What It's Like Golfing at Disney - The Most Magical Place on Turf
Disney is more than just theme parks. See what Disney's golf courses have to offer from when I went golfing at The Most Magical Place on Turf.
Golf at Disney World
Disney is home to the Most Magical Place on Turf! Step away from the theme parks and go for a round of golf. You will find four golf courses at Disney World. Three of them are 18-hole courses, and one is a 9-hole course. The courses are Disney's Lake Buena Vista, Disney's Palm, Disney's Magnolia, and Disney's Oak Trail.
Disneys Magnolia Golf Course just received a major refurbishment. This was a multi-year renovation that was finally completed in March 2025. You can read more about the refurbishment HERE.
Be sure to check out our complete guide to golf at Walt Disney World HERE.
Reservations/Tee Times
Tee times are highly recommended and can be made up to 90 days in advance. Walk-ups are available if there is availability; however, a tee time is still strongly suggested.
Discounts are available!
Discounts are available too! Annual passholders, Disney vacation club members, military, and AAA diamond vacation participants can all receive a 15% discount on green fees with the appropriate proof of eligibility. At the time of this writing, tee times can be made through GolfNow as well.
Disney's Lake Buena Vista Golf Course
Disney's Lake Buena Vista Course has hosted several professional events, including the PGA Tour, the LPGA Tour, and USGA events. What better place to play than where the pros have?
This course features beautiful, bunkered greens that force golfers to be accurate as they approach. It also boasts a difficult island green that I will add was a lot of fun to play!
I chose to play at Disney's Lake Buena Vista Golf Course because the price was significantly lower than at other courses, but still offered a championship course.
Arrival
If you are staying at a Walt Disney World resort hotel, you can receive complimentary transportation. To take advantage of this free transportation, request a ride at the Valet Desk or Bell Services. On your return from the golf course, you speak with any golf operations staff member at the course!
Disney recommends arriving at least 30 minutes before your tee time. I (Heather) recommend more than that.
Upon arrival, you check in at the pro shop. You let them know if any rentals are needed, and complete your purchase. When I paid for my reservation, the Cast Member informed me that an additional discount would be applied due to aeration. I was grateful for this; however, once I was on the course, several holes were in pretty rough shape. I appreciate that Disney understood this and compensated golfers.
I purchased rental clubs for my round. If you didn't bring them, golf shoes are available for rent. This makes packing for your Disney golf day a breeze!
When I headed out to my golf cart (included with your greens fee), it was already loaded up with my rental clubs. The 18-hole rental included two sleeves of balls.
Before taking my cart and clubs, a cast member went over what clubs are included with my rental. This is also so you know how many clubs you are responsible for. You will also need to sign a waiver stating that you will return all the clubs in the condition you received them.
Before Your Round
If you arrive early, you can warm up on the range. This is included with your green fees. You get a small bucket of balls, just enough to warm up.
I felt this was especially beneficial when I was using rental clubs. The rental clubs were in decent shape and a current Taylormade model. Cast Members directed me to the range. Unfortunately, the driving range was not in the best shape either, but it provided what it needed to.
There is also a putting green near the first tee. Giving you a chance to practice those birdie putts you are sure to make (one can hope pixie dust is on the golf course too!).
Your Round
There is a starter on the first tee who explains when to go and some of the local rules.
IMPORTANT Warning: Alligators, snakes, and other wildlife are present at many golf course areas and waterways. It is unsafe and illegal to feed wildlife.
Another takeaway from the starter: have fun! This is The Most Magical Place after all. Keep up with the pace of play, and take a drop if you can't find your ball. Drop zones are shaped like a Mickey rather than a regular drop circle. I loved this magical Disney touch.
There are Disney touches throughout the course, from the flags to the cup! You can even find sand traps shaped like Mickey Mouse!
The golf cart is also equipped with GPS and a digital scorecard! A paper scorecard is still provided, but it offers a fun option. On the GPS, it also shows you if you are on pace for your round, and how much time you are ahead or behind.
On The Course
There are several shelters and bathrooms located on the course. These locations are marked on your scorecard. There are also 2 AEDs located on the course (one on the front nine, and one on the back nine) that are marked on the scorecard as well.
You will also find a Walt Disney World golf character-themed refreshment cart! From the cart, you can purchase beverages and small snack items.
Your golf cart has a cooler on the side. Each cooler is stocked with ice to keep your beverages cool throughout your round.
If you are looking for something more substantial after your round, you can visit Chip 'N Dale's Cafe at Lake Buena Vista Golf Course (review to come).
Pro Shop
You can visit the pro shop before or after your round to find all your favorite Disney-inspired golf merchandise. Items include shirts, hats, club head covers, bags, ball markers, green repairers, tees, and so much more!
If you are looking for more options, I recommend visiting the pro shop at Disney's Magnolia and Palm Golf Courses, as it has a much larger selection. There was still a decent selection, but Magnolia and Palm's pro shop was significantly bigger.
Final Thoughts
As you see, Disney World really does have so much more to offer than just theme parks. This was a fun round of golf and a great day away from the parks.
A round of golf at Disney World can be a great way to enjoy Disney without hitting the parks.
It's great that Disney offers different experiences, as this allows people from all walks of life to enjoy Disney. This can also help balance vacations with people who don't want to spend all their time in the parks.
I had such a great time, and can't wait to play there again!
Have you ever golfed at Disney World? Would you enjoy golfing on a Disney vacation? Let us know in the comments below, and be sure to share this post with your friends!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Heather loves all things Disney! She loves visiting her "home" as a Disney Vacation Club Member or participating in a runDisney event!
