There is so much to do at Walt Disney World, but the fun sometimes comes with a hefty price tag. To prevent sticker shock, here is a list of free stuff at Walt Disney World outside the parks. This compilation includes activities, entertainment, and small items that all have one thing in common; these things are all free stuff at Walt Disney World outside the parks. Because this free stuff is outside the parks, it is completely unnecessary to purchase a park ticket to partake in any of these activities.
Resorts Disney Springs Ticket and Transportation Center
Resorts
Catch a Bus, Ride a Boat, Ride the Monorail, or Enjoy the Skyliner: The internal Disney transportation service is free to all Disney guests.
Parking: All Walt Disney World resort guests receive free parking at the parks.
Pools: While Disney does not generally allow pool hopping from resort to resort, you can certainly enjoy the pool at the resort where you are staying.
Recreation: Among the free stuff at Walt Disney World outside the parks, resort recreation is a HUGE perk. From Movies Under the Stars to poolside activities, Walt Disney World resorts offer great recreation options. In addition, some resorts offer ping pong, cornhole, and other games. Follow this link for a schedule of resort activities. These activities are great for non-park days.
Restaurant Recipes: Like the food you are eating at a resort restaurant? Ask for the recipe! The cast members will most likely provide you with one or send a copy to your email address.
Wake – up call: Want to make rope-drop to your favorite park? You can set up a magical Wake-up call to your room instead of rising to the everyday alarm.
WiFi: There is free WiFi all over Walt Disney World property. In addition, there is Wi-Fi on the buses so you can use your device on-the-go.
Workout Facilities: It is possible to keep up your healthy habits while on a Disney vacation. The Walt Disney World resorts offer small gyms and running trails. These vary depending on the resort
Campfires with s’mores: The resorts at Walt Disney World offer campfires with s’mores. At some resorts there is a fee for the s’mores kit. Check your resorts activity schedule for more information.
Animal Encounters: At the Animal Kingdom Lodge, there are animal viewing experiences throughout the day.
Character meetings: You can sometimes meet characters at the resorts specifically the deluxe resorts. For example, Chip and Dale host a free campfire sing-a-long at Fort Wilderness Campground and Cinderella sometimes greets guests at the Grand Floridian.
Extreme Holiday Decorations: The Christmas decorations at the deluxe resorts are something to behold! From the giant trees and wreaths to the life-size gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian, Walt Disney World goes all out for the holiday season.
Fireworks Viewing: Many of the fireworks shows can be seen from outside the parks. Happily Ever After, in particular can be seen from the resorts around Bay Lake and from the Ticket and Transportation Center.
Flower Lei: The Polynesian resort offers guests a free Lei at a desk in the lobby. Surprisingly, these Leis are free for the asking. You do not have to stay at the resort to receive one.
Fort Wilderness: If you are looking for free stuff at Walt Disney World outside the parks, Fort Wilderness is a great place to explore. For example, there are walking trails, animals, and more fun things to explore.
Live Entertainment: There are live entertainment options at the deluxe resorts. The Boardwalk often has live entertainment, and there are often musicians entertaining guests at the Grand Floridian Resort. One moderate resort, Port Orleans Riverside, also has live entertainment in the form of comedian Yehaa Bob.
Parade Viewing: The nighttime electrical water pageant can be viewed from the resorts around Bay Lake outside the Magic Kingdom.
Water-Park like Pools: The deluxe resorts have pools that are beyond the norm. The Yacht and Beach Club in particular have pools that are more like small water parks with slides, sand, and fountains.
Hidden Mickeys: Some resorts have a Hidden Mickey scavenger hunt that you can do at your own leisure. After finding the Hidden Mickeys, return to the front desk for a small prize that is usually a sticker or certificate.
Disney Springs
Activities: There are seasonal activities and offerings at Disney Springs. For example, taking pictures with Santa, trying out new merchandise, attending meet and greets with authors are some of the free activities. In addition, the seasonal Christmas Tree Stroll is a great way to soak in the holiday spirit.
Irish Dancing certificate: At Raglan Road, guests can receive an Irish Dancing certificate.
LEGO play time: The LEGO store at Disney Springs has areas where guests can build with LEGO bricks. Also, there are some great free photo opportunities here!
Live Entertainment: There is often entertainment at Disney Springs. There is a stage across from the World of Disney Store where many performances are held. There are often other live entertainers wondering around Disney Springs, especially on weekends and evenings.
Dreams That Soar Drone Show: Guests can be enchanted by an all new drone show from May 24, 2024 to September 2, 2024. Why not grab a snack and take in this show while visiting Disney Springs in the evening? You’ll have a prime viewing spot with no park ticket needed!
Ticket and Transportation Center
Catch a Bus: The internal bus transportation service is free to all guests at Walt Disney World.
Ride a Boat: Riding the ferry boat to the Magic Kingdom is a free experience. It’s quite magical as you glimpse gorgeous views of Cinderella Castle across Bay Lake. Also, soak in the beauty of the lake and nearby resorts.
Ride the Monorail: It is completely free to ride the monorail around the Magic Kingdom resort loop and the Epcot Loop. As a bonus, the Epcot loop gives a fun bird’s eye view of World Celebration.
Watch a Parade: The Electrical Water Pageant can be seen from the Ticket and Transportation Center.
Watch Fireworks: Happily Ever After can be viewed from the Ticket and Transportation Center. In addition, a good perk is that you’ll beat the traffic to your car after the fireworks.
Looking for more Free Stuff? Check out Free Stuff at Walt Disney World Parks! Also take a look at our Walt Disney World without a Ticket page.