Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Courses at Walt Disney World

The first time we took our kids to play miniature golf, it was, to say the least, an expereince. Having never played miniature golf, or held a putter before, both were adamant that they didn't need my help in order to play. A few holes, and several tantrums later about how the ball wasn't going into the hole was all it took to get them to listen. By the end of the round they seemed to enjoy it more, though they were more upset with the fact that I had won.

By the time we were ready to go to Disney World on our vacation, I had to find something to keep Andrew occupied for a few hours while Grace was being transformed into a Princess at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. So I figured, why not see if Disney had any miniature golf courses, and of course, they did.

About a week before we left for Disney, I thought it best to let Andrew know what we'd be doing, just in case he didn't want to I'd have time to think of something else (besides riding Test Track for 4 hrs). As soon as the words 'miniature golf' came out of my mouth, his face lit up, and all he wanted to know was when we were going to play - could we play more than once - did we need to get there early so it wasn't crowded - etc - etc. He was a boy on a mission.

Turns out Andrew has quite the competitive streak in him, and any chance he has to beat me, he's more than willing to try.

All of the holes on the course are designed around a theme from the music featured in the Disney animated classic Fantasia. In addition to the music after which the hole is themed, each features a poem, describing the hole.

For example, the final 3 holes are themed after 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice'', and the 16th Hole starts with:

Mickey's in trouble for casting a spell
Meant to assist him in filling the well
Now armies of brooms with a water supply
Are ready to douse anything that goes by

Naturally, as you walk down the fairway, water spurts out of the buckets being held by the brooms above the hedges to your left.

All in all, this was a very entertaining course, especially suited for younger children who will enjoy the statues of the Hippo Ballerinas, and other Fantasia characters.

Not wanting to let the younger kids have all the fun, Disney has also created a true miniature golf course, Fantasia Fairways.

The holes on this course are scaled versions of a normal golf course, complete with uneven fairways, sand/rock traps, water hazards, and rough. The holes also play much longer than a standard miniature golf hole. If you have little children who simply want to have fun, avoid this course. However, if you have older kids, who are looking for a challenge, this is the place to be.

Of course for the next year until we returned to Disney, I was constantly reminded about how we were going to play the harder course. Also, this time, Andrew wasn't going to take it easy on me. He planned to win this one (I think he managed to eek this one out by a stroke after I accidentially hit 8 balls out of bounds on the last hole).

Here, the hole markers look more like what you'd see on a standard golf course, including a layout of the hole and its yardage (actually footage).


By the way, that's my green ball next to the rock in the trap.

Every year we've gone to Walt Disney World in Orlando Florida, as part of our welcome package, we've received a coupon for a free round of miniature golf.

I have no idea if this is standard with every resort reservation, but it saves us almost 50% - the adult fee is $11.75, while children 3-9 pay $9.75.

Like I said, I don't know why, maybe because we book online? but I've gotten this coupon every year, and now that Andrew enjoys playing (there is no way Grace is going to give up a make-over at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique to play miniature golf), it comes in very handy.

If you don't get the coupon, but happen to be an Annual Passholder, you get a 50% discount on all tickets.

Disney knows how to encourage people to spend their money.

Once you pay for your round at either the Fantasia Gardens or Fantasia Fairways course, remember to keep your receipt. This receipt will allow you to play a second round of mini-golf for 50% off.

You only need to play that 2nd round either the same, or next day, that you played your first round.

It also does not matter if you paid cash or used a 'Free Round of Mini Golf' coupon.

Also, the 50% off applies to all persons in your original group. If your first round was a foursome, all 4 get 50% off on the second round.

By Bus
The easiest, but not necessarily the fastest, way to get to Fantasia Gardens is to take the Disney transportation buses. From any theme park, catch the bus to the Swan-Dolphin Resorts. Walk between the hotels away from the lake and past the pools. You will need to cross EPCOT Resorts Blvd, and Fantasia Gardens will be directly in front of you.

By Boat
From the EPCOT International Gateway, The Boardwalk, The Beach Club/Yacht Club or Hollywood Studios, catch the boat since one of it's stops is at the Swan-Dolphin Resorts. From the dock, simply walk between the hotels, cross EPCOT Resorts Blvd and Fantasia Gardens will be directly in front of you.

NOTE: During the summer, the boat can be very hot, especially if you're inside and are making several stops before the Swan & Dolphin Resorts.

By Foot
This is easiest from the EPCOT International Gateway, The Beach Club, Yacht Club or Boardwalk Restorts. From any of these locations, follow the sidewalk across the bridge towards the Swan & Dolphin resorts (obviously if you're staying at the Swan or Dolphin, you're already there). Like the previous directions, walk between the hotels, and cross EPCOT Resorts Blvd.

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