Have you ever visited the Most Magical Place on Earth and found yourself with a rare afternoon off from the exhilarating Walt Disney World theme parks? Maybe you want to enjoy some family time together doing an activity that feels a bit more relaxed. Or perhaps you have teens who need a break from the chaos of the parks. Either way, you may be wondering…is mini golf included with my Walt Disney World park tickets?
The short answer isit depends on the type of ticket you purchased! While basic Walt Disney World park tickets do not include mini golf, certain add-ons like Park Hopper Plus and Water Park Fun & More do.
In this complete guide, we will cover everything you need to know about mini golf access with Walt Disney World tickets, including:
- Types of mini golf courses at Walt Disney World Resort
- Ticket options that include mini golf
- Number of rounds and vouchers given
- Cost comparisons
- Locations and transportation
- Hours of operation
- The theming and experience
- Dining options
- Making advance tee time reservations
- Typical duration to play
- Photo opportunities
- And more to help you make the most of this classic family vacation activity in the Vacation Kingdom!
So pack up your putters and let’s tee off!
An Introduction to Mini Golf Courses at Walt Disney World
Most people are familiar with putt putt or miniature golf from the classic courses found in beach towns or entertainment centers nationwide. It involves hitting a golf ball through an 18-hole circuit, typically with fun obstacles and whimsical themes.
Leave it to the Imagineers at Walt Disney World to take mini golf to extraordinary new heights! Guests can choose between two elaborately themed 18-hole miniature golf experiences across the 40 square mile resort complex in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
The two Walt Disney World miniature golf courses are:
- Winter Summerland: Located beside Blizzard Beach water park, this Christmas-inspired course allows you to choose between Summertime or Wintertime 18-hole rounds.
- Fantasia Gardens and Fairways: Situated near the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotels, you can play the whimsical Disney-themed Gardens course or the challenging Fairways course.
Both locations offer imaginative environments blending lush tropical landscaping with Disney magic around every sand trap!
Now that you know a bit about the mini golf options, let’s get back to the key question – is it actually included free with Walt Disney World park tickets?
Do Basic Walt Disney World Park Tickets Include Mini Golf Access?
If you purchased standard 1-day, 2-day, or regular multi-day Walt Disney World tickets without any add-ons, unfortunately mini golf is not included.
The basic park tickets only grant access to the four major Disney World theme parks:
- Magic Kingdom
- EPCOT
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom
So if you want to play a round of mini golf with basic tickets, you will need to pay the regular pricing at the course.
But don’t start waving that white flag just yet! Certain Walt Disney World ticket types do include mini golf as a bonus offering.
Keep reading to understand which tickets provide this perk to save you money off the typical cost of putt putt.
What Disney Ticket Options Include Miniature Golf?
Walt Disney World offers two types of theme park tickets that include mini golf rounds:
1. Park Hopper Plus Tickets
The Park Hopper Plus add-on option takes your basic 1-day or multi-day Walt Disney World ticket and adds on additional offerings beyond the main four parks.
Specifically, the Park Hopper Plus includes access to:
- Miniature golf rounds
- Disney’s two water parks – Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon
- ESPN Wide World of Sports complex
One round of mini golf per day is allowed. So if you have a 5-day Park Hopper Plus ticket, you could play mini golf five times without paying anything extra!
Best of all, Park Hopper Plus typically only adds about $15-$25 per ticket more compared to a basic multi-day pass. Given regular 18-hole pricing is $14/$12 per adult/child per round, this is a HUGE value.
In 2023, 5-day Park Hopper Plus tickets start at $337.67–$470.36 per adult and $327.71–$460.23 per child (ages 3-9) when purchased directly as part of a Walt Disney World package stay.
2. Water Park and Sports Ticket
Similarly, Walt Disney World sells add-on Water Park and Sports tickets which also include one mini golf round per day along with:
- Access to both Disney water parks
- ESPN Wide World of Sports admission
If you don’t care about park hopping abilities, the Water Park and Sports ticket is slightly less expensive than Park Hopper Plus. It grants access to those three extras only while basic tickets allow theme park visits. This gives you an affordable way to mix up your vacation with chill days.
In 2023, 5-day Water Park and Sports tickets start at $105 – $136 for adults and $107 – $140 for kids (ages 3-9) when added to regular 5-day base tickets at $515+/$505+.
That still equals huge savings over paying for mini golf and water parks/sports out of pocket while on your trip!
Both Park Hopper Plus and Water Park and Sports eligibility allows one mini golf round before 4:00 pm on the date of ticket validity. So you can’t visit a Disney World theme park in the morning then expect free mini golf access later that night.
But families love using these options to take relaxed non-park days with activities like mini golf, water parks, Disney Springs shopping and dining to break up a vacation packed with park visits!
How Many Vouchers Do You Get for Mini Golf with Disney Tickets?
Wondering exactly how you access the free mini golf rounds with Park Hopper Plus or Water Parks and Sports tickets?
Guests are issued 4 mini golf vouchers per package when checking in at your Disney Resort hotel with the eligible tickets.
Vouchers are redeemable for one round at either Winter Summerland or Fantasia Gardens mini golf courses. Each person in your travel party can use their voucher towards paid admission at the ticket window.
For instance:
- Family of 4 gets 4 vouchers
- Family of 6 gets 4 vouchers
The vouchers have no cash value, are non-replaceable if lost, and can only be used by members of the original package.
However, if you have leftover vouchers at the end of your trip, consider gifting them to another travel party behind you in line to spread some Disney magic!
How Much Does Disney Mini Golf Cost With vs Without Vouchers?
We’ve established that certain Walt Disney World ticket add-ons include the perk of mini golf vouchers. But how much money do they actually save you compared to paying regular pricing?
During busier Disney seasons, one round of mini golf costs:
- Ages 10+: $19 per person
- Ages 3-9: $12 per person
So a family of four playing one round without any ticket discounts would pay about $52 total.
Over a 5-night visit, that same family could easily spend $260+ to play mini golf five times. That adds up fast!
In comparison, adding the 5-day Park Hopper Plus option starts at only $210.87 – $284.36 and $216.20 – $289.68 per ticket more for kids and adults. Even at high ticket prices during holiday periods, that still saves at least 50-60% off regular mini golf rates.
The more you take advantage of those bonus inclusions like mini golf, water parks, etc – the more value you gain from choosing Park Hopper Plus or Water Park and Sports tickets!
Where Are Disney World’s Mini Golf Courses Located?
As we covered earlier, Walt Disney World offers two miniature golf course locations:
Winter Summerland
Conveniently situated right beside Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park, Winter Summerland has a dedicated parking lot for drivers.
For Disney hotel guests relying on resort transportation, you can take a bus to Blizzard Beach then simply walk next door. During winter months when Blizzard Beach closes though, there is no direct bus service.
In that case take a bus to Disney’s Animal Kingdom park then transfer to a Blizzard Beach bus to access Winter Summerland mini golf.
Buses only run while Blizzard Beach is open so plan accordingly with park hours if visiting in winter.
Fantasia Gardens
Over near Epcot, Fantasia Gardens mini golf is located steps away from the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotels.
Drivers can utilize the Swan hotel parking lot while walking over to Fantasia Gardens.
Disney hotel guests can take a bus from their resort to the Swan or Dolphin hotels then walk to Fantasia Gardens from there. Or buses to the neighboring Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme parks also provide fairly short walks.
No buses run directly to Fantasia Gardens itself. So guests without a car should allow extra time for transportation connections walking between the hotels or parks.
How Do You Get To Disney Mini Golf Without a Rental Car?
Given the locations, what’s the best Walt Disney World transportation strategy for accessing either mini golf course without a car?
We recommend two options:
1. Disney Buses
As outlined above, Disney bus routes provide public transportation options to Winter Summerland via Blizzard Beach and to Fantasia Gardens via Epcot area hotels.
This free transportation is great for budget-focused families. Just make sure to have the MyDisneyExperience app handy so you know which buses travel to those stops and their schedules.
And give yourself ample time getting to and from mini golf allowing for multiple transit connections on Disney buses along the way.
2. Rideshare Services
If convenience is crucial or you have limited time, consider a rideshare like Uber or Lyft accessed via their mobile apps.
Minnie Vans booked through Lyft also provide rides around Walt Disney World with extra Disney theming.
Just know rideshares come at an out-of-pocket expense to your vacation budget. Still the cost may be worth the simplicity of door-to-door transportation if Disney bus connections prove overly complex.
Operating Hours for Disney World Mini Golf Courses
Disney designed both Winter Summerland and Fantasia Gardens mini golf courses as fun diversions for guests needing a break from the parks.
You can usually play a round from 10 am to 10 pm most days, though hours can vary by season. Fantasia Fairways course closes an hour earlier at 9 pm.
Similar to Blizzard Beach water park, Winter Summerland has seasonal closures during colder winter months in Florida. So if visiting Walt Disney World between roughly November-March, only Fantasia Gardens offers mini golf.
All in all, the lengthy hours allow time to play after busy mornings in the Disney parks if you desire. Just remember Park Hopper Plus and Water Park and Sports tickets require same-day mini golf rounds before 4 pm!
Disney Themed Fun: Winter Summerland Mini Golf
Part of the allure of mini golf at Walt Disney World comes from immersing yourself in the creative environments. At Winter Summerland, guests can experience some staples of both summer and winter vacations…with a Santa’s workshop twist!
As the backstory goes, Santa Claus discovered snow falling suspiciously in sunny Florida during December ride-arounds. Always seeking new vacation destinations for his hardworking elves, he deemed it a sign to build Winter Summerland right on that spot near Blizzard Beach.
This gave his elves the best of both worlds with separate summer and winter themed 18-hole mini golf courses.
Winter Course
The Winter course surrounds players with the sights of snowy holidays year-round, almost feeling like Santa’s North Pole home itself. You’ll putt past giant snowmen, hockey rinks, ornament lifts, and even Santa’s Chalet!
The sound of holiday tunes fills the air giving Winter an extra festive ambiance. Be sure to smile for the cameras before teeing off each hole in case a certain Mr. Claus is watching at his hideaway.
Summer Course
In contrast, the Summer course revolves around Christmas…with a twist! Picture palm trees decked out in twinkling lights, melting snowmen, and Santa soaking up some “off-season” Florida sun by the sea.
Summer takes the Yuletide spirit then gives it a delightful beach vacation makeover through each creative hole. The soundtrack switches over to tunes like “Run Run Rudolph” and “Man with All the Toys” redone in cheerful beach boys style.
Either side of Winter Summerland you choose provides a joyful, humorous mini golf experience kids and parents alike will love. Just watch out for “Squirty” the Snowman ready to spray anyone near with his water gun!
With Winter Summerland’s elaborate backstory and themed environs, you may momentarily forget you’re at Walt Disney World Resort when teeing off. But that’s part of the charm!
Fantasia Gardens Delivers Whimsical Disney Fun
Over at Fantasia Gardens mini golf, Walt Disney World Imagineers brought the classic film Fantasia to life through two playful courses with distinct personalities of their own.
Opening in 1996, Fantasia Gardens takes inspiration directly from the iconic musical animated movie released in 1940. Several unforgettable sequences provide backdrops as you putt your way through 18 creative holes.
Dancing ostriches, musical fountains, giant mushrooms, and blossoming flowers encapsulate the fun, whimsical spirit of Fantasia’s most lighthearted moments. Sorcerer Mickey Mouse even greets you in statue form at the entrance!
And Fantasia’s iconic “Sorcerer’s Apprentice” segment appears through mischievous brooms as a water hazard. Time your shots carefully or those playful brooms might just spray you mid-swing!
Alongside the family-friendly Gardens course lies Fantasia Fairways for golfers wanting a true challenge. This sister course resembles an actual championship miniature golf layout with undulating greens, sand traps, daunting water hazards and long holes ranging from 63 to 109 feet!
Fantasia Fairways puts your putting skills to the test. But the Disney whimsy still shines through with musical moments from the film adorning certain holes.
Between the two courses, Fantasia Gardens encompasses mini golf fun for all ages and skill levels with Disney magic in every detail.
Dining Options Near Disney Mini Golf Courses
With all the excitement teeing off at Fantasia Gardens or Winter Summerland, you’re bound to work up an appetite!
The mini golf courses themselves only offer small concessions stands with snacks, drinks and novelty ice cream bars. So serious meals are best enjoyed at nearby restaurant options outside the courses.
If golfing at Winter Summerland, consider mobile ordering food from Blizzard Beach’s Lottawatta Lodge then finding seating at the mini golf’s tables and umbrellas to eat. Or head to your Disney hotel’s food court for fast, affordable dining.
For heartier sit-down fare, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge restaurants Boma and Sanaa provide family-friendly dinner choices a quick drive away.
Over at Fantasia Gardens, putt your way through the Gardens Course then walk a few minutes to restaurants along Disney’s BoardWalk. ESPN Club and Big River Grille are always hits with kids craving burgers or sports bar fare!
Trattoria Al Forno and Flying Fish also offer upscale dining along the BoardWalk for date nights. Or grab Italian gelato from Ample Hills Creamery dessert shop to celebrate a mini golf victory.
Fantasia Gardens’ neighboring Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotels additionally house family-style restaurants like The Fountain soda shop, Slice pizzeria, and Shula’s Steak House.
With quick bites or sit down dining minutes away, refueling after mini golf is a cinch!
Advance Reservations Available for Mini Golf
Given Fantasia Gardens and Winter Summerland’s popularity for families, you’ll likely encounter at least some wait time before playing as a walk-up customer.
However, Disney allows calling 407-WDW-PLAY (939-7529) up to 60 days before your vacation dates to reserve specific Winter Summerland or Fantasia Gardens *tee times in advance – just like dining or FastPasses!
Tee times can be booked from 10 am to 10 pm at 45 minute intervals matching typical 18 hole play duration.
Reservations ensure your group gets right onto the mini golf course at your reserved time without waiting in standby lines. However, do still arrive 10-15 minutes early to check in and make purchases.
As long as you provide an active Walt Disney World ticket number, anyone can pre-book tee times whether or not you have Park Hopper Plus or Water Parks and Sports eligibility.
Just note that regular pricing applies if booking mini golf reservations with base tickets excluding the add-ons granting bundled access.
How Long Does Mini Golf Take at Disney World?
Once you make it to the first tee either through standby or reservations, playing one full 18-hole round of mini golf takes about 90 minutes at Fantasia Gardens or Winter Summerland.
This accounts for conservative novice players. But even experienced golfers tend to pause now and then to snap selfies with creative hole features!
The Fairways course at Fantasia expects longer rounds given challenging elements like water traps slowing down balls, so budget more time there.
If everyone plays quickly in your group and no one’s ahead on the course, some parties may finish closer to 60-75 minutes. But build in contingency time since you probably want to relax and enjoy rather than rush on vacation!
Do Disney Golf Courses Have Character Meet and Greets?
While Walt Disney World is renowned for character meet and greets from Mickey and Minnie to Frozen sisters Anna and Elsa, the mini golf courses unfortunately do not have Disney characters.
However, Winter Summerland still provides a chance to visit with Santa – indirectly! Ol’ Saint Nick’s chalet serves as the culminating final hole.
And throughout both Winter Summerland and Fantasia Gardens, colorful character sculptures, statues, and murals provide plenty of festive backdrops for family photos. You’re bound to capture lasting memories mini-golfing with Mickey and the gang on your camera even without official character greetings on site.
Should You Take Time Out for Mini Golf on Disney Trips?
With so much to see and do across Walt Disney World’s 40+ square miles, is it worth taking precious hours out of busy park plans to play mini golf?
We give a resounding YES!
Mini golf presents a relaxing yet still magically themed activity perfectly mixing up theme park filled days. Kids get active running around creatively designed courses rather than just walking in lines. And the family bonding time laughing together is priceless!
If your Disney Pixie Dust starts wearing thin after one too many roller coasters or princess meet ups, mini golf recharges your batteries. The shorter duration also prevents boredom settling in compared to a half day at water parks.
Thanks to Park Hopper Plus or Water Parks and Sports perks, mini golf fits right into non-park days without breaking the budget. Resort mornings sleeping in or Disney Springs afternoons become complete with a side of putt putt!
Even on park days, Fantasia Gardens or Winter Summerland fill unscheduled hours before dining reservations seamlessly.
With coveted FastPasses planned out weeks in advance, it’s smart to have some bonus activities in your back pocket like mini golf. Pack your sunscreen, hats and best Disney tee shirts to dive into these exotic mini worlds right in Walt Disney World’s own backyard!
Tee Up Magical Memories with Mini Golf Vouchers
We hope this guide covered everything you need to know about making the most of mini golf access through Walt Disney World ticket packages and add ons!
While basic park tickets exclude mini golf, opting for Park Hopper Plus or Water Parks and Sports gains you at least 4 discounted vouchers towards playing Disney’s creative courses.
Make the quick call to reserve tee times just like dining reservations would be handled to ensure your ideal golf game experience without wasting precious vacation time waiting.
Then set out amid tropical landscapes to putt your way through Santa’s secret North Pole getaway at Winter Summerland or iconic scenes from classic Disney films at Fantasia Gardens! Immerse the whole family in bonus magic beyond the parks.
Before you know it, you’ll be reminiscing about that victorious final hole-in-one putt from your Disney trip for years to come. So what are you waiting for? Add mini golf to your Must Do list on your next Walt Disney World vacation today!
