17 Free Things to Do at Disney World

Did you know there are FREE things to do at Disney World? From seeing the animals at Animal Kingdom Lodge, an making a Lego creation of your very own, to seeing the Electrical Water Pageant Parade light up to music, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Disney World without ever paying a dime! Here is our complete list of everything can for free at Walt Disney World. 

Hunt for Hidden Mickeys

Whether you’re heading to a Disney resort restaurant, Disney Springs, the Boardwalk, or a Resort, you’re sure to find at lest a few Hidden Mickeys along the way. While some Disney Resorts even have printed Scavenger Hunt sheets to follow along with, you’d  be surprised what just looking around can uncover! From the cobbled Mickey’s on the ground in Disney Springs, to the hidden mickey in the artwork at Trattoria al Forno on the Disney Boardwalk, keep an eye out.

See the Animals

Over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge you can see wild animals roaming the grounds, and even grab a Disney Scavenger Hunt sheet to help you identify them all. You’ll see giraffes, zebra, gazelle, pelicans, cattle, wildebeests and more. Grab the Animal Seek and Find lists from our Animal Kingdom Lodge Activities page, and settle in for a free afternoon at this Disney Resort.  

Walk the Trails 

Whether you’re looking to stroll the Boardwalk, walk the pathways of the All Star Resorts, or meander alongside the Sassagoula River at Port Orleans, there are plenty of Walt Disney World walking paths to explore. Pathways connecting resorts and parks are common, so if you’re visiting either, you can be on the lookout. Of course, you can find the most trails at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campgrounds. With 21 camping loops throughout the grounds, you can walk around to see the different sites, campers and RV’s that guests decorate during their stay. 

Take a Tour

Did you know some of the Disney Deluxe Resorts offer tours, for FREE? Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts offer free garden tours. And Animal Kingdom’s Resort Tour takes you on a journey through the African Artifact Collection. Over at Wilderness Lodge you can learn about architecture and the pacific northwest. You can grab a tour at any resort to get some inside knowledge on the history and extra tips. Just know that some tours require a reservation or run on a schedule, so be sure to check with each resort if you’re hoping to attend.

Build Something at the Lego Store

Disney Springs is home to the Lego Store. Not only does this shop have all the best Lego kits featuring elaborate trains, castles and more, but it also has Lego bins for free play. Build a lego car and race it down the shoot, or put together a creation of your own, during your visit. Whatever you choose this is always a fun experience, you can’t get anywhere else. And it’s absolutely free. 

Visit the Walt Disney World Boardwalk

The Disney Boardwalk is home to the Disney Boardwalk Resorts, restaurants, and shops. And in the evenings you can see magicians, jugglers, and all sorts of boardwalk entertainment. Watch for free, and take in the atmosphere. You can usually find performances just outside the Boardwalk Inn Resort. Check out all our favorite things to do on The Boardwalk. 

See the Electrical Water Pageant 

Another fun FREE non park day at Disney World activity is the chance to watch the Electrical Water Pageant Parade from the beach of a Disney Resort. 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

Window Shop at Disney Springs

If you’re looking for free things to do at Walt Disney World look not further than Disney Springs. While shopping is never free, window shopping is still a whole lot of fun. Add in the live music, free samples, and the chance to look at new Disney merchandise over at World of Disney and you’ll be happy you made the stop! 

Listen to Live Music

Head to Disney’s French Quarter Resort for live music, offered every Friday and Saturday. Or take some time at Disney Springs, where you can hear live music not only at Waterside Stage, but at various little places throughout the shopping center, every weekend. 

Take a Drawing Class

Want to get the drawing skills of a master? Head to Disney’s Art of Animation Resort for a free drawing class anytime from 9 am-4 pm. Classes happen every 30 minutes. These classes are given by the artists on the property, and teach you a thing or two about animation. Just check with the front desk for daily times and a meeting place. Afterward, stroll the grounds at Art of Animation and Pop Century Resort to see the architecture honoring Disney films, and icons from each decade. 

Watch a Movie at any Resort

Every Disney resort offers Movies Under the Stars in the evenings typically starting between 7:30- 8:00 PM you don’t have to be a resort guest to settle in and watch a film. Bring a blanket, and a cozy cup of something to sip, or popcorn, and you have a nice night out, free of charge. Take a look at the Resort Recreation Calendar in the lobby when you arrive, for details and what’s showing. 

See the Fireworks

Did you know you don’t have to be in the parks to see the Fireworks? It’s true. You can watch Happily Every After at Magic Kingdom, nightly from Disney’s Contemporary Resort 4th floor balcony, where the music is piped in through the speakers. And if you want something a little more relaxing, head to the Fort Wilderness Campground beach, and grab a lounger. A bit farther, you can still the fireworks and hear the music too. 

You can also see the Luminous Nighttime Show at EPCOT from the Boardwalk Area hotels, and the Hollywood Studios Fireworks from the Toledo Restaurant at Disney’s Coronado Springs. There are so many options, if you’re looking for evening fun, for free. 

Head to the Chip and Dale Campfire Sing-A-Long

Located at Fort Wilderness, this Disney Character sing a long actually includes Chip and Dale, and a cowboy to lead you through the campfire songs. You can bring your own s’mores fixings to roast if you so wish and sing along. This little show last about 20-30 minutes and gives you the chance to settle in at the bleachers set up by the movie screen. Stay for the movie after if you wish. 

Ride the Disney Skyliner 

Flying through the air with the greatest of ease, the Disney Skyliner travels from the Art of Animation and Pop Century Resorts, to Caribbean Beach, and Disney’s Riviera Resorts. Giving you the chance to disembark and explore any of the resorts along the way. Plus, it also goes to the Epcot International Gateway, and the Hollywood Studios Entrance. And while you may not be going in to the parks, you can explore the Disney Boardwalk, and take the walking path that connects these two parks once you get off the skyliner. 

Hop Aboard  the Monorail

Disney World’s monorail can be accessed at the Transportation and Ticket Center, at Magic Kingdom, or EPCOT Park. Once onboard you can explore the Disney Monorail Resorts. Disney’s Contemporary, the Polynesian, and the Grand Floridian are all along the way, and offer unique lobbies, decor, gift shops, grounds and good food options if you’re stopping for a bite. 

Take a Boat Ride

Disney offers loads of free boat transportation and a great excuse to just sit back and relax. You have several options for boat rides across Walt Disney World. You can head to the Port Orleans Resorts and hop the boat to Disney Springs. Or catch the boat at the Disney Boardwalk and sail the lake between Epcot and Hollywood Studios. And you can also get a boat at Magic Kingdom to bring you to the Wilderness Lodge and the Fort Campground Resorts, as well as all the monorail resorts too. There are plenty of ways to explore Disney by boat.

Grab Free Chocolate Samples at Ghirardelli

Wondering what treat to get next at Ghirardelli’s store in Disney Springs? Just ask the staff for a free sample of whatever you’re considering. The shop offers chocolates, milkshakes and sundaes.   

All the Free Things To Do at Disney World

There you have it! If you’re trying to make the most of your Walt Disney World vacation, be sure to check out these free, fun ideas next time you visit. You’ll get the opportunity to see more, do more, and learn more without going over budget. What are your favorite free things to do at Disney? Let us know and we’ll add it to the list!