Everything You Can Do at Walt Disney World Without Park Tickets – Travel + Leisure

From dining to nightlife to hugs with Mickey Mouse, there is so much that makes Walt Disney World Resort a destination beyond its highly coveted rides. Believe it or not, you can meet characters, enjoy beloved Disney foods, and even squeeze in some high-quality entertainment, all without setting foot into any of Walt Disney World’s four theme parks.

Granted, one shouldn’t come all this way without experiencing Walt Disney World’s phenomenal coasters and themed attractions, but if you’re taking a day to relax by the pool or have some free time before a flight, there are plenty of ways you can make your time outside the parks that much more magical.

From amphibious vehicle tours to dinner theater shows (and every horseback ride and unexpected character encounter in between), here’s how to take advantage of everything Walt Disney World has to offer outside the parks.

Enjoy live entertainment.

You’ll find entertainment almost every night of the week at Disney Springs, an outdoor shopping and recreation area on resort property. Catch live Irish music and dancing at the Raglan Road pub, listen to touring bands at the House of Blues Orlando, or bowl at Splitsville Luxury Lanes. The area often hosts special shows like Cirque du Soleil’s Drawn to Life, so check the events calendar before visiting.

Continue the fun on Disney’s BoardWalk, where street performers and the dueling pianos at late-night escape Jellyrolls always draw a crowd. Note that this 21-and-over haunt charges an admission fee of $22 per person. Prefer to be the star of the show? Sing karaoke at the Kimonos Lounge in the nearby Walt Disney World Swan Hotel.

See Walt Disney World from above.

Thrill seekers can reach new heights on the Aerophile, a tethered balloon ride that soars up to 400 feet above Disney Springs. The eight-minute experience will cost you $30 ($25 for a child), but the views are totally worth it. Plus, you’ll earn bragging rights from riding in the basket of what’s billed as “the world’s largest hand-painted helium balloon.”

While not quite as high, the Disney Skyliner is free to ride without park tickets and offers impressive views from aerial gondolas. You can find stations at Hollywood Studios, Art of Animation Resort, Pop Century Resort, Riviera Resort, the International Gateway entrance of Epcot, and Caribbean Beach Resort, where you can get off to explore the shops and restaurants along Disney’s BoardWalk.

Watch fireworks from outside the park.

Though restaurants like Narcoossee’s and California Grill provide excellent views of nearby Magic Kingdom fireworks, there are plenty of other ways to watch the pyrotechnics without paying for an upscale meal.

All three hotels on the monorail line offer views of nightly display, but Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort‘s beachfront is an ideal vantage point. It’s also the best spot to watch the whimsical Electrical Water Pageant, which can only be seen from outside the park. Private charter fireworks cruises for up to 10 people offer a more intimate viewing experience, plus perks like onboard music, soft drinks, snacks, and celebratory decorations. Prices for these cruises start at around $450.

Get out on the water.

So much of Walt Disney World is about the rides, shows, and entertainment, but there’s plenty to enjoy on the water, too. Paddle around the streams and ponds in a canoe or kayak (rentals cost around $15 per hour, per adult) at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. Looking to explore the surrounding lakes and inlets? Rent a motorized pontoon or join a fishing excursion on Disney’s historic Seven Seas Lagoon.

For a unique experience, head over to Disney Springs for a vintage Amphicar tour in the park’s trademark retro convertible car-boat hybrid. It costs $125 per car, which can accommodate up to four people, but if you spend $50 or more at the waterfront Boathouse restaurant, you’ll get a $25 credit to put toward the ride.

Meet characters.

Some restaurants inside Walt Disney World hotels, such as Chef Mickey’s, offer character dining all day long, while others like Cape May Cafe and ‘Ohana bring familiar faces in only at breakfast. You can also find Disney character dining at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort on Thursdays, Saturdays, and select Tuesdays.

For an upscale dining experience, turn to Artist Point at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, where a nightly Snow White-themed dinner featuring the princess, some of the Seven Dwarfs, and the Evil Queen, feels straight out of a fairy tale.

You’re practically guaranteed to meet characters on any night at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. When the weather permits, the lovable chipmunks Chip ‘n’ Dale lead a Campfire Sing-A-Long with s’mores and an outdoor movie. The best part? This event is absolutely free.

Explore unique dining options.

For park-like excitement without the need for tickets, consider a dinner theater show like the family-friendly Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. The Western-inspired experience features two hours of dancing, singing, and comedy, and an all-you-can-eat meal with American classics like fried chicken, mac and cheese, cornbread, and strawberry shortcake. 

if you’re craving one of Adventureland’s best treats — a pineapple Dole Whip — it can be found outside the park at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Head to Disney Springs for even more restaurants, bars, and shops, including the Coca-Cola Store Rooftop Beverage Bar, which offers an “around the world” soda flight that’s similar to what’s offered at Epcot’s Club Cool – plus an incredible view of Disney Springs.

Master a new skill.

There are plenty of on-property classes and experiences that don’t require Disney park tickets, though many cost extra. You can learn how to make a character dome cake at Amorette’s Patisserie or sign up for archery or horseback riding at Disney’s Fort Wilderness.

Golfers can tee off at one of four golf courses or two 18-hole miniature golf courses that are perfect for families and beginners. Looking to try a new sport? Play a round of “footgolf,” a combination of soccer and golf, at Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course.

Spot exotic animals.

Want to scratch that Animal Kingdom itch while taking a day off from the parks? Walk around Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge to see zebras, giraffes, and ostriches for free. Then, head to the Kidani Village area to dine at Sanaa, where you can sample East African-inspired dishes with a view of some of the 30 species of wildlife that live on the property.

There’s also an extra-special way to enter the theme park without admission — by joining a Starlight Safari. On this after-dark tour, you’ll explore the reserve in an open-air safari vehicle and spot animals with the provided night-vision goggles. It costs around $89 per adult for the game drive, but it’s worth the splurge if you’re seeking a unique, after-hours experience that doesn’t require a park ticket.

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