There is a lot of sticker shock when you go to Disney World in Florida. Depending on the day you want to go, a one-day pass starts at $109 and goes up from there.
It's possible to enjoy Disney magic without spending a lot of time in town.
I don't pay for a full park day when I visit Disney with my family because I always book the hotel and park tickets separately. I enjoy those first and last days of vacation that allow me to relax and not feel like I'm missing out on time in the parks.
If you want to explore without a ticket, the suggestions below may make you want to add a day to your trip.
How much does it cost to go to Disneyland?
One of my favorites is Disney's shopping and entertainment center.
When my son and I go to dinner, we usually go to Morimoto for dumplings and sticky spare ribs, but there are dozens of other options.
I start shopping.
The largest Mickey-themed gift shop in the world, World of Disney, is located in Disney Springs. The Art of Disney is a great place to buy high-end collectibles.
You can sign up for our newsletter.
Disney benefits can be obtained at bargain prices.
A mini figure of yourself or your friends and family can be made at Lego for just $12. You can make your own custom candy at the M&M store for just $20.
You can get a sample of 15 international flavors for $16 on the rooftop of the Coca-Cola store. If you want Dole Whip on a day that you're not in the parks, you can go to a kiosk in Disney Springs.
Disney Springs is more than just a place to shop and eat. You can bowl a round for free at Splitsville Lanes. "Drawn to Life" is performed under the big top at Disney Springs, but it costs a bit more.
Outside of the theme parks, Disney's cool attractions can be found at Disney Springs. The Aerophile is a hot air balloon that flies over Disney Springs and gives a bird's eye view of the area.
The Amphicars are vintage-style convertible cars that are great for boats. It costs $125 per car for a ride for three to four people, and if you spend $50 or more at the New England themed first, you will get a $25 credit to use on a ride.
You can take a free water taxi from Disney Springs to go on a cruise along the Sassagoula River, which will make you feel like you're in Louisiana.
There are gas lamps, balconies, magnolia blossoms, and colorful decorations on the cobblestone streets. Things are moving fast with live jazz.
I like ordering fresh-from-the-fryer, powdered-sugar-drenched beignets. It's a good idea to hit the bar for alcohol infused ones. If you want to try some of the N'awlins favorites, you can go to Boatwrights Dining Hall.
You can take a horse-drawn carriage ride along the river for a fee, and it's a great way to see the area.
The Animal Kingdom Lodge is more than just a place to stay. Even when I'm not a guest, I still come to spend time and enjoy the atmosphere.
You can see wild animals and the African savanna for free if you walk through the lobby and head to the outdoor area.
The area is home to 30 species of animals. There is a schedule of cultural programs that take place in the soaring lobby, and animal experts are available to answer any questions.
When you visit in the evening, rent a pair of night-vision binoculars to view nocturnal animals, and then sit around the outdoor bonfire and watch the fireworks. Disney has evening safaris that leave from Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Boma is one of our favorite restaurants at Disney World and has a huge buffet filled with authentic tastes of Africa. There is a wine list in South Africa.
Points can be used to purchase Disney tickets.
There's good news for Disney fans looking for the park's one-of-a-kind theming without paying park fees, as the two miniature golf courses at Walt Disney World have mega Disney style but prices as small as their greens.
You can play 18 holes of themed putt-putt at Winter Summerland for just $14 per adult and $12 per kid, which includes tax. There are over-the-top holes that feature everything from giant horns that you put into the foliage to mystical creatures.
The mini golf courses can be reached from the Swan, Dolphin and Swan Reserve.
I saved money by renting DVC points.
Have breakfast with Mickey or dinner with a princess. Outside of the theme parks, there are some of the best Disney character dining experiences.
One of my favorite ways to start the day is to go to Chef Mickey's in the Contemporary Hotel and see the bigeared star with his friends.
Breakfast guests at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort will be welcomed by Stitch and lilo again.
You can have breakfast with Goofy and his friends at the Four Seasons in the morning. You can get breakfast at Topolino's Terrace at Riviera Resort with Mickey, Donald, and Daisy.
The Evil Queen is one of the most popular characters at the character meal held at Disney's Wilderness Lodge.
An outdoor reproduction of Old Faithful that shoots water 120 feet into the air is one of the attractions at Disney's Fort Wilderness Lodge.
You can go back to the Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground after you visit the Lodge.
You can walk through the trails for free if you want, or you can ride the range for a fee. A canoe or kayak can be paddled for less than $10 per person. Pony rides for younger guests are $8 each at the Tri-Circle-D Ranch at Fort Wildrness, where you can also visit some horses that are in the parades.
The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is a Disney classic where chuck wagon grub is accompanied by lots of old fashioned entertainment such as singing and dancing.
The Disney's Boardwalk Resort has a replica of a turn-of-the-century boardwalk, with family-friendly bike and surrey rentals, decadent boardwalk snacks, and even a dance hall. Live music can be found on the boardwalk.
You can catch a ride on Disney's Skyliner at the back entrance of the park if you follow the walkway.
There is a dazzling fireworks show in The Magic Kingdom every evening, as well as a parade of boats floating on the water around Disney's Contemporary, Polynesian and Grand Floridian resorts.
If you want to watch the show, you don't have to pay anything. The beaches outside the three resorts are the only places where you can see the fireworks.
The Polynesian's soft sand beach is my favorite place to view it. You can get a pineapple whip at the Pineapple Lanai stand.
As the sun goes down, many Disney resorts have outdoor movies that start as the sun goes down.
The Dark and Tropical Stormy, which comes with a light show, is one of the best tropical drinks in the area. Kids can come before 8 p.m.
One of Disney World's original resorts is still one of the best.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
