Free Things to Do at Disney World (and Cheap Alternatives)

Disney World is famous for its theme parks, thrilling rides, and magical parades — but you don’t always need a park ticket (or spend a fortune) to soak in the magic. Whether you’re arriving late, leaving early, or taking a “rest day,” there are tons of fun, budget-friendly options. Below are 25+ free or cheap things to do at Disney World, many free, some inexpensive, to help you stretch your vacation dollars and still enjoy the magic.

Pro Planning Tip: We recommend using Jessica Lieb with ET Family Travel to book your Disney vacation!

1. Explore Disney’s BoardWalk

Walk the scenic promenade that wraps around Crescent Lake, enjoy the vintage charm, and watch the Friendship Boats glide by. In the evenings, you might catch jugglers or magicians performing for free.

2. Visit Disney Springs

Disney Springs is a massive shopping, dining, and entertainment district that offers live music, fountains, LEGO sculptures, and free chocolate samples at Ghirardelli. It’s perfect for an evening stroll or people-watching.

3. Take the Boat from Disney Springs to Port Orleans – French Quarter

Enjoy a peaceful boat ride down the Sassagoula River, then stop at Scat Cat’s Club Café to try the famous Mickey Beignets one of Disney’s most beloved treats.

4. Resort Hop and Explore the Theming

Each Disney resort tells its own story through design, food, and details. Check out the tropical Polynesian, the grand Victorian-style Grand Floridian, or the rustic charm of Wilderness Lodge.

5. Ride the Monorail Loop

Hop on the resort monorail and explore the Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian. Bonus tip: turn this into a “Drink Around the Monorail” crawl, sampling a signature cocktail or mocktail at each resort lounge.

6. Take a Ride on the Skyliner

From Disney Springs, hop a bus to Pop Century or Art of Animation, then board the Disney Skyliner. You’ll soar above the property with stunning views. Get off at Caribbean Beach Resort or transfer to the Epcot line to explore Beach Club, Yacht Club, and BoardWalk Inn, all without entering a park.

7. Ride the Friendship Boats

Catch a free boat between EPCOT’s International Gateway and Hollywood Studios, or simply enjoy the ride between BoardWalk, Yacht & Beach Club, and Swan & Dolphin.

8. Try Zebra Domes at Animal Kingdom Lodge

Stop by The Mara quick-service restaurant to taste the famous Zebra Domes, a fan-favorite dessert exclusive to Animal Kingdom Lodge.

9. Watch Animals at Animal Kingdom Lodge

Even if you’re not staying there, anyone can visit the resort’s viewing areas to see giraffes, zebras, and other African animals roaming the savanna.

10. Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride

For a romantic (and affordable) splurge, book a carriage ride through Fort Wilderness or Port Orleans Riverside. It’s a peaceful way to end the day.

11. Rent a Surrey Bike

Grab a family or friends and pedal your way around the BoardWalk or Port Orleans resorts. It’s a fun, active way to explore!

12. Watch Fireworks for Free

Catch Happily Ever After from the Polynesian beach or the Grand Floridian marina. You’ll even hear the music piped in for the full experience.

13. See the Electrical Water Pageant

This nostalgic floating parade lights up the Seven Seas Lagoon every night and can be viewed from Magic Kingdom area resorts.

14. Find the Creepy Nanny Chairs at BoardWalk Inn

Inside the BoardWalk Inn lobby, check out the famously weird nanny chairs beside the fireplace. While you’re there, spot the miniature replica of the Coney Island roller coaster and Lucy the Elephant from the Jersey Shore.

15. Enjoy Resort Campfires and Movie Nights

Most Disney resorts host free campfires with marshmallow roasting followed by a movie under the stars. Check the schedule at your resort. You can even meet Chip and Dale for a campfire sing-a-long at Fort Wilderness.

16. Play Video Games in the Resort Arcades

Each resort has an arcade filled with games—great for rainy days or a quick break from the Florida heat.

17. Swim or Lounge at Your Resort Pool

If you’re a Disney Resort guest, make time to enjoy the themed pools. Each one has its own unique design, from pirate ships to volcanoes.

18. Watch a Movie at AMC Disney Springs

Catch a movie at the AMC Dine-In Theater in Disney Springs for a relaxing evening activity that’s cheaper than a park ticket.

19. Play Mini-Golf

Choose between Winter Summerland or Fantasia Gardens—two whimsical courses perfect for families. Prices are reasonable, and it’s a great way to compete for bragging rights.

20. Hidden Mickey Scavenger Hunt

Create your own scavenger hunt and see how many Hidden Mickeys you can find throughout the resorts and Disney Springs. Stop by the front desk to ask if they have a preplanned hunt with clues,m there may even been a small prize if completed.

21. Take a Nature Walk

Fort Wilderness, Wilderness Lodge, and Animal Kingdom Lodge all have trails perfect for spotting wildlife or enjoying some peace and quiet.

22. Visit Tri-Circle-D Ranch

Visit the horses that work at Disney World in their stables at Fort Wilderness Resort.

23. Enjoy Live Music and Street Performers

Disney Springs and the BoardWalk both offer live entertainment most nights and it’s completely free! You can also find live music at resorts like the Grand Floridian lobby and Port Orleans – Riverside.

24. Trade Pins with Cast Members

Start a collection and trade with Cast Members for unique Disney pins; it’s low-cost and fun for all ages.

25. Attend Free Art or Activity Classes

At Art of Animation, try the free animation drawing class. You might also find hula lessons or trivia at other resorts.

26. Visit During the Holidays

Explore the resort lobbies during Christmas for incredible decorations and life-size gingerbread houses. Don’t miss the Christmas Tree Trail at Disney Springs.

27. Butterfly Gardens

Fort Wilderness and the Contemporary have beautiful butterfly gardens perfect for a quiet morning stroll.

28. Relax with a Drink and View

Find a lounge with a great view, like the Territory Lounge at Wilderness Lodge or the Outer Rim at the Contemporary, and just enjoy the atmosphere.

29. Try a Late Breakfast at a Table Service Restaurant

Book a late character breakfast (like at Chef Mickey’s or Topolino’s Terrace). You’ll get brunch-style food and character fun for less than a dinner reservation.

30. Visit the Disney Wilderness Preserve

About 20 miles south of Disney, this protected nature area is open to the public and completely free to visit.

31. Meet the Coca Cola Bear

Meet the Coca Cola Bear located on the top floor of the Coca Cola building at Disney Springs.

32. Play on the Resort Playgrounds

Many Disney resorts have themed playgrounds for kids. Some of our favorites are at Saratoga Springs, Port Orleans French Quarter, Caribbean Beach, and Art of Animation.

Final Tips

Always check current schedules (some activities are seasonal or may have been suspended or modified).
If staying at Disney resorts, take advantage of guest-only amenities.
Have a rest day or lighter day built in to your trip to enjoy these kinds of things.
Bring comfy walking shoes; many of these options involve walking or being outside.