $119 | 3 hours |
| 10 | Escape Room X Lost Character Adventure Near Disney Springs | New | $24.99 | 2 hours |
| 11 | Private Relaxing Lakeside Walk In Celebration Near Disney | New | $55 | 1 hour |
| 12 | A Remarkable Scavenger Hunt: Disney Springs Dash | New | $14.99 | 2 hours |
What is on this list
Bookings are covered by Viator's Lowest Price Guarantee: find the same tour cheaper elsewhere and Viator refunds the difference. Terms
1. Drawn to Life presented by Cirque du Soleil and Disney
Get ready for an enlivening collaboration between iconic memory-makers Cirque du Soleil, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering. Drawn to Life draws you into an inspiring world where Disney animation can be experienced like never before.
Why it made our list
- Rated 4.7 out of 5 by 1,176 travelers
- Flagged by Viator for excellent quality
- Takes about 1 hr 30 min
2. Waterski Wakeboard and Tubing Charter from Lake Buena Vista Area
Nautique Boat Charter includes the following equipment: Tube Rides Wakeboards Water Skis Surf Boards Kneeboards This private charter is located on Lake Bryan, a 450-acre private lake just 2 miles from Disney property! The price is per boat, not per person, and is for up to 8 guests.
Why it made our list
- Rated 5.0 out of 5 by 25 travelers
- Free cancellation available
- Flagged by Viator for excellent quality
- Takes about 1 hour
3. Orlando: Jet Ski Rentals from Lake Buena Vista Area
Hop on a Sea Doo jet ski for an action-packed ride in a tropical paradise! Enjoy open riding jetskiing out of a tropical, Key West-styled facility which is just down the street from the theme parks.
Why it made our list
- Rated 4.5 out of 5 by 47 travelers
- Free cancellation available
- Flagged by Viator for excellent quality
4. Walt Disney World Orlando Water Park Tickets
Discover the excitement of Disney's Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach, the two world-class water parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Each park offers unique attractions—from wave pools and lazy rivers to thrilling water slides for all ages.
Why it made our list
- Rated 4.0 out of 5 by 69 travelers
- Takes about 1 day
5. 2-Hour Stand Up Paddleboard Rental from Lake Buena Vista Area
Your 2-hour Stand up Paddle Board rental includes life jackets and paddles. Leave from a private beach and enjoy the natural, scenic beauty of Lake Bryan, a 450 acre spring fed lake tucked behind the Lake Buena Vista area.
Why it made our list
- Rated 5.0 out of 5 by 2 travelers
- Free cancellation available
- Popular: often sells out, so book ahead
- Takes about 1 hour
6. Private Bass Fishing Charter Near Disney World
Take a break from the theme parks and enjoy a fishing charter on Lake Toho just minutes down the road in Kissimmee. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the great outdoors while you sail on the lake and enjoy the best trophy bass fishing in the world.
Why it made our list
- Rated 5.0 out of 5 by 2 travelers
- Free cancellation available
- Popular: often sells out, so book ahead
- Takes about 3 hours
7. Enchantment and Elation: A Private Disney Springs Christmas
Enjoy a private, exclusive tour with your own local guide. Enchantment and Elation: A Disney Springs Christmas Journey” invites you to a world where the magic of Disney and the joy of Christmas merge.
Why it made our list
- Rated 5.0 out of 5 by 1 travelers
- Free cancellation available
- Private option for your group only
- Takes about 2 hours
8. Couples Massage Experience Near Disney Orlando
Enjoy a relaxing couples massage experience near Disney Orlando in a peaceful spa atmosphere. Our professional therapists provide customized massage treatments designed to relieve stress, relax muscles, and help travelers unwind after busy vacation days.
Why it made our list
- Free cancellation available
- Takes about 1 hour
9. Brunch Bites and Bowling Adventure in Lake Buena Vista
Looking for a one-of-a-kind way to play bowling? This brunch and gaming adventure blends local flavor with playful competition for a truly memorable outing.
Why it made our list
- Free cancellation available
- Small group experience
- Takes about 3 hours
10. Escape Room X Lost Character Adventure Near Disney Springs
Something unusual is happening near Disney Springs. Most guests walk through the district without ever noticing it.
Why it made our list
- Takes about 2 hours
11. Private Relaxing Lakeside Walk In Celebration Near Disney
What makes this experience unique is the combination of a gentle guided walk, mindfulness, and real human connection. You are not just walking, you are being guided into a more present, relaxed state.
Why it made our list
- Free cancellation available
- Private option for your group only
- Takes about 1 hour
12. A Remarkable Scavenger Hunt: Disney Springs Dash
Dive into adventure , your go-to for the ultimate app-led adventure hunts! Step into a world where every landmark and hidden gem is waiting to be discovered.
Why it made our list
- Free cancellation available
- Takes about 2 hours
Free and local highlights near Disney
- Disney Springs: Free entry and free parking, with shops, restaurants, live music and a waterfront promenade.
- Disney resort hopping: You can visit Disney resort hotels for dining and lobby sightseeing, and ride resort transportation between them.
- Celebration: Disney's former planned town next door, with a lakeside downtown made for evening strolls.
- Fireworks from outside the parks: Some resort beaches and restaurants have views of the nightly fireworks.
How to choose
Rest days between park days
Plan a water park or watersports morning between big park days to keep everyone fresh.
Stay close to cut commute time
Experiences listed from Lake Buena Vista are minutes from Disney hotels, so you can fit them in before or after the parks.
Check water park calendars
Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach take turns closing for refurbishment in cooler months.
Good to know before you book
- Theme park parking is paid for day guests, but Disney Springs parking is free.
- Disney resort guests get Early Theme Park Entry at every park.
- Watersports operators near Disney usually require a valid ID and have age limits for drivers.
- Afternoon storms are common in summer, so plan outdoor activities for the morning.
How we rank
We compare every matching experience listed on Viator for the Orlando area and rank them with a weighted score that balances the average traveler rating with the number of reviews, so a few perfect scores cannot outrank thousands of consistent ones. Transport-only services and listings Viator flags as inactive are left out, and near-duplicate listings are grouped. Prices and ratings refresh each time we update our data. We may earn a commission when you book, which never affects the ranking. See our disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
How much do tours and attractions near Disney World cost?
The 21 options we track start from $14.99 per person, with a typical starting price of about $169.32. Prices change by date and group size, so check the booking page for your dates.
What is the best-rated option on this list?
Right now it is Drawn to Life presented by Cirque du Soleil and Disney, rated 4.7 out of 5 by 1,176 travelers, from $107.44.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
11 of the 21 options here offer free cancellation, usually up to 24 hours before the start time. The exact policy is shown on each booking page.
What can you do at Disney World without a park ticket?
Visit Disney Springs, tour the resort hotels, eat at resort restaurants, play mini golf, or book a water park day. None of these need a theme park ticket.
Where should I stay near Disney World?
On Disney property for early park entry and Disney transport, or in Lake Buena Vista and Bonnet Creek for more choice at lower prices. See our best hotels page for picks.