10 Free and Inexpensive Things You Can Do in Disney Springs Right Now

Are you missing Disney as much as we are during this weird pandemic time? Here’s how to get your Disney fix with 10 free and inexpensive things that you can do in Disney Springs right now!

1. Press a Penny

My two kids just love this and if you’re after a unique but super cheap souvenir, Disney’s coin press machines will do the job! You can find Disney’s coin press machines scattered throughout all of the parks, resorts, and Disney Springs. In fact, there are fourteen different coin press machines in Disney Springs alone. To find all of the coin press locations, click {here}.

For the cost of fifty cents or a dollar (depending on the machine), you can crank the machine to flatten and elongate either a penny or a quarter engraved with a Disney Character. We tried out the machine right across from The Chicken Guy Restaurant. The character possibilities at this particular machine were Firefighter Donald, Firefighter Mickey, Firefighter Pluto, and Red the Firetruck from the Pixar movie, Cars.

We decided to crank out two pennies and ended up with Firefighter Mikey and Firetruck Red! So cute!

If you’re looking for creative ways to collect your coins, check out these smart and handy coin collections books {here}, {here!}, and {here}!

2. Be on the Lookout for a Storm Trooper Sighting

If you’ve missed character interactions as much as we have, then you’re in luck! We spotted a couple of Imperial enforcers patrolling from the balconies of Disney Springs. The Coronavirus clearly hasn’t had any ill effects on these two as they made sure to shout orders down at us to, “MOVE ALONG!” and “KEEP YOUR DISTANCE!”

While you won’t be able to get close to the troopers, you will still be able to hear them interact with the crowd and you can snap a picture or two while they’re commanding orders at the passersby.

If maybe for just a minute or two, we kinda felt like we’d stepped back onto the planet of Batuu. (If only, right?!)

3. Window Shop

As the headquarters of Disney shopping and dining goes, we always have a great time window shopping and checking out all the new mouse gear and merchandise throughout Disney Springs. Our favorite area to shop is in the Marketplace district.

We always make it a point to hit up The World of Disney, Star Wars Trading Post, and Disney Days of Christmas. If it’s Disney merchandise that you’re after, the Marketplace will be your go-to!

We popped into a few stores and found some fun treasures…

The World of Disney had a sweet deal on these Mickey shopping bags. You can purchase any size (So we got the biggest one, of course!) for only a $1 with any purchase.

4. Look for Hidden Mickeys

Because when in Disney….it’s always a good ol’ time to see just how many hidden Mickeys you can find. My family always seems to have an unofficial challenge going at any given time to see who can find the most hidden Mickeys during our Disney outings.

If you don’t know, hidden Mickeys are any resemblance of Mickey’s head or silhouette subtly placed among Disney’s architecture, rides, attractions, signage, or merchandise. Hidden Mickeys are everywhere throughout the property and are a fun challenge to find.

The next time you’re visiting Disney Springs, see if you can spot where we found these cuties!

5. Take Advantage of Insta-worthy Photo Ops

While you’re cruising around, keep your eye out for the many colorful and fun wall murals located throughout the four different sections of Disney Springs.

A couple of my favorites are the;

Famous Florida Citrus Wall

or the…

Greeting from Disney Springs Wall

and the…

Lego Store Mural

Snap a few shots and post ’em up on Insta! I promise you’ll be the envy of all your friends during this COVID-19 malarkey.

6. Spot the Disney Balloons

The balloons in Disney always feel so happy and magical. And awesomely (is that even a word?) you’ve got a couple of balloon options to look for down at the Springs.

The helium balloon ride, Aerophile, was flying high as we pulled into the parking garage area. We chose to keep our feet on the ground this particular day, but we do recommend adding it to your Disney bucket list as it’s totally worth it to go at least once! The views from the air are incredible. But it felt so good to see a ride available and working again as Disney begins its reopening phases.

Also, look out among the walking areas for the bunches of Mickey and Minnie balloons. We couldn’t help but get excited when we saw Disney balloons flying again! While a single balloon will set you back about $15 (ouch!) it’s always so fun to see them blowing in the wind.

7. Test Your Strength at the DIY Water Pump

While in the Town Center, keep your eye out for a fun and interactive experience; a DIY water pump. Reminiscent of a water pump/crank that could have been used during the 19th century, try your hand at turning the crank and pumping water up from the springs.

Both of the boys and my hubby gave it a whirl. It was interesting being able to watch the water being pulled up and spilling out just from turning the wheel. Also, there was a hand sanitizing station right next this, so you can sanitizer your hands after use. Thank you very much, Disney!

8. Share a Dole Whip & People Watch

Yes! Even with the parks being closed, you can still get a taste of one of Disney’s famous iconic snacks-the Dole Whip! Head on over to Marketplace Snacks. There you’ll find the traditional Dole Whip, Dole Whip Float, and the Dole Whip Nachos to chose from.

Currently, the Dole Whip is just a little over $5, so we grabbed one to share and had a seat at the covered outdoor seating area next to Dockside Margaritas.

This was a great place to enjoy our Dole Whip as the wind blew in from off the water and we could chit chat and people watch as the heat of the afternoon went on.

9. Make a Wish at One of the Water Fountains

Keep a little bit of spare change handy and make a wish or two as you come across several of the Spanish style fountains located throughout the springs. My kids always get a kick out of this and what’s a Disney trip if you don’t make a few wishes?

Our favorite fountain is this beauty found right as you get off the escalators for the Lime Garage. (It’s also where we found the Cast Members selling the Disney balloons.)

Did you know that by making a wish and flicking your coin into any fountain or well that you’re partnering with Disney to help local foster teens? Yep! Once a year Disney donates all of the money that’s collected from the fountains and donates it to the Community Based Care of Central Florida.

You can read more about it {here!}

10. Get Spit on by Stitch

What’s a trip to Disney without a little Disney spit Magic, huh? Before you leave make sure you find the World of Disney Entrance with the Giant Stitch propped up on the top.

My kids love to stand out front and yell, “SPIT, SPIT, SPIT!” to Stitch as they wait for him to shoot out a spray of water on them. Every minute of so, he spits a bit of water out of his mouth onto the ground below. Ah, well at least it’s a fun way to entertain the kids for a few minutes.

We’re a classy bunch, I tell ya!

There you have it, friends…10 free and inexpensive things to do in Disney Springs Covid-19 style! If you’re in need of some Disney, make sure you make your way down and visit Disney Springs. There’s plenty there to get your Disney fix, especially if you’re looking for free or very inexpensive things to do.

Let me know in the comments below if you’ve been to Disney Springs since the phased re-opening. What are your favorite places to shop and eat? Do you have any money saving tips? I’d love to hear from you!

Until next time, happy Disney-ing, friends!!