4. Go resort hopping

Don’t mind risking some heavy crowds? Head to Disney World on a weekday to go resort hopping. Pick a Disney property of your choosing (you may need to confirm if parking is available) or start your journey at Disney Springs. Hop on Disney transportation and take a personal tour of Disney’s resorts. Ride the monorail loop to Grand Floridian, The Polynesian, and The Contemporary. Take a bus to the Epcot resorts and have a stroll on The Boardwalk (just try not to stand there pining outside the security check at the International Gateway). If one’s available, you may even be able to rent a boat to visit some on-the-water resorts like Port Orleans.

Even without a foray into the parks, Disney’s resorts offer beautiful walkways, fantastic dining, great shopping, and magical atmosphere. Have you explored them all?

5. Hit up Disney Springs (and other out-of-park entertainment)

Image: Jett Farrell-Vega (@mykingdomforamouse Instagram)

I’ve noticed that on our family’s dedicated Disney trips—not short jaunts, but true week-long excursions—we almost always miss Disney Springs. In the hustle of enjoying full days in the parks, it’s easy to miss Disney’s out-of-park experiences.

While feelings have been mixed on changes to the former Disney Village Marketplace and Westside, overall the upgrades have added a pleasant atmosphere and wide variety of dining and shopping experiences to Disney Springs. Catch a movie at AMC or pick up a few souvenirs at the World of Disney. Have some chocolate samples at Ghirardelli. Feed your pin trading addiction throughout the district—some of the best pin caches can be found outside of the parks, particularly at Disney Springs and resorts. Try some poutine, fish n’ chips, or Japanese street food. Passholders also have access to some last-minute discounts on Disney Quest as the mega-arcade sings its swan song this summer.

Image: Loren Javier, Flickr (license)

If Disney Springs isn’t your flavor, visit Fantasia Gardens or Winter Summerland for a round of mini golf. Rent a Surrey Bike or play a few carnival games on The Boardwalk. Take a hike at Fort Wilderness, or watch the fireworks from one of the Magic Kingdom resorts. There’s plenty to enjoy at Disney World, even without stepping foot in the parks.

6. Explore beautiful Florida

Image: Chad Sparkes, Flickr (license)

If you’re a Florida resident and haven’t explored the state, the blackout months are a great chance to do so. Take a road trip to one of Florida’s beautiful beaches on the Gulf or Atlantic Coasts—Daytona, Cocoa Beach, Clearwater, and Madeira Beach are all within a several hour drive. Learn pirate history at St. Augustine, take a fishing trip, watch a taping of WWE’s NXT developmental division, or visit one of the state’s many national parks.

If you prefer to stay in Orlando, there’s plenty to explore. While many are familiar with Disney’s primary competition—Universal Studios, Busch Gardens, and Sea World—Orlando has dozens of entertainment offerings beyond theme parks. Hit up some laser tag or an escape room. Bend your mind at Wonderworks or the Orlando Science Center. Have a quiet day at the American Art Museum or the Harry P. Leu Botanical Gardens. Many are surprised to learn just how much the city has to offer beyond theme parks.

Are you a passholder? How do you pass the blackout months?