15 Free Activities Grown-up Guests at Walt Disney World Resort

People often ask me why I always choose a Walt Disney World Resort hotel to stay at when we travel. There are a number of reasons that I've discussed previously, but a big one is because Disney really knows how to keep their Guests entertained. While there's often a focus on kids programming, I've got 15 free activities for grow-up Guests at Walt Disney World Resort.


15 Free Activities Grown-up Guests at Walt Disney World Resort


1) While many of the Disney Resorts offer small fire pits for roasting marshmallows each night, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Fort Wilderness Campground have remarkable spaces that are made for groups to gather around and listen to stories and sing campfire songs. The rocking chairs around the Animal Kingdom Lodge fire-it make for a lovely spot to enjoy a summer night.

2) Another fantastic after dark activity is watching classic Disney Movies Under The Stars that is offered. Location depends on which hotel you are at, you may tuck in on the beach next to the water, or grab a float at the pool and watch from the water.

3) Take a Boat Ride between the Epcot or Magic Kingdom area hotels, or cruise down the Sassagoula river to Disney Springs. My favorite trip is the route between Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios after dark.

4) No Park days? You can still take a ride on the Walt Disney World Monorail System. Use the Magic Kingdom loop to create you own progressive dinner around the Seven Seas Lagoon, or take the 30 minute ride from the Ticket and Transportation center to Epcot and back again.


Monorail Lime Over Future World


5) Since I was a little girl I can always remember my family taking a vacation day just to do some Resort Hopping. Each of the Walt Disney World Resorts offers a whole different feeling in its size, and scope, with themes that range in both location and time. From the Polynesian Isles, to turn of the century upstate New York, there is a charm to be found that will appeal to you. Take some time to explore resorts other than the one you are staying in, take part in their activities and eat at some wonderful restaurants.

6) From the shores of Bay Lake and the Seven Seas Lagoon Guests can view Walt Disney's inspired Electrical Water Pageant. This free aqua parade of floats lights up the waterfront each night as it tours all of the the Magic Kingdom area hotels.

7) One doesn't have to have park tickets to enjoy viewing the Magic Kingdom Fireworks. While you can see them from locations at each of the hotels on the monorail loop, my favorite viewing spot is from the Marina at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

8) Many of the Walt Disney World Resorts offer short walking tours that highlight the culture and inspirations that went into creating each hotel's mood. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, Wilderness Lodge, and Boardwalk are just a couple of examples of resorts that offer free tours immersing resort Guests in art and imagination.


Take A Tour of Disney's Wilderness Lodge


9) Find the Hidden Mickeys! These creatively placed mickey icons are tucked all over the Walt Disney World property by playful Imagineers. Buy a Hidden Mickey Guide from the Gift Shop, or ask at the front desk for a list of the resort specific ones and go on a hunt.

10) Animal Kingdom Lodge is known for its unique private savannas that are home to African several beautiful African species of animal. Viewing of the beasts from public areas is absolutely free at the resort, and after dark you can even use a pair of night vision binoculars to view nocturnal behaviors.

11) On Disney's BoardWalk street performers entertain Guests each evening with variety acts that appeal to all ages. Grab a margarita from the near by stand, and sit down at a waterside table to enjoy a delightful evening.

12) If something a little more elegant suits your taste, the Grand Floridian Society Jazz Orchestra plays each night in the lobby of the Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa from 4:00PM until 10:00PM.



Grand Floridian Society Orchestra


13) Over at Disney's Port Orleans River Roost Lounge YeHaa Bob Jackson puts on a weekend showing of wackily styled piano and song. It's a fun night of comedy and music that has become legend amongst Disney insiders.

14) Many of the Walt Disney World resorts offer cultural programs, at Disney's Polynesian Village Guests are invited to learn the language of Hula on most afternoon's in the hotel lobby.

15) Disney's BoardWalk is also home to the Atlantic Dance Hall, and it's just what it sounds like. Tuesday through Saturday nights folks over the age of 21 can get their groove on and dance the night away.

No matter what your budget, Walt Disney World offers a broad range of activities and entertainment for visitors of all ages. My favorite freebies are definitely the What are your favorite free activities at Disney? Let me know in the comments!