30 Free Things To Do At Disney Springs
At the Walt Disney World Resort and need a break from the rides? Or maybe it’s the end of the day and you’ve still got some energy left after exploring some of the many things to do in Orlando and the parks. Head to Disney’s outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment complex at the Walt Disney World Resort by Lake Buena Vista for some family friendly fun and free stuff! My family love the Disney buzz here and we think you will too. We like how you can still be part of the Disney bubble without spending lots!
Is Disney Springs free? Yes, it’s free to enter and self parking is free. We have found plenty of free things to do at Disney Springs: From live performances, bands, shows, events, splash pads, galleries, a dino dig, free items to collect, discounts and more.
As a family, we visit Disney Springs two or three times per visit and are never bored. Best of all, you don’t need to spend a fortune to be entertained here!
(For more free things at Disney see here.)
What started out as a shopping village in 1975 has since transformed into a family-friendly outdoor entertainment spot with four distinct areas that each have a neighborhood feel. These areas are the Marketplace, The Landing, Town Center, and West Side and you will find some free attractions. Side note: Disney Springs is different to Disney’s BoardWalk! I had to Google all of this when we went for the very first time.
If you’re visiting Disney Springs on your vacation, don’t bother paying for the following items and add them to your freebie list!
28 FREE THINGS TO DO AT DISNEY SPRINGS, ORLANDO WITH KIDS
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1. Free Playzone at T-Rex Cafe
One of the lesser known free Disney Springs attractions, as people assume you must have a meal booked. If your kids tire you out and you need a break from your Disney vacation, head to T-Rex Cafe in the Marketplace, where the play zone is absolutely free. The free Paleo Zone is a sandbox where little ones get to explore the history of planet earth while looking for fossils of dinosaur bones. My youngest always makes time for a quick play. We found small spades and brushes to use for free to uncover the ‘bones.”
The digital mupis (digital information point) are another feature in the cafe placed exclusively for educational purposes. The T-Rex Cafe is a great Disney Springs restaurant for families with this shaded zone and a fun themed menu for children.
2. Make a Free Splash
Smash out some cool moves at the Disney Springs Splash Pad! This free outdoor play area is great for some cooling down on a sunny day. My kids love the fountains and sprinklers. As they are so many spots with splash pads around Orlando, I always pack a towel and a change of clothes when we head out now.
This fun thing to do in Disney Springs is situated at two locations – one splash pad is near Earl of Sandwich and the other behind the Christmas store.
3. Munch on Some Chocolate Samples
Free Disney Springs chocolate? Walk by the famous Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop to score a couple free samples of chocolate. What you want to look for is a greeter carrying a basket filled with an assortment of chocolate squares.
Milk Chocolate & Caramels Squares, Peppermint Bark Squares, and Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Squares are just a few of them.
4. Sculpt Structures at Lego Store
Participate in fun lego building activities in the Lego Store located at the Marketplace. You don’t have to spend a dime at the hands-on play area. There is one with Duplo for younger family members and then an area for older ones with wheels and ramps to make a creation. It’s by the exit and shaded. We liked how I could entertain our youngest whilst my husband shopped with our eldest. Another fun free thing to do while there is to get pictures of your kids with their massive 8 feet tall lego sculpture displays.
5. Window Shop at the World of Disney shop
Yes, it would most likely cost you to buy something at the largest Disney store in the world, but who says you have to! Before you enter watch out for the giant Stitch ‘spitting’ water on guests as they enter!
Browsing the selection at the World of Disney shop will undoubtedly keep you and the kids occupied for quite a while, making it worthy of its free status. The store has accessories, home decor, toys, souvenirs, and really anything else Disney related that you can imagine.
6. Witness some Performing Arts
Located right across from the Marketplace area is the AdventHealth Waterside stage. Here, you’ll be able to catch performances and shows by Disney Performing Arts dance troupes by day and concerts and ive tunes by night. Children especially enjoy the children’s dance parties and from experience, husband’s appreciate the chanve to rest whilst we shop.
7. Grab a free pin or badge from Guest Services
They have all sorts of pins for birthdays and other special occasions. Don’t forget to pick up your free park maps too!
8. Catch Some Free Live Music Shows
There is no shortage of spots to stop with your family for some bands and a free music show at Disney Springs. Visit the scenic Waterview Park Stage (next to the Amphicars and BoatHouse restaurant) for a performance as the sun sets and some tunes; the Sunshine Highline Stage for some unique, international music; or if you’re more into bluesy sounds, stop by the House of Blues’ Front Porch for a musical treat.
9. Random Photo op alert
Stop by DisneyStyle for a photo sitting in a stationary tea cup. Very random I know!
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10. Celebrate Christmas
At Disney Springs, Christmas is celebrated throughout the year at the Christmas store with Christmas themed gifts and souvenirs. If you are happen to visit over Christmas, listen to Christmas carols and more!
You will see gigantic Christmas trees with eye-catching themes like the Mickey and Minnie tree, the Chocolate tree, Disney’s Robin Hood Christmas Tree and the Toy Story Christmas Tree. The Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll is usually presented by AdventHealth. Kids get the chance to meet Santa in his cozy cottage.
For a Christmas fix all year round, head to the Days of Christmas store.
11. Another photo Opportunity
Head to the Orlando Harley-Davidson shop for an envy-inducing photo. Although bikes aren’t ridden or sold here, the central attraction of this apparel store is the stationary motorcycle. Hop on the Harley and capture that rockstar shot for your new cover picture on social media.
12. Get Yourself Some Soaps and Scrubs
Visit Basin to experience a blast of aromas, collect some free samples, and leave smelling oh-so-good yourself. They have a variety of custom soaps, bath bombs, candles, natural body scrubs, body butter, and the sugar soufflé. Speaking from my experience, they smell divine!
13. Watch the Free Volcano Show
Popularly known as the Marketplace’s showstopper, the erupting volcano at the Rainforest Cafe restaurant is free to watch. This bright display of fire and smoke spews once every 30 minutes. I would recommend making your stop at night to watch the 2 minute display of wonder in all its bright glory. We stood pretty close and could feel the heat.
14. Browsing the Art of Disney
Immerse yourself in the lovely art, paintings, and statues at the Art of Disney gallery and then go shopping in the Marketplace. Watch artists paint live and take painting to another level. Visit during peak sunny hours to spend time in the air conditioned gallery, while admiring the lines and strokes.
15. Free WiFi at Disney Springs
Free Wifi is always a huge bonus irrespective of the place. All locations at Disney Springs offer free Wifi connectivity, so whether you need it to check up on emails or entertain your kids during downtime, you won’t have to spend on your personal internet at all!
16. Goofy’s Glacier Chocolates
At Goofy’s Glaciers Candy Co, you can politely ask for a sample freebie drink. The store is full of goodies for both kids and adults. They include candies, alcoholic frozen glaciers, and tart slushies available in raspberry, strawberry, and mango flavors, and more. Watching the staff make candies is a bonus free activity for both you and the kids at this magical candy shop.
17. Witness a Princess Parade (Still Unavailable)
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique organises a Princess Parade at Disney Springs. The parade kicks off at 3 PM everyday, weather permitting. (Temporarily unavailable.) Feel the grandeur of the princesses by joining Cinderella, Tiana, Snow White, and the Fairy Godmothers. Learn all about the fictional stories of the Kingdom and have a ball! Tinkerbelle can be spotted at certain times of the year too!
18. Ice Water for Free
Beat the heat by grabbing a glass of ice water available for free almost everywhere at Disney Springs. You can quench your thirst at all the restaurants on sunny days. Of course you’ll have to pay for bottled water, but as long as you take advantage of the free, cold water, you won’t need them!
19. Interactive Time At The Rainforest Cafe
Hop on into the Rainforest Cafe to enjoy a jungle trip. This jungle themed restaurant only offersa variety of food from your typical fast food fare, to grills, salads and other healthier options. My kids still love it due to the decor – themed as a rainforest with animatronic animals making sounds and moving as the rainstorm comes every 20 mins. There are also a couple of fish tanks with real fish.
20. Listen to the Birds Chatter
The Rainforest Cafe also offers visitors a chance to talk to their real tropical birds for free (assuming the birds are willing)! You can often catch the birds talking with the staff. If you happen to miss it, fret not for there’s also a simulation available at the entrance.
21. Watch Glass Cutting and Blowing
The Crystal Arts by Arribas Brothers at Disney Springs offers on-lookers an entertaining demonstration of how they cut and etch glass all day long. You will find lots of collectible glass items and can also get your name engraved on glass here. You will be “blown” away watching these artisans do their magic!
22. Go on a Mickey Quest
Disney Springs has Hidden Mickeys in abundance for kids to hunt down! Although there are no rewards for this, it is still a great pastime activity.
23. A Brew-tiful Stop
Scout to Starbucks Coffeehouse in the Westside area to spot striking moss art which can be seen through the roof. They also have dramatic interiors with a fireplace and a touch sensitive video wall to experience. You can also grab breakfast here at Disney Springs if you happen to arrive early.
24. Free Entry
There’s absolutely no entry fee to get into Disney Springs. This is especially awesome because not that many things are free to enter at Disney World! In fact, you don’t even need a park ticket to get into this place. That means anyone craving a little Disney magic can walk right in without worrying about burning a hole through their pocket!
25. Free Parking
Disney Springs offers free parking at four locations, namely the “Orange,” “Grapefruit,” “Lemon,” and “Lime” garages. If you’ve ever been to Disney World you know that free parking is definitely something to gush about. Note that if you’re driving in for a special event at Disney Springs, it’s wise to arrive an hour before start time to ensure you snag a spot.
26. Bus Rides for Free
Even if you haven’t booked a stay at the Disney Resorts, you can always visit them for dinner or just to hangout. Disney transportation has you covered – Free bus rides to any and all of them! Just hop on the bus at Town Center and go from resort to resort. Disney’s uses are available every 20 minutes from 10:30 AM to 11:30 PM on different colour coded routes – Blue, Yellow, Green and Red Routes.
27. Free Boat Rides
Kids and adults alike find traveling using Disney’s water transport enjoyable, making the boats one of the most popular free things to do at Disney Springs. Sassagoula Steamboat Company will take you to the Disney Resorts.
One boat will take you to the Saratoga Springs Resort and the other to the Old key west resort. There are two other places to get free boat rides as well, namely Westside and the Marketplace.
28. Free Birthday Brownie Snack
Earl of Sandwich Birthday Brownie: If you sign up for Earl of Sandwich’s loyalty program, you can receive a free brownie on your birthday!
29. Free lobby games
Even if you don’t bowl, Splitsville’s lobby often features board games and interactive play spaces that guests can use for free while waiting – ask the host if they’re available.
Here are some almost-free things to do at Disney Springs:
Whilst these are not free activities at Disney Springs, they are great if you are watching your budget.
- What makes a ride more thrilling? An affordable, child-friendly Train Express ride that’s located in the Marketplace! The prices are as low as $3 per ride and $5 for two.
- Enjoy budget friendly shopping at Uniqlo. You will find cheap Disney merchandise which includes shirts for as low as $6.
- If your budget is limited and you want to grab a cheap lunch meal, drop by Earl of Sandwich and sign up for their Earl of Sandwich Loyalty Club. Your lunch will be discounted.
- Go Horsin’ Around- This is a unique and colourful carousel at the Marketplace featuring 16 handicraft horses. Rides are available for all ages from 1 PM to 10 PM for a minimal fee of $3.
The Marketplace is the oldest portion of Disney Springs Florida. The area is Disney themed with structures of Disney characters all around. It has cool restaurants like the T-rex Cafe and Rainforest Cafe, and is most famous for its magical toy stores. The Lego store, Once Upon a Toy, and the World of Disney are all worth a visit. World of Disney is a particularly huge attraction on account of being the largest Disney store in the world. Stop to take photos!
The Landing is where all the fancy restaurants are. Visit Pizza Pronte for the best pizza you’ll ever have. Maria and Enzos is another great place for Italian cuisine. Groove to the tunes at night and join the crowd to dance to the DJ’s music from Thursdays through Sundays.
The Town Center is where you go to shop till you drop. Here you’ll find well-known brands, Disney-centric boutiques, and some of the best food shops for quick eats. Drop by the Coca Cola store, Planet Hollywood’s food court, Chicken Guy, and Polite Pig for a taste.
West Side is the hub of entertainment and nightlife at Disney Springs. Daily performers, entertainment and live music can be found on the Park Stage of this area.
You can even stay in hotels within walking distance to Disney Springs and enjoy the transport for resort hopping!
FAQs
Q: Can I see the fireworks from Disney Springs?
A: You may be able to glimpse them from some spots, but none are good viewing spots. Try the Ticket and Transport Center for an excellent free view of the Disney Magic Kingdom fireworks.
Well that concludes my list of free things to do at Disney Springs! Did you find some new free activities to do at Disney Springs for your next visit? Do consider these other free things to do in Orlando with kids too!
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