Summary

  • There are lots of things to do at Disney World besides rides! Experience the World Showcase at Epcot for a taste of different cultures without even setting foot on a ride.
  • For those wondering what to do at Disneyland if you don't like rides, a Kilimanjaro Safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom is a fun choice; visitors get to see real animals up close!
  • Instead of rides, explore the parks for hidden Mickeys and admire the beauty of Disney's grounds.

For those who love rides, Disney parks are like a dream come true, but for those who hate being spun, flipped, and jerked around, Disney can seem like a very daunting vacation experience. The good news is Disney is still an ideal destination, even if you don’t like rides. While some people prefer Disney World over Disneyland or vice versa, each park has its own set of things to do.

The rides at Disney tend to be much tamer and safer than your average fairground ride. Still, for those absolutely against all rides, there are plenty of other things to do in the parks! Ride-haters won’t be bored for a second, even if they don’t go on a single ride. It's the happiest place on Earth, after all; don't be afraid to try something different!

UPDATE: 2024/01/20 12:49 EST BY NOAH STAATS

You'll Always Have Stuff To Do At Disney Theme Parks!

Disney parks will always be magical. However, for those wanting a bit of a roller-coaster-free experience, check out this expanded list of alternative things to do at Disney other than rides!

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12 Check Out The World Showcase

A trip around the world in under a day, the World Showcase at Epcot is worth it

Chinese Pavilion, World Showcase, Epcot Center, Disney World
Photo 47412900 Jeff Whyte | Dreamstime.com
Chinese Pavilion at the World Showcase at Epcot Center, Disney World

If you can’t stand rides, you might want to spend some time at Epcot. They have a variety of attractions that don’t involve spinning, going upside down, or whizzing on roller coasters of any sort! One thing you might like to do is check out the World Showcase.

This is basically twelve different pavilions where you’ll get to experience twelve unique lands and their cultures, all without leaving the United States. The countries being showcased are Japan, France, Canada, Italy, China, Norway, Mexico, Germany, Morocco, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

  • Countries included: 11
  • Time to complete: ~3 to 4 hours

11 Embark On A Kilimanjaro Safari

Wild animals may keep you coaster-free the next time you're at Animal Kingdom

Two giraffes walking in Disney's animal kingdom park
Shutterstock
Two giraffes walking in Disney's animal kingdom park

There are certain Disney parks that tend to have more thrilling rides than others. One park that is heavy on non-thrilling attractions (although it has plenty of adrenaline-fanatic rides, too) is Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Here, you can embark on a Kilimanjaro Safari (who knew Disney is among the awesome places to go on a safari outside of Africa?).

Unlike other Disney attractions, this one allows guests to see real animals, including rhinos, cheetahs, crocodiles, elephants, hyenas, and zebras. You’ll also see them up close, almost like being on safari in Kenya! And the best part is there’s no jerking, speeding, or flying involved.

10 Try To Find Hidden Mickeys Around The Parks

They're hiding in plain sight; here's why 'Hidden Mickeys' are a thing

View of a mosaic at Disneyland in Tokyo, Japan, with a hidden Mickey
Shutterstock
View of a mosaic at Disneyland in Tokyo, Japan, with a hidden Mickey

One of the first things to try if you're not into roller coasters at a Disney park is to go exploring for hidden Mickey throughout the parks. Whether at Disneyland in California, Disney World in Orlando, one of the Asian or European parks, or beyond, hidden Mickeys are everywhere.

A "hidden Micky" is a presentation of the beloved Disney character, Mickey Mouse, that has been inserted purposefully yet very subtly into the design of a Disney attraction, ride, or another spot in a Disney theme park, and there are lots of them to find!

There's a long-standing rumor these tiny mouse shapings were created by Imagineers building each park as a way to have fun among each other. However, now, you can see them in obscure locations throughout the company's vast portfolio of properties.

9 Go On A Child-Friendly Ride

There are endless rides that aren't roller coasters to try at a Disney park.

Radiator Springs at Disneyland California Resort, USA
FreddoCC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Radiator Springs at Disneyland California Resort, USA

If the reason that you hate rides is that you don’t like any scream-inducing Disney rides that are too fast or scary, you could always go on a child-friendly one. There are plenty of kids' rides at Disney parks that aren't fast or terrifying! Skip the most intense rides at Disney parks like Space Mountain and go on something a little tamer.

There’s the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and the Jungle Cruise, and that’s all just in the Magic Kingdom alone. You could also join the Mad Tea Party—remember, it’s up to you how fast you spin your teacup. Who knows? You might have so much fun that the experience cures your distaste for all rides!

  • Non-roller coaster rides at Disney: Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, Na'vi River Journey, Soarin, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Tomorrowland Transit, Toy Story Mania, Dumbo, Radiator Springs Raceway

8 Admire The Grounds

Disney Parks are known for their beauty: enjoy it!

Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom
Shutterstock
Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom, Bay Lake, Florida

You might hate the rides that exist within the Disney Parks, but no sane person can resist admiring the beauty of the grounds themselves. No matter what part of the resort you’re in, it really does feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale.

While the rest of your party is lining up for the rides, take your time strolling around and admiring the intricate details of the park grounds. Notice the amount of attention to detail that has gone into every little thing, from the writing on the signs to the design of the trash cans. Discover character-shaped topiaries, Disney character detailing across the park's lands, photo ops near attractions, flowers, sculptures, historical plaques, and much more.

7 See An Exciting Show

There's always song and dance somewhere at a Disney theme park

Musical Party in Disneyland
Photo by Giovanni Cheng on Unsplash
Musical Party in Disneyland

You don’t have to miss out on the magic of Disney just because you’re not a fan of rides. Why not see a show? Productions take place all the time at Disney resorts and parks. All you have to do is download the My Disney app to find out when and where the productions are happening.

During holiday seasons and special occasions, they might have themed shows that are a little different from the norm. This is one of the best things about being at Disney around Halloween or Christmas!

Use the My Disney App to find show times throughout Disney parks.

6 Watch A Disney Parade

With parades each morning, noon, and night at Disney parks, there's always something to see between rides (or instead of them)

Jafar and other Disney characters at Disneyland Paris Halloween Parade
Harrison FornasierCC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
 
Jafar and other Disney characters at Disneyland Paris Halloween Parade

Don’t go to Disney without seeing at least one parade. If you don’t like rides, you can spend some of your time scouting out the best positions from which to watch the next parade. The best positions always go quickly!

There are seasonal parades that come with Halloween and Christmas, but there are also regular parades to see that star all your favorite Disney characters. Be sure to stick around for the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade as well as the Move It! Shake It! Dance & Play It! Street Party.

  • Notable Disney parades: Festival of Fantasy Parade, Christmas Show Parade, Main Street Electrical Parade, Mickey Mania Parade, Boo to You Halloween Parade, Festival of the Lion King
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5 Meet Your Favorite Disney Character

Princesses, mice, and everyone in between; meeting characters is always fun!

Mickey Mouse Riding A  Roller Coaster In Magic Kingdom Park, Disney World, Orlando, Florida
Photo by Héctor Vásquez on Unsplash
Mickey Mouse Riding A  Roller Coaster In Magic Kingdom Park, Disney World, Orlando, Florida

While many people go to Disney just to enjoy the rides, plenty of others go solely to encounter their favorite characters.

If you don’t like rides, you could simply spend your time meeting familiar faces like Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, Prince Charming, Donald Duck, and countless others who do meet-and-greets as they stroll around the parks all day every day!

Certain characters tend to frequent specific areas of the parks, and some will make special appearances that will appear on the schedule. These tend to fill up pretty fast, so it’s a good thing you don’t have any rides to line up for!

4 Shop Up A Storm

With stores for blocks, Disney parks sure know how to get people spending

Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland California
Photo by Jazmin De Guzman on Unsplash
Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland California

You could easily spend hours going through all the stores at the Disney parks. While everyone else is going on rides, you could take your time browsing through each store, carefully choosing the merchandise that you want to take home with you.

It’s true that a lot of the stores in the resort sell the same things, but each one is a little different. You never know what you might find! Most people rush through the shopping experience because they spend most of their time on rides and attractions, but you’ll be able to shop at your own pace.

Popular Disney shops at Disney parks not to miss include World of Disney, Emporium, The LEGO Store, and Disney Traders.

3 Eat At A Themed Restaurant

Mouse-shaped pancakes are only the beginning; eating at themed Disney restaurants is a blast

Mickey Mouse pancakes served at theme park restaurant
Photo by Andrijana Bozic on Unsplash
Mickey Mouse pancakes served at theme park restaurant

It's not just rides; one of the things Disney does best is grub! Foodies will love Disney parks; even if you don’t like rides, you can still find plenty of joy in going on your own little taste tour. There are endless snacks and treats to sample, from funnel cake to turkey legs to Mickey Mouse-shaped food, but the real joy comes from dining at one of the themed restaurants at Disney parks.

There’s the Be Our Guest Restaurant for something a little fancier, Cheshire Café, Cinderella’s Royal Table, Tortuga Tavern, Pinocchio Village Haus, Sleepy Hollow, and plenty of others. Our personal favorite is Tony’s Town Square Restaurant, which is a replica of the Italian eatery from Lady and the Tramp. Plus, in addition to themed eateries, places like Disney World even offer fine-dining restaurants for those seeking something a little fancier.

  • Notable Disney restaurants: Be Our Guest Restaurant, Cheshire Café, Cinderella’s Royal Table, Tortuga Tavern, Pinocchio Village Haus, Sleepy Hollow, Tony's Town Square Restaurant
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2 Take A Break From The Action, Charge Your Phone, And Chill

With outlets scattered around the theme parks, Disney can also provide guests with R&R

Entrance Arch of Walt Disney Theme Parks at Lake Buena Vista area, Orlando, Florida
Shutterstock
Entrance Arch of Walt Disney Theme Parks at Lake Buena Vista area, Orlando, Florida

Although Disney is truly magical, there also needs to be time to rest between attractions (rides or no rides!). That said, the parks offer countless charging stations and kiosks for guests to enjoy a rest break while charging their decides, usually near restaurants and bathrooms.

While that doesn't mean guests should spend their day on their phones glued to charging stations at Disney, they're bound to take a lot of photos and videos throughout their fun-filled day. As such, a quick charge every now and then will help keep that battery topped up for capturing magical memories during each day of the Disney vacation without having to go back to the hotel room to charge (or the car!).

According to Disney Parks, you can find chargers or outlets at places like Fantasyland, and more specifically in the courtyard near “It’s a Small World” and Peter Pan’s Flight, plus near Pete’s Silly Sideshow. Of course, you can also always ask an employee for help to locate one!

Head to Disney's website and look at an interactive map of charging stations in the area of the park you're visiting. Most are in Fantasyland!

1 Stick Around For The Fireworks

There's no better way to end a day at Disney than to watch the fireworks

Momentous Show at Hong Kong Disney Castle
Photo by Henry Lai on Unsplash
Momentous Show at Hong Kong Disney Castle

Honestly, it’s worth going to Disney parks just to see the fireworks show before closing; it's one of the many reasons why Disney is so magical. Even if you don’t go on a single ride, this experience will make up for it. It’s not just any old fireworks show—like everything Disney does, it’s simply enchanting.

Not only does the sky light up with a spectacular burst of lights that has been carefully planned, but Cinderella’s Castle also lights up. Your favorite Disney songs also emanate through the park, and the atmosphere is buzzing as everyone congregates down Main Street to get a glimpse of it.

  • When fireworks happen at Disney Parks: Daily at 9:30 PM