What comes to mind when someone mentions the action-filled location of Orlando, Florida, and the surrounding areas? Do you think of having your kids meet Mickey Mouse and other Disney Characters at any Walt Disney World theme park? Do you conjure images of the themed area at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter? Do you bring up pictures of Elmo meeting Shamu at SeaWorld Orlando?
Let’s face it — all the excitement and family fun of the theme park capital of the world is expensive. If you go to any theme park in the area, be it Epcot or SeaWorld Orlando, chances are that you’ll pay for more than the admission tickets and seasonal or annual passes. You pay parking fees, meals (including many breakfasts where you take pictures of your relatives and their favorite cartoon characters), and souvenirs that are too materialistic. Water parks also work that way too: unless you stay at a resort with one, you pay for the admission and parking if it has a fee. You may be wondering if there’s anything in Orlando that is completely free — somewhere where you don’t have to pay at the gate or booth. My friend, there are great places worth visits that suit your above needs.
The Epcot Resorts Area: around the borders of placid Crescent Lake lie the resorts that are just a mere walk away from Epcot, where its signature globe of Spaceship Earth can be visible without paying to actually get there. Feel free to park on any parking lot of any resort, take a stroll, and admire the beauty of each hotel. If you love free entertainment and love taking pictures, head on over to Disney‘s Boardwalk and watch some street performers like jugglers and clowns. I recommend that you visit during Christmas — the decorations are worth many photo opportunities.
Downtown Disney: although it’s regarded as a shopping mall, with stores, restaurants, and penny rides wanting your money, it’s a free attraction of its own. If window-shopping is not your cup of tea, feel free to take pictures of the window displays, store signs, and buildings. Kids will love the interactive fountain play area to cool off on a hot day and the LEGO Imagination Center if they love building their own creations with blocks. Like the Epcot Resorts Area, Downtown Disney is a free place to visit at the Walt Disney World resort — who says that everything is not free of charge?
Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe: if you are a Catholic and want to place a basilica in your vacation plans in Orlando, look no further than the eastbound edge of I-4. Just minutes away from the excitement of Walt Disney World and other Orlando area theme parks, this church is a haven for those who want peace and quiet or for those who want to commit to going to Mass if any day of their vacations falls on a Sunday. Marvel at the main church – it offers some of the best stained-glass windows that are guaranteed to dazzle you. Also, meditate in the Rosary Garden, look around in the gift shop, and take pictures of the surrounding greenery and fountains. If you either want to foster your Catholic faith or want to get away from all the hustle and bustle the Orlando area is known for free of charge, add this basilica to your vacation plans or just visit it.
Disney World Resorts
Orlando may be expensive in so many ways: you hand out lots of money for meals, spa treatments, theme park prices, souvenirs, and much more. On the other hand, it offers places where you can just get in without paying a dime. I strongly recommend visiting those above places if you really want a change of pace from riding spinning rides, meeting crazy movie characters, and above all, spending way too much money.
Free Places to Visit in Orlando, Florida
I have been going to Walt Disney World and other places since early childhood. My blog, Flexible Disney (http://www.flexibledisney.com), offers tips, tricks, and news to anyone who loves or are going to Walt Disney World without much hassle.
Walt Disney World Resort Update – USA TODAY (blog)
 Inside the Magic |
Walt Disney World Resort Update
USA TODAY (blog) From the Magic Kingdom's opening in 1971 through approximately 1981, Tropical Serenade (the original name for Walt Disney World's Tiki Room) was sponsored by the Florida Citrus Growers, as was the Sunshine Tree Terrace restaurant. Disney and Visually Impaired Guest Propose Class SettlementDIS Unplugged Melanie Watkins to Live Out Dream of Working for DisneyPatch.com Audio: Walt Disney World updates monorail narration for 2012 on Magic Kingdom …Inside the Magic Baltimore Sun -Stitch Kingdom (blog) -Examiner.com all 318 news articles » |
Canfield marching band visits Disney World – Youngstown Vindicator
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Canfield marching band visits Disney World
Youngstown Vindicator The Canfield High School band, along with 26 chaperones and dozens of families, traveled to Orlando to perform at Walt Disney World two weeks ago. The Canfield marching band performed in a Disney World parade at the Magic Kingdom during its recent trip … |
Sneak peek at Epcot's reimagined Test Track ride – Fox News
 Inside the Magic |
Sneak peek at Epcot's reimagined Test Track ride
Fox News Disney shut down the popular, 13-year-old GM Test Track thrill ride last week, which gave visitors an overview of the production process, and then turned them into crash test dummies. Check out our Walt Disney World Orlando Vacation Guide. The Vacation Kingdom of the World: Reimagined For Your Future EnjoymentUSA TODAY (blog) Imagineers explain Test Track ride update to take Epcot guests inside the …Inside the Magic Disney Renders Refurbished Test Track Feature At EpcotMotor Authority About – Cities & Towns -Orlando Attractions Magazine (blog) all 14 news articles » |
Disney's Imagineers Can Be Nutty – About – News & Issues
 Inside the Magic |
Disney's Imagineers Can Be Nutty
About – News & Issues By Arthur Levine, About.com GuideApril 26, 2012 In anticipation of the summer season, the folks at Walt Disney World have been showing off the resort to members of the media this week, and I've been fortunate enough to attend. New attractions, events coming to Walt Disney WorldWFTV Orlando A Sneak Peek at Disney's Art of Animation ResortDIS Unplugged Preview: Inside Disney's Art of Animation Resort where deluxe decor sets a new …Inside the Magic all 11 news articles » |
Guys Mills girl, 8, has Disney World wish granted (Updated: 12:54 pm VIDEO) – GoErie.com
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Guys Mills girl, 8, has Disney World wish granted (Updated: 12:54 pm VIDEO)
GoErie.com Sophia Bakus was surprised with an all-expense-paid trip for her and her family to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla., in May. Bakus, who suffers from a heart condition, received the news at a fundraising event for Make-A-Wish Greater … and more » |
Walt Disney World announces opening dates for new Fantasyland attractions – Central Florida News 13
 Inside the Magic |
Walt Disney World announces opening dates for new Fantasyland attractions
Central Florida News 13 Some guests are getting their first look at Walt Disney World's new Fantasyland expansion at the Magic Kingdom. And while work continues to finish the project, Disney released opening dates for the new attractions in the area. Firmer Fantasyland dates, more details releasedOrlando Sentinel Construction tour of New Fantasyland with Imagineer Chris Beatty, dishing new …Inside the Magic Disney announces "What's New & What's Next" For 2012WKMG Orlando Business Insider -WFTV Orlando all 16 news articles » |
Playoff isn't perfect, but it's progress – CBSSports.com (blog)
 CBSSports.com (blog) |
Playoff isn't perfect, but it's progress
CBSSports.com (blog) By Jerry Hinnen | College Football Blogger Visit the Magic Kingdom at Orlando's Walt Disney World this very afternoon, and you can still take in an attraction called the "Carousel of Progress," one originally designed by Walt Disney himself for the … |
Starbucks Coming To Disneyland and Walt Disney World – BSCkids
 msnbc.com |
Starbucks Coming To Disneyland and Walt Disney World
BSCkids Disney has just announced that it will be welcoming Starbuck's drinks and food to its Disneyland and their Walt Disney World Resorts. The first Starbuck's is set to arrive at the Disney California Adventure this June and there will be five other … The Starbucks Experience Comes to Disney Theme ParksMarketWatch (press release) Starbucks To Open At Walt Disney World ResortWESH Orlando It's a tall world … Starbucks to open in Disney parksmsnbc.com USA TODAY -Fox Business -The Desert Sun (blog) all 41 news articles » |
Walt Disney World to highlight “What's New, What's Next” for Test Track … – Inside the Magic
 Inside the Magic |
Walt Disney World to highlight “What's New, What's Next” for Test Track …
Inside the Magic by Ricky Brigante Posted on April 24, 2012 Walt Disney World plans to discuss all that's new around the resort as well as unveil more details about ongoing projects throughout its theme parks, all part of a “Summer to Remember. Now Hiring: Walt Disney World hosts online job fairCentral Florida News 13 Construction of Shanghai Disney Resort speeding aheadChina Daily Starbucks to open cafes at Disney theme parksPacific Business News EastDay.com all 16 news articles » |
Walt Disney World Resort Update – USA TODAY (blog)
 Inside the Magic |
Walt Disney World Resort Update
USA TODAY (blog) On Saturday morning, a new monorail "wrap" debuted at Walt Disney World. As with the 16-month tenure of the "TRONorail" in 2010-2011, the new wrap is advertising The Avengers, a major motion picture from Disney scheduled for a May 4 release. 'Avengers' movie rides Disney World monorailChicago Tribune all 25 news articles » |
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