Staying hydrated is extremely important, especially when you’re visiting a theme park in the hot Florida sun. Dehydration can ruin your Disney World vacation and cause serious health problems. Many Disney World visitors wonder if the resort offers free water to keep guests hydrated. Here’s what you need to know about getting free water at Disney World.
Free water in the parks
The good news is that yes, there is free water available in all four Disney World theme parks! Disney wants to help guests stay happy and healthy during their visit. Here are the places you can get complimentary cups of water in each park:
- Magic Kingdom – Quick service restaurants, water fountains, ask any cast member
- Epcot – Quick service restaurants, water fountains
- Hollywood Studios – Quick service restaurants, water fountains
- Animal Kingdom – Quick service restaurants, water fountains
Some notes about free water in the parks:
- Quick service restaurants with self-serve beverage fountains will provide complimentary cups of ice water. These are places like Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn in Magic Kingdom.
- Outdoor water fountains are located throughout the parks. Bring your own bottle to refill.
- You can also ask any cast member for a cup of water at quick service restaurants even if you aren’t making a food purchase.
- Free water cups may be small (5-9 oz). Feel free to request refills!
- Free water is for cold tap water. Bottled water, sparkling water, and specialty beverages are not included.
Taking advantage of free water options inside the Disney parks is a great way to stay cool and hydrated during your visit. Be sure to bring a refillable water bottle so you can easily access the water fountains.
Free water in Disney hotels
Along with the theme parks, you can also get free water at any Disney World owned and operated hotel. Like the parks, Disney wants to ensure guests in their hotels stay hydrated.
All Disney World resort hotels will provide cold tap water cups at no charge. Simply stop by any quick service or lounge location and ask for a free water cup. Some tips for getting free water at Disney hotels:
- Ask at quick service restaurants, lounges, or gift shops for a free cup.
- Free cups may be small (5-9 oz). Request refills!
- In-room coffee makers can be used to produce hot tap water for tea, etc.
- Bring your own bottle to refill at water fountains around the hotel.
- Bottled water is not included. You must purchase bottled water and specialty beverages.
Getting free water at your Disney resort hotel allows you to stay hydrated when taking a break midday or heading out for the evening. Be sure to take advantage of the tap water cups!
Free water in Disney Springs
Disney Springs is the shopping, dining, and entertainment district at Walt Disney World. It features many restaurants and shops, and it does offer free water:
- Quick service restaurants provide free cups of tap water, just like in the parks.
- Several public water fountains are available for refilling bottles.
- Ask at any quick service eatery even if you aren’t buying food.
Getting a free water cup at Disney Springs allows you to cool off while shopping or take a break between meal reservations. Seek out quick service spots like Earl of Sandwich, D-Luxe Burger, and more for your complimentary water.
Other free water options
In addition to the theme parks, hotels, and Disney Springs, you may be able to get free water at other locations. Here are some other options:
- Transportation: Buses, monorails, and other transport within Disney World will give free water if needed.
- First aid: All parks have first aid centers that will provide free water if a guest needs it for health reasons.
- Special events: At events like marathons, free water is available along the race route.
- Pool bars: Some hotel pool bars will give a free water cup if you are also ordering a beverage.
While not guaranteed, these can be other spots to potentially get free water in urgent situations or as a courtesy. Always feel free to politely ask!
Can you take free water on Disney transportation?
Disney does allow you to take free water cups on their transportation like the buses and monorails. Some tips for taking free water on Disney transportation:
- Let the cast member know you have water when boarding.
- Keep your water capped when on board.
- Hold the water cup carefully to avoid spills.
- Bring your own reusable bottle to refill instead of a disposable cup.
- Keep water off soft or porous surfaces where it could soak in.
Disney understands you may need to bring water with you, so feel free to do so responsibly. Make sure it is capped and contained.
Can you take free water on Disney rides?
Unfortunately, you cannot take cups of water with you on most Disney rides. Water poses a safety issue and potential damage for many attractions, so it is not allowed. Here are the rules on water for Disney rides:
- No free water cups are permitted in the lines or on most rides.
- You will be asked to finish or discard your water before boarding.
- Some rides do allow bottled water if it has a cap and can be securely held between your legs.
- Water cups and bottles are allowed on transportation rides like trains and boats.
While you can’t take free water cups on rides, you can drink your fill before getting in line. Then refill your water once you get off. Staying hydrated is still important!
Should you drink tap water at Disney World?
Some people wonder about the quality and cleanliness of the tap water served at Disney World. Here are a few things to note:
- Disney World tap water comes from municipal water supplies, which are cleaned and tested according to Florida safety standards.
- Many people drink the tap water in the parks without issues. It is generally considered safe for consumption.
- Those with sensitivities may want to use a bottle filter or drink bottled water instead.
- If you don’t like the taste, adding ice or lemon can help improve the flavor.
- Fountain soda is made with tap water and most quick service locations use tap water for cooking.
Most people can safely drink the tap water provided for free at Disney World. But you can certainly bring bottled water or use a filter if you have any concerns.
Buying bottled water at Disney World
If you decide you don’t want to rely solely on free water during your Disney trip, you can purchase bottled water at the parks. Here are some tips:
- Bottled water is available at all quick service restaurants, snack carts, and gift shops.
- The cost is typically $3-$5 per bottle depending on location and size.
- You are allowed to bring your own unopened bottles of water into the Disney parks to save money.
- Frozen bottled water can help you beat the heat and keep the water cold for longer.
- Refillable water bottles can also be filled up with tap water after purchase.
While pricier than tap water, bottled water is convenient and available for purchase throughout Disney World. Sharing larger bottles can help cut down on costs for families.
Can you bring your own water into Disney parks?
Disney does allow guests to bring their own water into the theme parks. This is a great way to stay hydrated on a budget. Here are the rules on bringing your own water into Disney parks:
- You may bring your own water as long as it is sealed and unopened.
- Reusable water bottles can be emptied and refilled with tap water inside the parks.
- Any type of water is permitted including sparkling water.
- No alcohol can be brought into the Magic Kingdom park.
- Water containers should not be glass for safety reasons.
Bringing your own water is highly recommended to cut down on costs. You can refill reusable bottles for free once inside the parks.
Tips for staying hydrated at Disney World
Drinking enough water is crucial when spending long days at Disney World. Here are some tips for staying hydrated during your visit:
- Drink at least 8 ounces of water every 20-30 minutes.
- Carry a reusable water bottle with you and refill often.
- Drink water before you get thirsty as thirst indicates dehydration.
- Choose water over sugary or alcoholic drinks which can dehydrate you.
- Try to drink extra before and after long rides when sweating.
- Drink water even when it’s not hot out, as walking and activities also require hydration.
- Choose chilled water for a more refreshing option.
- Add ice to make water more appealing or drink slowly so it stays cooler.
Staying on top of your water intake is key. Utilize the free water available and carry some with you at all times when at Disney.
Safety considerations for free water
While Disney World strives to keep free tap water as safe as possible, there are a few precautions guests should keep in mind:
- Water left sitting in the sun can breed bacteria. Drink quickly after refilling your bottle.
- Always wash hands or use hand sanitizer before handling cups and bottles.
- Don’t touch bottle openings after others have used the same fountain.
- Discard cups after use instead of saving or reusing to be hygienic.
- Children, pregnant women, and those who are immunocompromised may want to avoid tap water as an extra precaution.
Being careful about germs and drinking fresh water will help minimize any risks. If you do have concerns, stick to bottled water only.
Can you get water after Disney World closes for the day?
Once the Disney theme parks close for the evening, most water fountains and quick service locations will be closed as well. However, you can still get water in the parks at night by:
- Bringing your own reusable bottle that you can refill before closing time.
- Purchasing bottled water before the park closes to have on hand.
- Requesting water at any still-open food shops, like those on Main Street.
- Asking security guards, custodians, or guest relations cast members.
Disney staff understands guests still in the parks after closing may need water. While limited, there are still options available in an urgent situation.
Free water in other Orlando theme parks
Beyond Disney World, Orlando is home to many other popular theme parks. Here is the free water situation in other central Florida parks:
| Theme Park | Free Water Available? |
|---|---|
| Universal Studios | Yes – Quick service restaurants and fountains |
| Islands of Adventure | Yes – Quick service restaurants and fountains |
| SeaWorld | Yes – Restaurants and fountains |
| LEGOLAND | Yes – Limited fountains |
Nearly all major theme parks in Orlando offer free water options to help guests stay hydrated. Taking advantage of these can save you money during your vacation.
Water parks and water rides
Because you are likely to get wet on water rides and at water parks, staying hydrated is extremely important. Here are some tips for these locations:
- Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach water parks have free water at quick service eateries.
- Volcano Bay at Universal Orlando also offers complimentary water cups.
- No outside food or drink is permitted at Volcano Bay water park.
- You cannot bring free water cups on water slides for safety reasons.
- Drink extra before and after water activities and reapply sunscreen frequently.
The free water options at Disney World span beyond just the main theme parks to also include water parks, giving you access to hydration all across the resort.
Conclusion
Getting free water at Walt Disney World is easy by taking advantage of the many quick service restaurants, water fountains, and guest courtesies throughout the resort. Drinking enough water is vital to staying healthy in theFlorida environment, and thankfully Disney makes that achievable without going broke buying bottled water. Through a bit of preparation and planning, you can stay refreshed and hydrated all day long while visiting the Most Magical Place on Earth. Bottom line – yes, there is plenty of free water available at Disney World!