Free Things at Disney World

There are a variety of free issues to do at Walt Disney World. This put up provides suggestions for locating and benefiting from freebies, all of which require no cash and don’t have any strings connected. Some are comparatively unknown, being under-promoted choices at accommodations. Others are worthwhile experiences that received’t value you a dime however are price your time. (Updated February 5, 2023.)

Most souvenirs, presents, and experiences at Walt Disney World are costly. Fortunately, some issues are completely, no strings connected free. No, I’m not speaking concerning the “Free” Disney Dining Plan, which is probably going unavailable till 2024. I imply experiences and stuff that’s really free. Or no less than, received’t value you any additional.

The existence of such free issues and experiences would possibly come as a shock since generally it appears like Mickey Mouse is reaching into your pockets once you’re at Walt Disney World. From the various sights that finish in reward outlets to the sticker shock you’re more likely to have once you see the worth, it would seem to be there is no such thing as a respite from spending on a Walt Disney World trip.

This record covers issues that we really feel most affordable folks would possibly really feel are “free vacation add-ons,” and are rather less apparent. If you do Disney on a price range, this record is a good way to present your self some added enjoyable with out breaking the financial institution!

Here’s the record, damaged down into souvenirs, meals, leisure, and the catch-all “other” class…

Entertainment

• Resort Performers – There are quite a lot of resorts, significantly on the Moderate and Deluxe ranges, that characteristic lounge leisure acts. From Yehaa Bob at Port Orleans Riverside to performers Rix Lounge, there are a number of no cowl choices. Alternatively, in case you go late sufficient or on a sluggish night time, Jellyrolls on the BoardWalk may not be charging cowl.
• Caravanning ‘Round the World – These colorful RVs travel around to all of the various Disney Resort hotels bringing characters for spontaneous meet & greets and fun inside and outside the resorts. It’s a good way to fulfill and play with Mickey and associates, however there’s no set schedule.
• Disney Chase Visa Cardholder Perks – We focus on these in depth in our Disney Chase Visa Review, however the largest certainly one of these is the non-public meet and greet location in Epcot close to Journey into Imagination, which features a free PhotoPass picture obtain.
• Concerts – The America Gardens Theatre close to Epcot’s American Adventure pavilion has live shows within the spring, summer season, and fall, with principally cowl bands. Some of those reveals are fairly good. Then, within the winter, it’s used for the Candlelight Processional Christmas story. Check right here to see if there’s any leisure accessible throughout your journey.
• Campfires – Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-Along is a nightly campfire present at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground that happens at 7 or 8 p.m., relying upon the season. A good way to work together with characters outdoors the parks! Most different resorts have nightly campfires, however nothing that’s as elaborate of a manufacturing as this.
• Animal Viewing – At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, friends can stroll outdoors and watch the animals. There aren’t as many species right here as there are within the park, however it’s nonetheless cool, and there are educated Cast Members close by to inform you concerning the animals. If you’re a lodge visitor, there’s a particular nighttime viewing accessible!
• Movies Under the Stars – Most of the Walt Disney World resort accommodations play a Disney movie every night time that’s free to attend in case you’re a lodge visitor. Many of those are open air on giant screens. For extra info and particular particulars, click on right here.

Souvenirs

• Celebration Buttons – Starting as quickly as you arrive, that is the primary free factor you need to get (if relevant). As mentioned in our Celebrating at Walt Disney World put up, celebration buttons are type of a “gateway” to different freebies. The buttons are a freebie themselves, however your probability of receiving random “other” freebies when sporting these dramatically will increase. Just don’t abuse the buttons.
• Park Maps & Assorted Ephemera – This might be a “duh” one, however it’s price mentioning that you would be able to acquire all types of ephemera out of your stays at Walt Disney World. On every of our stays, I acquire all the numerous paper-goods I can, put them in our lodge folio, after which field them up. It’s enjoyable trying again at park maps, leisure schedules, and lodge maps from the previous.
• Driver and Pilot Licenses – That’s proper, get licensed to drive and fly totally free at Walt Disney World! Regardless of age or expertise, Disney will grant you these licenses! (The Mouse is principally a rogue state that solutions to no authorities…in addition to the RCID…and the State of Florida…and the federal authorities.) The Tomorrowland Speedway and Dumbo have “license” playing cards they’ll give to youngsters (or adults, in case you ask) certifying that they’re licensed to drive or pilot these sights. As far as I do know, these licenses don’t have any authorized weight outdoors of Walt Disney World.
• Trading Cards – Cast Members on the varied types of Disney transportation ought to have transportation buying and selling playing cards accessible in case you ask. Sometimes they’re out of inventory, so in case you strike out with one Cast Member, simply ask one other.
• World Showcase Crafts – There are “Kidcot” stations all through Epcot the place they will shade crafts and have them for the remainder of the day.
• Passports – Available in the course of the numerous Epcot festivals, these passports that every kiosk will stamp generally is a enjoyable factor for the youngsters, or a great way to recollect what you had in case you’re Drinking Around the World! ????

Transportation

• Monorail – Everyone is aware of that transportation inside Walt Disney World is free (and in case you didn’t, you do now!), however the monorail is price mentioning as free leisure. For us, the monorail is a superb “attraction,” and using it across the resort loop is a soothing and enjoyable exercise.
• Skyliner – Walt Disney World’s latest type of transportation is the Skyliner, which connects Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot to a handful of resorts. Anywhere else on the planet, a gondola experience will value you cash (we paid a fairly penny in Switzerland…however it additionally took us to the highest of a stunning mountain!) however there’s no cost at Walt Disney World. If you’re keen to spend some cash, we extremely suggest the Disney Skyliner Sip & Snack Stroll. It’s a good way to spend a day outdoors the parks!
• Boat Rides – Same goes for the various boats on Walt Disney World property. If you don’t have park tickets for a day and want one thing to do, enjoyable on the boats can’t be beat. Highly suggest taking one out to Wilderness Lodge and wandering its attractive grounds.
• Buses – Resort to resort bus transportation can be free, however we wouldn’t suggest “joyriding” on the buses like we do with the Skyliner, monorail, or boats.
• Theme Park & Resort Parking – Guests of Walt Disney World resort accommodations park totally free the theme parks and on the resorts (as soon as once more) as of 2023.

Food

• Club Cool – This free soda spot is again in a brand new location in World Celebration at Epcot, proper across the nook from Creations Shop! Sponsored by Coca-Cola, Club Cool in Epcot provides 8 drinks right here from all over the world. For these additionally on the lookout for a fast jolt, it is a nice choice as each drink has copious quantity of sugar. If you’re a Club Cool beginner, ensure that to attempt the scrumptious Beverly.
• Cookie, Cotton Candy, or Ice Cream Samples – As you’re heading down Main Street within the Magic Kingdom, cease by the Confectionary. If it’s not too busy, there’ll possible be a Cast Member with samples of cookies, cotton sweet, or another candy. Likewise, anyplace that serves ice cream will allow you to pattern a taste earlier than you order. Standard apply right here is to truly order ice cream after you are taking the pattern, so it’s not completely “free,” except you don’t thoughts breaking customized.
• Water – No, not the consuming fountains! Walt Disney World counter service eating places provides you with a free cup of ice water. (With that mentioned, we extremely suggest bringing your individual water bottle with filter–Florida water is gross!)
• Ice Cream – This is definitely a number of “freebies” multi functional. If you are taking the free Disney Vacation Club tour/pitch, you get free ice cream on the finish. Each one who takes the tour can be more likely to get a ‘token of appreciation’ for attending. Unlike most timeshare shows, this isn’t excessive stress, however it’s extremely persuasive. Just bear in mind to not purchase into Disney Vacation Club on the spot. (Read our Disney Vacation Club Buying Guide to see why that’s a nasty thought.) The tour lasts round 2 hours, which is a variety of time to remove out of your trip only for some “free” ice cream; in case you’re not really keen on proudly owning Disney Vacation Club, you would possibly wish to simply pay for the ice cream elsewhere.
• Chocolate – If you do go to Disney Springs, the comfort is that Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop provides free chocolate samples.
• Refills – Sunshine Seasons and Regal Eagle Smokehouse at Epcot, Backlot Express in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Restaurantosaurus & Satu’li Canteen in Disney’s Animal Kingdom all have free, self-service drink refill stations. At all different eating places, you might be given your cup with the soda already in it. Just bear in mind to observe the refillable mug guidelines! ????
• Dining Under Age 3 – At Walt Disney World buffets and family-style eating places, youngsters underneath age 3 eat totally free off of a dad and mom’ plate.

Nighttime Spectaculars

• Magic Kingdom Fireworks – The best possible free spot to observe the Magic Kingdom fireworks is from the Ticket & Transportation Center, simply to the best of the doorway to the Ferry to the Magic Kingdom. Since the arduous ticket events are costly, it is a nice solution to watch these reveals totally free (or a second time).
• Epcot Fireworks – You also can watch Epcot’s fireworks from most locations across the Yacht & Beach Club or BoardWalk. I’d suggest the bridge between the 2 (nearer the Swan & Dolphin).
• Electrical Water Pageant – A Walt Disney World traditional. This is a cute little gentle parade on Bay Lake outdoors the Magic Kingdom. Approximate present occasions are: 9 p.m. at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, 9:15 p.m. at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, 9:30 p.m. at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, 9:45 p.m. at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground, and 10 p.m. at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. This is a “Vacation Kingdom of the World” traditional that we LOVE. So a lot, actually, that it was certainly one of our Top 101 Walt Disney World Tips!

Tours

• Christmas Decorations – Visiting resorts year-round is free (and possibly such widespread data that I don’t suppose it’s price mentioning right here…I’m not going to record each consuming fountain within the parks that gives “free water” or each restroom that has “free toilet paper”), however at Christmas it’s one thing price mentioning. Then, you possibly can take our “Self-Guided Yuletide Tour,” which is a good way to spend a non-parks day in the course of the vacation season.
• Restaurant Tours – This is one we’ve by no means performed, however apparently, the eating places at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge supply free 30-minute excursions specializing in the culinary choices and structure. (Temporarily suspended.)
• Resort Tours – Here’s one other one which we simply realized about and haven’t had an opportunity to attempt. Called “The Wonders of Wilderness Lodge” tour, it’s open to any Disney resort-hotel visitor. With the richness of Wilderness Lodge, I’m betting this tour is nice. We’ve additionally heard that a couple of different Deluxe Resorts supply excursions. Check along with your lodge concierge for which of them and particular occasions. (Temporarily suspended.)
• Art Classes – Disney’s Art of Animation Resort provides free drawing lessons which are open to any Walt Disney World resort lodge friends. The Animation Academy in Animal Kingdom additionally has drawing lessons.

Other

• Hair Confetti – The Harmony Barber Shop on Main Street within the Magic Kingdom will sprinkle confetti and “pixie dust” in your child’s hair totally free. We’ve by no means performed this ourselves, however we have now associates who’ve, and it might actually make the child’s day. Our advice right here can be to truly have their hair really gelled and coloured, because it’s lower than $10, fast, and can actually make your youngster’s day. Castle Couture (Fantasyland) additionally has “pixie dust.”
• Photography – Many friends assume PhotoPass just isn’t helpful for them in the event that they’re not going to buy the service. That’s not true in any respect–any PhotoPass Cast Member will take pictures of you along with your digital camera. Same goes for character attendants.
• First Aid – Dogs barking from strolling too many miles at Walt Disney World? First Aid can provide you some free Band-Aids in case you get blisters. They even have issues like Aspirin and different widespread medicines, however for something extra thorough, you’ll want to go to an pressing care middle.
• WiFi – All of the Walt Disney World parks and all the accommodations have free WiFi accessible. Cell service might be spotty within the parks, inflicting a critical drain in your cellphone battery. To save battery life, I usually put my cellphone into Airplane Mode and simply activate the WiFi if I’m not anticipating any calls.
• Shopping Delivery – If you’re staying at a Walt Disney World resort lodge, something you buy within the parks might be delivered to your lodge totally free. This just isn’t accessible on the final day of your journey, however for all different days, this free service positive beats carrying round what to procure all day! Similarly, every park has a bundle storage service for gadgets bought. (Temporarily unavailable.)
• Wake Up Call – Guests of Walt Disney World resort accommodations can request a free get up name from Mickey or Stitch on their lodge cellphone. Soon, the “Hey, Disney” Alexa service will be capable to do much more than that.
• Luggage Storage & Transfer – If you’re staying at a number of accommodations, Bell Services at your Walt Disney World resort lodge will switch your luggage. If your flight isn’t till late within the day in your day of departure, Bell Services will maintain your luggage. Tips are customary in each of those conditions.
• Disney Vacation Club Member Perks – From “Welcome Home Wednesdays” to complimentary DVD rental, Disney Vacation Club members obtain many unpublicized freebies, plus reductions and extra. Check out our record of the Top 10 DVC Member Perks for the most effective advantages of being a DVC Member.

That wraps up our record of “free” issues at Walt Disney World. In actuality, a lot of that is possible constructed into the price of a visit, so that you’re technically paying for it somehow. However, these enhancements would usually value cash in different circumstances (even in some areas at Walt Disney World), so we’re contemplating them free–or “no added cost” choices.

As talked about above, relying upon your definition of free, there are a lot of extra (or far fewer?) issues which are free at Walt Disney World. We’ve left off many of the common park leisure and customary lodge perks off the record as these are regular and to be anticipated. Ultimately, with all we spend on Walt Disney World holidays, it’s good to see an inventory with so many issues which are principally added bonuses. We suppose it actually reveals the way in which Disney goes above and past, and exemplifies one of many causes we love touring to Walt Disney World a lot!

For the place to eat, check out our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews web page. If you wish to get monetary savings on tickets or decide which kind you need to get, learn our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets put up. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips put up takes a singular have a look at unconventional issues you need to take in your journey. Once you arrive on the parks, our Walt Disney World “Ride Guides”are nice for figuring out what to do and when to do it. For overviews of all of those matters and a lot extra, the most effective place to begin is our complete Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide to profit from your expertise!

Your Thoughts

So that’s our record, what’s on YOUR record of the most effective free issues at Walt Disney World? Any different suggestions or lost-cost choices? Any questions on benefiting from these Walt Disney World freebies? Hearing from you is half the enjoyable–even once you disagree with us–so please share your ideas within the feedback!