Disney World is EXPENSIVE. Seriously, nothing is cheap. But, they do offer some really cool experiences that are completely free. If you’re looking for some unique activities to add to your Disney World vacation without breaking the bank, read our list of 16 free things to do at Disney World.
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1). Resort Tours
There are free activities going on at all of the resorts throughout the day and you don’t have to be a guest of that resort to enjoy them. Some of my favorite activities are free tours of the resorts. Animal Kingdom Lodge offers a culinary tour each afternoon where you can sample items from two of the restaurants there, Boma and Jiko. Similarly, Wilderness Lodge offers a free tour where you learn about the design and backstory of Wilderness Lodge.
2). Visit the Boardwalk
The Boardwalk is one of my favorite spots on Disney Property. It is a lively area featuring many shops and restaurants, but also free entertainment. You can find jugglers, magic shows, and more at the Boardwalk.
3). Go Resort Hopping
Each resort at Disney is different and they all have unique things to offer. At Christmastime many of the deluxe resorts have beautiful decorations that are definitely worth the time. When it’s not the holiday season you can still spend time enjoying what all of the different resorts have to offer.
4). Window Shop at Disney Springs
Everyone loves a good day of window shopping. Spending the day at Disney Springs doesn’t mean you need to buy anything. Explore the unique shops at Disney Springs and in the evening enjoy the free live music.
5). Have a Pool Day
After a couple of long days at the park you’re going to want to spend some time at the pool. This can be a much-needed, completely free activity for the day.
6). Take an Animation Class at Art of Animation
Animation plays a huge role in the Walt Disney Company’s history, so spend some time taking an animation class during your trip. Classes are offered every day and you don’t need to be staying at Art of Animation to attend.
7). Visit Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long
Chip and Dale’s Campfire Sing Along is located at Fort Wilderness Resort. The event occurs nightly and features Chip and Dale and songs around the campfire. The event is free and open to everyone, however ingredients for ‘s’mores are available for purchase.
8). Take a Boat or Skyliner Ride
If you’re looking for a relaxing activity for a non-park day, take a ride on the Skyliner. If heights aren’t your thing, take a boat ride around the Seven Seas Lagoon or Crescent Lake.
9).Watch a Movie at the Pool
The resorts have some excellent free activities put on every day. Almost every day at all of the resorts you can find an outdoor movie by the pool. The movies change all of the time so check the times guide at the resort for more details.
10). Watch the Electric Water Pageant
One of my favorite nighttime activities, and one of the lesser known ones, is the Electric Water Pageant. The parade features floats that light up as it moves through the Seven Seas Lagoon. There are multiple places where you can watch the parade, but one of my favorites is the beach at the Polynesian. The parade usually begins at 9:00pm at the Polynesian, but check
Disney’s website for the latest information.
11). Visit the Animals at Animal Kingdom Lodge
It’s no secret that AKL is my favorite resort on property. One of the reasons I love it so much is the savannahs that are sprawled across the resort where you can see all different animals. You can make a whole day out of trying to find all the different animals featured in the savannahs.
12). Go Hidden Mickey Hunting
The details that Disney puts into everything it does is what makes it so special. Some of those details are the hidden mickeys that are hidden all over property. Spend the day on a hidden mickey hunt at your resort, or while you are resort hopping. For help with your hidden mickey hunt you can get
this book that gives you hints to find all of the Mickey’s hidden around the resort.
13). Watch Fireworks From a Resort
A Disney day wouldn’t be complete without a firework show, but you don’t need to be in a park to see them. There are numerous places throughout the property where you can see the fireworks without a park ticket.
14). Listen to the Band at Grand Floridian
Everytime I walk into the Grand Floridian I feel like a princess. One of my favorite things to do there is spend an evening listening to the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra playing in the lobby. It is the perfect way to end a Disney day.
15). Trade Pins
Pin trading is a favorite pastime of many Disney fans. Most resorts usually have a time throughout the day where cast members are stationed for pin trading. As long as you have pins to trade, this is completely free!
16). Go on a Nature Walk at Fort Wilderness
Ft. Wilderness is such a unique resort at Disney World with so many activities. One of the free activities is just taking a nature walk along the property. A fun way to spend the day and get some exercise.
Have you tried any of these free things to do at Disney World? What are some of your favorite free things to do at Disney World? Let us know in the comments below?
