There’s really no way around it: a vacation to Disney World is pricey when you include flights, theme park tickets, accommodations, and of course all the spending that happens in the parks and resorts.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Luckily, there are still a select amount of things that are still absolutely FREE in Disney World. And if you know about these things and use them strategically, you CAN end up saving a few valuable bucks.
Disney World transportation
There are several “public transportation” options in Disney World to get you from point A to point B. These modes of transportation, which include buses, monorail, boats, and the Skyliner are all completely free!
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Keep in mind that you aren’t restricted to Disney’s provided transportation to get around. You are also welcome to use your own car or rental car, or take a taxi, Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare services. But those can be costly, when you consider the price of rideshare daily, parking, gas, etc.
Parking at EPCOT
You can also get around on foot! A select number of Disney World Resort hotels have pedestrian access to the theme parks. Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts along with Disney’s BoardWalk Inn are minutes away from EPCOT, and a short walk away from Disney’s Hollywood Studios. All three of the monorail resorts (Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Contemporary Resort) now have foot access to Magic Kingdom!
Grand Floridian Walkway
If you’re ok with waiting for a little bit with the various forms of transportation, you can get around Disney World without spending a dime!
Click here to see photos and videos of the completed walkway from the Grand Floridian!
Disney Springs self-parking
Speaking of getting around, if you’re looking to spend the evening in Disney Springs for some shopping and dining, self-parking is completely free! Preferred parking is available for $10, and valet parking is also available for $20.
Orange Parking Garage
There are also other free ways to get to Disney Springs that do not involve hopping in a car. You can take the bus from any Disney World resort or theme park, as well as the boats from Disney’s Port Orleans Resort, Disney’s Old Key West Resort, and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa. You can even walk directly from Saratoga Springs!
Everything you need to know about PARKING in Disney World!
Resort activities
All of the Disney World Resort hotels host an array of fun activities for the whole family, and the VAST majority of them are free.
Recreation offerings at Disney’s Riviera Resort
Many resorts have regular movie nights under the stars, as well as morning yoga, plenty of poolside activities, and some even have fun campfires at night. All of these are complimentary with your resort stay.
Click here for tips on enjoying your non-park day on your next Disney World vacation.
FuelRod Swaps…for those with “Founders Status”
FuelRod once sold their portable chargers for $30 with unlimited free swaps included. This policy was changed to charge guests per swap, which led to a class-action lawsuit, which resulted in Disney reverting back to free swaps.
FuelRod machine
So as of now, FuelRod swaps are STILL free. Of course, you can also bring your own portable chargers if you do not currently have a FuelRod, and there are a few select charging ports throughout the parks.
Click here to learn how you can make sure you obtain Founders Status with FuelRod
Souvenirs!
What? Free souvenirs at Disney World? Say it ain’t so!
Celebration Buttons
There are a select few keepsakes at Disney World that are free. This includes celebration buttons, stickers, any items that come in free in-park activities (Kidcot, Wilderness Explorers, etc.), and those Animation Experience drawing classes at Animal Kingdom!
Animation Experience
Drawing classes are available at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, too. Learn how to draw some of your favorite Disney characters, and keep your art as a unique and complimentary souvenir!
Click here to learn about Disney World souvenirs we DON’T regret buying!
Water!
Would it be a complete DFB list of free things without mentioning free water? If we said it once, we’ve said it a thousand times…don’t buy bottled water in Disney World! Bring your own reusable bottle and refill it throughout the day at water refill stations. You can also ask for free cups of water at counter service dining locations.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Water Bottle Refill Station
Hydration is key, especially during those hot Florida summer months!
Click here to learn how getting free water has CHANGED in the Magic Kingdom!
Kids under 3 get into the parks for free
There are lots of pros and cons for traveling to Disney World with little ones, but perhaps one of the biggest perks is that kiddos under the age of three get free admission to the parks, AND they get to eat for free, too!
Rise of the Resistance Height Requirement
Is your kid old enough to go to Disney World? Read our thoughts here!
Views of the savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
If you want to catch a glimpse of a giraffe or zebra, you can do so without buying a park ticket or worrying about a Park Pass Reservation to Animal Kingdom! Just head on over to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and visit their savanna…for FREE!
Savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
There are several viewing areas around the resort to watch the animals roam. You can also dine at Sanaa which isn’t free, but the views of the animals are!
Savanna during the day
Keep in mind that at this time, according to Disney’s website, you still need to be an overnight guest OR have an Advance Dining Reservation to visit a resort. In our experience this policy has been touch and go, depending on the Cast Member we encounter when arriving at the resorts. So be prepared!
Click here to learn more about resort hopping at Disney World
WiFi
Last but not least, there is the all-important internet access. This is perhaps the ONE time on this list where we’ll stand behind that well-known phrase, “you get what you pay for”…or rather, what you DON’T pay for.
Bus WiFi Sticker
Disney’s WiFi is spotty at best, but it IS important to point out that it is completely free during your stay, regardless of whether or not you’re a Resort guest, Annual Passholder, or a Theme Park Ticket guest. If you’re on Disney property, you can use the free WiFi.
Baby Yoda Phone Cases
That WiFi can help you access important tools, like My Disney Experience, Disney World’s free planning app, Play Disney Parks (another free app), or posting vacation pics on Instagram!
Did you know that some Disney World BUSES have internet access? Click here to learn more!
We hope this list gives you some ideas on how to SAVE on your next Disney World vacation! These savings may be small, but when you use them strategically, those savings can add up over the course of one vacation, and certainly over the course of several vacations. While Disney can be pricey, it IS possible to do Disney World while sticking to a budget. Keep checking back for even more money-saving tips!
Click here to learn about how Disney World tricks you into spending MORE money!
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Your information is great however many of your readers are non resident from other countries as I am being from Canada. It would be so nice to get some advice, discounts,freebies etc. for us. We cannot for example buy an annual pass or get the Disney Visa card barring us from big discounts. I don’t know why the exclusion but it is a biggie with us being disadvantaged.
I still can’t believe people think these “ freebies” area actually free. With the exorbitant pricing on everything within the parks, which covers the “free” portion and then some it’s almost criminal to lead people into thinking “free” is a reality. SAD
This is possibly the most insipid “article “ ever written.