I’ve spent hundreds of hours at Disney Springs making incredible memories…and some of the best ones were completely free !

Whether you’re planning your first Disney vacation or you’re a seasoned passholder, Disney Springs offers some of the best shopping, dining, and entertainment without the need for a pricey park ticket or parking fee. That means you can experience Disney magic without spending a dime (though you’ll certainly be tempted!).

In this guide, we’re sharing 15 completely free things to do at Disney Springs that first-timers and Disney veterans alike will love. From hidden entertainment gems to Instagram-worthy photo ops, these experiences prove that the best things at Disney World don’t always come with a price tag.

About Disney Springs

Located on the east end of Walt Disney World property, Disney Springs is a (sometimes underrated) outdoor one-stop shop for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Disney Springs (formerly known as Downtown Disney to long-time Disney fans) opened in 1975 and has undergone many name changes and developments since. The most recent and largest transformation occurred in 2015, when it became Disney Springs and was divided into four neighborhoods: The Landing, Marketplace, Town Center, and West Side.

Resort guests can access Disney Springs through Disney’s bus transportation or boat transportation, depending on the hotel. And, there are also three parking garages and multiple surface parking lots available if you prefer to drive — all completely free!

Free Things To Do At Disney Springs

Adding in at least one non-park day during your trip is usually my number one recommendation for people planning a Disney World vacation. The parks are great, but they can also be tiring, and Disney World has so much to do outside of the parks that’s also worth exploring.

If you’re on a budget, or maybe just accidentally spent more than you planned on one too many Mickey Mouse souvenirs (don’t worry, it happens to the best of us), here are some completely free ways to spend some time at Disney Springs!

Enjoy Free Live Music and Entertainment

There are SO many locations around Disney Springs that offer live music or entertainment, and most of them require no admission fees!

The Advent Health Waterside Stage and Waterview Park are located just across the way from the iconic World of Disney store. Here you can find daily entertainment from both local and regional acts, including dance performances, live music, and even weekend DJ dance parties! There are also several other open-air stages throughout Disney Springs that come to life once the sun goes down.

Additionally, many dining venues offer amazing live entertainment. For example, The House of Blues has an outdoor stage with nightly live music, as well as Paradiso 37, Stargazers Bar, Splitsville, and Raglan Road. Stop by for a drink and light bites and enjoy the shows!

Whether you are looking for a dinner with free entertainment or just a good live music session, there are no shortage of choices to choose from at Disney Springs.

Sample Some Free Chocolate

Who doesn’t love free chocolate? Disney Springs is home to several dessert shops, and a few of them offer complimentary samples to anyone who stops by.

At Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop, free chocolate samples are still available—you just need to ask! While the self-serve containers are no longer sitting out at the entrance, cast members are happy to hand over sample squares in rotating flavors. It’s an easy (and delicious) way to add a little sweetness to your day.

For a more upscale treat, stop by The Ganachery, where artisan chocolates and free samples are typically available throughout the day.

Free Soap Samples at Basin

Tucked away next to World of Disney, Basin specializes in natural bath, body, and haircare products made without parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and other harmful chemicals. From fizzy bath bombs to luxurious scrubs and soaps, everything here smells (and even looks) incredible.

And, you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on products to give them a try. There is a massive hand-washing station in the center of the store where guests can sample various salts, scrubs, and soaps. It’s a fun, hands-on experience (literally!) that lets you test products before buying or simply enjoy a nice handwashing during your Disney day.

Kids especially love this interactive stop, and let’s be honest — there’s no such thing as too much handwashing on vacation, especially when it smells this good!

Explore the Art Walk

Tucked away in the Town Center area, the Disney Springs Art Walk: A Canvas of Expression is an easy-to-miss gem that’s worth seeking out if you have some time to spare.

This outdoor gallery features rotating works from international and local artists, showcasing vibrant cultures from around the world. The entrance is between two buildings and looks like an ordinary alleyway, but step inside, and you’ll discover a colorful, immersive journey through art and culture.

It’s a peaceful break from the crowds and a perfect photo opportunity.

Play at the T-Rex Dino Dig Site

You don’t need a dining reservation to join in on the dinosaur fun at T-Rex Restaurant!

Just outside the restaurant’s waiting area, you’ll find a free fossil dig site where kids can excavate “fossils” using brushes and tools in a large sandbox. It’s an interactive, unique activity that can keep little paleontologists entertained for hours.

Keep in mind that parents need to supervise, as there are no cast members monitoring the area and limited seating nearby. But if you have aspiring archaeologists in your group or just need to keep your kiddos busy for a few minutes, this is a must-do activity. In fact, this is one of my four-year-old’s favorite activities, and it keeps him entertained for hours!

Play and Build at the LEGO Store

Similar to the T-Rex Dino Dig Site, the LEGO Store offers a free indoor play area packed with creative fun!

While there is often a line outside of the store to get in and shop or play, don’t be discouraged! The line moves quickly since the store itself is pretty small. Then, once you’re inside, head to the play area near the exit to find the area where kids can build at LEGO tables or test their creations on mini race tracks. It’s perfect for open-ended play or friendly competitions.

Before you leave, take a lap around the store to see the impressive life-size LEGO sculptures of your favorite Disney characters like Elsa, Anna, Sorcerer Mickey, and Star Wars characters. These photo-worthy creations are works of art in themselves!

Window Shop at Popular Disney Stores

If you have willpower (something I struggle with at Disney Springs!), window shopping is a whole attraction in itself at Disney Springs. With over 100 retailers throughout the complex, there’s plenty to browse without spending a dime.

You’ll find classic Disney shops like World of Disney, Once Upon a Toy, and the holiday-themed Disney’s Days of Christmas (which is open 365 days of the year!). But Disney Springs also features other popular brands, including Lululemon, Anthropologie, Pandora, Under Armour, Columbia, Ron Jon Surf Shop, and Harley-Davidson.

Relax with a Free Boat Ride

Disney World transportation is completely free, and that includes the scenic boats along the Sassagoula River! These water taxis connect Disney Springs with both Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts, Old Key West Resort, and Saratoga Springs Resort.

Even if you’re not staying at these resorts, you can hop aboard for a relaxing ride through the waterways. It’s a peaceful escape from the crowds and a chance to see parts of Walt Disney World you might not otherwise explore.

Disney Springs also occasionally offers an internal water taxi that shuttles guests from one end of the complex to the other, though availability can be inconsistent. Either way, it’s a refreshing (and free!) way to rest your feet while enjoying Disney World.

Watch the Vintage Amphicars in Action

Ever seen a car that drives into the water and becomes a boat? Now is your chance! Right outside The Boathouse restaurant, vintage Amphicars make their splash into Lake Buena Vista multiple times throughout the day.

While riding in one isn’t cheap ($125 for a 20-minute tour), watching them is completely free and surprisingly entertaining! These vehicles drive down the ramp next to the restaurant and cruise across the lake before driving back onto land, all while live music plays nearby at the waterfront stage.

It’s a unique thing to see at Disney Springs that makes for great photos and a memorable moment, especially if you grab a spot along the water with a snack in hand.

See the Aerophile Air Balloon

And, if the idea of seeing a car that also floats isn’t exciting enough, there’s also a hot air balloon at Disney Springs!

Similar to the Amphicar, taking a ride on the Aerophile isn’t a cheap date, costing $30 per adult and $25 per child ages 3-9. Instead, grab a seat on the lake and watch the balloon rise four hundred feet into the air for an eight-minute ride!

People watching is half the fun of any outing, right?

Hunt for Hidden Mickey’s

One of the best free activities at Disney Springs (and throughout Walt Disney World, for that matter) is searching for Hidden Mickeys. Disney Imagineers have cleverly hidden these three-circle silhouettes in floor designs, wallpaper, artwork, architecture, and more. And, they can be found all over Disney Springs as well!

You can purchase Hidden Mickey guidebooks or find clue lists online, but the real fun is spotting them on your own. Challenge your family to see who can find the most, or work together to discover them as a team.

It’s a simple game that turns casual walking into an exciting scavenger hunt, keeping everyone entertained for hours without spending money!

Cool Off at Splash Pads

Located in the courtyard near Once Upon a Toy (just past Earl of Sandwich), you’ll find a small splash pad with Mickey-shaped water fountains.

This splash pad is perfect for younger kids who need to burn off energy or cool down from the Florida heat. Plus, bathrooms are conveniently located nearby, so be sure to pack a towel and a change of clothes so little ones can play worry-free.

On a hot day, even adults might be tempted to join in!

Photo Ops at Iconic Disney Springs Spots

Disney Springs is packed with photo ops, from colorful murals to life-size sculptures. Turn it into a photo scavenger hunt or see how many backdrops you can capture in one visit!

Some great photo op spots are:

• Life-size Lego sculptures outside Lego Store
• M&M statue outside the M&M store
• The Art Walk
• Florida Orange Bird Mural
• The Aerophile Balloon
• Teacup inside Disney Style
• Disney Springs Waterway
• Lego Serpent in Lake

And, don’t miss the complimentary photo session at the Disney PhotoPass Studio near World of Disney. Professional photographers will take family photos with fun props and backdrops. And the best part is that it’s completely free — no purchase required! You can snap pictures with your own phone or purchase Disney PhotoPass downloads (like Memory Maker) later if you like the pictures.

Watch the Rainforest Cafe Volcano Erupt

Outside Rainforest Cafe in the Marketplace area at Disney Springs, a towering volcano erupts every 30 minutes with a dramatic display of fire, smoke, and lights. The two-minute show is especially exciting for younger kids who love a little spectacle.

While it’s not worth crossing Disney Springs for on its own, it’s a fun bonus if you’re already exploring the Marketplace area. Time it right, and you might catch an eruption while walking by!

Enjoy the Christmas Tree Stroll & Holiday Activities

During the holiday season (typically November through early January), Disney Springs transforms into a festive wonderland you won’t want to miss!

The Christmas Tree Stroll features over 15 Disney-themed trees scattered throughout the shopping and dining complex, each decorated to represent fan-favorite Disney movies, attractions, and experiences like Moana, Haunted Mansion, and Disney Cruise Line. Pick up a free map to turn it into a scavenger hunt and collect stamps at each tree. Then return your completed map for a small prize!

Throughout the holiday season, you can also meet Santa for free, and find a special letter-writing station inside Once Upon a Toy, where kids can send their Christmas wishes to the North Pole.

These seasonal activities make Disney Springs feel extra magical during the holidays, and it’s a great way to cut down the cost of your (already expensive) holiday vacation since they’re all free!

Final Thoughts

Whether you are looking to cut costs wherever possible or just want to have a relaxing day at Walt Disney World, Disney Springs offers plenty of free activities for families of all ages to enjoy.

Between window shopping, kids’ play areas, and, most importantly to some (hi, it’s me), free dessert samples, it’s easy to spend hours at the lively entertainment venue without spending a dime.

Comments

What free thing at Disney Springs are you looking forward to trying? Let us know in the comments!