Free Things to Do at Disney Springs

This week marks Mickey Mouse’s 90th Birthday- Happy Birthday to Mickey! As a child, I enjoyed visiting “the Florida mice” as we referred to them, but now, as an adult, I think I enjoy, and definitely appreciate, visiting Disney World more with my husband and children. We were just there this past summer and I am already scheming about ways to visit again in 2019!

We spent an entire afternoon at Disney Springs, a 120+ acre complex that encompasses over 60 options for dining (from snacks to quick service to full service restaurants), dozens of retail stores (including the world’s largest Disney merchandise store, World of Disney), and plenty of places to explore. The complex was completely remodeled and reopened in 2016 and is divided into four sections: The Landing, Marketplace, West Side, and Town Center.

Disney Springs does not require a ticket or entrance fee. There are several parking garages throughout the complex, but I recommend parking in the Lime Garage because it will put you in the middle of the complex and gives you easy access to many sections. While it’s fun just to walk through the four sections of Disney Springs, there are also dozens of opportunities to do things for free.

Two of our favorite restaurants: The Boathouse and Raglan Road, where you can take Irish step dancing lessons while you wait for your food.

Disney Springs does not require a ticket or entrance fee. There are several parking garages throughout the complex, but I recommend parking in the Lime Garage because it will put you in the middle of the complex and gives you easy access to many sections. While it’s fun just to walk through the four sections of Disney Springs, there are also dozens of opportunities to do things for free.

My Top 10 List of Free Things at Disney Springs:

1. Ride a ferryboat around the lake. It makes stops at the Port Orleans and Old Key West resorts, the Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa, and the Marketplace, West Side, and The Landing sections of Disney Springs.

2. Taste samples at Goofy’s Candy Company and honey from Savannah Bee Company honey store.

3. Get a complimentary necklace from Luxury of Time. Read a sales associate the tag line listed at the bottom of the Disney Springs map and they’ll gift you a beautiful keepsake necklace- no purchase necessary!

4. Have your picture taken at a photo booth inside Uniqlo and then immediately print the photos.

5. Create a lego race car and race it at the Lego Store.

6. Get splashed by Stitch outside the World of Disney Store and cool off in the water features located throughout the complex. (I’d throw a change of clothes in the stroller for toddlers!)

7. Have a water fight by cranking the spinning water guns.

8. Look for Hidden Mickeys throughout the complex. Download the app here and see how many you can find.

9. See a show at one of the pavilions, like the Marketplace Stage. There are over two dozens performances every day.

10. Check out the daily calendar for special seasonal events- 365 days a year!

If you’re visiting Disney World, or thinking about planning a trip, check out my posts on Dining Recommendations and my Top 10 Disney Planning Tips.

And if you want to following along on my family’s adventures, please “like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.