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 to the magic just yet.
Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to keep the Disney enchantment going a little longer. Whether you’re in the mood to take it easy or squeeze in one more adventure, here are my favorite ways to make the most of your Disney World departure day and create lasting memories until it’s time to head home.
Essential Check-Out Day Planning Tips
Luggage Storage Options
Before diving into activities, store your bags! Disney resort hotels offer complimentary luggage storage for guests who have checked out. This frees you up to enjoy your final day hands-free.
Transportation After Check-Out
Good news: Your Disney resort transportation privileges continue through your departure day, so you can still use buses, monorails, boats, and the Disney Skyliner to get around the property.
1. Use Your Remaining Disney Dining Plan Credits
If you’re on the Disney Dining Plan, don’t forget that your snack and meal credits are still valid until midnight on your checkout day. This is the perfect opportunity to grab some last-minute goodies to take home or enjoy during your travels.
Best Spots for Dining Plan Credit Shopping:
- Main Street Confectionery (Magic Kingdom) – Mickey-shaped treats and classic candies
- Goofy’s Candy Company (Disney Springs) – Colorful candies and Disney-themed sweets
- Karamell-Küche (Epcot) – Amazing caramel treats and chocolates
- Resort gift shops – Perfect for grabbing snacks for your journey home
These treats make wonderful gifts for friends and family, or, let’s be honest, they’re perfect for treating yourself after a fantastic vacation!
2. Relax and Enjoy Your Disney Resort
Sometimes the best way to wrap up a Disney trip is by slowing things down and soaking up the atmosphere at your resort hotel. Many guests rush from park to park, missing out on the incredible theming and amenities right at their hotel.
Resort Activities to Consider:
- Pool time – Most Disney pools have incredible theming and are less crowded during checkout day
- Arcade games – Great for kids who need to burn off energy
- Food court treats – Grab one more resort-specific snack
Special Resort Experiences:
- Animal Kingdom Lodge – Amazing savanna views and animal observation areas
- Fort Wilderness Resort – Nature trails, playgrounds, and pony rides
- Wilderness Lodge – Incredible lobby with periodic geyser eruptions outside
- Polynesian Village Resort – Beautiful beaches and tropical atmosphere
3. Take a Magical Monorail Tour
The monorail system isn’t just transportation – it’s an attraction in itself! This is especially true for families with young children, who often view the monorail as just another Disney ride.
Resort Monorail Loop: Hop on and explore Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. Each stop offers unique dining, shopping, and photo opportunities.
Epcot Monorail Loop: Take the longer Epcot line for stunning views of the park, including close-up views of Spaceship Earth and glimpses of various World Showcase pavilions.
Pro Tips:
- The ride between Contemporary and Magic Kingdom offers amazing castle views.
- Each resort has unique shops and restaurants worth exploring
4. Enjoy Relaxing Disney Boat Transportation
There’s something incredibly peaceful about being on the water at Disney World. Boat transportation offers a different perspective of the property and a chance to slow down and enjoy the scenery.
Must-Try Boat Routes:
- Disney Springs to Port Orleans French Quarter – Perfect for grabbing beignets at Scat Cat’s Club
- Seven Seas Lagoon Ferry – Classic route between Magic Kingdom and Transportation and Ticket Center
- Epcot to Hollywood Studios – Friendship boats with great resort views
- Fort Wilderness internal waterways – Peaceful canoe rentals available
5. Explore Disney Springs: Shopping, Dining & Entertainment
Disney Springs is the perfect checkout day destination because it offers Disney magic without the intensity of theme park crowds. Plus, it’s completely free to explore!
Top Disney Springs Activities:
- World of Disney – The largest Disney merchandise location anywhere
- AMC Disney Springs 24 – Catch a movie in luxury dine-in theaters
- Splitsville Luxury Lanes – Upscale bowling experience
- Aerophile balloon ride – Stunning aerial views of the Disney property
- Cirque du Soleil “Drawn to Life” – Incredible live entertainment
Dining Highlights:
- Ghirardelli Soda Fountain – Amazing ice cream sundaes
- Gideon’s Bakehouse – Famous massive cookies (expect a wait!)
- The Boathouse – Upscale dining with waterfront views
- Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill – Great for families with diverse tastes
6. Discover Disney’s BoardWalk Entertainment District
Disney’s BoardWalk is an underrated gem that offers vintage charm and lakefront ambiance. It’s easily accessible from Epcot (walking distance) or Hollywood Studios (boat ride).
BoardWalk Attractions:
- Street performers and live entertainment (evenings are best)
- Unique shops with boardwalk-themed merchandise
- Waterfront dining with beautiful lake views
- Midway games and carnival-style attractions
Perfect for: Families who want Disney theming with a more relaxed, adult-friendly atmosphere.
7. Cool Off at Disney’s Water Parks
If you have Park Hopper Plus tickets, why not end your vacation with a splash? Both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon offer world-class water park experiences.
Blizzard Beach Highlights:
- Summit Plummet – One of the world’s tallest free-fall water slides
- Cross Country Creek – Relaxing lazy river
- Tike’s Peak – Perfect area for young children
Typhoon Lagoon Features:
- Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool – Massive wave pool
- Crush ‘n’ Gusher – Thrilling water coaster
- Ketchakiddee Creek – Toddler-friendly play area
Practical Tips:
- Both parks have showers and changing facilities
- Lockers are available
- Great way to cool off before evening flights
8. Play Disney-Themed Miniature Golf
Walt Disney World’s mini golf courses are incredibly detailed and themed, making them much more than typical miniature golf experiences.
Fantasia Gardens (near Epcot):
- Two 18-hole courses: Fantasia Gardens and Fantasia Fairways
- Based on Disney’s “Fantasia” film
- A mix of whimsical holes and more challenging fairway-style play
Winter Summerland (near Blizzard Beach):
- Perfect for families with children of all ages
- Two courses: Summer and Winter
- Christmas theme with incredible attention to detail
9. Try Disney Fishing Experiences
For something completely different, Disney offers several catch-and-release fishing opportunities that showcase the property’s natural beauty.
Fishing Locations:
- Port Orleans Riverside – Peaceful fishing from resort docks
- Fort Wilderness – Multiple fishing spots throughout the campground
- Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon – Guided excursions available
What’s Provided:
- All fishing equipment and bait
- Guided instruction for beginners
- Beautiful, peaceful settings away from crowds
10. Visit Tri-Circle-D Ranch at Fort Wilderness
This working ranch is home to the horses that parade down Main Street U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom, plus Cinderella’s ponies from the theme park attractions.
Ranch Activities:
- Guided tours – Learn about Disney’s animal care programs
- Horse and pony viewing – See Disney’s famous animals up close
- Pony rides for children
- Archery experiences – Learn traditional archery skills
11. Resort Hopping: Explore Disney’s Incredible Hotels
Resort hopping is one of the best free activities at Disney World and a fantastic way to extend your vacation magic without park tickets.
Must-Visit Resorts:
- Disney’s Grand Floridian – Elegant Victorian theming and live piano music
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort – Tropical paradise with famous Dole Whips
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – Stunning Pacific Northwest lodge with erupting geyser
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – African theming with live animals on savannas
Transportation Tips:
- Use monorail, Skyliner, boats, and buses to reach different resorts
- Each resort offers unique dining, shopping, and photo opportunities
- Great way to scope out future vacation accommodations
12. Squeeze in Final Theme Park Magic
If you still have valid theme park tickets or annual passes, consider making a strategic final visit to the park. The key is choosing a focused plan rather than trying to do everything.
Smart Checkout Day Park Strategies:
- Pick one park and choose 3-4 must-do experiences
- Focus on favorites rather than trying new attractions
- Use early morning hours when crowds are lighter
- End with something special, like watching fireworks or riding a favorite attraction
Best Parks for Checkout Day:
- Magic Kingdom – Classic Disney magic and easy transportation
- Epcot – Great for food, drinks, and more relaxed touring
- Disney Springs area resorts – Easy access if staying nearby
13. Enjoy Disney’s Recreational Activities
Walt Disney World offers numerous recreational activities that many guests overlook, but are perfect for relaxation on checkout day.
Available Activities:
- Bike rentals – Explore resort areas and Disney’s BoardWalk
- Boat rentals – Pontoon boats, Sea Raycer speedboats, and more
- Tennis and basketball courts – At various resort locations
- Jogging trails – Scenic routes throughout the property
- Spa treatments – Relax before your journey home
14. Take Advantage of Disney Skyliner Transportation
The Disney Skyliner gondola system isn’t just transportation – it’s a scenic attraction offering beautiful aerial views of Walt Disney World.
Skyliner Route Highlights:
- Epcot to Riviera Resort – Gorgeous lake and resort views
- Caribbean Beach to Pop Century/Art of Animation – Cross the scenic Hourglass Lake
- Hollywood Studios connection – Great views of the park
Perfect for: Families who want transportation with fantastic photo opportunities.
15. Create Last-Minute Disney Memories
Sometimes the best checkout day activities are the simple, spontaneous moments that create lasting memories.
Simple Magic Ideas:
- Watch resort lobby entertainment – Many resorts offer live music and
- Photo scavenger hunt – Find hidden Mickeys or take photos at iconic spots
- Character meet and greets – Many resorts host character dining and appearances
- Pin trading – Visit resort shops and trade with Cast Members
- Collect pressed pennies – Inexpensive souvenirs found throughout the property
Making the Most of Your Disney Departure Day
The key to a successful Disney World checkout day is managing expectations and selecting activities that align with your energy level and departure timeline. Whether you’re catching an early afternoon flight or have the whole day to explore, there are options for every schedule and budget.
Time Management Tips:
- Allow 2-3 hours before departure for airport travel and security
- Keep activities flexible – avoid anything with strict timing requirements
- Stay hydrated and fed – Florida heat and travel stress require extra care
- Don’t overpack the day – leave time for spontaneous magic
Budget Considerations:
- Many activities are free – resort hopping, monorail tours, BoardWalk walks
- Use remaining dining credits wisely – focus on snacks and treats to take home
- Save money for souvenirs – last-minute shopping at Disney Springs or resort shops
Take it slow, savor the little things, and let your last day of vacation end just as magically as it began. After all, the best Disney trips are the ones where the magic never really ends – it just gets stored away in your heart until your next visit to the Most Magical Place on Earth.
What’s your favorite Disney World checkout day activity? Share your magical departure day tips in the comments below – I’d love to hear how other families make the most of their final Disney day!
If you’re considering planning a Disney trip and want someone who understands and loves the magic as much as you do, I’m here to help. I’ll handle the details so you can focus on the fun. Reach out anytime at cara@magicaldestinationstravel.com or visit this page to get started.
Be the first to comment