5 unforgettable Disney experiences – outside the parks

Orbitz.com Senior Editor Jeanenne Tornatore ventures outside the parks to take on camping, horseback riding, water sports, safari and more Disney family fun. Planning your own Disney trip soon? See the Orbitz Disney page for more Disney deals, tips and travel ideas.

Hi, I’m Jeanenne Tornatore, Orbitz.com Senior Editor. Today I’m going to take you beyond the gates here at Walt Disney World to explore some enchanting experiences that will bring your brood together and make memories that will last forever. From sing-alongs to safaris, check out these five Disney experiences that every family will love.

5. Saddle Up.

We begin here at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, where you can spend a few hours or an entire day honing your cowboy skills at the Tri-Circle-D Ranch. You can tour the facilities and marvel in the beauty of the variety of breeds that live here, from majestic Percherons and quarter horses to Cinderella’s royal pony. Younger ones can saddle up for a pony ride, while guests 9 years and up can explore the rustic beauty on guided trail rides through

Florida’s woodlands.

4. Get Campy.

Now like any good cowboy knows, a long day on the ranch can only be followed up by a roaring nighttime campfire. Many Disney resorts have campfires

for resort guests, but only the campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort offers one of my favorite family experiences—Chip ‘n’ Dale’s campfire sing-along

. Bring your own marshmallows and sticks or purchase a s’mores kit from the chuck wagon. After the cowboy sing-along, cozy up for a classic Disney movie in a theater under the stars.

3. Catch a wave.

If you’re looking to take your family on a different kind of wild ride, then head over to Sammy Duvall’s Watersports Centre in the marina at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Sammy lays claim to six world championships in waterskiing, and now his skilled staff can show your family the time of your lives. Pile onto an inner tube, shred across the water on a wakeboard or skis, try a guided tour on a watercraft of your own, or my personal favorite, take to the friendly Florida skies with a relaxing parasail ride hundreds of feet above Bay Lake.

2. Set Off On Safari.

For this next adventure, you’ll definitely want to bring your camera. When you book a stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, you can add on the private Wanyam a Safari. Riding through the resort’s savannahs, you’ll have an exclusive access to more than 30 different species who live on the resort’s 46 acres. From gazelles and giraffes to ostriches and zebras, you’ll discover different kinds of animal activity at each stop and get an inside look at the history and

management of this wildlife. The entire experience is capped off with a multi-course meal at the resort’s signature restaurant, Jiko Restaurant.

1. Light up the Night.

At the end of the day, after you’ve park hopped between the Magic Kingdom, Epcot and beyond, you’re probably looking for a relaxing way to entertain the

family. Wellyou’re in luck. Nighttime entertainment options at Walt Disney World offer plenty of opportunities to please. Take in a fun and carefree dinner show, such as the “Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue.” Set sail on the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage across Seven Seas Lagoon. Or rise 400 feet above

Disney’s Springs aboard Characters in Flight, the world’s largest tethered helium balloon. All are great ways to experience a fun end to the day with your family while still creating some serious memories. So as you plan your next Disney vacation, don’t forget to look beyond the gates for these and many more magical experiences. I’m Jeanenne Tornatore. For more information, visitOrbitz.com/Disney.

Tagged: Disney, Family time, Florida, Videos

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Jeanenne Tornatore

Jeanenne specializes in savvy budget travel tips, destination experiences, industry trends and the latest products to make any trip go smoothly. A mother of three, she's seasoned in all things family-travel, from the most kid-friendly beach resorts to navigating Disney Parks. Jeanenne is an avid outdoor adventure seeker, as well as a regular TV and radio content contributor. You'll find her @JMTornatore on Twitter and Instagram.