There is no doubt about it, a trip to Walt Disney World and Orlando, Florida can be pretty expensive whether you are a couple or a family of four or more. But there are plenty of activities in the Orlando, Florida area that are inexpensive, fun and in some cases even free. Here are my family’s favorite inexpensive entertainment and activities while vacationing in Orlando.
Resort to resort activities
Are you staying at a resort? Whether it is a Disney resort, Wyndham or other there are resort activities every day available to you for little money or even for free. As soon as you arrive be sure to look at the resort calendar and see what they have available. Our resort included a splash pad, lazy river and water park. This means we could avoid the expense of other waterparks in the area. Activities like face painting, crafts, and ice cream sundae socials were just dollars each to do. Putt-putt (miniature) golf was free too!
Finding fun with transportation
You can park at the Disney transportation and ticket center and catch a ferry to many of the Disney resorts, as well as Walt Disney World. You can also ride the monorail system (which is blissfully air conditioned) and learn more about the area, the Disney resorts, and each of the parks as it travels the rounds. Each of these activities is free and fun.
Under the boardwalk
Well not under it, but definitely on it. Enjoy jugglers, musicians, and magicians while visiting the boardwalk. Catch and release fishing is available for anywhere between $4.00-$14.00 depending on how many people will be fishing and the cane poles come complete with worms. Make your purchase at Ft. Wilderness and Port Orleans. There are also carnival style games for a fee, why not try your hand at winning your Disney vacation souvenir.
Not exactly what you think about when you think of Disney World and Orlando but there are several places where a “walk in the park” becomes a walk to remember. In Disney “Celebration” Market Street offers different activities every night including festivals, art and car shows. Visit their calendar to find out what is going on in Celebration. Contemporary Resort and Ft. Wilderness offer butterfly gardens, and the trails at both the Polynesian Resort and Grand Floridian can offer a romantic night’s entertainment. Visit Wilderness Lodge there is a mini geyser that spouts every hour from 7am-10pm. Use the free monorail system to get from resort to resort.
Yes, we braved the Disney store elements and headed to Downtown Disney. You might be surprised there. The Disney store offers everything Disney your heart could desire or your mind could imagine from home décor to toys and games. Sure, I was put off a little bit buy the $30.00 Mickey Mouse St. Patrick’s Day t-shirt price, but with a little looking and a whole lot of self-control you can actually walk away with a little piece of Disney to remember your trip by without breaking the bank. Consider ideas like the lanyards and pins for older kids or my daughter liked the Disney Princess Pack, complete with notepad, pens, coloring pencils, markers, ruler, and protractor. It’s perfect because it comes in zippered case and she can take it and use it anywhere.
You can also visit the interactive fountains (you may want to bring a change of clothing), the Lego Imagination Center that offers a free 3,000 square foot outdoor play area.
Grab your entertainment book and pick up snacks and lemonade at Wetzel’s, because dining in Downtown Disney can be expensive.
Get wild in the Disney Wilderness
The Nature Conservancy’s Disney Wilderness Preserve is approximately 20 miles south of Orlando You can walk, hike or take an off road buggy tour to observe Florida’s native plant and animal life. Closed on Saturdays and Sundays June through September, the Preserve is open year-round from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Admission is $3/adult and $2/youth (ages 6-17).
So take a fast pass to saving money and having fun in Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida with these free and inexpensive activities that everyone can enjoy.
