You do not need a park ticket
Orlando has a reputation as an expensive, ticket-gated destination — but there is a surprising amount you can do for little or nothing. These free (or nearly free) things to do are perfect for arrival evenings, rest days, tight budgets, or simply a break from the parks. See Orlando on a budget for the wider money-saving picture.
The free-entry entertainment districts
The two biggest freebies are the parks' own dining-and-entertainment districts, both free to enter with free parking: Disney Springs (waterfront shopping, live music, the Aerophile balloon and a Christmas tree trail in season) and Universal's CityWalk (restaurants, bars and street entertainment). You can spend a whole evening at either without a park ticket — just pay for what you eat or do.
ICON Park and International Drive
ICON Park on International Drive is free to wander, with shops, restaurants and street performers around The Wheel (the rides and attractions are paid, but the plaza is not). The wider I-Drive strip, reachable on the cheap I-Ride Trolley, makes for a free stroll with plenty of people-watching.
Gardens, springs and the outdoors
Central Florida's natural side is largely free or cheap. Public gardens, lakefront parks and natural springs (see our gardens & nature guide) offer walks, swimming and wildlife for little cost. Downtown Orlando's Lake Eola Park is a free, pretty lakeside stroll with a farmers' market, and Old Town Kissimmee is free to enter for its shops and weekly car cruise.
Free things to do with kids
Plenty of the best free options work brilliantly for families. Resort-hopping the themed Disney hotels is a free adventure in itself — ride the monorail loop, see the animals at Animal Kingdom Lodge, watch the boats. The splash pads and playgrounds at Disney Springs and many parks are free, Lake Eola has open space and swans to spot, and the natural springs and nature parks are cheap outdoor fun. Add free theme-park fireworks glimpsed from outside vantage points and a browse of the giant World of Disney and Universal stores, and you can fill a whole no-ticket day the kids still rate.
Free events and seasonal extras
Orlando's calendar adds more free options on top of the year-round ones. Lake Eola's weekly farmers' market and downtown's regular art and food events are free to wander, the entertainment districts layer on seasonal displays (Disney Springs' Christmas tree trail, holiday lighting), and Old Town Kissimmee's weekly car cruise is a free, characterful evening. Some museums and gardens run free or reduced-admission days too. Exact events and dates change through the year, so check what is on during your trip — there is almost always something free happening.
More free (or nearly free) ideas
- Resort-hopping at Disney — the deluxe hotels are beautifully themed and free to visit and walk around.
- Window-shopping the World of Disney and Universal stores.
- Hotel pools and amenities where you are staying — easy, free downtime.
- Watching theme-park fireworks from certain outside vantage points.
- Outlet shopping on I-Drive — free to browse, bargains if you buy.
Mixing a free day or evening between park days is one of the simplest ways to cut your average daily spend — see Orlando on a budget.
Related guides
- Orlando on a budget — the full money-saving picture.
- Disney Springs · CityWalk · ICON Park.
- Gardens & nature · Old Town Kissimmee.
- Attractions overview · Orlando with kids.
