Golf

Walt Disney World

Disney has three championship courses, plus a 9-hole walking course. Any guest at a WDW hotel who checks in specifically to play golf gets free transportation to the course.

Greens Fees. Rates change frequently, so the best source for up-to-date rates is Disney itself. Disney resort guests get a price break, and you should ask about twilight discount rates. If you plan to play only once, leave the gear at home—you can rent shoes, range balls, and clubs at any location.

Tee Times and Reservations. Tee times are available daily from dawn until dusk. You can book them up to 90 days in advance if you're staying at a WDW-owned hotel, 60 days ahead if you're staying elsewhere. You must cancel at least 24 hours out. For tee times and private lessons, call Disney's central World Golf reservations line 407/939–4653. And be sure to bookmark Disney's golf website (www.golfwdw.com), which contains in-depth information on the courses, layout, rates, and tee times.

Courses

Disney's Lake Buena Vista Golf Course. A favorite among golfers, the Lake Buena Vista course has hosted the PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and USGA events. As you play, you'll find the course winds among Disney Springs–area town houses and villas. Greens are narrow, and hitting straight is important because errant balls risk ending up in someone's bedroom. Be prepared for the famous island green on the 7th. This is a pleasant location surrounded by wonderful scenery. 1960 Broadway, Disney Springs, Walt Disney World, Florida, 32830. From $49.

Tranquilo Golf Club at Four Seasons Resort. Once known as Disney's Osprey Ridge, this Tom Fazio–designed course is on Disney property but part of the Four Seasons Resort Orlando. Sculpted from some of the still-forested portions of the huge WDW acreage, some of the tees and greens sit as much as 20 feet above the fairways keep competitive players from getting too comfortable. Amenities include luxury golf carts with GPS, a Cuban-American clubhouse restaurant, driving range, and putting green. Greens fees drop significantly for "twilight" play starting at 2 pm. Have time for only 7 holes? There's a special for that, too. 10100 Dream Tree Blvd., Lake Buena Vista, Florida, 32836. www.fourseasons.com/orlando/golf. From $175.

The Magnolia. One of the originals when the park opened in 1971, The Magnolia has been lavished with four stars by Golf Digest and was certified by Audubon International as a Cooperative Wildlife Sanctuary. The long but forgiving classic course features extra-wide fairways, and its name stems from the more than 1,500 magnolia trees that lineit. While you're working to avoid the woods, try avoiding the water hazards at 11 of the 18 holes. But that's not all. There are 97 bunkers spread throughout the fairway. Play here, and you're playing the course that welcomed Nicklaus, Palmer, Player, and other legends. Shades of Green, 1950 W. Magnolia–Palm Dr., Magic Kingdom Resort Area, Walt Disney World, Florida, 32830. 407/939–4653; www.golfwdw.com. From $39.

Oak Trail. Located across from the Grand Floridian at the Shades of Green Resort (a resort used primarily by military families), the Oak Trail was designed by Ron Garl to be fun for the entire family. It's noted for its small, undulating greens and particularly affordable fees. Shades of Green, 1950 W. Magnolia–Palm Dr., Magic Kingdom Resort Area, Walt Disney World, Florida, 32830. disneyworld.disney.go.com/recreation/oak-trail-golf-course. From $39.

The Palm. Although it's not as long as the Magnolia, nor as wide, The Palm has been confounding the pros for years. The course, located across the Grand Floridian Resort, has 9 water holes and 94 bunkers—including one in the iconic shape of Mickey Mouse's head. Shades of Green, 1950 W. Magnolia–Palm Dr., Magic Kingdom Resort Area, Walt Disney World, Florida, 32830. 407/939–4653; www.golfwdw.com. From $45.