With everything going on in the world right now, we are definitely going to be looking for ways to save money. And who doesn’t like free souvenirs?
Luckily, there are many ways you can still have a magical time at Walt Disney World without having to take out your wallet.
So many things at Walt Disney World are worth the price. But, with these free souvenirs and experiences, you won’t have to pay a penny.
35 Free Souvenirs and Experiences
Outside of the Parks
As magical as the Parks are, there are some equally magical things to do outside of the Parks.
Disney Springs
Since Disney Springs is a giant shopping center, it is completely free. That’s why I love going to Disney Springs the day we arrive to Walt Disney World.
It’s the perfect way to spend our first day at Disney. We try to get the earliest flight into Orlando. While many would take this as an opportunity to go right to the Parks, we tend to take things a little slower. That 3AM wake up call catches up to us real fast.
We love seeing all of the new Disney merchandise. But, there’s a few more reasons we love Disney Springs.
Ghiradelli Chocolate
We have to walk over to Ghiradelli every time we’re in Disney Springs. Of course the treats they serve are delicious. But, even if you don’t buy anything, each time you walk in, you will be given a square of free chocolate.
Admittedly, I am not a huge chocolate fanatic. I’d rather have a fruity treat. But, there’s something about those little squares of chocolate that makes me smile.
Basin
Once you finish eating your chocolate, head over to Basin. They have the most amazing Salt and Sugar scrubs. One could argue that going into a store and testing their scrubs isn’t exactly unique.
But, it is free. And since it’s something that I like to do each time we’re in Disney Springs, I absolutely consider it a free activity to do at Disney.
Entertainment
The entertainment is one of my favorite things I love about going to Disney Springs. The musicians are so talented. And while they don’t always play Disney music, I can’t help but smile when they do.
Transportation
Ok…so maybe the bus isn’t the most exciting thing in the world. But, the Walt Disney World Monorail is iconic. And there’s nothing more relaxing than a nice ferry ride.
But, one of the most asked questions I get is if it costs anything to ride on the Disney Skyliner.
And the answer is No. The Skyliner is a mode of transportation. So, just like the bus, monorail, and ferry, you can ride it as much as you’d like without spending a penny.
Trading Cards
If you ask the right Cast Member, they may have a Trading card for that specific mode of transportation. It may take a few tries, since not every Cast Member carries them.
But, if you can find one, you have yourself some awesome free souvenirs.
Nighttime Spectaculars
Electrical Water Pageant
If you’ve ever left Magic Kingdom at night and saw a cute little parade of lights on the water, then you’ll know what this is.
It makes its way around Bay Lake, so even if you’re standing by the water at one of the area Resorts, you can see it go by.
And since this cute little underappreciated show has been around for decades, it stirs up quite a bit of emotion among Guests who have been traveling to Walt Disney World for awhile.
Fireworks
The truth is, you don’t even need to be in the Parks to see the Fireworks.
There are many places around Walt Disney World Property where the fireworks can be seen from outside of the Parks. At many Resorts, the music is also piped in. How magical is that?
Free Souvenirs and Experiences Inside the Parks
Water
It’s not exactly a secret, but Disney gives out Free ice water at any Quick Service location.
Since it’s extremely easy to get dehydrated in the Florida heat, we make sure to bring a water bottle with us to fill up multitple times per day.
Fastpasses
There are still many Guests who are surprised to hear that Fastpasses are completely free with the purchase of your Theme Park Ticket.
Attractions, Shows, and Meet and Greets all have Fastpass+. So, make a plan and use them to your advantage.
Celebration Pins
If you’re celebrating a Birthday, Anniversary, or just about any other reason you can think of, be sure to grab a Free Celebration Pin.
Wearing a pin does draw some attention to you. Cast Members may wish you Happy Birthday, Happy Anniversary, etc.
In certain circumstances, wearing a pin may also result in a treat of some kind.
But, remember…these are Free Pins. So, Guests can grab a birthday pin, even if it’s not really their birthday. So, don’t expect a treat every time you wear one.
Photos Taken By PhotoPass Photographers
Memory Maker is a paid Photo Package you can purchase to capture those special moments on vacation.
However, PhotoPass photographers will take the very same pictures using your camera. If they see your camera ready to go, they may automatically ask for it.
But, if they don’t, all you need to do is ask. They’re more than happy to take your photo.
The only thing that PhotoPass Photographers can’t do with your camera is take MagicShots.
First Aid
There’s a number of ailments that may affect your ability to have a magical time.
Gift shops sell travel sized medications and bandages. But, if there’s something that ails you, you can head to the First Aid Center. They have band-aids, pain relievers, nausea medication, and other items to make you feel better.
If it’s a more serious illness, Disney will help you get to the nearest doctor.
Play Disney App
Even with Fastpass+, the lines can get pretty long. Enter the Play Disney App.
Earn achievements, listen to music, play with interactive items, and compete with other Guests in line for the highest score.
It’s a great way to keep your mind off of the 120 minute wait in line for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. And best of all, it’s completely free.
Epcot
Kidcot
Each country around the World Showcase has a small area for kids to do a little craft and learn a little bit about the country they’re in.
They’re great free souvenirs and your child gets the opportunity to learn from Cast Members that live in those countries.
Concerts
Are you a fan of music? Various Festivals throughout the year host concerts in the American Pavilion.
And best of all, no extra ticket is required.
Disney Chase Visa Exclusive Meet and Greet
If you have a Disney Chase Visa Card, you have the opportunity to get a private Meet and Greet.
And from what we are told, this exclusive meet and greet includes a free printed PhotoPass photo. What a great souvenir!
DuckTales World Showcase Adventure
Fans of the Disney Phineas and Ferb: Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure were sad when they heard that Disney was closing to make way for a new DuckTales scavenger hunt.
DuckTales may not be open yet. But, we’re sure it will be just as fun.
Magic Kingdom
Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom
Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom is a Free Game that you can play throughout Magic Kingdom. But in order to play, you need your Spell Cards. Luckily, getting these spells cards is absolutely free.
Each Guest can get one free pack of cards per day from the Firehouse on Main Street.
If you get duplicates, there is a Cast Member outside of the firehouse ready to trade for some better (and different) spells. How is that for magically free souvenirs?
Pixie Dust
We could all use a little bit of Pixie Dust in our lives.
Luckily, even if you’re not getting a haircut or a makeover, you can still get some Free Pixie Dust for your hair. Just visit the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or the Harmony Barber Shop.
Treats
If you happen to be in the right place at the right time, you may get to sample some of Disney’s yummiest treats. Cast Members will periodically pop up with some sample treats for Guests passing by.
Attending one of Disney’s Hard Ticketed Events? You’ll quite possibly get more free treats than you can possibly eat in one night.
Go on a Pirate Quest
A Pirate’s Adventure ~ Treasures of the Seven Seas is an interactive game that can be played in Adventureland.
You have 5 missions to complete. Once you finish, you’ll receive a special card, signed by Captain Jack Sparrow himself.
While it’s not guaranteed, Guests have been known to also receive a free Fastpass+ for Pirates of the Caribbean for completing their mission.
Animal Kingdom
Earn your Wilderness Explorers Badge
Pick up your Wilderness Explorers Field Guide and begin your quest to get all 30 badges.
The best thing about this adventure is that it’s self-guided, so you can go at your own pace. If you don’t finish your adventure during your vacation, you can easily pick up where you left off the next time you’re at Animal Kingdom.
Hollywood Studios
Join the Jedi Academy
This is where the smallest Jedis have their chance to defeat Star Wars’ greatest villains. Children must be between the ages of 4 and 12 to participate and they will receive a Jedi Training Certificate for completing their Training.
Participation is free, but spots fill up fast. So, be prepared to arrive to Hollywood Studios well before opening.
Around the Resorts
MagicBands
When you book a Disney Package, you receive a complimentary solid-colored MagicBand. Select your favorite color on the My Disney Experience app and Disney will ship your MagicBand shortly before your trip begins.
to be shipped to your house before your trip. You just need to go onto My Disney Experience and let Disney know which color your want and verify the address you want them to send the MagicBands to.
New in 2019, you can also get character bands. While these aren’t free, one can be added to your package at a great discount.
Magical Express
Flying to the Orlando International Airport? If you’re staying at one of Walt Disney World’s Resorts, you are entitled to a completely free shuttle ride.
With all of the free transportation that Disney provides around Walt Disney World Property, there’s no need to rent a car.
Refillable Mug
When you purchase a Disney Dining Plan, you receive 1 Refillable mug per Guest.
This mug entitles you to to free refills on soda, coffee, water, and hot chocolate at any Resort on Walt Disney World property throughout your vacation.
Theme Park Parking
As of 2018, Guests with a car now has to pay an overnight Parking fee at their Resort (Starting at $15/night).
But, parking at the Theme Parks is still a free perk for Guests staying on Walt Disney World Property.
Even with the overnight charges, considering that Guests staying off-site have Parking fees starting at $25 per day (not per Park), I still consider this a great perk.
Movies under the stars
Each night, the Resorts play Disney movies outside on inflatable screens. This is a great way to relax after a long day walking around the Parks.
However, this activity does depend on good weather. So, if it’s raining, there’s a good chance this will be cancelled.
Character Wake Up Call
Need to be up early? Schedule a wake-up call from a Disney character. Is there any better way to wake up?
Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-Along
Taking place at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground, this completely free show is a great way to see Chip and Dale, sing songs, and eat s’mores.
You may bring your own s’mores or you can purchase some from the Chuckwagon Snack Bar.
Guided Tour
Many know of the expensive Tours. But, there are a few Guided Tours that are absolutely Free!
Wonders of the Wilderness Lodge Tour, Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Culinary Tour, and the Sanaa Cultural Tour are just a few. Don’t let the price fool you. These tours are just as amazing as any of the paid Tours.
Curious about some of the non-free Guided Tours in Walt Disney World? Check them out on Walt Disney World’s Website. You’ll be surprised how many start at just $25 per adult.
Park Maps
To some, it may sound silly to think of a Park map as a free souvenir. But, I love to pick them up each time we’re in the Parks.
It’s interesting to see how the Parks have changed over the years. And if we have extras, DIY Park Map Magnets are super easy to make.
Learn to Draw
As someone who has always had an appreciation for the arts, I love these little free classes. Classes only run about 30 minutes, so it’s easy to fit one into your busy vacation planning.
Can’t make it to these classes? Disney Parks Blog has also put together a library of videos to teach you how to draw some of your favorite Disney characters.
See Exotic Animals
Animal Kingdom Lodge is the home to some pretty extraordinary animal native to Aftica, such as the kudu giraffe, zebra, and ankole cattle.
Grab a rocker and watch these amazing animals roam the Savannas. If you visit Animal Kingdom Lodge at night, you can also watch them through a pair of night vision goggles.
Boardwalk Entertainment
Located between Epcot’s International Gateway Entrance and Hollywood Studios lies the Boardwalk.
The Disney Skyliner takes central stage these days. But, if you’re not in a rush, take a leisurely stoll down to the Boardwalk.
Street performers, magicians, and street musicians give the Boardwalk a fun, festival feel.
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