Kim Morrissey shares the free or inexpensive experiences available to locals at the Walt Disney World Resort — often for $10 or $20 per day
Credit: Kim Morrissey (2)
NEED TO KNOW
- Kim Morrissey has figured out how to enjoy the magic of Disney World without entering the pricey theme parks
- The Orlando local shares her tips for free activities like fireworks viewing and hacks like using Disney’s complimentary transportation network
- She creates content for locals on a budget, spending as little as $10 to $20 per visit
Park tickets, Mickey ears, dining experiences, collectible pins and churros — it all adds up quickly during a trip to the Walt Disney World Resort. However, one local creator is on a mission to highlight the free, and relatively inexpensive, offerings spread across the more than 40-square-mile vacation destination.
Orlando resident Kim Morrissey moved to Florida about a year ago. While the 27-year-old says she's “always loved” Disney movies and TV shows, she's only become “obsessed with the parks” in the last five years.
“Disney influences and stuff started popping up on my page,” the restaurant worker tells PEOPLE. “I just started to fall in love with living vicariously through those creators.”
Credit: Kim Morrissey
As someone on a strict budget, visiting the parks isn't currently an option for Morrissey, although she plans to purchase a budget-friendly Pixie Pass when she has the means to do so. Until then, she decided to start making a series of videos for people like her: People who live near Disney World “who can't afford to go to the parks but still want to experience all the magic.”
In many of her videos, Morrissey starts her adventures by parking at Disney Springs, Disney World's outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment complex. Unlike other areas of the resort that require a park, dining or hotel reservation, Disney Springs offers free parking outside of peak season.
@kimafterthekingdom A broke Disney local’s guide to visiting WDW: part 11 You can’t beat a Mickey bar and some Happily Ever After 🎆 #wdw #resorthopping #disneylocal #contemporaryresort #waltdisneyworld
♬ original sound – Kim ✨ | Broke Disney Local 🐭
From there, Morrissey can hop on the free network of Disney buses to explore other properties. The Skyliner is another one of Morrissey's favorite complimentary modes of transportation.
Some of her favorite free activities include exploring the various hotel properties, watching the Magic Kingdom's nightly fireworks from the terrace of the nearby Contemporary Resort, spotting wildlife at the Animal Kingdom Lodge and even lounging in the sand at the Polynesian Village Resort.
Credit: Kim Morrissey
“Sometimes, to experience the fun, you do have to spend a little bit of money just to get the special drink, or the snack or go to one of the cool restaurants,” Morrissey says. But compared with those going inside the parks, the creator is saving a lot of money. “I try to keep it to like $10 to $20 a visit,” she says. “I usually go once a week, but sometimes it's maybe once every other week.”
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Admittedly, it can be hard for Morrissey to watch other creators enjoy the offerings inside the parks, but she says she's close enough to get her Disney fix for now. “Sometimes I'll go to a resort and watch the fireworks, so I kind of get a little glimpse of the castle,” she says. “[I'm] just holding on to that hope that one day, I'll be in the park when I save up enough money.”
Credit: Kim Morrissey
She adds of her unique content: “I think it's important because I know there are other people out there like me that really, really love the parks… It's important for them to know that they don't have to save up thousands of dollars to come and experience just a little bit of magic, especially if you're a local.”
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