For many, planning a trip to Walt Disney World is a dream come true, but it can also take a significant toll on the budget. With so many exciting elements to consider—like choosing the perfect accommodations, booking flights, purchasing park passes, and budgeting for all the incredible dining and snacks—it’s easy to see how costs can add up quickly. But, did you know there are some free things to do at Walt Disney World?

However, with the right planning and strategies, that dream vacation can become an unforgettable reality without breaking the bank! Take a look at our top “free” things to do at Disney World.

Go on a Hidden Mickey Scavenger Hunt!

Hidden Mickeys are all over Walt Disney World property. You can find them in Disney Springs, Disney resorts, and throughout the parks. Take the family and see how many you can find. Make it a game of it by taking photos of the Mickeys to print out and make a scrap book when you get home!

Photo Courtesy Disney

Take a Free Drawing Class!

Head over to Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and learn how to draw one of your favorite Disney pals.  While you’re there you can walk around the resort and take pictures with the fun Lion King, Finding Nemo, Cars, and Little Mermaid features around the resort.  

Sample Coke’s From Around the World at Club Cool!

Club Cool at EPCOT is a fun and free attraction hosted by Coca-Cola, where guests can sample a variety of international sodas from around the world. Located near the Creations Shop in World Celebration, this spot offers a refreshing break during your day at the park while giving you a taste of global flavors! Sample unique Coca-Cola products from countries like Italy, Japan, South Africa, and more. Each soda has its own distinct flavor, ranging from sweet and fruity to bold and unexpected (hello, Beverly!

Watch a Free Concert at Epcot!

Located at the America Gardens Theater (at the American Adventure Pavilion) you can watch free concerts year-round. Concerts are often offered during seasonal festivals. There will always be something going on and it’s very likely there will be a free concert during your stay! Keep an eye out as we always post the most up to date concert line-up.

People Watch or Window Shop at Disney Springs

People Watching and Window Shopping at Disney Springs are two of the best ways to soak in the lively atmosphere and enjoy a more relaxed Disney experience without spending a dime. Here’s what makes each activity special:

People Watching

Disney Springs is a bustling hub of entertainment, dining, and shopping, making it the perfect spot to people-watch.

• Vibrant Atmosphere: From families on vacation to street performers entertaining crowds, there’s always something or someone interesting to observe.
• Prime Spots: Grab a seat on one of the many benches, or relax at outdoor seating near restaurants and walkways. Great areas include the Marketplace Fountain or the outdoor spaces by the AMC Theater.
• Live Entertainment: Often, you’ll catch musicians, dancers, and other performers adding to the festive energy.

Window Shopping

Disney Springs is home to an incredible variety of shops, many offering unique merchandise and magical displays. Even if you’re not buying, it’s a treat to explore!

• High-End Retailers: Stroll through stores like Coach, Kate Spade, and Pandora for luxury window shopping.
• Disney-Themed Shops: Visit World of Disney (the largest Disney store in the world!) or The LEGO Store to admire whimsical displays.
• Unique Boutiques: Check out places like Basin for handcrafted soaps or Coca-Cola Store for branded items and fun Coke memorabilia.
• Seasonal Displays: During the holidays, many stores create stunning themed windows worth stopping to admire.

Go Swimming!

Walt Disney World resorts are home to some of the most creative, immersive, and fun pools you’ll find anywhere! Whether you’re looking for relaxation, family fun, or thrilling water slides, there’s a pool for everyone. Having fun at the pool is a great way to spend some quality family time too. Disney resorts have some of the best pools and often the best water slides. 

Themed Pools

• Resort-Specific Themes: Each pool matches its resort’s theme, immersing guests in a unique atmosphere.
  • Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts: A sprawling mini-water park with a sandy bottom, lazy river, and a pirate-themed waterslide.
  • Big Blue Pool at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort: The largest pool at Disney World, themed to Finding Nemo with underwater speakers.
  • Lava Pool at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort: Features a towering volcano with a thrilling waterslide and a beautiful view of the Seven Seas Lagoon.

Feature Pools

• These pools are the main attraction at each resort, offering large swimming areas, fun water features, and slides for added excitement.
  • Fuentes del Morro Pool at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort: A pirate-themed pool with cannons, water slides, and splash areas.
  • Copper Creek Springs Pool at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge: A rustic, nature-inspired pool surrounded by lush landscaping.

Quiet Pools

• Smaller, more serene pools located at many resorts, perfect for relaxation or escaping the crowds.
  • Found at moderate and deluxe resorts, these pools offer a peaceful atmosphere without the hustle and bustle of the feature pools.

Kiddie Pools and Splash Pads

• Designed for the littlest guests, these areas include shallow pools, fountains, and playful water features.
  • Uwanja Camp at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge: A splash area with fun zones for toddlers and kids.
  • The Kidlani Splash Zone at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort offers playful water jets and a mini slide.

Water Slides

• Many feature pools include exciting water slides that vary in size and intensity, like the 230-foot-long slide at Luna Park Pool at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn.

Lazy Rivers

• Stormalong Bay’s lazy river at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts is a fan favorite, letting guests float peacefully through its winding course.

(c) Disney

Resort Hop!

All of the resorts around Walt Disney World have so much to offer. Stroll through lush savannas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge or feel like royalty at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. Visit resort gift shops to find exclusive merchandise that you can’t get in the parks. During the holidays, see jaw-dropping gingerbread displays at the Grand Floridian or the massive Christmas tree at Wilderness Lodge. You don’t need to be staying at a resort to explore it! However, dining reservations and valid parking or transportation options may be required. Use Disney buses, boats, Skyliner, or Monorail to easily hop between resorts.

Take a Free Boat Ride!

There are several scenic boat rides to choose from, including Port Orleans to Disney Springs loop along the Sassagoula River; the Polynesian, Grand Floridian, and Magic Kingdom loop; the Magic Kingdom, Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge, and Fort Wilderness loop; and the Crescent Lake loop which stops at Epcot, Boardwalk, Yacht/Beach Club, Swan/Dolphin, and Hollywood Studios.

Free Movies!

Several Disney World Resorts have free outdoor movie nights. These screenings (projected onto large screens) usually feature classic, family-friendly Disney and Pixar animated movies. They are often on the lobby grounds near the pools or in an open play area. Cast Members often have games and activities going on during this time as well.

Watch African Animals!

Over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, you can watch exotic African animals for free in their habitat at dusk. Anyone can enter the viewing area of this resort to watch the animals, free of charge. 

Visit the Butterfly Gardens!

The butterfly gardens at Fort Wilderness and the Contemporary Resort are open to the public and free of charge. Both Fort Wilderness Resort and Campgrounds feature native butterflies that can be seen in the gardens all year.

Watch the Fireworks and Water Pageant!

Get a great view of the Magic Kingdom’s fireworks from the beaches at the Grand Floridian, Polynesian and Wilderness Lodge, or watch it from the concourse at The Contemporary. Right before the fireworks, you can also catch the Electrical Water Pageant from these viewing areas. It’s like a parade on the water and even features its own music as it floats by the resorts. **If you would like a seat you must get there early!

Photo Courtesy Disney

Hop a Ride on the Monorail!

Resort hopping is a lot of fun, what is even better is riding in the sky on Disney’s Monorail. 

• The monorail system has three lines:
  • Resort Monorail: Stops at all the stations on the loop, including the resorts and Magic Kingdom. This line is a good way to explore the resorts or dine around them 
     
  • Express Monorail: Goes directly from the Transportation and Ticket Center to Magic Kingdom Park. 
     
  • Epcot Monorail: Goes directly from the Transportation and Ticket Center to EPCOT. 

Watch Old Faithful!

Head to the backside of Wilderness Lodge to see a miniature version of Old Faithful. The geyser is open to the public, free to view, and spouts on the hour (between 7 am – 10 pm).

Free Children’s Activities!

Some Disney Resort hotels offer fun kids programs. These free recreational programs offer activities ranging from pool games to arts and crafts. These activities keep children engaged and entertained after their exciting day at the park. Boredom is seldom a problem at Walt Disney World!

Professor Heather

Heather is the proud owner of Theme Park Professor and Winds in the East Travel. For over 10 years, she has been covering everything from the latest merchandise to breaking news for her readers. As a New York native, Heather makes sure to visit the Orlando parks a few times a month, especially during the colder months. After all, what’s the point of having a Walt Disney World Annual Pass if you don’t use it?

Heather is a self-proclaimed Potterhead and also visits the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the rest of Universal Orlando Resort multiple times a month. So, “Wands up!” for all the fellow Potterheads out there!