Its 10:00AM at Walt Disney World and your family has just started the day. You’ve decided not to visit a theme park today. You’re not really sure what to do. With so much to do at the vacation kingdom how can you have a day with no plans? It can and does happen on occasion where your day just evolves with no direction.
Its 10:00AM at Walt Disney World and your family has just started the day. You’ve decided not to visit a theme park today. You’re not really sure what to do. With so much to do at the vacation kingdom how can you have a day with no plans? It can and does happen on occasion where your day just evolves with no direction.
One option your family may consider is a few hours at one of Disney’s two themed miniature golf courses. One of them is located near the Swan and Dolphin resorts called Fantasia Gardens. The course was opened in 1996 and is primarily themed after Disney’s animated movie classic ‘Fantasia.’ The miniature golf resort consists of two courses; Fantasia Fairways which is a very challenging course for the serious golfer, and the Fantasia Garden course for the less experienced golfer who is looking for a more whimsical adventure.
The Fantasia Garden Course
This course provides a less challenging experience than its neighboring course. It’s also much more themed with topiaries and statuettes from the classic movie ‘Fantasia.’ You’ll see such images from Fantasia Mickey Mouse to the mops and buckets in one of the most recognizable scenes of the movie.
Make sure to read each holes “note” book in front of each Mickey Mouse tee off mat. It will provide you with important information about how to play the hole and achieve the best possible score.
This course is very colorful. Some holes even include a putting surface with a different color than the traditional green.
Fantasia Fairways
This course provides a very challenging adventure for the more experienced golfer. Holes are very long with difficult hazards to avoid like sand traps, thick rough, rocks, and hills. It’s not your traditional miniature golf course. The holes are much longer than you would expect and require your best skill and touch to score well. In fact, the holes are so long they require a traditional golf pin and flag so you can see the hole from the tee off area.
Make sure to read each holes description and tips before you tee off. Like other Disney World miniature golf courses it will help you achieve a better score and avoid frustrating hazards.
Both of the miniature golf courses are very well maintained and beautifully landscaped. As you play both courses it’s very apparent Disney takes great pride and care in their appearance. Make sure to take some time to appreciate and enjoy the landscape.
Once you complete your round on either course you will receive a souvenir Disney World logo golf ball. Also, if you score very well make sure to check out the scoreboard. You may find you have the best score of the day. If so, be sure to write your name and score on the board.
Transportation Options to Fantasia Gardens
There are a few transportation options getting you to Fantasia Gardens. If you have a car, follow the signs on Disney property to Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf. The courses are located near both the Swan and Dolphin resorts.
If you are near or in the EPCOT resort area you can take the Disney water taxi to the Swan and Dolphin resort, cut through the lobby, and cross the street to Fantasia Gardens. The Disney water taxi also makes stops at EPCOT, Disney’s Yacht & Beach & Boardwalk resorts, and Disney Hollywood Studios theme park. You can catch the water taxi there if you wish to make the trip to the Swan & Dolphin resorts. Once you exit the water taxi you’ll have about a 5 minute walk to Fantasia Gardens.
Another option is to catch a Disney World motor coach from Downtown Disney or the theme parks to the Swan resort. Once you exit the motor coach it’s a short walk across the street to Fantasia Gardens.
Hours and Cost
Fantasia Gardens is open 7-days a week from 10:00AM until 11:00PM. The courses can close due to lightening and poor weather conditions. Be sure to check with your resort Guest Services desk to make sure the course are open and the hours haven’t changed.
The cost to play either course is $12 per adult and $10 per child ages 3 – 9 plus tax. If you have an annual pass you will receive 50% off your round for up to 4 guests. If you decide to play additional rounds anyone can receive 50% off those rounds.
Spending a few hours at Fantasia Gardens is a great way to enjoy time with your family at Walt Disney World when a theme park visit is not in your plans. If you find yourself in the Boardwalk resort area don’t forget how close you are to Fantasia Gardens. A nice afternoon could be spent enjoying lunch at one of the many sit down resort restaurants and then playing a round of miniature golf at Fantasia Gardens. It’s all in close proximity to each other.
Walt Disney World is vast in its many entertainment and recreation options. Be sure to consider a spontaneous trip to Fantasia Gardens on a day when you don’t have much planned for your family.
Next Up: A look at one of the longest running dinner shows in the world