Whenever people talk about Disney World, I always hear how expensive family trip costs. Plus, no one ever thinks that there are free activities to do at Walt Disney World. For starters, park ticket admission alone has gone up significantly over the last few years. If you don’t have an annual pass and are not buying tickets for all the days you are vacationing at Disney, then chances are you are in need of other inexpensive ways to entertain your family.
For example, the first or last days of your family’s Disney World trip, you may not want to buy park tickets for those days. Well, as luck would have it, there are fun things to do with your family that are FREE at Disney. You read that right fun for FREE.
Read on now to find out about the FREE activities to do at Walt Disney World that you and your family can enjoy together.
5 Absolutely FREE Activities to Do at Walt Disney World with Kids
1. View the Happily Ever Fireworks Show at Disney’s Polynesian Resort
Whether you stay at Disney’s Polynesian Resort or not, you can still go to this resort. Bonus, if you tell the parking attendant that you would like to explore the resort, they should allow you to park there for free, as well. Once inside, this gorgeous hotel, you want to head outside the main ceremonial house to the Lava Pool. You have a perfect view of Cinderella’s Castle at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. So, from there you will be able to see the nightly Happily Ever After Fireworks show for FREE.
2. Go Ahead & Hit the Boardwalk
Disney’s Boardwalk Resort is in Disney World’s Epcot area. Outside the resort is a gorgeous stretch of Boardwalk that is reminiscent of yesteryear famous beach boardwalk’s, such as Coney Island, Cape May or even Atlantic City. During the day, it is pretty fun to walk this stretch. But at nighttime it really comes alive all lit up with entertainment, food, drinks and more.
3. Take a Ride on the Monorail or Skyliner
Sometimes you need a bit of time to unwind. You can always ride the Monorail or new Skyliner for FREE. The Monorail has a resort line, where you can check out some of the other Disney World resorts, such as The Grand Floridian or Disney’s Contemporary Resort, as well.
Plus, the Skyliner also goes to some of Disney’s other resorts, such as Disney’s Caribbean Beach or Disney’s Rivera Resort. So, both these options are great for resort hopping.
4. Hunt for Hidden Mickeys
When Disney World was built the Imagineers actually incorporated fun Hidden Mickeys into many of the structures there. There are books written to help find these Hidden Mickey’s. But one of the Disney World resorts actually has a special self-guided Hidden Mickey hunt available to everyone. Ask the front desk for the paper that gives their special clues to find the Hidden Mickey’s at that specific resort. But if you do happen to have the Hidden Mickey’s book, then you can do this not only at the Wilderness Lodge but all over Disney World, as well.
5. When in Disney Go to Downtown Disney
When in doubt, head to Downtown Disney. While shopping and restaurants there are necessarily free, there are still some fun free activities to do. For instance, the Coca Cola store has a meet and greet with their Polar Bear.
Plus, they have interactive fountains where kids can enjoy playing and even getting wet. Let’s not forget the Lego Store. See the LEGO Imagination Center has a FREE outdoor play area filled with thousands of LEGO blocks, plus huge LEGO created designs for you to admire.
Dara says
I didn’t know about the Hidden Mickey hunt! We love resort hopping and the Boardwalk!
Janine says
Dara, Hidden Mickey’s are seriously one of my kids’ favorite things to do. So, I highly recommend doing that fun hunt the next time you are at Disney. And we also just love resort hopping. Moreover, the Boardwalk is such a unique and fun experience, as well 🙂
William D Holland says
Free is good. I would spend all my time on the Boardwalk. That looks like a relaxing place for this old man, out of the crowds and the heat. God, I do sound old, don’t I? lol Happy Thursday my friend.
Janine says
Aw, free is always good for me, too!! You would love the Boardwalk and honestly such a fun place to be when at Disney. Happy Thursday to you, too!! 🙂
Tamara says
Oh, how fun! We do Disney Springs all the time but the rest of these are more new to me! I haven’t checked out The Boardwalk and the monorail just to see resorts? FUN! We’re going next week!!
Janine says
Omg, so excited for you for next week and cannot wait to hear all about your latest trip!! 🙂
Meredith Spidel says
Love these ideas! You have inspired me to grab a Hidden Mickey book, Janine!
Janine says
Yay and I guarantee you won’t be sorry buying the Hidden Mickey’s book. We just love the copy we have 🙂
Joanne says
We almost always spend our first day at Disney at Downtown Disney checking out the shops and playing with the Legos at the Lego store. But in all our trips we have never checked out the boardwalk! That is a great idea.
Janine says
So happy to share about the Boardwalk with you and do hope you try to experience it for yourself on your next Disney trip now 🙂
Gloria Spagnoli says
Get ready for your next trip to Disney! I know you all love it! xxoo
Janine says
Aw, thanks, Aunt Gloria and you know us so well!! xoxo 🙂
Jen says
We leave for Disney in less than 2 weeks and are soooo excited! Here we come!
As always, thanks for the awesome tips 🙂
Janine says
Aw, so excited for you and yay for Disney in less than 2 weeks now!! 🙂
Kristi Campbell says
Finding the hidden Mickies is a brilliant idea! We’re going to Disney Land (CA) in March and will definitely do this – what a perfect way to make standing in line more fun, and meals too. Also, the fireworks at Disney are so so good. Thanks for the great ideas!
Janine says
Aw, so happy to share with you and again so very excited for your upcoming Disney trip, too!! 🙂
Cynthia says
You know, I had no idea there are all these Disney resorts at Disney World…I guess that’s why they call it Disney World, huh? Hehe. And those hidden Mickeys are too fun! You really know your way around there, my friend. Happy Monday to you! I hope you’re doing well. Sending hellos and wishing you a happy week! xo
Janine says
Aw, Cydni, the Hidden Mickeys are seriously so much fun and definitely recommend to all that are at Disney to see if they can spot some of them. Now, wishing you a very wonderful week ahead and hugs to you, too!! xoxo 🙂