A Whole New World: Things to see and do in Disney World

Going on vacation to Disney World does not have to be terribly expensive if the proper research and planning is done. There is a whole new world of things to do at Disney that are totally free. So before you make a reservation or commit to a resort or hotel, spend some time comparing vacation packages and weigh the pros and cons. After all, you want to make the most out of your vacation in the least expensive way.

The average vacation to Disney World is five to seven days. This is actually as much time it takes to see everything. Whether you are on your honeymoon or taking the kids to a whole new world, make the most out of Disney World and make it a trip to remember. But you don’t have to go broke while creating these memories. Take for instance all the free things you can do in and around Disney World that won’t even require park admission.

Downtown Disney has wonderful interactive exhibits such as the Lego Imagination Center, laden with some eye-catching Lego sculptures and a 3,000-square-foot outdoor play area filled with thousands of Lego blocks to play with. You don’t have to be a child to have fun with Lego’s, be creative and splurge.

The Interactive Fountains are amazing and fun and will make a great back ground for your vacation pictures. Jump in, splash around and make it a Kodak moment for your keepsakes. Check out the free magic shows at the Magic Masters. You can learn a few magic tricks to take home with you.

Pleasure Island is totally free during the evening hours. You can roam and revel in the shops and restaurants while you enjoy the entertainment and fireworks display. Admission is only required if you choose to go into one of the many night clubs on Pleasure Island, that is unless you have a pass, then entrance is free.

The Disney Boardwalk offers a nice variety of freebies as well. If you are lodging in a Disney resort or hotel, you can use Disney’s transportation to get to the boardwalk. If you choose to drive to the Boardwalk, you can get a free 3-hour parking permit from the lot attendant.

Have fun strolling down the Boardwalk and enjoy the street performers. From jugglers to jazz musicians, take in the atmosphere and enjoy. For dancing and live bands with no cover charge, stop by the Atlantic Dance Hall.

Just being a Guest at a Disney resort offers an array of free activities. You can choose from multiple children’s activities to swimming to free Disney transportation. Stop by the resort shops to see what clearance items are available as souvenirs.

Resort Guests or multi-pass holders are eligible to ride the Monorail free of charge. The Monorail is a favorite of Disney Guests, offering a spectacular tour of many of the parks inside Disney. Also as a resort Guest you can take advantage of the nature trails and walkways.

Enjoy cruises from Port Orleans along the Sassagoula River to Downtown Disney and back. While you’re in Port Orleans be sure to visit the Butterfly Garden located behind Acadian House.

You can enjoy a romantic cruise of Crescent Lake and visit Epcot, the Yacht and Beach Club, Swan and Dolphin, and MGM along the way. While you’re enjoying the open water you can take the boat that visits the Magic Kingdom, Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge, Ft. Wilderness, the Polynesian, and Grand Floridian. At night you can watch for the magnificent Electric Water Pageant as it floats around the lake stopping at each of the resorts.

While Ft. Wilderness is open to all Walt Disney World resort guests, it would be a nice way to end a night by stopping in for roasting marshmallows on a campfire and a movie shown on a large outdoor screen. This is held every evening, near the Meadow Trading Post. The evening starts with a sing-a-long song and marshmallow roast. You can purchase food there or bring your own. Disney characters will be there to meet the guests, to sign autographs, and pose for pictures. There is seating available or you can bring along a blanket to lay on and relax while enjoying the entertainment under the stars.

Take advantage of everything Disney World has to offer and enjoy!