Six free things to do in Orlando, Florida

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By Mrs S

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Orlando Florida is more than Mickey Mouse!

Perhaps best known for Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, Orlando has much more to offer than just theme parks, and many of its attractions are free for visitors to enjoy. Here are just six things you can do on vacation which won't cost you a penny.

1 Take a stroll along Disney's Boardwalk

The 45-acre waterfront district that fronts Disney's Boardwalk Resort is a recreation of a 1930's-style Atlantic coastal village. Visitors can enjoy a stroll while taking in the entertainment provided by the many street performers, musicians and magicians.

You can access the Boardwalk by walking along the International Gateway from Epcot, or via the hotel itself.

2 Admire the old-fashioned appeal of Celebration

Located just off the 192, the town of Celebration is packed full of historic-themed architecture fused with modern technology. This picture-perfect town was conceived by Disney and is the perfect place to go if you want to kick back and relax. There's a farmers' market on a Sunday morning and Reading Trout books offers many free events, including author readings and book signings. They also have an excellent selection of Disney themed books.

3 Check out the Downtown Disney Marketplace

The Marketplace is open to all visitors; you don't need a Walt Disney World ticket to enjoy the wide array of themed shops and entertainment. There are boutiques and eateries to suit all budgets. The kids will love exploring the massive World of Disney store, or playing with Lego at the Lego Imagination Center.

4 Experience a vintage car parade

Old Town, a unique shopping and entertainment area, sits on the 192 just south of Walt Disney World. Take a leisurely stroll along the main street browsing the stores, or for a more eventful visit check out the drag racing, go karting track or reverse bungee jumping. Every Saturday night Old Town comes to life as 300 cars, polished and gleaming, drive up and down the main street. The parade is followed up with live entertainment featuring '50s and '60s rock 'n' roll music.

Admission to Old Town is free, including the car shows and concerts, but tickets are required for the amusement rides.

5 Picnic among the orchids

A World of Orchids is a 22,500 square-foot conservatory featuring orchids as well as other exotic flowers. The natural exhibits feature flowers and plants from Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Australia, Central and South America.

Take a stroll along the boardwalk, marvel at the Senator, one of America's oldest bald cypress trees or just enjoy a picnic at one of the many picnic tables.

A World of Orchids is located in Kissimmee and is open Monday through Saturday.

6 End the day with a bang

You don't need a ticket to enjoy Walt Disney World's fantastic firework spectacular Wishes. Resort guests can enjoy the show from the Transportation and Ticket Center, or catch the free ferry or monorail over to the Magic Kingdom park entrance for an up-close view.

Disney Vacation Packages

  • Fantasyland Expansion Update: Storybook Circus to open March 2012

    We're not quite there yet but between now and 2014 the Fantasyland Expansion at the Magic Kingdom will bring a Little Mermaid dark ride, a Seven Dwarfs roller coaster, an update to the beloved Dumbo ride and will recreate the village from Beauty and the Beast. The first portion of the Fantasyland Expansion that Guests will be able to experience is Storybook Circus which is expected to open officially in late March 2012.You have been reading Fantasyland Expansion Update: Storybook Circus to open March 2012 from our website Operation Pixie Dust, we'd love you to stop by and leave us a comment :) - 2 months ago

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    This week Walt Disney World confirmed the sad news that Snow White's Scary Adventures will close forever at the end of May 2012. This wonderful attraction was one of the first to delight visitors when the Magic Kingdom opened back in 1971.You have been reading Snow White’s Scary Adventures to Close Forever from our website Operation Pixie Dust, we'd love you to stop by and leave us a comment :) - 2 months ago

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    You have been reading DeVine – now appearing at Disney’s Animal Kingdom from our website Operation Pixie Dust, we'd love you to stop by and leave us a comment :) - 2 months ago

  • New Disney World Offers

    If you’re planning a Disney World vacation for 2012 then there are some great offers around at the moment, including free Disney Dining for my fellow UK travellers. All the details are on the Disney World offers page, but be quick because some of the offers end on March 7. You have been reading New Disney World Offers from our website Operation Pixie Dust, we'd love you to stop by and leave us a comment :) - 2 months ago

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    These time lapse videos are brilliant - I love how they make the people look like tiny little models. Great way to tour the Magic Kingdom in just over two minutes!You have been reading Tour the Magic Kingdom in just over two minutes from our website Operation Pixie Dust, we'd love you to stop by and leave us a comment :) - 3 months ago

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    The tips in this article are based on our experiences visiting this park over several years and I hope they help you and your family spend less time in lines and more time enjoying the magic!You have been reading Magic Kingdom Tips and Secrets – Tips to Help You Beat the Lines from our website Operation Pixie Dust, we'd love you to stop by and leave us a comment :) - 3 months ago

  • Should you stay in a Disney World Resort hotel or not?

    Once you have decided to take your family to Walt Disney World in Florida you then need to think about where you would like to stay. Hotel options in Orlando are endless but before you start thinking about individual hotels you first need to decide whether you want to stay in a Walt Disney World [...]You have been reading Should you stay in a Disney World Resort hotel or not? from our website Operation Pixie Dust, we'd love you to stop by and leave us a comment :) - 4 months ago

  • Exploring the Magic Kingdom: Entertainment

    The Magic Kingdom is home to some of Disney World's best entertainment so make sure you factor the shows into your plans.You have been reading Exploring the Magic Kingdom: Entertainment from our website Operation Pixie Dust, we'd love you to stop by and leave us a comment :) - 6 months ago

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