Free Things at Disney World
There are a lot of free things to do at Walt Disney World. This post offers tips for finding and taking advantage of freebies, all of which require no money and have no strings attached. Some are relatively unknown, being under-promoted offerings at hotels. Others are worthwhile experiences that won’t cost you a dime but are worth your time. (Updated February 5, 2023.)
Most souvenirs, gifts, and experiences at Walt Disney World are expensive. Fortunately, some things are totally, no strings attached free. No, I’m not talking about the “Free” Disney Dining Plan, which is likely unavailable until 2024. I mean experiences and stuff that’s actually free. Or at least, won’t cost you any extra.
The existence of such free things and experiences might come as a surprise since sometimes it feels like Mickey Mouse is reaching into your pockets when you’re at Walt Disney World. From the many attractions that end in gift shops to the sticker shock you’re likely to have when you see the price, it might seem like there is no respite from spending on a Walt Disney World vacation.
This list covers things that we feel most reasonable people might feel are “free vacation add-ons,” and are a little less obvious. If you do Disney on a budget, this list is a great way to give yourself some added fun without breaking the bank!
Here’s the list, broken down into souvenirs, food, entertainment, and the catch-all “other” category…
Entertainment
- Resort Performers – There are a variety of resorts, particularly at the Moderate and Deluxe levels, that feature lounge entertainment acts. From Yehaa Bob at Port Orleans Riverside to performers Rix Lounge, there are several no cover options. Alternatively, if you go late enough or on a slow night, Jellyrolls on the BoardWalk might not be charging cover.
- 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 great way to meet and play with Mickey and friends, but there’s no set schedule.
- Disney Chase Visa Cardholder Perks – We discuss these in depth in our Disney Chase Visa Review, but the biggest one of these is the private meet and greet location in Epcot near Journey into Imagination, which includes a free PhotoPass photo download.
- Concerts – The America Gardens Theatre near Epcot’s American Adventure pavilion has concerts in the spring, summer, and fall, with mostly cover bands. Some of these shows are quite good. Then, in the winter, it’s used for the Candlelight Processional Christmas story. Check here to see if there is any entertainment available during your trip.
- Campfires – Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-Along is a nightly campfire show at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground that occurs at 7 or 8 p.m., depending upon the season. A great way to interact with characters outside the parks! Most other resorts have nightly campfires, but nothing that’s as elaborate of a production as this.
- Animal Viewing – At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, guests can walk outside and watch the animals. There aren’t as many species here as there are in the park, but it’s still cool, and there are knowledgeable Cast Members nearby to tell you about the animals. If you’re a hotel guest, there’s a special nighttime viewing available!
- Movies Under the Stars – Most of the Walt Disney World resort hotels play a Disney film each night that is free to attend if you’re a hotel guest. Many of these are outdoors on large screens. For more information and specific details, click here.
Souvenirs
- Celebration Buttons – Starting as soon as you arrive, this is the first free thing you should get (if applicable). As discussed in our Celebrating at Walt Disney World post, celebration buttons are sort of a “gateway” to other freebies. The buttons are a freebie themselves, but your likelihood of receiving random “other” freebies when wearing these dramatically increases. Just don’t abuse the buttons.
- Park Maps & Assorted Ephemera – This is probably a “duh” one, but it’s worth mentioning that you can collect all sorts of ephemera from your stays at Walt Disney World. On each of our stays, I collect all of the various paper-goods I can, put them in our hotel folio, and then box them up. It’s fun looking back at park maps, entertainment schedules, and hotel maps from the past.
- Driver and Pilot Licenses – That’s right, get licensed to drive and fly for free at Walt Disney World! Regardless of age or experience, Disney will grant you these licenses! (The Mouse is basically a rogue state that answers to no government…besides the RCID…and the State of Florida…and the federal government.) The Tomorrowland Speedway and Dumbo have “license” cards they will give to kids (or adults, if you ask) certifying that they are licensed to drive or pilot those attractions. As far as I know, these licenses have no legal weight outside of Walt Disney World.
- Trading Cards – Cast Members on the various forms of Disney transportation should have transportation trading cards available if you ask. Sometimes they are out of stock, so if you strike out with one Cast Member, just ask another.
- World Showcase Crafts – There are “Kidcot” stations throughout Epcot where they can color crafts and have them for the rest of the day.
- Passports – Available during the various Epcot festivals, these passports that each kiosk will stamp can be a fun thing for the kids, or a good way to remember what you had if you’re Drinking Around the World! 😉
Transportation
- Monorail – Everyone knows that transportation inside Walt Disney World is free (and if you didn’t, you do now!), but the monorail is worth pointing out as free entertainment. For us, the monorail is a great “attraction,” and riding it around the resort loop is a relaxing and fun activity.
- Skyliner – Walt Disney World’s newest form of transportation is the Skyliner, which connects Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot to a handful of resorts. Anywhere else in the world, a gondola ride will cost you money (we paid a pretty penny in Switzerland…but it also took us to the top of a gorgeous mountain!) but there’s no charge at Walt Disney World. If you’re willing to spend some money, we highly recommend the Disney Skyliner Sip & Snack Stroll. It’s a great way to spend a day outside the parks!
- Boat Rides – Same goes for the many boats on Walt Disney World property. If you don’t have park tickets for a day and need something to do, relaxing on the boats can’t be beat. Highly recommend taking one out to Wilderness Lodge and wandering its gorgeous grounds.
- Buses – Resort to resort bus transportation is also free, but we wouldn’t recommend “joyriding” on the buses like we do with the Skyliner, monorail, or boats.
- Theme Park & Resort Parking – Guests of Walt Disney World resort hotels park for free the theme parks and at the resorts (once again) as of 2023.
Food
- Club Cool – This free soda spot is back in a new location in World Celebration at Epcot, right around the corner from Creations Shop! Sponsored by Coca-Cola, Club Cool in Epcot offers 8 drinks here from around the world. For those also looking for a quick jolt, this is a great option as every drink has copious amount of sugar. If you’re a Club Cool newbie, make sure to try the delicious Beverly.
- Cookie, Cotton Candy, or Ice Cream Samples – As you’re heading down Main Street in the Magic Kingdom, stop by the Confectionary. If it’s not too busy, there will likely be a Cast Member with samples of cookies, cotton candy, or some other sweet. Likewise, anywhere that serves ice cream will let you sample a flavor before you order. Standard practice here is to actually order ice cream after you take the sample, so it’s not entirely “free,” unless you don’t mind breaking custom.
- Water – No, not the drinking fountains! Walt Disney World counter service restaurants will give you a free cup of ice water. (With that said, we highly recommend bringing your own water bottle with filter–Florida water is gross!)
- Ice Cream – This is actually multiple “freebies” all in one. If you take the free Disney Vacation Club tour/pitch, you get free ice cream at the end. Each person who takes the tour is also likely to get a ‘token of appreciation’ for attending. Unlike most timeshare presentations, this isn’t high pressure, but it is highly persuasive. Just remember not to buy into Disney Vacation Club on the spot. (Read our Disney Vacation Club Buying Guide to see why that’s a bad idea.) The tour lasts around 2 hours, which is a lot of time to take away from your vacation just for some “free” ice cream; if you’re not actually interested in owning Disney Vacation Club, you might want to just pay for the ice cream elsewhere.
- Chocolate – If you do go to Disney Springs, the consolation is that Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop offers 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 other restaurants, you are given your cup with the soda already in it. Just remember to follow the refillable mug rules! 😉
- Dining Under Age 3 – At Walt Disney World buffets and family-style restaurants, kids under age 3 eat for free off of a parents’ plate.
Nighttime Spectaculars
- Magic Kingdom Fireworks – The absolute best free spot to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks is from the Ticket & Transportation Center, just to the right of the entrance to the Ferry to the Magic Kingdom. Since the hard ticket parties are expensive, this is a great way to watch those shows for free (or a second time).
- Epcot Fireworks – You can also watch Epcot’s fireworks from most places around the Yacht & Beach Club or BoardWalk. I’d recommend the bridge between the two (nearer the Swan & Dolphin).
- Electrical Water Pageant – A Walt Disney World classic. This is a cute little light parade on Bay Lake outside the Magic Kingdom. Approximate show times 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” classic that we LOVE. So much, in fact, that it was one of our Top 101 Walt Disney World Tips!
Tours
- Christmas Decorations – Visiting resorts year-round is free (and probably such common knowledge that I don’t think it’s worth mentioning here…I’m not going to list every drinking fountain in the parks that offers “free water” or every restroom that has “free toilet paper”), but at Christmas it’s something worth mentioning. Then, you can take our “Self-Guided Yuletide Tour,” which is a great way to spend a non-parks day during the holiday season.
- Restaurant Tours – This is one we’ve never done, but apparently, the restaurants at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offer free 30-minute tours focusing on the culinary selections and architecture. (Temporarily suspended.)
- Resort Tours – Here’s another one that we just learned about and haven’t had a chance to try. Called “The Wonders of Wilderness Lodge” tour, it’s open to any Disney resort-hotel guest. With the richness of Wilderness Lodge, I’m betting this tour is great. We’ve also heard that a few other Deluxe Resorts offer tours. Check with your hotel concierge for which ones and specific times. (Temporarily suspended.)
- Art Classes – Disney’s Art of Animation Resort offers free drawing classes that are open to any Walt Disney World resort hotel guests. The Animation Academy in Animal Kingdom also has drawing classes.
Other
- Hair Confetti – The Harmony Barber Shop on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom will sprinkle confetti and “pixie dust” on your kid’s hair for free. We’ve never done this ourselves, but we have friends who have, and it can really make the kid’s day. Our recommendation here would be to actually have their hair actually gelled and colored, as it’s less than $10, quick, and will really make your child’s day. Castle Couture (Fantasyland) also has “pixie dust.”
- Photography – Many guests assume PhotoPass is not useful for them if they’re not going to purchase the service. That’s not true at all–any PhotoPass Cast Member will take photos of you with your camera. Same goes for character attendants.
- First Aid – Dogs barking from walking too many miles at Walt Disney World? First Aid can give you some free Band-Aids if you get blisters. They also have things like Aspirin and other common medicines, but for anything more thorough, you’ll need to visit an urgent care center.
- WiFi – All of the Walt Disney World parks and all of the hotels have free WiFi available. Cell service can be spotty in the parks, causing a serious drain on your phone battery. To save battery life, I often put my phone into Airplane Mode and just turn on the WiFi if I’m not expecting any calls.
- Shopping Delivery – If you’re staying at a Walt Disney World resort hotel, anything you purchase in the parks can be delivered to your hotel for free. This is not available on the last day of your trip, but for all other days, this free service sure beats carrying around what you bought all day! Similarly, each park has a package storage service for items purchased. (Temporarily unavailable.)
- Wake Up Call – Guests of Walt Disney World resort hotels can request a free wake up call from Mickey or Stitch on their hotel phone. Soon, the “Hey, Disney” Alexa service will be able to do even more than that.
- Luggage Storage & Transfer – If you’re staying at multiple hotels, Bell Services at your Walt Disney World resort hotel will transfer your bags. If your flight isn’t until late in the day on your day of departure, Bell Services will hold your bags. Tips are customary in both of these situations.
- Disney Vacation Club Member Perks – From “Welcome Home Wednesdays” to complimentary DVD rental, Disney Vacation Club members receive many unpublicized freebies, plus discounts and more. Check out our list of the Top 10 DVC Member Perks for the best benefits of being a DVC Member.
That wraps up our list of “free” things at Walt Disney World. In reality, much of this is likely built into the cost of a trip, so you’re technically paying for it one way or the other. However, these enhancements would normally cost money in other circumstances (even in some locations at Walt Disney World), so we’re considering them free–or “no added cost” offerings.
As mentioned above, depending upon your definition of free, there are many more (or far fewer?) things that are free at Walt Disney World. We’ve left off most of the regular park entertainment and standard hotel perks off the list as those are normal and to be expected. Ultimately, with all we spend on Walt Disney World vacations, it’s nice to see a list with so many things that are basically added bonuses. We think it really shows the way Disney goes above and beyond, and exemplifies one of the reasons we love traveling to Walt Disney World so much!
For where to eat, try out our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews page. If you want to save money on tickets or determine which type you should get, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at unconventional things you should take on your trip. Once you arrive at the parks, our Walt Disney World “Ride Guides”are great for determining what to do and when to do it. For overviews of all of these topics and so much more, the best place to start is our comprehensive Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide to make the most of your experience!
Your Thoughts
So that’s our list, what’s on YOUR list of the best free things at Walt Disney World? Any other tips or lost-cost options? Any questions about taking advantage of these Walt Disney World freebies? Hearing from you is half the fun–even when you disagree with us–so please share your thoughts in the comments!
Being cheeky about the Beverly. Meanie.
??? 😉
I’m a former Cast Member from Innoventions (Epcot). At the The Great Big Bank Adventure (Innoventions West) we gave stickers to kids (and some adults too) for free –it’s a great way to make kids stop crying when they have to say goodbye to Piggy.
Another freebie, from Innoventions East: on the paper venue, you can actually make a small piece of paper, stamp with Jiminy Cricket and take home! 🙂
Thank you for all the tips on the blog, I really like it! I’m planing a back-to-Disney trip and it’s been very useful!
The African cast members at Animal Kingdom Lodge also have trading cards with information about their native country. I love chatting with them about their lives back home and it’s a great little souvenir. Just ask for one.
Awesome–thanks for this tip!
Hi Tom – I’m new to your blog, but really like it. I know that if you stay at the Grand Californian at Disneyland, you can request free trivia challenges. When you turn them in, and if all your answers were correct, you receive a button corresponding to the ride the challenge was based on. Do they have anything like that at WDW? I love doing trivia challenges. Thanks!
I have never heard of such a thing at Walt Disney World, but then again, I had never heard of that at the Grand Californian until just now. Wouldn’t hurt to ask!
At the Art of Animation Resort there are trivia questions that they put up on a white board in the gift shop every morning. They are a lot of fun! If you get them both right you get some little Mickey Mouse stickers (like the old school ones) or other characters (I think we got a Simba at one point too). It’s just something fun to start the day!
Some examples are, “How many thing-a-ma-bobs does Ariel have” or “What’s the one thing Mufassa is afraid of” or “What was the first full-length animated movie from Disney” when I got that one right, the CM asked me what year it was released for bonus points. PSHAW! 🙂
Cool Runnings
Gary
Awesome, thanks for the tip!
Wilderness Lodge has a find the hidden mickeys search game for kids.
I’ll add one thing about your suggestions for Photopass: If you’re not too concerned about high resolution (i.e. being able to blow up a print to an 8×10 or larger size) then every picture you had taken with Photopass can be acquired with the help of a friend or relative that’s familiar with web development.
The photos you acquire for free are relatively small (jpegs ranging from 600k to 1MB in size) but are decent enough for sharing on Facebook or other social networks.
If you’re still looking to reproduce that image in print, you’re going to want to pay for the image.
Five things you missed:
1) Free passports are also available during the Flower and Garden Festival at EPCOT.
2) The Voices of Liberty performances at The American pavilion at EPCOT are NOT to be missed.
3) The Dapper Dans wander Main Street USA and perform some amazing barbershop harmonies.
4) Main Street USA transportation via bus, horse-drawn carriage, and other amazing vehicles.
5) Smiles! If you need one, just approach any cast member and flash one – You’re certain to get one in return.
Thanks! Items 2-4 are regular park entertainment that I wouldn’t consider “free” (anymore than being able to go line up for Space Mountain and ride it is free); now, if those performances weren’t regular (like the Epcot concerts), because seeing it would be a “bonus” that’s not regularly possible with park admission. Make sense?
Of course, that’s just my personal line in the sand. To each his own!
My daughter picked up a pocket full of free Mickey Mouse shaped confetti after the afternoon Magic Kingdom parade. It would make good scrapbooking material if you’re into that it.
That’s a great one, thanks!
You can ask for a bag of clean confetti from city hall at MK. Another “free” item.
GREAT IDEA!! We will be there in 75 days and can not wait!
A couple notes:
Water: That’s not really a Disney-only freebie, considering that in the US it’s illegal to charge for a cup of water.
Disney-Visa Cards: At the start of your visit, go to Downtown Disney’s Guest Relations near Arribas Brothers and Team Mickey and get your rewards card. It’ll net you free-ish parking and free-ish meals. I don’t think we’ve paid for either of those out-of-pocket in three years.
Art Classes: The classes are also offered (albeit on a tablet screen) at DisneyQuest.
Pilot Licenses: They also used to give them out to kids lucky enough to be sitting in the front cabin of the Monorails. Obviously, they don’t allow people up there anymore.
Wi-Fi: This isn’t an in-park freebie, but I recommend getting the My Disney Experience app. It’s useful as both a map and to know how wait times/Fastpasses are. iOS and Android.
That bit about charging for water being illegal is not true.
Thanks for the rest of the tips!
I have used the Disney Experience app and find it to be pretty useless. It’s the same info you can get on the website and from any cast member. A better app is the Lines app from TouringPlans.com. It’s updated by other users in real time. A few years ago, the wait time for Toy Story Mania at the entrance was for 90 minutes. The Lines app had just been updated at 40 minutes. (Trust me, that’s SHORT for this ride.) So, we snagged the opportunity! This ride also has great decor inside so the wait isn’t boring.
I’ve been charged for water many times. Many fast food restaurants, where I live, charge .25-.50 cents for ice water. I just left Vegas and many restaurants charged $1 for ice water.
Great tips. And I just wanted to say that, while I don’t share your disdain for DTD, I find the humor intended in every remark you make about it (or anything else we disagree on). Keep on keepin’ on!
As a previous poster mentioned above regarding the CAA, people who book a package with AAA here in the States get a parking placard that gets you free “Diamond” parking at the parks. I feel like this is a great value at some parks and not so much at others (and I am not sure how much this “free” perk is built into the price of the package (like how Magical Express is “free”). When we parked at Hollywood Studios, Epcot and Animal Kingdom I felt like it was a pretty sweet spot (we were in the first row of Epcot parking right by the turnstiles) but at the TTC parking lot to go to the MK we were still taking the tram and I didn’t feel like it saved that much time so it might not be so worth it if you are going to spend a lot of your time there (caveat is that our arrival at MK was the latest in the day we arrived at any of the parks so the spots in the early am might be a little better but you still have to wait for the various transportation vehicles anyway) . Also, keep in mind, this is only true if that parking is “available” at the time of your visit. I guess this means either if the slots are all filled or I guess this also gives Disney leeway to feel like they can reserve the right not to offer it at any given time. The areas shouldn’t shift too much from day to day as there are painted stripes on the ground they tell you to follow when you present the placard at the parking booths.
-Gary
Interesting stuff I’ve heard reference to this parking-perk before, but don’t know anyone who has made use of it–thanks for sharing!
There was a post a couple of months back on the WDWMAGIC forums about Elliot Dyson. Apparently his last performance at POFQ was in May.
Ahhh, well that stinks! Thanks for the info.
-gasp- NOT THE BEVERLY!!!
What… you don’t like the Beverly?!? 😉
Ungh The Beverly yikes …. we learned that lesson the hard way visiting Atlanta’s World of Coke… Cant believe people actually pay for the stuff!
I enjoy reading this blog and really appreciate all the great tips and knowledge you share of WDW but, often, your biased remarks can be off putting.
Calling a trip to Downtown Disney a “mistake” and referring to the performers booked for Food & Wine Festival as “washed up” are borderline insulting towards those of us who do enjoy going Downtown Disney (it certainly trumps visiting Monorail loop resorts) and actually like the entertainment lineup for F&W. I’ve read plenty of your articles and tweets and I get it, you loathe Downtown Disney. But there’s no need to constantly keep taking jabs at it. The majority of guests who visit DTD actually do like it, so I don’t think it’s fair for you to continuously paint it in such a negative light simply because it’s not your cup of tea.
Almost every post here is presented with my subjective take on things. I don’t think I really purport to be a “just the facts” type blogger. If readers are looking for cut and dry information, there are countless other blogs and Disney’s own site that do that far, far better than this blog.
To my recollection, I’ve only taken (offhand) jabs at Downtown Disney in three posts this year (although two of them are in the last week). Out of all the posts I’ve written, that’s not too many.
For what it’s worth, I don’t think that Downtown Disney just isn’t my cup of tea. I truly think it’s an overrated waste of time (although I am hopeful that Disney Springs will change this) for tourists with limited vacation time. To its credit, it has some unique dining, but it’s mostly just a mix of retail you can find in the real world and Disney stores with merchandise you can find in the parks. Couple that with the commute time to get there and back, and it’s not a place that I would recommend visiting. I love Earl of Sandwich and a few locations at Downtown Disney, but overall, I don’t think there’s enough of a draw there to make visiting worthwhile. By contrast, the monorail resorts have countless restaurants, lounges, and details that are distinctly “Disney,” and really make them fun to visit–for me.
My opinions are just that: mine. It doesn’t mean they are right, or even popular opinion, but I’m not going to refrain from sharing them on my blog. I have open comments on this blog, and those who disagree with me are more than welcome to present their reasoned cases for why they enjoy visiting Downtown Disney. I have absolutely no issue with that, and the only time I ever remove comments is if they’re vulgar or spam (usually that’s one in the same!).
As for my comment about F&WF performers being “washed up,” you’re absolutely right. That was out of line and disrespectful. Sorry about that, and I’ll remove that remark from the article.
I know what you mean about DTD. We used to go spend a lot of time there 10 years ago but now I’m like “meh, what are we going to do other than eat?” The kids like Rainforest, House of Blues, and Splitsville, so they usually involve a trip to Ghirardeli for a chocolate afterward, and maybe once a trip, a walk through WoD store, but usually because we saw something elsewhere and we want to see if we can get it there with the 10% discount. I feel like there is a huge untapped potential at DTD that Disney is missing out on, both in food and entertainment.
I think DTD has it’s place. I’ll be at WDW a Sunday through Saturday this year. Being that I have the FR Weekday Select Pass, I won’t be in the parks on Sunday night, so why not check in to POFQ and take the boat to check out DTD?
We usually visit DTD just to get the VISA discount at WoD and to shop at the Christmas store. Although, the Christmas store has been soooo disappointing the last few times, the ornaments don’t seem to change much from year to year. As a rule, we try to avoid DTD after 4:30pm. That seems to be the time that everyone and their mother heads over, looking for a place to eat dinner. One minute you have plenty of space, the next you’re dodging dazed vacationers and trying not to get separated from your party. It’s like instant stress and really brings the party down.
Meh, it’s just an opinion. I personally like walking around the shops with my mom when I visit Downtown Disney, but I don’t think it’s a “must-do”. In any case, this is an opinion blog and not everyone is going to feel the same way. I think Tom is very entitled to write however he feels about a subject.
Never heard the transportation trading cards one!! May have to pick those up for my godsons this trip…
And boy howdy, what have you got against DTD? I LOVE it – it’s the way I kick off my trip. (Altho, I guess I can see it if you live there and go all the time……but, still….)
I just don’t think there’s anything unique or special about Downtown Disney as it currently exists.
Make sure you ask for Transportation Cards from a variety of different drivers– My son has been collecting these for years & has a ton of cards including monoral, bus, and even water taxi! The drivers have the cards for the mode of transportation they are driving. Sometimes you will get a really extra nice cast member who will give you several at a time.
The transportation trading cards were a huge hit with our son, who was 8 during our last visit. We just missed the boat to our cabin at Fort Wilderness and we were all feeling tired and disappointed to have to wait. The next boat captain arrived for his shift and noticed this immediately. He took out a deck of these cards and told our son all about them and how he could collect them during our stay. The whole episode is still one of our favorite magic memories. The wait for the next boat passed quickly and happily for all of us thanks to that nice captain! Our son still has the cards, too.
This is so helpful! We leave in 2 weeks & can’t wait to take advantage of these freebies!! Thanks.
I always stay on property but the free parking at Downtown Disney sounds like a decent idea on a day when you are touring EPCOT. Taking a bus to an EPCOT resort and then a short walk to the back entrance wouldn’t be too big of a time commitment.
I’m actually a Cast Member at WDW so free parking (or even admission) isn’t an issue in my case but I will point out that anyone can visit any of the WDW resorts for free and there’s no time limit at all.
Whenever I have friends and family down here on vacation I always encourage them to visit any of the resorts (some are well worth checking out – especially during Christmas) and then take a resort bus (or boat, or monorail) to whatever park they’re visiting that day. And in some cases it’s even less of a hassle, as is the case when visiting the Polynesian or Contemporary resorts. After you’re done touring the grounds, a quick ride on the monorail will have you at the Magic Kingdom entrance and you will have actually spent less time getting from your car to the park entrance than if you would have parked at the MK guest parking lot.
You can read between the lines… And like Tom pointed out, Disney certainly has the way of preventing this. Asking guests for their resort keys (just like they do during Extra Magical Hours at the parks) prior to getting on a bus/boat/monorail would easily “fix” this situation if they were truly concerned about it.
Haha, I love it. A wink, wink, nod, nod tip! 🙂
It boggles my mind to see all the venom spewed over some of these “moral” issues in Disney forums. I can’t say any exploitation of the various loopholes really bothers me. It’s Disney’s revenue to lose/gain.
Depending on when you go, us non CMs have to sometimes get a little “loose” with why we’re visiting a few resorts. Getting past the guards at Boardwalk or Contemporary and not feel like you’re crossing the DMZ gives you butterflies. Quite often at BW they’ll direct you across the street to the CM lot behind Hess. And sneaking past the guard at Contemporary, walking to MK, wearing the same shirt you JUST drove through the guard shack and said “um yes, we’re going to Chef Mickey’s” gets your heart racing. Many times they have signs up at BW, BC, YC saying “Due to a high traffic weekend. Resort guest Parking Only!” I’m sure that turns many away from even trying.
That’s actually not a bad idea. assuming you don’t have ethical qualms with doing it!
I ordered the parks map about 4 years ago and I never ever got them. I wonder if anyone else has had this problem?
Everything that Disney is supposed to send me is pretty hit or miss (Mickey Monitor, Disney Files, etc.). Not surprised that you didn’t get them. Just give it another try!
I also ordered the free maps 3 months ago and have not received them
we are planning a WDW trip in Oct. of this year and I cant seem to find a website on how to order the free park maps of all 4 parks. Have the maps changed due to the remodeling of all the parks or would it be best for me to just wait until we get to WDW and get a map?
From what I understand, they no longer offer them.
Great list. On our last trip two weeks ago, we stopped into the Confectionary to browse. As we wandered towards the CM making cotton candy we noticed a small sign in his window with “Today’s Password.” We said it aloud ( Rock-n-Roll Pluto) and were immediately awarded with a HUGE sampling of cotton candy! What a great, unexpected treat.
That’s awesome–I’ve never seen a “password” sign like that! Thanks for the tip!
If you purchase your Disney vacation through CAA in Canada, you get preferred parking spots depending on availability. Also, in Epcot, a Disney character will read a story to a small group of children. Two years ago, Mary Poppins read a story to about 10-15 kids, including my two kids. It was great for my kids. They loved it.
Great list! I knew most of these, but the trading cards on Disney transportation is definitely new to me.
I’d second the “duh” suggestion of Parks maps and the like. In the digital age, it’s easy to forgo the paper maps and show schedules. But we recently were showing the maps and such from our 1996 trip to our daughter and it was a lot of fun to look back through them and see what has changed. (It was less fun to look back and compare the price of park tickets from then!)