An afternoon at Bonanza Mini Golf
We just got back from spending the afternoon at Bonanza Golf & Gifts on Highway 192 in Kissimmee. I’ve driven past it loads of times and finally decided to check it out with my dad. Now I’m wondering why we didn’t go sooner!
This place has two full 18-hole courses: the Prospector and the Gold Nugget, both with a Wild West mining theme. We ended up doing both—because once we started, we couldn’t stop. Each course had its own vibe, and we had so many laughs along the way. Definitely five stars from me!
⛏️ The Prospector Course – Challenging and Full of Surprises
We tackled the Prospector Course first, which is the more challenging of the two. It has loads of elevation changes, little bridges, water features, and boulders. At first glance it looks pretty chill, but don’t let it fool you—some of those holes are downright sneaky!
My dad started the round all confident, lined up his first shot like he was about to win the Masters… and the ball hit a rock and bounced right back to his feet. I’m pretty sure we both laughed for about two minutes straight. A few holes later, I accidentally hit mine a bit too hard and watched it fly straight into the water. Cue a rescue mission using my putter—and yes, I got it back (but ended up with a wet sock for the rest of the round 😅).
There’s a great mix of fun, tricky, and just plain weird holes, which makes it perfect if you’re even slightly competitive. We kept score, but I’m not going to say who won because… well, let’s just say it wasn’t my Dad.
🏔️ The Gold Nugget Course – Relaxed, Scenic, and Still Lots of Fun
After that, we went straight into the Gold Nugget Course. This one is built around a big central mountain and feels a little more relaxed. It’s very similar to the Prospector, and again, it’s ideal for younger kids, beginners, or anyone who just wants a bit more of a laid-back round.
That said, there were still a few holes that surprised us—and one that gave me a super lucky hole-in-one (yes, I’m claiming it as skill!). The course weaves through caves and tunnels, and the scenery adds a lot to the whole experience.
The great thing about both courses is how clean and well-maintained everything is. The paths, landscaping, and even the scorecards all looked fresh and cared for, which definitely added to the experience. The huge rock water feature that the courses are built around is very impressive and is a bit “Disney-esque”
🛍️ A Gift Shop That Goes Way Beyond Mini Golf
Once we finished both rounds, we had a look inside the gift shop – it’s massive. Way bigger than I expected! It’s filled with souvenirs, toys, t-shirts, beach gear, snacks, and some really funny Florida-themed stuff. I nearly bought a mug shaped like a flamingo, and I’m still not sure why I didn’t.
Even if you’re not playing golf, it’d be worth stopping in just to browse. They also sell cold drinks and ice cream, which we were more than ready for after 36 holes in the sun.
✅ Final Verdict – A Must-Do for Some Classic Holiday Fun
If you’re anywhere near Kissimmee or the Disney area and want to do something that doesn’t involve huge crowds or long lines, Bonanza Golf & Gifts is a brilliant choice. Whether you’re with family, friends, or just fancy a lighthearted challenge, it’s the kind of place where you can enjoy a few hours of good, old-fashioned fun.
We left smiling, slightly sunburned, and already planning to come back.
Top tips from me:
- Go earlier or later in the day to avoid the midday heat
- Bring water (or grab a drink there)
- Be prepared to laugh… and maybe lose a golf ball or two
- And if your ball goes for a swim, just embrace it – it’s all part of the adventure
Would 100% recommend.
