With the rising costs of goods and services across the globe, many of us are looking to save where we can. Your vacation may be no exception — but even if you are on a budget, there are numerous cost-effective activities and entertainment to be found in Disney World. Read on for some suggestions on having a magical day in Disney World…for less than $100!
Disney Springs Day
Disney Springs (Disney World’s shopping, dining, and entertainment complex) offers a wealth of activities, sights and events that you can experience even when on a budget.
See A Movie At AMC Theater
This upscale movie theater in Disney Springs offers plush seating and dine-in service for the ultimate movie-going experience. You can reserve a seat starting at $19.79 per adult ticket, then grab a drink from MacGuffins Bar and Lounge right in the theater complex or order up hand-crafted food from the dine-in service.
Visit The Christmas Tree Stroll
This holiday season between November 11 to December 30, head on over to Disney Springs to experience the magical Christmas Tree Stroll. This free activity makes for a perfect date activity or family outing! Pick up a map from City Works Eatery & Pour House, Crystal Arts by Arribas Brothers, Planet Hollywood, The BOATHOUSE or UNIQLO and explore Disney Springs to find all 20 fantastically themed trees.
Experience Exposition Park
On the West Side of Disney Springs, you’ll find Exposition Park: the hub for food trucks. Make a day of trying the different offerings from the food trucks, which feature a variety of food options from plant-based fare to Mexican-inspired dishes.
Go Miniature Golfing
For a family-friendly activity, visit the 18-hole miniature golf courses available right in Disney World. Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf offers two different minigolf adventures based on the film “Fantasia.” You’ll recognize classic scenes and characters from the movie throughout the courses, plus encounter some surprising and exciting challenges! At just $14 per adult and $12 per child ages 3-9, you can bring the whole family for this cost-effective outing. Call (407) WDW-PLAY or (407) 939-7529 to make reservations.
Rent a Boat
For an activity that surprisingly costs less than $100, head over to one of the resort marinas to rent a pontoon boat. There are marinas offering boat rentals at The Contemporary Resort, Beach Club Resort, Yacht Club Resort, and The Grand Floridian. The spacious Sun Tracker Pontoon boats can accommodate up to 10 guests, and cost $45 per half hour.
After your relaxing cruise around Seven Seas Lagoon, Bay Lake or Crescent Lake take some time to explore all the resort has to offer!
Resort Hop
Speaking of the resorts, there are endless activities, sights and experiences throughout the resorts of Disney World. Make a day of exploring them! Some of my favorite Disney vacation days have been spent just visiting the resorts and enjoying the beautiful decor and theming.
The Contemporary Resort / Bay Lake Tower, The Polynesian Resort & Villas, and The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa are all located on the resort monorail line, making them easy to visit. Start your resort-hopping day by parking at the Transportation & Ticket Center (please note there is an applicable parking fee), then take the resort monorail line to visit each of these resorts.
See the beautiful beaches and lush plants at the Polynesian Resort & Villas, and grab a Dole Whip at the Pineapple Lanai! Then take the monorail to the Grand Floridian, where you can visit some unique gift shops and maybe take in a piano performance right in the lobby. Finally, take the monorail past the Magic Kingdom over to the Contemporary Resort/Bay Lake Tower where you can see the iconic Mary Blair lobby mural and relax in one of the lounges.
Each of these resorts also hosts daily activities that are great for families, and offer an endless variety of dining options to suit any taste or budget.
What are your favorite budget-friendly activities in Disney World? Let us know in the comments!
Featured image by Disney Vacation Club.
Written by
Leia Cullen
Leia is a proud mom of two boys. She has been in love with Disneyland and Disney World since her first visit to the parks many years ago, and she continues to relive the magic now with her family. She is passionate about creating helpful content that shares news or information about all things Disney, in the hopes it helps others create their own magical moments.
