13 Free Things to Do at Disney Springs
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Free and Disney aren’t two things you are used to hearing together. But it actually so happens that there are plenty of free things to do at Disney Springs. Disney Springs is an outdoor entertainment megaplex own by Disney with lots of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Perhaps you’re visiting Disney on a budget or looking for free things to do in Orlando with kids. Either way, with so much to offer visitors, here are 13 free things to do at Disney Springs.
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This one isn’t officially included in the list of free things to do at Disney Springs but it is worth mentioning: parking at Disney Springs is free. Select any of the many parking options and enjoy complimentary parking at the complex.
This is a list of free things to do at Disney Springs.
Relive the Roaring 20s with the Ladies on Stilts
The Edison Restaurant is a 20s themed restaurant at Disney Springs with tons of entertainment options. From contortionists to acrobats, this restaurant has it all. Our favorites are the beautiful flapper ladies on stilts. Unfortunately, the restaurant itself is not a part of this list of free things to do at Disney Springs. However, their live entertainment often visits the area outside of the restaurant. If you catch them there, they will take pictures with you completely free of charge.
Get Soaked at the Splash Pad
Yep, there’s a free splash pad at Disney Springs. Not only is it a welcome reprieve from the Florida sun but this free thing to do at Disney Springs is tons of fun for everyone in the family. It is located in the rear of the complex near Goofy’s Candy Company. Be sure to bring a change of clothes because you will leave super soaked.
Get Sprayed by Stitch [of Lilo & Stitch]
If getting completely soaked isn’t your thing, you can visit Stitch [of Lilo & Stitch] instead. The large Stitch statue, located on top of the World of Disney store, “spits” a spray of water as you walk by. Play around with the timing to see if you can get caught by the mischevious alien or if you can escape unscathed.
Sample Chocolate at Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop
Hop over to Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop for a complimentary sample of the world’s finest chocolate. This free thing to do at Disney Springs is a tasty treat.
[Note: you’re under no obligation to purchase but it would be nice to patronize the store for being so kind as to give out samples.]
Watch Candy Being Made at The Candy Cauldron
If you love sweets, you can stop by The Candy Cauldron and watch candy being made right there in the store. They make all kinds of Disney themed creations that you can only find in the magical world of Disney. No free samples at this place but it is still one of the coolest free things to do at Disney Springs.
Build Your Own Creation at The Lego Store
Build the Lego creation of your dreams at the Lego Store at Disney Springs. They have a kids activity center filled with Legos available for free play. This free thing to do at Disney Springs even has miniature race tracks where you can race your Lego design. There’s enough at the Lego Store in Disney Springs for many hours worth of free entertainment.
Ride the Free Water Ferries
Disney offers free water ferries to shuttle you from property to property. Many of the routes go to and from Disney Springs. Ride the free water ferries for a scenic view of the Disney properties and to pass the time!
Find the Coca-Cola Bear
Visit The Coca-Cola Store at Disney Springs to take a picture with the infamous Coca-Cola bear. After you’re done, venture to the rooftop for killer views of the complex.
Dig for bones and treasure at T-REX Restaurant
Stop in at the T-REX Restaurant in Disney Springs to dig for bones and treasure. Outside of the dining seating area, there is the Paleo zone. Kids can discover their inner paleontologist by digging in the huge sandpit for gems and fossils for free. There is also a pretty neat Dino-Store in the restaurant for window shopping. Dining at the restaurant is not required in order to enjoy this free thing to do at Disney Springs.
Enter the Jungle in the Rainforest Cafe
Rainforest Cafe has interactive animatronics in their entrance featuring “live” alligators, snakes, monkeys, and more that can be played with for free. There’s also an aquarium, lively gift shop, and occasional demonstrations from the staff.
Rock Out with Live Musical Performances
Live musical performances are one of my favorite things on this list of free things to do at Disney Springs. There are multiple stages set up around the complex to offer live musical entertainment. Check out any of these stages at Disney Springs for live music:
- Exposition Park
- Marketplace Stage
- Raglan Road Patio
- Riverboat Square
- Sunshine Highline
- Waterview Park
Pose for The Gram Around the Complex
Disney Springs has tons of Instagram-worthy photo ops set up around the area. Searching for them is part of the fun but for the sake of this list of free things to do at Disney Springs, here is a list of some of them:
- Buzz Lightyear, Mr. Potato Head, and Tinker Toy at Once Upon a Toy
- Disney models at the Lego Store
- In front of the Aerophile [a large floating balloon on the property]
- The observation deck at the Paddlefish Restaurant
- The Coca-Cola bear in the Coca-Cola Store
Go Window Shopping at over 100 Stores
Disney Springs has no shortage of shopping opportunities. While none of the items are free, the window shopping is! Peruse over 100 venues at Disney Springs to your heart’s content without spending a dime. Some of the more kid-friendly stores are:
- World of Disney
- Coca-Cola Store
- Disney Pin Traders
- M&M store [coming soon]
- Star Wars Galatic Outpost
