The Re-Tee Review | Walt Disney World, Florida
Photo note: All images in this review were taken in 2021, before the Magnolia course renovation, and show the pre-renovation course.
One of the things I’ve enjoyed about our family trips to Walt Disney World is finding an opportunity to play some golf. My dad and I have played several of the Disney courses over the years, and it’s become another fun part of our vacations. Sometimes we play on a resort day, and other times we’ll head out in the morning before meeting up with the family at the parks.
That’s exactly what we did when we played Disney’s Magnolia Golf Course in 2021. We enjoyed a morning round together before spending the afternoon at Epcot with the rest of the family.
Magnolia has a long history of hosting PGA Tour events, and it’s a really enjoyable resort course. It also has one of the most recognizable bunkers in golf, shaped like Mickey Mouse, which is something I was particularly excited to see.
The Golf
Magnolia is a really nice golf course that offers an enjoyable challenge without being overly difficult. There are plenty of interesting shots throughout the round, and I appreciated getting to play a course with a history of hosting PGA Tour events.
I wouldn’t describe Magnolia as one of the most challenging courses I’ve played, but that’s not necessarily what I’m looking for when I’m playing golf on vacation. I want an interesting layout, good golf holes, and an opportunity to enjoy the round. Magnolia delivered on those things.
I ended up shooting a 77 when we played in 2021, which I was pretty happy with. The course offered enough of a challenge to keep things interesting, but there were also plenty of opportunities to score. It was a really enjoyable round of golf, especially getting to share it with my dad.
The course was in excellent condition when we played, although there’s one thing you need to remember about playing golf in Florida. If you’re heading out early in the morning, the grass is probably going to be wet. Between the humidity and morning dew, you can end up with some pretty soaked shoes. I had waterproof golf shoes, but my dad didn’t, and his feet were pretty wet by the end of the round.
Of course, one of the highlights is the famous Mickey Mouse bunker. It’s a fun reminder that you’re playing golf at Disney World, and it’s one of those features you want to get a picture of while you’re there.
Since my round, Magnolia has undergone a significant renovation, including a redesign of the finishing holes into a stretch called Grumpy’s Gauntlet. I haven’t experienced those changes yet, but I’m looking forward to seeing what they’ve done. It’s certainly given me another reason to return.
The Experience
One thing Disney does exceptionally well is create an enjoyable experience, and its golf courses are no exception.
Magnolia shares a clubhouse with Palm and Oak Trail, and the pro shop is fantastic. There’s a great selection of Disney-themed golf merchandise, and the staff was incredibly friendly, just as you’d expect from a Disney property.
Your round also includes range balls, so you can spend some time warming up before heading to the first tee.
One of my favorite little touches is the Disney-themed beverage carts. We had a Minnie Mouse-themed cart out on the course, and it’s exactly the kind of detail that makes playing golf at Disney a little different from playing at a typical resort.
Disney has also added a new putting course outside the pro shop. I haven’t had a chance to experience it yet, but it’s something I’m looking forward to checking out on a future visit.
We were paired with a retired local who was playing as a single, which worked out just fine. That’s something to keep in mind if you’re booking a tee time for fewer than four golfers. You may end up playing with someone else, particularly during busier times.
Overall, it’s a really enjoyable golf atmosphere. You get a nice golf course, a well-run operation, and enough Disney touches to make the experience feel connected to the rest of your vacation.
The Re-Tee Verdict: Happy to Re-Tee
I’d absolutely play Magnolia again. It’s a fun golf course, the experience is excellent, and I really enjoy having the opportunity to play golf with my dad during our Disney vacations.
I wouldn’t put Magnolia among the very best courses I’ve played, but I don’t think it needs to be. It’s an enjoyable resort golf experience that I’d happily repeat.
The renovation also makes me particularly interested in returning. I want to see Grumpy’s Gauntlet and experience the updated finishing holes.
Of the three Disney courses I’ve played, Magnolia probably gets a slight edge because of those recognizable features, although I think Magnolia, Palm, and Lake Buena Vista are all pretty comparable in terms of overall enjoyment.
Re-Tee Verdict: HAPPY TO RE-TEE
The Reality Check
Playing golf at Disney World is something I’d recommend to golfers, but I think it really depends on the type of vacation you’re taking.
If it’s your first trip to Disney and you’ve packed your schedule with theme parks, dining reservations, and family activities, I probably wouldn’t recommend taking half a day away from everything else just to play golf. There’s already so much to experience, and I wouldn’t want a round of golf to come at the expense of spending time with my family.
However, if you’ve been to Disney before, have an extra day built into your vacation, or are planning a relaxing resort day, I absolutely think it’s worth considering. My preference would be to play on a day when I don’t have to worry about rushing back to the parks.
Pricing is dynamic, but you can generally expect to pay somewhere around $150 for a round, including a golf cart. There are opportunities to save some money by playing later in the day, and rates can be lower during the hotter summer months. I’d recommend checking the available tee times and prices before your trip.
Another nice option is club rentals. I brought my own clubs when we played, but my dad rented a set, which is convenient if you’re flying to Orlando and don’t want to travel with your golf bag.
And if you’re playing in the morning, bring waterproof golf shoes. After watching my dad deal with wet feet for most of our round, that’s one piece of advice I’d definitely pass along.
Final Thoughts
Magnolia is a really enjoyable golf course and a great option if you’re looking to add some golf to your Disney World vacation. The layout is fun, the conditions were excellent when I played, and the Disney touches make the overall experience memorable.
I particularly enjoyed getting to play a course with PGA Tour history and seeing the famous Mickey Mouse bunker. Shooting a 77 certainly added to the enjoyment, but spending the morning playing golf with my dad before heading to Epcot with the family was just as much a part of what made the day memorable.
Now that the finishing holes have been renovated, I’m even more interested in returning. If I have another opportunity to play golf during a Disney vacation, Magnolia will definitely be on my list. I’d love to get back out there with my dad, experience Grumpy’s Gauntlet, and enjoy another round.
Happy to Re-Tee.
Planning a round during your trip? Read my Disney golf planning tips for equipment, transportation, and fitting golf around family time.
Planning the rest of your vacation? See our Disney World guide and our family’s practical planning tips.