Free Disney Rides – Discover the Best

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Written By Carlos Braga

There are several free rides at Disney. After all, it is a huge complex with various entertainment options.

For example, theme parks, water parks, resorts and much more. Therefore, this is one of the reasons for receiving around 52 million people per year.

The Disney World Resort of Orlando it was inaugurated in 1971. Since then, its public and attractions have only increased.

Undoubtedly, you can already see that alternatives for fun abound. So, check here which tours to do and the best: totally free.

Is it possible to enjoy free rides at Disney

Many are surprised by this information.

But yes, there are several interesting and free attractions for visitors.

In fact, the space of this complex occupies an area of 11,106 hectares, which has:

  • 4 theme parks;
  • 2 water parks;
  • 27 themed resorts;
  • 2 spas;
  • Gym centers;
  • 5 golf courses;
  • Other places for shopping, leisure, sports and entertainment.

Who can take advantage

The free rides at disney They are ideal to be done with the family.

Yeah, kids are passionate about their characters.

So everyone can enjoy this excursion. However, the schedule should be different according to your child's age.

Children under the age of three, for example, may be frightened by crowds. As well as, with all the lighting and sounds of the places.

Therefore, if this is the case, it is better to take this trip in the low season. That is, in the months of May, September and October.

The little ones above this age group will enjoy the attractions, in particular, the toys.

However, the more radical ones (roller coasters) are recommended for teenagers.

Free Disney Tours

As you've already noticed, the possibilities for fun are varied.

So get ready for a long stay, not to leave anything out.

In this way, check out the programs that can be done for free below:

Disney springs

It is one of the most popular and complete tours.

Thus, the former Downtown Disney is a large entertainment and shopping center. In addition, it is full of attractions, shops and great restaurants.

Disney springs
Disney springs

There are activities for all tastes and ages.

Even admission is free. This space is always bringing news to tourists. So it's worth checking out whenever you go to Orlando.

Disney free ride attractions

There is no lack of store options there. So one of the highlights is the Art of Disney.

Where you find incredible works of art. On the other hand, it is impossible not to visit World of Disney. Undoubtedly the largest of all in the entire complex.

At Arribas Bros, artists are carving crystal pieces. At the Candy Cauldron store, you can see how the candy apples are decorated.

In fact, you can buy one right there or in the parks. 

If you want to record every moment of these free rides at disney, there are several places for photos. However, the best attraction there for children is the Lego store.

Your child can play with the pieces arranged there and create sculptures. 

At Once Upon a Toy there are also toys available for visitors.

Another very cool place there is also the store art of disney, a store full of collector's items, amazing for those who like it!

the-art-of-disney-springs
the-art-of-disney-springs

Plus, the Disney Springs set features fun fountains that squirt water from the ground.

At night, you can find talented artists performing live.

For example, some play saxophone, keyboards and more. On the Marketplace, there is even a stage installed for this purpose.

When you hit that hunger, don't worry.

Yeah, there you can find a lot of variety in price and food. From the fancier ones like The Boathouse to the cheaper ones like Chicken Guy and the Earl of sandwich

Free tours at Disney: Boardwalk

It is one of the little known places, but full of attractions. Thus, the Boardwalk is a 400-meter boardwalk with:

  • Restaurants;
  • Shops; 
  • And a bustling nightlife. 

Its location is close to Epcot. In addition, you can get there on a delightful boat trip.

What to do

The Boardwalk is surrounded by a lake. Including, due to this, the free translation of its name means ?boardwalk on the waterfront?.

One of the first mandatory stops is the Bakery, where there are very tasty sweets. By the way, some are even unusual, like the Banana and Candied Bacon Pie. That is, a bacon and banana pie.

flying-fish-boardwalk
Flying Fish Boardwalk

The ESPN Club is a bar/restaurant for sports fans. In this place, you can find several TVs around, even in the bathroom. 

Joe's Marvelous Margaritas offers the most diversified drinks of this drink.

In this way, the options range from the simplest to the most elaborate.

Those who prefer seafood, the order is the Flying Fish Coffee.

But for lovers of Italian food, Trattoria al Forno is recommended, which serves:

  • Various types of cheese;
  • Pastas;
  • And pizzas.

Free Disney Tours: Boardwalk Entertainment

In the Arcade, you will find arcades and other varieties of games.

The Atlantic Dance Hall, on the other hand, is something of a ballad. Jellyrolls, on the other hand, is a very pleasant bar, with a duel between pianists.

The public participates by sending the songs.

In fact, water and popcorn are free too. In general, on the streets of Boardwalk, there are street shows, especially comedy or juggling.

In addition, there are game kiosks and two-seater bike rentals.

Disney Hotels

In addition to being wonderful, all are available to visit for free. Therefore, the areas released are:

  • Lobby;
  • Gardens;
  • Restaurants
  • And other facilities.

Spaces that cannot be used are swimming pools and gyms.

Therefore, the free rides at disney that stand out the most are the hotels:

The most special and charming time of year for these visits is Christmas. Well, the decorations are stunning, with huge pine trees and carousels. 

Hotels available to visit

Each has a different theme.

For example, some are more sophisticated, with a more Victorian feel. While there are others that are more rustic, in a farm hotel style.

Or even those with decorations featuring Disney characters or sports.

At the hotel Art of Animation, there is almost a re-enactment of certain films by the company, such as:

  • Nemo;
  • Little Mermaid;
  • Lion King;
  • Cars.

Toy Story fans should visit the All Star Movies. Since it is also part of the free rides at Disney.

However, the coolest of all is the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Well, its theme is all turned to the African scenario.

Art of Animation - Little Mermaid Carlos and Nath - Departed Disney Parks
Art of Animation – Little Mermaid Carlos and Nath – Partiu Disney Parks

This attraction offers an up close visit to the animals.

Also, you get more informed about the culture of Africa through the instructors.

There are also musical performances in the lobby.

There are themed restaurants, with incredible meals, like Sanaa. Undoubtedly, it is the perfect setting for a family afternoon coffee.

At certain times of the year, some hotels have special decorations, including Halloween ones.

Disney's Grand Floridian at Easter features decorative eggs. 

Free Walks at Disney: Fireworks Display

Many tourists when they go to Orlando, think they need to pay for tickets to any attraction.

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Fortunately, this is not the case and you can watch the fireworks without paying anything.

In the outer space of the parks it is possible to glimpse this moment. Including, even with a better view of who is inside.

For example, burning the Epcot can be seen on the Boardwalk. However, in a more limited way.

Other options are at the Beach Club and Yatch Club hotels.

So, it's worth visiting them and then staying to check out the fireworks show. By the way, an important tip for this moment: take a towel to sit on the sand.

Enjoying Disney fireworks inside the parks can be more exciting.

But when you have free alternatives, it's better to take advantage. Therefore, it ends up being advantageous also for those who:

  • Not going to visit the park, but wants to watch the fireworks show;
  • He went to the park, but he couldn't stay until the end;
  • Want to see the fireworks again, but don't want to spend again on tickets;
  • Prefer to see outside, with less crowd.

Free tours at Disney: where to watch fireworks

There are other cool spots to watch from. For example, from Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom. In the latter, it is possible to watch the fireworks from various places. 

The box office itself is one of them.

In addition, to enjoy the Happily Ever After (fireworks show), there are other interesting points:

From some resorts there are also incredible views and they are completely free.

Therefore, all these places offer a unique chance to be enchanted by this spectacle.

After all, this is one of the free rides at disney more magical and awaited by visitors.

Electrical Water Pageant (Closed)

One of the lesser-known events is this lighted boat parade on the Magic Kingdom lake.

In fact, you can see it from several places, such as the following resorts and their respective schedules:

  • Polynesian: 9:00 pm;
  • Wilderness Lodge: 9:30 pm;
  • Grand Floridian: 9:15 pm;
  • Contemporary: 10:10 pm;
  • Fort Wilderness: 9:45 pm;
  • Magic Kingdom: 10:35 pm.

Free Disney Tours: Bonfires at Disney

There are bonfires at several hotels there, not just Fort Wilderness. So this is a very special moment in Disney programming.

Where you can roast marshmallows, tell stories and sing.

You can buy the s?mores (chocolate-filled marshmallows) on site.

Or take your own. So, just arrive, choose your seat and that's it.

Bonfire at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Bonfire in Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

So, check out where these bonfires are for you to enjoy:

  • Animal Kingdom Lodge;
  • Beach Club;
  • Caribbean Beach;
  • Boardwalk Inn;
  • Contemporary;
  • Grand Floridian;
  • Coronado Springs;
  • Old Key West;
  • Polynesian;
  • Saratoga Springs;
  • Port Orleans;
  • Wilderness Lodge;
  • yacht club.

One of the best free rides at Disney.

Well, they are very different from what Brazilians are used to.

On the other hand, there are no characters in these events, but still, it's worth it.

Radiator Springs at Art of Animation

It is one of the favorite attractions for visitors, not just fans of the movie "Cars".

Since it mixes racing, adrenaline and competition. 

The scenery perfectly imitates the Rocky Mountains of the film.

Shortly after a queue, you arrive at the carts to board. In fact, each of them can be occupied by up to six people.

Art of Animation - Nath Cars Session - Departed Disney Parks 2
Art of Animation – Cars Nath Session – Partiu Disney Parks 2

And they are very faithful to the ones in the movie. Undoubtedly, those who are fans are very excited. 

Free tours at Disney: Radiator Springs Racers

At first, there is a slower and shorter route.

By the way, with a soundtrack and a waterfall at the end. There is certainly no lack of references to ?Cars?.

Even though it's almost a replica of Cars Land, the emotion is very real.

After all, all the characters in the film are there, interacting and presenting the city.

Disney's audio animatronics are among the most modern.

Well, they move their eyes and mouths. Additionally, most of the film's cast voices the toys.

So far you can have an idea why this is one of the best free rides at Disney.

The occupied area is about 26 thousand square meters. On the other hand, each vehicle travels 60 thousand kilometers per year.

In a second moment, the cars undergo a transformation.

For example, a new paint job or changing tires. However, it's just a projection trick, but it looks very real.

After that, it comes to the part most awaited by all: the start of the race.

Thus, two vehicles are side by side competing at 64 km/h. 

With the adrenaline and emotion it seems to happen faster than that. Soon, everyone is screaming and cheering to be the champion.

Free Disney Rides: Animals at Animal Kingdom Lodge

Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the hotels located in a wildlife area. Therefore, it occupies about 17.4 hectares in Walt Disney World. 

Its differential is the safari theme and the free presence of animals in the place.

In fact, there are approximately 200 types of animals and birds. 

What animals can be seen

One of the most outstanding and favorite of visitors are the giraffes. So, they measure up to 6 meters in height.

Furthermore, there are nine different species in the wilds of Africa.

Another large animal residing at Animal Kingdom is the ankole-watusi cattle.

So he comes from a race descended from cattle that lived on the Nile in 4000 BC

They have immense horns, almost 2 meters long.

So, a curiosity is that they cool the body of these animals. That is, they act as an indoor air conditioner.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Savanna
Animal Kingdom Lodge Savanna

Undoubtedly, this is one of the free rides at disney most successful.

African red pigs are also around enjoying their mud puddles. Therefore, it is often difficult to see them.

Furthermore, this species are cousins of wild boars from Africa.

Okapis are related to giraffes and not zebras. Sure enough, this confusion is made because of its stripes.

As such, they are only found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As well as at Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge.

They have zebra stripes, a horse body and a giraffe head.

By the way, by the way, there are also two species of zebras grazing in the hotel's savannah.

Birds are present in what is one of the best free rides at disney. For example, there are flamingos there, which are close to bodies of water. 

Griffon vultures are one of nature's greatest caretakers. Yeah, keep it clean by feeding on dead animals.

Monorail and / or boat

It's not just the rides that are free at Disney, transportation is too.

In this way, tourists can move around the areas by monorail, boat or bus.

So anyone can use them, you don't need to be a guest at any Disney hotel. 

Monorail Gran Floridian
Monorail Grand Floridian

Boat trips are among the most enjoyable. In general, the route is between a hotel, park or in the old Downtown Disney.

Even the ferry boat is one of the most beautiful. 

already us free rides at disney by monorail it is possible to see everything from above. Yes, the rails are suspended.

In fact, the best time for this route is during the day, as there are fewer people. Also, the view is most appreciated.

The route of this means of transport is from the Magic Kingdom to the hotels and vice versa. It also takes visitors to and from Epcot. Thus, the hotels that have a monorail are:

  • Contemporary;
  • Grand Floridian;
  • Polynesian;
  • Transportation and Ticket Center.

Disney free ride times and locations

The operation starts one hour before the opening of the parks until one hour after closing. In general, the drivers themselves inform the last transport schedule.

For example, buses to Disney springs runs daily until 2 am.

At Walt Disney World, there is no shortage of ways to get around.

Therefore, some routes are simpler for those who are not in any hotel. But if you want to visit some parks, then, get to know some options:

  • Magic Kingdom Park and Epcot: monorail;
  • Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Theme Parks: Bus;
  • Magic Kingdom and Disney's Hollywood Studios: bus;
  • Epcot and Hollywood Studios: boat.

Free Disney Rides: Disney's Skyliner

The Skyliner it's the Disney cable car. It can even be used to move from hotels or just to go for a walk.

In order to appreciate the grandeur of the place from above. Indeed, it has 300 gondolas in 8 different colors.

skyliner-gondolas-disney-world
skyliner-gondolas-disney-world

Some with prints of Disney characters, such as Mickey, Frozen, Star Wars and several others. 

Each gondola holds 10 people. Additionally, it is accessible to visitors with disabilities and parents carrying strollers.

Incidentally, they don't stop for passengers to board, they just slow down.  

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In the case of those with mobility difficulties, there is a setback and the individual boards with it parked.

On the other hand, there are some safety rules on the gondolas, such as:

  • Everyone must remain seated and not standing;
  • It is not allowed to lean on the doors;
  • Smoking is prohibited;
  • Children must be supervised by their parents at all times.

Disney Free Rides: Attractions

Altogether there are five seasons, with Caribbean Beach being the main one.

Namely, they are all thematic, matching the place where they are. For example, in this one it looks like an old train station.

At Hollywood Studios, it has a more retro style.

While Epcot has a more French design and Pop Century/Art of Animation is modern.

All routes are very fast. Check the distance and approximate time between them below:

Hollywood Studios to Caribbean Beach: 1.2 km – 4 min;
Caribbean to Riviera: 0.6 km – 2.5 min;
Riviera to Epcot: 1 mile – 5 min;
Caribbean Beach to Art of Animation/ Pop Century: 1 km – 3 min.

Disney Skyliner
Disney Skyliner

Free tours at Disney: bonfire of Tico and Teco

It is one of the most interesting attractions, because it has the participation of characters.

So this event has a bonfire for kids to roast marshmallows. In addition, there are outdoor movie screenings.

All of this happens at the hotel Fort wilderness.

Please note that you and your family do not need to be guests to participate. Without a doubt, it is one of the coolest programs, especially in the summer. 

How is Campfire

It is a very spacious place, in a forest surrounded by benches and tables.

Including, a stage and a very large screen are located there. As well as bonfires.

Free Disney tours: show

A singer performs on stage amusing the audience. Soon after, about 10 minutes, Tico and Teco appear.

They dance and then go visit the tables and interact with everyone. 

Film

This is the third moment of the tour, hence the presence of the screen.

Thus, each one can settle where they prefer: in the chairs or bleachers.

In rainy weather, the display takes place on the porch of the Meadow Trading Post.

When happens?

The attraction starts at 20:00 in spring and at 19:00 in winter.

By the way, it is important to arrive 1h30 before. Yeah, the bonfire is lit from 18 pm.

Free Disney Tours: Movie Showings

In all hotels, there is an open-air cinema session. In this way, each day of the week one is selected.

From there, the most classic or the most recent Disney productions are shown.

Drawing lessons

The Art of Animation Resort hotel offers free classes to learn how to draw your favorite characters.

In fact, they are very lively and fun.

In addition, you will understand how the details of the main characters are made.

Free Disney Tours: Disney Resort Events

One of the best attractions is participating in the programming at the resorts.

Even because each hotel has its own.

Therefore, try to find out which event will take place in the one where you and your family are staying.

?Movies Under the Stars?, without a doubt, is present in all of them. After all, it is quite successful, as it broadcasts Disney movies.

So, be ready for an outdoor movie night.

All resorts offer a specific area for this purpose.

Incidentally, with the right to loungers and chairs for you to settle in at will. Anyway, it's a nice moment to be enjoyed with the family and without paying anything.

Free tours at Disney: Celebration

It is the famous city of Walt Disney. Thus, it is a quiet region that looks like a movie set.

There are several very pretty houses, with tree-lined walkways and terraces among the marshes. It is even possible to see alligators sunbathing from there. 

9 thousand people live in this place and one of the residences belongs to Silvio Santos. On the other hand, in this city there are charming:

  • Restaurants;
  • Shops;
  • Sweets.

There are still very interesting attractions there, such as walks on the edge of the lake. It is also possible to ride a carriage and on Sundays, feirinhas.

Extra Tips: Plus Free Disney Rides

There are other fun and cool experiences to do at Disney.

And the best: totally free. Including food and drink.

So, check out some of them below so you don't miss out on any privileges.

Commemorative Buttons

These accessories were launched in 2009, for the ?What are you going to celebrate?? campaign. However, due to the success, Disney kept them. There are several themes, see below:

  • Family meeting;
  • They lived happy ever after;
  • Birthday;
  • Engagement;
  • Wedding anniversary;
  • First visit to Disneyland.

What are worth for

Buttons are a way to show that you are celebrating something. In general, park officials keep an eye on who uses them. In order to greet them, especially birthdays. 

It can even happen to win a cupcake with a candle in restaurants. Therefore, it is advantageous to get one.

The free rides at Disney: where to pick up?

They are available in different places. However, it is more common to find them in the parks in the area called Guest Relations. But you can also find them in hotels and stores.

free wifi

One of Disney World's best amenities.

Thus, the internet is available in hotels, parks, resorts, restaurants and much more. By the way, in most public areas also like:

  • Magic Kingdom Park;
  • Hollywood Studios;
  • Blizzard Beach Water Park;
  • Animal Kingdom Theme Park;
  • Epcot;
  • BoardWalk, among others.

Free tours at Disney: how it works

It is very simple and fast. Just connect to the Walt Disney World Resort network and that's it, you can enjoy it without any problems.

Free desserts on your birthday

When you're at a restaurant in the park or hotel, tell the waiter it's your birthday.

Yeah, the chance of you getting a dessert and a song is great.

If you are a more subtle person, just use a commemorative button

Free Disney Rides: Tickets for Ages 3 and Up

In most parks there is a difference in ticket prices. For example, adult values are considered for children over 10 years old. On the other hand, between 3 and 9 years is another amount.

Elderly, disabled and students do not have different pricing. Babies up to 3 years old pay nothing in the following places:

  • Disney parks;
  • Sea World;
  • Busch Gardens;
  • Universal Studios;
  • Islands of Adventure.

Free Disney Rides: Water in the Parks

In the US, tap water is filtered and potable.

Therefore, do not be surprised if an employee gives you a glass of water from there. Plus, it's free at all Walt Disney restaurants and eateries.

Just ask for ?tap water?, ?just water? or ?ice water?.

Disney hotel bottles
Disney hotel bottles

Surely, in any of these ways you will get filtered and cold water.

In the parks there are also several water fountains scattered around. So just fill your own bottle.

Free tours at Disney: Fastpass +

It's a perk that allows you to skip the line at any of the 4 theme parks. So now understand how this works. 

3 appointments Fastpass + can be done for every day you go to parks. It is advisable to do this in advance and not on the spot. 

On the agreed date, at the time of booking, you can go straight through the normal waiting line. However, it must remain in a special only for people who have made appointments.

Use this feature at busier attractions. Or the one you can't miss at all. 

Free Disney Tours: Stickers

They are distributed in all parks by Cast Members. That is, by Disney employees. Soon they are all over the place working in stores, hotels, restaurants and more.

Chocolate Ghirardelli

At Disney Springs, there is an amazing chocolate shop. And the best thing is that when you visit, even if you don't buy anything, you win. Yeah, they always give you a free sample of the delicious Ghirardelli.

It is located opposite the World of Disney store. By the way, there are several types of chocolate and also coffees. Also, if you prefer to change the flavor of the toast, they do it without any problem.

Enjoy free Disney tours

The time has come to experience all the magic and fun provided by this fairytale world.

Therefore, be sure to follow all the programs mentioned throughout this post. Well, they are free and very interesting.

A trip to Disney is a guarantee of magical family days and moments. After all, it's like a whole new world. Where all you have to do is enjoy each place, each food and each experience. 

It's a chance to rest, forget about problems and enjoy a lot. So pack your bags and take this article as your travel guide to free rides at Disney.

I hope again that this post helped you in your research for your trip to Disney or Orlando.

As a way to help us keep the blog going, we just ask you to help us by sharing this publication and subscribing to our social networks as Facebook, Instagram or Youtube channel.

In addition to helping us, we are sure that there you will find hundreds of useful posts for your trip!

About the Author Carlos Braga:

Unparalleled experience in Orlando and Disney! As a former Universal Orlando team member and a passionate devotee of the magic of Disney, I have become a true Orlando travel expert. Before becoming a renowned travel consultant dedicated to Orlando, I had already made hundreds of visits to the parks, cultivating my knowledge and passion mainly over the last 7 years as a consultant and specialist in Disney travel.

My journey into this enchanted world began in 1995, when I took my first trip to Orlando. Since then, my love for Disney and the city has only grown. In 2023, we celebrate the sixth anniversary of 'Partiu Disney Parks', consolidating our role as one of the main sources of information about Disney and Orlando Parks.

During these six years of existence, we have continued to offer quality and updated content, being the reliable source for all those looking for essential information to plan their trip to Disney and Orlando. With my vast experience and passion for this magical destination, I am here to guide you every step of the way towards the most incredible Orlando and Disney experience!

I hope again that this post helped you in your research for your trip to Disney or Orlando.

As a way to help us keep the blog going, we just ask you to help us by sharing this publication and subscribing to our social networks as Facebook, Instagram or Youtube channel.

In addition to helping us, we are sure that there you will find hundreds of useful posts for your trip!

About the Author Carlos Braga:

Unparalleled experience in Orlando and Disney! As a former Universal Orlando team member and a passionate devotee of the magic of Disney, I have become a true Orlando travel expert. Before becoming a renowned travel consultant dedicated to Orlando, I had already made hundreds of visits to the parks, cultivating my knowledge and passion mainly over the last 7 years as a consultant and specialist in Disney travel.

My journey into this enchanted world began in 1995, when I took my first trip to Orlando. Since then, my love for Disney and the city has only grown. In 2023, we celebrate the sixth anniversary of 'Partiu Disney Parks', consolidating our role as one of the main sources of information about Disney and Orlando Parks.

During these six years of existence, we have continued to offer quality and updated content, being the reliable source for all those looking for essential information to plan their trip to Disney and Orlando. With my vast experience and passion for this magical destination, I am here to guide you every step of the way towards the most incredible Orlando and Disney experience!

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