When vacationers think of visiting Walt Disney World, theme park rides and Disney characters immediately come to mind. There’s so much more to enjoy at Walt Disney World, however. Unexpected outdoor activities like fishing and boating at Walt Disney World can add to the fun and start new family traditions, both at Disney and closer to home.

Families don’t have to know how to fish to experience the thrill of a catch at Walt Disney World. Disney has partnered with the Recreational Fishing & Boating Foundation, a non-profit organization aimed at increasing participation in those sports and protecting our nation’s aquatic resources, to create a variety of great family-friendly experiences at Walt Disney World. These include dockside cane pole fishing, guided bass fishing excursions, self-piloted Sea Raycer boating adventures, and a variety of other special boating experiences.

Parents and grandparents can bring back the days of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn by taking the kids to the Fishin’ Hole at Old Man Island at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside. For less than $20, families can get 4-6 cane fishing poles, plenty of bait and time together to catch fish dockside. This pond is fully stocked with bluegill, perch and more. All fishing at Walt Disney World is catch and release, and the Fishin’ Hole has staff available to help with a bit of instruction as needed. Regular casting-type rods for dockside lake fishing can be rented at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. It's a great location for bass fishing.

For the ultimate vacation adventure, head out on a guided bass fishing excursion on one of Walt Disney World’s fully stocked lakes and lagoons. These catch-and-release excursions offer plenty of thrills for all ages and interest levels, from beginners to highly experienced anglers. The 2- or 4-hour trips depart from marinas at nine different Walt Disney World Resorts. Each excursion is captained by a highly experienced guide who navigates the lakes’ waters to find the best fishing spots, as fishing conditions change constantly throughout the day. These friendly, knowledgeable guides can teach families how to fish, bait hooks, and even take the fish off the hook after they’ve been reeled in. They’ll take pictures and provide helpful fishing tips as well. All guided fishing excursions include rods and reels, tackle, choices of live and/or artificial bait, non-alcoholic beverages and a one-year membership in the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society. It’s amazing how many largemouth bass guests can catch in a short 2-hour fishing trip.

Fishing excursions aren’t the only way to get out on Walt Disney World’s beautiful lakes. Powerboat and sailboat rentals are available for all sizes of families. Sea Raycer mini-powerboats can comfortably seat up to two guests and are available for rent at multiple locations around Walt Disney World. Drivers must be at least twelve years old and five feet tall, but younger children can ride as passengers. Boston Whalers and pontoon boats can be rented at a number of Walt Disney World’s marinas as well.

Celebrating a special occasion or want to create a unique, lasting memory of your family's time together at Walt Disney World? Consider making arrangements for a pontoon boat cruise to enjoy the fireworks at Epcot or the Magic Kingdom. These boat cruises provide incredible views of the dazzling fireworks displays that light up the night sky at both theme parks. It’s even possible to create a specialty birthday cruise complete with a personalized cake or customized dining. Contact Walt Disney World’s vacation planners for more details.

These days, it’s so important to encourage kids to get outside and enjoy nature. When kids start fishing and boating, particularly at an early age, it’s easy for them to get hooked. Enjoying these pastimes at Walt Disney World can be a simple way to get started. Then, head back home and find places to continue to enjoy these great outdoor sports. Visiting the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation’s website will show you how. To learn more about fishing and boating options throughout the United States, visit https://TakeMeFishing.org or https://VamosAPescar.org.