Have you ever wondered how to get the most value for your stay at the Walt Disney World Resort?
Walt Disney World is truly a wonderful place to take your family for your vacation. And while there are a number of paid experiences that are worth every single penny, you don’t want to skip out on these free experiences.
Here are 9 free things to do at Walt Disney World – and a few extra experiences that are very affordable!
1. Collect Character Stickers
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This is one of the small, but great hidden treasures at Walt Disney World.
You can usually find character stickers at character meet-and-greets and Guest Relations locations. Some Cast Members have stickers specific to the character at the meet-and-greet. Other Cast Members have stickers with variations of Mickey Mouse, so you never know what you’ll find!
Over at EPCOT, Kidcot Fun Stops are a great way for kids (and kids at heart) to participate in fun activities, collect cards and stickers, and learn about different countries. Find a Kidcot Fun Stop at each country in World Showcase.
Have you ever received a character sticker?
2. Listen to Live Music
There is no shortage of free live music at Walt Disney World. Let’s break down where you can find live music around Disney World.
During each of the four festivals throughout the year at EPCOT, you’ll find a series of music and entertainment events where you can find some famous names and personalities playing at American Adventure Pavilion. Here are the festivals throughout the year:
- Disney on Broadway Concert Series – International Festival of the Arts
- Garden Rocks Concert Series – International Flower and Garden Festival
- Eat to the Beat Concert Series – International Food and Wine Festival
- Candlelight Processional – International Festival of the Holidays
Additionally, you’ll find musicians at different countries around World Showcase playing music inspired by the country they represent. Where else can you listen to Canadian-inspired music and then meander over to the United Kingdom Pavilion to listen to an English-rock cover band?
It doesn’t stop at EPCOT though.
Throughout Disney Springs are many local artists playing a variety of music from Spanish guitar to Top 40 hits. Find nightly live music at the small courtyard next to the Boathouse, the courtyard in front of Paddlefish, the fountain by AMC Theater, and the AdventHealth Waterside Stage in front of World of Disney. Times vary for each event, but you’ll almost surely be guaranteed to find live music any night you visit Disney Springs!
Need more ideas on live music? Take the bus or monorail over to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort to listen to a pianist play popular tunes on a beautiful grand piano. Performances happen throughout the day, so make sure to check the My Disney Experience mobile app for more details.
Again, there is no shortage of free live music at Disney World.
3. Go on a Resort Tour
This is one of the least known hidden gems at Disney World.
There are two resorts on Disney World property that offer free tours. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge are not one or two, but three tours: the Culinary Tour of Jiko and Bomba, the Cultural Tour of Sanaa, and the African-Inspired, Disney Designed Tour. All 3 tours show and teach guests how traditional African design elements were incorporated into the restaurants and the lodge.
The Culinary Tour of Jiko and Boma starts at 4:15pm daily at the Jiko lobby area, the Cultural Tour of Sanaa starts at 4:00pm daily at the Sanaa check-in desk, and the Disney Designed tour starts at 4:00pm daily in the Kidani Village lobby. To join, show up at each starting area right before their scheduled start time.
Over at Wilderness Lodge is the Wonders of the Lodge Tour. During this 1-hour tour, guests learn all about the artifacts, artwork, and architecture that make up the lodge. To join the tour, simply arrive at the hotel lobby. Tours are held at 9:00am every Wednesday – Saturday.
4. Ride the Resort Transportation
Walt Disney was a big transportation buff, making the variety of transportation at Disney World a must.
In addition to taking the bus, the monorail is your highway in the sky to getting to Magic Kingdom or visiting Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, or Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.
The Disney Skyliner not only offers a fantastic bird’s eye view of the Disney resort areas, it also allows for travel to and from EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Riviera Resort, and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort.
Walt Disney World also offers a variety of water transportation around the resorts and theme parks. The water taxi connects the Magic Kingdom Area Resorts to Magic Kingdom. The Ferryboats connect connect Magic Kingdom to the Ticket and Transportation Center. The FriendShip Boats connect the EPCOT Resorts to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Finally, the Sassagoula River Cruise boats connect the Disney Springs Resorts to Disney Springs.
You simply cannot go wrong with Disney transportation!
5. Enjoy the Electric Water Pageant
Another hidden gem at Disney World is the Electric Water Pageant.
After a full day in the parks, make sure to check out this wonderful nighttime light show along Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. The Electric Water Pageant consists of 14 whimsical sea creature floats that make their way across the water. The best part is that you don’t have to be in one specific area to watch the show. You can be at:
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort,
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort,
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa,
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge,
- Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort,
- The Transportation and Ticket Center, or
- In front of Magic Kingdom
For an even more unique experience, you can watch the Electric Water Pageant while taking the ferryboat to or from Magic Kingdom. That way, you can check off two items off this list!
Make sure to check the My Disney Experience mobile app for show times as they vary throughout the year.
6. Marvel at the Fireworks
Believe it or not, you don’t have to be inside the theme parks to view the fireworks.
In our opinion, the best place to view the Magic Kingdom fireworks outside of the parks is either at the beach along Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort or at the pier next to Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.
You can also view the EPCOT fireworks from several areas, including along the waters of Disney’s Riviera Resort or Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, the bridge between Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Disney’s Beach Club, and the outdoor terrace at Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort.
The best part: at most of these spots, the music is piped in so you can still fully experience the Disney magic of the fireworks!
7. Visit Tri-Circle D Ranch
Have you ever wondered where the horses from Main Street, U.S.A. live?
Disney horses are not only famous for their work on Main Street, U.S.A., but they’re also famous for their work in parades, carriage rides, and even for weddings. Over at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, Tri-Circle D Ranch gives you a chance to visit over 90 of the Happiest Horses on Earth.
While you’re at Tri-Circle D Ranch, don’t forget to take a look at the fascinating memorabilia housed in this area.
8. Participate in the Resort Activities
Each Disney World Resort has their own unique activities you and your kiddos can participate in.
You can sit back and relax by the poolside while the little ones enjoy pool games, participate in Disney trivia or a resort-specific scavenger hunt, enjoy a Disney movie outdoors at night, or have fun learning arts and crafts. Of course, you can join in the fun too! One of the most unique activities happens Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, where Cast Members teach guests how to play traditional African drums. To learn more about what activities are offered, ask a Cast Member or look for the activities sign at your resort.
You never know what new activities you might experience!
9. Cook S’mores by the Campfire with Chip ‘n’ Dale
This activity is extra magical because it’s one of the only ways to meet Disney characters without paying for a theme park admission or character dining!
Over at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, you can participate in Chip n Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long near the Meadow Trading Post. You can bring your own s’mores ingredients or purchase them at Chuckwagon. Then, roast your marshmallows while participating in a sing-a-long led by a Cast Member on guitar.
The best part? Both Chip and Dale come out to meet guests and sign autographs! Afterwards, feel free to stay and watch a Disney movie at the large outdoor screen. The Sing-A-Long typically starts at 7:00pm in the Fall and Winter and 8:00pm in the Spring and Summer.
Budget Friendly Activities
Looking for activities that are more budget friendly? Here are a number of affordable activities to do at Walt Disney World.
1. Rent a Bike
At several Walt Disney World resorts, you can rent a conventional bicycle or surrey bike to get your workout fix. These resorts include:
- Disney’s Old Key West Resort
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
- Disney’s Saratoga Springs Roesrt & Spa
- The Cabins and The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
Prices vary from $9 to $20 per 30 minutes.
2. Go Fishing
For a more relaxing activity, head over to Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, you can rent a cane fishing pole and go fishing the old-fashioned way. Prices vary from $4 to $8 per 30 minutes.
3. Ride a Pony or go on a Horse-Drawn Wagon Ride
While visiting the horses at Tri-Circle D Ranch, you can take your kiddos for a pony ride for $10. For something the whole family can do, you can take a 25-minute horse-drawn wagon ride for $15 for guests ages 10 and up and $10 for guests 3 to 9 years. Note that wagon rides are only available on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings and do not accept reservations.
4. Rent a Boat, Canoe, or Kayak
Did you know that you can explore the scenic Walt Disney World lakes and lagoons on a boat? At Disney World, you can rent a Suntracker Pontoon Boat that costs $49 per 30 minutes. With a boat that seats up to 10 people, that equates to $4.90 per person!
For an experience that takes you closer to the water, you can go kayaking or canoeing at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort for $15 per 30 minutes.
5. Play Mini-Golf
What better way to relax than with a few rounds of mini-golf? Or you can get into your competitive spirit with your family and friends. Walt Disney World offers not one, but two areas to get your putting game on: Fantasia Gardens and Fairways and Winter Summerland. One round costs $19 for adults and $12 for kids.
Which activity are you most excited for on your next visit to Disney World?
Need help planning your next Disney World vacation? Make sure to reach out to one of our knowledgeable travel advisors!