FREE things at Disney!

Part of this blog's purpose is to share how you can save money at Disney. While there is a price tag attached to most things related to a vacation, you'll be surprised at the free and (very) cheap deals you can find if you know where to look. I'm going to break these items down by park to eliminate any confusion.

BOTH RESORTS

• It's a well-known, but highly under utilized, fact that you can bring your own snacks into the parks. At over $2 per bottle, it is definitely recommended that you bring your own water or other beverages. Keeping food on-hand is also a good idea, especially if you prefer to eat light or healthy. Disney has many fresh fruit options and other healthy alternatives but you'll need to find a kiosk specializing in those items or a quick-service location with the healthy choices listed.

• If it's your first trip to the park, or you are celebrating a special occasion, be sure to tell a cast member at the front of the park and they'll get you a nifty pin to commemorate the occasion. It's free! 

• Souvenir penny machines are fun for kids and typically cost less than a dollar to use. Both Disneyland and Disney World have these machines located all over the parks so keep an eye out if this is something you collect.

• Visit the resort hotels. This probably sounds weird - I know I was skeptical before I did it myself. This is a great practice to make if you're interested in staying at a specific hotel sometime in the future but want to check it out first. It's also a fantastic way to find great restaurants and keep the family moving on an adventure of exploration. The Disney hotels are themed incredibly well so you'll be sure to find new, fun decor at each location.

• Venture to Downtown Disney. Sure, it's a hub of shopping and entertainment but it's also a fun area with FREE live music and street performances. 

• You don't need a Disney-branded signature book to meet the characters and obtain their autographs. Bring your own notebook or a blank t-shirt/hat to create your own keepsake. 

• Pin trading has an initial cost but can be free once you've built up a collection - just walk up to any cast member with pins and offer to trade! Note: beware of eBay and other discount retail or bidding sites. Your pins must be authentic in order to trade.

• Ride the monorail! It's included in your park ticket, so why not take advantage of the one place you can sit for more than 3 minutes and let your family enjoy the view. This is a wonderful way to take a break without your kids realizing it's a break :)

DISNEY WORLD

• Head over to the Boardwalk where you can watch live street performances or enjoy inexpensive snacks from the To-Go Cart (think corn dogs, fried ravioli, mozzarella sticks).

• If you have a vehicle, take a 20 minute drive to the Disney Wilderness Preserve. Admission is free (donations accepted) and you can enjoy the 2 1/2 mile nature trail while observing plants and animals.

• Epcot is an extra special place to find great souvenirs for children because they have a program - dubbed Kidcot - with 11 stops around the World Showcase that feature arts and crafts.

• Visit the Disney Character Warehouse at the Orlando Premium Outlets for closeout prices on park souvenirs! This store is owned and operated by Disney so you are guaranteed to be purchasing actual Disney merchandise. T-shirts can be found for as cheap as $8-$10 each - compared to $20+ at the parks, that's a steal!

• Attend the Animation Academy at Hollywood Studios and learn how to draw your favorite Disney characters. Admission is free and you can take your sketch home as a nice souvenir (and memory!)

• The LEGO store mini model event occurs once a month and offers a free mini model to participants. Check the LEGO site for specific dates. 

DISNEYLAND

• The Anaheim Garden Walk is right down the road on Katella Avenue and boasts a movie theater, several restaurants, and plenty of retail shops. It's a great outdoor mall with plenty to do and see.

• California Screamin' in Disney's California Adventure offers a discounted picture after the ride - for only $1, you can have a digital copy of the picture sent to your phone or email.

• The Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop offers a free sample of Ghirardelli chocolate to any person that enters the shop.

• The Boudin Bakery in Disney's California Adventure offers a free bakery tour and a sample of fresh sourdough bread. The tour lasts about 10 minutes and typically isn't crowded.

• The performers in New Orleans Square in Disneyland typically hand out free Mardi Gras beads for kids enjoying the music.

• Shrunken Ned and Pirate Red cards can be obtained from the fun machines located in South Sea Traders (Adventureland) and Pieces of Eight shop (New Orleans Square) for 50 cents each. These machines feature an animated figure that talks or sings and then gives out a collectible card.

Feel free to share your free or cheap tips so we can all save money on our next Disney trip!