Disney vacations are never cheap, but finding ways to add to the value with free stuff is always
part of the fun! Despite Walt Disney World’s well-earned reputation for being very expensive,
there are quite a few ways you can get more for your money if you know what’s free at Disney
World. Some things are free with park admission, some require hotel reservations. Other things
are just free, no matter what!
Getting More From Your Disney Vacation
Disney Springs and Resort Parking
First off, let’s talk about how much it costs to park your car. If you said nothing, you are most
likely right! Parking at Disney World isn’t free in all cases, but it very often is and free parking is
likely to apply to you in most or all cases during your Walt Disney World vacation. Disney
Springs parking for instance is always free, even to day visitors. Hotel parking is also free. If you
are an overnight guest at the hotel, overnight parking is now free as well. Theme parks still
charge for parking, but the parking fee is waived for resort guests.
Birthday Freebies
If it’s your birthday, you can get a lot for free. Some of it may just be random magic performed at the whim of a Disney cast member. There are other times when you can expect a freebie or two as you celebrate your special day. Many restaurants offer a free dessert in the form of a simple sundae or cupcake. Of course, you can also splurge on a celebratory custom cake as well if you want to go in the opposite direction.
Getting free things for your birthday is tradition, especially if you have the apps. Disney Springs
locations such as Starbucks and Earl of Sandwich can be counted among the “free at
Disney World” offerings if you have joined their customer programs. You can view the Disney
Springs directory to find stores and restaurants you have accounts with and take advantage of
all their special offers while you are on your Disney vacation.
At The Counter
When you check in there are often a variety of freebies you can claim. There are always fun
things for kids including balloons and activity books. Some hotels like Wilderness Lodge offer
scavenger hunts. There are also free hotel tours that you can take on a day when you are taking
a break from the parks.
Each resort is a little bit different. Check with your hotel to see what free activities are available.
Remember, you can also resort hop for free, which means you can take advantage of free
transportation and visit any resort you want to do other free activities. These may include
movies under the stars, and marshmallow roasts. Pool activities, however, are exclusive to
hotel guests.
Activities with Free Souvenirs
There are also in-park activities that include souvenirs. Some interactive games have a fee, but
many don’t. You can be a Wilderness Explorer and gather badges at Animal Kingdom, You can
do Kidcot activities at EPCOT all around the World Showcase for fun collector cards. You can
even ask for free transportation collectors cards as you use the various transit systems for free
at Disney World.
A few places in Disney World even provide complimentary art classes. Animal Kingdom is one
(with admission). Art of Animation Resort offers an animation experience for free even if you are not a guest. If you are visiting during EPCOT’s Festival of the Arts, there is another in-park
offering of Animation Academy.
More things that are Free at Disney World
As you stay on the watch for anything free at Disney World, remember you can always turn
down the Dasani and ask for a water cup instead at counter service locations. You should also
get your complimentary celebration buttons as a free souvenir, and to enhance your odds of
getting other random free stuff. Remember too, that you don’t have to pay for the free version of Disney Genie if you want to use the app’s complimentary features while you visit the parks.
Another known freebie is using a Travel Agent that specializes in Disney. Yes, Travel Agents are free, or at least I am. I am also known to give gift cards to my clients for booking with me. So there is another great freebie to use in the parks. I also have a referral program where I give gift cards for referring me to new clients and onboard credit for booking a Disney Crusie.
Need more help to plan your next trip to Disney or just want to talk or ask a question email me at rebecca.bryant@academytravel.com. I am here to help make your next trip as stress-free as possible plus my services are 100% free. No strings attached no obligation.
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