Although many will disagree, Disney does not have to break the bank! In fact, there are several fun things for your family to see and enjoy that will not cost you anything! Here is a list of some of the updated activities and events Disney provides that your family can do and see that are completely free!

Resorts

Magical Express/Luggage Delivery

When staying at a Disney owned resort, guests are offered complimentary transportation to and from Orlando’s MCO airport! This is one of the several perks of staying at a Disney owned resort! The resort will also store your luggage for you, free of charge, when you arrive or when awaiting your departure. If your room is not ready and you want to hit the parks, simply leave your luggage with the resort baggage drop off, and be on your way! Resort cast members will also deliver your luggage to your room for you! (Someone 18 years or older must be in the room to accept the luggage.)

Resort Scavenger Hunts

Many of the value resorts offer free scavenger hunts for guests to participate in! The over-sized theming of several of the value resorts offer so much attention to detail! Additionally, you can create your own Hidden Mickey scavenger hunts anywhere on Disney property!

Resort Hop

One of the most underrated activities to do while on vacation is resort hopping! Visiting other resorts is not only entertaining, it allows guests the opportunity to see other resorts that they might possibly be interested in staying at on their next vacation! This is especially fun to do during the holidays when resorts feature their lobby Christmas Trees!

Movie Nights

Almost all Disney resorts offer a “movie under the stars” event in the evenings! This takes place on resort property, usually near the main pool or on a large, open area of grass. After long, hot days in the summer heat, a cool, outdoor movie night is a perfect way to unwind and relax before heading back to your room!

Campfire Sing-Along

At Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campgrounds, join Chip-n-Dale around the campfire, make some s’mores, and have fun as you sing-a-long to your favorite Disney tunes! Disney offers other campfire locations, both indoor and outdoor at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge!

Take a Stroll

It cost nothing to stroll Disney property! There are so many trails and jogging paths that allow guests to tour each Disney resort at their own pace. Whether you stroll early in the morning before everyone wakes up, enjoy an afternoon stroll, or prefer to end your day with an evening walk around your Disney resort property, you are sure to find a sense of peace and relaxation.

Resort Specific Activities

Many resorts offer resort specific activities that include pool trivia, free art classes, storytime, music classes, and more! Check daily as these activities are subject to change!

See a Geyser

Modeled after Yellowstone’s Old Faithful geyser, Wilderness Lodge gives guests an opportunity to watch a geyser erupt! This is a wonderful informational opportunity to talk about Yellowstone National Park and allow your family to educate themselves on the beauty of our country’s natural wonders.

Wedding Pavilion

Feel like going to the chapel and … site seeing? Although you cannot just walk up and get married (we are not in Las Vegas) you can stroll up to Disney’s iconic Wedding Pavilion at the Grand Floridian resort. You may even be able to peek inside and see the most romantic view of Cinderella’s castle! Of course, you may want to be sure there is not an actual wedding in session before walking inside.

Butterfly Gardens

Did you know Disney is a conservatory for butterflies? At check-in, be sure to inquire if your resort offers a butterfly garden. Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside, Contemporary Resort, and Fort Wilderness are some of the resorts that are home to butterfly gardens. Be sure to pick up information on the types of flowers planted in these gardens as well as all the different types of butterflies you may see!

Animal Viewing

Everyone knows you can see animals at Animal Kingdom. However, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers three animal viewing points that guests can visit free of charge! A variety of animals can be seen at the Sunset Savanna, the Arusha Savanna, and the Uzima Savanna, including giraffes, flamingos, gazelles, and more!

Tri-Circle-D Ranch

Did you know Disney has their own ranch with horses over at Fort Wilderness! Where else would Cinderella house her ponies? Take a stroll and see all the Main Street horses and some other very special Disney secrets!

Feminine/First Aid Needs

Most of the Disney resorts offer free products in their lobby bathrooms. In case of an unplanned emergency or no pocket change, it is good to know you can stop by your main lobby and get what you need to hold you over until you can purchase additional products! (First aid, toiletries, and all personal products are available for purchase at any resort gift shop. Annual Passholder discount can also be used on all of these items!)

Electrical Water Pageant

When visiting one of the Seven Seas Lagoon resorts (Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Resort, Grand Floridian Resort, or Fort Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge), be sure to relax on one of their beaches for a nighttime water show consisting of glowing sea creatures and classic tunes that is sure to bring back nostalgia. This water pageant is very reminiscent of Disneyland’s Electrical Parade!

Drink Refills

If you purchased a Disney resort package, your package included a resort mug! This is not an ordinary resort mug, though! For the duration of your stay, your mug can be refilled at any Disney resort for free! This includes all fountain beverages, coffee, teas, milk, and water!

Parks

Celebration Buttons

There is no better way to celebrate an event than to announce it with a Disney celebration button! Celebrate anything you want: a birthday, an anniversary, a milestone, a special life event, and more! Disney wants to know what you are celebrating and wants to engage and celebrate with you!

FuelRod Swaps

I think this is one of the most well-kept Disney secrets! For a one time fee of $30, guests can purchase a FuelRod portable charger. Once purchased, you can swap it out for a fully charged charger at several Disney locations for free! Each charger comes with 3 different connectors suitable for all phone types, and a durable charger case to hold everything together! FuelRods are also used at Universal Studios and many airports, however, those swaps will cost you $3. So take advantage of the free swaps when visiting Disney parks and never run out of battery!

Specialty Stickers

Have you reached Galactic Hero status on Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin or eaten all the food on your plate at 50’s Prime Time? If so, be sure to ask a Disney cast member for a specialty sticker! Show off your achievements!

Kidcot Fun Stops

Epcot offers an amazing World Showcase Tour with Kidcot Fun Stops in each country. At each stop, kids and adults can collect international mementos to complete your own Epcot Passport! This is also a fun way to educate and learn about all 11 featured countries!

Water

Yes, water is free at Disney parks. While it may not be a bottle of water, upon request, most quick-service restaurants will provide free cups of ice water!

Transportation

Disney offers free transportation between all their resorts, both Disney owned and Good Neighbor Hotels! As long as you stay on Disney property, you will have no issues getting from any park to any resort! Transportation options include buses, boats, monorail, and Skyliner!

Photos

Disney photographers are everywhere and they know the best spots to capture the best memories! It costs absolutely nothing to have them take your photos! Unfortunately, they are no longer allowed to take photos with guest cell phones anymore to ensure safety and health regulations, but all Disney photos are available on your My Disney Experience app!

Disney’s Boardwalk and Disney Springs

Stroll

It costs nothing to enjoy a day or evening at Disney’s Boardwalk or Disney Springs! No reservation is needed which makes this a wonderful destination for all guests! Enjoy all the sights, sounds, and smells of Disney at either of these wonderful locations!

Street Performers

Disney Springs is known for its surprise performances! Whether it’s a rolling pianist, a couple of stilt performers, independent musicians, or full band concerts, Disney Springs is sure to entertain! So grab a cocktail, find a seat, and enjoy!

Atlantic Dance Hall

This is another Disney secret that many people don’t typically take advantage of! Unfortunately, this location is currently temporarily closed. But the Atlantic Dance Hall is a 21 and over club that is usually no cover and tons of fun! When this reopens, do not miss out on an adults night out full of dancing!

Window Shop

Disney Springs is known for its shopping! Of course, window shopping is always fun to do as well! Stop into stores and see all they have to offer! The Lego Store has some very impressive Lego displays, and there is a full-sized Mad Tea Party teacup inside DisneyStyle! What else have you found inside Disney Springs stores?

 

More Free Things to Enjoy!

Mini Golf

Although this is not always free, if you book a vacation package, you will receive a free, single round of mini-golf voucher for each person in your party! The Fantasia Garden’s mini-gold offers some of the cutest scenes from the classic Disney movie – you guessed it – Fantasia! This is a fun activity for guests of all ages!

Free Disney Dining

The free Disney dining offer is one of the most coveted Disney offers guests look forward to adding to their Disney vacations! This offer includes free dining for the entirety of your stay! (Be sure to read the details of what this includes.) Unfortunately, due to capacity restrictions and temporary dining location closures, the Disney Dining Plan is currently not an option at this time. However, when this does return, be sure to keep an ear out for those free Disney dining offers!

Kids Under 3

As always, kids under three are free! Everyone in your party needs to be included in head counts for room and dining reservations, but all kids under the age of 3 will not be charged admission fees to parks, nor will they have to pay to eat!