21 Things to Do at Disney World Without a Park Ticket
Hello, lovelies! Whether you forgot to make a park reservation, or want to experience that Disney magic without spending a fortune or maybe you’re just passing through the Orlando area with a few hours to kill, sometimes dropping $200+ on a one-day park ticket is not feasible. Fortunately for you, there are still PLENTY of things to enjoy that can easily take up your entire day. Disney Springs is incredible, and the resorts are also open to non-guests for exploring, so here are 21 things to do at Disney World without a park ticket.
1. Character Dining
Character dining is hands down the number one thing I’d recommend for a full-on Disney experience. While it is a little more expensive than the other options (often averaging $50ish a person), it’s still significantly cheaper than a Disney park ticket. These specific locations are open to everyone, not just park and/or resort guests:
- 1900 Park Fare at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Cape May Cafe at Disney’s Beach Club Resort
- Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera at Disney’s Riviera Resort
2. Order a Latte with Disney Character Art
Coffee (or some form of fuel) is always a must on Disney days, so why not get a latte with a cute Disney character? You can get this special treat at select Joffrey’s locations in Disney Springs.
3. Watch the Fireworks
Everyone knows that watching the fireworks is the best way to end a Disney day, and you can still do that for free (and even with the music) at select Disney resorts:
EPCOT
- Disney’s Boardwalk Resort
Hollywood Studios
- Beach Club
- Disney’s Boardwalk
- Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort
- Yacht Club Resorts
Magic Kingdom
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort
You can also make dining reservations and watch the fireworks over a delicious dinner at the following locations:
- California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary
- Capa at Four Seasons Walt Disney World
- Ceiba at Conrad Hilton
- Illume at JW Marriott Bonnet Creek
- Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian
- Stir Lounge at Swan Reserve
- Toledo at Disney’s Coronado Springs
- Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort
4. Do a Monorail Bar Crawl
For a more adult experience, try stopping at the different bars along the Monorail route, including Geyser Grill, Crockett’s Tavern, Steakhouse 71 Lounge, Trader Sam’s Grotto, Tambu Lounge, and Citricos. Enchanted Rose is another option, but it is expensive.
Pro tip: Trader Sam’s tends to have a crazy long wait, but the Grotto right outside sells the same food and beverages.
5. Ride the Disney Skyliner
Did you know the Skyliner is a free service that is open to anyone? While many people use it to get to parks like Hollywood Studios or EPCOT faster, you can also take it to the Boardwalk, Beach Club, and select resorts.
6. Shop at World of Disney
The World of Disney at Disney Springs is massive and has just about every Disney-related souvenir you can find. It’s also a nice place to window shop and step back into those days of being at the Disney store in the ’90s (iykyk). Plus, if the Florida heat is wearing you down, you can get spit on by Stitch at the front door (it’s less gross than it sounds, I promise).
7. Ride a Hot Air Balloon
Disney Springs has several options if you need an actual ride, including a hot-air balloon Aerophile ride that provides awesome views.
8. See the Animals at Sanaa
Sanaa (at the Animal Kingdom Lodge) is hands down my favorite restaurant at Disney World. Not only is the resort gorgeous, but you also have a nice view of the animals (especially the zebras) when you ask to be seated by a window at Sanaa. Plus, the bread service is an easy crowd-pleaser.
9. Pin Trade in Disney Springs
Pins are the main things I collect (especially Disney pins), so I love browsing Disney’s Pin Traders in Disney Springs. They have a vast collection, but my favorite thing is asking the cast members to see their trading boards so I can trade one of my existing pins for a rare gem.
10. View the Seasonal Decor at the Resort Hotels
If you’re a Christmas fanatic like yours truly, don’t sleep on the Disney resort seasonal decor! They’re so well known that the Disney Parks YouTube even provides a virtual gingerbread crawl video during the holiday season for people to enjoy from their homes.
11. Play Mini Golf at Fantasia Gardens
The Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course is great for newbie golfers and families alike. They accept daily walk-ups, so you don’t even need to call ahead. This activity comes highly recommended, and it’s a nice, calming (and beautiful) break from the usual busy Disney atmosphere.
12. Visit the Cinderella’s Ponies at Tri-Circle-D Ranch
Ever wanted to see Cinderella’s carriage and her ponies in real life? Well, now you can go to the Tri-Circle-D Ranch because that’s where the Dragon Calliope, the horse-drawn musical instrument that Walt purchased for the Mickey Mouse Club Circus Parade at Disneyland Park in the 1950s, is kept. You can even meet the lovely horses you see walking around Main Street U.S.A., too!
*Pony and wagon rides are available on a first-come, first-served, walk-in basis.
13. Meet Even More Horses at the Ft. Wilderness
If you want to see horses but perhaps don’t want to pay to ride them, you can meet them for free at the Fort Wildnerness stable. Guests are welcome to walk around and visit the animals, although they do offer a (paid) pony ride service if you change your mind.
14. Explore the Art of Disney
What’s more Disney than a gallery full of the dreamiest animation work?? You can buy (or browse) some of the best pieces available at the Art of Disney.
15. Try Dole Whip Flights and Cocktails
Devouring Dole Whips is another signature Disney activity, and you can try various flavors at Swirls On the Water. Pineapple Lanai (at the Polynesian Village Resort) also offers Dole Whip floats with rum!
16. Experience the Boardwalk Nightlife
The nightlife at Disney’s Boardwalk doesn’t get enough credit for how pretty it is, but if you take the Skyliner there and stop by Beaches and Cream for their iconic Kitchen Sink ice cream, you’ve got the perfect night out.
17. Watch a Movie Under the Stars
Outdoor movie nights are my favorite summer events, and the Disney World resorts provide them for free every night, so don’t miss out on this opportunity to catch a Disney flick in the most fun way possible.
18. Dine In at AMC Theater
If outdoor movie nights aren’t your thing, the AMC theater in Disney Springs has a dine-in feature, so you can order food from your seat. Some people might think this is a weird thing to do while on vacation, but in my opinion, it’s a great way to escape the crowds and humidity.
19. Lunch at T-Rex Cafe
Everyone talks about how much they love Rainforest Cafe, and while it is indeed a fun time, I actually prefer the T-Rex Cafe (maybe it’s the Jurassic Park fan in me). The theming in both restaurants is incredible, so book a meal at either place (or both!) for a fun dining experience that makes you feel like you’ve been transported to another world.
20. Goofy’s Candy Company
If you want some straight-up sugar and candy, look no further than Goofy’s Candy Company. It has endless options of sweets that make fun souvenirs to share with family and friends.
21. Cruise On the Water
Several boat options, such as ferry boats, water taxis, and the Vintage Amphicar Tour, don’t require a parking ticket. The Vintage Amphicar Tour costs $125 per “car,” but the other boat options are free!
What’s your favorite thing to do at Disney World without a parking ticket? Tell us in the comments below!
