Everyone knows that Disney World is amazing. They also know it’s expensive. In fact, many
people never even make it to see this magical place because the cost is so high.
If you want to see Disney World but need to save money while doing so, you may feel like
you’re asking the impossible. I’m here to tell you that you’re not.
Don't miss our other tips and tricks as you are Disney World Planning
There are tons of ways to save on a trip to Disney World. In fact, there are even some
absolutely FREE things to do on Disney property. These offer a great opportunity to extend your
trip by a day or two without paying for extra days in the parks themselves.
Disney World FREE Things
Here are my favorite free things to do on Disney Property, outside of the parks.
#1: Disney World Campfires
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground has a nightly campfire that is an absolute blast. The
event includes a campfire sing-along with a fun-loving performer, the opportunity to roast
marshmallows—bring your own or buy them from the snack stand—and a visit from Chip and
Dale. Best of all, the campfire is free of charge!
Several other resorts also have campfires, and while no others include character interactions,
they’re all a good time. The Polynesian is one of those campfire-hosting resorts, as is Animal
Kingdom Lodge. See the Disney World website for a full list of campfire locations.
#2: Disney World Movies Under the Stars
Every single Disney resort hotel shows nightly movies under the stars. These are great fun to
attend, and no admission is charged. Take some popcorn (and your refillable Disney mug) and a blanket to sit on, and make a
night of it. Your kids will think watching a movie on the big screen outside is amazing, and you’ll
get a relaxing time at a well-maintained Disney property. What could be better?
HINT: Movies vary by resort and you can always pop over to another resort to catch the movie!
#3: Dancing with Cinderella
If you have a princess fan on your hands, you simply must visit the Grand Floridian in the
afternoon for their “Dancing with Cinderella” event. While this is a short and sweet happening,
it’s tons of fun for little ones who love to dance, as they have the opportunity to dance alongside
the classic Disney characters, Cinderella and Prince Charming.
#4: LEGO Car Races
Kids (and adults) who love LEGO will adore the LEGO Store in Disney Springs. Be sure to head
just outside for the store for LEGO Duplo building tables and LEGO car building, as well as
LEGO car races. This is a fun addition to any day in Disney Springs, and many kids can spend
an hour or more in this area.
#5: Fireworks
Disney knows how to do fireworks. In fact, I’d even go so far as to say they have some of the
best fireworks displays in the world.
The coolest thing about this is you don’t even have to get into the parks to see these fantastic
shows. “Happily Ever After”, the Magic Kingdom fireworks show, can easily be seen from the
beaches at the Polynesian or from Fort Wilderness, but the best view is actually from the ferry
dock at the Transportation and Ticket Center.
The Epcot fireworks can also be seen from outside the park at various locations along the
Boardwalk.
#6: Electrical Water Pageant
Every night, Disney presents a glowing show on the water with their Electrical Water Pageant.
This show can be viewed from a number of locations all around the Seven Seas Lagoon, but I
highly recommend the docks at either Wilderness Lodge or the Grand Floridian. These locations
offer prime viewing, and with the right timing, you’ll have a magical experience viewing the
show.
#7: Disney World Resort Hopping
The resort hotels at Disney are amazing. Some are strictly Disney-themed while others are
grand with only a touch of Disney, but all are super cool to see.
If you’ve never taken the time to check out the Disney resorts, I recommend hopping on the
monorail and checking out each of the hotels along the way. This is especially exciting during
Christmas time when the decorations are up, making each hotel sparkle in the most festive of
ways.
Above is the life-size Gingerbread House you can find at the Grand Floridian Resort. You can walk inside and it is actually edible! Each resort has different decorations!
#8: Santa in Disney Springs
While this option isn’t available year-round, it’s pretty fun when it’s there. Santa Claus visits
Disney Springs every year, and meet-and- greets are free to the public. Be sure to bring a
camera and snap some photos!
#9: Disney World Art Classes
The Art of Animation Resort offers art classes throughout the week. These are free and are
great fun for art enthusiasts of all ages! No pre-registration is required, so just call ahead to get
current class times and show up.
#10: Disney World Dance Lessons
Similarly, the Polynesian Resort offers daily hula lessons in their lobby. Young dancers love this
opportunity, and it’s a great way to get in touch with Polynesian culture. Class times do change
from time to time, so be sure to call ahead to confirm when they are happening.
#11: Disney World Restaurant Tours
If cooking is more your thing, you might enjoy the restaurant Tours at Animal Kingdom Lodge.
These tours introduce guests to the art of cooking and are truly fascinating.
#12: Disney World Animal Viewing
Also at Animal Kingdom Lodge, animal viewing is always great fun. The hotel offers awesome
views of the savanna animals (free binoculars, Disney animal specialist, and rocking chairs provided for free) and night viewing is available with special night vision eyewear.
This experience is great when paired with the campfire mentioned above.
Clearly, there are plenty of free activities to keep you and your family busy during your days
away from the parks. Be sure to try some of these out during your next visit and let us know
what you think!
Disney World Tips and Tricks
- Everything you Need to Know about Disney Magic Bands
- How to Get MORE Fastpass+ (like 15+)
- Best Rides to Pick for Disney Fastpass+
- Disney Vacation Packing List
- 5 Things You'll Want to Bring on a Disney Vacation
- 15 Ways to RUIN a trip to Disney World
- 7 BEST Shows at Disney World
- 28 Great Places to Eat on the Disney Dining Plan
Chelsea enjoys full-time RV living and traveling with her tiny tribe.She homeschools her son as they travel, and takes full advantage of their unique situation by using the entire world as her son’s classroom. Besides traveling and learning with her little one, Chelsea enjoys Irish dance, singing, riding bikes, finding new coffee shops, and sitting around the campfire. You can follow her adventures at Wonder Wherever We Wander.
