The first thing that will save one money when visiting Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World is that it's one of the few areas that doesn't require an entrance fee. The four main theme parks, the water parks and even DisneyQuest all require guests to pay for admission.
But Downtown Disney not only doesn't have that admission cost, it also doesn't charge for parking.
So what can one do here that not only is of interest, but still keeps the costs low? Here's a quick run-down:
Play with LEGOs
The LEGO Imagination Center at the Downtown Disney Marketplace reopened after extensive remodeling in the summer of 2011 and has an activities area set up in the store for kids of all ages to play with LEGOs for free. Ideally, they want people to buy, but it's not a requirement.
The life-sized LEGO sculptures outside the store make for great photo opportunities, as well.
Visit the World of Disney
This is quite possibly the largest Disney store on earth. With over ten rooms of merchandise to look through, it's a great store to window shop. Want a ultra-cheap souvenir? Take photos wearing the crazy hats. All the fun of looking silly in them without the price tag of actually buying them.
Eat Free Chocolate
Upon leaving World of Disney, visit the Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop next door. They almost always have an employee giving out free sample squares of one of their chocolate flavors. Usually it's the caramel-filled squares, but around the winter holidays, they change it to their peppermint and chocolate squares.
Make Low Cost Candy Confections
Goofy's Candy Company is packed wall-to-wall with premade treats from candy bins to a case of cookies and baked goods. But towards the back is a counter where one can make an original creation almost from scratch.
Pick a base (pretzel sticks, rice cereal treats in the shape of Mickey ears, apples, etc) and then cover it with a choice from over twenty toppings. There is three kinds of melted chocolate, caramel, crushed cookies and candy bars, nuts, sprinkles and more. Prices range from $2.50 to $5.50 for a base, one liquid coating (chocolate or caramel) and one non-liquid topping. Each additional topping is $1. But for less than $5, one can have a custom-made treat and usually one is enough for two adults or a couple of kids.
Take a Free Cruise
From the boat dock at Downtown Disney Marketplace (next to Rainforest Cafe), one can take a free water shuttle to the Port Orleans resorts. It's worth it just to see the landscaped canal with its many birds that stand gauntlet-style on either side waiting for the boats to churn up the fish to the top of the water for easy pickings.
Listen to Free Live Music
In the early evening hours, the outside porch at House of Blues at Downtown Disney's Westside area plays host to a local musican who will play acoustically for a few hours. Sit inside the roped off area and the price of a drink is all that's needed to enjoy this. Sit on one of the benches on the other side of the rope and it won't cost even that.
A drink at the bar inside Raglan Road at Downtown Disney's Pleasure Island in the evening will also get one free live entertainment from both an Irish-style band and an Irish dancer.
Ride a Hot Air Balloon
Located on a dock near the movie theaters at Downtown Disney Westside is a newer attraction that is hard to miss - especially when it's in operation.
Characters in Flight is a brightly-colored orange and yellow hot air balloon that can lift up to 30 guests at a time and at peak heights, on clear days, offers views of up to 10 miles.
It does cost $18 per adult, with discounts for children under 10, but one can get maximum value by riding at sunset or later in the evening for an aerial view of Epcot and Magic Kingdom fireworks.
A day at Downtown Disney is a great way to enjoy the magic of Disney without the price tag that often comes with it, especially when including the picks and tips mentioned above.
Michelle Snow - Michelle Snow been a freelance journalist and photographer for over twenty years, specializing in travel and entertainment. She got her ...
