Disney Freebies

Few vacation destinations are as magical as Walt Disney World, and few require as much advance planning. Between figuring out which theme park tickets to purchase, how to use Genie+ and Lightning Lane, where you’ll dine, and how to keep everyone from having a major meltdown in the middle of Main Street U.S.A., it can be an exercise in frustration if you’re not prepared with shortcuts and sanity-saving insights. 

 

That’s where Walt Disney World Hacks, 2nd Edition comes in, teaching you tips and tricks that will smooth the path and lead to magical memories. Even those who “wing it” will benefit from a few good hacks that will help make the most of their visit, like the free stuff you can score at Disney. Along with Mickey stickers and the ever-popular Kidcot Fun Stops throughout World Showcase in EPCOT, where kids receive a craft item they can decorate in each country, there are lots of little freebies to watch for. 

 

Buttons 

The best free item you can get in each of the four Disney parks are the “celebration” buttons found at Guest Services (City Hall at Magic Kingdom). These pin-on buttons highlight special dates such as anniversaries, birthdays, first visits, and the catch-all “I’m Celebrating.” Why are they the best? Because they lead to lots of well-wishes from Cast Members, and they occasionally result in another freebie such as a cupcake or a front-row seat on Soarin’ Around the World. 

 

When Magic Kingdom is busy, you’ll often see a Cast Member from the Main Street Confectionery standing outside with a tray of small samples, such as cookies, candy, sweet drinks, ice cream, or cotton candy, for a magical treat as you start your walk down Main Street. If there’s nobody outside when you pass by, pop into the shop and see if they’re offering samples inside. 

 

Sample Coca-Cola beverages from around the world at Club Cool in World Celebration at EPCOT. Self-serve dispensers allow guests to try unusual sodas from eight countries, including oddities such as Bon Bon Anglais from Madagascar, Country Club Merengue from Dominican Republic, Minute Maid Joy Apple Lychee from Korea, Royal Wattamelon from the Philippines, Smart Sour Plum from China, Sprite Cucumber from Russia, and Viva Raspberry from Moldova.  

 

Disney Springs has some of the best restaurants on-site, but whether you dine there and are too full for more than a small treat for dessert, or if you’re just wandering around and a chocolate craving takes hold, Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop hands out free chocolate squares. They’re just a one- or two-bite square, perfect for keeping your sweet tooth at bay. 

 

Each of the Disney Deluxe and Moderate resorts offers evening campfires, weather and seasonal conditions permitting, with activities, sing-alongs, possibly a character or two, and that quintessential campfire family favorite: marshmallow roasting. All Disney resort guests can join in, and it’s even more fun when you make a night of it by staying out for another freebie, Movies Under the Stars. All movies are family-friendly Disney and Pixar films, and it’s okay to hop to a resort other than your own if it’s showing one of your favorites, or if your own resort’s movie is one you’ve already seen.