23 Things To Do at Disney World Without a Park Ticket

We all know that a trip to Walt Disney World can be expensive. And with Park ticket prices rising all the time, it can be difficult to figure out how long you should go for. What’s worth it and what’s not, and how to get the biggest bang for your Walt Disney World buck. There are plenty of things to do at Disney World without a park ticket. So save yourself some money and some stress and be sure to check out some of our favorite activities outside of the Parks!

From visiting resorts, to free areas like the Disney Boardwalk and Disney Springs, to even just riding the monorail or the skyliner, there are plenty of things you can do to fill your non park day at Disney World. In fact we usually plan for a few days without park tickets at Disney World, just to fit it all in! Here’s a whole list of things to fill your Non-Park Days at Disney World. 

We’ve talked before about the plethora of  Free Things to Do at Walt Disney World both inside and outside of the parks. And of course, if you’re skipping the parks on your first and last days of vacation, there are always plenty of things to do at the Disney Resorts to fill the time. But what about if you’re just taking some non-park time? Maybe you’re not even actually going to Disney World; can you still visit the resorts? And eat at the restaurants? You bet! No matter your vacation plans, if you’re looking to add a little more Disney to your trip, without going into the parks, or spending the money on a Disney Park Ticket, we’re sharing all sorts of things you can do at Disney World without a park ticket instead. 

Where Can You Park at Disney World Without a Park Ticket?

First things first! If you’re planning to spend a day at Disney World without a park ticket, let’s get the logistics out of the way. If you have a car, one of the biggest issues you’ll face is with Disney World Parking. Especially if you’re not staying at a Disney Resort. As such, we’ll make this REALLY EASY. Simply, park your car at Disney Springs. With loads of lots and parking garages, you can leave your car there for the day, safely, while you explore Disney World property. And it’s FREE to park at Disney Springs too, so you won’t have to worry about how long your car is there for. From Disney Springs, you can grab a Disney Bus to any Disney Resort, or take the Disney Boat over to the Port Orleans Resorts. 

Head to Disney Springs for Shopping & Music

By far the most popular and the easiest thing to do on your Non Park Day at Disney is to head to Disney’s shopping complex, Disney Springs. This complex is split into 4 themed areas, has live performances during evenings and weekends, and offers FREE Parking. And is one of the best things to do outside of disney world in Orlando. Plus, you can grab a Disney Bus from here to any other resort, if you’re up for some resort hopping.

There are plenty of Things to Do at Disney Springs to fill your day. We most like heading to Joffrey’s or Starbucks, since we go sorta crazy about coffee at Disney World. Then strolling around Anthropologie, or Uniqlo. Checking out all the new Disney merch at the World of Disney store and heading to any of the many Disney Springs Restaurants worth trying on your non park day at Disney World. Aside from shopping and food, they also offer lots of fun activities. Including virtual reality, hot air balloon rides above the lake, and live music. Perfect if you’re looking for a little less “Disney” at Disney! How to Get There: Just Drive, or Uber! Parking at Disney Springs is FREE, and you can stay as long as you like! 

Enjoy Nature at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

If you’re more of an outdoorsy type, then the Walt Disney World bubble may be a bit claustrophobic for you. Never fear though, Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground is a nature lover’s paradise. Take a hike through the woods, ride horseback, and enjoy the beach at Walt Disney World’s own campground. Not only can you do all the outdoorsy things here, but you can also rent a golf cart and explore the campground and all that it has to offer.  

We have grown to really love Fort Wilderness Campground and if nature is more your thing, we think this is a great place to stay if you’re feeling adventurous. Grab our Fort Wilderness Bucket List for an even bigger list of what you can do at this Disney resort. 

How to Get There: From Disney Springs, you can simply take the Fort Wilderness Resort Bus. Or from the Magic Kingdom entrance, you can grab the Disney Fort Wilderness Campground Boat.

Play Mini Golf at Walt Disney World

If you’re looking for some Disney fun, without heading into the parks on your non park at Disney World, then why not play some mini golf. Disney World has three miniature golf courses; Winter Summerland, Fantasia Gardens and Fairways. Winter Summerland is decorated as if Santa Claus himself crash landed in Florida and chose to stay! Fantasia Gardens is themed to Fantasia, and Fairways is a more “adult” course, that is a little more difficult. Each course takes about 1-1.5 hours to complete, so it’s a great addition for your non park day at Disney World.

If you’re staying at a Disney Resort, you get FREE game play for 4 people on your Disney Magical Extras card. If not, you can play a round for $19 per adult and $12 per child ( ages 3-9). Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Mini Golf is located just near Disney’s Swan Reserve Hotel and Winter Summerland is just next door to Blizzard Beach Water Park. Mini Golf at Disney World is such an enjoyable way to spend the afternoon or evening.

How to Get There: For Fantasia Gardens or Fairways, take the Disney Swan Reserve Bus from Disney Springs. The golf course is located just across the parking lot. If visiting Winter Summerland, you can take the bus to Disney’s Blizzard Beach from any Disney Resort. The mini golf course is right next to the water park entrance. 

Relax on the Beach with a Dole Whip at Disney’s Polynesian Resort

Disney’s Polynesian Resort has always been a favorite of ours and for good reason! With a laid-back, tropical vibe, this resort offers a little bit of Hawaii without the expensive flight. The music, the smells, and the food are all great ways to enjoy this tropical paradise right on Walt Disney World property without a Park ticket.  And with Pineapple Lanai right on the property, you can grab a dole whip and head to their white sands beach to enjoy it. It’s a really great way to decompress after a long day or spend an afternoon. How to Get There: From Disney Springs you can grab the Disney Polynesian Resort Bus. Or just head to the Magic Kingdom entrance to catch the Monorail to this resort. 

Ride the Disney Skyliner 

Since you can ride the Disney Skyliner for FREE, why not take some time to visit all the Skyliner Resorts? It’s a great way to travel from place to place and is almost like a ride itself! It takes you to some of the most beautiful places on Walt Disney World property, no Park ticket required. You can pick the Skyliner up at Hollywood Studios, the International Gateway at the back entrance of Epcot, Art of Animation Resort, Pop Century, Caribbean Beach Resort, and The Riviera.  

Hang out at the beaches at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and have some s’mores. Or head to Art of Animation and Pop Century for Surrey Bike Riding, and seasonal snacks at the food court. Browse gift shops, try the food, and you can even play a game of bocce ball or life size chess at the Riviera. 

You could probably spend an entire day exploring the areas that the Skyliner can take you to! And if your kids enjoy the Skyliner this is basically like free entertainment for them!

How to Get There: From Disney Springs you can grab the bus to Disney’s Art of Animation or Pop Century Resort. This is where the Disney Skyliner starts, and allows you to take the track to Caribbean Beach, Disney’s Rivera Resort, and EPCOT’s International Gateway. From here you can disembark and explore the BoardWalk, or just loop back around. 

Find Some Really Great Coffee

Gone are the days that Walt Disney World is known for well, very bad coffee. At least to us, this is true! Walt Disney World has really stepped up its coffee game in the last few years and we are here for it. Sure this might seem more like a Disney Adult-Only activity, and maybe it is, but if you’re traveling with kids, they’ll thank you late for being properly caffeinated. 

We’ve done a round-up of where to find Coffee at Walt Disney World. But, here are some of our current favorites on Walt Disney World property. Kona Island at the Polynesian, Le Petit Cafe at the Riviera Resort, which is accessible by the previously mentioned Skyliner, and Barcelona Lounge at Gran Destino Tower in Coronado Springs are all great for unique specialty coffees. And Joffrey’s at Walt Disney World are everywhere, but we really like the stand at the Skyliner Station at Caribbean Beach Resort! And of course, if you have your signature drink, then Starbucks at Disney World is easy to find everywhere.

Part of the fun is actually finding the coffee, so feel free to check Instagram for any special coffees being offered at the moment. We love following @disneycoffeeblog  on Instagram for all the latest news in coffee at Walt Disney World. How to Get There: Take the Disney Bus to whichever resort you choose to find coffee. 

Go for a Walk at Disney World 

Eating at Walt Disney World can easily creep up on you and we all know the feeling. You’re walking 12-18 miles a day in the Parks but still, you come home with a few extra vacation pounds.  Luckily, you can stay in check with plenty of places to get your steps in on Walt Disney World. And they don’t require you to be inside the Parks.

All of the Walt Disney World resorts have a New Balance Running Trail; the Boardwalk is a great place to walk or get a run in; Stroll along the beaches of the Polynesian to the Grand Floridian;  Fort Wilderness Campgrounds has plenty of trails to hike and Port Orleans Riverside has some of the prettiest areas to go for a run or a stroll along the water.  How to Get There: Take the Disney Bus to any resort to browse and walk the grounds. 

Take a Ride on the Disney Monorail

It’s true that you can ride the Disney Monorail all day long if you like! But to make the most of your non park day at Disney World, we recommend having a plan! Starting at either the Ticket and Transportation Center- if you’re not staying on property and need somewhere to park, or grabbing the Resort Monorail from the entrance of Magic Kingdom, you can spend at least half a day exploring. Just Ride the Monorail and Visit the Disney Resorts along the way. Monorail resorts include Disney’s Contemporary, Polynesian and The Grand Floridian. Each has themed restaurants, gift shops, lounges and spaces to enjoy. You can even add a little more Disney to your day by searching for Hidden Mickeys along the way. These resorts have quite a few.  

The quick-serve restaurants at the monorail resorts are also some of our favorites; so even if you are in the Parks during the day, checking them out is a great break from the chaos of the Parks. How to Get There: To get to the monorail, simply take a Disney Bus to Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Head to the fourth floor, and access the monorail line for some exploring. 

Set Sail on a Disney Boat For FREE

Believe it or not there are lots of ways you can enjoy a boat ride at Disney World, without paying a dime! In fact, this is another fun activity for your non park day at Disney, especially on hot days, that can get you from place to place to have even more fun. If you’re exploring the Disney Boardwalk, you can grab the Friendship Ferry just outside the Epcot International Gateway or Hollywood Studios and sail around the area. 

From Disney Springs, you can take a boat ride from the dock to the Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter Resorts. Once there you can listen to Jazz music on the weekends, head to Scat Cats Club Lounge for Beignets, or stroll the grounds through these connected resorts.  

And just outside Magic Kingdom you can grab boats to the Monorail Resorts, and the Wilderness Resorts. We like this activity best during lunch time as those resorts have some of the Best Quick Service Restaurants at Disney World. How to Get There: If you’re at Disney Springs, you can simply grab the boat at the dock near the back of the shopping center. Or take a Disney Bus to Port Orleans Riverside Resort to catch the boat there. 

Book a Disney Restaurant at the Resorts

One of our favorite things to do on our non park Day at Disney World is to enjoy a sit down meal. You can plan breakfast, lunch or dinner, whatever you choose!  And you can plan for extra fancy, or super casual, We of course have some tried and true favorite restaurants at Disney World. And two of the most underrated restaurants at Disney World, can be found at resorts. Meaning you can often reserve a table last minute. For an easy morning you can head  to Trails End at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campgrounds, which is always such a great way to start the day. Or maybe head to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort instead for dinner at Sebastian’s Bistro. And if you’re planning some Boardwalk time, we like both Ale and Compass and Trattoria al Forno for some of the best breakfasts at Disney World. 

Take the Free Wonders of Wilderness Lodge Tour

One of our favorite free things to do around Disney World often happen at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, so it comes as no surprise that the Wonders of Wilderness Lodge Tour is on this list. This tour happens every Wednesday and Saturday morning at 9 AM, and offers up the history of the resort, and all the inspiration from the Pacific Northwest that makes it what it is. Just check in at the desk, and you can join the group for the walk around the resort to learn all the cool things that make Disney’s Wilderness Lodge one of the best resorts at Disney World.

Rent  a Golf Cart at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

By far one of our favorite Disney Resorts, the Fort Wilderness Resort and Campgrounds has so much to fill your non park day at Disney. With trails for walking, a playground, gift shop, and loads of recreational activities like canoeing, horse back riding and even a carriage ride, you can easily spend a full day just hanging out at this resort. If you’re visiting through the holidays, however, we recommend renting a golf cart and driving all 21 camping loops to see the holiday decorations. Campers decorate their sites with lights, ornaments and even blow up displays. You don’t have to be staying here to rent a golf cart, and can reserve it up to a year in advance by calling 407-WDW-PLAY. Golf carts can be picked up starting around 11:00 a.m. each day. Check out all the Recreational Activities at Fort Wilderness Campgrounds, from boat rentals to archery. 

Watch the Animals on the Savanna at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Did you know you don’t have to visit Animal Kingdom to see the wildlife? You can just head to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge to watch giraffe, zebra, bongo, impala, Thompsons gazelles, ostrich, ankole cattle, waterbuck, African crown cranes, stork and blue cranes. In fact you can even grab the FREE Animal Kingdom Lodge Wildlife Guide at the front desk, with fun facts, and an animal spotting guide. If you’re staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge you can grab the bus to the resort from Disney Springs, or plan a dinner at Sanaa, since people with dining reservations are allowed to park at the resort for up to 3 hours. How to Get There: Take the Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge from Disney Springs, or from any Disney Park Entrance.

Visit the Disney Boardwalk Area

Okay, now onto our favorite way to spend a non park day at Disney World; Visiting the Disney World Boardwalk. Frankly, this is one of our favorite places in all of Disney World. With some of the best resorts, restaurants, and activities, there is plenty to do here. You can visit the beaches and dip your toes in the sand, or rent a surrey bike. Or watch a Movie Under the Stars at the Beach Club, since they set up the screen on the lawn or beach. Even browse the giftshops, or get an ice cream at Boardwalk Ice Cream or Beaches and Cream.

And if you’re visiting on the weekends, you can usually see performers on the Boardwalk like hula hoopers, comedians, jugglers, magicians, dancers and more. You can also play carnival games and even visit the Arcade at the Yacht Club. Accessible from outside, this is another area you don’t need to be staying at a resort to enjoy.

And if you want to take some time and get your steps in while not in the Parks, we always recommend the walking trail to and from Hollywood Studios. It was a pretty great secret for the longest time and no one was ever on the trail; but even as it’s become more popular, it’s usually a pretty calm spot. How to Get There: From Disney Springs, take the Disney Boardwalk Inn Bus. This will drop you off at the resort, and then you can simply walk through the lobby out onto the BoardWalk. 

Watch Disney’s Electrical Water Pageant from the Beach

Another fun FREE non park day at Disney World activity is the chance to watch the Electrical Water Pageant Parade from the beach. And you can do this from any of the Magic Kingdom Resorts. The parade makes its rounds through the lagoon to each resort, and each offers a spectacular view to the sights and sounds of this 15 minute water parade. One of the best viewing locations is from right next to the Geyser Point Bar and Grill at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Here are the times of the Electrical Water Pageant at each Disney Resort. 

• Disney’s Polynesian Resort: 8: 45 PM
• Grand Floridian Resort: 9:00 PM
• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge: 9:00 30 PM
• Fort Wilderness Campgrounds: 9:45 PM
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort: 10:00 PM

See the Magic Kingdom Fireworks Without Going into the Parks

Did you know you can actually see the fireworks at Magic Kingdom without even being inside the park? And we don’t mean just kinda see them, we mean like seeing the full skyline! You can get that view from the Beach at the Polynesian Resort, as well as from the Ticket and Transportation Center Ferry Dock. While you won’t be able to hear the music of Happily Ever After Fireworks Show, the light display is pretty cool, and is another way you can finish your non-park day at Disney World without needing a park ticket. You can even head to Disney’s Contemporary Resort, where they play the music on the 4th floor observation deck, and watch the fireworks from there, or any of the balconies on the exterior stairs of the resort. 

Grab a Drink at one of the Disney Bars and Lounges

Located at most Disney Deluxe Resorts, you can find a tucked away gem of a lounge usually serving drinks and food. From the Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Resort to Citrico’s Lounge at the Grand Floridian, there are lots of Disney Bars to choose from, based on your mood. We love the Ale and Compass Lounge at Disney’s Yacht Club and the Enchanted Rose Lounge at Grand Floridian is one of our favorites.

Head to the Disney Water Parks

Although you will still need to purchase a ticket to enter the Water Parks at Walt Disney World, they aren’t as expensive as Park tickets and can offer a great escape from the crowds and relief from the heat.  There are two water parks at Walt Disney World: Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Although they are enjoyed for different reasons, we love them both and think they’re a nice change from the Parks. Especially when you have a longer trip. How to Get There: Parking at Disney Water Parks is FREE, so you can just drive, or take a Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon bus from any Disney Resort. 

Take Some Pool Time at Your Resort

Never underestimate the power of the pool at your resort on hot Florida days. Chances are if you’re a parent, you already know this, as your kiddies are most likely always trying to get more pool time. Perfect for a non park day at Disney World, the pools at each resort typically open around 9 or 10 AM and stay open throughout the day. Offering music, games, trivia and more, you can count on cast members and lifeguards to make pool time extra fun. Some pools are even shared between resorts. For instance if you’re an All-Stars Resort guest, you get access to the pools at Music, Movies and Sports. If you’re staying at the Yacht and Beach Club, those two resorts share pools too. Check out the Best Pools at Disney World if you’re looking to prioritize pool time during your trip. 

Watch a Movie Under the Stars at a Disney Resort

Every Disney Resort has a Movie Under the Stars schedule, giving you the chance to see a fun Disney movie every night after you return from the parks. Each resort has it’s own location for showing the movie, whether it be on the lawn or on the beach, or even just in a courtyard, it offers you a chance to grab snacks from the food court and just relax. We love this activity as a way to unwind and really relax on vacation. The movies are usually played around 6:30 or 7 PM depending on the resort, so be sure to check the resort schedule in the lobby, if you’re adding this to your non park day at Disney.  If you’re staying on Disney property, then you can resort hop to any other Disney resort via any of the Disney Complimentary Transportation options. 

Rent a Swan Paddleboat at the Swan and Dolphin Hotels

Did you know Disney World had Swan Paddleboats? If you’re staying at the Swan and Dolphin Resorts, then your Swan Paddleboat rental is included in your resort fees and technically “free.” Only open to guests of the resort, you can reserve your paddleboats anytime from 11 AM- 6:00 PM daily. 

Meet Some Disney Characters

Did you know you can see Disney Characters without going in the parks? There are a variety of Disney Character Restaurants outside of the parks, that allow you to meet the characters and have a meal. At Ohana’s Best Friends Breakfast you can meet Lilo and Stitch at the Polynesian Resort. Or head to the Beach Club to meet Minnie and Friends at the Cape May Restaurant. The Best Disney Character Restaurant is the Story Book Dining with Snow White at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.  But, if you’re looking for Mickey and Friends outside of the parks, we recommend skipping Chef Mickey’s and heading to Topolino’s Terrace Character Breakfast at Disney’s Riviera Resort instead. The food is better and the character interactions are better. If you’re looking for an extra special way to spend your non park day at Disney World, then there are lots of character options to choose from. 

Spending a Non Park Day at Disney World

There you have it! Everything, so far, that we think makes for a super fun non park day at Disney World. So whether you’re looking for activities to add to your Arrival Day at Disney World, or your Departure Day, this list gives you a bunch of stuff that is just plain fun, doesn’t cost too much, and won’t take you too far away. Hopefully if you were looking for what to do on non park days at Disney world, you got some new answers here. Let  us know how you fill your no park ticket days at Disney World. Happy vacationing!