So you’ve booked your vacation and are looking for free things to do at Walt Disney World that are outside of the theme parks. There is so much more to Walt Disney World than just the parks that won’t cost any extra and do not require park admission. Let’s have a look at the top free things to do at Disney World.
Things to do at Disney World for Free
1. Visit the Disney World Resort Hotels
There are so many different Disney hotels with amazing theming that really must be seen. There is free Disney World transportation to all of the Disney hotels from the Disney parks or you can even park at the resorts for free all day, however this is not guaranteed as this depends on how busy the hotel car park is; the amount of time you can park for may be limited or parking may only be allowed for guests with hotel reservations or dining reservations.
All of the Disney hotels are open to the public, with only a few restrictions to some of the hotel amenities that you will be allowed to access such as the swimming pools, you may be asked for proof of your hotel reservation before you may use these, this mainly happens during busy times and at the deluxe hotels with the most popular pools but you may be checked at random.
When visiting the hotels you will be able to walk around and explore the resort, enjoy the theming and décor, shop and eat and drink in the hotel restaurants and lounges.
There are so many resorts to visit each with its own individual theming and décor that you will find something for everyone. There are resorts to entice the classic Disney film lover to the avid sports fans, for animal enthusiasts to those who enjoy exploring cultures of different countries. Each of the different resorts are fully themed, the décor, uniforms of the cast members, food and beverages as well as having alternative items available to purchase in the shops that reflect the theming there is so much to see. The lobbies, in particular at the deluxe resorts are amazing and have seasonal displays that fit in with the theming.
Each of the resorts have both quick service and sit down restaurants that the public are allowed to eat in, although for many of the table service restaurants it is advisable to make a dining reservation to ensure that you get a table. You will find that each of the resorts will offer cuisine in keeping with the theme that is available at both the quick service and table service restaurants. The hotel lounges are a great place to enjoy and sample the drink and bar menus that are different at each resort.
Many of the resorts have vast grounds that can be walked around and enjoyed. Port Orleans offers some beautiful walks that go past the different style of buildings, some of the resorts have lakes that can be walked around and you will find some really fun elements in some of the value resorts such as giant figures of Disney characters that offer great photo opportunities.
Visiting the resorts is such a fun and relaxing way to see and explore the other aspects of Disney World outside of the parks. It can be a great way to learn and see aspects of other countries and even experience the cuisine. Most of the resorts are spaced far apart and are big and each one will take a few hours to explore fully – bear this in mind when you are deciding on the resorts you want to visit.
You can find out more about staying at a Disney World Resort here.
2. Visit Disney Springs
Although Disney Springs is well known for its wide array of shops and eating establishments, this Disney World shopping district is completely free to visit, with free parking, complimentary transportation to and from any of the Disney resorts and transport from the four main parks (after 10am). Whatever day or time you visit here you will find a wide range of different free activities and entertainment.
Shopping (well window shopping if we are talking free!) at Disney Springs has something for everyone. Not only is there the expected Disney merchandise stores (the recently refurbished World of Disney is located here, it is the biggest Disney store on property and is a must visit) you will also find well-known names such as Havaianas, Pandora, Sephora as well as The LEGO store and Coca Cola store. Having a leisurely stroll round all the stores you won’t get bored with the variety on offer.
At various locations around Disney Springs there is a number of entertainers to be enjoyed. There are dancers, singers and musicians ranging from bands and groups to solo artists performing a variety of different genres such as classical to rap. There is even a really fun, family style disco that is on in the evenings with all the classic disco songs for everyone to dance to. The entertainment is scheduled during most evenings but may be limited to just weekends depending on the season. During the day you may find some school groups performing on the main stage, in the past there has been dance groups, brass bands and singers.
Check out the “spring” itself where the gentle bubbling that you can see is said to be the actual spring. There is also an artificial spring that has been created during the expansion. Have a walk around both and enjoy the atmosphere or enjoy the interactive water fountains that kids (and adults) love to jump in and cool down. Make sure you check out the Archimedes screw where, if you turn it fast enough you can actually make the water travel up the screw.
Let the kids (and yourself) go wild in the Lego imagination centre, situated in the outside area of the LEGO store, where there are thousands of bricks to build whatever your imagination can dream. Sometimes there are LEGO store staff who will encourage you to build a vehicle and host a race for all those who wish to enter. This is a great free experience although the creations and bricks need to be left there.
Disney Springs is a great choice for those looking for free things to do for all age ranges. There is a different atmosphere in the evening compared to the day so try to experience both.
3. Pin Trading
Although not entirely free at Disney World until you have purchased a few pins you are good to go. Pin trading is a popular thing to do in any of the Disney properties and parks and can be done with any cast member that wears a pin lanyard (green lanyards indicate that that particular cast member will only trade with kids, all other colours are fair game for all) and on pin boards located throughout. It is a fun experience, all you need to do is ask a participating cast member to trade with you and as Disney provide the cast members with their pins they have to accept the trade offered – unless they have the same pin already on their lanyard or board.
A good tip is to try and trade early on before the pins get picked over by other guest during the day although you may be able to find pins that other guests have traded later on in the day that you may want.
Both kids and adults can be involved with this and it’s a fun way to collect souvenirs. You can simply trade and collect the ones that take your fancy or try to trade so you collect only certain styles, characters or themes.
As you will find pin trading boards and cast members with lanyards at the resorts and Disney Springs too this can be an extra fun thing to do whilst you are exploring these. You could even have a little competition between your party to who can find a certain pin or collect the most of a certain style etc.
4. See the Savannah Animals at Animal Kingdom Lodge
Over at Animal Kingdom Lodge not only are you able to explore the resort you can actually see some of the animals you can find out in the Savannah. At concierge ask for an animal viewing guide that will explain all about the animals that you may see and is also a great keepsake, especially for kids who will enjoy showing off their new knowledge at school.
At the back of the lobby head out of the doors where you can get a view of zebras, giraffes and many other species. Stand and enjoy this unique view point and it is often much less crowded then the safari at Animal Kingdom. You can also get a good view from the second floor so make sure you head up there too.
You will find that early in the morning or at dusk is the best time to see many of the animals but please be aware that there are hotel rooms that are situated in this area so please try to be considerate of guest that may be sleeping. Seeing all the animals can be a great little free thing to do at Disney World.
5. Watch a Movie Under the Stars
You don’t have to be a Disney resort guest to enjoy this experience. Each night the Disney resorts will each show on a big screen a different Disney movie outside when it gets dark (weather depending). The hotel reception will have a guide as to what is showing on what night and this can differ at the different hotels.
Pick a hotel to experience this at, it may be one where you have been exploring in the day or have a dining reservation at, take a blanket and a cushion, a snack and a drink or even a picnic and sit back and enjoy the movie. A great one to try this at is Fort Wilderness where, if you can then get there early as there is the campfire sing-a-long with Chip and Dale for you to enjoy. Most resorts will also offer free marshmallow toasting around this time too so be sure to try that out!
6. Enjoy Live Music and Entertainment
Not just at Disney Springs will you find live music and entertainment. At many of the Disney hotels there is often free music and other entertainment that you can experience. At the Caribbean Beach Resort for example there is usually a band playing Caribbean style music on steel drums or over at Grand Floridian for example there is sometimes an orchestra playing a variety of songs from traditional jazz to popular Disney tunes or a pianist that will play classic Disney music.
If you time it right you may also see Cinderella and Prince Charming perform a ballroom dance in the lobby at the Grand Floridian. It has been known for spontaneous Hawaiian dancers to perform in the lobby of the Polynesian Resort – keep an eye out you may be lucky and witness one of these.
7. Watch the Fireworks
You don’t have to be in one of the parks to watch one of the nightly firework displays at either Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios or Epcot. There are many locations which you can see this from and actually have a fairly decent view.
Happily ever after, the firework show at Magic Kingdom can been seen from a number of locations. You are able to great view of these from the beaches and docks of the Grand Floridian and the Polynesian where there is often a lot less people and you can comfortably sit or stand or even relax in a hammock with a snack and a drink and watch the show.
From near the dock at the transportation and ticket centre you can view the fireworks with a fairly decent view with a significant reduction in the crowd level – plus if you are parked here or wish to hop over to Epcot you will be able to make a quick escape. Over at Wilderness Lodge so can see them too.
For those who want to see the fireworks at either Hollywood Studios or Epcot from the Boardwalk walk up or take a boat ride to the back gate (international gateway) of Epcot where you can see the fireworks or over to Hollywood Studios where you will be able to watch from near the entrance. You can see both Epcot and Hollywood Studios fireworks from the Caribbean Beach resort although this does not provide the best view.
Watching the fireworks from outside the parks offers you a different perspective as well as having other advantages such as no cost for park admission or trying to fight for a good viewing spot and battling with the crowds after. However that being said you only get the full affect of the show including the sounds and projections from inside the parks.
8. Watch the Electrical Water Pageant
The electrical pageant will take place on the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake each night normally soon after the main fireworks show has finished. This delightful floating water show is illuminated creatures with Disney music will travel around past the Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness and past the Magic Kingdom at certain times. This is a lovely little show that’s sure to put a smile on your face.
9. Ride the Monorail
There are three different monorail rides that you can take at Walt Disney World. To access these you either need to make your way to the ticket and transportation centre, where unless you are staying at a Disney resort then you will need to pay to park here or board at the Epcot or Magic Kingdom stations where you can get a bus here from any of the Disney resorts for free (you can park there for free depending on how busy the hotel is).
Another option is to park at one of the monorail resorts (the Contemporary, Grand Floridian or the Polynesian) and board at the stations here, again parking here will be free but may be limited.
The main, and probably the best monorail ride is the loop that travels around the Magic Kingdom/monorail resorts and to the Magic Kingdom itself. You will be able to get unprecedented views of those resorts, the wedding chapel at the Grand Floridian as well as actually travelling through the Contemporary resort itself. You get can see Cinderella’s castle as you near the station at the Magic Kingdom as well as a glimpse into the park.
The express monorail ride to the Magic Kingdom offers a quick but often busy ride straight from the transport and ticket centre to the monorail station at Magic Kingdom.
The Epcot monorail ride will take you from the ticket and transportation centre to Epcot where you will get to see parts of Epcot from up on the tracks.
Whether you decide to just ride one or all three they all offer a great view of some of the resorts and parks. If you time it right you can see the fireworks while riding through either Epcot or out of the front of Magic Kingdom.
You can find our full Monorail Guide here.
10. Take a Boat Trip
Another free transportation option that Disney offers is multiple different boat trips that won’t cost you any extra or even require park admission. There are boats that you can take a trip on all through Disney property, from the main ferry at Magic Kingdom to small boats that will tour some of the resorts this is a great way to experience another aspect to Walt Disney World.
The main ferry that crosses seven seas lagoon can be boarded at either the transport and ticket centre or at the entrance to Magic Kingdom. It goes back and forth all day and you can get to see a glimpse of some of the Magic Kingdom resorts as well as nice view of Cinderella’s castle. This can be another option to watch Magic Kingdom’s firework display from if you time it correctly. Be aware though at opening and closing times this can be exceptionally busy and you may not get a great view.
Friendship boats that cruise Crescent Lake in a loop will take you to Epcot and Hollywood Studios stopping at a number of resorts such as the Boardwalk, Yacht and Beach Club and the Swan and Dolphin. This is a lovely scenic trip where you can hop off and explore the resorts before joining another boat to carry on the trip or stay on and enjoy the ride.
There are also other boats the cruise the lakes at the Magic Kingdom stopping at Wilderness Lodge, Fort Wilderness and the Contemporary as well as boats that will stop at the Polynesian and Grand Floridian. Again stay on and enjoy the whole trip or hop off have a walk around the different resorts or even combine this with the monorail rides.
Over at Disney Springs you can take a boat trip along the Sassagoula River over to Saratoga Springs or Port Orleans.
Using the boats is a lovely way to explore some of the resorts or to get a different view of Disney property and all the trips are completely free.
You can find 10 Disney World Transportation Tips here.
11. Visit the Boardwalk
The boardwalk is another Disney gem that is free to visit, you can park here for free for up to three hours or take a bus or boat over from one of the parks. Consisting mainly of restaurants which the majority of open at lunchtime there is also a bakery and ice cream parlour that can be visited. The best time to visit here is after dark when it gets lit up creating a lovely atmosphere.
There is a wide selection of food and drink that is available to purchase here, from a full sit down meal to snacks. You can also grab a drink in one of the bars or even visit the dance hall (21 and over).
Quite often during the evening you may find free entertainment performed by street artists such as musicians, comedians and even fire eaters.
Although there isn’t much to do here if you do not want to purchase food or drink you can take a nice walk along the lake, enjoy the entertainment and watch or even take a trip in one of the friendship boats.
You can find a map on the Disney World website here.
12. Look for Hidden Mickeys
All over Disney World from the resorts to transportation you will be able to find hidden Mickeys that have been designed into various aspects such as pavements, art and even greenery and this is a completely free activity. Whilst exploring the resorts or Disney Springs have a hidden Mickey hunt. This is great fun for all ages and can help to keep the kids entertained. Try and find them all or more realistically some of them as you travel around. You can buy books that tell you where they all are but have a go at trying to find them yourself – you will be surprised at how many there are and how many you have probably never noticed. Making a list or even taking photographs of the ones you have found can be used as a free souvenir to take home.
Things to do at Disney World for Free
There is so much more to Disney World than just the parks and so much that is free to all guests not just to ticket holders or those with hotel reservations.
You will find something that will suit everyone in your party and will not cost you any addition money or park admission. During your next trip make sure to take advantage of some of the free activities and entertainment that is sure to add something special to your vacation.
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Claire
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