These free things to do at Disney Springs, Orlando will help you visit the free attractions in Disney World, perfect for budget trips!
Think Disney and “free” don’t belong in the same sentence? Think again. While Walt Disney World is famous for its expensive theme park tickets, Disney Springs remains one of the few places on Disney property where you can enjoy hours of entertainment without spending a dime. With free admission, free parking, live entertainment, unique shopping districts, and beautiful waterfront views, it’s one of the best budget-friendly attractions in Orlando and one of the best free things to do in Disney World.
Whether you’re taking a break from the parks, visiting Orlando on a budget, or simply looking for a fun evening out, Disney Springs offers plenty of free experiences for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. Here are the best free things to do during your visit.
Disney Springs: Know before you go
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Disney Springs Hours | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| ZIP Code | 32830 |
| Address | 1486 Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, United States |
| Getting There from a Disney Resort Hotel | Use Disney’s complimentary bus or water transportation services to Disney Springs. |
| Getting There by Car | Follow signs along Buena Vista Drive to the Disney Springs parking garages. Standard parking is free; valet parking may be available for approximately $25. |
| Getting There from a Disney Park | Take a bus to Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and walk to Disney Springs. Direct buses from the four Disney theme parks operate from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM. |
| Disney Springs Layout | Disney Springs is spread out in a long, narrow layout with four main areas: Marketplace (northeast end), The Landing (waterfront area), Town Center (near the bus stops), and West Side (home to Cirque du Soleil and the ferry terminal). |
Free things to do in Disney Springs
1. Stroll Around the Waterfront
One of the simplest and most enjoyable activities at Disney Springs is taking a leisurely walk along the waterfront. The district is built around Lake Buena Vista and features scenic pathways, bridges, and relaxing seating areas overlooking the water.
The atmosphere changes throughout the day. Early mornings are peaceful, afternoons are lively, and evenings bring beautiful reflections from the lights around the lake. If you’re looking for a relaxing break from the crowds of the theme parks, a waterfront walk is hard to beat.
2. Enjoy Free Live Entertainment
Disney Springs regularly hosts live performers throughout the day and evening. Depending on when you visit, you might encounter musicians, singers, dancers, DJs, stilt walkers, or interactive performers entertaining guests in various areas of the complex.
The performances rotate frequently, so every visit can feel different. Some entertainers perform on dedicated stages, while others surprise visitors along walkways and plazas.
3. Browse the World of Disney Store
Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, visiting the massive World of Disney store is an attraction in itself. Widely considered the largest Disney merchandise store in the world, it features themed displays, giant character statues, seasonal decorations, and enough Disney merchandise to keep fans entertained for hours.
Kids will love spotting their favorite characters, while adults can admire the creative displays and themed sections.
4. Check Out the Giant LEGO Sculptures
The LEGO Store is one of the most popular stops at Disney Springs, and you don’t need to spend money to enjoy it. Outside the store you’ll find enormous LEGO sculptures featuring Disney characters, dragons, sea monsters, and other imaginative creations.
Many families spend a surprising amount of time exploring these displays and taking photos. They’re among the most recognizable landmarks at Disney Springs.
5. Take Instagram-Worthy Photos
Disney Springs is packed with excellent photo opportunities. From colorful murals and themed storefronts to waterfront views and seasonal decorations, there are dozens of spots perfect for social media photos.
Popular locations include:
- The waterfront bridges
- The LEGO sculptures
- The giant Disney Springs signage
- Colorful storefronts in Town Center
- Seasonal holiday displays
- The Aerophile balloon area
Visit around sunset for the best lighting conditions.
6. Explore All Four Districts
Disney Springs is divided into four distinct neighborhoods:
- Marketplace
- The Landing
- Town Center
- West Side
Each section has its own architecture, atmosphere, and style. Simply wandering through the different districts feels like exploring several attractions in one location.
The Marketplace has a family-friendly feel, while Town Center resembles a stylish outdoor shopping district. The Landing offers waterfront charm, and West Side features larger entertainment venues.
7. Watch the Sunset Over Lake Buena Vista
One of the most underrated experiences at Disney Springs is simply finding a bench and watching the sunset.
As the sun begins to set, the water reflects beautiful colors while boats pass through the waterways. The atmosphere becomes even more magical as lights begin to illuminate the pathways and buildings around the lake.
For photographers, this is one of the best free experiences available.
8. Visit During the Holidays
Disney Springs goes all out for seasonal celebrations throughout the year. Holiday decorations, themed displays, special entertainment, and festive photo opportunities transform the area into something completely different depending on the season.
Christmas is particularly impressive, with elaborate decorations and themed experiences spread throughout the district.
Even if you’re not visiting the theme parks, Disney Springs can provide a memorable holiday experience.
9. Window Shop Your Way Around the Springs
One of the most entertaining free activities is simply browsing the unique stores.
Disney Springs features everything from Disney merchandise and collectibles to toy stores, art galleries, fashion boutiques, and specialty shops. Many locations feature immersive theming that makes browsing enjoyable even if you don’t buy anything.
Some stores feel more like attractions than retail spaces.
10. Ride the Free Water Taxi
Many visitors don’t realize that certain Disney transportation options are completely free. Depending on operations and routes available, you can enjoy scenic boat transportation connecting Disney Springs with several Disney Resort hotels.
The boat ride offers relaxing views and a different perspective of Walt Disney World property.
It’s a peaceful way to add a little extra Disney magic to your day.
11. Listen to Live Music at Night
As the sun goes down, Disney Springs comes alive with music.
Many areas feature musicians performing everything from acoustic covers to jazz and contemporary hits. The music helps create a lively atmosphere that feels more like a festival than a shopping district.
Grab a seat near one of the performance areas and enjoy the entertainment completely free.
12. Explore the Disney-Themed Details
One of the best things about Disney is the attention to detail, and Disney Springs is no exception.
Look closely and you’ll notice hidden design elements, themed architecture, storytelling details, unique artwork, and carefully crafted environments throughout the property.
Disney fans often discover something new every time they visit.
13. Visit the Coca-Cola Store Rooftop
Even if you don’t buy a drink, the Coca-Cola Store is worth visiting for the views. Guests can access the upper level and enjoy elevated views across Disney Springs.
It’s a great place to take photos and get a different perspective of the entertainment district.
Many visitors walk right past this opportunity without realizing it’s available.
14. Experience the Atmosphere After Dark
Disney Springs truly shines after sunset.
String lights illuminate walkways, music fills the air, reflections shimmer on the water, and the entire district takes on a more magical atmosphere. Many visitors actually prefer Disney Springs at night over the daytime experience.
If your schedule allows, plan to stay at least until dusk.
15. Enjoy Free Admission and Parking
Perhaps the biggest free perk of all is that Disney Springs doesn’t require a theme park ticket. Unlike the Disney parks, admission is completely free, and standard parking is generally complimentary as well.
This makes Disney Springs one of the best value destinations in Orlando. You can easily spend an entire afternoon or evening exploring without opening your wallet.
Cheap things to do in Disney Springs
- The Marketplace Carousel: With 16 handcrafted hoses, the carousel is a fun option to break up all the shopping. Rides cost $3 per person.
- Take a train ride: The Marketplace Train Express is another short ride to break up a day; the train costs $3 per ride or $5 for 2 rides.
- Sprinkles: This cupcake store is a popular option in Disney Springs because of its unique cupcake ATM. Gourmet cupcakes cost $4.95.
- Live music: Enjoy free live music in the Front Porch Bar at House of Blues for the cost of a drink or snack. This is often restricted to 21 and over. Alternatively, head to Raglan Road to enjoy the music in their main room and patio, or visit the outdoor patio at Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’.
- Pin Trading: Head to the Pin Hut for some pin trading. They often have lots of pins on sale here too.
- Eat dinner: Disney Springs is home to many restaurants and most are not cheap. However, if you are looking for a cheap bite to eat, try Blaze Pizza, Earl of Sandwich or the Daily Poutine.
Have a great time at Walt Disney World! We hope you enjoy the free things things to do in Disney Springs but also the cheap rides, tasty treats and budget-friendly dinner options!
Free Things to Do at Disney Springs FAQ
Yes, admission to Disney Springs is completely free. You do not need a Walt Disney World park ticket to enter, making it one of the best free attractions in Orlando.
Yes, standard self-parking at Disney Springs is free. Guests can park in the Orange, Lime, or Grapefruit garages, as well as several surface parking lots. Valet parking may be available for an additional fee.
Absolutely. Between the live entertainment, waterfront walks, LEGO displays, window shopping, seasonal decorations, and free transportation options, many visitors spend several hours—or even a full day—at Disney Springs without making a purchase.
Many visitors consider the free live entertainment, giant LEGO sculptures, and scenic waterfront views to be the best free attractions. The answer often depends on whether you’re visiting with kids, friends, or as a couple.
Yes. Children can enjoy the giant LEGO creations outside the LEGO Store, interactive store displays, live performers, seasonal events, and watching boats travel across Lake Buena Vista.
Yes. Disney Resort guests can use complimentary buses and water taxis to travel to and from Disney Springs. Some boat routes also connect Disney Springs with nearby Disney Resort hotels.
Disney Springs typically offers free live entertainment daily, especially in the afternoons and evenings. Performances may include musicians, singers, dancers, and street performers.
Many visitors prefer arriving in the late afternoon. This allows you to explore during daylight, watch the sunset over the water, and enjoy the atmosphere after dark when the lights come on and live entertainment becomes more active.
We had to cancel our Disney trip in April! We were planning on going to Coca-Cola world but wow I had no idea so much more stuff was FREE!!
I will definitely use this guide when we reschedule our trip!!
Sorry to hear you had to cancel your trip, hopefully you can get to Disney soon. But yes there are so many fun things to see and do in Disney Springs, it is a great place to enjoy if you don’t want to spend all your time in the park.
Disney and free don’t often go together but these are some great tips. I would be all over the Coca Cola store for the drinks from around the world. And the Ghirardelli store. Clearly I’m all about food and drink, but it looks like the place is big enough to walk it off
I remember being to Disney world in Paris and loved every bit of it! But after kids, we never managed to there yet. Perhaps, after this lockdown, we can plan for our future travel. You have given some great tips and information, that will help us plan the trip!