free things at disney world! pink and blue castle with a credt featureing the number 50 on the front.

Big List of Cool (And Free!) Things To Do In Disney World In 2024

You’ll want to read this one closely in order to make the most of your Walt Disney World vacation. Here are a ton of cool, free, things to do in Disney World. That’s right: there are free things to do in Disney World Resort in 2024. Make sure you take advantage of them all at the theme parks.

free things at disney world! pink and blue castle with a credt featureing the number 50 on the front.

Table of Contents

Free Things At Disney World In 2024

FREE! FREE! FREE! As far as the eye can see- there are free things at Disney World

No, we’re not crazy, thank you very much, but we can hear it now.

What in the WORLD is she talking about, free things at Walt Disney World? Girl, those tickets and resort hotels are expensive! Don’t even get me started on airfare or transportation from MCO to Disney. It costs a LOT to go to Disney World!

Yes, this is true. We won’t even pretend to argue that point.

However, we know you’re going. You know you’re going. Disney knows you’re going.

So you might as well get the most bang for your buck while you are there. Here’s a list of 79 free things you can take advantage of at Walt Disney World.

Best 79 Ways to Score Free Stuff at Disney World

Some of these are physical items you can nab for free at Disney, and some are free experiences. There are definitely some ways to enjoy Disney World without spending extra money.

Knowing these hacks for saving money at Disney World can make your next visit even more magical!

1. Free at Disney World: Yoga Classes At Select Resorts

There are some resorts that offer early morning yoga classes.

Get your zen on before you set your rope drop plans in action!

Find more information about free yoga classes at Walt Disney World here.

If you want yoga in front of the castle, however, you’ll need to spend some money on a runDisney yoga event.

2. Free Disney World Phone Apps

Like it or hate it, the need to navigate Disney planning via your phone apps is here to stay.

Luckily these apps are 100% free at Disney World to use.

Download the My Disney Experience app and the Play Disney Parks app, especially if you want to get the most out of the new MagicBand Plus (which NOT free, ahem).

Magic Band Plus - be sure to connect to the free Disney World app. The band isn't free, but the app is and is on our list of free things to do in Disney World..

3. Free Stuff at Disney World: BIRTHDAY DESSERTS

Is it your birthday? A Disney birthday is the best birthday EVER!

Table service locations will gift your birthday girl or boy with a special dessert if you let them know you are enjoying a birthday celebration at Disney World.

4. Skip The Lines For Free At Disney World

You’ve likely heard about the new Genie+ and Lightning Lane programs. It is a pay-to-play “skip the line” program that replaces the once free FastPass+ system.

But there are still ways to skip the long lines at Disney World – and it’s free!

Use this money-saving (and time-saving!) tip and check out the single-rider lines at Disney.

single rider line smugglers run. Skip the line as part of the free things to do in Disney World as a solo traveler.

5. Holiday Freebies And Entertainment

Have your kids ever gone trick or treating at Disney World?

You can pay for the Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party each year where you score free candy, that’s true. And it’s GOOD candy too!

But your kids can also dress up and trick or treat at many Walt Disney World Resort lobbies.

Be sure to head over to Fort Wilderness to see the awesome Halloween or Christmas decorations that are put up by the camping guests each year.

Visiting Fort Wilderness is free and accessible via a boat launch from the Magic Kingdom.

6. Free Cups Of Water And Water Bottle Refill Stations

Stay hydrated, y’all!

Florida don’t play when it comes to the heat and Disney doesn’t want you passing out.

You can ask for a free cup of water at any Quick Service location (and they’ll give you as many as you’d like!)

You can also use the free water bottle refill stations that are located throughout the parks. Ask a Cast Member where the closest one is to you.

water bottle refill station in batuu at galaxy's edge.

7. Resort Hopping: Free Things To Do At Disney World

One of our absolute favorite ways to find free entertainment at Disney is resort hopping.

Take a bus, boat, or monorail from a theme park to a resort and check out someplace new.

You do not have to be a guest to shop or visit, but you may need to be one in order to park in their lot.

Use Disney transportation to avoid that!

The holidays are the best times to take advantage of this free thing at Disney.

Each resort has its own feel and theming and the holiday decorations tend to reflect that too!

Check out the Easter Egg decorating contests, the pumpkins, or the Christmas trees on display in the lobbies.

easter eggs grand floridian hotel. Resort hopping is on of the free things to do in Disney World. This egg has The Avengers decorations.

8, 9, and 10. Free Stuff at Disney World: Maps, Guides, and Celebration Buttons

All of these are free things you can pick up at Disney.

The celebration buttons will be available at your hotel lobby concierge, guest services, or shops in the parks.

The maps and guides are easily found when you first walk into the park; often, a cast member will try to hand you one!

Special events will have special maps highlighting new things to experience, character stops, and entertainment times.

free things in disney world: guide maps of the parks and special events like this 2023 Mickeys Not So Scary map

11. Watch The Magic Kingdom Fireworks For Free

Some of our favorite Magic Kingdom fireworks viewing spots are also FREE.

If you don’t have a ticket to the park but want to experience the show on non-holiday nights, you can head to the monorail resorts to watch the fireworks.

You can also ride the transportation options, which can give some great views from the monorail, ferries, or Skyliner.

fireworks from the ferry

12-16. Speaking of Disney Transportation…

Take a boat ride, jump on a ferry, Skyliner, bus, or monorail. Are all free modes of transportation when you are on Disney property.

This is one of the best free things Disney offers and it’s a great way to see all of the resort.

If you have a transportation-loving kiddo (you know the one!), they will flip over riding around on the Monorail for a little bit of non-park entertainment.

And most of them offer free AC, so really, this is a win all around!

monorail in epcot

17. Free Stuff At Disney World: The Wifi

Considering how often you’ll need to use your phone for Genie+ or Mobile Ordering, keeping the Wifi strong and free is the least Disney can do!

You’ll also have free wifi in your resort and even on some of the resort buses.

18-29. Free Stuff at Disney Springs

There are a lot of free things to do at Disney Springs.

It’s free to enter as well.

And there’s free parking.

Here’s what you can do without spending a dime while visiting Disney Springs:

disney springs at sunset
  • Boat transportation to Port Orleans Riverside Resort.
  • LEGO building at the LEGO store (LEGO Imagination Center.)
  • Live music and entertainment.
  • Disney Springs Splash Pads. Let the kids run around and cool off (located by Early of Sandwich and the Christmas store).
  • Window Shopping. This is the place where dreams are only a Visa swipe away! But leave that Visa in the wallet and just enjoy playing the “someday” game.
  • Free chocolate at the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop
  • Free parking at Disney Springs
  • Free play zone at the T-Rex Cafe
  • Free jewelry? Don’t mind if we do! Stop by Luxury of Time in Disney Springs for a free necklace (your mileage may vary on this one).

So many free things to do at Disney Springs, it’s hard to list them all!

photopass studios disney springs

30. Have A Free Professional Photo Shoot At The PhotoPass Studios

This one comes with a caveat: you do need to have access to Memory Maker in order to get your free photos. But its high on our list of free things to do in Disney World as a family.

But if you planned a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique makeover or just want some special shots taken by professional photographers, the PhotoPass Studio is a great option.

There are two locations: one by Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom and one at Disney Springs in the Marketplace.

pumpkin head wreath halloween

31. Free Scavenger Hunts

You can check with your resort and at Guest Services in the parks to see if they are offering any free Disney scavenger hunts.

These were very popular pre-2020 shutdown, so your mileage may vary on what’s returned.

We put together a Magic Kingdom Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt for you to enjoy during Halloween Time.

32. Movies Under The Stars With Chip ‘N Dale

Lots of resorts offer movie nights, but only one also gives you a free character meet and greet.

Head over to Chip ‘N Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground for a free movie and chipmunk hugs!

fort wilderness campground sign

33. Free Drawing Class At The Animation Experience at Conservation Station

Time to show your artistic side!

Take the train to the Conservation Station in Animal Kingdom and don’t miss the animation academy.

You’ll have 25 minutes to learn how to draw a Disney character.

There used to be classes at the Art of Animation Resort, but those have not returned just yet.

34. Animal Kingdom Lodge: Free Animal Viewing

After you’ve finished your drawing, head over to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort.

You can walk the grounds where you are sure to spy plenty of animals hanging around just outside the lobby doors.

This resort is so unique and special, you just have to experience it to believe it.

35. Watch The Electrical Water Pageant: A Free Disney Boat Parade!

You can catch the boat parade every night just after the fireworks.

Head over to the beaches at the Grand Floridian, Ft. Wilderness, Contemporary Resort or Polynesian Village Resort to see a Day 1 Disney World attraction.

From the beaches of these resorts, you’ll have a great view. You can also see it (sorta) from the Ticket and Transportation Center.

36. Sample Coke From Around The World At Club Cool

Listen, they are all kinda gross by American Coca-Cola standards (we said what we said!) but your kids will LOVE this experience,

It’s located in Epcot, so, yes, you’ll pay to get in. But the samples of Coke are totally free.

If you tell your kids Beverly is the BEST. SODA. EVER! you will either start an epic prank war or never live this one down. Because… it’s so bad.

37. Free Concerts In Epcot

Listen, you might be thinking, “sure, free theme park entertainment, big deal.”

And you’d be wrong, friend!

Epcot’s Garden Rocks and Eat To the Beat concerts bring in some super fun, nostalgic big-name acts.

We stopped by to check out the Spinners and their 1980s hit, Working My Way Back To You Babe.

garden rocks free concerts at epcot the spinners.

Check out this lineup for the 2024 Eat To The Beat Concerts:

  • Aug. 30-31 – The Fray
  • Sept. 1-2 – Sugar Ray
  • Sept. 6-7 – Hoobastank
  • Sept. 8-9 – Yellowcard (NEW)
  • Sept. 13-14 – Tiffany
  • Sept. 15-16 – MercyMe
  • Sept. 20-21 – Sheila E.
  • Sept. 22-23 – The Wanted (NEW)
  • Sept. 27 – Luis Figueroa
  • Sept. 28-29 – Mau Y Ricky (NEW)
  • Sept. 30 – Jesse & Joy (NEW)
  • Oct. 4-5 – Aloe Blacc (NEW)
  • Oct. 6-7 – Joey Fatone & Friends
  • Oct. 11-12 – We The Kings
  • Oct. 13-14 – Switchfoot
  • Oct. 18-19 – David Archuleta (NEW)
  • Oct. 20-21 – Billy Ocean
  • Oct. 25-28 – Hanson
  • Nov. 1-2 – Haley Reinhart featuring Emily Estefan, Casey Abrams and Janel Parrish (NEW)
  • Nov. 3-4 – Boyz II Men
  • Nov. 8-9 – Magic! (NEW)
  • Nov. 10-11 – Parmalee (NEW)
  • Nov. 15-16 – Smash Mouth
  • Nov. 17-18 – 98 Degrees

Those concerts are free things to do in Disney World with your Epcot park ticket.

Don’t forget to grab your theme park reservations!

38. Autopia Driver Licenses

Stop by Autopia and see if they have the driver’s license your wee kiddos are dying for!

autopia drivers licence card

39. Pilot Licenses

The Dumbo may also be handing out Pilot licenses as well.

Yes, for the flying elephant. We don’t make the rules!

But this is a fun way to add to your Disney vacation.

40. Transportation Trading Cards

Kids absolutely LOVE to collect trading cards, and aren’t we all just big kids when we’re at Disney?

Ask the Monorail Cast Members and the Skyliner Cast Members to see if they have any on hand.

41. Food and Wine Passports

Get these stamped as you’re traveling around the World at Epcot!

preferred parking at epcot

42. Theme Park Parking Is Free: FOR RESORT GUESTS!

One of those perks of staying onsite includes FREE parking for all resort guests.

Annual passholders, you can include this as well. Because you get to park free too.

43. Kidcot Stations At Epcot

Stop by each country and visit their Kidcot station.

We’re not totally sure the status post 2020, but we believe most are back with some simple craft or coloring sheet for the kids.

44. Hotel Parking Is Free!

Updated in 2022, your Disney World hotel parking is included with your stay.

If you are renting DVC points from David’s DVC Rental, this perk is extended to you as well.

And that’s one nice perk to have!

Art of Animation Cars-section-Doc-Hudson

45. Soda Refills At Certain Theme Park Locations

If you’re eating at Be Our Guest in the Magic Kingdom, Sunshine Seasons and Regal Eagle Smokehouse at Epcot, Restaurantosaurus & Satu’li Canteen in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, or Backlot Express in Disney’s Hollywood Studios you’ll have access to free refills.

These restaurants all have self-serve refill stations. But be cool: don’t refill your resort mugs here!

46. Watch The Epcot Fireworks For Free

That Skyliner actually gives a pretty good view above the crowds!

And you can also see most of the sky from Disney’s Boardwalk area as well.

We love the view from the Yacht Club.

Take a skyliner from Epcot during the fireworks. Riding the transportation is one of our favorite free things to do in Disney World

47-64. Free Resort and Theme Park Street Performers and Performances

Listen, we absolutely HAVE to see the Dapper Dans perform on Main Street, USA during every trip.

And we hate to miss the JAMMitors in Epcot.

But there are so many more!

Here are a few (locations and availability may vary due to staffing and budgets- we can’t promise all have come back just yet!)

  • Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe
  • Epcot Pianist
  • Grand Floridian Lobby Pianist
  • Voices of Liberty
  • Sergio in Epcot
  • Jeweled Dragon Acrobats
  • Casey’s Corner Pianist
  • Chakranadi
  • Viva Gaia Street Band!
  • Burudika
  • Serveur Amusant
  • Notorious Banjo Brothers and Bob
  • Royal Majesty Makers
  • Kora Tinga Tinga
  • Yeehaw Bob at Port Orleans French Quarter
Dapper Dan Street perfomers: a concert that is included as free things to do in Disney World

65. Storytellers At The Disney Resorts

The resorts are all so unique and many offer special touches, like the storytellers at Port Orleans Riverside.

Check your resort for Campfire on de’ Bayou on your next visit.

Animal Kingdom Lodge also has a storyteller – ask the CMs in the lobby where you can find them!

66. Free First Aid

We don’t want it to happen, but if you’re at the parks and need a little medical TLC, stop by the first aid locations.

We’ve grabbed ibuprofen and Tylenol, blister bandaids, and a mask before. It’s available and one of the free things to do in Disney World.

67. Leaving Later In The Day? Take Advantage Of Bell Services Free Luggage Hold (and Transfers!)

We love to resort hop on our stays, and sometimes that means making use of a split stay.

But we also love to rope drop.

Since we can’t check in until after 4 pm, but have to check out of the old hotel by 11, we use the Bell Services free luggage hold all the time.

They can even arrange a transfer to the new Disney resort as well!

68. Got a Disney Visa Card? Bring It To Epcot For a Free Photo

Every day from 1 pm to 6:30 pm, you can get a photo near the Journey into Imagination with Figment. You’ll be able to pick up a free printed photo as well.

Exclusive character photos: yes please!

69. Free Pin Trading!

Of course, you have to show up with a few of your own to start.

But you can find cast members and other guests who will enjoy the art of pin trading with you.

It’s a fun way to leave with a new souvenir.

keys to the kingdom pin

70. Get Pixie Dusted- For FREE!

Harmony Barber Shop just reopened last fall and you can stop by to ask for some pixie dust for your kiddo.

It’s located in the shops right on Main Street in the left hand corner when you first walk into Magic Kingdom.

71. Annual Passholders Can Get Free Access To New Attractions

AP previews are FREE (with AP purchase- ahem). Details, details!

Not everyone will get in, but if you get the magical email, you might be riding the next big coaster at Disney World before everyone else.

cosmic rewind ride vehicle

72. Wake-Up Calls Are Free!

And you can even arrange to have the call come from the Big Cheese himself, Mickey Mouse.

74. Free Magnets For AP Holders

Listen, we don’t make the rules! So this one isn’t on the list for everyone who is looking for free things to do in Disney World

But we do like the benefits. And snagging a cute little magnet for being an AP holder sure makes us feel special.

disney world annual pass 50th annivesary

75. Exercise Is Free. Seriously. Disney Runner Trails At The Resorts

There are trails where you can get some extra miles in before you hit the parks (or maybe after if you need to decompress?).

Running around the Disney resorts is a special kind of therapy if you ask us.

Here’s where you can run at the Disney resorts.

where-to-run-at-disney-world, Check out the running trails because they are on the list of free things to do in Disney World.

76. Ever See A Live Geyser Explode? You Can At Disney World- For Free

Head over to Wilderness Lodge where you can find a “live” active geyser.

It goes off every hour on the hour from 7 am to 10 pm.

77. Free Disney Stickers

The Cast Members love to hand them out- and your kids love to collect them!

Ask any CM in the parks and they may just have a roll of stickers to peel off for your kiddo.

78. Free Starbucks Birthday Drink At Disney Springs

You gotta sign up for the rewards program, but you can snag a free Starbucks at the Disney Springs location on your birthday.

Do it! Everything is better caffeinated. Even growing older.

Visiting the butterfly gardens is a free things to do in Disney World

79. Visit The Free Butterfly Gardens

We heard there was one at the Contemporary Resort, but disneyworld.com says there’s more!

Many of our parks and Disney Resort hotels grow flower gardens specially designed to attract local butterflies—and it’s working! Walt Disney World Resort is home to more than 70 butterfly species.

Be sure to ask during your next stay if your resort has a butterfly garden you can visit! We imagine there are plenty of butterflies on the nature trails around most Walt Disney World Resort hotel.

And that’s the full list of free things to do in Disney World!

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