Whether you’re looking for some quiet time on the practice green, family-friendly mini golf, or a full 18-hole course to enjoy, you’ll find all three at Disney World.
Heading out on a family vacation often means there’s little time for the adults in the group to enjoy solo activities – but if you’re a dad who loves to golf, I’ve got some great news for you. You can take the kids to Walt Disney World Resort and get in a golf game (or a few practice swings, at least).
Home to multiple theme parks and multiple golf courses, there’s actually quite a lot of golfing fun available at this Disney vacation destination. Whether you’re hoping to spend some time out on the green solo or want to have some family-friendly fun learning or playing your way through a course, Disney World offers a number of options for every kind of golfer.
From beautiful sprawling golf courses to lessons with golf pros for beginners and experienced players alike to kid-friendly mini golf, keep reading to find out why you’re going to want to pack your putter for your next Disney trip.
Explore Golf at Disney World
Disney World Golf Courses
Here’s a fun dad fact you probably didn’t know: Disney World’s golf courses are so legit, they’ve actually hosted PGA tournaments. So, if you’re someone who likes to play like the pros, there’s really no better place to do so (especially if you’re bringing the kids along!)
At Disney World, there are three 18-hole championship golf courses plus one 9-hole family-oriented course –– and each of these world-class courses is managed by Arnold Palmer Golf Management. In total, you’ll be challenged by 54 holes across incredible fairways and spectacular greens.
In addition to all of that space to perfect your swing, Disney World is also home to pro shops that provide everything a golfer might need on vacation, from shirts and hats to towels and balls to rental golf clubs and shoes. Plus, you can use onsite locker rooms and shower before and after you play.
Below, take a look at what’s in store at each one of Disney World’s four golf courses.
Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course
The Magnolia Course offers gorgeous views along the green. Photo by Danny Shuster
The first of Disney World’s two original golf courses, Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course opened in 1971. This par-72 course features all of the hallmarks golfers love, from elevated tees and greens to rolling terrain to thrilling hazards (including an iconic Mickey Mouse-shaped sand hazard at the 6th hole!)
Designed by famed golf course architect Joe Lee, the course got its name from the 1,500-plus magnolia trees that dot its grounds. It’s one of the longest golf courses at Disney World, with tee boxes ranging from 5,127 to 7,516 yards from the tips. If you love PGA Tour-style courses, this one is a great place to play.
Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course
Get in some swing practice at the driving range at Lake Buena Vista Course. Photo by Danny Shuster
This par-72 Disney World golf course was also designed by Joe Lee in 1972, and it’s both beautiful and challenging. With classic country club styling, the 6,745-yard course includes many small, well-bunkered greens and winds its way past pine forests, palmettos, and lakes.
Located near Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course was the second to open on Disney World property. In addition to its 18 holes, you’ll also find a driving range and practice putting green onsite. Since its opening, it’s played host to PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and USGA events.
Disney’s Palm Golf Course
You’ll see plenty of palm trees along the green at Disney’s Palm Golf Course. Photo by Ernie Carr
Though Disney’s Palm Golf Course dates back to 1971, it underwent a complete redesign in 2013 and is now home to an impressive slew of enhancements, including new green complexes, reshaped tee designs, and new bunker designs. The 18-hole championship course covers 6,870 yards (from the back tees) and offers a great mix of challenges for both novices and experienced golfers.
The best park of this Disney World course, though, is the scenery. Located near Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, it’s home to shimmering lakes, sloping greens, and tropical-inspired touches like sandy landscapes and palm trees, you’ll definitely feel like you’re on vacation as you play through.
Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course
One of the iconic Mickey Mouse sand hazards at Oak Trail. Photo by Ernie Carr
If you’re looking for something a little different in your golfing experience, head to Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course. This 40-acre par-36 course, which opened in 1980, offers 9 holes and sprawls out over 2,913 yards. It’s the most family-friendly course at Disney World, and it’s the perfect place for beginners to learn the game or perfect specific skills.
Oak Trail is a walking course, with a family-friendly layout. All of the fairways are lined with majestic oak trees, which will make you feel transported into a Southern setting. The rolling greens boast some surprises, too, even if you’re visiting with kids or more junior players.
Playing at Disney World’s Golf Courses
Whether you’d like to get in a practice session or spend a day covering all 18 holes on a single course, you have plenty of options at each one of Disney World’s golf courses. All four courses offer the option to rent clubs for 9 or 18 holes, giving you flexibility for whatever suits your vacation best.
Additionally, if you’d like to brush up on your skills – or set your family up with some lessons – the courses are staffed by PGA professionals who offer lessons. You can book full and half day lessons with a pro. Or, if you’re on a budget or short on free time, you can opt to join a 60-minute Disney golf clinic (which only costs $20!)
If you do book a tee time to play one of the 18-hole courses, your golf cart rental will be included in your greens fee. Players are required to use golf carts at every course except Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course, which is a walking course. If you’d like to use a walking or robotic cart at Oak Trail, you can rent one for an additional fee.
Disney World Mini Golf Courses
Winter Summerland is just one of Disney World’s mini golf courses. Photo by Laurie Sapp
You can easily turn golf into a family event at Disney World. Home to two mini golf courses, kids and kids at heart will love getting in a game at one of these fun-forward destinations. Plus, mini golf is a great option if you’re taking a resort day or want to build in some fun-filled days outside of the theme parks.
Mini golf at Disney World costs $19 per adult and $12 per child (before tax). You can book a “tee time” in advance or head right to the courses for same-day play. Here’s a look at the two mini golf courses and what’s offered.
Fantasia Gardens and Fairways
This mini golf course is filled with Disney magic, thanks to its Fantasia-inspired theming. It features characters and touches pulled from the classic Disney animated film, covering five scenes across two courses, each featuring 18 challenging holes.
Adults who enjoy golf will love the miniature sand traps, bunkers, water hazards, and sloping greens. The holes vary in difficulty from par-3 to par-5, and kids will love playing past fanciful fountains, tutu-clad hippos, marching broomsticks, and even Mickey Mouse himself.
Winter Summerland
The mini golf fun continues over at Winter Summerland, Disney World’s second family-friendly putt-putt course. This one, however, offers a twist: You can choose your own adventure and play either the Winter Course or Summer Course. Each 18-hole course features a different kind of adventure and its own special touches.
According to Disney lore, Santa Claus himself designed Winter Summerland – it was supposed to be an off-season vacation destination for his elves. The Summer Course is all about fun in the sun, with decorative elements like sand castles, palm trees decked out with ornaments, and surfboards. The Winter Course is a winter wonderland, with snowy theming and a few surprises (like Squirty the Snowman, who sprays water at golfers).
Other Golf Options at Disney World: FootGolf
FootGolf offers fun for kids and adults who enjoy getting active. Photo by CJ Ayd
Interested in getting active, but not sure you want to play a game of traditional golf? Good news: Adults and kids alike can get in a game of FootGolf at Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course.
FootGolf is available at Oak Trail in the afternoons, and anyone can play. The game covers 9 holes, and Disney’s FootGolf course is certified by the American FootGolf League (AFGL). You don’t need any experience or practice; designed as a combination of soccer and golf, kids simply need to be able to kick a soccer ball in order to get the gist of the game.
To play, you can book a tee time just like you would for any other game of golf at Disney World. For FootGolf, you’ll just need to choose to play in front of or behind those who are playing a traditional 9-hole golf game on the same course.
Transportation: Getting to Disney World’s Golf Courses
Getting in a game of golf is super easy – just as easy as heading to one of Disney World’s theme parks or Disney Springs, really. Most are located right near on-property hotels, which makes it super easy to pop over to a course for a lesson, a half-day game, or even a full day of golf.
You can easily drive your own car (or rental car) to any of the courses and park in the onsite parking lots.
However, if you’re staying at a Disney World Resort hotel, you can take advantage of Disney’s free transportation. While the Disney World buses, boats, and Skyliner don’t stop at any of the four golf courses, you can take a taxi. All Disney World Resort hotels offer complimentary taxi transportation to and from the courses.
