A Disney vacation is an investment and while there is a perfect vacation package for every guest and every budget, it can be nice to get a couple of freebies. Just like no one does an immersive, unique vacation experience like Disney, no one does freebies quite like Disney. Here are ten of MousePros Agent Susan Pitzer's favorite freebies (in no particular order) that guests can take advantage of throughout the Walt Disney World® Resort!
1. Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom
Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom is a free, interactive scavenger hunt that guests can play throughout the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World®! The goal is to hunt and stop Disney villain Hades from retrieving 4 missing shards to reassemble Merlin's Crystal of the Magic Kingdom. You can join in the fun by visiting the Firehouse on Main Street U.S.A. to obtain a Sorcerer Key Card, Merlin's mystical map, spell cards, and training on how to unlock the Magic Portals and complete the 9 quests. This can be quite the adventure, with each quest lasting between 20 and 30 minutes, so be sure time to dedicate to completing the missions.
(Photo Credit: MousePros Agent Susan Pitzer)
2. Night Vision Viewing at Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village
For a unique nighttime experience, head over to Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village. Cast Members will be stationed near the pool with night vision goggles and will help you use them to see the animals roaming the savanna. This experience is open anyone including guests that are staying offsite.
3. Culinary Tours at Animal Kingdom Lodge
Another unique experience for all Walt Disney World® guests are the free culinary tours at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. Guests can enjoy a 30 minute tour of the table service restaurant Sanaa, or a 30 minute combined tour of signature dining restaurant Jiko and a buffet style restaurant Boma. You'll be guided by a Cultural Representative who will share information about the restaurants' decor, layout, menu, and even free samples of dishes being prepared for that night's dinner. Tours happen daily at 4pm, however it’s a good idea to check the Animal Kingdom Lodge activity guide for the week to verify tour start times.
4. Agent P's World Showcase Adventure
This interactive, smartphone-based adventure takes place in Epcot's World Showcase. You'll use your smartphone to sign up at agentpwsa.com and then you'l follow the text message clues to stop Dr. Doofenshmirtz from wreaking havoc with his dastardly deeds. If you do not have a smartphone or prefer not to use one, you can pick up transmitters at the sign up kiosks. You'll work your way through the World Showcase pavilions, spending 30-45 minutes completing each mission. Complete them all and receive a special thank you for helping save the world!
(Photo Credit: MousePros Agent Susan Pitzer)
5. Movies Under the Stars
Many Walt Disney World® resorts play movies nightly on inflatable movie screens outside near pools or in courtyards. These are available to any guest (including guests staying offsite), not only those at the resort where the movie is playing. Each resort publishes a list of movies for each week, which you can pick up by visiting the front desk.
(Photo Credit: MousePros Agent Susan Pitzer)
6. Wilderness Explorers at Animal Kingdom
This is another interactive, family friendly adventure, this time in Animal Kingdom. To get started, pick up a field guide from headquarters, located on the bridge between the Oasis and Discovery Island. Then follow along with the self-guided adventures and collect over 30 badges to earn the right to call yourself a Wilderness Explorer.
(Photo Credit: MousePros Agent Susan Pitzer)
7. Yehaa Bob Jackson at Port Orleans Riverside Resort
Catch one of Yehaa Bob's singing and piano performances at the River Roost Lounge inside Port Orleans Riverside Resort. Currently, Yehaa Bob performs Wednesday through Saturday evenings. His performances are family friendly and Susan recommends pairing this with other activities that Port Orleans offers like the Cajun Campfire and Movie Under the Stars activity. The resort is absolutely beautiful and you can easily make enjoy a full evening just strolling around the grounds and partaking in all the great free activities.
8. Celebration Buttons
First visit? Grab a button! Celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or other milestone? Grab a button! Celebration buttons can be obtained at the front desk at any resort, any guest services location in the parks, and many retail locations throughout the park. A Cast Member will write your name on it and then you can wear it throughout your stay. You never know what Pixie Dust will come your way when you're spotting with a button!
9. Transportation Collector Cards
When you board a bus, monorail, or water taxi, ask the driver, captain, or transportation staff if they have a collector card. It's a fun way for kiddos to interact with Transportation Cast Members. These also make a great free keepsake to take home.
(Photo Credit: MousePros Agent Susan Pitzer)
10. Chip 'n' Dale's Campfire Sing-a-Long
Visit The Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort for Susan's favorite Disney freebie - a bonfire character experience with Chip 'n' Dale. BYO marshmallows or purchase a s'mores kit from the Chuckwagon Snack Bar to roast by the fire while singing along to old-time favorites and visiting with everyone's favorite chipmunks. Stay after the fun ends for a movie under the stars for another fun way to spend an evening - for free!
Many thanks to Susan for sharing her favorite Walt Disney World® freebies with us! Which one do you plan to try during your next visit? For more information about Susan, you can visit her Facebook page!