Walt Disney World has much to do in addition to its 4 main Parks. If you have some down time or a day without a park ticket consider the fun activities on the list below. Watch fireworks, take a tour, see animals and more – all with no park ticket. Happy Exploring!
1. Ride the Monorail
The monorail is an iconic feature of Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Take a hop on the monorail for a ride. Also, consider stopping at one of the Disney Resorts Located on the Monorail loop. Checking out other Disney Resorts can be a great way to spend some down time. Riding the monorail is free for any Disney World Resort guest.
2. Search for Hidden Mickeys
Find the iconic shape of a Mickey Mouse head hidden throughout Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts. For a fun, free afternoon complete the Hidden Mickey Hunt at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Guests will solve riddles while exploring the resort on this scavenger hunt.
3. Watch Fireworks
Guests can spot fireworks from various locations outside the Parks. This is a great way to see fireworks without a park ticket. Although, guests will not see the projections (such as on the Castle) from these locations the pyro (fireworks) are visible. There are 10 Walt Disney World resort locations with unexpected views of the fireworks shows.
4. Watch the Electrical Water Pageant
Watch the Electrical Water Pageant from Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The Electrical Water Pageant is a 15 minute parade of lighted floats on the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. It occurs nightly at 10pm (weather permitting).
5. Take a Tour
Even if you are not staying at the resort, any guests may still take a tour. Such as, The Culinary Tour at Animal Kingdom Lodge. This 30-minute tour happens at the Boma and Jiko restaurants and includes samples! Or consider, the Wonders of Wilderness Lodge tour. This tour covers: a brief history of the lodge, where the inspiration came from, a peak into Walt Disney’s fascination with steam trains and more.
6. See Animals such as Giraffes and Zebras
Venture over to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge for a wild time. Look for the viewing areas and find the animal guides showing names of animals you may see. Also see giraffes from viewing areas within the resort.
7. Free Chocolate
Disney Springs is a large outdoor shopping area, with free entrance. Guests strolling through Disney Springs will want to stop by Ghirardelli® Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop. Inside the entrance you will be offered a free piece of chocolate!
8. Pop Century
Discover one of Disney’s Value resorts with a nice photo opportunity. Find the year you were born along the trail way for a unique photo souvenir. While you are there try the Pop Century scavenger hunt.
9. People watch
Walt Disney himself loved this past time. Take a minute to grab a bench to sit at, relax and people watch for a moment.
Learn more tips and tricks for your next Walt Disney World vacation. Destinations in Florida can also help you add tips and tricks to your next vacation.
Andrea Fuller says
When we stayed at Art of Animation, we took time to look at all the huge icons around the resort. It was a great photo op time!!