Let's face it: Disney World is expensive, and it isn't getting any cheaper. In fact, it seems like every few months I see some sort of news about how the ticket prices are about to increase, or that the Free Disney Dining promo has gotten a little more stingy in what it offers, etc.
However, there are Disney World money saving tips out there that can help. One of them is to make the most of your vacation by doing -- and getting -- free things during your trip.
Free things to Do at Disney World:
1. Go Resort Hopping.
While you can't visit a resort pool unless you are a guest there, you can still visit any Disney resort and enjoy the lobby, grounds, and overall theming and decor. My teen daughters stopped at the Grand Floridian (very easy to do, as it's on the Magic Kingdom monorail line) and had a nice time visiting Basin White, the soap store, while listening to the grand piano player in the lobby.
Some resorts have nice lounges where you can sit and enjoy the decor (and air conditioning) while buying a drink, appetizer, or dessert. I've heard that the Victoria Falls Lounge at Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the best. I've never been to AKL, so many we'll have to try that on our next trip!
Part of the fun of visiting a resort can be the transportation to get there. When my son was younger, riding the monorail was a ride in itself. You can also take the boat from Magic Kingdom to Wilderness Lodge (you do NOT need a park ticket to do this) or the boat from Disney Springs to Port Orleans Riverside (which is particularly nice in the evening after it starts to get dark.)
2. Visit Disney Springs
Formerly called "Downtown Disney," Disney Springs is an outdoor dining, entertainment, and shopping center that is completely free to enter. My son, of course, loves the Lego Imagination Center there. In addition to shops and restaurnts, there are interactive fountains, interesting paintings in the Welcome Center, and a stage where live music is sometimes performed.
3. Watch the Fireworks
You don't need to visit the Magic Kingdom to enjoy Wishes, their evening fireworks show. Inside, you can go the beaches of the Grand Floridian, Polynesian, or Wildness Lodge resorts (or the concourse at the Contemporary resort) and watch them for free. If you get there early, you can also see the Electrical Water Pageant, a sort of parade on water.
Free Stuff to Get at Disney World:
1. The Disney resorts (except for Animal Kingdom Lodge) offer free balloons in the lobby.
2. Most cast members have a roll of stickers they will pass out if you ask them.
3. If you're celebrating a birthday or anniversay, you can ask for a free Celebration Button at the resort check-in desks or the the theme park stores.
4. Club Cool inside Epcot's Future World has unlimited free samples of Coca-Cola products from different countries.
5. The various Epcot pavilions in the World Showcase have Kidcot Fun Centers with free art activities for kids.
6. And perhaps the most simple free thing, but the one you will need the most: Quick service restaurants at the parks offer free ice water upon request!
Want More Disney World Tips?
For more tips on saving money, avoiding lines, and getting the most out of the Disney Dining Plan, check out my post on Disney World Hacks 2019.
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