With so much to do in Disney World that requires payment, your budget can end up getting quite overwhelmed. We’ve compiled a list of 5 free activities in Disney Springs that will keep your budget in line. 

Visiting the parks at Walt Disney World requires the purchase of park tickets, hotel stays, and even photo package purchases. However, there is one spot in Walt Disney World that doesn’t require the purchase of a park ticket — Disney Springs. Disney World’s shopping and dining district features a variety of restaurants, entertainment, shopping, and even several free activities! From free samples to exciting entertainment, we’re sharing our favorite free activities when visiting Disney Springs. 

Boat Ride on the Sassagoula 

Photo by Stephanie Shuster

A beautiful way to discover more of Disney Springs and its surrounding areas is to take a ride on the Sassagoula River. With boat launches in two areas of Disney Springs, guests can either take the boat from one end of Disney Springs to the other or take a boat ride to one of the resorts. 

You can hop on a boat and take a ride down the Sassagoula River to Port Orleans French Quarter, Port Orleans Riverside, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, The Treehouse Villas, and Disney’s Old Key West Resort, all for free! That’s right, these relaxing boat rides are about 2.5 miles long and are a great way to relax. If you want to try this and see some picturesque scenes, head to Disney Springs after 10AM. The last boat back to Disney Springs departs at 11:30PM, so there’s plenty of time to enjoy the waterways

Entertainment 

Raglan Road serves up hearty Irish food and some bangin’ Irish music, but there are plenty of healthy dining options here. Photo by Cliff Wang

Aside from being a shopping destination, Disney Springs is also home to many entertainment offerings for guests. There are a variety of locations around Disney Springs with live music and entertainment, such as the Marketplace Stage, Riverboat Square, Raglan Road Patio, and Waterview Park. 

Besides these stages with various types of entertainment, there are also different wandering entertainment options throughout the complex. From magic shows to acrobatic performances and even a roaming piano, these fun experiences are an excellent opportunity for entertainment. 

Photo Ops 

Photo by Cliff Wang

Ready to strike a pose? Grab your phone and take some amazing, free souvenir photos that make the perfect souvenir. Here are some of our favorite places to grab a cute picture!

• The LEGO Store: Outside of the LEGO Store there are tons of characters made out of LEGO!
• Fountains: Outside of the Lime Garage near the AMC Theater there are gorgeous fountains that can make for some picturesque photos.
• Orange Bird Wall: Located near The Boathouse, the Orange Bird Wall is a fan-favorite spot to take a photo. 
• Tea Cup: Located in the Disney Style Store, there is an adorable yellow tea cup that makes for a perfect Disney photo op. 

Free Samples

Photo by Judd Helms

Who said you have to pay for some chocolate? Head over to the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop for free samples of delicious Ghirardelli Chocolate. They have Milk Chocolate, Caramel, Peppermint Bark Square, and even Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Squares. Look out for the person holding the basket to see if they are handing out those samples. 

Another spot where you can grab some free samples is Basin. Basin, a soap and bath store, allows guests to use some of their products. You can try out the body butter, sugar souffle, and some soaps. Everything smells delicious, and will make you feel like you’re having a mini spa day!

Go Window Shopping

Photo by Cliff Wang

Shopping, free? Well, who said anything about actually buying? With over 100 stores in Disney Springs, the options are endless for window shopping, and the views are pretty beautiful as you walk around. 

One of our favorite places to browse and discover is the largest Disney Store in the world, World of Disney. You can check out items based on your favorite characters from i, Marvel, and more. Aside from the actual merchandise for purchase, guests can also take in the sights around the store. From grand displays such as Cinderella’s Castle to unique projections, browsing the store will keep you occupied. Just remember, this might not be the best option to do when visiting with small children since the toys will probably be too enticing for them to leave behind. 

Watch Glassblowing Artists at Work

Glassblowing in Magic Kingdom. Photo by Judd Helms

One of the incredible things you can do at Disney Springs is to watch glass artists work on their craft! Head over to the Crystal Arts by Arribas Bros in the Marketplace section of Disney Springs to watch as glass artists put on daily glassblowing demonstrations. This is something you can do in Magic Kingdom as well, but this option requires no park ticket!

Do you have a favorite way to spend your day in Disney Springs? Have you tried any of these free options before? Let us know on social media.