Photo by Making Magic Vibes

If you love going to Disney World as much as we do, you know how expensive it can be. Especially if you live out of state and your Disney visit includes booking airfare or some sort of transportation. We can’t forget hotels, food and souvenirs!

Photo by Making Magic Vibes

Yes, you can always enter the parks and walk around without buying any lightening lanes, Mickey shaped treats or a new set of Minnie ears. Just enjoying the atmosphere is amazing at Disney World. And don’t forget at every Disney Park you can also grab free WiFi, water, First Aid items, celebration buttons, pixie dust, park maps, scavenger hunts and transportation cards. We decided to go out on one day of a recent trip and find as many free things to do once we got on Disney property. Here are some of our favorite freebies.

Photo by Making Magic Vibes

Epcot is one of our favorite spots to visit when we just want to enjoy the atmosphere. We’ve walked around the International Gateway and have found free samples of Caramel Popcorn at Karmel Kuche in Germany. You can also scout out every Kidcot location inside the World Showcase (there are 11 total) for traveler’s cards and other free mementos and activties for the kids.

Last but not least, grab a free soda inside Club Cool where you can try endless samples of different Coca Cola products (our favorite is the Beverly).

Photo by Making Magic Vibes and the free postcards at the Character Breakfast inside the Crystal Palace, Magic Kingdom

The Friendship Boats

Photo by Making Magic Vibes

After you wake up at your Disney Resort and take advantage of the free Joffrey’s Coffee in your room, why not a beautiful boat ride around Crescent Lake on the Friendship Boats? You’ll find the Friendship Boats at the EPCOT Resorts (Swan & Dolphin, Boardwalk Inn, Yacht & Beach Club). Most guests use the Friendship Boats to get to the resorts and parks but it’s also a great way to spend a beautiful day on Crescent Lake. The boardwalk stops are perfect for a pit stop when you want to get out a stretch your legs, grab a bite to eat or enjoy the atmosphere.

Photo by Making Magic Vibes

THE DISNEY SKYLINER

Another favorite transportation attraction is The Skyliner. These gondolas in the sky connect at the Epcot, Hotel Riviera & Caribbean Beach Hollywood Studios and the Art of Animation and Pop Century Resort. This is a great way to also hop around for some great Instagram-Worthy pics while seeing some of the cutest resorts on property.

Photo by Making Magic Vibes

The Skyliner opens one hour before the parks and they stop running an 1.5 after parks close. It is a spectacular ride anytime of the day but we love it at sunset when it cruises into Epcot’s International Gateway. We have spent an entire day riding The Skyliner which is free, regardless of whether you are staying at a Disney property or not.

Photo by Making Magic Vibes

ART OF ANIMATION

Before Covid, you could head to the Art of Animation Resort for free classes with a Disney Artist, who would teach you how to unleash your creative side on paper. Unfortunately, this freebie has not returned however you can still head on over for some perfect Instagram-worthy shots across this super fun Disney Resort.

The life-sized Disney characters and scenes from Disney movies make a really fun backdrop for those perfect family photos.

After a sunset ride on The Skyliner, hit up the Art of Animation Resort for a quick photo shoot. Then you can make some s’mores around the campfire before a Disney movie under the stars. These are also held nightly and both are complimentary.

Photo by Making Magic Vibes

Another great stop if you are spending a day Resort Hopping is The Grand Floridian. This gorgeous turn of the century resort on the Monorail Line might not fit in your travel budget but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy this rare beauty. During holidays like Easter and Christmas you can find an array of displays and the live pianist is the perfect way to enjoy the beautiful lobby. It’s so close to the Magic Kingdom on the Monorail, that it’s the perfect place to escape the crowds for a bit.

Photo by Making Magic Vibes

THE BOARDWALK

Photo by Making Magic Vibes

Over at the Boardwalk near Epcot and Hollywood Studios you can find live entertainment nightly (and sometimes during the day). We’ve found performance artists of all kinds here drawing crowds with juggling, stunts, musical performances and magic shows. You’ll also find nightly Disney movies out on the lawn for the kids. This is a perfect way to wind down the day with some free entertainment.

PIN TRADING

Photo by Making Magic Vibes – Pin Trading Board inside Pandora at the Animal Kingdom

Pin trading with Disney Cast Members and at selected locations is another beloved and free past time at Disney World. Every park, most Disney Resort and locations at Disney Springs also have pin trading boards where you can exchange one for one!

Photo By Making Magic Vibes

You can also ask Cast Members if they have a list of Pin Trading locations within the park, like this one at Hollywood Studios.

Photo by Making Magic Vibes

While Disney Springs has lots of free things (free parking, free concerts) the Art of Disney is not to be missed. This gallery style shop is filled with masterpieces by Disney artists and rare collectibles. While you can purchase the art, strolling through is like a museum experience in itself. You’ll also find lots of collectibles from Disney classics and some animation cells from popular animated Disney films. They also host artists in studio for special events.

FUN WITH CHIP N’ DALE

Want some quality time with Chip N’ Dale? Over at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Camp Grounds & Resort you can attend a campfire fete for free. Feel free to bring your own marshmallows and sticks to roast on an open fire while you hang out with Chip & Dale for fun and photos. Enjoy a guitar wheeling cowboy crooning fireside and perhaps a dance party with your favorite Chipmunks.

Once the sun sets, get ready for a Disney movie under the stars on the benches (or bring your own blankets and chairs). The campfire sing-along and the Disney movie under the stars are complementary and a super fun way to hang with Chip N’ Dale.

Photo by Making Magic Vibes

While you will need a ticket to get into Animal Kingdom, there is one super creative freebie you can’t miss called the Animation Experience.

Take the train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch and head to the Animation Experience at Conservation Station. This short drawing class has Disney Character Artists who show you step-by-step how to draw Disney animal characters from Disney movies. It is really fun and a great way to unleash your inner artist.