When it comes to the perfect Walt Disney World vacation, mini golf at Disney Worldprovides hours of entertainment for all the family so looking for the perfect golf course is an exciting activity in itself, especially when you’re searching through Disney World to find those all-important courses.
I just recently read a story that is a testament to why Disney increases the magic for keen mini-golfers as one guest admitted to visiting Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf a sensational 557 times! One of Disney’s more experienced Cast Members, Dave Hartmann admitted to saving his scorecard from every single trip to one of the two notorious Disney World mini-golf courses since he first visited in January 2007.
It’s hard to beat incorporating the magic of Disney with hours of creative, imaginative golfing fun in one of Disney World’s two designated miniature golf courses; perfect for a day of family fun with your little ones. Here is everything that you need to know when it comes to exploring mini-golf at Disney World.
Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course
For a unique, Disney-filled, magical experience, Disney World’s Fantasia Gardens is an absolute must-see for all families during their Disney vacation. An exciting 18-hole course, the holes wind through 5 separate exciting and whimsical scenes incorporating some of the best characters from its namesake film, Fantasia, including marching broomsticks, Merlin, and tutu-clad hippos! Indeed they have a plethora of unusual obstacles and stunning water features are enough to keep the course alive for all of the family.
Better still? The fantastic interactivity at hand – with sneaky broomsticks who have no qualms about providing a watery surprise for guests. It doesn’t matter whether it is your first time holding a golf club or you’ve been doing it for years and simply thoroughly enjoy a day on the course.
Fantasia Gardens is the perfect destination, offering sandbanks, water hazards, sloping greens and bunkers, and surrounded by sensational views of the nearby Tower of Terror, Walt Disney World Swan, and Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotels, it sits in the Epcot Resort area making it a prime location for vacationers.
Winter Summerland
The second golf course is the fantastic Winter Summerland, located nearby Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park with the stunning winter wonderland theme extending onto the course. This fantastic course offers two separate camps, both with their themed 18-hole courses. One course offers a sensational summer theme, allowing guests to embrace the naturally Orlando weather while the second represents all things winter holiday.
The summer course offers all things beach escape with sandcastles, surfboards, and palm trees so you’ll feel just like you’re enjoying a real summer vacation. Meanwhile, the winter course is a far departure from the aforementioned with its send up to the North Pole; featuring loveable snowmen, candy cane shaped obstacles and a stunning melting winter castle.
It is a true winter wonderland. The icing on top of the cake? A message from Santa Claus on the last hole. The epitome of enjoying multiple seasons, this course is a must-visit Disney World destination, especially if you have younger children.
FAQ
Before you head out for your fun-filled day at Disney World, including an afternoon on one of the two fantastic golf courses, let’s get down to the details so you can be sure of exactly what to expect when you take a trip to either (or both for the keenest mini-golfers!) of the courses.
How much does it cost?
It is no secret that pricing is a concern for so many families, even when on vacation but fear not, because you can find yourself hitting golf balls with Merlin for as little as $14 for an adult ticket and $12 for a children’s ticket (in this instance, a child ticket applies to any child between the ages of 3 and 9).
Can I get a discount for staying at one of the on-site Disney World hotels?
The answer is yes, you can! When you’re staying with Disney at one of their on-site hotels under Disney’s Magical Extras vacation package, you’re provided with 4 vouchers that will entitle you to a trip to one of the free 18-course holes.
The best part is that the vouchers do not restrict you as to which you can use it, so whether you’re looking to fall into the magical world depicted by Fantasia Gardens or you’re all for experiencing the seasons at Winter Summerland, you will not be disappointed.
The only thing to make sure you take note of is the vouchers allow entry up until 4:00 pm so make sure you plan the timings right to be sure you can use your vouchers. It should be noted that they are non-transferable and expire at midnight on the day of departure and you must present your Disney Magical Extra’s card to qualify for this offer.
How much does parking cost?
Parking is free at both Fantasia Gardens and Winter Summerland mini-golf courses.
What are the opening hours for the courses?
The good news is that as it stands, the operating hours are fantastic meaning you can drop in morning, afternoon, or evening for a spot of mini-golf depending on whatever takes your fancy. It is always worth keeping tabs on the downloadable Disney app just to track any possible seasonal changes but generally speaking, both courses are open 7 days a week from 10 am-11 pm.
How do I get to the courses?
For Disney’s Winter Summerland course, look for Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Parks with whom it shares a bus stop. Just jump onto the Blizzard Beach bus from whichever Walt Disney resort that you’re staying at and you’ll be dropped off right on their doorstep.
For guests staying at Disney’s Epcot Resorts (Beach Club, Boardwalk, and Yacht Club) as well as the Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, Fantasia Gardens is within walking distance, with sensational views off-setting the beautiful walk.
For those staying at one of Disney World’s other resort hotels, your best option is to jump onto a bus that takes you to any of the aforementioned Beach Club, Boardwalk, and Yacht Club resorts, where you can walk the remaining distance (you can also get buses from any of the Disney World theme parks and Disney Springs.
For guests staying at Port Orleans Riverside Resort or Port Orleans French Quarter resort, you’re best placed to hop on a water taxi to take you to Disney Springs, then a short bus into one of the Epcot resorts and a short walk later, you’ll be swinging your club in no time!
Which Disney mini-golf is better?
People generally seem to prefer Fantasia Gardens more than Winter Summerland. However, Fantasia Gardens is also revered as being harder to complete. The feel at Winter Summerland is more nostalgic, while Fantasia gardens feels more updated. Those with smaller children will more than likely find that Winter Summerland is better for those elementary-aged kids.
Conclusion
For us, here at WDW Travels, these two sensational and unique golf courses are hidden gems, vastly underappreciated. For an easy, relaxed day, a round or two of mini-golf is the recommended answer. If you are a group of adults you might be more interested in playing a regular round at one of Disney Worlds awesome golf courses! Either way, you will certainly not be disappointed as it provides affordable Disney magic for all of the family.
