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My family is planning on trying one of the mini golf courses when we go down this year. I've seen pictures and they both seem to have very different styles. So... which one do people think is more fun? Fantasia Gardens or Winter Summerland?

edit - oops, I meant to put this in the WDW forum

Moved it for you

on topic... I actually haven't tried either of those courses, so I can't help... sorry!

I've played Fantasia Gardens before. I remember it being a bit more challenging than a normal mini-golf course. It was still fun, though. That's all I can really tell you because I haven't tried the Winter Summerland one.

I haven't played Mini golf in like 4ever. I will have to look online at the 2 you speak of cause I have never seen them. I bet they are awesome!! I can see a mickey mouse head instead of a windmill but you have to shoot the golf ball inbetween his ears....ha ha ha

I haven't played mini-golf at WDW either, but I'm intereted reading some reviews of the courses.

Cheshire Cat wrote:My family is planning on trying one of the mini golf courses when we go down this year. I've seen pictures and they both seem to have very different styles. So... which one do people think is more fun? Fantasia Gardens or Winter Summerland?

edit - oops, I meant to put this in the WDW forum

I've played both. I like Winter Summerland best. I just don't know why.

It's funny how we seem to have played one or the other but so far no one's done both.

I've played Fantasia Gardens and remember it being a lot of fun but to echo slotofkit, it was harder than your average minigolf (imo). I mean, granted we were playing the 'hard' side but there was one hole that I think I took 12 shots on. I fail at golf. It's still worth doing though - we had a great time.

One thing I would caution about Fantasia Gardens - we walked to it from Epcot. Actually we came into the front of Epcot, walked through, out the International Gateway, along the path to the Swolphin, and then out across the street there to get to it. There are paths the whole way, so it wasn't dangerous or anything, but it was oh-so-humid September and it was HOT. By the time we got there, diving into the Hippos water hazard was a very attractive prospect. So my main advice would be if it's hot out, find another way to get there (or start your death march from the Swolphin complex rather than from the Epcot bustop), because it's further than it looks.

DisBeamer wrote:One thing I would caution about Fantasia Gardens - we walked to it from Epcot. Actually we came into the front of Epcot, walked through, out the International Gateway, along the path to the Swolphin, and then out across the street there to get to it. There are paths the whole way, so it wasn't dangerous or anything, but it was oh-so-humid September and it was HOT. By the time we got there, diving into the Hippos water hazard was a very attractive prospect. So my main advice would be if it's hot out, find another way to get there (or start your death march from the Swolphin complex rather than from the Epcot bustop), because it's further than it looks.

We did the same thing: walk from Swan and Dolphin, and it is very hot! I had a headache by the end of playing the course, but it's still fun.

I mean, granted we were playing the 'hard' side

So there's two courses at this one? How many holes are on each side?

One thing I would caution about Fantasia Gardens - we walked to it from Epcot. Actually we came into the front of Epcot, walked through, out the International Gateway, along the path to the Swolphin, and then out across the street there to get to it. There are paths the whole way, so it wasn't dangerous or anything, but it was oh-so-humid September and it was HOT. By the time we got there, diving into the Hippos water hazard was a very attractive prospect. So my main advice would be if it's hot out, find another way to get there (or start your death march from the Swolphin complex rather than from the Epcot bustop), because it's further than it looks.

We're staying at the Yacht Club, and if this one wins the "Tournament of Disney Mini Golf Courses" do you think would it be advisable to walk from there?

Allears has a good run down of it here. I honestly can't remember if it was 18 holes on the hard side and just a few on the easy, or 18 total. I'm pretty sure (90%) it was 18 total and we played both sides, but it was a few years ago now. If it says it clearly in the allears article, I'm not seeing it. I do remember the attendant saying we could play either side, or do one then the other, or whatever we wanted. I don't know if that's standard practice or just because it was quiet that night.

I would think you'd be fine walking from the Yacht Club, especially if you take a moment or two to chill out (literally) in the a/c in the Swan or Dolphin. Technically we were fine walking all the way through Epcot; it's just not something I'd care to repeat in the summer.

Just be careful if you want to do the Fairways at Fantasia Gardens. They've actually warned people that play full golf courses not to play it because it throws off your game. Its a lot of fun if you don't mind getting a lot of 6's along the way. Fairways is more of a competition against the course than each other.

We have a tradition of playing at Fantasia Gardens when we are down but have thought of trying Winter Summerland this year. It is nice to hear what people are saying. Maybe that will help us to make up our minds. We do really enjoy Fantasia Gardens but don't have the other to compare it to so I can't say which is better.

I played Winter Summerland a few years back. It was fun. I haven't gotten over to play Fantasia Gardens. Maybe next trip

Rich

The point about FG being HOT are so true.....I have played it a number of times, and you seem to have very little relief from the heat.....Challenging course though......

The two courses at Fantasia gardens are both pretty good. One is a miniature golf course (no sand traps) with undulating topography and randomly placed rocks as the main hazards. It is difficult and less involving for the younger Disney visitor. The second course has a Fantasia theme and is a selection of contrived concrete and metal hazards. It also has some neat tricks to play which may give you an ear full of water or a snippet of music. It is still a little challenging for the younger player, however a general disregard for the rules and score keeping and, regardless of age, it is a pleasant and fun way to pass an hour or so. Hat, shirt and sunscreen are required on hot days as there is virtually no shade on either course.