Everything You Can Do at Walt Disney World Without Buying Park Tickets

From dining to nightlife to hugs with Mickey Mouse, there is so much that makes Walt Disney World Resort a destination beyond its highly coveted rides. Believe it or not, you can meet characters, enjoy fan-favorite foods, and even squeeze in some high-quality entertainment without even setting foot in any of the resort’s four theme parks.

Whether you’re taking a day to relax by the pool or you have some free time before a flight, there are plenty of ways to experience a bit of Disney magic without paying admission. Here are some of the best things to do at Walt Disney World that don’t require park tickets.

Enjoy live entertainment.

You’ll find entertainment almost every night of the week at Disney Springs, an outdoor shopping and recreation area located on the resort property. Catch live Irish music and dancing at the Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant, listen to touring bands at the House of Blues Orlando, or bowl at Splitsville Luxury Lanes. The area often hosts special shows, such as Cirque du Soleil’s Drawn to Life, so check the events calendar before visiting.

Continue the fun on Disney’s BoardWalk, where street performers always draw crowds. Prefer to be the star of the show? Sing karaoke at the Kimonos Lounge in the nearby Walt Disney World Swan Hotel.

Spot giraffes and zebras.

Want to scratch that Animal Kingdom itch while taking a day off from the parks? Walk around Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge to see zebras, giraffes, and ostriches for free. Then, head to the Kidani Village area to dine at Sanaa, where you can sample East African-inspired dishes while admiring some of the resort’s 30 species of wildlife.

There’s also an extra-special way to enter the theme park without paying admission—by joining the Starlight Safari. On this after-dark tour, you’ll explore the reserve in an open-air safari vehicle and spot animals with provided night-vision goggles.

Watch fireworks from outside the parks.

Though restaurants like Narcoossee’s and California Grill provide excellent views of nearby Magic Kingdom fireworks, there are plenty of other ways to watch the pyrotechnics without paying for an upscale meal.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Village Resort, and Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, all on the monorail line, offer views of the nightly display—and the beach at the Polynesian Village Resort offers an ideal vantage point. It’s also the best spot to watch the whimsical Electrical Water Pageant, which can only be seen from outside the park. Private charter fireworks cruises, available for up to 10 people, offer a more intimate viewing experience, plus perks including onboard music, soft drinks, snacks, and celebratory decorations.

See Walt Disney World from above.

Thrill seekers can reach new heights on the Aerophile, a tethered balloon ride that soars up to 400 feet above Disney Springs. The eight-minute experience is quite expensive, but the views are worth it. And as a bonus, you’ll earn bragging rights by riding in the basket attached to “the world’s largest hand-painted helium balloon.”

While not quite as high, the Disney Skyliner is free to ride without purchasing park tickets and offers impressive views from aerial gondolas. You can find stations at Hollywood Studios, the Art of Animation Resort, the Pop Century Resort, the Riviera Resort, the Caribbean Beach Resort, and the International Gateway entrance of Epcot, where you can get off to explore the shops and restaurants along Disney’s BoardWalk.

Get out on the water.

So much of Walt Disney World is about the rides, shows, and entertainment, but there’s plenty to enjoy on the water, too. Paddle around the streams and ponds in a canoe or kayak at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, or rent a motorized pontoon and explore the surrounding lakes and inlets. You can even join a fishing excursion on the historic Seven Seas Lagoon. For a unique experience, head over to Disney Springs and take a vintage Amphicar tour in the park’s trademark retro convertible car-boat hybrid. One vehicle can accommodate up to four people.

Meet your favorite Disney characters.

Some restaurants inside Walt Disney World hotels, such as Chef Mickey’s, offer character dining all day long, while others, like the Cape May Cafe and ‘Ohana, only bring familiar faces in for breakfast. You’re practically guaranteed to meet some on any night at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. When the weather permits, the lovable chipmunks Chip ‘n’ Dale lead a free-to-attend Campfire Sing-A-Long with s’mores and an outdoor movie.

You can even find characters at upscale restaurants like Ravello inside the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort (on Thursdays and Saturdays) and Artist Point at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. The latter holds a nightly Snow White-themed dinner featuring the princess, some of the Seven Dwarfs, and the Evil Queen.

Explore unique dining options.

For park-like excitement without the need for tickets, consider a dinner theater show like the family-friendly Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. The Western-inspired experience features two hours of dancing, singing, and comedy. You’ll also get an all-you-can-eat meal featuring American classics like fried chicken, mac and cheese, cornbread, and strawberry shortcake.

If you’re craving one of Adventureland’s best treats—a pineapple Dole Whip—it can be found outside the park at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Head to Disney Springs for dozens of restaurants and bars, as well as shops and attractions. Don’t miss the Coca-Cola Store Rooftop Beverage Bar, which offers an “around the world” soda flight similar to the one that’s available in Epcot’s Club Cool—plus an incredible view of Disney Springs.

Master a new skill.

There are plenty of on-property classes and experiences that don’t require Disney park tickets. You can learn how to decorate a character dome cake at Amorette’s Patisserie or sign up for archery or horseback riding experiences at Fort Wilderness.

Golfers can tee off at one of four golf courses or two 18-hole miniature golf courses that are perfect for families and beginners. Looking to try a new sport? Play a round of “Footgolf,” a combination of soccer and golf, at Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course.