Planning a trip to Disney? If so we have created a list of Disney Freebies that are FREE and who doesn’t like FREE.
We are planning a trip between Fall of 2019 and Feb of 2020. When my husband told me to start planning a Disney trip I jumped on it. So much has changed since we last went in 2010. Once he mentioned Disney to me I started researching, looking for ways to save money and I think I have joined hundreds (at least it seems that way) of Disney groups on facebook , and every newsletter possible to get caught up on the latest Disney stuff.
I am overwhelmed with all the changes and things you need to do know to prepare for savings, dining plans, booking hotels, fast passes, character meals etc.
There are freebies throughout several parks, and thankfully from all the groups I have joined, and books I have been reading there’s plenty for everyone that I don’t ever recall from previous trips. They may have been there and I just didn’t know. I don’t think that I researched as much last time we went. This trip I hope to take advantage of a lot of them and figured many of our readers would love to as well.
Free glasses of Water –— any counter service in Walt Disney World will provide you with a free cup of water. Skip the bottles and grab a glass instead
Free Chocolate — Ghiradelli Chocolate Samples are offerered for free in Downtown Disney.
Free Leis — guest of Polynesian or anyone staying at the Walt Disney World facilities can stop by the Polynesian resort and ask for a free lei. These don’t include the strung flower leis but it’s still a fun freebie that adults and kids both will love.
Chip and Dale’s Campfire Sing a Long at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground. Take your family to the Fort Wilderness Campground for some campfire fun-and even s’mores! The s’mores aren’t free, but you can also bring your own ingredients for s’mores. Following the campfire sing a long, you can stay and enjoy a Disney movie under the stars!
Movies under the stars. Many resorts offer free movies under the stars for kids and adults. Ask the resort that you are staying at for a schedule of their late night movies.
A Safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of the most beautiful resorts on Disney property. It’s my dream to stay here. You can get fabulous views of animals in the Arusha Savanna . When you arrive at Animal Kingdom Lodge, walk thorough the lobby to the Arusha Savanna. There will be a cultural guide there who will help you look for the animals. It is best to visit this at dawn or dusk, when the animals are more active. Be sure to bring the binoculars. Plus, you can wander Animal Kingdom Lodge and enjoy the animals from other viewing spots as well.
Package Pickup Resort Delivery — Staying on a property, shopping in Disney springs or other stores? Don’t want to carry around your packages? Disney will ship the packages back to your room. Please note that they bring them the next day, so don’t do this if you are checking out before your package may arrive.
Drawing Classes — Art of Animation offers a free drawing class in which guest can draw their own images. This is also available at Hollywood Studios. Sometimes the Artist teaching the class will give their drawing to a student. Usually Disney trivia is asked in order to win the drawing.
Hunt for Hidden Mickey’s. Walt Disney World has worked Mickey heads into the landscape, decor, walkways, just about anywhere you look! Take some time while exploring the resorts to find the Hidden Mickeys. Some resorts will even give you a list of the Hidden Mickey’s to find during your self-guided tour.
Maps and Brochures — Disney Maps are free, grab a few before you leave the park as they can be a great way to scrapbook your trip when you get home. Kids love them as well.
Stickers –– many cast members through out the park offer/ hand out free stickers. Be sure to be on the look out to see what you can collect. Stickers often are different in each park/location.
Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Spell Cards — Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom, the interactive card game that takes place throughout the park, is a great free souvenirs—spell cards. Be sure to start a Sorcerers game and pick up your cards during each visit to the park.
Club Cool Soda — located in Epcot – if your looking to try sodas from across the world this is a great place to grab different flavors for FREE!!!!
Celebration Buttons — we did this the last time we went. Stop by guest services at each park and grab a button for what you are celebrating from anniversary, birthdays and more. Cast members will often acknowledge the celebration and kids may get special privileges.
Photo’s –Disney offers Photopass opportunities for free. Photo pass staff members are a great way to get free photos. You can get group photos with everyone in the picture in awesome spots in which you may not of if you took the picture. They also offer the memory maker photo pass but it cost $169. However, it’s not required to purchase. I highly recommend purchasing it though if you can. They do so many awesome photos that you generally wouldn’t get otherwise.
Lego store at Downtown Disney — Kids can play with Lego’s while everyone is shopping. You can play inside and outside the store. It’s a great way to enjoy some downtime. They have a 3000 sq foot outdoor center for kids to play and plenty of building fun.
Disney Resorts— Staying at one park and want to visit another. Just tell the security / attendant that you are their to check out the resort and they often will give you a parking pass for a few hours.
Disney’s Boardwalk Area. Located in the EPCOT area of Walt Disney World Resort, the Boardwalk is one of the most entertaining areas outside the Disney parks. Walk along the beach, enjoy the fireworks portion of Illuminations from the bridge on the Boardwalk. There are street performers. fun house mirrors to enjoy, and so much more. Sometimes, Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts will host movies on the beach area, as well as a campfire-all for free!
Disney’s Electric Water Pageant. Every night, in the Magic Kingdom area, Disney sends out a parade of floats lit up in Disney magic. These float along the Bay Lake Area, around 9PM nightly, and you can see them from the boat dock at the Grand Floridian and the Polynesian beach. The Electric Water Pageant lasts for about an hour. Even if you are not residing at one of the Magic Kingdom resorts during your stay, you can still visit them and enjoy the Electric Water Pageant.
Take a boat ride. Disney has several areas where you can enjoy water rides for free! You can take a boat from Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside or French Quarter Resorts, and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort to the Downtown Disney area. The drivers will narrate as they are taking you from one place to the next. You can also take a boat ride from the Magic Kingdom to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort. This is the longest boat ride, and you can even get a seat on the upper level of the boat. This gives you fabulous views of the Magic Kingdom and the Bay Lake Area.
Ride the monorail. You can board it at EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, or the Transportation and Ticket Center and ride either the parks loop or the resort loop. You will be able to see some great views of the parks. After all no visit to Disney unless you ride the monorail.
Free Concerts at Epcot--throughout the year , Epcot will offer free concerts in the park located at the American Gardens Theater. Check out the time guide for more information.
Free Magic Kingdom Fireworks Viewing –The best place to see this is at the Polynesian, you can watch the Magic Kingdom’s fireworks from the beach without having to pay for entry to the park. They even pipe in the music. You can also view from the Grand Floridian, or the Contemporary’s California Grill (although you have to eat dinner there to watch the fireworks).
Free Illuminations (Epcot) Fireworks Viewing – One of our favorite spots is at the Boardwalk, head towards the International Gateway of Epcot. Along this path you’ll be able to see Illuminations.
Free Electrical Water Pageant Viewing – Want a retro light parade to round out your night at Disney World? Then head to one of the resorts around the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake to check out this quaint show featuring floats of a dragon, the American flag, and (my favorite) a dancing octopus. The Electrical Water Pageant takes off by the Grand Floridian/Polynesian at around 9 pm nightly and makes its way towards the Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness.
Free Cinderella Princess Promenade at Grand Floridian – For children ages 3-12, this character experience lets kids join Cinderella in a promenade down the grand staircase at the Grand Floridian, followed by Cinderella waltzing with the children. This takes place at 3:30 pm daily. Show up a little early at M. Mouse Mercantile at the Grand Floridian to participate.
Free Birthday Dessert at Disney World Restaurants – If you are Celebrating a birthday or anniversary by dining at a Disney World restaurant be sure to tell the waiter or waitress chances are you may receive a delicious dessert or a champagne toast.
Free Character Meet and Greet Photo with a Disney Visa Card – Disney Visa Cardholders are eligible for a free souvenir 5×7 picture with a classic Disney Character at Epcot’s Innoventions. The hours are limited, but typically run from 1pm-7pm. Be sure to check with Guest Services for that day’s schedule
Did I miss anything? If so please comment below so that I can update the list.
I would love to hear your Disney Savings tips as well. If you have ideas, or know of something Free that we missed comment below. We will update the list periodically. I need every tip that I can get and I am sure you do to.
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