Chrisizzle
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Mar 9, 2019
I’m surprised something like this doesn’t exist as a sticky post, let alone not finding anything in a search.
I’d like to compile a list of free things to do at Disney World... with perhaps honourable mentions for things under... I dunno... $20.
My personal catalyst for this is staying on property during the Marathon Weekend, but not buying park tickets. So, I’m looking for activities outside the park that don’t cost much.
I’ll specify it has to be something provided by Disney, and organized in someway (rather than a tip to ride the monorail... or someone saying they enjoy sitting silently in their room staring at a wall).
Free:
- Old Key West has a free resort tour called “The Legend of Conch Flats” and they go over the hidden details and history of the resort. I believe this is weekly and I have missed it in the past on Tuesday mornings. (Other resort tours reported at Animal Kingdom and Wilderness Lodge)
- Sanaa, Boma and Jiko have free restaurant tours. I’ve read about this and asked our Sanaa server two weeks ago. These tours start at 4pm and talk about the African inspired decor. There is supposed to be a small food tasting of some kind at the end.
- I’ve read that Wilderness Lodge has a formal Hidden Mickey Hunt. You can ask for a clue sheet at the front desk.
- Outdoor Movies: I believe all resorts host outdoor movies. However, the best sounds like Fort Wilderness due to the character meet with Chip & Dale.
- Electric Water Pageant: A 15-minute nightly water parade that is visible from Magic Kingdom area resorts.
- Character Wake Up Call: Not an activity, but a fun way to start the day. I understand wake up calls are done by character voices. I haven’t tried this yet because I hate waking up to a ringing phone.
- Watch MK fireworks from Polynesian, Grand Floridian or Contemporary resorts with synced music/sound provided.
- Campfires at resorts with s’mores.
- Live music at various resorts (Grand Floridian, Port Orleans, check resort amenities / recreation lists)
- DVC Tour: As a segue to the ’honourable mentions’ section, you can take a free DVC tour and get a $50 Disney gift card to fund the activities below.
- ??? What else is out there???
Almost Free:
- Various resorts have Fun Runs under 3km in length. I’ve done them at Old Key West and Port Orleans. They are $15 but you get a medal and one other bonus item (water bottle, pin, etc)
- Mini Golf (reported to be $14)
- ??? What else is out there???
Getting Pricy:
- Painting Classes at Port Orleans ($35), Top of the World Lounge (DVC and $50 with snacks), etc.
- Animation Classes at WIlderness Lodge (DVC and $40) and Art of Animation (Price ???).
- Renting a pontoon boat. $45/hr but boat holds 10 people making it cheap per person.
If You Have A Car:
- Volunteer at Give Kids The World: I took two shifts at this amazing charity. It’s an excellent use of your time. (Read my longer post below)
(I know there are various arts & crafts at different resorts. I don’t know them all but believe costs range from low to $50+ . Reply with anything you know and I’ll add it to the list where appropriate).
I’d like to compile a list of free things to do at Disney World... with perhaps honourable mentions for things under... I dunno... $20.
My personal catalyst for this is staying on property during the Marathon Weekend, but not buying park tickets. So, I’m looking for activities outside the park that don’t cost much.
I’ll specify it has to be something provided by Disney, and organized in someway (rather than a tip to ride the monorail... or someone saying they enjoy sitting silently in their room staring at a wall).
Free:
- Old Key West has a free resort tour called “The Legend of Conch Flats” and they go over the hidden details and history of the resort. I believe this is weekly and I have missed it in the past on Tuesday mornings. (Other resort tours reported at Animal Kingdom and Wilderness Lodge)
- Sanaa, Boma and Jiko have free restaurant tours. I’ve read about this and asked our Sanaa server two weeks ago. These tours start at 4pm and talk about the African inspired decor. There is supposed to be a small food tasting of some kind at the end.
- I’ve read that Wilderness Lodge has a formal Hidden Mickey Hunt. You can ask for a clue sheet at the front desk.
- Outdoor Movies: I believe all resorts host outdoor movies. However, the best sounds like Fort Wilderness due to the character meet with Chip & Dale.
- Electric Water Pageant: A 15-minute nightly water parade that is visible from Magic Kingdom area resorts.
- Character Wake Up Call: Not an activity, but a fun way to start the day. I understand wake up calls are done by character voices. I haven’t tried this yet because I hate waking up to a ringing phone.
- Watch MK fireworks from Polynesian, Grand Floridian or Contemporary resorts with synced music/sound provided.
- Campfires at resorts with s’mores.
- Live music at various resorts (Grand Floridian, Port Orleans, check resort amenities / recreation lists)
- DVC Tour: As a segue to the ’honourable mentions’ section, you can take a free DVC tour and get a $50 Disney gift card to fund the activities below.
- ??? What else is out there???
Almost Free:
- Various resorts have Fun Runs under 3km in length. I’ve done them at Old Key West and Port Orleans. They are $15 but you get a medal and one other bonus item (water bottle, pin, etc)
- Mini Golf (reported to be $14)
- ??? What else is out there???
Getting Pricy:
- Painting Classes at Port Orleans ($35), Top of the World Lounge (DVC and $50 with snacks), etc.
- Animation Classes at WIlderness Lodge (DVC and $40) and Art of Animation (Price ???).
- Renting a pontoon boat. $45/hr but boat holds 10 people making it cheap per person.
If You Have A Car:
- Volunteer at Give Kids The World: I took two shifts at this amazing charity. It’s an excellent use of your time. (Read my longer post below)
(I know there are various arts & crafts at different resorts. I don’t know them all but believe costs range from low to $50+ . Reply with anything you know and I’ll add it to the list where appropriate).
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Super fun anyway!
