For the more active side of a family vacation, Walt Disney World can offer a lot!  From golf to baseball, hiking to racing a stock car, believe it or not, there’s a lot more to Walt Disney World than Flying Dumbo, Buzz Lightyear and Mickey Mouse.  In this 3rd and final part of “What Makes Up Walt Disney World“, we’ll take a look at the more “active” side of a vacation at the different attractions that make up Disney World.

Disney’s Wide World of Sports:

Want to get your game on?  Well Disney’s Wild World of Sports is just the place to do it.  with over 220 acres of state of the art competition and training areas you can’t miss.  Disney’s Wild World of Sports includes a 9,500 seat baseball park, a field house, areas dedicated for softball, tennis, track & field, beach volleyball, baseball and a slew of other sports.  In the late winter and early spring, Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex is home to the Atlanta Braves as they go through training camp.  The only thing about Wide World of Sports to keep in mind is, unless you are coming to see a competition, the only way to use the facilities (paying of course) is scheduling  organized competition.

Walt Disney World Speedway:

Got a need for speed?  Even when you are on vacation?  Well if you are itching to test out one of those NASCAR vehicles you see on Sunday’s, the Walt Disney World Speedway might be a great place to check out.  Here you’ll find the Richard Petty Driving Experience, where you can ride as a passenger in a 2 seater stock car, or if you’re up to the challenge you can drive a stock car for 8, 18, or 30 laps.  Course are by reservation only at this part of Disney, and you have to be 18 with a valid driver’s liscense to sign up.  Oh, and you better learn to drive a stick shift, too, otherwise, you’ll be in the passenger’s seat!

Walt Disney World Golf:

Over the past few years, Walt Disney World Golf has been going under some changes.  At one time Disney had 6 golf course, now there’s 5.  Even more intriguing and old golf course will be replaced by a new one come 2010.  For now though the Magnolia, the Oak Trail, Lake Buena Vista Golf Course and the Palm are all unaffected.  Where visitors will see some major changes is over at Bonnet Creek Golf Club. Osprey Ridge is slated to close in 2010 to make way for a new course.  One thing visitors know is that all of these courses are expertly designed and meticulously maintained.  These course play host to the PGA Tour and the Children’s Miracle Network Classic.

Disney Wilderness Preserve:

The only part of Disney World that isn’t exactly in Disney World, is the Disney Wilderness Preserve.  This real wetlands-conservatory is operated by The Nature Conservancy in conjunction with Disney.  The Disney Wilderness Preserve is about a 60 minute drive south of Walt Disney World, and has 12,000 acres dedicated to wet-lands.  For a step away from the theme parks, the Disney Wilderness Preserve offers hiking trails,  guided weekend outings and an interpretive center.