9 Things I Did For Free On My Walt Disney World Vacation

My last trip to Walt Disney World was a unique one for me, because I made the trip almost entirely on a budget of $400. Such a limited budget meant that I had to avoid the Disney Parks, but that doesn't mean I didn't pack my days in the vacation kingdom with loads of fun. If you're currently planning a low budget Disney trip, you may be interested in 9 things I did for free on my Walt Disney World vacation.


9 Things I Did For Free On My Walt Disney World Vacation


Live Music at Disney Springs

Disney Springs is absolutely bustling with live music and entertainment with performers taking to multiple stages and walkways throughout the resort areas. Guests are treated to musicians, magicians, DJ dance parties, living statues and more. Sure, the purpose of Disney Springs is to further separate you from your money, but if you are having a very budget minded trip there is quite a bit going on that can keep you entertained.

Pictures with the Coca-Cola Bear

If you are really missing having your picture taken with various characters, be sure to stop by the Coca-Cola Store in Disney Springs where the famous Coca-Cola Polar Bear is posing just for you. Bonus Tip - Can't stand being at Disney without seeing more of your favorites? Book a Character Breakfast at one of the Resorts. While you will have to pay for your meal, you needed to eat anyway, right?


Live Entertainment At Disney Springs


Animal Kingdom Lodge Cuisine Tour

I think Animal Kingdom Lodge has more art and cultural programs going on than any other resort on property. You can explore the largest collection of African Art outside the continent, view exotic animals, or listen to cultural guides talk about their experiences growing up in Africa. Foodies will be delighted to know that one of the offerings here includes a 30-minute culinary tour of the Boma and Jiko restaurants. You may even get a small taste of what's being cooked up for dinner.

Wilderness Lodge Art Tour

If you love art and history as much as I do, be sure to make time for the Wonders of the Lodge Art Tour at Disney's Wilderness Lodge. This hour-long guided tour introduces guests to the historical artifacts, architecture, and artwork that makes this stunning Walt Disney World Resort hotel a fan favorite year after year. Bonus Tip - Animal Kingdom Lodge, Art of Animation, and BoardWalk also offer free art tours.


Ride The Monorail


Ride the Monorail

To me the monorail is a ride, and if I can't spend time on the People Mover, you can be sure that I'm hoping on the Epcot monorail for an enjoyable loop around the property to look for wildlife, or just people watch. Bonus Fun - Coming in Fall of 2019 Guests will also be able to take a ride on Disney's Skyliner for another unique transportation experience.

Take A Boat

I love being on the water as much as possible and traveling Walt Disney World by boat is a real treat. Part of Disney's complimentary transportation system taking boats not only gets you where you are going but offers a relaxing and often beautiful ride. I'd be hard pressed to tell you my favorite route, so you will just have to give it a try yourself. Take the Bay Lake Resort boats, the Sassagoula River cruise, or a loop around Crescent Lake.


Boat Around The Seven Seas Lagoon


Yeeha Bob Jackson Show

For years I have heard what a great time the Yeeha Bob show is, and friends, it did not disappoint. Bob is a true Disney treasure, a legacy cast member that entertains the crowd with a cheerful ease that never quits. This show held on select nights at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside River Roost Lounge is the kind of family inclusive entertainment that both kids and adults will be thrilled with boogie-woogie piano and comedy.

Hula Lessons

That's right, I learned how to hula, and you can too! Disney's Polynesian Village Resort offers a fun selection of activities full of the aloha spirit. Bonus Fun - I was also able to catch the Polynesian's nightly torch lighting ceremony on the great lawn. It doesn't last very long, but it's a lovely way to bring in the night, plus there is a Dole Whip stand nearby. Just because you miss the Parks doesn't mean you have to miss this classic snack.


Catch YeeHa Bob At River Roost Lounge


Magic Kingdom Fireworks Viewing

A kiss goodnight is Disney tradition, but staying out of the Disney Parks doesn't mean you have to forego the fireworks. Many resort locations around the Seven Seas Lagoon offer a view of the Magic Kingdom's Happily Ever After Fireworks. I enjoyed the show from the Beach at Disney's Polynesian Resort, where they even pipe in the soundtrack to waterside speakers. Bonus Fun - This comfortable location also provided me with a great view of the nightly electrical water pageant.


Happily Ever After Fireworks From The Beach


It's fair to say that even without a park ticket I had a fabulous vacation filled with Disney fun! Those 9 things just scratch the surface of the activities available for free at Walt Disney World. Many of the Disney Resorts offer activities and tours for no cost that give you a peak into the design and creation of Disney magic, as well as free wellness activities like morning yoga, evening campfire marshmallow roasts, and even free Disney movies under the stars.

What are your favorite free activities at Walt Disney World? Leave a comment below and shout out for your favorite Disney freebies.