A Disney trip with no money and all the fun. This is not a drill!
If you are planning to visit Walt Disney World with your family or kids and you do not wish to break your bank, let me be your virtual guide.There are severalfree things to do near Walt Disney World, which I will be sharing with you today.
Here are some clever tips for you to travel like a local without spending too much.
1. Disney Boardwalk – 5 Minute from Walt Disney World
- Address: 2101 Epcot Resort Blvd, Orlando, FL 32830
- Cost: Free
- Stroller Friendly
Things to do at Disney Boardwalk
Places open at the Disney Boardwalk:
- Boardwalk Bakery
- Big River Grille & Brewing Works
- Trattoria al Forno
- Luna Park Crazy Play Area
- Boat Launch.
COVID-19Restrictions: Only Disney Resort guests are allowed to visit. You must make a reservation at the hotel or the restaurant before you plan to visit.
Free activities include:
- Exploring the area on foot
- Dine-in at a bakery or restaurant
- A ferry ride to Epcot, Disney Hollywood Studio, and the Disney Skyliner
Please note that to get into a Disney theme park, you must have a valid ticket parking reservation.
Final Verdict: 4 out of 5 stars
My kids were absolutely thrilled as it felt like they were inside of the Theme Park.
Bonus tips: If you’re going to a Disney Theme Park — Parking your car at Boardwalk and catching the boat ride or bus shuttle to the park will save you $25-$50 worth a day’s parking cost.
2. Disney Spring — 2 Minutes from Walt Disney World
Address: 1486 Buena Vista Dr. Lake Buena Vista, FL
Cost: Free
Covid Restrictions:Mask Required. Bag and temperature checks will be performed prior to entering
Things to do at Disney Spring
For me, Disney Spring is what I would call a Disney Mall. The place offers multiple restaurants, shopping, sight-seeing, and small attractions. Disney Spring is also perfect for taking Instagram-worthy photos.
Final Verdict: 4 out of 5 stars
If you have kids between 7 and 17 years, Disney Spring is a must-visit spot to give them a taste of Disney without paying the park’s price. It’s a win-win situation!
3. Disney World Monorail
Cost: Free
Things to do at Disney World Monorail
Ride as much as you want without spending a single penny. Yes, this is absolutely amazing!
You can get on the Monorail from the Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, or the Transportation & Ticket Center. Visit this link if you wish to find out more details regarding transportation, map, and monorail time, etc.
Final Verdict: 5 out of 5 stars
I cannot count the number of rides my kids took in a single day. They had an absolute blast and so did we.
4. Lake Eola Park – 22 minutes from Walt Disney World
Address: 512 E Washington St Orlando, FL 32801
Cost: Free
Covid Restrictions:Mask Required
Things to do at Lake Eola Park
Just relax and take a breather at the beautiful Lake Eola Park. Animal lovers are bound to fall in love with this place as there are plenty of turtles, goose, ducks, and swanshere to awe at.
You can rent a paddleboat for $15 dollars for half an hour and enjoy. One paddleboat is enough for a family of four. Visit this link to rent a swan boat at the Lake Eola Park.
Final Verdict: 4 out of 5 stars
The paddleboat ride was wonderfully refreshing. Highly recommended!
5. Tíbet-Butler Preserve Nature Walk– 13 minutes from Walt Disney World
Address: 8777 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Orlando, FL 32836
Cost: Free
Amenities:Restrooms and water fountain located at the visitor center
Things to do at Tíbet-Butler Preserve Nature Walk
Let the beautiful nature sink in!
Take a stroll along the heavenly Tíbet-Butler Preserve Nature Walk and get fascinated with the interesting habitats and wildlife located at the shore of Lake Butler.
There are various other short flat trails your kids will most definitely enjoy.
Final Verdict: 4 out of 5 stars
So calm and serene. This place brings you nature at its best.
6. Old Town – 9 Minutes from Walt Disney World
Address:5770 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, FL
Cost:Free(For Saturday and Sunday’s car show)
Things to do at Old Town
When you are looking for something fun to do after 9:00 PM, Old Town is a great option. You can enjoy unlimited rides at the Fun Spot America Theme Parkfor $30 per person after 9:00 PM every day. The place closes at 11:00 PM so plan your activities accordingly.
The place gets crowded on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night, so be careful about timings.
Final Verdict: 4 out of 5 stars
Unlimited rides for $30 – that’s great value for money.
7. Airport Lakes Park: 20 Minute from Walt Disney World
Address:7098 Shadowridge Drive, Orlando, FL 32812
Cost:Free
Things to do at Airport Lakes Park
We visited this Airport Lakes Park while waiting for our flight back home to Virginia as it is just 3 miles or a 7-minute drive away from the Orlando International Airport.
I’m glad we took this decision because the park turned out to be an absolute joyride. It had:
- Playground
- Restrooms available
- Ballfields &picnic tables
- Stroller and wheelchair friendly lanes
- A short trail leading to the lake
Final Verdict: 5 out of 5 stars
I love spontaneous last-minute plans, that turn out better than your expectations.
8. Boggy Creek Airboat Adventure – 34 minutesfrom Walt Disneyworld
Address: 2001 E. Southport Rd. Kissimmee, FL 34746
Cost:Free to access Gator Pond
Things to do at Boggy Creek Airboat Adventure
Located 34 minutes from the Disney Resort, Boggy Creek is ideal for an afternoon adventurewith your family. You get to experience wildlife and learn about the Native American Village.
- Eat at Bottom BBQ or have a cold beer
- Take a walk to the Native American Village
- Picnic table available
- The Gator Pond is stroller friendly
- There is a cost to do the airboat tour but it is worth it
Bonus Tip: Bring a light sweater for the airboat ride as it gets a little chilly out there.
Final Verdict: 4 out of 5 stars
The airboat trip was the best part as we saw four alligators and numerous birds on our way. It was a magical and memorable experience.
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Have a nice day! ���<
