Free Things to do at Walt Disney World
People could argue that there are no real free things at Disney World. From the admission to the parks to the cost of your flight, drive, and hotel, your trip can really add up. So don’t look at this as a totally free item, but rather items that will not add any additional costs to your trip!
Maven Tip: The items I highlight below will either be items that are in direct contrast to an item that you could be paying for, or something most people might not know exists!
Resort Pools:
When you’re staying at a Disney World hotel, there is plenty of free entertainment that you can take advantage of. From Movies playing outside to activities for your kids, there is always something going on. Each resort on Disney property also features at least one pool that you are able to go to while staying on property. This free amenity is a much better cost-saving option than the Water Parks would be, especially if you or your kids are not crazy about water slides, crowds, and that pesky admission cost. Some of these pools are awesome, with my personal favorites being the Art of Animation’s Big Blue Pool and the Yacht and Beach Club’s Storm Along Bay!
The other nice part about visiting your hotel pool, is that part of your family could do other things at the resort, like nap, while others take advantage of the pool!
Ice Water:
When you are in the theme parks or water parks in the Florida heat, everyone has to do what they can to stay cool and hydrated. Contrary to the option of buying a new $4 bottle of water anytime you get thirsty, there are a few better options available to you!
- Ask any counter service restaurant for a cup of water! – This is something that a lot of people don’t realize. Counter Service restaurants will sell bottles of water, but any of the locations with a soda fountain will also give you a cup with ice water if you ask for it. This option is 100% free and can be very convenient while you are grabbing a meal anyway!
- Bring a refillable bottle with you to the parks! – This is a great option for a few reasons. You are able to use any of the water fountains or even take advantage of the option above to get them to fill up your bottle with ice. It’s also great because you are helping to save the environment. All of the disposable plastic cups and bottles are extremely wasteful, and Disney actually stopped giving out plastic straws in 2019. Bringing your own bottle allows everyone in the party to have their own cups while staying hydrated!
Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Game:
One of the best kept secrets at Disney World is the Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom card game. This game, while targeted for children, can be played by anyone who is inside the Magic Kingdom. Located at the Main Street Fire Station, cast members will teach you how to play the game, and give you a pack of your very own cards (that you can keep). These cards have awesome artwork on them, and are a great free keepsake! There are 60 generally available cards, plus they release special edition cards for special ticketed parties at the Magic Kingdom.
To read my review of the card game, click here!
Resort Hopping:
Visiting one of the four theme parks or two water parks is usually on the agenda for most people while they are at Disney World. There are other things that you could do, and one that I really enjoy is to bounce around between the hotels and see what they all have to offer! The easiest group to check out are on the Monorail! You are able to stop by the Contemporary Resort, the Polynesian Resort, and the Grand Floridian while riding the Magic Kingdom Monorail. Just take your own resort bus to the Magic Kingdom or the TTC (Transportation and Ticket Center) to get started. Riding the Monorail, riding the busses, and going into the hotels are all free!
One thing that you can add on during this, is to do a Monorail Bar Crawl, for the adults of the group. Each of these 3 hotels has awesome bars, especially Trader Sam’s at the Polynesian Resort, so feel free to grab one at each of the resorts, and then catch a bus back to your own hotel at the Magic Kingdom when you are done for the day. You are also able to take a bus directly to Disney Springs in order to take advantage of the entertainment and dining options there from any of the on-site resorts!
Also, another great option, is to plan your monorail hop around the time for the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom. Watching these from the beach at the Polynesian is a great time, and doesn’t require any admission to do! If you end up getting to Disney World late on your first day, this would be a great way to start your trip!
Disney Springs:
The Disney Springs area has become an attraction in and of itself. With all of the shopping and dining, there is enough to do to last the full day. Entry to Disney Springs is 100% free, with your only costs being whatever you decide to add on. My personal favorite way to pass the time at Disney Springs is to sit on any of the benches and watch the entertainment that sprinkles the area. This includes the roving piano (yes, the piano drives around Disney Springs) and many acts that perform at the stage every day. All of these are free to enjoy, and are all usually really high quality performances. Sprinkle this free entertainment with one of the awesome dining patios or fun drinks that you can get, and you have yourself a great afternoon! For more information about Disney Springs, check out a full review here!
