As wonderful as Disney Magic is, most people accept that the pixie dust comes at a price – and it’s not cheap. While you’re sure to pay a pretty penny for a day at one of the Walt Disney World theme parks, there is one place where you can get a healthy dose of Disney without dropping a dime.
Disney Springs is the dining and shopping mecca of Walt Disney World. As such, it does make it tempting to pull out the wallet and buy, buy, buy. If you head in with a smart plan and careful agenda, however, you can enjoy a filling taste of Disney absolutely free. Here’s how you do it.
10. Visit the LEGO Imagination Center
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The LEGO Imagination Center is a dream come true for kids who know how to get creative with these little building blocks. This store has building tables both inside and out with deep reservoirs of LEGO and Duplo blocks. Central to the outdoor building area is a massive LEGO race track. Small stations around the track are stocked with pieces so kids can build their own cars. Once they’ve fashioned the perfect vehicle, they can race down one of two ramps side-by-side with other builders.
9. Check Out the Waterside Stage Entertainment
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The Waterside Stage, located across from the World of Disney Store and just a stone’s throw from the LEGO Imagination Center, plays host to a variety of free performances. You can dance along with a Disney DJ, watch middle and high school band, orchestra, or dance performances, and even catch some celebrities. Sharky and Bones of Jake and the Neverland Pirates have graced this very stage in all their piratey glory.
A signboard will let you know who’s on for the evening and provide show times. If the stage is empty, the bleachers still make a nice place to stop for a snack or some people watching.
8. Stop at Ghirardelli
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The Ghirardelli store at Disney Springs has two sides. If you’re approaching from the Waterside Stage, the first door you approach is the one you want. This leads to a tiny chocolate shop with all the classic Ghirardelli favorites. At first peek, this little store may look too crowded to bother with, but it’s well worth a little tour of the cramped quarters for the free chocolate waiting just inside.
The complimentary square is usually milk chocolate with a caramel center, but sometimes you’ll find a seasonal specialty. If you have a sweet tooth, this is one free treat you can’t miss.
7. Pop into Basin
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Just behind Ghirardelli, you’ll find Basin, the luxurious bath store. Stop by the deep sinks in the center to wash that chocolate off your hands first. Once you’re nice and clean, you can get to the sampling. Try some soaps and scrubs at the sinks. Moisturize with a heavenly lotion or thick body butter. Add a sweet touch of scent with a dab of solid perfumes. For pampering samples, it doesn’t get any better than this stop.
6. Peruse Disney’s Pin Traders
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If you have some Disney pins on hand, you may be able to score a few great finds at Disney’s Pin Traders. This circular store will have you browsing in circles for at least two laps if you’re a real pin lover. The massive pin trading board offers an excellent opportunity to swap out your own tired pins for some new pieces, without having to buy anything new.
5. Play at the Splash Pads
Disney Springs has two splash pads that are popular for kids of nearly every age. Little fountains of water leap and skip around the outdoor pads, giving visitors a fun way to cool off from the Florida heat. The larger of the two splash pads is located between Once Upon a Toy and Earl of Sandwich. The smaller splash pad is just past Disney Design-a-Tee.
Come prepared with swim gear to get the most out of this spot. Children who are not potty trained will need a swim diaper. There are handy restrooms located to the right and behind Once Upon a Toy, and just right of the Design-a-Tee store if your kids need to change.
4. Play with Mr. Potato Head
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Inside Once Upon a Toy you’ll find some fun tables that are worth a few minutes of play. Check out dozens of Mr. Potato Head pieces in creative Disney themes. Let your kids stop and build in this cool, air conditioned spot.
3. Grab Some Great Photo Ops
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Disney Springs has dozens of photo ops. Some great picks are:
- Giant plastic tee shirts with holes you can pop your heads through outside the Disney Design-a-Tee store
- Oversized toy characters outside Once Upon a Toy
- Huge LEGO sculptures around the LEGO Imagination Center
- Dinosaurs around the T-REX restaurant
2. Browse the Art of Disney
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The Art of Disney is a must-see stop for any visitor. While you can find Disney tees, toys, and stuffed animals in nearly any gift shop on property, the artwork featured here is more of a rarity. The artists themselves are often on hand doing signings, so you may even have a chance to chat up one of the talented painters or sculptors whose pieces are on display. If the store’s display leaves you wanting more, check out the computers at the far end where you can browse even more pieces of Disney inspired art.
1. Watch the Rainforest Café Erupt
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The Rainforest Café is nestled inside a live volcano that erupts regularly. Keep an eye on this giant form as you’re making your way around Disney Springs. When you start to see smoke, head toward the water for a good view. The display of light and fire is worth watching at least once.
In between these fun free spots, you’re sure to find plenty of stores worth browsing. World of Disney is the largest gift shop at Disney Springs and has several rooms overflowing with authentic Disney merch. With so many free things on hand, however, you can enjoy the magic of Disney without ever opening your wallet.
