At Walt Disney World, there are many things to do beyond visiting the theme parks. While Disney experiences are known to have hefty price tags attached to them, there are actually quite a few that are reasonably priced.
Some of these experiences make you feel like a VIP but are actually affordable to the average guest, you just need to know where to find them!
Even though these experiences don’t break the bank, they still provide exclusive opportunities, special moments, and a chance to experience the magic of Disney in truly unique ways.
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1. Behind the Seeds Tour
At The Land Pavilion in EPCOT, Guests can get an up close look at the fish farm and greenhouses that are seen on the Living with the Land attraction. During this 1-hour walking tour, you’ll learn about new and improved plant-growing techniques, the different fish and shrimp in the fish farm, crops from around the world, and see abnormally large fruits and vegetables.
The price of the Behind the Seeds Tour is $39-$45 per person, which is a great price for a backstage tour at Walt Disney World. Same-day reservations and walk-in opportunities may be available, but we highly recommend booking this tour in advance.
Remember, you will be on your feet for the entirety of this tour, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes! To see what shoes we recommend, read our article “Best Shoes For Disney World – All Our TESTED Favorites!”.
2. Tri-Circle-D Ranch
Tri-Circle-D Ranch is one of Walt Disney World’s best kept secrets. The ranch, which is located at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, is where the horses and ponies of Walt Disney World call home. While Guests can browse the stable and visit the horses free of charge, there’s also a variety of affordable equine-related activities that can be done.
Whether you’re wanting to climb in the saddle or enjoy a horse-drawn excursion, you’ll find what you’re looking for at Tri-Circle-D Ranch. Available activities at the ranch include Pony Rides, Trail Rides, Wagon Rides, and Carriage Rides. During the holiday season, you can also enjoy a Sleigh Ride!
Pony Rides – $10 per child (Ages 3-9)
- Children must be at least 3 years old, weigh no more than 80 pounds, and be no taller than 48 inches in order to ride. A parent or guardian is required to lead the pony, so the child must also be able to hold on by themselves during the ride.
Trail Rides – $65 per person
- This 45-minute horseback ride takes Guests through the beautiful wooded trails of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campgrounds. Riders must be at least 9 years old, over 48 inches tall, and under 250 pounds.
Wagon Rides – $15 (Ages 10+), $10 (Ages 3-9)
- Enjoy a 25-minute ride as two draft horses pull you in an old-fashioned wagon through the grounds of The Cabins and Campsites of Disney’s Fort Wilderness. Wagon Rides are only available on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings at 6:00pm and 8:30pm.
Carriage Rides – $65 per ride
- These 25-minute carriage rides will take your group through the forests of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. The carriages are made to carry up to four adults or 2 adults with 3 children. (Carriage Rides are also available at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside.)
3. Get Your Hair Cut on Main Street, U.S.A.
As you enter Magic Kingdom, you’ll come across a barber shop tucked away in a corner next to the Emporium. Harmony Barber Shop is much more than a decorative storefront. This is an actual functioning barber shop that offers services to Guests of all ages. While other styling locations, such as Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, come with a high price tag, Harmony Barber Shop has prices that are quite reasonable.
There are four different services available at the shop: My First Haircut, Child’s Haircut, Adult Haircut, and Beard Trim.
My First Haircut – $28
- Your child’s first haircut is a special experience. At Harmony Barber Shop, it can be magical as well! The My First Haircut package includes your child’s haircut, a commemorative Mickey Ears hat, a keepsake lock of your child’s hair, and a special certificate.
Child’s Haircut – $20
- Even if it’s not their first haircut, all children are invited to get their locks trimmed at Harmony Barber Shop. Children ages 9 and under can enjoy the barbershop atmosphere, a haircut, and a simple styling with spray.
Adult Haircut – $21
- Adults can enjoy this unique experience as well. After a haircut and simple styling with spray, you’ll look your best for a day at The Most Magical Place on Earth.
Beard Trim – $8
4. Art Classes
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Currently, there are two art classes available at Walt Disney World: Colors of Coronado Painting Experience and Spanish Mosaic Art. Both of these classes are held at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.
The Colors of Coronado Painting Experience is a 2-hour class that’s led by local artists. During the class, you’ll follow along as the directional artist takes Guests through the steps of painting a Disney-themed masterpiece. Once finished, you’ll leave with your piece of art, which is on an 11” x 14” canvas.
This class takes place every Friday from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. The price for this painting experience is $45 per person. If you enjoy Colors of Coronado and wish to return again, you can expect a new painting every month.
At the Spanish Mosaic Art workshop, you’ll have the opportunity to create a piece of art that combines Disney-theming with Spanish inspiration. Your design will be uniquely yours as you pick out your plaque shape and color, grout color, and glass piece colors.
You’ll have plenty of time to work on your design, as this class is also a 2-hour experience. When you’re finished, you’ll be able to take your piece of art home in a travel container. The size will vary, depending on which plaque you choose, but will measure no more than 12” x 12”.
Spanish Mosaic Art classes take place on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 1:00pm-3:00pm. The price to participate is $30 per person.
5. Aerophile Balloon Flight
You’ve most likely seen the large balloon, known as an aerophile balloon, at Disney Springs. What you may not know is that you can take a ride on this balloon at quite an affordable price!
For $29.99 per adult (Ages 10+) and $24.99 per child (Ages 3-9) you can take an 8-minute tethered flight above Disney Springs. The balloon, called the Aéro30, can ascend up to 400 feet. At this height, guests can see sights up to 10 miles away.
The balloon’s basket holds up to 29 Guests, making plenty of space for everyone in your travel party!
6. Capture Your Moment Photo Sessions
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You can capture your most special moments with a private photo shoot at Walt Disney World. For just $99, you’ll have a 20-minute session with your own Disney PhotoPass Photographer. This is much more affordable than what standard photo shoots go for. To make things even better, if you’ve purchased Memory Maker, you’ll be able to download all of the pictures that were captured during your session at no additional cost to you!
Guests often opt to use these sessions to capture special moments such as an engagement, honeymoon, anniversary, birthday, adoption, graduation, and more. You can also book a Capture Your Moment photo session just because!
Currently, Capture Your Moment photo sessions are available at Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Batuu, EPCOT, and Magic Kingdom. You’re welcome to book more than one session if you’d like your pictures taken at more than one park. You can also book back-to-back sessions if you’d like to have more time with your Disney PhotoPass Photographer.
7. Caring for Giants
Do you love seeing the animals during your time on Kilimanjaro Safaris? You can get an even closer look at the elephants during the educational experience called Caring for Giants.
During this experience, you’ll have 60 minutes with an expert guide. You’ll learn about the care that the elephants receive, what goes on with the herd each day, and Disney’s conservation efforts. While you’re learning about the elephants, you’ll be able to observe them from about 80 to 100 feet away.
The price of this experience is $39 per person.
8. Up Close with Rhinos
A similar experience is also available for the white rhinos at Animal Kingdom. Up Close with Rhinos is a 60-minute experience that’s led by the rhinos’ knowledgeable keepers. You’ll be taken backstage, where you’ll be able to meet the rhinos and get extremely close to them in a special viewing area.
While you’re with the rhinos, the keepers will educate you about the fascinating creatures. You’ll also get insight on the struggles that the rhino population is currently facing in the wild.
Up Close with Rhinos is $49 per person.
9. Sangria University
At Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, you can participate in a class called Sangria University. Sangria University not only allows you to learn about sangria, it also provides you with the chance to make your own!
The 2-hour class takes place on Saturdays and Sundays. During the experience, professionals will teach you about the history of Sangria, the different fruits and flavors that are used, and share special in-house recipes with you. Afterwards, there’s a tasting where you’ll be able to sample the in-house sangrias. Light appetizers will also be available.
This special experience ranges from $69 to $79. The price varies depending on the date.
10. Vintage Amphicar Tours
At Disney Springs, you can enjoy a 20-minute guided tour of Lake Buena Vista as you sail the waters aboard a vintage Amphicar. For those who aren’t familiar, an Amphicar is a vehicle that looks and drives like a car on land, but can also float and be driven on water! Less than 400 Amphicars exist in the world today, and you have the opportunity to enjoy an experience in one right at Walt Disney World!
Amphicar Tours are available daily (weather permitting) from 10:00am to 10:00pm. The cost is $125 per car, which accommodates 3-4 Guests.
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