For the past few years, Walt Disney World has offered a great deal for Florida residents looking to spend a few days at the theme parks. With a valid Florida ID, residents could purchase a highly discounted 3 day park ticket for $129, to be used from the beginning of January until the end of May.
Unfortunately, Disney has decided to discontinue this promotion and is now advertising normal Florida Resident tickets at a much steeper price . This might mean less time at Disney for some, but we have a few ideas for the fans of Disney World that still want to make the trip and can no longer afford the ticket admission.
Don’t have park tickets for all the days you’re visiting Disney? No worries, below are 4 ways to enjoy some of Walt Disney World’s magic without paying park admission.
1. Explore Tri-Circle-D Ranch
Image: Joe Shlabotnik via Flickr
Located in Disney’s Fort Wilderness resort, near Magic Kingdom, this ranch is home to the horses of Walt Disney World. The ranch houses between 80 to 90 horses including Appaloosas, Arabians, Belgians, Clydesdales, and more.
The Ranch also features the Dragon Calliope, a horse drawn musical instrument that Walt Disney himself purchased for the Mickey Mouse Club Circus Parade at Disneyland Park back in the 1950s.
You can simply explore the ranch and visit with the horses for free, or participate in activities such as Pony Rides, Horseback Trail rides, and Wagon Rides for an additional cost. Please be advised that the ranch officially closes at 3:30 p.m.. daily so get there early (the ranch opens at 8 a.m.) to have time to fully explore the area.
2. Play a Round of Golf: Fantasia Garden and Fairways Miniature Golf
Image: Joe Shlabotnik via Flickr
Just because you don’t have a ticket for the rides and games inside of the theme park doesn’t mean you can’t experience a friendly game with your friends and family!
Fantasia Garden and Fairways Miniature Golf features two 18-hole golf adventures based on the classic 1940 Disney film, Fantasia. Both children and adults will appreciate the holes featuring water, whimsical music and moving obstacles. The interactive courses are open daily, from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets for Adults are $14, Children are $12.
3. Listen to the Dueling Pianos: Jelly Rolls
Image: Joe Pennlston via Flickr
Looking for live music and an improv show? Check out the Dueling Pianos at Jelly Rolls, located at the Boardwalk resort. Serving guests over 21 from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m each night, this is one of Orlando’s hottest nightspots. Make sure to arrive early as it’s typically standing room by 9 p.m.
The bar features non-stop dueling pianos and drink specials each night. Be prepared to pay a cover charge, normally under $15 a person.
Tip: Bring some cash to tip to the piano players and feel free to request your favorite songs from the past!
4. Go for a Romantic Boat Ride by the Board Walk: Bayside Marina
Image: MoodyGroove via Wikipedia
To cap off the perfect evening on the Boardwalk, rent a boat at Disney’s Yacht Club to take around the lagoon.
It doesn’t matter if you have any boating experience, for a fee (varies on size of boat, but prices start at $33.80), Disney lets guests captain their own boats: from mini-powerboats for 2, to pontoon boats for up to 10 guests.
If driving the boat by yourself isn’t your thing, no fear, Disney does offer Specialty Cruises that includes a meal and professional driver in the package.
Vault Disney World 
