10 ways to have fun at Disney World without even buying a ticket
- Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, is known for being an expensive travel destination.
- However, tourists can still have fun on Disney property without purchasing park tickets for each day of their vacation.
- For example, travelers can easily spend a day visiting Disney's hotels, which are unique destinations in their own right.
- People without tickets can also go shopping at Disney Springs, golf at state-of-the-art courses, and eat classic theme-park food.
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While all Disney theme parks can be expensive to visit, Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, is arguably one of the priciest options available.
Not only is the location home to four theme parks, but it also has two water parks, a shopping center, sporting venues, and more. But parkgoers don't have to spend hundreds of dollars per day on theme-park tickets to experience Disney's magic.
From taking advantage of hotel pools to shopping for souvenirs at Disney Springs, here are 10 ways to have fun at Disney World without spending money on a park ticket.
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Visiting Disney World has a plethora of resorts that are a great place to spend a day.
If you have a free day during your Disney vacation, make sure to spend some time traveling from one hotel to the next. Most amenities — aside from pools — can be accessed by visitors who aren't actually staying there.
Destinations like the Art of Animation Resort, for example, are worth visiting to take photos next to character-themed buildings and outdoor decorations — like "Lion King"-themed pathways and giant statues of characters from "The Little Mermaid."
More luxurious hotels, like the Animal Kingdom Lodge and Polynesian Village Resort, also offer gourmet restaurants and firework-viewing locations that can be accessed by anyone who visits.
Take advantage of the unique swimming pools located throughout Disney resorts.
Disney World's pools are arguably some of the most unique in the world. The Big Blue Pool at the Art of Animation Resort, for example, is decorated with "Finding Nemo" statues. The All-Star Music Resort is also home to a pool that's shaped like a piano.
But not all Disney pools are themed exclusively for children. At the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, visitors can ride a 181-foot-long waterslide at the hotel's beach-like spot. The Wilderness Lodge also offers jacuzzis and a Fire Rock Geyser that erupts every hour.
The one catch, however, is that you can only swim in pools at the Disney hotel you're currently staying at.
For those who love animals, a visit to the Tri-Circle-D Ranch is a must.
Hidden away inside Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort is the Tri-Circle-D Ranch. People can visit the location for free, and view horse breeds like Clydesdales and Appaloosas inside stables. Blacksmiths are also onsite, and make horseshoes in front of visitors.
Carriage rides, wagon rides, and horseback riding are available at the destination year-round, while sleigh rides are also offered during the holidays. However, Tri-Circle-D Ranch does charge a fee for these activities.
People of all ages can enjoy spending time in Disney's onsite arcade.
At the Pop Century Resort, one of Disney World's budget hotels, travelers can visit the Fast Forward Arcade to play both "old and new" games, according to Disney's website. Air hockey and racing games are available, as well as prizes to collect after winning tickets.
You don't need to be staying in a Disney Resort to visit the arcade, though it does cost money to purchase gaming cards.
Disney World's Boardwalk Resort feels more like an oceanside getaway.
According to Disney World's website, the Boardwalk Resort is said to evoke "turn-of-the-century boardwalks in such coastal cities as Coney Island and Atlantic City."
With its charming restaurants, street performers, and recreational activities, the Boardwalk does just that. In terms of food, the AbracadaBar and Funnel Cake Cart locations stand out. Surrey bikes are also a unique activity to participate in while there.
And like other Disney resorts, you don't need to have a room on the boardwalk to visit.
Read more: 54 photos that will make you want to visit every Disney theme park in the world
To get a taste of Disney World's unique drinks, take a trip from one bar to the next.
In addition to Disney World's Instagrammable desserts, the company also offers standout drinks — many of which are available outside of theme parks.
Trader Sam's Grog Grotto and Tiki Bar, for example, is a hidden bar within the Polynesian Village Resort that offers unique cocktails and unexpected surprises (like a fake volcano eruption within the bar).
When you're finished there, you could also head over to Disney Springs, Disney World's shopping center, to check out the area's multiple bars.
Disney Springs is the ideal place to spend a day — or night — on Disney property without tickets.
If you're in search of shopping and dining on Disney property without heading into the parks, Disney Springs is the place to go.
From Splitsville Luxury Lanes to Once Upon a Toy, young visitors can go bowling, create their own lightsabers, and shop for Disney-themed merchandise while there. Teenagers and adults are also likely to find themselves enjoying the spot's dining options and nightclubs.
Amphicar Tours at Disney Springs are unlike any other attraction on Disney property.
Though most people explore Disney Springs on land, the Boathouse restaurant offers a more unique way to get around: amphicars. The tour isn't free — it costs $125 per car — but the views are worth it.
For 25 minutes, a captain will guide you and your group around Disney Springs in a car that drives through water. And you won't be riding in an ordinary vehicle — instead, you'll be sitting in a vintage Amphicar that was originally made in the '60s.
You don't need to enter a Disney World theme park to try the company's famous desserts.
Goofy's Candy Company, located in Disney Springs, is the perfect destination for travelers with a sweet tooth.
Of course, the shop sells classic treats that are commonly found in theme parks — like Mickey Mouse rice krispie treats and character candy apples — but it also offers slushies and cake pops, among other snacks.
Disney World owns multiple golf courses in Florida.
While you can golf pretty much anywhere in the United States, Disney World's courses are special.
From golf carts to golf balls, nearly everything in Disney World's courses are adorned with images of Mickey Mouse. Disney's Magnolia course even features a bunker shaped like the beloved character.
Anyone can visit these destinations — meaning you don't need a Disney park ticket to enter — though rates to golf range between $59 and $129.
- Read more:
- 19 vintage photos of Disney parks around the world
- THEN AND NOW: How Disney parks have changed over the years
- 31 photos of old Disney World attractions we wish would come back
- Here's what you should do at Disney World at every age