There is no shortage of amazing attractions and experiences at Walt Disney World. Some, like Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom and Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom, are all-time favorites. But there are other, lesser-known attractions and activities that only die-hard Disney fans know about. Today, we’re talking about one such activity which is one of Disney World’s best-kept secrets. It’s a great family bonding activity that doesn’t cost the earth. Did you know Disney World has minigolf?
There are two miniature golf courses in Walt Disney World – Winter Summerland and Fantasia Gardens and Fairways. Both courses are designed creatively with a healthy dose of Disney magic for hours of family fun.
Keep reading to learn more about minigolf at Disney World and how your family can enjoy a round of fun. As a bonus, we’ve included some unique things to do in Disney World that few people have heard about.
Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf
This 18-course miniature golf course is designed around the classic animated film Fantasia. It features whimsical characters like Merlin, marching broomsticks, and tutu-sporting hippos. It’s the ideal course for beginner golfers and families with multiple members of different age groups. The entire course is sprinkled with magical Disney touches, including the fountains, sand traps, water hazards, bunkers, and greens. From broomsticks that douse you with water to pirouetting ostriches and musical surprises, there’s an adventure at every turn.
The course is designed to test your skills with par-3 and par-5 holes ranging in length from 60+ to nearly 110 feet. Fantasia Gardens and Fairways is located in the Epcot area against the backdrop of the beautiful Swan and Dolphin Hotels. As you putt your way through the course, you’re treated to spectacular views of Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Winter Summerland Miniature Golf
There are two themes for this minigolf course at Disney World – one that celebrates summer and another that is a winter wonderland. This means you can play two very different 18-hole rounds. The summer course transports you to a beach vacation in the warm Florida sun with palm trees, sandcastles, and surfboards, complete with snapping clamshells, a melting snowman, and a sleeping Santa buried in the sand.
On the winter course, you’re transported to the North Pole where a squirty snowman could catch you off guard. The obstacles are designed on point and feature giant peppermints and a fantastic melting castle with a drawbridge. At the last hole, where the two courses combine, there’s a surprise message from Santa.
How much does it cost to play a round of minigolf at Disney World?
Charges are $14 per adult and $12 per child (ages 3-9) plus tax.
Can I get a discount on minigolf at Disney World?
If you are staying onsite in a Disney World Resort hotel and have purchased a vacation package that includes Magical Extras, you will receive 4 vouchers per package to play one round of miniature golf at the course of your choice before 4 p.m. You can use the vouchers at either Fantasia Gardens or Winter Summerland minigolf. You’ll need to present the vouchers and your Magical Extras savings card when purchasing your minigolf game. The vouchers are not transferrable and expire at midnight on the day you check-out.
What are the operating hours for minigolf at Disney World?
The two courses, Fantasia Gardens and Winter Summerland are usually open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 -p.m. (check exact times in the My Disney Experience app before you visit).
Getting to minigolf at Disney World
The Winter Summerland golf course is located near the Blizzard Beach Water Park and shares a bus stop with the water park. Fantasia Gardens is within walking distance from the Epcot area resorts (Beach Club, Yacht Club, Boardwalk) as well as the Swan and Dolphin Hotels.
If you’re staying at any of the Disney World Resort hotels, simply hop on a bus from your hotel to one of the resorts mentioned above. If you’re staying at Port Orleans French Quarter or Port Orleans Riverside, you can transfer to Disney Springs by water taxi and then onto one of the resorts mentioned above.
Other unique things to do at Disney World
We love playing minigolf at Disney World and usually plan it for check-out day. But there are more secret things to do at Disney World that are perfect for families that have seen it all and done it all.
Behind the scenes tours of Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Animal Kingdom are a great way to see the parks through a different lens and explore what goes on in places the guests can’t see. There are VIP tours as well with expedited ride access.
Most people know Disney Springs as a shopping destination, but did you know it also features a massive hand-painted hot air balloon, the largest in the world? A ride on this helium balloon is a great way to get a bird’s eye view of the entire Walt Disney World Resort area.
If you’re an active family, look up RunDisney events that are held at various times of the year, including the Disney Princess marathon and the WDW World Marathon. If running is not your thing, check out special events like the Festival of Arts, Flower and Garden Festival, and Food and Wine Festival at Epcot.
Did you know there’s a Cinderella Castle suite that features a hot tub and a magic mirror? Sadly, you can’t buy a stay here – it’s usually only available via sweepstakes and promotions. But now you’ll know someone got lucky if you see a light way up in the castle after dark.
Staying onsite at Disney World Resort hotels offers a treasure trove of experiences. From roasting marshmallows with Chip n Dale at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campsites to joining a rodeo at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and spotting animals with night vision goggles at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, there are tons of exciting and unique experiences outside the parks themselves.
Adults and children ages 9 and up can enjoy horseback riding at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. Ride through beautiful woodlands and spot rabbits, deer, ducks, and armadillos. Not a horse rider? There are carriage rides, wagon rides, and pony rides. There’s even an onsite petting zoo and a chance to try your hand at archery.
Walt Disney World is home to a 2.5-acre wave pool – you read that right. Head over to Typhoon Lagoon for private surf lessons. We bet this is not something many people know about.
Special events and parties at Disney World are a great way to get into the holiday spirit, whether it’s Halloween or Christmas. In addition to themed decorations and entertainment, guests at these parties benefit from short or no wait times for rides because the parks are closed to non-ticket-holders.
Disney World has minigolf and more
There’s lots to do at Disney World outside the theme parks. Minigolf at Disney World is just one of the fun activities you can plan for non-park days. Now you know what to do if anyone in the family says they’re bored with the rides and attractions or lounging by the pool at the resort (if that is even possible!).
