Walt Disney World in Florida is many things to many people, but free usually isn't what most people think of when they visit the "happiest place on earth." Gift shops that are located at the exit of park rides are filled with high-priced merchandise, and food vendors sell expensive menu items; making getting a bargain at Disney World difficult to imagine. However, there are a few ways to take advantage of freebies at the world's most popular theme park resort.
Guest Services isn't one of the stops on most family itineraries, but perhaps it should be. Each of the parks has one of these offices and if anyone in your party is celebrating something special on the trip, then you should definitely stop by.
Those celebrating a birthday, anniversary or even a first visit to Walt Disney World can pick up a free commemorative pin that is personalized. This trinket will act as a souvenir that you actually didn't have to pay for, and it will alert all of the park staff of your special status. Your child will be impressed if she has her birthday pin on, because she will probably have many of the staff members coming over to call her by name and to wish her a happy birthday. The same goes for those in your party who are visiting for the first time. Staffers will go out of their way to welcome you and let you know how glad they are that you finally came to Disney World.
Pick up a free map at the entrance of the Animal Kingdom Park and find one of the six locations for the Kids Discovery Club. At these special locations youngsters can pick up a Kids Discovery Club Passport and visit all six of the locations where they will get to participate in a fun and educational activity, according to WDWInsiders.com. They will get their passport stamped for completing the activities. Collect all six and there will be a special prize for them to take home on the way out--and it won't cost a penny.
It costs a significant amount of money to get your family to Walt Disney World, get the hotel and buy park tickets. Once all of that money is spent, you still have to eat. If you've ever been to Disney World, you already know that eating here isn't cheap. But it can be completely free if you book the right package at the right time.
According to MouseSavers.com, guests can enjoy free dining when they book a full price Walt Disney World vacation package for at least three nights during selected times of the year. Traditionally, Walt Disney World offers this package perk in the late summer and early fall each year. Check with your travel agent or visit Disneyworld.com to see if they have elected to offer it at other times.
Plan a trip to Walt Disney World during a birthday and you'll get in for free. This promotion allows guests planning to visit Walt Disney World in the future to register their birthday online at the Disney World website and print off a confirmation letter. Bring this confirmation letter along with a photo ID (birth certificate for little ones) and you'll receive a one-day, single park ticket free of charge, according to DisneyWorldHandbook.com.
