Whether you're a first-time visitor to the Walt Disney World parks and resorts, or a seasoned visitor, it can be overwhelming to plan your trip, and also to be expected to pay for everything you do while on Disney property. Dining reservations, adding Enchanting Extras to create a jaw-dropping, magical vacation, buying more souvenirs than you thought was even possible... It can feel like a Sisyphean feat not only for yourself, but for your wallet!
The good news is, there are actually several free things to do at the Disney Parks and resorts. We've got a collection of insider tips and tricks to elevate your Disney World experience to magical heights. While this may not be a complete list, it's definitely filled with hidden gems, secret photo spots, and unforgettable adventures - and most are complimentary of Disney!
Free Activities For the Whole Family at Disney World Parks & Resorts
1. Hidden Mickeys
Go on the ultimate Hidden Mickey scavenger hunt, that may take many visits to complete- if you’re ever able to! Across the parks, keep your eyes peeled for these iconic symbols – there may be upwards of a thousand of them scattered! From the classic three-circle Mickey shapes to more creative formations, spotting these adds an extra layer of fun to your Disney adventure. You can find lists online as reference, and even may be able to ask for a printed handout at certain Disney Resorts, but it may be fun to start your own list, and see how many you can find.
2. Captain Jack Sparrow's Treasure Hunt: A Pirate’s Life, for free!
Head to Magic Kingdom for Captain Jack Sparrow's treasure hunt. Located just past Pirates of the Caribbean beyond the arch to Frontierland, at the Pirates of Adventure hut you’ll be handed a map with six clues searching for Davy Jones’s locker, with Captain Jack himself as your guide (in spirit, at least). Navigate through Adventureland following the clues, and discover hidden secrets that only you can unlock, using your MagicBand or MagicBand+ as a key. It was one of the funnest things we did as a family, and as a bonus, once your MagicBand unlocks a treasure, it will continue to do so on future visits!
3. Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunter
Live out your Star Wars dreams and become a bounty hunter for a day! Whether you want to channel Boba Fett, Cade Bane or Asajj Ventress, make sure you get your target, no matter what.
Open up Disney Parks Play from your My Disney Experience app, and look for the Bounty Board, located near the Black Spire Station.
Simply tap your MagicBand+ to the medallion on the board and be assigned a bounty. (Please note, a MagicBand+ is required for this interactive game!)
In the streets of Batuu, find your virtual bounties and your MagicBand+ turning green when you are closing in on your target. Once it turns purple, you got ‘em!
Use the thermal scanner on your Disney Parks app to send their location to the bounty hunter’s guild, and collect your credits. You can get your credits at The Guildmaster’s Hideout near Ronto Roasters - which is very convenient, because you may need a snack and a beverage after speeding around the galaxy!
While you’re there, don't miss Doc Ondar's Den of Antiquities – a memorabilia haven for the ultimate Star Wars fan. Collect rare artifacts and feel the Force like never before.
*This free, interactive quest game requires Disney Parks Play within the My Disney Experience app and MagicBand+
5. Send a Letter to Santa, Anytime!
Who says Christmas only happens once a year? At Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe, kids can write a letter to Santa anytime they please. Keep the holiday spirit alive year-round and imagine the joy of receiving a letter from the North Pole, no matter the season!
6. Unravel the Mystery of the Haunted Mansion Queue
As you wait in line to enter the Haunted Mansion, the busts in the queue tell a mysterious story through engraved clues - it’s a whodunit tale told through rhyme describing the murderous jealousy and deceit that lead to the demise of each member of the Dread family. Decode the messages to find out who was the first - and the last - to be on each side of the murder weapon of choice.
7. Hall of Presidents: A Journey Through History!
At Magic Kingdom, step into the Hall of Presidents and back in time. Explore the intricate collection of artifacts and belongings of past presidents and First Ladies, including Woodrow Wilson's golf club, George W. Bush's boots, meticulously reproduced First Ladies dresses, and Teddy Roosevelt's Powder Horn from his Rough Rider days (one of my favorite items, personally). If you love the stage as much as the screen, don't miss the costumes at Epcot in the Palais du Cinema leading into the Beauty and the Beast Sing Along – see garments and artifacts straight from French theater and ballets, and from the film adaptations.
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