Top Free Things to Do at Disney World When on Vacation

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

It’s no secret Walt Disney World can be expensive. Check out these things you can get for FREE at Disney World. Bet you didn’t know there are FREE Disney World Souvenirs. And they are excellent ones too! Enjoy your Disney vacation even more.

Top Free Things to Do at Disney World

It’s no secret that Walt Disney World can be expensive, especially for families. Planning your trip ahead of time can save you time and money. Everything from your activities, rides (fast pass), and meals can be a bit overwhelming.

After visiting Disney World with my favorite crew we have spotted some fun things that are NO COST.

There are so many things to love about a Disney vacation. And Yes, some of them are absolutely free. 

The way to get a little balance for your bank account is to find some of the free things at Disney. Believe it or not, there are plenty. Take a look at our list of the top five things you can get for free at Walt Disney World.

Everything at this magical place costs something, and when you find simple items that are overpriced, you may end up feeling a little sticker shock.

Celebration Buttons

Celebration PINS!  For the thrifty traveler celebrating any event at Walt Disney World – an anniversary, a wedding, a birthday – be sure and ask for a free pin at Town Hall in the Magic Kingdom or your resort hotel.

You’ll get your very own pin autographed by the cast member who gives it to you. Sure, it’s just a little metal badge commemorating your event, but it’s a sweet and kid-friendly souvenir.

Sporting your free pin will get you attention from well-wishers all day long, especially from cast members.

It may even land you a free drink or dessert here and there. So pick up your pin, wear it proudly, and see what other precious swag you can snag throughout the day.

Just don’t abuse the buttons.

Other Free Memorabilia

Park Maps – Getting around any one of the Disney parks, may make your head spin. Make sure you pick up a map, plus these make great memorabilia. You can look back at all the fun things you did!

Get a License – When your kids select rides, like The Tomorrowland Speedway and Dumbo ride, they can be issued a “license” card to ride. These licenses carry no legal weight and are just a fun way to remember your ride experience at Disney.

Trading Cards – Ask a cast member who is part of your transportation if they have a trading card. These are fun collectibles for your kids. They often run out. Not to worry though, just keep asking around.

Photographs

At Disney, you will see cast members taking professional photos at a cost. And this is fun if you have purchased a photo pass, but don’t shy away from these cast members.

They will gladly take a photo using your camera or phone for free. The same goes for character visits.

Free Transportation at Disney World

Getting to Disney will most likely cost you a lot of money, but getting around the park will be free. You can travel all around for free using these most popular modes;

• Disney Buses – Airport transportation is free via Disney’s Magical Express.
• Boat Rides – A relaxing way to travel. Fort Wildnerness is a favorite. (See more below)
• Skyliner – This ride connects Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot to a handful of resorts. Great views and a fun way to travel.
• Monorail – Is a fun loop transport. You can check out a few of the hotels or just ride for fun and see the sights.

Fort Wilderness

There are so many fun things to do at Fort Wilderness, most of which won’t cost you a dime. Whether you take in Chip and Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long (bring your own marshmallows!, show starts at 7 or 8 p.m), enjoy an outdoor movie on the big screen, visit the petting zoo, or wander the nature trails, there’s a lot of free happening at Fort Wilderness.

And don’t forget that from the beaches where you can view the Electrical Water Pageant and the fireworks from the Wishes show over the Magic Kingdom.

And because you’re a Disney guest, all the fun amenities – boat transportation to Fort Wilderness, swimming in the local pools, and touring the grounds – are free, free, free.

Disney Resort Pools

If you decide to take a break from the park, why not spend the day poolside? Each resort is home to unique and totally fun water slides and pools.

We’re not talking about your run-of-the-mill hole-in-the-ground pools with dinky plastic water slides.

This is still Disney World, after all. The resorts have pools with cascading waterfalls, lava rocks, huge clamshells, and enormous animal-themed water slides with more twists and turns than Space Mountain.

Our favorites include the Polynesian’s volcano pool and the Colorado Springs Maya-themed pool with its 120-foot slide. If you’re in the mood for a “beachier” experience, try the sandy pool at the Yacht Club Resort or the white sand beaches at the Polynesian.

The pools are free for anyone staying at a Walt Disney World Resort, so be sure to plan on visiting more than one!

Character Autographs

There are so many characters meet and greets throughout the Disney Parks and they’re all FREE! Many will show up randomly as well. So keep your eyes peeled. My family prior to our vacation created our own autograph books. Purchasing cheap, but very cool journals. My kids then decorated them. 

Your kids will have fun collecting all of the autographs from their favorite Disney characters. Don’t forget to visit Olaf in Disney’s Hollywood Studios; you know how much he loves warm hugs!

Free Night time Entertainment

Fireworks are a nightly occurrence at both Epcot and Magic Kingdom Parks.

You can see them from almost anywhere in the park. The best spot at Epcot to view these fireworks is the Yacht & Beach Club or BoardWalk. And the best spot for Magic Kingdom is near the ticket and transportation center.

Each fills up fast, just show up early to claim a spot and watch the show in the sky for free.

Drinks at Epcot

As long as you’re at Epcot, you’ve got to try the abundance of free drinks at Club Cool near the Innoventions pavilion. There’s bottomless Coca-Cola from around the world, as well as samples of free drinks from several nations.

There is a Coca-Cola and orange mixture from Germany called Mezzo, a non-alcoholic apertivo from Italy, a carbonated watermelon concoction from China, and much more.

And if you’re worried about having the young ones hopped up on the world’s biggest sugar high, drop your apprehensions at the door: caffeinated and non-caffeinated drinks are clearly labeled, so you can still retain some control over your tykes.

Stay Hydrated – ALWAYS – FREE Ice Water

Walking around Disney world can really work up a thirst. Make sure you and your family are staying well hydrated. 

Ice water or a cup of ice is completely FREE at Disney World. Inside the Disney Parks at most counter service and snack stations, you can ask for ice water. Please note that if you have a refillable bottle, they are not allowed to fill it for you, but they will give you as many cups of water as you need to fill it up.

This is our list of fun things you can do around Disney World for free. Any other tips or lost-cost options that you know about? We would love to hear from you. Leave us a comment below.

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