If you want a vacation with a healthy dose of family fun and competition, we have great news for you! Walt Disney World has joined the pickleball craze. With courts at multiple resorts, equipment rental and beautiful weather, it’s easier than ever to play pickleball at Walt Disney World with the whole family. I’m here to share some tips to get you started playing the fastest-growing sport at the most magical place on earth!
What’s Pickleball, Anyway?
Pickleball is a racquet sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. An ideal game includes 4 players, but you can also play a challenging game of one-on-one. You will need a pickleball paddle and a lightweight pickleball, which resembles a whiffle ball. You will also need a pickleball court. While it looks similar to a tennis court and can often be found in the same space, a pickleball court is smaller and the net is lower to the ground.
Although there are a whole bunch of rules, it’s best to just get in there and start playing. You’ll just hit the ball back and forth across the pickleball net, staying within the designated lines. You can decide your level of competition. Choose to keep it easy, or turn up the heat! As an added surprise, you may learn a thing or two about your fellow travelers during a friendly game of pickleball.
Hot tip: because this sport is so popular, there may be fellow competitors waiting to take over your court. If you are new to the game, be sure to limit this practice time. Seasoned players will know to play until 11 and then give the next group a turn. Take advantage of your off-court time to read up on service lines and the kitchen.
Where Can I Play Pickleball at Walt Disney World?
Several resorts at Walt Disney World offer both pickleball courts and equipment rentals. Both are offered on a first-come, first-served basis to Walt Disney World resort guests. Based on personal experience, it is fairly easy to grab a court. If you need to rent equipment, ask a Cast Member for assistance. Disney Vacation Club members may borrow equipment free of charge. There may be a small fee for other guests.
The easiest way to find the pickleball courts is to follow the signs to the tennis courts. Pickleball lines are often painted right on top of the tennis courts, as you will see in the photo below. The smaller pickleball court is marked in yellow, inside of the white tennis court.
Any Walt Disney World resort guest has access to courts at the following resorts from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm:
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort: One court is adjacent to Bay Lake Tower; check out pickleball equipment at Community Hall or Boat Nook Marina
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village: Two courts are located near the shuffleboard and basketball courts; check out pickleball equipment at Community Hall
- Disney’s Boardwalk Inn and Villas: Two courts are adjacent to Community Hall; check out pickleball equipment at Community Hall
- The Campsites and Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort: Two courts are located at the Meadow Recreation Area; check out pickleball equipment at the Bike Barn
- Disney’s Old Key West Resort: Two courts can be found near the main pool and one on Old Turtle Pond Road; check out pickleball equipment at Conch Flats Community Hall or Hank’s Rent ‘N Return
- Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa: Two courts are located in the sports courts area; check out pickleball equipment at Community Hall or Horsing Around Rentals
- Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts: One court is located near Admiral Pool; check out pickleball equipment at the Disney Yacht Club Front Desk.
The courts are often near the other DVC amenities. These resorts may also offer pickleball lessons or opportunities for match play. Inquire at the front desk, or look out for one of these Recreation Activities boards around the resort.
If playing pickleball is at the top of your list of must-dos, be sure to book a room at one of these resorts. It’s easier to fit in a quick game when the courts are close by. If half the group wants to head to the pool, the rest can play pickleball without difficulty. This also gives you some flexibility. If the courts are all occupied on your first visit, it will be easy to try again later.
Do I Need to Bring Anything?
If you are a pickleball enthusiast, you are welcome to bring your own equipment! You will also need tennis shoes (no flip-flops), comfortable clothing, and a bottle of water. It can get warm on the courts, particularly in the mid-afternoon Florida sun!
Another advantage of bringing your own equipment is that you can be ready to play at a moment’s notice. Just head on over to the courts and start up a game! There would be no need to find a Cast Member and register your equipment rental.
Why Would I Play Pickleball at Walt Disney World?
You’re already looking forward to a vacation full of theme park thrills, delicious food, and some time relaxing by the pool. Why would you add another activity to an already action-packed adventure?
- Take a Break from the Parks: While the theme parks are the heart of any Disney trip, having alternative activities can make your vacation more well-rounded. Pickleball offers a refreshing change of pace and some new scenery. The landscape surrounding the Animal Kingdom courts are particularly beautiful!
- Family Time: In the hustle and bustle of a Disney vacation, it’s nice to have moments where the family can come together for a shared activity. If you are looking for some new inside jokes, pickleball may provide them for you!
- Stay Active: If you exercise regularly at home, you will probably want to keep up your routine while traveling. Pickleball gives you a fun way to burn some calories and stay active without sacrificing vacation time.
- Try Something New: If you are a Walt Disney World regular, you may be on the hunt for a new way to enjoy the parks and resorts. Playing pickleball will check-off a new box on your to-do list!
- Meet New People: For the extroverts out there, the pickleball courts are a great place to make a little small talk. Attend a clinic at the resort, and make plans to play another time. Go solo and jump into an existing game. You may even be able to cobble together a team from a few fellow stragglers.
Your Serving of Disney Magic
Whether you are a seasoned pickleball player or a curious newcomer, plan to spend some time on the courts during your next Walt Disney World vacation.
The agents at the Magic for Less Travel are here to help you plan every aspect of your vacation- including your pickleball adventures. Now, grab a paddle, put on your Mickey Mousercize outfit and let’s pickle!
Reach out to The Magic For Less Travel for a no-obligation quote!
