Did you know there are things you can get for free at Disneyland? There’s actually quite a few things that are free. You just have to know what they are to get them.
Obviously it costs money to get into the parks, but you can get these things for free once in the parks, their hotels, or Downtown Disney.
Take a look at the list and make note of the things you want to get on your next visit to the Happiest Place On Earth.
1. First Aid Items
You can go to First Aid to get items like kids liquid ibuprofen, tylenol, ice, and band aids for free. This is really helpful if you have a headache or get a cut.
I like going to first aid to get ice for my breastmilk that I pump in the parks.
They’ll just need you to sign for whatever it is you get from them.
In Disneyland, First Aid is located at the end of Main Street near the Baby Care Center. In California Adventure it’s located on Buena Vista Street next to the Chamber of Commerce.
2. Replacements
Make sure you keep all of your receipts on the day of purchase. There is no guarantee, but with a receipt you might be able to get replacements if needed.
Like if your child’s balloon pops, you drop your ice cream or popcorn, or your kid’s brand new toy breaks.
So keep your receipts and if something happens you can take it to a cast member and see if they’ll give you a replacement.
3. Pixie Dusting
Sometimes you can get pixie dusted at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in Fantasyland. This is where a cast member sprinkles a fine glitter over your child.
This is not something you have to pay for and you do not need to purchase anything from the shop to ask for it.
4. Wake Up Call From A Character
If you’re staying at a Disney hotel you can request a wake up call from a Disney character. I know other hotels offer free wake up calls, but it’s not everyday you get woken up by Mickey Mouse or one of his pals.
This is such a fun and easy way to add magic to your vacation for your kids.
The only downside is that you can’t choose which character will call. So hopefully it’s who your kids want!
5. Celebration Buttons
Celebrations buttons are a super fun addition to a trip where you’re celebrating something big!
You can get them for your birthday, anniversary, honeymoon, or whatever else you are celebrating.
You can get them from Guest Services, Guest Relations, and City Hall.
6. Water
You can get free cups of water or ice at any quick service restaurant. So there really is no need to buy water bottles in the parks if you just do this.
You can drink it from the cup they give you or you can pour it into your own water bottle.
7. Buddy Passes
Buddy passes are only available on Monster’s Inc-l Mike & Sulley To The Rescue in California Adventure and on The Many Adventures Of Winnie the Pooh.
On the Winnie the Pooh ride it’s actually called a Roo Pass, but it’s really the same thing as a buddy pass.
You can ask the cast member at the beginning of the ride line for one. This is a free way to skip the line!
It’s a little paper pass that you’ll take to the exit of the ride and they’ll get you on the attraction pretty quickly.
This is available if you have 1 or 2 people wanting to ride. It’s a way for them to fill empty rows.
8. Safari Sacks At Jungle Cruise
Before going on the Jungle Cruise, you can get a Safari Sack aka a ziploc bag. They hand them out for you to keep your belongings (like phone and wallet) dry while you’re on the ride.
They’re really cute and have some stuff printed on them like how they’re wild animal proof and backside-of-water resistant. Pretty cute and clever if you ask me!
If you’re unsure of where to find them, ask a cast member.
9. Jungle Cruise Map
When you ride the Jungle Cruise attraction you can ask your skipper for a map.
They have free Jungle Cruise maps that they will hand out and give to you as a keepsake or souvenir.
10. Buffets For Babies
Kids and babies age 2 and under eat free at buffets. They can eat Mickey waffles and whatever else is offered at the buffet and you will not need to pay extra for them.
This applies to character dining and some other restaurants including Storytellers Cafe, Goofy’s Kitchen, Plaza Inn, and Napa Rose.
11. Early Entry
Disney hotel guests get early park entry included with their stay. You’ll have to check the calendar to see which parks and what time this starts at.
This is a massive perk. It means you can go into Disneyland or California Adventure before the rest of the guests for the day.
You can go on rides with hardly any wait or no wait at all. This can save you from needing to buy Lightning Lanes for rides.
12. Drawing Lessons
At Animation Academy in Disney California Adventure Park you can get a drawing lesson for a Disney character.
Classes are every 30 minutes and you do not need a reservation. You’ll get step by step instructions and be a pro in no time.
You can request coloring pages for little ones who aren’t ready to draw.
13. Driver’s License
The Disneyland ride Autopia offers guests a free driver’s license from the ride while in line for it.
You can add your own picture to it later to make it extra special. I remember doing this as a kid and thinking it was so cool!
14. Package Check
If you’re staying at one of the Disneyland hotels you can drop your purchases and souvenirs off and have them delivered up to your room for free. This is something to consider tipping for though.
This is nice if you want to quickly drop off your belongings and head out to dinner or something without needing to go up to your room.
15. Boudin Bakery Bread Samples
At Boudin Bakery you can do The Bakery Tour. They have a replica of the Boudin Bakery in San Francisco and you’ll get a free sample of sourdough bread at the end of the tour.
16. Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters Photo
The Tomorrowland ride Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters takes a photo of you on the ride.
Unlike other ride photos, this one is free! When you exit the ride you can find your photo on one of the screens and email it to yourself.
17. Fireworks
The Disneyland fireworks are included in your park ticket. You do not need to pay extra to view them.
They’re some pretty amazing fireworks and are worth seeing if you never have before.
18. Stickers
Cast Members often have stickers to share with guests. Don’t be shy and ask for one.
My little kids love when cast members give them stickers! It’s such a simple thing that means a lot.
19. Live Entertainment At Downtown Disney
Downtown Disney has a lot of music performers in the evenings. If that’s your sort of thing, then go give it a listen at no cost.