Lately we have been spending some time at the Walt Disney World Golf Courses enjoying some fresh air and sunshine. (You can learn more about Golfing at Walt Disney World in our guide here.) While visiting we learned that WDW Golf offers a slightly different game as well — FootGolf. We had never played before but it sounded fun so we decided to book a tee time to check out this game with a different twist. Read on to learn more…
A FootGolf sign in the main club house.
The course is located at Disney’s Oak Trail.
About the Sport
What exactly is FootGolf?
FootGolf is a combination of two sports: soccer (football) and golf. Players kick a regulation soccer ball throughout a golf course. The holes are shortened and large 21-inch diameter cups are used to fit the balls. The rules are very similar to golf with the goal being the fewest kicks to the pin. Golf course characteristics such as rolling hills, bunkers, and hazards create a fun and challenging game.
Who can play?
Truly anyone can play as you just need the ability to kick a soccer ball. No matter your age or skill It is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise with friends or family.
Disney’s course is marked with special orange flags.
The cups are much larger than normal.
FootGolf at Disney
Location
Disney offers FootGolf at the Oak Trail Course. This walking-only course offers 9 holes for golf and 9 slightly different holes for FootGolf. The FootGolf course is Certified by the American FootGolf League (AFGL), the governing body for the sport of FootGolf in the United States. Oak Trail is located next to Disney’s Magnolia course across from the Grand Floridan Resort and Spa.
Time
While regular Golf is offered daily, Footgolf is only offered on certain days and times. You can make a reservation starting at 2:30pm or later on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays & Sundays. When played in groups of four, it is estimated that 9 holes of FootGolf should take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Our visit took us about an hour to play.
Disney’s Oak Trail features a Mickey bunker near the front of the course.
Cost
The price can vary based on the season and some other factors such as being a hotel guest or junior. You can check out current pricing here. There are also discounts available for playing a second round on the same day and with The Kickers Club. It is also good to note that FootGolf is complimentary with a Platinum Plus Annual Pass as well.
What to Wear/Bring
Traditional FootGolf attire is somewhat similar to golf with a polo and golf shorts. Many even wear fun knee high argyle socks and flat caps. But if you don’t have “golf wear” no worries, you can also dress in appropriate, non-offensive athletic attire (denim jeans/shorts are not permitted). And make sure to wear regular running shoes and not golf shoes or soccer cleats.
All you need to play is a soccer ball. You can bring your own if you wish, but the course also provides them. We also recommend to wear sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for that hot Florida sun. While outside food and beverage are not permitted, you can bring a water bottle to stay hydrated (and there are water refill stations at the course as well). Chip 'n’ Dale’s Deli nearby also sells reasonably priced beverages and snacks. They even sell multi packs of water or Powerade too.
Our Experience
Booking and Checking-In
A FootGolf time can be reserved in advance online or by phone at (407) WDW-GOLF. We called ahead and booked our visit for a Saturday afternoon. Upon arrival guests go into the main clubhouse to pay for the round. You will then be directed to the right towards the Magnolia driving range and Oak trail course to wait for your group to be called. You also get to pick out a ball to use for the round and are given a score card and pencil.
The entrance area to the Oak Trail course.
Our scorecard and colorful soccer balls.
The inside of the score card has handy rules and tips.
Getting Started
When you get called to the tee the starter will explain the rules of play and specifics of the course (such as don’t do a running kick within a sand trap for safety). The first hole is actually a practice one so you can get a feel for the round. Everything related to FootGolf is marked in orange, and we found helpful directional signage throughout the course.
Helpful signage with rules.
Helpful signage on the course.
Getting ready to practice.
Everything was easily marked in orange.
Nine Holes of Fun
The FootGolf course winds back in forth in an “M” pattern. You will come across lots of Magnolia trees, sand traps, and water. You may even see some wildlife too! It was nice to be outside and enjoy the fresh air walking and kicking from point to point. Both of us had not kicked a soccer ball in a long time and definitely got some exercise in!
The FootGolf course overview.
Disney Details
Being a Disney course there are certainly some fun details to see. Make sure to check out the Mickey bunker and the fun character topiaries up front. You may see some other Disney details while visiting too like the Mickey golf cart and other signage. The club house has lots of fun Disney inspired golf gear for sale. And in true Disney fashion you will encounter some great Cast Members and service too.
A Donald Duck topiary.
A Minnie Mouse topiary.
The Mickey bunker makes for a great picture spot.
Final Thoughts
It was fun to try something new on Disney property and we loved getting out for a bit of exercise. While we prefer a traditional game of golf we both agree that FootGolf is a great option for a casual group activity. Since age and skill doesn’t matter it makes for a fun time with friends. (WDW Golf even offers organized group events too.) As Platinum Plus AP’s it’s great that this is included as an activity we can do for free. While we wouldn’t necessarily drive to property just to play an hour long game this is something we could see fitting into a day of other recreation such as a water park visit. Folks visiting the resorts on vacation may like to break up park days with this fun activity as well. We recommend to check it out as it is affordable, easy, and fun to play!
Disclaimer: This post was written in collaboration with Walt Disney World Golf. All thoughts are our own.
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