It’s check-out day. Your Walt Disney World vacation is almost over, your bags are packed, the hotel room is empty, but your flight isn’t until this evening. Now what? If you’re anything like me, you’re not ready to say goodbye. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to keep the magic going a little longer. Whether you’re in the mood to take it easy or squeeze in one more adventure, here are some of my favorite ways to keep that Disney magic going and have a great time until it’s time to head home.
Use Your Dining Plan Credits
If you’re on the Disney dining plan, don’t forget those snack and meal credits are still good until midnight on your check-out day. This is the perfect time to grab some last-minute goodies to take home or snack on while traveling. I love swinging by the Main Street Confectionery in Magic Kingdom or Goofy’s Candy Company at Disney Springs to grab some Mickey-shaped treats and colorful candies. These make great gifts for friends and family, or for yourself, let’s be honest. You earned it.
Hang Out At Your Resort
Sometimes the best way to wrap up a trip is by slowing things down and spending the day soaking up the atmosphere at your Disney resort hotel. Lounge by the pool, hit the arcade, or grab one more bite from the food court. Resorts like Animal Kingdom Lodge have amazing savanna views and hidden relaxing spots. If you’re staying at Fort Wilderness Resort, there are nature trails, playgrounds, and even pony rides. Just because you’ve checked out doesn’t mean the fun has to stop.
Take A Monorail Ride
When my kids were little, the monorail was another ride to them, and honestly, even now, it still feels magical. Hop on the resort loop and explore Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. It’s a fun way to experience a little extra pixie dust and is completely free. You can grab a snack or treat at each stop, check out the lobbies, or enjoy the ride and the views of Magic Kingdom and the Seven Seas Lagoon. You can also take the Epcot loop for a longer ride that gives you a great view of the park, including a close-up look at the iconic Spaceship Earth. It’s a great way to relax and sneak in a bit more Disney before you go.
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Go for a Boat Ride
There’s something about being on the water that feels so peaceful. One of my favorite check-out day traditions is taking the boat from Disney Springs to Port Orleans French Quarter for a beignet breakfast. You can also ride the ferry across the Seven Seas Lagoon or rent a boat at one of the marinas. If you’re at Fort Wilderness, you can even go canoeing. It’s a great way to see a different side of Disney and enjoy a calm, relaxing moment before heading home.
Explore Disney Springs
Disney Springs is my go-to for a fun but laid-back last day. You can use those last few dining plan credits for snacks or a nice meal. Watch a movie at the AMC Disney Springs Dine-In 24, go bowling at Splitsville, take a hot air balloon ride, take in the Cirque du Soleil show “Drawn to Life,” or browse the shops for last-minute souvenirs. It has a great mix of food, shopping, and entertainment without the pressure of theme park crowds. You’re still in the Disney bubble, just in a more relaxed setting.
Spend Time at Disney’s BoardWalk
Disney’s BoardWalk is such a not-so-hidden gem. It’s got this fun, vintage vibe and is just a short walk from Epcot or a boat ride from Hollywood Studios. You’ll find cute shops, yummy snacks, and sometimes live entertainment or street performers. It’s a great place to wander, especially in the afternoon when things are quieter. Grab a coffee, sit by the water, and enjoy the view.
Splash Around at One of the Water Parks
If you added Park Hopper Plus to your ticket package, why not cool off at Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon? It’s the perfect activity for a warm Florida day, and both parks have something for everyone, including big thrills, water slides, wave pools, and plenty of places to float and relax. Don’t worry about changing before your flight, both parks have showers and lockers so you can freshen up before you leave.
Play Mini Golf
Miniature golf is easy to forget about, but it’s such a fun way to spend an hour or two. Walt Disney World has two mini golf courses: Fantasia Gardens near Epcot and Winter Summerland near Blizzard Beach. Both are super themed and perfect for families. It’s a great low-key option for burning off energy before a long car ride or flight home.
Catch A Fish
If you’re looking for something a little different, try fishing. Disney offers catch-and-release fishing at several resorts like Port Orleans Riverside. You can also book a guided fishing excursion, and they provide everything you need. It’s surprisingly peaceful and a terrific way to enjoy the more natural side of the Walt Disney World property.
Visit Tri-Circle-D Ranch
If you’re staying near Fort Wilderness or have extra time, check out Tri-Circle-D Ranch. This is where you’ll find the horses that walk down Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom. You can visit Cinderella’s ponies, take a pony ride, or explore the ranch. While there, you might even want to sign up for an archery class, rent a canoe, go fishing, or rent bikes. It’s perfect for animal lovers and families wishing for something interactive and off the beaten path.
Hop Around to Other Resorts
Resort hopping is one of the best ways to extend your Disney vacation magic without needing a park ticket. Ride the monorail, take a Skyliner loop, or hop a bus to a few different Walt Disney World resort hotels. Grab a Dole Whip at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, walk through the beautiful lobbies at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort or Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and enjoy a snack or meal along the way. It’s fun to explore places you didn’t stay at, and it’s a great way to plan where you might want to book next time.
Play At Your Favorite Disney Park
If you still have valid theme park tickets or an annual pass, consider squeezing in a few final hours at your favorite Walt Disney World theme park. We like to pick one of the Disney theme parks, usually Magic Kingdom or Epcot, and choose three must-do rides or snacks. It’s enough to give you one more magical park day before heading out. Trust me, ending your trip with a ride on the PeopleMover or one more Mickey bar in front of the castle is a memory-maker.
Just because your bags are packed doesn’t mean the magic has to stop. There are many simple, fun, and relaxing ways to enjoy check-out days at Walt Disney World. Every moment counts, whether you’re soaking in the last bit of sunshine at your resort, grabbing snacks and souvenirs at Disney Springs, or sneaking in one more ride at your favorite park. Take it slow, savor the little things, and let your last day of vacation end just as magically as it began.
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