Free or inexpensive things to do at WDW

[DisneyMum4]

We are in Orlando and not doing the parks this time. Resort has a lot to do but the kids have disney fever!! I would appreciate any ideas or recommendations! Kids are 3, 10, 13, and 17.

 

[Moramoon]

This past May we went to Cape Canaveral for a few days. On our way in and out we stopped by Disney Springs along with doing some resort hopping. Grand Floridian does a Princess Promenade everyday at 3:45. The kids meet outside the store upstairs (I can't think of the name of it). They'll do a mini parade and then go to an area where they meet Cinderella and Prince Charming. They don't do autographs, but they'll do a group picture. After that they'll parade down the grand staircase. Cinderella and Prince Charming will start a waltz then ask everyone else to join in. Nice thing is it's completely free.

 

[CrankyDad]

Walk the Boardwalk in the evening. Catch the magicians and sideshow folks. Grab a bench, enjoy popcorn. Can see the fireworks from Illuminations there also...

 

[lady_hlh]

Ride the monorail, get dole whips at the Poly, go over to Fort Wilderness on the boat from CR for the campfire movie with smores (I think they have Chip and Dale at it). You could do the pirates and pals firework cruise from CR or maybe some of the littler kids would like to do the tea party at the GF with Alice and the Mad Hatter.

 

[lborne]

We like to head to AKL about 1 hour before sunset and see the animals, then do the marshmallows over the fire, and wait till it is dark and do the night vision goggles to view the animals. My wife and I will get drinks at Victoria Falls while the kids hang out by the pool to watch the movie. Yeah, maybe we should be guests, but we don't actually use the pool and have stayed at Disney enough times that I don't care. We would never do any of this if it were really busy, but we've found AKL is hardly ever busy even on holiday weekends. BTW, we've always been able to park with no problems for as long as we want - never given the 3 hour limit as some other resorts.

 

[Mama Lo]

Go to Animal Kingdom lodge - there are SO many activities that you can do there. (Just not the ones that are poolside)

Check this out: http://www.themouseforless.com/tripplanning/resorts/wdw/pdf/AKLCalendar.pdf

My kids especially loved using the night vision googles to see the animals when it was dark.

Also, most of the resorts show a movie at night. When you get closer to your trip google the resort movie schedules to decide where to go.

I think Fort Wilderness campground seems like a fun place to visit too.

Have fun whatever you do!

 

[osopecoso]

Aren't all these things at the resorts reserved for those staying at that resort?

 

[kathy884]

You can park at the resorts to check them out and get a three hour parking pass. Just say you are shopping at their gift shops or get the name of the resort snack bar and say you are eating there. // Tips I was going to give, the monorail and checking out resorts, checking out the AKL day or night, and the Fort Wilderness campfire movies were all covered by other posters.

 

[osopecoso]

You can park at the resorts to check them out and get a three hour parking pass. Just say you are shopping at their gift shops or get the name of the resort snack bar and say you are eating there. // Tips I was going to give, the monorail and checking out resorts, checking out the AKL day or night, and the Fort Wilderness campfire movies were all covered by other posters.

But what I am saying is those activities/facilities should be reserved for resort guests. From what I understand, only resort guests can use the pools. I understand it's ok to stop by and look at the resort but it's ok to lie to security that you are going to dine there or shop there which is not true.

 

[kathy884]

But what I am saying is those activities/facilities should be reserved for resort guests. From what I understand, only resort guests can use the pools. I understand it's ok to stop by and look at the resort but it's ok to lie to security that you are going to dine there or shop there which is not true.

Yes pools, but not the other activities. Disney likes people to check out the resorts, as they may be future guests. And we do in a visit, we do visit the gift shops and get snacks at the snack shops when we go. Everyone should only do what they are comfortable with and think is ethical, but we have often eaten at the BOMA buffet (not cheap) and then wandered around the Animal Kingdom Lodge and even stayed after dark and listened to the story tellers. // We like getting snacks at Captain Cooks at the Polynesian and sit in their lobby and wander the pretty grounds. Sometimes we sit with our dole whips at outside tables or in chairs my the lake. We check out the gift shops and sometimes buy things too. // At Christmas time, we especially like the Grand Floridian with their chestnuts roasting on an open fire and Dickens Period carolers. The tree and gingerbread house there are magnificent too.

 

[CrankyDad]

We like to head to AKL about 1 hour before sunset and see the animals, then do the marshmallows over the fire, and wait till it is dark and do the night vision goggles to view the animals. My wife and I will get drinks at Victoria Falls while the kids hang out by the pool to watch the movie. Yeah, maybe we should be guests, but we don't actually use the pool and have stayed at Disney enough times that I don't care. We would never do any of this if it were really busy, but we've found AKL is hardly ever busy even on holiday weekends. BTW, we've always been able to park with no problems for as long as we want - never given the 3 hour limit as some other resorts.

Wow. That is so bad. Man you are horrible to do that.

 

[Judique]

Wow. That is so bad. Man you are horrible to do that.

I'm not quite clear on what part is bad or horrible?

I've been an AKL guest on many occasions and wouldn't consider this to be horrible.

Often the CM with the night vision goggles is standing there with no one interested. It's a 'few minute' activity and people do it and move on. They are standing there around the firepit and I've roasted a marshmallow and again not overly attended. It's not like they are doing smores - just marshmallows.

I've seen the movies playing at the resorts with no one watching.

Fortunately the parking lot at AKL is pretty large. I think if it were extremely congested like Boardwalk, this would be an issue.

On the other hand people are often turned away at Boardwalk. It's easy to walk over from Epcot if you've used a ticket but don't count on getting a parking spot.

 

[amcnj]

The three, and all were already mentioned, that first came to my mind were riding the monorail between MK and EPCOT, Boardwalk area in the evening, and Ft Wilderness (campfire/movie, and there at least used to be animals to see too).

 

[Skippyboo]

You could watch the MK fireworks from the beach at Poly. Are you staying onsite? If not, might have to pay for parking at TTC.

 

[Narnia_girl]

our last trip we did this:

• Park at Grand Floridian, let them know you are touring grounds. If it's not too busy they will let you park; if it's crowded you might get turned away. Walk around the grounds as you like, go into main lobby (other lobbies are also awesome). Sit in lobby and enjoy music and you might see a Princess.
• Take monorail to Contemporary Resort. Maybe lunch at Contempo? Walk down to dock (play a round of ping pong if you like) and take boat to Wilderness Lodge. Enjoy that lobby (go upstairs) If you get here by 9 a.m. take the tour. They have a fun gift shop. Lunch at Roaring Fork?
• Take boat back to Contemporary (or to the Ticket/Transportation Center for a slightly different boat ride) Then take monorail to Polynesian.
• At Polynesian, sit in the lobby and a castmember will come by and offer you cookies. Get a Dole Whip? Stroll the lovely grounds.
• Park at Boardwalk Inn (we've had luck as non-guests but some folks get turned away). Visit Boardwalk area for snack, dinner, surrey bikes. Stroll around.
• Visit Animal Kingdom Lodge, tell them you are taking the culinary tour. It starts at 4 or 4:15 and includes Boma and Jiko. It's a nice tour that gives lots of information about restaurant details you would probably overlook otherwise. And you get samples.

By taking these tours we've discovered resorts we definitely plan to stay at during future visits.

 

[bababear_50]

We are in Orlando and not doing the parks this time. Resort has a lot to do but the kids have disney fever!! I would appreciate any ideas or recommendations! Kids are 3, 10, 13, and 17.

Hi
Here are a few suggestion:
1. Head to Disney Springs and maybe do a hidden mickey challenge that you and your kids put together. Perhaps a reward at the end of the challenge could be a ice-cream treat.

2. Groupon frequently offers discounts on Disney Springs hot air balloon ride.
Visit before 10 am and the tickets are 10.00 each.
https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2017/01/characters-in-flight-flies-high-with-new-design/

3. Maybe an afternoon matinee at Disney Springs AMC theatre.
https://www.amctheatres.com/movie-t...h/amc-disney-springs-24-with-dine-in-theatres

4. Frequently groups perform at the stage in the Market place.(free)
https://www.disneysprings.com/entertainment/marketplace-stage/


5. Check out the Disney Springs Bowling alley.
Splitsville.
https://www.groupon.com/deals/split...MI8oiW99bP1QIVCLjACh2qpQIQEAAYASAAEgJphfD_BwE

Head to the Lego Store and do some free building,,maybe take some pictures of all the great Lego statues.

Disney's Wilderness Preserve is free:
http://www.floridasnaturalwonders.com/bucket-list/disney-wilderness-preserve-the-secret-disney-park/

Disney miniature Golfing
http://www.wdwinfo.com/recreation/minigolf.htm
adults--$14.00 kids--$12.00
Anyone can get 50% off a second round on the same day.

Disney Water Parks
Water Park Discounts at Ticket Window

• Limited Time Offer: Disney World Annual and Seasonal Passholders can purchase 1-day water park tickets for themselves and up to 3 guests for $47.93 each, tax included. Offer valid until October 17, 2017.
• Disney Vacation Club members pay only $47.93, tax included, for 1-day water-park tickets.

Disney Springs Food Trucks are a great way to get a little taste of the Park foods without going to the Park.

https://www.disneysprings.com/dining/disney-food-trucks/

*This is what I have read about Disney resort activities,
ie: poolside activities, marshmallow roasts,movies under the stars, etc*

• These experiences are free to all Disney guests.

Have fun planning
Hugs Mel

 

[Skippyboo]

Are you theoretically a Disney guest if you have no park tickets or a Disney hotel room?

 

[bababear_50]

Are you theoretically a Disney guest if you have no park tickets or a Disney hotel room?

I say no you would not be a Resort or Theme Park guest. You would be a visitor.
You would also be a Disney guest if you were eating at a Disney Resort restaurant or shopping at a Disney Resort Store.
Hugs Mel

 

[manning]

Free or inexpensive at Disney World. What's that?

 

[kymom99]

But what I am saying is those activities/facilities should be reserved for resort guests. From what I understand, only resort guests can use the pools. I understand it's ok to stop by and look at the resort but it's ok to lie to security that you are going to dine there or shop there which is not true.

If Disney wanted to limit resort activities to paying guests, they would require a room key to access them. As it is, people visit the resorts and many of them spend money there.