Who doesn’t love free? Especially after having spent a fortune travelling to Disney World, tickets, accommodation and purchasing quite a few more souvenirs that we should have... Certainly not us!
Here at WDW Info And Pics we’re always on the lookout for free things to do at the Disney World Resort in Orlando so here are some of our favorite things to do without spending a dime.
Tour the WDW Boardwalk
Stroll along Crescent Lake and take in the sights and sounds along Disney’s BoardWalk Entertainment District, reminiscent of beachside turn-of-the-century East Coast. A number of shops line the Boardwalk, offering plenty of window shopping opportunities.
Watch the game or catch a live interview at the ESPN Club (no need to purchase anything),which often hosts live radio sports shows. Or why not take take in the marine-themed fine art at Wyland Galleries? Just remember to keep your wallet in your pocket : )
Take in the Electrical Water Pageant
One of the few original opening shows at Disney World that continues to this day, the pageant takes place nightly (weather permitting) on the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake, and features floating sea creatures lit by hundreds of bulbs!
You can see it outside the entrance to Magic Kingdom Park or from the beaches and docks alongside Disney’s Polynesian, Grand Floridian, Wilderness Lodge, Fort Wilderness and Contemporary resorts.
Visit Downtown Disney
There is no charge to visit Downtown Disney and there are several FREE (or almost free) things to do while you’re there.
Of cours, kids love the LEGO Imagination Center, where they can dig through the giant tubs of LEGO bricks, create a “masterpiece,” and even race their figures on ramps. Inside the store, there are computers where the kids can play games and design LEGO structures. (FYI: The huge LEGO statues outside the store make for great family photos.)
Hunt for hidden Mickeys
One of our very favorite things to do is to keep an eye out for the famous mouse ears that are interspersed throughout the park. Believe me when I tell you there is nothing quite like the thrill of being the first one in your group to announce “I spy a hidden Mickey …” that no one else has seen before!
Strike up a conversation with a stranger
Sometimes the introverts among us need a little bit of nudging, but one of the best ways to pass the time while waiting in line is to strike up a conversation with a stranger. After all, people come to the parks from all over the world! It’s always interesting to hear where people are from and what they’ve enjoyed about their trip.
And don’t forget about cast members! It should come as no surprise that they love talking to guests. Even better, cast members have tons of insider knowledge about the parks and can offer suggestions to make your trip much more memorable.
Make Your Own Duffy the Disney Bear Souvenir
Located in each country’s pavilion in World Showcase at Epcot are these convenient little rest areas called KidCot Fun Stops.
They’re great for when your little ones (or you) need a break from the crowds and they’re also great for a FREE souvenir. The kids can take their time coloring their own Disney the Duffy Bear souvenir. We even got Duffy himself to hold the one we made!
Catch a fireworks show from outside of the park
The beach at Disney’s Polynesian Resort is a popular (and romantic) location for watching the fireworks show outside of Magic Kingdom. The beach at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort is another fireworks-viewing destination, although it is hampered right now by construction.
Another popular place to catch the fireworks is from the boat launch at the Ticketing and Transportation Center. Like at the Polynesian, the show’s music is piped in for full effect.
Visit the animals at Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge plays host to more than 30 species of African wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, gazelles, kudu and flamingos. You don’t have to be a Disney resort guest to see the magnificent animals, which can be observed from the elevated ‘kopje,’ or rock cropping, which allows guests to view the animals from yards away.
Trade Your Disney Pins
The initial Disney Pin investment isn’t free, but trading them with Cast Members at the Disney parks and resorts certainly is
Wear a Celebration Button
There’s always a reason to celebrate when you’re at Disney World, so don’t forget to stop by Guest Relations to pick up your FREE Celebration Button. Wear it proudly during your trip and you’re sure to get lots of special attention!
What are your favorite FREE things to do at the parks? Share yours on Twitter!