It’s no secret that Walt Disney World is expensive, but did you know there are still free things to do at Disney?
It’s true! While almost everything at Walt Disney World seems to come with a price tag these days, there are still some fun, memorable, and very Disney experiences that do not cost anything extra.
Some of these are inside the theme parks, so you will need a valid admission. Others can be enjoyed on a resort or Disney Springs day without using a park ticket at all. Either way, these are great little extras to work into your trip, especially if you are looking for ways to stretch your vacation budget.
15. Pixie Dust at Sir Mickey’s
Peter Pan taught us that all we need is a little faith, trust, and pixie dust — and you can get a little pixie dust of your own in Magic Kingdom!
Stop by Sir Mickey’s, the shop located behind Cinderella Castle, and ask a Cast Member for pixie dust. They may ask you to close your eyes and make a wish while they wave a magic wand over your head.
Full disclosure: only ask for pixie dust if you love glitter, because it may stay with you for days!
14. Celebration Pins
Share what you are celebrating at Walt Disney World with Disney’s free celebration pins!
You can usually find celebration buttons at Guest Relations, many Disney Resort hotel front desks, and select merchandise locations. Options often include birthday, first visit, happily ever after, and a generic “I’m celebrating” button that a Cast Member can personalize for you.
This is a fun, free way to be recognized by Cast Members throughout your trip, and it doubles as a great little souvenir.
13. Pull the Sword in the Stone
Since 1983, guests have been able to see if Excalibur has deemed them worthy to pull the sword from the stone in Fantasyland.
This is one of those simple Magic Kingdom traditions that families come back to again and again. It makes for a fun photo, and it is especially great if you have multiple generations traveling together. Imagine having pictures of kids, parents, and grandparents all trying to become rulers of the realm over the years!
We’re still waiting for just the right day to be deemed worthy.
12. Club Cool in EPCOT
Club Cool in EPCOT is sponsored by Coca-Cola and gives guests the chance to taste soda flavors from around the world.
Not only is it nice to get a few free sips of something cold, but it is also fun to see everyone’s reactions to the different flavors. Beverly, the famously bitter Italian soda, has become a Walt Disney World rite of passage. Some guests love it. Many do not. Either way, the reactions are part of the fun.
Club Cool Beverage Selections
11. Kidcot Fun Stops in EPCOT
Kidcot Fun Stops are a great free activity for families exploring World Showcase in EPCOT.
Each World Showcase pavilion has a Kidcot station where kids can collect activity cards, color, and learn a little about the country they are visiting. It gives younger kids something to look for in each pavilion and can turn a walk around World Showcase into a mini scavenger hunt.
This is especially helpful for families who want their children to enjoy World Showcase instead of just feeling like they are being dragged from country to country while the adults shop and snack.
10. Wilderness Explorers at Animal Kingdom
Wilderness Explorers at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one of the best free interactive activities in any Walt Disney World theme park.
Inspired by Russell from Pixar’s Up, this activity lets kids — and honestly, plenty of adults — complete nature-themed challenges and earn badges throughout the park. It is a fun way to slow down, explore more of Animal Kingdom, and notice details you might otherwise walk right past.
This is an especially good option if you want Animal Kingdom to feel like more than just a ride-to-ride park.
9. Hidden Mickey Hunting
One of the most fun free activities at Walt Disney World is searching for Hidden Mickeys throughout the parks and resorts.
Disney Imagineers have hidden Mickey Mouse shapes all over Walt Disney World in attractions, queues, hotels, restaurants, and even landscaping. Some are obvious, while others are incredibly difficult to spot.
This turns walking around the parks into a game for the whole family and is a great way to slow down and notice details you might normally rush past. It is also something that works for every age group, from little kids to longtime Disney fans.
Some of our favorite places to search for Hidden Mickeys include:
- The queues at Expedition Everest and Haunted Mansion
- Disney Resort hotel lobbies and carpets
- The World Showcase pavilions in EPCOT
- Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Once you start noticing Hidden Mickeys, you will see them everywhere.
8. Explore Disney Resort Hotels
Some of the best free experiences at Walt Disney World are actually outside the theme parks.
Disney Resort hotels are heavily themed and many are attractions all by themselves. Guests are welcome to visit most Disney Resorts even if they are not staying there, making resort hopping a fun free activity on non-park days.
Some of our favorite resorts to explore include:
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort for tropical vibes and Seven Seas Lagoon views
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa for live lobby piano music and elegant Victorian theming
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge for its incredible national park-inspired lobby and fireplace
- Disney’s BoardWalk Inn for nighttime atmosphere along Crescent Lake
During the holidays, resort hopping becomes even more popular thanks to Christmas decorations, giant gingerbread displays, and seasonal entertainment.
7. Ride Disney Transportation Just for Fun
Disney transportation is practical, but it can also be part of the fun.
The Monorail, Disney Skyliner, Friendship Boats, and resort launches are all free to ride. You do not have to be staying at a Disney Resort hotel to enjoy many of these transportation options.
Epcot Route Over Caribbean Beach looking towards the Riviera
A Skyliner loop can be a great non-park activity, especially if you stop at Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, or the EPCOT resort area. The Monorail is also a classic Walt Disney World experience, and for many families, riding it is part of the vacation magic.
6. Watch the Electrical Water Pageant
The Electrical Water Pageant is one of Walt Disney World’s oldest and most charming nighttime traditions.
This floating light parade travels across Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake, with twinkling sea creatures, patriotic music, and classic Disney nostalgia. You can see it from several Magic Kingdom area resorts, including Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.
It is simple, old-school Disney fun, and it costs nothing to watch.
5. Visit Animal Kingdom Lodge to See the Animals
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the most beautiful resorts at Walt Disney World, and you do not have to stay there to enjoy some of its best views.
The resort has savanna viewing areas where guests can see animals such as giraffes, zebras, and other wildlife. It is not a theme park replacement, but it is a wonderful free activity on a non-park day or before a dining reservation.
This is also a great way to get a little taste of the Animal Kingdom Lodge experience if you have never stayed there.
4. Campfires and Marshmallow Roasts at Disney Resorts
Many Disney Resort hotels offer evening campfire activities, and they are usually free to attend.
You may need to purchase or bring your own s’mores supplies if you want the full s’mores experience, but the campfire itself is a nice low-key activity. It is a great way to unwind after a park day, especially for families with kids who still have a little energy left.
Be sure to check the recreation schedule at your resort because times and locations can vary.
3. Chip ‘n Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long
Chip ‘n Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground is one of the best free character experiences at Walt Disney World.
Guests can enjoy campfire fun, sing-along entertainment, and appearances by Chip and Dale. You can bring your own marshmallows and s’mores supplies or purchase them there.
This is one of those classic Disney experiences that feels surprisingly generous, especially considering there is no separate admission charge.
Many Disney Resorts offer campfire activities, but Fort Wilderness adds Chip and Dale to the fun.
2. Movies Under the Stars
Most Disney Resort hotels offer Movies Under the Stars, where guests can watch a Disney movie outside on a big screen.
This is a great arrival night or rest day activity, especially if you do not want to use a park ticket. It is also one of the easiest free things to enjoy because it usually takes place right at your resort.
Check your resort recreation schedule or ask at the front desk to see what movie is showing during your stay.
1. Visit Disney Springs
Disney Springs is Walt Disney World’s free shopping, dining, and entertainment district, and it is much more than just a place to buy souvenirs.
You can browse Disney stores, enjoy the atmosphere, check out seasonal displays, grab a snack, or simply walk around and enjoy the Disney Bubble without using a park ticket. Of course, dining and shopping can add up quickly, but there is no admission charge to visit.
Disney Springs can be a great option for arrival day, departure day, or a non-park day when you still want a little Disney fun.
What’s your favorite free thing to do at Walt Disney World?
We have more free or cheap ideas for your arrival night or departure day here: Top 11 Free or Low-Cost Disney World Activities.
Comments, Questions, be sure to leave them in the Comment Section Below!
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This MDT Post By: Steve Bell and Erin Schreiver Steve is the Military Disney Tips Founder. He is a retired U.S. Military Member who's been touring the Disney Parks since 1971! He has been writing about Disney for the US Military Community here for 18 years. Steve's mission is to help military families with their Disney vacations in every way possible. See Steve and His Family's Content Erin is a MilSpouse who loves going to Walt Disney World with her family, pin trading, and collecting Minnie ears and coffee mugs! Check out her bio here. |
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My family’s favorite is walking to the Polynesian (from Shades of Green) to see the Electric Water Pageant our first night at the resort. You can also see it from other Magic Kingdom resorts. It’s an oldie but a goodie
It sure is!
I just watched it in November from the Wilderness Lodge.
The shooting arcade isn’t in WDW is it? I don’t think I’ve ever seen it.
Hi Dennis,
It was, but it’s gone now, replaced by the DVC member lounge. Good Catch, I’ll edit this.