It may be hugely popular, but Walt Disney World is also renowned for being very expensive. The cost of theme park tickets, food, souvenirs and (for some) staying at an on-site hotel can soon add up to thousands of dollars. But, believe it or not, there are actually plenty of completely FREEthings to do outside of the theme parks – and plenty of fun to be had at no cost. Even if you do have the money to enjoy everything that Walt Disney World has to offer, many of these free activities are still worth checking out. In fact, some of them are so out-of-the-ordinary that they might just provide that special activity that makes your vacation even more memorable. Here are 20 examples of fun, completely free things to do at Walt Disney World!
1. Watch the Electric Water Pageant
Not all of Disney’s parades are confined to its theme parks. The free Electric Water Pageant boat parade passes by the Magic Kingdom and resorts in the area every single evening, weather permitting. It usually starts at 9pm and lasts for about an hour, and is visible from resort hotel docks and beaches. Grab a viewing spot at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge or Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
2. View the Wishes fireworks from OUTSIDE the Magic Kingdom
The Magic Kingdom’s fireworks displays can be viewed from many locations outside of the park. Some are very expensive in themselves, such as the California Grill at the top of the Contemporary Resort. But others, such as the beaches of Disney’s Polynesian Resort, can be accessed for free.
3. Play pool
There are free pool tables located at several locations around the resort. For example, you can play for free on the tables outside the Turf Club Bar and Grill at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort.
4. Chase some butterflies
There are dedicated Butterfly Gardens at Disney’s Contemporary Resort (located on the left as you walk out of the lobby’s back exit) and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort (outside the Outpost). Each is a section of land designed to attract butterflies, which can be seen flying gracefully around.
5. Get some unique, free “character” photos
Meeting the characters at the theme parks can take a long time, with waits to meet the Frozenprincesses sometimes stretching on for hours. But you can get some unique character photos (of sorts) simply by visiting the Value Resorts such as Disney’s All Star Movies Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, where static (and often oversized) versions of popular characters reside.
6. Learn about Walt Disney’s love of railroads
Walt Disney loved railroads so much that he built a track for a working steam locomotive in his back garden, as well as installing a railroad that encircled Disneyland. A mini-museum, the Carolwood Pacific Room, is dedicated to his passion and can be found at the Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, the resort’s Disney Vacation Club area.
7. Explore the Disney Wilderness Preserve
OK – you’ll technically have to leave Walt Disney World for this one. In the early 1990s, an 8,500-acre cattle ranch located about 20 miles south of Orlando was slated to be developed into homes and offices. Disney acquired the property, transfered into The Nature Conservancy, and provided funds for restoration and wildlife monitoring. The Preserve is open from 9am – 5pm daily from November through March, and on weekdays from March through October. Admission is completely free, although donations are appreciated.
8. Ride the monorail
Here’s one ride you can enjoy for free. The monorail at Disneyland was originally installed as just another attraction, but the Walt Disney World monorail is an integral part of the resort’s tranportation system – and you can ride it for free. The “inner” route circles Disney’s Conteporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort – and it’s worth hopping off to take a look around.
9. View the residents of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
You don’t have to visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom to see exotic creatures. Instead, head over to the Animal Kingdom Lodge, where there are viewing areas to watch African animals roaming around its savannas. The animals are active around dusk, so avoid visiting during the day. Cast Members are on hand with night-vision goggles to help you get a better view.
10. Watch the geyser at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Image: Disney
In a special effect that’s reminiscent of one Las Vegas’ spectacular hotels and casinos, the Wilderness Lodge hosts a geyser that spouts on the hour from 7pm to 10pm. You can find it past the pool at the back of the resort.
11. Take a boat ride
Just like the monorail, Disney’s transportation boats are free to ride. Take the loop around Crescent Lake, and you’ll get a look at Epcot, the Boardwalk, Disney’s Yacht and Beach Clubs and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Alternatively, you can cruise from Port Orleans to Downtown Disney and back.
12. Watch the entertainment at Disney’s Boardwalk
The Boardwalk area comes to life in the evenings, when street performers such as jugglers, comedians and fire-eaters come out to entertain guests.
13. Have a day at the beach
Image: Disney
There are beaches all over Walt Disney World, including at many of the resorts. You can’t swim in the water (you don’t want to get munched by an alligator), but there’s no reason why you can’t build a sandcastle or eat a picnic.
14. Enjoy a campfire cookout
Head to Fort Wilderness any day of the week for a free nightly movie and sing-along. You do not need to be staying at Fort Wilderness to attend, just show up ready to enjoy a movie under the stars. Your night begins with a fun half hour of old fashioned live campfire music with hosts Chip and Dale. You can roast marshmallows over the campfire, enjoy the music and then relax for a full length feature. Movies vary from High School Musical-type teen films to Pixar animation and classic Disney movies. There is no admission fee, and you can drive, or take a bus or boat to get to the campfire.
15. Take a tour of two amazing restaurants
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of Disney’s most unique hotels – and it boasts two excellent, African-themed table service restaurants: Jiko, The Cooking Place and Boma – Flavors of Africa. It’s possible to learn more about the culinary delights on offer at these eateries by joining the Animal Kingdom Lodge Culinary Tour. The tour is led by two of the Lodge’s Cultural Representatives, who come over from Africa to work at Walt Disney World for a year. You’ll receive a short tour of the Boma restaurant area, and learn the story behind the decor. You’ll then be taken along the buffet line, learning about the African influences on the different dishes on offer. Next you’ll move over to Jiko, where you’ll take a tour of the main bar and dining area. Finally, you’ll get to taste some free samples! The tour takes place at 4pm daily, and it is not possible to make a reservation. Simply show up at the Boma podium in the Animal Kingdom Lodge. The tour last 30 minutes – but it’s worth checking in advance by calling (407) 938-3000 to check the tour schedule.
16. Hunt down some wildlife
There are all manner of cuddly (and not-so-cuddly) animals roaming around Walt Disney World, as we highlighted previously. One of the best ways to try and spot some of them is to take a walk along the path between Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, where you might spot birds, deer or any number of other creatures.
17. Learn about an amazing hotel
Many of the tours at Walt Disney World are very expensive. There are several free tours on offer, though, including the Wonders of the Lodge tour at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. This free, one-hour tour teaches guests about the design and architecture of the resort, as well as the neighboring Wilderness Lodge Villas. There’s no need to be a guest to take the tour, just turn up in front of the Grand Canyon Fireplace in the Lodge’s lobby at 9am, Wednesday through Saturday. The tour takes in the railroad museum and geyser mentioned earlier in this article, so you can kill three birds with one stone.
18. Play with some LEGO
The sprawling LEGO Store at Downtown Disney is home to an enormous 3,000-square-foot outdoor play area, packed with thousands of LEGO blocks and some huge LEGO sculptures. The first Tuesday of each month usually sees the store host the Monthly Mini Model Build, which sees kids from 6-14 building and taking home a FREE mini model. You can check out upcoming events on the store’s website.
19. Play volleyball
Most of the resorts that have beaches also have volleyball nets – talk to a lifeguard to get hold of a ball.
20. Listen to some jazz
The lobby of the Grand Floridan Resort hosts the Grand Floridian Lobby Society Orchestra, which performs nightly. You can find out performances times by visiting the Walt Disney World website.
Share your tips
What are your favorite free things to do at Walt Disney World? Let us know in the comments section below!
