Top 15 Things You Can Do at Walt Disney World Without Purchasing a Park Ticket

I love the parks at Walt Disney World. You don't start writing for a Disney blog because you're indifferent to the charms of Space Mountain or Main Street, U.S.A. However, some of my favorite Disney days over the years have been the ones my family spends on property without ever setting foot inside a theme park.

Whether we're taking advantage of free time on arrival or departure days, or enjoying a mid-week break, spending time away from the hustle and bustle of the park environment is a Disney must-do for my family. Not only are there so many things to see and do that don't involve queue lines or admission tickets, but going from sunrise to sunset at the “most magical place on earth” for five days straight can lead to a not-so-magical burnout.

So, to keep spirits high and maximize your stay, I recommend finding some of your own fun elsewhere on property.

Best Ways to Enjoy Time Outside of the Parks

While dining, recreation, and entertainment options abound outside the parks, many of these can end up costing as much as park admission or more. Because one of the biggest benefits of skipping the parks is saving money, I typically like to stick to free or inexpensive activities on my “resort days,” although planning a table service meal at one of the hotels or at Disney Springs is always a nice indulgence.

These 15 ways to enjoy time at Disney World without entering the parks are not only some of the most cost-conscious but also some of the most delightful.

Enjoy Fireworks and a Parade from a Resort Beach or Boat Dock

All five Magic Kingdom area resorts offer views of the park's fireworks from the shores along Seven Seas Lagoon:

Polynesian Village Resort
Grand Floridian Resort
Contemporary Resort
Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground
Wilderness Lodge

Each of these resorts pipe in the Magic Kingdom music over their speakers during the show. Stay to watch the enduring classic Electrical Water Pageant as it processes around the lagoon. Each location provides a different vantage point and its own unique vibe. This will forever be one of my favorite ways to end a Disney day.

Go Resort Hopping

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No matter where I'm staying, I start at least one resort day with a visit to the Polynesian for Tonga Toast from Captain Cook's and a morning walk through the gorgeous Grand Ceremonial House and along the white sand resort beach. Then I head over to Pineapple Lanai for a Dole Whip, which I savor on a bench swing while I watch my kids play in the sand. It's a beloved tradition in my family.

I also often like to stop at Animal Kingdom Lodge on arrival day to visit the animals at the Arusha Rock and Uzima Savannah overlook areas. While I'm there, I like to peruse the African art, chat with cast members, and grab some Zebra Domes from the Mara. Jambo House is an amazing sight to behold, and it's worth the visit to this magnificent resort for the views of the lobby alone.

Every Disney World resort has something special to offer (some more than others), so do your homework and customize your own relaxing resort itinerary, including iconic foods, resort-specific activities, and scenes to occupy. Choose the most convenient mode of Disney transportation to get you there, or book a table service meal (or place a mobile order) at the desired resort locale and park in the lot.

Ride the Monorail, Skyliner, or a Water Taxi

Using Disney transportation is a convenient way to facilitate your resort hopping dreams, but sometimes the ride itself can be a treat. The Skyliner, Monorail, and small water taxis are novel ways to travel around the property that feel like attractions in themselves. Choose between an air lift in a colorful gondola, a speedy ride on Disney's iconic “transportation of the future,” or a peaceful boat ride along a scenic waterway.

Swim at Your Resort Pool

All Disney World resorts feature distinctively themed pools where guests can stretch their park-weary limbs, splash and play with their kids, or lounge beside the water, beverage in hand. Moderate and Deluxe resort pools also provide water slides and hot tubs for resort guests to use at their leisure. And if you're a parent like me, you might be interested in booking a resort with a water play area, like Wilderness Lodge or Art of Animation. Of course, if you're really into the aquatic life, you'll find the water park of Disney World resort pools at Disney's Yacht and Beach Club.

Meet Disney Characters

If meeting characters is a priority for you at Disney World, a non-park day is the opportune time to do it! There are a variety of character dining experiences available at many of the resorts that offer excellent cuisine and time with your favorites without the long lines you might encounter at the parks. Just make sure to book an advanced dining reservation for these to secure a table, since they can fill up quickly.

While we almost always find character dining to be worth the expense, it's definitely a hefty one. That's why our favorite way to meet characters without sacrificing time at the parks is also the most cost-effective way to do so. Chip and Dale's Campfire Sing-Along is a FREE nighttime activity over at Fort Wilderness Resort, where you can roast marshmallows, join a guitar-picking cast member in singing some familiar tunes, and meet Disney's famous chipmunk duo.

Go for a Bike Ride

If you're a fellow biking enthusiast, you likely enjoy it as much for the outdoor scenery as for the exercise, and Disney World has some really amazing scenic pathways to ride! Bringing your own bike is an option for those within driving distance, but if not, Disney has you covered with bike rentals at several Disney World resorts. Personally, my favorite place to bike at Disney World is beneath the shady pines at Fort Wilderness Resort.

Say Howdy to the Horses at Tri-Circle D Ranch

Not only is it home to a free character meet and greet and great biking, but Fort Wilderness is also where you'll find the pristine Tri-Circle D Ranch. Like most things at Disney World, this isn't your average stable. It's more like a museum dedicated to Disney horses. Come for a tour, and stay for a pony ride or trail ride.

Visit Disney Springs

Disney Springs is the place to go for dining, shopping, and entertainment at Disney World. On non-park days, we tend to alternate between counter-service dining options here—like Chicken Guy!, Morimoto Asia Street Food, and Earl of Sandwich—and our favorite table-service restaurants. While there are so many amazing food locations to explore, Raglan Road Irish Pub is my go-to for a cozy atmosphere, traditional UK favorites that always hit the spot, and live Irish music and dancing. Do yourself a favor and get Ger's Bread and Butter Pudding for dessert. It's sublime.

Enjoy a Campfire and Watch a Movie Under the Stars

Most Disney World resorts offer complimentary outdoor movie showings on a big screen throughout the week. This fun and simple experience varies according to the locale, with options ranging from poolside viewings, grassy areas for lounging, and even amphitheater benches under a Florida pine forest. Check with the front desk at your resort for showtimes.

Stroll the Boardwalk

Disney's Boardwalk is a picture-perfect homage to the turn-of-the-century beach town promenades on the eastern seaboard. It's a great place to enjoy an ice cream cone and catch some free live entertainment while taking in the atmosphere on the waterfront. Performances range from magic shows to circus-style acts like juggling and stilt-walking. End the day by making your way over to the bridge connecting Disney's Beach Club Resort to Sea Breeze Point, where you can see the fireworks from Epcot's Luminous The Symphony of Us.

Grab a Drink at a Themed Bar

Did you know you can experience some of Disney World's best theming by grabbing a drink at one of the immersive bars on property? Over at the Polynesian Village Resort, Trader Sam's Grog Grotto is a tropical oasis where you can sip on libations inspired by the islands of the South Seas while soaking up the best tiki bar vibes. Order one of the signature cocktails here, and the staff and surroundings will react with gags and special effects. You'll feel like you're imbibing inside the Enchanted Tiki Room without venturing into the Magic Kingdom.

Another bar outside the parks with a backstory is Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar at Disney Springs. This vintage aviation-styled dive is sure to excite Indiana Jones fans with its movie-themed decor, beverages, and light bites. Indy's easygoing pilot has set up shop in central Florida, filling his establishment with spare plane parts and mementos from his glory days as an adventuring world traveler. Just watch out for Jock's pet snake, Reggie, who makes an appearance in Raiders of the Lost Ark. You might notice his cage sitting on a shelf at the bar.

Finally, if you decide to visit Disney's Boardwalk during your stay at Disney World, we recommend stopping over at Abracadabar. A tribute to the golden age of magic, this sophisticated spot gives guests a glimpse into a secret lounge that once catered to famous magicians, local illusionists, and their lovely assistants. Here you'll find fewer interactive elements than at Trader Sam's, but if you enjoy the feeling of stepping into a bygone era (as I do), you'll have fun taking in all the hidden details.

Take Your Own Holiday Tour

If you're visiting Disney World during the winter holidays, you'd be remiss not to explore some of the festive decor on display at the resorts and at Disney Springs. In addition to the giant Christmas trees you'll find adorning every resort lobby, Disney World has a tradition of building gingerbread houses at select locations around the property, and they continue to add more every year! Of course, Disney Springs also decorates for the holidays with a creative variety of Disney, Pixar, and superhero-themed trees for their annual Christmas Tree Stroll. My family loves this scavenger hunt style activity! You can even earn a special commemorative pin by finding every tree on the map.

I've mentioned Fort Wilderness several times on this list already, but there's just so much to do at this underrated resort. Many campers staying here go BIG with decor at their campsites during the winter holidays and even at Halloween. If you're visiting during the holiday season, be sure to head over to Fort Wilderness to check out the elaborate lights and displays, and if you're staying at the resort on Halloween night, you can actually participate in “Camp-or-Treat,” which is now a pre-registered trick-or-treat event.

Go for a Carriage Ride

At $65 for four adults or two adults and three small children, a carriage ride is one of the more affordable types of excursion available outside the parks at Disney World. Relaxing in a horse-drawn carriage can be a fun way to explore the scenery along the Sassagoula River at Port Orleans Riverside or along the trails at Fort Wilderness Resort. If you'd prefer a more rustic outing, wagon rides are also available at Fort Wilderness for a comparable price.

Participate in Scheduled Arts, Crafts, Games, and Educational Programming

Every resort offers a variety of cast-member-directed activities and programming throughout the day, including games, arts and crafts, sports, fitness classes, cultural studies, and campfire programs. To get the most out of your stay at Disney World, take advantage of the offerings at your resort, and if you decide to go resort hopping you may even stumble upon an activity underway you can join in on. We've made Christmas ornaments out of ostrich eggshells, decorated snack-sized cakes, painted sun-catchers, played trivia and freeze-dance by the pool, earned conservation badges, and lots more!  Check your resort recreation calendar for a list of weekly scheduled programming.

Explore Your Resort!

Last, but not least, don't forget to explore your particular Disney World resort! If you're staying at a value resort, take a tour of the larger-than-life icons outside your immediate area. Traverse the sprawling landscapes at the moderate resorts, and visit the various lounges and sitting areas at the deluxe resorts and villas. Sample any unique food offerings, and visit the arcades and community halls. You may discover a new favorite reading nook or antique treasure, like the turn-of-the-century clamshell mutoscope in the photo at the Boardwalk Inn. My family loves to stop by and turn the handle to view the cartoon movie reel every time we visit the resort.

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