25 Best FREE Things to Do at Disney World (No Ticket Needed!)
Planning a Disney World vacation doesn’t have to break the bank. Believe it or not, there are plenty of magical things to do at Disney World—for free! Trust me, I’ve done just about all of them!
Since we had three more babies in the last four years, big, expensive Disney World vacations are on the backburner. However; we can still enjoy on the Disney magic, on a budget of course!
Whether you’re taking a rest day from the parks, visiting Orlando on a budget, or just looking to sprinkle in some extra pixie dust, we’ve rounded up the best free activities at Disney World that don’t require a park ticket.
🏰 1. Explore Disney’s BoardWalk
Step back in time with a stroll along the charming Disney’s BoardWalk. It’s completely free to visit and offers gorgeous views, live entertainment in the evenings, and old-fashioned carnival games (some free to watch!).
🎆 2. Watch the Fireworks from Outside the Parks
You don’t need a ticket to enjoy the magic in the sky! Great free fireworks viewing spots include:
- Polynesian Village Resort beach (Magic Kingdom fireworks)
- Grand Floridian boat dock
- Transportation & Ticket Center (TTC)
🚌 3. Ride the Monorail
Hop on Disney’s iconic monorail for free resort-hopping fun. The Resort Monorail loop takes you to:
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort
It’s a fun, air-conditioned ride with amazing views.
🚡 4. Ride the Disney Skyliner
This free gondola ride glides between resorts and EPCOT/Hollywood Studios (no park ticket needed if you don’t enter the parks). Kids love it, and it’s a great way to get a bird’s-eye view of Disney property.
🏞️ 5. Take a Scenic Boat Ride
You can enjoy free boat transportation between:
- Disney Springs and Port Orleans Resorts
- Magic Kingdom and nearby resorts
- EPCOT and Hollywood Studios area resorts
It’s a relaxing way to explore and unwind.
🧙♂️ 6. Visit Disney Springs
Disney Springs is a massive shopping, dining, and entertainment complex with:
- Free parking
- Live music and entertainment
- Fun LEGO sculptures at the LEGO Store
- Splash pad for kids
🍫 7. Get a Free Chocolate at Ghirardelli
Swing by the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain in Disney Springs and you might get a free chocolate square sample at the door. Sweet!
🖼️ 8. Go Resort Hopping
Disney’s resorts are destinations in themselves. Some of the best to explore include:
- Art of Animation (fun themed areas like Cars and Finding Nemo)
- Animal Kingdom Lodge (see live animals from public viewing areas!)
- Wilderness Lodge (beautiful lobby, geyser, and walking trails)
🐾 9. See Animals at Animal Kingdom Lodge
You don’t need to be a guest! Head to the Savannah viewing areas at the back of the resort to spot zebras, giraffes, and more.
🍿 10. Watch a Movie Under the Stars
Many Disney resorts offer free nightly outdoor movies, open to the public. Check the resort’s schedule in advance!
🌟 More Fun & Free Things to Do at Disney
🎶 11. Catch Live Entertainment at Disney Springs
From local musicians to dance troupes, there’s always something happening—and it’s totally free.
📸 12. Take Disney-Themed Photos
Snap adorable pictures with resort theming, like:
- Giant character statues at Pop Century
- Lion King and Little Mermaid sections at Art of Animation
- Cinderella’s carriage at Port Orleans Riverside
🐎 13. Visit the Tri-Circle-D Ranch at Fort Wilderness
See real horses, ponies, and even Cinderella’s carriage horses. Great for little animal lovers!
🧩 14. Join a Free Scavenger Hunt
Ask the front desk at resorts like Caribbean Beach or Port Orleans for free scavenger hunts or hidden Mickey challenges.
🖌️ 15. Enjoy Free Kids’ Crafts at Resorts
During the day, resorts often offer free crafts or coloring activities for kids. Check the activity board at the resort lobby.
🚶 16. Walk the Nature Trails
Beautiful free walking trails can be found at Fort Wilderness, Saratoga Springs, and Wilderness Lodge.
📖 17. Pin Trading (Without Buying Pins!)
Bring a few inexpensive pins from eBay or Amazon and trade them for free with Cast Members around Disney Springs and resorts.
🪄 18. Participate in Free Activities at Disney Resorts
Resorts often offer free hula lessons, games, trivia, and more throughout the day. Just ask for the schedule.
🎄 19. Visit During the Holidays
During Christmas, Halloween, or Easter, Disney resorts and Disney Springs go all-out with incredible decorations—no ticket needed!
🎉 20. Check Out Special Events at Disney Springs
Events like art festivals, Disney+ promotions, and more often include interactive (free) activities for families.
🛺 How to Get to Disney Resorts Without a Park Ticket
You don’t need to be staying at a Disney resort to explore them—and getting there is easy and totally free! Here are a few simple ways to reach the resorts:
- Park at Disney Springs (Free parking!) – Then hop on a bus to any Disney resort from the bus terminal.
- Use the Monorail – Board from the Transportation & Ticket Center (TTC) and visit the Polynesian, Grand Floridian, and Contemporary resorts.
- Hop on a Boat – Boats run between:
- Magic Kingdom and nearby resorts (Polynesian, Grand Floridian, Wilderness Lodge, Fort Wilderness)
- Disney Springs and Port Orleans or Saratoga Springs
- Ride the Skyliner – Take the Disney Skyliner from Caribbean Beach, Pop Century, Art of Animation, or Riviera to explore connected resorts.
- Ask to visit a resort gate – Let the security Cast Member know you’re exploring or dining (no ticket needed, but parking access is sometimes limited during peak times).
💡 Pro tip: If driving, it’s usually easiest to park for free at Disney Springs and use transportation from there!
🌞 Tips for Enjoying Disney on a Budget
- Bring your own snacks and water.
- Use Disney’s free Wi-Fi everywhere.
- Bring a refillable water bottle to fill at resorts or Disney Springs.
- Use the My Disney Experience app to navigate and check event times.
💰Dollar Tree Must Haves for a Disney World Vacation
Have a Disney trip on the horizon? Find the best Dollar Tree must haves for Disney that will save you money and make your trip easier!
🧳 Magical Memories Await!
You don’t need a park ticket to enjoy the Disney magic! With these 25 free things to do at Disney World, you can create amazing memories on a budget. Whether you’re resort-hopping, watching fireworks, or sailing on the Skyliner, there’s plenty of pixie dust to go around—absolutely free.
