36 Things to Do at Walt Disney World Without Park Tickets (2026)

Many people think that if you aren’t going to one of Disney’s four theme parks, there’s nothing to do at Disney World, but you can still do plenty without park tickets. From riding the Skyliner to seeing animals at Animal Kingdom Lodge, to watching performers at Hurly-Burly, or playing miniature golf, low-cost activities abound, and some are even free.

These options are wonderful if you have a half day because your flight isn’t leaving until later in the day, or if you want a day off from the park but still want to be entertained. Disney World has so much more to offer besides the parks that satisfies our Disney World fix! In fact, we’re based in Florida, 35 minutes from Disney World; sometimes we go specifically to explore Disney World beyond the parks.

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Disney’s BoardWalk: Free Fun Within Walking Distance of EPCOT

Our absolute favorite area of the WDW property is the Boardwalk. (Specifically, Disney’s BoardWalk, as it’s officially named.)

There are a bunch of things to do at Disney World besides the parks at Disney’s BoardWalk.

1. Ride the Skyliner

Disney’s Skyliner is a blast. It gives you a bird’s-eye view of areas you’re normally only eye-level with.

You can board it in the BoardWalk area (technically, near Epcot’s World Showcase entrance, accessible from the pedestrian area just off the Boardwalk).

It has a few different stops, including four resorts (Riviera, Caribbean Beach, Art of Animation, and Pop Century) and two parks (Epcot and Hollywood Studios). If you are commuting between parks or park areas, it’s a fantastic way to travel between Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

The Skyliner is 100% free to ride!

If you ask us, it’s also one of the most romantic things to do at Disney World. (Just like the romantic thing we did in Norway to get a spectacular view of the city of Tromso…but I digress.)

Here is the complete list of where the Skyliner stops:

• Epcot (near the World Showcase entrance of the park by France), which connects to the Boardwalk
• Hollywood Studios
• Riviera Resort
• Caribbean Beach Resort
• Pop Century
• Art of Animation

Don’t forget you can dine near Skyliner stops too, whether you’re hotel-hopping for fun or want to diversify your cuisine options. It’s a great way to explore the Walt Disney World property, car-free and worry-free!

Any of the locations listed below have sit-down restaurants off Disney’s Skyliner and outside of the theme parks:

• Riviera Resort (including Topolino’s Terrace)
• Caribbean Beach Resort (Sebastian’s Bistro)
• Beach Club (Cape May Cafe, Beaches and Cream Soda Shop)
• Yacht Club (Ale & Compass Restaurant, Yachtsman Steakhouse)
• Disney’s Boardwalk (AbracadaBar,  Ample Hills Creamery, Big River Grill & Brewing Works, Trattoria al Forno, and more)
• Swan & Dolphin Hotels (Il Mulino, Kimonos, Shula’s Steakhouse, Todd English’s bluezoo)
• Swan Reserve (Amare)

We recommend bringing this handheld rechargeable fan for the Skyliner.

Each ride vehicle has vents on top of each car for natural airflow, but it can get pretty stuffy, especially if you don’t like enclosed spaces. (And if you don’t, it may not be the ride or mode of transportation for you. )

➡︎ Purchase a rechargeable handheld Fan for your trip to beat the Florida heat! ⬅︎

2. Rent a Surrey Bike

We got such a kick out of seeing families cycle past us on these bicycles built for two, four, or six people in two rows.

Here’s a list of places you can rent them (many of them are DVC properties but anyone visiting WDW can go there to rent a surrey bike):

• Disney’s Boardwalk Inn 
• Disney’s BoardWalk Villas 
• Disney’s Old Key West Resort
• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter 
• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside 
• Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort

3. Stop to Watch a Performer

Various performers walk the boardwalk and stop to perform if you’re there at the right time. The most popular time to catch this is at night or late afternoon.

4. Play Boardwalk Games

A few Boardwalk games are open in the evening. (We’ve sometimes seen them open in the afternoon, too.) They are exactly what you might imagine or have seen at a state fair or the boardwalk at Atlantic City Boardwalk. Games include shooting basketball hoops for prizes and water gun races.

5. See a Performance at Hurly-Burly

We used to have a BLAST singing along to popular tunes as we sipped beer, ate popcorn, and spent hours at Jellyrolls. Now, Jellyrolls is out and Hurly-Burly. It’s a family-friendly venue by afternoon with trivia and games. By night, it’s a 21-and-older venue for adults, with live music.

This is a great place to go if you’re looking for an incredibly fun evening idea for adults at Disney’s BoardWalk.

The venue is open daily (with some holiday exceptions) from 4:00 pm to 1:00 am. It’s family-friendly until 9:00 pm. (Epcot fireworks start at 9:00 pm each night, and you can see part of them from the BoardWalk over the treetops.)

They also have a small-bites menu priced from $15-$21, with items like tomato pie, oven-roasted shrimp, soft pretzels, antipasto, and mini apple cider donuts. Drinks range from $8.50 for a non-alcoholic beer to $10.50-$12.75 for a beer or cider, and from $11-$34 for a glass of wine or sparkling wine. Mixed drinks are from $17-$21. The menu includes three non-alcoholic drinks for less than $7 each. (Prices as of October 2026.)

They don’t take reservations; it’s a first-come, first-served casual place. That said, since people come and go as they please, you can get a table at any time throughout the evening. Timing is everything!

6. Create Your Own Soap at Basin on the BoardWalk (Coming Soon)

Soon, you’ll be able to create your own soap and bath bombs at the former Promenade Fine Art Gallery location on Disney’s BoardWalk. How much fun would it be to create a bar of soap that reminds you of your trip?

The 1920s-inspired Basin on the BoardWalk shop will have activities like blending your own bath tea, making a bar of soap from scratch, or embossing a soap with a personal stamp inside the apothecary-inspired shop.

7. Rent Swan Paddle Boats at the Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve

You used to be able to rent these boats if you were at Walt Disney World, enjoying the property. Now you have to be a guest at one of the three resorts: Swan, Dolphin, or the Swan Reserve.

The good news is that if you are a resort guest, they’re free to rent! It is already included in the daily resort fee you pay whether or not you use the paddle boats.

If motorized boats aren’t your thing, try an eco-friendly swan paddle boat! Be sure to wear sunscreen, as there’s no protection or breezy winds to relieve you from the Florida sun as you leisurely paddle on their little manmade lake.

We had a blast renting “Odette,” a paddleboat swan whose name was written across the back of her neck. We spent about 20 minutes on the lake before heading back to our amazing Swan Reserve room for a little rest and relaxation before dinner.

⭐️ Book a stay at the Swan or Dolphin resort, or the new Swan Reserve hotel

8. Go Into The Cake Bake Shop

The reason I say “go into” as opposed to eating there is because you have multiple options here: you can either go into the restaurant and dine in, or go into the cake shop/gift shop portion and get something like a piece of cake or cookie to go, and also get some souvenirs while you’re there.

If you ask us, the reason to go is the decor. It’s really beautiful on either side. The bar is even pretty, and a third option would be just getting a drink there! The food is just okay. But, again, it’s so photo-worthy it’s worth a stop in.

Go Boating for a Fun Thing to Do at WDW Besides the Parks

9. Rent a Pontoon Boat

Several places on the property offer motorized boat rentals. If the resort has a marina, it likely offers boat rentals. One of our favorite boats to rent is a pontoon boat because Orlando boat tours are a Sunshine State highlight!

Rentals are under $49 per half hour, and you’ll enjoy every minute. (You must be at least 18 to drive, though younger passengers are allowed. Prices as of October 2026.)

10. Take a Fireworks Cruise

For something truly extra special, consider a specialty cruise. You can hire a yacht for private dining or book a fireworks cruise.

It’ll add extra pixie dust to your stay, whether you’re a party of two splurging on a big-ticket item or a group of 10 sharing the experience and cost.

11. Rent a Kayak at Disney World

This man-powered boat is a favorite activity wherever we travel. Luckily, Fort Wilderness rents kayaks from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm for less than $10 per 30 minutes. (Prices as of October 2026.) They also have canoes. If water levels are low, they might be unavailable, so check online before you go.

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Play Golf, Mini Golf or FootGolf Without a Park Ticket

12. Play Miniature Golf

You can play mini-golf at two Walt Disney World locations. Pricing is $19 per adult and around $12 per child, as of October 2026.

Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Near Swan Reserve

Fantasia Gardens and Fairways has two courses. The more playful, whimsical one is called Fantasia Gardens. The other side of the property has a course named Fantasia Fairways. Its par-3 and par-5 courses are more difficult than Fantasia Gardens.

(I know it sounds funny to say a mini-golf course is difficult, but Fairways really is challenging, and it’s not especially for children unless they’re avid golfers or want a more “realistic” course without playing a full 9- or 18-hole course.)

Winter Summerland, near Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park

Winter Summerland is themed to Florida, of course. It has a holiday twist year-round. 

They have two courses: 1) Sandy Florida and 2) Snowy Florida (it almost never snows in Lake Buena Vista, where Disney World is, but imagination is a beautiful thing, especially when Imagineers create an attraction at WDW).

13. Play a Round of Traditional Golf

Walt Disney World is renowned for its great golf courses. They have four courses you can choose from, including:

• Lake Buena Vista Golf Course at Saratoga Springs Resort — closed until December 11, 2026
• Magnolia Golf Course at the Polynesian Village Resort — the longest course at WDW
• Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course, also at the Polynesian — 9-hole course
• Palm Golf Course, at the Polynesian as well — closed from November 2-20, 2026 for reseeding

14. Play FootGolf

There’s also FootGolf at Walt Disney World. This requires using your own feet as “clubs”.  Instead of tiny golf balls, a soccer ball serves as the target to get in the holes. This course has nine holes in total and is located at Disney’s Oak Trail in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

➡️ If you’re going to the parks, check out these discounted WDW Tickets

Experience Hotel Perks around Walt Disney World to Escape the Theme Parks (Without having to Stay at the Hotel)

15. Ride the Monorail

You can pick up the monorail from the Ticket and Transportation area (you must pay to park there unless you have an annual pass) if you want to enjoy this nostalgic Disney World pastime.

If you don’t want to pay for parking but still want to get to the monorail, you can park for free at Disney Springs, take a bus to a resort, and then pick it up from a monorail resort. Those resorts are Disney’s Polynesian, Disney’s Contemporary, and Disney’s Grand Floridian.

16. Indulge at a Hotel Restaurant

The restaurants at Disney Hotels and Resorts are delicious and often themed (yet not over the top).

Make a reservation and enjoy dining on property at any of the hotel restaurants. Some of our favorites are:

• Boma or Jiko at the Animal Kingdom Lodge
• California Grill at the top of the Contemporary Hotel – if you make the reservation at the right time, you can see the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the hotel restaurant!
• Artist Point at The Wilderness Lodge

If you are curious about some special dining experiences or how to book dining at all, or even how to book a stay at a WDW resort, here’s our number one secret tool we use to plan a Disney vacation, stress-free: our Disney travel agent, who can make even more magic happen for you.

It’s 100% free for you to use her services. No gimmicks. 100% free:  Becca at: BeccaPlansVacations (at) gmail.com 

17. Have a Cocktail at a Hotel Bar

I absolutely love some of the hotel bars at Walt Disney World, particularly Sanaa Lounge at Animal Kingdom Lodge and Territory Lounge at The Wilderness Lodge. Bonus: If you’re lucky, you may see animals outside Animal Kingdom Lodge.

18. Take a Carriage Ride at Port Orleans or Fort Wilderness

Port Orleans Resort and Fort Wilderness offer something extra special. For $65, you can take a 25-minute horse-drawn carriage ride through a “Louisiana-inspired” environment or wilderness campground. Check online for operating hours on the day you want to visit.

19. Ride Horses on the Fort Wilderness Trails

You can, indeed, go trail riding on horseback at Walt Disney World. You can ride horses along their trails for $65, as of October 2026. As with dining reservations, it’s best to reserve this activity in advance.

When you arrive at Fort Wilderness for your reservation, simply head to the Tri-Circle-D Ranch building to check in.

20. See the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue

The Pioneer Hall Players entertain guests at The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort with three shows a night. Throughout the two-hour show, you’ll find yourself laughing and clapping to the performers’ zany comedy.

The dinner show requires reservations and tickets, and it includes a BBQ dinner. Surprisingly, it even includes unlimited draft beer, wine, and sangria for guests 21 and older.

21. Dip in the Hotel Pool

This one requires you to stay on property, but if you do, don’t forget the fabulous pool at your hotel! Every hotel at Walt Disney World has a pool (or several), and a day or afternoon by it can be the relaxing, re-energizing break you need to gear up for a full day of park hopping.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Grand Floridian even rent cabanas.

22. Hotel Hop

Curious to see what some Disney resorts and hotels you haven’t been to look like? Hotel hop! One of my favorite times to do this is during Easter time because the deluxe resorts have Easter displays made from confectionery ingredients. The same is true for the holidays, when a unique carousel made entirely from edible elements is placed at the Yacht & Beach Club hotels or the Gingerbread stand is in the lobby of the Grand Floridian.

Be sure to take Disney’s monorail to the Magic Kingdom resorts or Skyliner to the Yacht and Beach Club, unless you’re walking from a nearby theme park, as parking at the resorts can be denied unless you have a restaurant reservation or you’re staying at one of them. During peak times, especially (but other times of the year, too), Disney makes it very difficult to use their buses to get from Disney Springs to its hotels without proof that you’re staying at one of them.

23. Gift Yourself a Spa Treatment

One of the best things to do at Disney World, besides the parks, is treat yourself to a spa day! Or morning. Or afternoon.

Try the spa at:

• Disney’s Grand Floridian near the Magic Kingdom
• The Dolphin, Swan, and Swan Reserve hotel, next to Disney’s BoardWalk
• Saratoga Springs Resort by Disney Springs

24. Join Free Resort Activities (Hotel Guests Only)

Hotels at Walt Disney World offer scheduled activities throughout the day, from volleyball to kids’ storytime. You must be a hotel guest to participate, but if you are, ask the front desk or concierge.

25. Watch the Free Electrical Water Pageant from a Magic Kingdom Resort Beach

Every evening between 8:35 pm and 10:05 pm, depending on where you watch, there’s a little “electrical parade” that floats by the docks of Magic Kingdom resorts. It only floats by deluxe hotels on the Seven Seas Lagoon, including the Wilderness Lodge, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (Narcoossee’s restaurant included), Polynesian Village Resort, the Contemporary Resort, and the non-deluxe hotel Fort Wilderness Resort and Campgrounds.

It’s not particularly impressive, but it’s really nostalgic and sweet! It feels a bit like homemade holiday lights passing by, choreographed to old-time music, but like I said: nostalgic and sweet.

If you’re craving a light show outside the parks, this will at least give you a taste and make you smile.

Note that the Electrical Water Pageant might be canceled any evening if the weather is unfavorable.

26. See the Animals at Animal Kingdom Lodge

This is another of my favorite hotels. It’s absolutely beautiful, and if you head through the hotel to the back, you’ll get the chance to see animals on the savanna during the day. While you’re there, check out the artifacts around the hotel. They’re really interesting!

Note that during peak times (like Christmas break) you’ll likely need a restaurant reservation to visit the hotel or to say you want to get a drink at the bar, for instance. If you see a sign at the guard shack when you drive up saying you cannot park there because of hotel capacity, you’ll know right away.

Spend an Evening at Disney Springs (Free Entry and Parking)

Disney Springs is our second-favorite area at WDW, after Disney’s BoardWalk and the theme parks. There is PLENTY to do there!

27. See Cirque du Soleil at Disney World

Drawn to Life, the Cirque du Soleil show that replaced La Nouba at Disney Springs, is fabulous! You’ll be entertained for an hour and a half by incredible acts, including acrobats and live music.

What makes the show special is how Cirque du Soleil’s production team, Walt Disney Imagineering, and Walt Disney Animation Studios blended the performances with scenes from classic animated Disney films and shorts.

Check out everything you need to know about Disney’s Cirque du Soleil.

28. Strike Out at Splitsville Bowling

We had a blast bowling at Splitsville. We ate and drank there too, as I rolled gutter balls (she had some strikes and spares!) and Dan bowled exceptionally well. Either way, the atmosphere is amazing. They have two floors of bowling lanes, the staff is very friendly, and the food and drinks are delicious. (Yes, the food is really good!)

If you can’t get a lane because it’s too busy when you arrive, consider eating there and watching people bowl until a lane opens up. You can also go outside to listen to live music in the meantime…

29. Listen to Live Music

Live music is available outside at House of Blues (and at paid concerts throughout the year) and Splitsville. Grab a drink and enjoy the talented performers at both locations anytime, daily.

Bonus: House of Blues has its Disney Springs Happy Hour from opening to 5:00 pm daily.

30. Fly High on a Balloon Ride

If the wind cooperates, you’ll likely see a tethered balloon floating in the sky as you walk around Disney Springs. This pay-per-person attraction lifts you high above the treetops for a short ride, offering an aerial view of Disney Springs and the surrounding area (including Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa).

Aerophile holds more cubic feet of helium than you might think and takes you 400 feet into the air for an eight-minute adventure.  You can buy tickets at Disney Springs, right in front of the attraction. Adult tickets are $30 and children’s tickets are $25 as of fall 2026.

For safety reasons, the balloon will not fly if winds are above 22 mph. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older.

31. Take an Amphicar Boat Ride at the Boathouse

We couldn’t believe these were actually vintage originals, not a Disney creation, when we first saw them. Amphicars are like Duck Boats that drive on land and disappear into the water, but cooler.

At about $125 (as of October 2026), it’s a bigger expense than the balloons but, arguably, a more unique experience.

These original American Brand Amphicars can take the captain (your tour guide) plus two adults and two children, or three adults for a 20-minute ride. Only a few hundred Amphicars remain in working condition, and The Boathouse has several!

If you eat at The Boathouse, you can get a discount on the experience, so consider it for a little percentage off if you’re interested. Plus, the food and drinks at The Boathouse are really good! They also give discounts for Disney Vacation Club Members and Annual Passholders.

Hours of operation: 10:00 am to 10:30 pm.

32. Shop ‘Til You Drop

We are not “shoppers,” yet even we found stores we loved at Disney Springs. We bought Heat Tech wear at Uniqlo for a winter trip to Norway, and Dan bought a shirt at Volcom.

Years ago, I even bought a “classy” Mickey Mouse necklace at Disney Springs, and I still love it. We promise that even if you’re not a shopper like us, there’s something for you here.

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Here are some stores that may be of interest to you:

• Sugarboo
• Alex and Ani – we were told it’s their only corporate store that sells Disney bracelets
• Zara
• Uniqlo
• Art of Disney
• Basin

33. Watch Irish Dancers at Raglan Road

If you head into the long-standing, famous restaurant Raglan Road at Disney World, you can get more than just a taste of Irish culture with one of their dishes; you can experience Irish dancing!

34. See a Crafts Person Blow Glass

The craftspeople at Arribas Brothers at Disney World are amazing. Their talent lets them expertly blow glass into things like a castle or the beloved Disney character Figment.

You can find them at Disney Springs, of course. You can also see them at Epcot in the Mexico pavilion and at the Magic Kingdom on Main Street at the Crystal Arts shop.

35. Enjoy Dinner (or Lunch) and a Movie at AMC Theaters

Head to the movies and see what’s playing at the Disney Springs movie theater. You can have a meal delivered to your seat and even order drinks (alcohol included). With 24 theaters, you’re bound to find a movie you want to see at a time that fits your schedule. It’s an especially good activity if the forecast predicts rain for an extended period.

36. Play Games at Level99

Kids and adults will find Level99 a blast! It’s near Cirque du Soleil and House of Blues, and for the price of admission you get to play all the games you want!

Throughout the multi-leveled 46,800 sq.ft. venue, you can dodge axes, crack puzzles, and outsmart real-world challenges in more than 60 physical and mental life-sized mini-games throughout the venue. A bar is the centerpiece of the space, with a dining menu that has items like wagyu burgers, Detroit-style pizza, and salads. There are also 40 pieces of original art inside.

Tickets start at $29.99 per person, and it’s open every day.

Times When It’s Great to Have Things to Do at Walt Disney World Besides the Parks

Two times in particular: peak season (major holidays, school breaks, and Christmas time at Disney World) and when you have half a day before or after a flight.

We avoid going into the parks during the busiest times of year. February break, Spring Break, July 4th, Thanksgiving, and Christmas are also very popular times to go; if you want a Disney fix, like us, try exploring these on-property activities outside the parks.

The parks are too busy for our liking during those peak times anyway. Yet, in our quest to get “our Disney fill,” we find other ways to get a dose of Disney.

To be clear, the Walt Disney World (WDW) property is huge. It contains four theme parks, hotels, two water parks, golf courses, miniature golf, shopping, restaurants, and more. The four theme parks are just a fraction of the property.

While some of the activities we list below cost money, they’re nowhere near the cost of park entrance fees. And they don’t come with the stress of entering the WDW theme parks during peak times.

These are also great if you only have a half-day, for instance, when you arrive in Orlando or leave the area on your last day.

Don’t forget to check out our Walt Disney World Year-Round Packing List for prep before you head to Orlando.

FAQs for Things to do at Walt Disney World Without Park Tickets

Florida Packing List for Your WDW and Orlando Vacation

If you’re going to Florida, you need to pack some essentials, like sunscreen, The Bug Bite Thing (you’ll thank us later), and sunglasses. Don’t forget a handheld fan if you want to stay cool!

Add these items to your cart if you don’t have them at home, get ready for your trip, and check out our WDW and Universal Packing list.

For more theme park inspiration, check out:

• Ultimate List of Romantic Things to Do at Disney World (More than 60 Ideas)
• Best Hotels in Orlando, including 12 Areas of this Central Florida City
• Ultimate Year-Round Packing List for Disney World and Universal (with a Printable)