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A vacation at the Walt Disney World Resort can be extremely costly once Guests account for Disney Resort reservations, dining costs, souvenirs, and all of the other miscellaneous expenses that add up. While there are certainly a ton of costs that come with each Disney vacation, there are also plenty of free activities and experiences to enjoy throughout the property that offer a welcome break from the expenses. Let’s check out some of the best free experiences to enjoy at the Walt Disney World Resort that won’t break the bank!
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Disney Resort Hop
A great way to enjoy the beautiful theming found at the Walt Disney World Resort without spending any money is by visiting the various Disney Resorts found throughout the property. Visiting Disney Resorts is free and extremely easy thanks to the complimentary Disney transportation that runs to each location, and once there Guests can check out the grounds, dining, entertainment, and more.
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Guests can enjoy visiting different Disney Resorts and soaking in their immersive themes like the South Seas at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, rustic National Parks lodge at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, African savannah at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, New Orleans at Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter, peaceful woods at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campgrounds, and many more. Each Disney Resort also becomes more beautiful during the holidays when stunning decorations are placed all around, only adding to the immersive theming.
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Live Music in Disney Springs
Disney Springs is obviously a location that can be difficult to refrain from spending money in thanks to many shopping locations and countless dining options, however there is a great free activity that can be enjoyed in the heart of the area. In the Marketplace area of Disney Springs is the AdventHealth Waterside Stage which is an open air stage and comfortable seating right on the shores of Lake Buena Vista. Frequently throughout the day and at night Guests can enjoy live musical performances of varying genres that are free to watch while soaking in the beautiful water views and atmosphere of Disney Springs.
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Walking and Running Trails
The Walt Disney World Resort is an absolutely massive location and Guests who visit can expect to walk great distances each day whether in the Disney Parks or not. A great way to enjoy various locations throughout the beautiful property for free is by going for a leisurely walk or run on designated pathways and trails that wind through lush vegetation, manicured gardens, beautiful waterways, and more.
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Guests can stroll a loop around Crescent Lake and Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, a scenic one and a half mile path around Barefoot Bay at Disney’s Riviera Resort, winding 1.7 mile path down the Sassagoula River at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort, one mile path along Seven Seas Lagoon that connects Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, and the Magic Kingdom, and a three mile long path through the woods at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Each trail and path offers up unique views and atmosphere making a quiet walk or run a great free activity to enjoy!
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Hidden Mickey Hunt
Hidden Mickeys can be found literally everywhere at the Walt Disney World Resort and typically take the form of a classic Hidden Mickey with three concentric circles forming his head, but can also feature other favorite characters as well. Guests love to hunt for Hidden Mickeys while in the Disney Parks, but this fun activity can also be enjoyed for free while exploring the Disney Resorts and Disney Springs! There are countless Hidden Mickeys to be found at those locations, and searching for them is a fun and free way to spend a day exploring the Walt Disney World Resort!
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Unique Fireworks Locations
The best viewing locations for nightly entertainment and fireworks shows are obviously inside of the Disney Parks, but there are also several unique locations where Guests can enjoy the beautiful presentations for free. Disney Enchantment at the Magic Kingdom can be enjoyed for free from the beach at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort or the grounds of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort where the reflections off Seven Seas Lagoon only add to the colorful display.
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Each night EPCOT features a showing of Harmonious on World Showcase Lagoon, and Guests can still enjoy the show for free without entering into the Disney Park. Nearby Crescent Lake offers some great spots where unique vantages of Harmonious can be enjoyed while soaking in the charm and ambiance of the boardwalk and water.
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Ferry Rides on Seven Seas Lagoon
A great free activity that Guests can enjoy that combines beautiful water views and breezes can be found on Seven Seas Lagoon near the Magic Kingdom. Large ferry boats run continuously throughout the day from the Disney Park to the Ticket and Transportation Center, and the serene trip across the water allows Guests the opportunity to take in the sights while also checking out some great historical details, props, and photos on board the ferry itself.
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Disney Skyliner Rides
Another great transportation system that Guests can enjoy for free is the Disney Skyliner which has Guests board individual cabins and take to the skies for a smooth and serene ride that offers beautiful views of many different areas of the Walt Disney World Resort. The Disney Skyliner features stations at EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, and Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Guests can use the fun transportation system to visit each Disney Resort for free and enjoy the beautiful grounds and theming there.
