Off the Beaten Path – Exploring
Miniature Golf at WDW
Did you know that Walt Disney World has two miniature golf
courses on site? Fantasia Gardens and Fairways is located adjacent to the Walt
Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotels while Winter Summerland can be found next
to Blizzard Beach water park. Both boast
two 18-hole courses, with each 18-hole round costing $14.00 for adults and
$12.00 for children aged 3-9, plus tax (annual passholders can receive a 10%
discount on this price). Additionally,
if you have purchased a Magic Your Way vacation package, 4 vouchers good for 1
round of miniature golf are included free of charge with your package (note:
vouchers are only good prior to 4 p.m.).
While the courses do not take reservations, you will be provided with an
estimated tee time when you check in. The
courses are not terribly crowded during the day, when many travelers are
visiting the theme parks, but tend to get busier in the evening. Additionally, there is little shade or cover
on the courses, so avoid the heat of the day if possible. But, of course, beverages and ice cream
novelties are available for purchase if you must brave the hottest part of the
day! Operating hours vary by season, so
be sure to check the calendar before you arrive.
While all four courses are suitable for adults and children
alike, Fantasia Gardens is a more traditional putt-putt course, whereas the
Fairways side is a traditional golf course built on a smaller scale, complete
with sand traps, bunkers, water hazards and sloping greens. Fantasia Gardens is recommended for families
and beginners, with the Fairways geared more toward the experienced
golfer. Both courses at Winter
Summerland are true “putt putt” courses, with a sand course decorated for
summer, including sandcastles, surfboards and palm trees, and a snow course featuring
whimsical winter touches, such as snowmen, giant peppermints and a melting
castle.
This was our family’s first time experiencing miniature golf
at WDW, and we chose Fantasia Gardens.
The kids preferred the theming of this course, and it also happened to
be in close proximity to our dinner reservation at Beaches & Cream, which
worked out well for travel! We checked in around 4 p.m. on a Saturday, and had
about a 20 minute wait to start playing. During that time, we were fitted for putters,
selected our ball color, and surveyed the course.
The holes on this course are nestled among larger-than-life scenes
from the movie, Fantasia, featuring tutu-clad hippos, giant broomsticks and
dancing ostriches. Each of the 18 holes
are par 3, and the start of each hole featured a musical title and a fun “song”
about the upcoming hole:
Difficulty of the holes varied, as is true of any
course. Fantasia Gardens is sprinkled
with obstacles, ramps and trap doors that will challenge even the most
experienced miniature golfer, while not still not being too difficult for the
younger crowd. On some holes my
5-year-old was able to achieve a hole in one with great ease (this was his
first time playing miniature golf), while on others, even the adults in my
party struggled! But only one hole (#17)
caused all 4 of us significant duress, and yes, several balls were sacrificed
to the water gods there!
All in all, I was quite surprised by how much fun we
had. Normally I am a “commando” WDW
visitor, constantly looking for ways to maximize our park time, and avoiding
any activity that we can do at home.
This was my daughter’s birthday trip, however, and the birthday girl
wanted to putt-putt. And I’m so glad she
did - this is definitely an activity we will make time for again! It’s a great option for a non-park day that
will still give you that “Disney feel” without the hustle
and bustle of the theme parks, and will be far more relaxing
By Travel Time Agent Alyssa
alyssa@traveltimetravel.com
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