COMPLETELY FREE THINGS AT DISNEY WORLD

When you think of a Disney World vacation, the first word that comes to mind might be expensive. So, you’re looking for some free things at Disney World. I don’t blame you; we would all like to save a few dollars for a Disney vacation!

1. CELEBRATION BUTTONS

Let’s start with the one you might already know about: celebration buttons. Make sure to pick up a celebration button if you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, honeymoon, or another special event.

You may get additional freebies by having a celebration button, and you may not. Don’t ask Cast Members for magical extras, because you won’t get them. That’s what makes them magical!

2. KIDS UNDER 3

Children under 3 are free at Disney World. You don’t have to pay for a ticket for any children under 3, which is helpful if you have a 2-year-old who can ride the rides and enjoy themselves.

3. DINING FOR KIDS UNDER 3

Children under three years of age can also dine for free at Disney World. They can eat off their parent’s plates, and many restaurants also give them a drink – completely free! This is a massive advantage at a buffet.

4. WIFI

Wi-Fi is free throughout Disney World parks and Disney World resorts. It isn’t always fantastic in the parks, but it is free.

5. MEETING CHARACTERS*

Meeting characters at Disney World is entirely free in some scenarios. Yes, there are times when you need a dining reservation, etc., to meet a character, but many characters’ meet-and-greets are free. Meeting characters wasn’t a thing for quite some time due to social distancing, but it’s back now!

7. CHARACTER AUTOGRAPHS

Character autographs are another favorite for Disney World guests, and free! Make sure to bring an autograph book and some Sharpies. Sharpies are easier for characters to hold.

8. VISTING DISNEY WORLD RESORTS

You can use Disney transportation (including the fun, free Disney Skyliner) to visit resorts, even if you aren’t staying there. Some of the high-end resorts may not allow you to park without a dining reservation, but you can take Disney Transporation or another form of transportation to those resorts.

9. VIEWING ANIMALS AT ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE

Seeing animals at Animal Kingdom Lodge is one example of something you can do at a resort without being a resort guest. You can head over to the Animal Kingdom to take a look at the animals from one of the many viewing locations. Checking out the animals is a great thing to do if you plan a day away from the parks.

10. FIREWORKS, PARADES, AND SHOWS

While there are some separately ticketed events, the fireworks and shows at Disney World are absolutely free. Fireworks and parades are some of the favorites of the free things to do at Disney World. Make sure to check out which shows are available during your stay. You can check the times of fireworks, parades, and shows in the My Disney Experience app.

11. TRANSPORTATION TRADING CARDS

This is one of those free things at Disney World that’s a little lesser-known. Disney has trading cards for various types of transportation; make sure to ask for one.

12. SORCERERS AT THE MAGIC KINGDOM

Visit the Firehouse on Main Street at the Magic Kingdom to sign up and receive free key cards.

13. DRAWING LESSONS

The Art of Animation Resort and the Conservation Station in the Animal Kingdom both offer free art lessons daily. You do not have to stay at either resort to participate, and it’s a lot of fun for the whole family.

15. WATER

I’ve talked about this in my Disney World hacks, but remember that water is always free at Disney World. There’s no need to spend $4-$5 on bottled water. You can request a cup of water at any counter-service restaurant. If you bring a reusable bottle, they are not allowed to fill it but will give you enough cups of water to fill it yourself.

16. PHOTOPASS PHOTOS FROM CAST MEMBERS

Yes, you can sign up for a PhotoPass, but did you know that the cast member or helper will take a photo with your phone? All you have to do is ask.

18. STICKERS

If you’re lucky, you might score some free stickers at Disney World. You can often find stickers at the Disney Vacation Club kiosks. Many Cast Members also have stickers and might offer them to younger guests.

20. HIDDEN MICKEY SCAVENGER HUNTS

There are two free Hidden Mickey Scavenger Hunts at Wilderness Lodge. You do not have to be a guest to participate in the scavenger hunts.

FREE THINGS AT DISNEY WORLD FOR DISNEY RESORT GUESTS

While there are plenty of free things at Disney World for everyone, there are even more for resort guests.

21. TRANSPORATION

Disney World Resort guests can enjoy complimentary transportation to and from the airports and throughout the parks. Don’t forget to get your free transportation trading cards, too (#11.)

22. MAGICBANDS

MagicBands are available for everyone, but Disney Resort guests get them for free. There is a small charge for personalized bands, but the basic MagicBands are complimentary for resort guests.

23. RESORT ACTIVITIES

Make sure to check the activity calendar when you check into your resort. Disney Resorts are regularly adding activities for resort guests, which is perfect for a resort day away from the theme parks.

24. YOGA

The Caribbean Beach Resort offers free yoga. It is first come, first serve, but check it out if you love yoga.

25. LUGGAGE STORAGE

I am like a broken record when I tell you DO NOT LEAVE VALUABLES IN YOUR RENTAL CAR, I know. However, if you’re a Disney World resort guest, you don’t have to worry about it! Disney Resorts will hold your luggage for you even after you check out, which is excellent for those who have flights that don’t leave until the evening. While you’re planning your vacation, check out all the cute Disney luggage for your trip!