When you are staying in a Disney Vacation Club Resort at Walt Disney World, there are so many reasons to spend time exploring your resort rather than hitting the theme parks from open to close. There’s lavish pools, scenic jogging and walking trails, delicious dining, and lots of activities that are totally free. Yes, free!
Activities vary from resort to resort and many can be found on your resort’s monthly activity calendar (you can ask about that at check-in). Let’s take a look at some of the free DVC Resort activities you can take advantage of during your next visit.
Pin Trading
All Disney World Resort Hotels have pin boards for guests who participate in pin trading. Even if you aren’t familiar with pin trading, you’ve probably seen guests and Cast Members with lanyards covered in Disney pins, right? Once you’ve started your pin collection, you can trade with Cast Members free of charge. They get to choose one of your pins and you can choose one of theirs. Pin trading takes place all over Disney World, but the hotel pin boards are typically in the gift shop.
Pool Parties
Before you head to your resort’s feature pool (Disney speak for the main pool), check with the front desk or signage posted near the pool for the list of daily activities. Hosted by Disney’s talented and energetic recreation staff, activities include Disney trivia challenges, hula hoop contests, dance parties, and more.
Morning Yoga
Early birds can attend complimentary sunrise yoga classes at Disney’s BoardWalk Villas, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, and Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Mats and towels are provided, but class sizes are limited. Check with the front desk to see which days classes are held on and arrive early to secure your spot.
Sports Courts
From basketball to tennis and shuffleboard, many DVC Resorts have outdoor sports courts (including all necessary equipment) that are free-to-use for hotel guests. Equipment can typically be checked out from the fitness center or bike and/or watersports rental area.
Game Rooms
All Disney hotels have arcades, but Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas, Disney’s Old Key West Resort, Disney’s Riviera Resort, and Disney’s BoardWalk Villas have community halls where you can choose from a selection of complimentary games like ping-pong, board games, and foosball.
Movies Under the Stars
Watching a Disney movie by the pool, on the beach, or a lush lawn is the perfect way to unwind after a busy day at the parks. All Disney World hotels offer these complimentary movie screenings, but you’ll want to check with the front desk for the location and current schedule.
Campfires
S’mores anyone? Before you settle in for a movie under the stars, you can gather round the campfire for family fun and lots of toasted marshmallows. You can gather round the campfire at all Walt Disney World DVC Resorts, but be sure to check with the front desk for days, times, and locations.
Scavenger Hunts
Many Disney World hotels offer free scavenger hunts that let you explore parts of the resort that may otherwise go unnoticed. The theme of the scavenger hunts sometimes changes seasonally or for holidays like Halloween and New Year’s Eve and you can even collect a prize for completing your hunt. Check with the front desk to find out where to pick up your scavenger hunt clue sheet.
Due to COVID-19 safety guidelines, certain activities may be temporarily unavailable.
