When you think about Walt Disney World, it’s likely that the four major theme parks come to mind first and foremost: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. But there is a whole WORLD (pun entirely intended) beyond the theme parks with even more magic to explore and enjoy.
The Vacation Kingdom, of course, is also home to classic vacation experiences including TWO Miniature Golf Courses. So get ready to tee up, because we’re sharing The Ultimate Guide to Mini Golf at Disney World with you today!
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Walt Disney World is home to two uniquely themed miniature golf courses: Winter Summerland and Fantasia Gardens & Fairways Miniature Golf. While both locations pack in all the putt-putt fun you might expect, they’re also packed with immersive Disney theming and magic.
Let’s start with a little fun in the sun and in the SNOW at Winter Summerland!
Winter Summerland
Where is it?
Winter Summerland is located directly next to Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park.
(For reference, the closest theme park is Disney’s Animal Kingdom.)
How to Get There
Drivers should know that — despite the immediate proximity to Blizzard Beach — Winter Summerland does have its own small dedicated parking lot, free of cost.
Guests taking Disney World Resort Transportation can take a Disney Bus. However, there is not a route dedicated to Winter Summerland specifically. You’ll want to hop on a bus to Blizzard Beach, when available. For seasons when Blizzard Beach doesn’t have a dedicated bus route, guests can find a bus for Blizzard Beach at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and transfer from there. (In any case, as always, be sure to allow for plenty of time to get there.)
Guests staying at Coronado Springs or the All-Star Resorts can hoof it, thanks to sidewalks in the area that lead to Winter Summerland, but do be aware that it is a lengthy walk.
If you do not have a car on property, you could always take a rideshare, like Uber or Lyft, from your hotel to Winter Summerland — just be aware that you will be responsible for the cost. You may also check into a Minnie Van, which you can book through the Lyft app — but know that Minnie Vans cost more than a regular Lyft!
Operating Hours
Operating Hours are typically 10AM-10PM (though certain busy seasons may see an 11PM closing). Bear in mind that Blizzard Beach (as well as Disney’s other water park, Typhoon Lagoon) can close as early as 5PM on some days, so guests relying on Disney transportation will be best off to plan a day trip.
The Theme of Winter Summerland
Ever wonder how Santa and his elves spend their time when they’re NOT crafting or delivering gifts for children all around the globe? Why, they spend it at their very own vacation destination, Winter Summerland!
Winter Summerland is well in keeping with its next-door neighbor, Blizzard Beach Water Park. Just like a massive snowstorm took Florida by surprise and created Blizzard Beach, Jolly Old Saint Nick himself noticed snow falling in Florida during one of his famous midnight rides.
It dawned on him that this might be the perfect vacation destination for his hard-working team of elves, and a mini golf course would be just the thing to make it complete!
The elves had some say, and chimed in to create both a “Summer” course and a “Winter” course. And, just like the elves, YOU have the choice to take on the Summer OR Winter course!
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The courses — which combine for the final few holes in a Chalet — are 18 holes each, and feature charming and humorous scenes of vacation living in the sand OR snow. For example, where you’ll find a sand castle as part of a hole in the Summer course, you’ll encounter an ice castle in the Winter course.
If you want to keep those Florida vibes going, you can choose “Summer,” where your beachy game will be accompanied by a tune or two by the Beach Boys (think “Run Run Reindeer,” and “The Man With All the Toys” — BOP!)
If you love ALL THINGS CHRISTMAS ALL YEAR LONG, go for “Winter” and its festive, snowy scenes and classic holiday vibes.
Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf Course
Where is it?
Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf is merely steps away from the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel, and the nearest parks are EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
(In fact, the Tower of Terror is in view throughout game play!)
How to Get There
Like Winter Summerland, Fantasia Gardens also offers free parking for drivers.
Guests relying on Disney Transportation may take a bus to Disney’s BoardWalk Inn or to the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel then walk to Fantasia Gardens.
Operating Hours
Similar to Winter Summerland, operating hours are 10AM-10PM (though certain busy seasons may see an 11PM closing). It’s worth noting that the Fantasia Fairways Miniature Golf Course closes one hour before the Fantasia Gardens course.
Not familiar with the Fairways Golf Course? Allow us to explain…
The Theme of Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf
The fantastical world of the animated classic Fantasia is made larger-than-life in the scenes that make up the Fantasia Gardens Mini Golf Course!
Five musical sequences from the film are represented. Simply think of an iconic moment from the film — from dancing hippos to Sorcerer Mickey and the broomsticks and more — and you will likely encounter it on the course! (Watch out, though… some of those broomsticks just might spill some water on YOU!)
Now, at Winter Summerland we’ve established that you have your choice of two different themes. At Fantasia Gardens, you have your choice of two entirely different experiences with the option of Fairway Gardens.
Disney says it best: Fairway Gardens is “a traditional golf course built on a miniature scale.” It’s a true challenge complete with features like sand traps and water hazards. Disney also shares that “par-3 and par-5 holes range in length from 63 to 109 feet long.”
In short, if you are looking for a family fun putt-putt game, Fantasia Gardens is your course. Those looking to test their skill will appreciate Fairways!
Mini Golf Price
Winter Summerland and Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf are the same price, no matter which course or theme you choose.
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Guests who purchase Walt Disney World theme park tickets with either the Water Park and Sports add-on OR the Park Hopper Plus add-on have the ability to visit either Mini Golf course, though do note that time restrictions are in place, and guests utilizing the mini golf visit must do so prior to 4PM. (You can find the other inclusions on these ticket options here.)
The out-of-pocket cost is $14.00 per adult, and $12.00 per child (ages 3 to 9). And select groups are eligible for discounts. Annual Passholders are eligible for a 15% discount for themselves and up to 3 guests and Disney Vacation Club members are discount eligible as well.
Food and Dining
Winter Summerland and Fantasia Gardens both offer small concessions areas (think bottled beverages and bags of chips — you may even spy a Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar and a few other frozen novelty treats up for grabs).
That said, those looking for something more substantial after polishing off their 18 holes will be better off visiting a nearby restaurant before or after the game. Fantasia Gardens is within walking distance to all the great eateries along the Disney BoardWalk, including quick eats from the BoardWalk Deli and sit-down Table Service restaurants like Trattoria al Forno.
My husband and I once had a great date night by visiting Big River Grille for burgers after wrapping up our game at Fantasia Gardens (which, if memory serves… I totally won! My husband’s memory may serve differently…)
You can also easily visit restaurants at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts as well as at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin. A diner-style meal complete with a decadent ice cream sundae would be a fun game combo, at either The Fountain (at the Dolphin) or the Beach Club’s Beaches & Cream!
Either course is an easy drive away from Disney Springs, which presents oodles of options. The nearest eatery to Winter Summerland is the on-property McDonald’s.
Later evening golfers at Winter Summerland might consider pairing their game with an Advance Dining reservation at Sanaa in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge or Rix Sports Bar & Grill at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.
How Much Time to Allow
First things first: you will likely experience something of a wait time before your group can actually begin playing. Depending on the time of year, it’s wise to allow about 30 extra minutes in addition to game play.
30 minutes, of course, isn’t too bad. But did you know that you can make Reservations for your tee time to mitigate the wait time? While walk-ups are always welcome, you can call (407) WDW-PLAY or (407) 939-7529 to book a tee time! The booking window is the same as that of booking an Advance Dining Reservation (60 days in advance).
The courses themselves — no matter which location you choose — take about 90 minutes to play through the entire course.
Are there Disney Characters at the mini golf courses?
Alas, no. But both Winter Summerland and Fantasia Gardens are filled with LOTS of fun photo-ops! At Winter Summerland, you may spy sand or snow sculptures featuring Mickey and Goofy, along with plenty of nods to the big guy: SANTA.
Fantasia Gardens, of course, presents iconic scenes from the Fantasia film.
We understand — there is so much to pack into a Disney World vacation, that simply visiting the theme parks gives guests plenty to do! But if you’d like to experience a little something new-to-you this ’round, we think you’ll enjoy all the fun, magic, and whimsy of the theme parks packed in a more “miniature” scale at the Mini Golf Courses!
Looking for more FUN outside of the usual stomping grounds? Check out our video below!
Have you ever visited a Disney World mini golf course? Please let us know with a comment! Comments (1)
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