My Top 5 Free Things to do at Disney
Happy Fri-YAY Darlings!!!!
It is almost Rose' time!!!!!! I hope you all have some fabulous weekend plans!
Well, last weekend I took an impromptu trip up to Orlando. It was to help out a friend and I was rewarded with some Disney fun!!!! We did not go to a park but enjoyed all other activities a part of the Walt Disney Resort.
Being the Thrifty I am, I wanted to share my top 5 favorite free things to do at Disney:
1. The New Disney Springs:
AKA Downtown Disney. It was recently the grand opening of the new Disney Springs and WOW!!! Disney added so much more shopping and fine dining restaurants. You have the usual places like T-Rex (one of my fav to walk around and take pics) Rainforest Cafe, Bongos etc. Now there is STK, Morimoto (tip:grab a late dinner drink and sushi roll at the Forbidden Lounge), The Boatyard (fresh shucked oysters) and Jack Hangars bar (for the Indiana Jones fans you know who this is!).
I had to hide my wallet a few times as the shopping was so enticing!!! Brand new Japanese department store called, Uniqlo features mens/womens/childrens reasonably priced clothing and accessories. Zara, Everything But the Water, Sephora, Alex and Ani, Erwin Pearl, Free People and many more!!!!
I just loved to walk around and take in the new sights and smells. The newly added waterfront and bridge is great for photo ops.
2. Resort Boat ride from Disney Springs to Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter:
If you need a break from the sun and shopping take a resort boat to the Port Orleans Resort. The sister resorts are connected by a beautiful waterfront walk way and each offer a different theme. The French Quarter resembles old New Orleans...jazz music....small road ways where you might spot a horse drawn carriage and then Riverside is an old plantation feel. Riverside offers up a great fast food service restaurant. Grab a tray of food and find a quiet shaded spot along the Sassagoula River. When done just hop back on the boat. (boat is weather permitting, when not in service take the Disney Resort Bus back to Disney Springs)
3. The Animal Kingdom Lodge:
I can not say enough amazing things about this resort. One of my fav to walk around. The gorgeous lobby and viewing area of the Savannah make the trip a little west worth it.
If you are at the resort around 4-5pm check at Jiko the Cooking Place, Disney offers FREE kitchen tours of this signature restaurant and might even offer you a free sample at the end of the tour!!!
At 4pm at the Kidani Village (Disney Vacation Club) just a short walk from the Jambo main lobby you will witness a traditional African drum procession opening the restaurant, Sanna. This is where I love to grab a glass of an African wine and Nann bread with dipping sauces. Trust me not to me missed!
Just prior to Sunset, go to the Savannah viewing area by the fire pit and you can roast marshmellows for FREE!!! Zebras, giraffes, buffalos and more you will be able to see.
4. Monorail Crawl:
NO trip to the Disney Resort is not complete without a ride on the Monorail.
This can be modified as a family or strictly adult trip. I like to start at the Grand Floridian Resort. This 1920s inspired is one of the Deluxe resorts on site. Go to Mizners Lounge on the upper level and you will be greeted by a grand piano in the background. The drinks are old fashioned and free nuts will be served. The grounds are perfectly manicured and you will feel very fancy walking around.
Next stop will be the Contemporary Resort on Bay Lake. This iconic Atrium Deluxe Hotel offers more than meets the eye!!! Home to the famous California Grill and Chef Mickeys. But I also come here for the best resort arcade. Play a few rounds of air hockey to work up a thirst. You have the Outer Rim or Wave Lounge for a light bite and drink.
Final stop will be the Polynesian Village Resort. (now if you time this right try and get here around 3:30 to put your name on the list for Traders Sams tiki bar!). A South Pacific themed hotel on the Seven Seas Lagoon offers waterfront tiki homes, club level rooms and home to Ohanas and the Aloha Show.
The upper level Tambu Lounge serves cocktails in a fresh pineapple!! Be careful the drink sneaks up on you! Or Trader Sams (21 over only, children allowed on the outside patio) Interactive bar with an amazing energy. It gets packed so make sure to get your name on the list!!!
5. Disney's Boardwalk:
The Disney's Boardwalk hotel connects the Beach/Yacht Club, Epcot and the Swan/Dolphin Hotel.
Each resort offers a different feel and is fun to explore. Fun gift shopping, different pools to admire make this a great stop. By this time if you need a break from the Disney Magic, go to the Starwood ran Dolphin/Swan Hotels. They offer outside restaurants and some even offer happy hour!! Todd English Blue Zoo, Kimonos Karaoke and Sushi Bar, Il Mulino Italian Restaurant to name a few.
*Thrifty Tip:
Disney Resorts can me pricey!!!! If I am too tire or just want to extend my fun I have always had good luck with Hotwire.com This website lets you pick the area and the star level for a reduced price. The name of hotel is released after booking. I have stayed at the Hyatt, Hilton and Holiday Inn hotels in the Disney area for under $80. Most include free parking and breakfast).
Well, there you have it Darlings!!!! I hope on your next visit to Disney you take some of my tips!!!!
Have a Magical weekend,
The Thrifty Debutante
